www.psr.org/assets/pdfs/fukushima-fact-sheet.pdf
"More than two years since the nuclear disaster began at the Fukushima Daiichi reactors, its impact is massive and widespread. It will be decades before the full scope of the impacts of this ongoing disaster is fully understood but significant health, economic, environmental and social consequences are already evident and quantifiable."
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Feds Issue Warning About North Dakota's Fracked Bakken Crude
Feds Issue Warning About North Dakota's Fracked Bakken Crude
"Before Monday’s fiery derailment of an oil train near Casselton, North Dakota, leading to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people, the state government was commissioning a study that would show it was safe to move massive amounts of oil on 100-car trains. Once finished, the report would try to dispel the negative press the state’s oil industry was getting since 47 people were killed in Lac-Mégantic."
"Before Monday’s fiery derailment of an oil train near Casselton, North Dakota, leading to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people, the state government was commissioning a study that would show it was safe to move massive amounts of oil on 100-car trains. Once finished, the report would try to dispel the negative press the state’s oil industry was getting since 47 people were killed in Lac-Mégantic."
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Thomas Cahill Talks About The Pope And The Conservatives Who Fear Him
Thomas Cahill Talks About The Pope And The Conservatives Who Fear Him
"Francis is the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, so this week Bill turns to Jesuit-educated author and historian Thomas Cahill to get his perspective on Pope Francis and the relevance of the Church in the 21st century.
“[Pope Francis] is talking about the poor, as Jesus did. He’s talking about the absolute necessity for us to take care of the poor, to do something for them"."
"Francis is the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, so this week Bill turns to Jesuit-educated author and historian Thomas Cahill to get his perspective on Pope Francis and the relevance of the Church in the 21st century.
“[Pope Francis] is talking about the poor, as Jesus did. He’s talking about the absolute necessity for us to take care of the poor, to do something for them"."
Seattle Mayor Raises Minimum Wage to $15
Seattle Mayor Raises Minimum Wage to $15
"Good luck, Mayor Murray. May other cities follow your lead."
"Good luck, Mayor Murray. May other cities follow your lead."
Kentucky Man Denounces US Safety Net While Relying on Government to Stay Alive
Kentucky Man Denounces US Safety Net While Relying on Government to Stay Alive
"One of the biggest Republican successes at "framing" (as George Lakoff calls it) public policy into fictional choices based on emotion has been making the white economically needy resent the non-white poor. It's the divide and conquer strategy, using a racial tribal identity appeal."
"One of the biggest Republican successes at "framing" (as George Lakoff calls it) public policy into fictional choices based on emotion has been making the white economically needy resent the non-white poor. It's the divide and conquer strategy, using a racial tribal identity appeal."
The New Financial Scam Driving Workers Deep Into Debt
www.alternet.org/economy/new-financial-scam-driving-workers-deep-debt
"There's a new game in town: workplace loans, which should really be called company rip-offs."
"There's a new game in town: workplace loans, which should really be called company rip-offs."
Rand Paul is totally, shamefully wrong about the long-term unemployed
Rand Paul is totally, shamefully wrong about the long-term unemployed
"Right-wing libertarian that he is, Rand Paul isn’t much for using the federal government to make the world a slightly less terrible place. It was hardly a surprise, then, to find out the Kentucky senator opposed extending emergency unemployment compensation, preferring instead to let it expire for some 1.3 million in late December, with millions more to come after that. EUC is a federal government program, after all; and worse still, it’s one whose primary beneficiaries are the unemployed, a population with little political influence or social standing. You’d expect, in other words, Rand Paul to leave these people shuddering in the winter cold. It’s what his rigid vision of libertarianism requires."
"Right-wing libertarian that he is, Rand Paul isn’t much for using the federal government to make the world a slightly less terrible place. It was hardly a surprise, then, to find out the Kentucky senator opposed extending emergency unemployment compensation, preferring instead to let it expire for some 1.3 million in late December, with millions more to come after that. EUC is a federal government program, after all; and worse still, it’s one whose primary beneficiaries are the unemployed, a population with little political influence or social standing. You’d expect, in other words, Rand Paul to leave these people shuddering in the winter cold. It’s what his rigid vision of libertarianism requires."
