How Taxes Fund the Outrageous Pay of "Fix the Debt" CEOs Pushing Austerity on the Rest of Us | Alternet
"This scheme deserves the admiration of con artists everywhere."
Monday, May 6, 2013
Climate Change's 'Evil Twin' to Harm for '10s of 1000s of Years' | Common Dreams
Climate Change's 'Evil Twin' to Harm for '10s of 1000s of Years' | Common Dreams
"The rapidly acidifying Arctic Ocean caused by absorbing the world's CO2 emissions have pushed us beyond "critical thresholds," with widespread impacts to be felt for "tens of thousands of years" even if we stopped emissions, say scientists."
"The rapidly acidifying Arctic Ocean caused by absorbing the world's CO2 emissions have pushed us beyond "critical thresholds," with widespread impacts to be felt for "tens of thousands of years" even if we stopped emissions, say scientists."
5 Ways That Raw, Unregulated Capitalism Is Acting Like a Cancer on American Society | Alternet
5 Ways That Raw, Unregulated Capitalism Is Acting Like a Cancer on American Society | Alternet
"Unregulated capitalism is out of control. Like a cancer, it has become "something evil or malignant that spreads destructively," with tumors growing in several once-healthy parts of the American body."
"Unregulated capitalism is out of control. Like a cancer, it has become "something evil or malignant that spreads destructively," with tumors growing in several once-healthy parts of the American body."
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Hypocrites With Fat Wallets: CEOs Want It All
Hypocrites With Fat Wallets: CEOs Want It All
"America’s top corporate executives love lecturing the rest of us about ‘fiscal responsibility.’ They want us to expect less from government. But they expect more, and a new report shows how they’re getting it."
"America’s top corporate executives love lecturing the rest of us about ‘fiscal responsibility.’ They want us to expect less from government. But they expect more, and a new report shows how they’re getting it."
How the Rich Benefited From the Recovery (While Most of Us Got Nothing) - Truthdig
How the Rich Benefited From the Recovery (While Most of Us Got Nothing) - Truthdig
"The richest Americans made trillions during the so-called economic recovery from 2009 to 2011, while most everyone else’s net worth dropped, according to a recent Pew Research Social & Demographic Trends analysis of newly released Census Bureau data."
"The richest Americans made trillions during the so-called economic recovery from 2009 to 2011, while most everyone else’s net worth dropped, according to a recent Pew Research Social & Demographic Trends analysis of newly released Census Bureau data."
Into The Valley Of Death Rode The 600, Into The Valley Of 400 PPM Road The 7 Billion
Into The Valley Of Death Rode The 600, Into The Valley Of 400 PPM Road The 7 Billion: “Forward, the Light Brigade!” Was there a man dismay’d ? Not tho’ the soldier knew Some one had blunder’d: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do & die, Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. – “The Charge Of The Light Brigade,” Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1854 [...]/p
Big Oil's (Taxpayer Subsidized) Big Profits | Common Dreams
Big Oil's (Taxpayer Subsidized) Big Profits | Common Dreams
"The revenue lost from giving favorable tax treatment to companies that continually post record profits could more than pay for the safety net programs. But, we live in a political reality where the priorities of the affluent dominate priorities and policy making. And so, the result is that Washington throws money at oil companies, pays for their misdeeds, and leaves struggling households to fend for themselves."
"The revenue lost from giving favorable tax treatment to companies that continually post record profits could more than pay for the safety net programs. But, we live in a political reality where the priorities of the affluent dominate priorities and policy making. And so, the result is that Washington throws money at oil companies, pays for their misdeeds, and leaves struggling households to fend for themselves."
Cadmium, Mercury and Phthalates—Oh My! | Common Dreams
Cadmium, Mercury and Phthalates—Oh My! | Common Dreams
"Makers of kids’ products reported using 41 of the 66 chemicals identified by WA Ecology as a concern for children’s health. Major manufacturers who reported using the chemicals in their products include Walmart, Gap, Gymboree, Hallmark, H & M and others. They use these chemicals in an array of kids’ products, including clothing, footwear, toys, games, jewelry, accessories, baby products, furniture, bedding, arts and crafts supplies and personal care products."