North Carolina’s Conservative Shift is Good for ALEC
North Carolina’s Conservative Shift is Good for ALEC
"ALEC is a conservative organization that brings corporations and state legislators together behind closed doors to produce to write what it calls “model” bills that the lawmakers then introduce as their own."
"ALEC is a conservative organization that brings corporations and state legislators together behind closed doors to produce to write what it calls “model” bills that the lawmakers then introduce as their own."
Friday, January 3, 2014
Pope Francis Attacks Christian Fundamentalism Again, Says It’s ‘Not Healthy’
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/03/pope-francis-unhealthy-fundamentalism/
"On Friday, La Civiltà Cattolica published remarks that Pope Francis made in November during a meeting with the leaders of men’s religious orders. The pontiff once again blasted those who stick to extreme ideology and attacked fundamentalism for being blind to reality."
"On Friday, La Civiltà Cattolica published remarks that Pope Francis made in November during a meeting with the leaders of men’s religious orders. The pontiff once again blasted those who stick to extreme ideology and attacked fundamentalism for being blind to reality."
Dumbing America Down
www.inthesetimes.com/article/15989/dumbing_america_down/
"Among the many visionary goals of our nation’s right wing—impoverish older people, starve the poor, deny climate change, outlaw abortion and contraception, eliminate healthcare for millions—few are more foundational than defunding education in general and higher education in particular."
"Among the many visionary goals of our nation’s right wing—impoverish older people, starve the poor, deny climate change, outlaw abortion and contraception, eliminate healthcare for millions—few are more foundational than defunding education in general and higher education in particular."
How Our Economy Lost $400 Million in One Week Alone | The Nation
How Our Economy Lost $400 Million in One Week Alone | The Nation
"Long-term unemployment benefits expired on December 28, meaning an absence of checks this week for more than 1 million jobless Americans. That’s bad news for them, of course—but also the rest of us. According to a new analysis from the minority staff of the House Ways and Means Committee released Friday, $400 million was drained from state economies this week alone thanks to the lapse.
Unemployment benefits are one of the more effective forms of stimulus because the money is badly needed and thus spent right away. The Congressional Budget Office says 200,000 jobs will be lost this year if the benefits are not restored, and this week the damage began."
"Long-term unemployment benefits expired on December 28, meaning an absence of checks this week for more than 1 million jobless Americans. That’s bad news for them, of course—but also the rest of us. According to a new analysis from the minority staff of the House Ways and Means Committee released Friday, $400 million was drained from state economies this week alone thanks to the lapse.
Unemployment benefits are one of the more effective forms of stimulus because the money is badly needed and thus spent right away. The Congressional Budget Office says 200,000 jobs will be lost this year if the benefits are not restored, and this week the damage began."
The Skills Shortage Myth: A Public Relations Tool for Bad Corporate Citizens
The Skills Shortage Myth: A Public Relations Tool for Bad Corporate Citizens
"There certainly is a good case that more education and training can be useful to generate upward mobility for various disadvantaged populations. But the existence of skill shortages, as Dimon maintains, exists mostly in the minds of those wanting access to low-wage, indentured servants or public subsidy for the training that firms should be doing themselves."
"There certainly is a good case that more education and training can be useful to generate upward mobility for various disadvantaged populations. But the existence of skill shortages, as Dimon maintains, exists mostly in the minds of those wanting access to low-wage, indentured servants or public subsidy for the training that firms should be doing themselves."
In Wake of Explosive Derailments, Warnings Issued on Crude by Rail | Common Dreams
In Wake of Explosive Derailments, Warnings Issued on Crude by Rail | Common Dreams
"Crude oil from 'Bakken region may be more flammable than traditional heavy crude oil,' and may be transported in the 'Ford Pintos' of railcars"
"Crude oil from 'Bakken region may be more flammable than traditional heavy crude oil,' and may be transported in the 'Ford Pintos' of railcars"
A Moral And Economic Imperative To Extend Unemployment Benefits
A Moral And Economic Imperative To Extend Unemployment Benefits
"Federal unemployment assistance for 1.3 million people who have been unemployed longer than 26 weeks expired last Saturday, after Republicans blocked efforts to extend them. 3.6 million more people will lose these benefits over this year. Restoring these benefits is a moral, economic and political imperative."