"Makers of kids’ products reported using 41 of the 66 chemicals identified by WA Ecology as a concern for children’s health. Major manufacturers who reported using the chemicals in their products include Walmart, Gap, Gymboree, Hallmark, H & M and others. They use these chemicals in an array of kids’ products, including clothing, footwear, toys, games, jewelry, accessories, baby products, furniture, bedding, arts and crafts supplies and personal care products."
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Milk Industry Desperation Setting in as America Decides It Doesn't Really Want to Drink It | Alternet
Milk Industry Desperation Setting in as America Decides It Doesn't Really Want to Drink It | Alternet
"But thanks to growing youth obesity, some school districts have banned the flavored milks because of their high sugar content. Milk producers have responded by adding controversial artificial sweeteners such as aspartame to the products, despite a different sets of risks they can present. Consumers and school districts have responded negatively and milk marketers and now petitioning the FDA to omit listing them on the label altogether. The government has a long history of not labeling ingredients people want to avoid from Monsanto’s recombinant bovine growth hormone in milk to GMO crops."
"But thanks to growing youth obesity, some school districts have banned the flavored milks because of their high sugar content. Milk producers have responded by adding controversial artificial sweeteners such as aspartame to the products, despite a different sets of risks they can present. Consumers and school districts have responded negatively and milk marketers and now petitioning the FDA to omit listing them on the label altogether. The government has a long history of not labeling ingredients people want to avoid from Monsanto’s recombinant bovine growth hormone in milk to GMO crops."
Mushroom Clouds, Collapsing Buildings: Why We Need Unions
Mushroom Clouds, Collapsing Buildings: Why We Need Unions
"What's needed is a recognition that every life is worth fighting for, in every field and factory and mine on the planet. It's fought with the understanding that better-paid workers buy more goods and raise the global standard of living, no matter where they live. The stories from Texas and Bangladesh shouldn't just horrify us. They should galvanize us into action. They aren't complete until we choose to live them ourselves."
"What's needed is a recognition that every life is worth fighting for, in every field and factory and mine on the planet. It's fought with the understanding that better-paid workers buy more goods and raise the global standard of living, no matter where they live. The stories from Texas and Bangladesh shouldn't just horrify us. They should galvanize us into action. They aren't complete until we choose to live them ourselves."
The Rich Have Gained $5.6 Trillion in the 'Recovery,' While the Rest of Us Have Lost $669 Billion | Alternet
The Rich Have Gained $5.6 Trillion in the 'Recovery,' While the Rest of Us Have Lost $669 Billion | Alternet
"Oh, are we getting ripped off. And now we've got the data to prove it. From 2009 to 2011, the richest 8 million families (the top 7%) on average saw their wealth rise from $1.7 million to $2.5 million each. Meanwhile the rest of us -- the bottom 93% (that's 111 million families) -- suffered on average a decline of $6,000 each.
"Oh, are we getting ripped off. And now we've got the data to prove it. From 2009 to 2011, the richest 8 million families (the top 7%) on average saw their wealth rise from $1.7 million to $2.5 million each. Meanwhile the rest of us -- the bottom 93% (that's 111 million families) -- suffered on average a decline of $6,000 each.
Do the math and you'll discover that the top 7% gained a whopping $5.6 trillion in net worth (assets minus liabilities) while the rest of lost $669 billion. Their wealth went up by 28% while ours went down by 4 percent. It's as if the entire economic recovery is going into the pockets of the rich. And that's no accident. Here's why."
Friday, May 3, 2013
NASA Projects Carbon Pollution Impact: ‘Some Regions Outside The Tropics May Have No Rainfall At All’
NASA Projects Carbon Pollution Impact: ‘Some Regions Outside The Tropics May Have No Rainfall At All’: In September, NOAA put together a video showing how climate change means wet areas get wetter and dry gets drier. Now NASA has a video of their own with similar findings. Here is a screen-shot (NASA didn’t make the video embeddable): Model simulations spanning 140 years [video here] show that warming from carbon dioxide will change [...]/p
Killer Air: Study Links Pollution to Heart Disease, Stroke | Common Dreams
Killer Air: Study Links Pollution to Heart Disease, Stroke | Common Dreams
"A new study which appears in the April issue of PLoS Medicine found that long-term exposure to air pollution similarly suffocates our primary arteries, a condition linked to increased instances of both heart disease and stroke."