"Federal unemployment assistance for 1.3 million people who have been unemployed longer than 26 weeks expired last Saturday, after Republicans blocked efforts to extend them. 3.6 million more people will lose these benefits over this year. Restoring these benefits is a moral, economic and political imperative."
Paranoia-Rama: Obama's Alien Mission, Comic Book Communism & How Salsa Is Destroying America | Right Wing Watch
Paranoia-Rama: Obama's Alien Mission, Comic Book Communism & How Salsa Is Destroying America | Right Wing Watch
"RWW’s Paranoia-Rama takes a look at five of the week’s most absurd conspiracy theories from the Right."
"RWW’s Paranoia-Rama takes a look at five of the week’s most absurd conspiracy theories from the Right."
The right’s Benghazi insanity reaches new depths
The right’s Benghazi insanity reaches new depths
"But the usual suspects on Fox and within the GOP leadership continue to believe they have a way to disqualify Hillary Clinton from becoming president, and it will take much more than facts to convince them otherwise."
"But the usual suspects on Fox and within the GOP leadership continue to believe they have a way to disqualify Hillary Clinton from becoming president, and it will take much more than facts to convince them otherwise."
The Fight for $15: Campaign for Living Wage Readies National Push | Common Dreams
The Fight for $15: Campaign for Living Wage Readies National Push | Common Dreams
"The push for a true living wage—not $8.25, not $9.50, not $10.10, but an hourly wage of $15—wants to go national."
"The push for a true living wage—not $8.25, not $9.50, not $10.10, but an hourly wage of $15—wants to go national."
'Jobs or Inequality?' That's No Choice at All
'Jobs or Inequality?' That's No Choice at All
"While it's theoretically possible to imagine an economy which experiences both extreme inequality and healthy GDP growth, it's not possible to imagine this economy growing that way."
"While it's theoretically possible to imagine an economy which experiences both extreme inequality and healthy GDP growth, it's not possible to imagine this economy growing that way."
The right’s Obamacare misinformation bubble: A visual representation
The right’s Obamacare misinformation bubble: A visual representation
"If you’re a regular here, then you’ve probably read a story or two about how the right’s ongoing war against Obamacare prevents most conservatives from acknowledging that anyone has benefitted, is benefitting, or will benefit from the Affordable Care Act — and that this unwillingness to grapple with any Obamacare success stories is inflating a conservative misinformation bubble. On the right it’s an article of faith that the law has done nothing but harm innocent people. That’s the only way to keep the repeal fantasy animated."
"If you’re a regular here, then you’ve probably read a story or two about how the right’s ongoing war against Obamacare prevents most conservatives from acknowledging that anyone has benefitted, is benefitting, or will benefit from the Affordable Care Act — and that this unwillingness to grapple with any Obamacare success stories is inflating a conservative misinformation bubble. On the right it’s an article of faith that the law has done nothing but harm innocent people. That’s the only way to keep the repeal fantasy animated."
Colo. Group Aims to Put the People Above Fossil Fuel Interests | Common Dreams
Colo. Group Aims to Put the People Above Fossil Fuel Interests | Common Dreams
"Local governments should have the authority to protect their communities from big polluters like the oil and gas industries and be able to ban practices such as hydraulic fracturing in the name of health and safety, says an amendment being proposed this week for the Colorado state constitution."
"Local governments should have the authority to protect their communities from big polluters like the oil and gas industries and be able to ban practices such as hydraulic fracturing in the name of health and safety, says an amendment being proposed this week for the Colorado state constitution."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Young Viewers Avoid Fox News Like the Plague as Ratings Drop 30%
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/02/young-viewers-avoid-fox-news-plague-ratings-drop-30.html
"The reality is that Fox News has the oldest audience in all television. The average age of a Fox News viewer is 65 years old. FNC can remain the ratings leader in the short term future as long as the senior set keeps tuning in, but what happens when there aren’t enough young people tuning in to replace the elderly audience?"
"The reality is that Fox News has the oldest audience in all television. The average age of a Fox News viewer is 65 years old. FNC can remain the ratings leader in the short term future as long as the senior set keeps tuning in, but what happens when there aren’t enough young people tuning in to replace the elderly audience?"
Fox News' 5 Worst Moments of 2013
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/fox-news-5-worst-moments-2013
"It was another banner year for Rupert Murdoch's propaganda shop. Here are the most cringeworthy moments."
"It was another banner year for Rupert Murdoch's propaganda shop. Here are the most cringeworthy moments."
Mayor Bill De Blasio's "Progressive" Promise Puts Focus on NYC | Common Dreams
Mayor Bill De Blasio's "Progressive" Promise Puts Focus on NYC | Common Dreams
"New York City's new mayor recommits to far-reaching agenda as hunger for progressive populism bubbles nationwide"
"New York City's new mayor recommits to far-reaching agenda as hunger for progressive populism bubbles nationwide"
Americans Can Now Start Using Their New Obamacare Coverage
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/02/3110271/americans-obamacare-coverage-january/
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
Why Is the IRS Fighting Efforts to Unmask Karl Rove and U.S. Chamber Political Money Laundering?
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/why-irs-fighting-efforts-unmask-karl-rove-and-us-chamber-political-money
"Robert Jacobson, a Tuscon, Arizona physician who brought the lawsuit, believes that a nonprofit created by the State Department in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber to build a much-ridiculed exhibition at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China had another purpose—diverting large slices of the $70-plus million in donations to Rove for campaigns to retake the House. The idea was that money from GOP-friendly corporations and even the Chinese government would evade oversight by flowing through barely regulated nonprofits."
"Robert Jacobson, a Tuscon, Arizona physician who brought the lawsuit, believes that a nonprofit created by the State Department in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber to build a much-ridiculed exhibition at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China had another purpose—diverting large slices of the $70-plus million in donations to Rove for campaigns to retake the House. The idea was that money from GOP-friendly corporations and even the Chinese government would evade oversight by flowing through barely regulated nonprofits."
A Trickle Down Republican Assault Is Forcing Americans To Work Themselves to Death
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/02/trickle-republican-assault-forcing-americans-work-death.html
"Americans have been economically besieged by Republicans for the past thirty years through their trickle down economic assault with the goal of transferring all the nation’s wealth to the richest 1% of income earners. They have taken Americans’ tax dollars and handed them to the rich, kept wages low to enrich corporations, and they will hardly stop until they hand them Americans’ Social Security and public pensions as well. Now that they have most working Americans working for poverty wages, they can turn their full attention to those nearing their retirement age because their concept of economic security in old age is forcing every American to work until they drop dead"
"Americans have been economically besieged by Republicans for the past thirty years through their trickle down economic assault with the goal of transferring all the nation’s wealth to the richest 1% of income earners. They have taken Americans’ tax dollars and handed them to the rich, kept wages low to enrich corporations, and they will hardly stop until they hand them Americans’ Social Security and public pensions as well. Now that they have most working Americans working for poverty wages, they can turn their full attention to those nearing their retirement age because their concept of economic security in old age is forcing every American to work until they drop dead"
Why I fled libertarianism — and became a liberal
Why I fled libertarianism — and became a liberal
"I was a Ron Paul delegate back in 2008 -- now I'm a Democrat. Here's my personal tale of disgust and self-discovery"
"I was a Ron Paul delegate back in 2008 -- now I'm a Democrat. Here's my personal tale of disgust and self-discovery"
Right-Wing Facebook Page Calls For National Lynch President Obama Day (IMAGE)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/01/right-wing-facebook-page-obama-lynching/
"Once again, conservatives are taking their hatred of President Barack Obama to the extreme. Not satisfied with merely criticizing Obama’s policies, they have called for killing our first Black president since we voted him into office in 2008."