"A new study which appears in the April issue of PLoS Medicine found that long-term exposure to air pollution similarly suffocates our primary arteries, a condition linked to increased instances of both heart disease and stroke."
New GMO Labeling Bill Will Be the Ultimate Test Between the Will of the People Versus the Greed and Power of the Biotech Industry
New GMO Labeling Bill Will Be the Ultimate Test Between the Will of the People Versus the Greed and Power of the Biotech Industry
"In an exciting move in Washington, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) together have sponsored new federal legislation that requires the labeling of all genetically engineered food in the U.S. The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act is the first national labeling bill to be introduced in Congress since 2010. U.S. citizens have demonstrated overwhelming support to label GMO foods in this country."
"In an exciting move in Washington, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) together have sponsored new federal legislation that requires the labeling of all genetically engineered food in the U.S. The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act is the first national labeling bill to be introduced in Congress since 2010. U.S. citizens have demonstrated overwhelming support to label GMO foods in this country."
Sequestration Devastates Education Programs, But Congress Fails To Notice
Sequestration Devastates Education Programs, But Congress Fails To Notice: For two months now, Congress has ignored reports about how the sequester is causing kids to be kicked off Head Start and seniors to lose their Meals on Wheels services. But after just a few days of reports that passengers had to wait longer before boarding their flights, Congress rushed to pass a last minute [...]/p
Confronted By Furloughed EPA Worker, Ryan Edits Out His Responsibility For The Sequester
Confronted By Furloughed EPA Worker, Ryan Edits Out His Responsibility For The Sequester: RACINE, WI — At a town hall meeting on Wednesday, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) was confronted by one of the more than 1 million federal workers affected by across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration. David Novak, who works for the Environmental Protection Agency in Wisconsin, confronted Ryan over the impact the sequester is having: For [...]/p
Move Over, Koch Brothers: A Bigger, Darker Rightwing Funder Is Out to Destroy Public Education | Common Dreams
Move Over, Koch Brothers: A Bigger, Darker Rightwing Funder Is Out to Destroy Public Education | Common Dreams
"The Bradley Foundation, headed by Governor Scott Walker's campaign co-chair Michael Grebe, has underwritten a massive, pro-privatization propaganda campaign, including "a systematic and relentless campaign to turn public opinion against the public school system"."
"The Bradley Foundation, headed by Governor Scott Walker's campaign co-chair Michael Grebe, has underwritten a massive, pro-privatization propaganda campaign, including "a systematic and relentless campaign to turn public opinion against the public school system"."
Kelly Ayotte Defends Background Check Vote by Lying to Constituents
Kelly Ayotte Defends Background Check Vote by Lying to Constituents
"Sen. Kelly Ayotte was once again asked by her constituents at a town hall meeting about her vote against the Manchin-Toomey background check legislation and her response this time around was to make stuff up"
"Sen. Kelly Ayotte was once again asked by her constituents at a town hall meeting about her vote against the Manchin-Toomey background check legislation and her response this time around was to make stuff up"
5 Things You Need to Know About the NRA's New President | Alternet
5 Things You Need to Know About the NRA's New President | Alternet
"Here's what the media should know about Porter, a conspiracy theorist who calls the Civil War the "War of Northern Aggression"."
"Here's what the media should know about Porter, a conspiracy theorist who calls the Civil War the "War of Northern Aggression"."
4 Ways the Payday Loan Industry Sucks Billions From Local Economies (Hard Times USA) | Alternet
4 Ways the Payday Loan Industry Sucks Billions From Local Economies (Hard Times USA) | Alternet
"The good news is that the payday loan industry appears to be shrinking nationally, as the interest payments in the 33 states that allow these bloodthirsty loans have fallen from $6.8 billion in 2007 to $3.3 billion in 2011, a new study by consumer groups found.
"The good news is that the payday loan industry appears to be shrinking nationally, as the interest payments in the 33 states that allow these bloodthirsty loans have fallen from $6.8 billion in 2007 to $3.3 billion in 2011, a new study by consumer groups found.