"Once again, conservatives are taking their hatred of President Barack Obama to the extreme. Not satisfied with merely criticizing Obama’s policies, they have called for killing our first Black president since we voted him into office in 2008."
Tea Party Activist Exiled For Planning Extermination Of Blacks And Jews (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/26/tea-party-activist-exiled-italy/
"it’s been reported that he has been urged by thousand of activists within the Tea Party to take a run at the presidency. He even released a video speaking directly to Tea Party members about the “discrimination” that white people have to go through."
"it’s been reported that he has been urged by thousand of activists within the Tea Party to take a run at the presidency. He even released a video speaking directly to Tea Party members about the “discrimination” that white people have to go through."
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Majority Report: Dave Dayen Explains Hidden Disaster in New Budget
Majority Report: Dave Dayen Explains Hidden Disaster in New Budget
"the implications for federal workers due to the Ryan-Murry budget and how states like Illinois "are breaking contracts with workers and slashing pensions."."
"the implications for federal workers due to the Ryan-Murry budget and how states like Illinois "are breaking contracts with workers and slashing pensions."."
Finance's Hold on Our Everyday Life Must Be Broken | Common Dreams
Finance's Hold on Our Everyday Life Must Be Broken | Common Dreams
"Consider, for instance, the policies to confront the crisis. First, public funds were injected into banks to boost capital. Second, public liquidity was made available to banks to sustain their operations. Third, public interest rates were driven to zero to enable banks to make secure profits by lending to their own customers at higher rates.
This extraordinary public largesse towards private banks was matched by austerity and wage reductions for workers and households. As for restructuring finance, nothing fundamental has taken place. The behemoths that continue to dominate the global financial system operate in the knowledge that they enjoy an unspoken public guarantee. The unpalatable reality is that financialisation will persist, despite its costs for society."
"Consider, for instance, the policies to confront the crisis. First, public funds were injected into banks to boost capital. Second, public liquidity was made available to banks to sustain their operations. Third, public interest rates were driven to zero to enable banks to make secure profits by lending to their own customers at higher rates.
This extraordinary public largesse towards private banks was matched by austerity and wage reductions for workers and households. As for restructuring finance, nothing fundamental has taken place. The behemoths that continue to dominate the global financial system operate in the knowledge that they enjoy an unspoken public guarantee. The unpalatable reality is that financialisation will persist, despite its costs for society."
Listicle: The 13 Best and Worst Economic Policy Ideas of 2013
Listicle: The 13 Best and Worst Economic Policy Ideas of 2013
"Reflecting the fact that fiscal policy in 2013 is a mess, the number bad ideas on this list far exceed the number of good ones. (A 9-to-4 bad-to-good ratio seemed about right.)"
"Reflecting the fact that fiscal policy in 2013 is a mess, the number bad ideas on this list far exceed the number of good ones. (A 9-to-4 bad-to-good ratio seemed about right.)"
Mayor Bill DeBlasio: “We are called to put an end to economic and social inequalities"
Mayor Bill DeBlasio: “We are called to put an end to economic and social inequalities"
"The thing I liked best about the ceremony? The inclusion of Dasani Coates, the ambitious homeless girl recently profiled in the New York Times, in the festivities. What a change from Bloomberg!"
"The thing I liked best about the ceremony? The inclusion of Dasani Coates, the ambitious homeless girl recently profiled in the New York Times, in the festivities. What a change from Bloomberg!"
50 Dumbest Things Right-Wingers Said in 2013 | Rolling Stone
www.rollingstone.com/politics/lists/50-dumbest-things-right-wingers-said-in-2013-20131204
"When America's right-wingers opened their mouths, astonishing words fell out of them."
"When America's right-wingers opened their mouths, astonishing words fell out of them."
The 10 Dumbest Public Figures In 2013
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/31/2013-stupid-people-awards/
"This past year has been rich with the stupid."