But the bad news is that this industry—whose short-term loans have outrageous interest rates that are disguised as fees—is still sucking billions from poor people. And the ripple effect of payments is depleting hundreds of millions from local economies, undermining job creation and pushing people into bankruptcy"
Thursday, May 2, 2013
How Wall Street Defanged Dodd-Frank | The Nation
How Wall Street Defanged Dodd-Frank | The Nation
"Indeed, some 3,000 lobbyists had swarmed the Capitol in hopes of killing off pieces of the proposed bill—nearly six lobbyists for every member of Congress."
"Indeed, some 3,000 lobbyists had swarmed the Capitol in hopes of killing off pieces of the proposed bill—nearly six lobbyists for every member of Congress."
GOP Takes New Anti-Data Position Aimed At Census Bureau
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Big Banks Are Knee-Deep in the Dirty Money-Laundering Business | Alternet
Big Banks Are Knee-Deep in the Dirty Money-Laundering Business | Alternet
"Money-laundering issues at U.S. and UK financial firms shed light on role of rich nations and elite banks in the offshore world."
"Money-laundering issues at U.S. and UK financial firms shed light on role of rich nations and elite banks in the offshore world."
Bending The Truth About Hurricane Katrina At The Bush Library
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Big Oil Profits—and Tax Breaks—Remain High Despite Sequestration Cuts
Big Oil Profits—and Tax Breaks—Remain High Despite Sequestration Cuts: Despite the severe budget cuts facing many middle-class programs, the five biggest oil companies continue to rake in tens of billions of dollars in profits, while still receiving unnecessary and wasteful tax breaks. Middle-class families have gotten some relief at the pump this spring due to declining gasoline prices. AAA reported that U.S. drivers paid [...]/p
California Insurance Commissioner Blasts Insurance Giant For Its ‘Unwarranted’ Rate Hikes
California Insurance Commissioner Blasts Insurance Giant For Its ‘Unwarranted’ Rate Hikes: California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones on Wednesday slammed UnitedHealth Group — the nation’s largest private insurance company — over its decision to cut benefits and raise premiums for health plans used by close to 5,000 California small businesses. The combination of cuts and hikes would amount to a nearly eight percent rate hike for small [...]/p
Wheels Come Off Virginia Governorship In Face Of Scandal
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'Deficit Hawk' CEOs Pocket Hundreds of Millions with Tax Loopholes | Common Dreams
'Deficit Hawk' CEOs Pocket Hundreds of Millions with Tax Loopholes | Common Dreams
"The study, Fix The Debt CEOs Enjoy Taxpayer Subsidized Pay—by the Institute for Policy Studies and the Campaign for America's Future—reveals that thanks to a tax loophole which allows corporations to deduct unlimited amounts off their income taxes for the expense of executive stock options and other so-called “performance-based” pay, Fix the Debt member firms have raked in over a billion dollars of taxpayer-funded bonuses."
"The study, Fix The Debt CEOs Enjoy Taxpayer Subsidized Pay—by the Institute for Policy Studies and the Campaign for America's Future—reveals that thanks to a tax loophole which allows corporations to deduct unlimited amounts off their income taxes for the expense of executive stock options and other so-called “performance-based” pay, Fix the Debt member firms have raked in over a billion dollars of taxpayer-funded bonuses."
Exposed: How Murdoch, Bill Gates and Big Corporations are Data Mining our Schools
Exposed: How Murdoch, Bill Gates and Big Corporations are Data Mining our Schools
"Starting next year, those scores, along with students' personal information – race, economic background, report cards, discipline records and personal addresses – will be stored in a database designed by Wireless Generation, a subsidiary of media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.
"Starting next year, those scores, along with students' personal information – race, economic background, report cards, discipline records and personal addresses – will be stored in a database designed by Wireless Generation, a subsidiary of media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.
That's right, Rupert Murdoch can read your child's report card anytime he likes and he knows where your kid is sleeping."
ABC News Calls Out Kelly Ayotte For Misleading On Background Checks
ABC News Calls Out Kelly Ayotte For Misleading On Background Checks: At town halls across New Hampshire, gun safety advocates are confronting Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) for voting down bipartisan legislation expanding background checks for gun purchases. In April, Ayotte joined 45 senators to oppose the measure, which is supported by more than 90 percent of Americans, claiming that she was trying to protect gun shop [...]/p
PERRspectives: Medicaid, ER Studies Make Strong Case for Obamacare
PERRspectives: Medicaid, ER Studies Make Strong Case for Obamacare
"This week, the New England Journal of Medicine published a major study of Medicaid in Oregonwhich has rapidly emerged of a Rorschach test of sorts. That is, partisans on either side of the political divide tend to see what they want to see in its results. While conservatives claim Medicaid expansion has been debunked by numbers showing little change in blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes over two years between those who did and did not gain access to Medicaid, liberals tout findings revealing "Medicaid improved rates of diagnosis of depression, increased the use of preventive services, and improved the financial outlook for enrollees"."
"This week, the New England Journal of Medicine published a major study of Medicaid in Oregonwhich has rapidly emerged of a Rorschach test of sorts. That is, partisans on either side of the political divide tend to see what they want to see in its results. While conservatives claim Medicaid expansion has been debunked by numbers showing little change in blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes over two years between those who did and did not gain access to Medicaid, liberals tout findings revealing "Medicaid improved rates of diagnosis of depression, increased the use of preventive services, and improved the financial outlook for enrollees"."
‘Banana Republic’ In North Carolina: GOP Committee Chair ‘Approves’ Bill To Gut Clean Energy Without Counting Votes
‘Banana Republic’ In North Carolina: GOP Committee Chair ‘Approves’ Bill To Gut Clean Energy Without Counting Votes: The ALEC-sponsored bill to gut North Carolina’s clean energy standard failed last week in one House committee. But as the Charlotte Observer reports, last night it passed a Senate committee over shouted objections to do something most people take for granted in a democracy — counting votes to see which side has more. Over the [...]/p
Kochs Form New Dark Money Group To Hide Political Activities From Public | Alternet
Kochs Form New Dark Money Group To Hide Political Activities From Public | Alternet
"The right-wing network funded by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers is being revamped after the 2012 elections, starting with a new nonprofit called the "Association for American Innovation" that will act as a hub for funneling undisclosed spending towards the Kochs' political projects."
"The right-wing network funded by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers is being revamped after the 2012 elections, starting with a new nonprofit called the "Association for American Innovation" that will act as a hub for funneling undisclosed spending towards the Kochs' political projects."
GOP Senator: I Voted Against Equal Pay For Women Because We Have Enough Laws
GOP Senator: I Voted Against Equal Pay For Women Because We Have Enough Laws: WARREN, NH — Women in full-time year-round jobs earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Yet, at a town hall earlier this week, Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) claimed that Congress has done enough to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work. Indeed, she justified her vote against legislation intended to [...]/p
New Hampshire Legislator Claims Boston Bombing Was An Inside Job Because Victim Looked Calm
New Hampshire Legislator Claims Boston Bombing Was An Inside Job Because Victim Looked Calm: Several days after suggesting the Boston Bombing was perpetrated by the U.S. government, New Hampshire State Rep. Stella Tremblay (R-NH) doubled down on the claim Tuesday. In an interview on the radio show of anti-government conspiracy theorist Pete Santilli, Tremblay opined that since photos of a victim who lost his legs did not appear to [...]/p
'Special Kind Of Propaganda' At Bush Library
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Illinois Ranks As Worst Rogue Coal State: Strip Mine Permit To Serial Violator Stuns Residents | Alternet
Illinois Ranks As Worst Rogue Coal State: Strip Mine Permit To Serial Violator Stuns Residents | Alternet
"With state coal production soaring against national trends, Illinois cemented its reputation as the worst rogue state for coal operations last Friday, when the rubber-stamping operations of the state's EPA issued a pollutant discharge permit to a company already cited by the state for over 600 toxic discharge violations at its central Illinois non-union strip mine.
"With state coal production soaring against national trends, Illinois cemented its reputation as the worst rogue state for coal operations last Friday, when the rubber-stamping operations of the state's EPA issued a pollutant discharge permit to a company already cited by the state for over 600 toxic discharge violations at its central Illinois non-union strip mine.