"This past year has been rich with the stupid."
Conservative Facebook page suggests lynching President Obama to make a ‘National Holiday’
www.freakoutnation.com/2013/12/31/conservative-facebook-page-suggests-lynching-president-obama-to-make-a-national-holiday/
"Is that a knock I hear on ‘‘America the next Generation’s‘ door?
"Is that a knock I hear on ‘‘America the next Generation’s‘ door?
Dear Secret Service, have you seen this?"
The 25 Best Progressive Victories of 2013 | Common Dreams
The 25 Best Progressive Victories of 2013 | Common Dreams
"let's look back at 2013 and examine 25 significant accomplishments -- elections, ballot measures, court rulings, legislation, new waves of mobilization, and changes in public opinion -- that meet one or more of those three criteria."
"let's look back at 2013 and examine 25 significant accomplishments -- elections, ballot measures, court rulings, legislation, new waves of mobilization, and changes in public opinion -- that meet one or more of those three criteria."
Wall Street Sings While Americans Sob: Happy New Year One and All | Common Dreams
Wall Street Sings While Americans Sob: Happy New Year One and All | Common Dreams
"Bankers on Wall Street rang in the final hours of 2013 with gains unseen in almost twenty years. However, for roughly half of America, these stock market highs mean nothing as they face a new year with little work and even less of a safety net."
"Bankers on Wall Street rang in the final hours of 2013 with gains unseen in almost twenty years. However, for roughly half of America, these stock market highs mean nothing as they face a new year with little work and even less of a safety net."
The Year in Stupidity: A Look Back at the Dumbest Republican Moments of 2013
www.forwardprogressives.com/the-year-in-stupidity-a-look-back-at-the-dumbest-republican-moments-of-2013/
"In January of 2013, Governor Bobby Jindal implored his party to, “Stop being the stupid party,” during a National Republican Committee meeting. Unfortunately, his party wasn’t really listening to him, and as it turns out Gov. Jindal had a hard time taking his own advice."
"In January of 2013, Governor Bobby Jindal implored his party to, “Stop being the stupid party,” during a National Republican Committee meeting. Unfortunately, his party wasn’t really listening to him, and as it turns out Gov. Jindal had a hard time taking his own advice."
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Endangered Species Act Turns 40 Facing Environmental And Political Dangers
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/28/3106221/endangered-species-act-turns-40/
"Since then the ESA has been credited with saving a number of species from the brink of extinction, including the bald eagle, the American alligator, the grizzly bear and the prairie dog. The act has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the more than 2,140 species it currently protects."
"Since then the ESA has been credited with saving a number of species from the brink of extinction, including the bald eagle, the American alligator, the grizzly bear and the prairie dog. The act has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the more than 2,140 species it currently protects."
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
Why "Fines" Don't Stop Bad Corporate Behavior
www.alternet.org/fines-corporate
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
Why Republicans Don’t Believe In Evolution Anymore
www.thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/12/31/3108741/republicans-evolution-demographics/
"There are two keys to understanding what the Pew poll teaches us about Republicans. First, the drop in belief in evolution is among Republicans and, more or less, Republicans only. Acceptance of human evolution was basically the same among Democrats and independents in 2013 as it was in 2009. Second, the share of the total population that believes in evolution hasn’t changed at all. The drop in Republican belief doesn’t appear to be people changing their minds about evolution so much as people who already didn’t believe in evolution becoming Republicans.
Why might that be? The obvious explanation is the changing character of the Republican base."
"There are two keys to understanding what the Pew poll teaches us about Republicans. First, the drop in belief in evolution is among Republicans and, more or less, Republicans only. Acceptance of human evolution was basically the same among Democrats and independents in 2013 as it was in 2009. Second, the share of the total population that believes in evolution hasn’t changed at all. The drop in Republican belief doesn’t appear to be people changing their minds about evolution so much as people who already didn’t believe in evolution becoming Republicans.
Why might that be? The obvious explanation is the changing character of the Republican base."