Translation: Imagine the Department of Motor Vehicles renewing the driver's license of a toxic-laden truck driver with 600 DUI's."
Bush Spins Iraq Decision In Library Exhibit
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6 Insidious Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off, and How to Fight Back | Alternet
6 Insidious Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off, and How to Fight Back | Alternet
"In the wake of the financial crisis, there was a moment of hope that predatory businesses would no longer be able to pick at our bones like vultures. Instead, we've seen Dodd-Frank weakened and stalled, and the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stymied at every turn. In the latest round, Republicans are thwarting the confirmation of Richard Cordray to lead the Bureau. Meanwhile, we continue to get fleeced. Here are a few egregious scams to watch out for, along with ways to protect yourself."
"In the wake of the financial crisis, there was a moment of hope that predatory businesses would no longer be able to pick at our bones like vultures. Instead, we've seen Dodd-Frank weakened and stalled, and the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stymied at every turn. In the latest round, Republicans are thwarting the confirmation of Richard Cordray to lead the Bureau. Meanwhile, we continue to get fleeced. Here are a few egregious scams to watch out for, along with ways to protect yourself."
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sequester Forces Clinics To Turn Away Cancer Patients
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'Devout Christian' Army Officer and His Wife Charged With Horrific Child Abuse
'Devout Christian' Army Officer and His Wife Charged With Horrific Child Abuse
"Federal authorities have charged an Army major and his wife with abusing their adopted and foster children through beatings, breaking their bones, failing to get them medical help, depriving them of drinking water and training their biological kids to take part in the mistreatment."
"Federal authorities have charged an Army major and his wife with abusing their adopted and foster children through beatings, breaking their bones, failing to get them medical help, depriving them of drinking water and training their biological kids to take part in the mistreatment."
Banks on the Run and the Homeowners Underwater | Common Dreams
Banks on the Run and the Homeowners Underwater | Common Dreams
"Wells Fargo made $19 billion in profits last year and record profits last quarter. None of this would have been possible without the bank bailout and continued borrowing of taxpayer money at zero percent interest from the Federal Reserve (which Wells Fargo and the other big banks then turn around and loan to state and local governments at much higher rates)."
"Wells Fargo made $19 billion in profits last year and record profits last quarter. None of this would have been possible without the bank bailout and continued borrowing of taxpayer money at zero percent interest from the Federal Reserve (which Wells Fargo and the other big banks then turn around and loan to state and local governments at much higher rates)."
GOP Uses Picture Of Obama Consoling A Newtown Victim To Gloat About Obama’s ‘Defeats’
GOP Uses Picture Of Obama Consoling A Newtown Victim To Gloat About Obama’s ‘Defeats’: Earlier today, the Republican National Committee released a one minute video gloating that President Obama has experienced a “string of defeats” during the first 100 days of his second term. Of course, the reason for these “defeats” is that the GOP retains the power to unilaterally block progress in the Senate through filibusters, and they [...]/p
Man Angry Over Boston Bombings Breaks Jaw of 'F*cking Muslim' Iraq War Veteran
Man Angry Over Boston Bombings Breaks Jaw of 'F*cking Muslim' Iraq War Veteran
"Salim is a naturalized U.S. citizen and is an Army Reserve sergeant who has worked in intelligence and as a linguist. He served in Iraq and at the Guantanamo Bay detention center."
"Salim is a naturalized U.S. citizen and is an Army Reserve sergeant who has worked in intelligence and as a linguist. He served in Iraq and at the Guantanamo Bay detention center."
Another Government Is Necessary: The People Can Rule Better Than the Elites
Another Government Is Necessary: The People Can Rule Better Than the Elites
"More people are taking action in their communities to meet their basic needs because of government corruption at all levels that protects the status quo when urgent change is needed. People are moving on many fronts to challenge the system and create the world they want to see."
"More people are taking action in their communities to meet their basic needs because of government corruption at all levels that protects the status quo when urgent change is needed. People are moving on many fronts to challenge the system and create the world they want to see."
GOP Rep Justifies U.S. Military Intervention In Syria: ‘So Much Of Christianity Is There’
GOP Rep Justifies U.S. Military Intervention In Syria: ‘So Much Of Christianity Is There’: A Republican congressman said last week that any potential U.S. military intervention in the Syrian civil war would be justified, in part, to protect Syria’s Christian population and preserve the region’s Christian roots. According to Defense News, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) told reporters after a classified briefing on Syria that he favors military intervention in [...]/p
Report: Toxic Chemicals Found in Thousands of Children's Products | Common Dreams
Report: Toxic Chemicals Found in Thousands of Children's Products | Common Dreams
"Walmart alone reported a total of 459 instances of products containing chemicals including arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and mercury."
"Walmart alone reported a total of 459 instances of products containing chemicals including arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and mercury."
As Obama Nominates Key Regulator, Misinformation About Cause Of Housing Crisis Spreads
As Obama Nominates Key Regulator, Misinformation About Cause Of Housing Crisis Spreads: Today, President Obama announced that he will nominate Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) to be the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the agency that regulates housing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As a veteran of the House Financial Services committee, Watt is qualified to lead the agency. Among his accomplishments on the [...]/p
ALEC Covering Tracks in Advance of Oklahoma Meeting
ALEC Covering Tracks in Advance of Oklahoma Meeting
"Despite ALEC trying to spin itself as a "transparent" organization, ALEC records have miraculously been disappearing from legislative offices and the organization is engaged in a box drop dodge to avoid disclosure. But while ALEC legislators are meeting behind closed doors with corporate lobbyists, citizens will be rallying in the streets raising awareness about how ALEC’s agenda favors large corporations at the expense of average Americans."
"Despite ALEC trying to spin itself as a "transparent" organization, ALEC records have miraculously been disappearing from legislative offices and the organization is engaged in a box drop dodge to avoid disclosure. But while ALEC legislators are meeting behind closed doors with corporate lobbyists, citizens will be rallying in the streets raising awareness about how ALEC’s agenda favors large corporations at the expense of average Americans."
House Finance Chair Goes on Ski Vacation with Wall Street
House Finance Chair Goes on Ski Vacation with Wall Street
"Donors working in various financial industries are Hensarling's biggest supporters, giving him over $1 million in the last election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The congressman's office did not respond to requests for comment."
"Donors working in various financial industries are Hensarling's biggest supporters, giving him over $1 million in the last election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The congressman's office did not respond to requests for comment."
May 1 News: North Carolina Legislators Still Trying To Gut Clean Energy Laws
May 1 News: North Carolina Legislators Still Trying To Gut Clean Energy Laws: The North Carolina bill trying to repeal the state’s successful clean energy standard that died in the sponsor’s committee is back from the dead. [News & Observer] Meet the bill with nine lives – and twice as many votes cast against it. Lawmakers on Wednesday could once again attempt to end a state renewables policy [...]/p
Republican Claims People ‘Want To See More Sequestration, Not Less’
Republican Claims People ‘Want To See More Sequestration, Not Less’: While Congress scrambled to undo sequestration cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration last week after receiving complaints from frustrated travelers, one Republican is shrugging off the impact of the across-the-board cuts in his state: Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) said this week that most people that he’s spoken with in his district support the sequester and [...]/p
Rand Paul Rewrites Himself And His Father
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PERRspectives: Republican Bills Declare Numbers, Science Enemy Combatants
PERRspectives: Republican Bills Declare Numbers, Science Enemy Combatants
"But while climate change denier Lamar Smith wants the GOP to intervene in scientific research, his Republican colleague from South Carolina wants the U.S. Census Business out of the business of measuring the American economy"
"But while climate change denier Lamar Smith wants the GOP to intervene in scientific research, his Republican colleague from South Carolina wants the U.S. Census Business out of the business of measuring the American economy"
Pope Francis Condemns Austerity And Calls For Job Creation
Pope Francis Condemns Austerity And Calls For Job Creation: In his weekly general address in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday — which is also the labor holiday May Day — Pope Francis condemned putting profits ahead of human suffering and called for job creation: “And here I think of the difficulties that, in various countries, today afflict the world of work and [...]/p
Five Conspiracy Theories 2016 Hopeful Ted Cruz Actually Believes
Five Conspiracy Theories 2016 Hopeful Ted Cruz Actually Believes: This morning, the National Review broke the news that tea party Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is considering a presidential run, a scoop that should surprise no one who’s paid attention to his short Senate career. As Jonathan Bernstein explains, Cruz has spent his few months in the Senate alienating his colleagues by constantly trying to [...]/p
Ohio Republicans Want To Punish Colleges That Enable Students To Vote
Ohio Republicans Want To Punish Colleges That Enable Students To Vote: In 1979, the Supreme Court affirmed a decision holding that state cannot place unique burdens on college student votes that do not apply to other members of the electorate. Nevertheless, Ohio Republicans now want to punish state universities that encourage students to cast a ballot. Under a budget amendment filed by Republicans in the Ohio [...]/p
'The Gilded Age' Statistics Corporations Don't Want Workers, or Anyone, to See | Common Dreams
'The Gilded Age' Statistics Corporations Don't Want Workers, or Anyone, to See | Common Dreams
"If there's one thing about what many are calling the "The New Gilded Age," it's that well-known corporations—not to mention less well-known, but extremely powerful ones—will fight extremely hard to keep secret just how lopsided the economic disparities have become in recent decades between low-paid workers in the society and the executive and ruling class that have reaped the words of a globalized, top-heavy economy."
"If there's one thing about what many are calling the "The New Gilded Age," it's that well-known corporations—not to mention less well-known, but extremely powerful ones—will fight extremely hard to keep secret just how lopsided the economic disparities have become in recent decades between low-paid workers in the society and the executive and ruling class that have reaped the words of a globalized, top-heavy economy."
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled: Congress recently passed a bill to undo furloughs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) caused by sequestration, but it left cuts to many other programs intact, including Meals on Wheels. The program brings hot meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities, thus providing them with nutrition and helping many of them live independently. Directors [...]/p
North Carolina Turning Into A Right-Wing Dystopia
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Dangerous targets: Why setting a specific deficit reduction target would worsen the economic and fiscal situation | Economic Policy Institute
Dangerous targets: Why setting a specific deficit reduction target would worsen the economic and fiscal situation | Economic Policy Institute
"In the near term, we should at least stop harming the economic recovery through fiscal contraction; more concretely, the sequester should be repealed, even if no offsets can be found. In the long term we should preserve public investment and concentrate efforts on the real driver of deficits: too-fast growth of per capita health costs driven by our private health care system."
"In the near term, we should at least stop harming the economic recovery through fiscal contraction; more concretely, the sequester should be repealed, even if no offsets can be found. In the long term we should preserve public investment and concentrate efforts on the real driver of deficits: too-fast growth of per capita health costs driven by our private health care system."
Conspiracy Theories Reach The Halls Of Congress
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Theft is Legal for Big Banks- and Your Money Will Never Be Safe | Alternet
Theft is Legal for Big Banks- and Your Money Will Never Be Safe | Alternet
"The new rules for keeping the too-big-to-fail banks alive: use creditor funds, including uninsured deposits, to recapitalize failing banks.
"The new rules for keeping the too-big-to-fail banks alive: use creditor funds, including uninsured deposits, to recapitalize failing banks.
But isn’t that theft? Perhaps, but it’s legal theft."
Texas Republicans Once Again Reveal They Don't Want Black and Brown Voters | Alternet
Texas Republicans Once Again Reveal They Don't Want Black and Brown Voters | Alternet
"Republican state and legislative leaders in Texas have taken redistricting far beyond a loud, ugly fight between Republicans and Democrats. They have turned it into an attack on racial fairness that involves the U.S. Department of Justice, two federal district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Republican state and legislative leaders in Texas have taken redistricting far beyond a loud, ugly fight between Republicans and Democrats. They have turned it into an attack on racial fairness that involves the U.S. Department of Justice, two federal district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Eight months ago, a three-judge federal court — including two judges appointed by Republican presidents — said it straight up, unanimously ruling on the redistricting maps submitted by Attorney General Greg Abbott that were passed by the GOP-led Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2011.
The judges said that the Texas maps were designed to discriminate — that the maps showed “more evidence of discriminatory intent than we have space, or need to address here"."
Top GOP Congressman Takes Wall Streeters On Ski Vacation
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