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
Burning cows: Extreme weather and America’s perilous food supply
Burning cows: Extreme weather and America’s perilous food supply
"The United States leads the world in staples like corn, beef and soybeans. Because the vast majority of these US foodstuffs are produced in the heartland, changes to climate here can affect dinner tables around the world."
"The United States leads the world in staples like corn, beef and soybeans. Because the vast majority of these US foodstuffs are produced in the heartland, changes to climate here can affect dinner tables around the world."
The 8 Most Absurd Things the Right Wing Did This Year
www.alternet.org/8-most-absurd-things-right-wing-did-year
"From Megyn Kelly's freak out over Santa Claus to GOP efforts to kill Obamacare -- here's the worst of the worst."
"From Megyn Kelly's freak out over Santa Claus to GOP efforts to kill Obamacare -- here's the worst of the worst."
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus: My Hopes for 2014
Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus: My Hopes for 2014
"We have a chance now to renew our social contract and to make sure that hardworking Americans earn enough to support their families."
"We have a chance now to renew our social contract and to make sure that hardworking Americans earn enough to support their families."
What The Hell Is Happening At Fukushima Reactor 3?
What The Hell Is Happening At Fukushima Reactor 3?
"We know that TEPCO has lied all along, and I don't think our own government is going to tell us even if something is going on (under the law, they have the authority to lie to us in order to prevent panic that would affect the food supply). So it's not unreasonable to assume that whatever's going on, it's usually a lot worse than what the Powers That Be will admit.
Because when corporate interests have become synonymous with those of a nation's government, the safety of the citizens is way down on the priority list."
"We know that TEPCO has lied all along, and I don't think our own government is going to tell us even if something is going on (under the law, they have the authority to lie to us in order to prevent panic that would affect the food supply). So it's not unreasonable to assume that whatever's going on, it's usually a lot worse than what the Powers That Be will admit.
Because when corporate interests have become synonymous with those of a nation's government, the safety of the citizens is way down on the priority list."
You Won't Believe Conservatives' Absurd Theories They Think Will Cure Poverty
www.alternet.org/economy/conservatives-and-povety
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
Monday, December 30, 2013
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
Sen. Bernie Sanders On 2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
The Republican Autopsy Report Revisited: 5 Ways The GOP Got Worse In 2013 | Right Wing Watch
The Republican Autopsy Report Revisited: 5 Ways The GOP Got Worse In 2013 | Right Wing Watch
"After a devastating loss in 2012, Republicans claimed that they didn’t need to change themselves or their platform, but only cosmetic attributes such as their rhetoric and presentation. Other right-wing activists simply pretended that Republicans actually won the last election.
But if the actions taken this year by Republican leaders are any clue, it looks like Republicans either ignored or outright rejected even the superficial recommendations made in the GOP’s plan to revive the party"
"After a devastating loss in 2012, Republicans claimed that they didn’t need to change themselves or their platform, but only cosmetic attributes such as their rhetoric and presentation. Other right-wing activists simply pretended that Republicans actually won the last election.
But if the actions taken this year by Republican leaders are any clue, it looks like Republicans either ignored or outright rejected even the superficial recommendations made in the GOP’s plan to revive the party"
Republicans Devastate The Lives of 1.3 Million Americans as the Media Stays Silent
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/30/republicans-devastate-lives-1-3-million-americans-media-stays-silent.html
"Republicans ended 2013 exactly the way they started it and have already indicated they are not about to change course in 2014. Without their sequester, job killing cuts, and economy retarding austerity economics the 1.3 million unemployed Americans would likely have jobs, but like their promised $40 billion cuts to food stamps, threats to extract more cuts in the next debt ceiling crisis, and counsel to get more tax breaks for the rich, the economy and jobs are going to continue suffering if for nothing else than to increase the income gap creating a population living in poverty. Americans can depend on the corporate-owned media to continue keeping devastating economic news out of the public consciousness because there is a midterm election on the horizon. The media is not about to damage Republican’s electoral chances by telling Americans the reason they are in poverty, not finding good jobs, and losing their unemployment benefits is because Republicans in Congress successfully executed their economic agenda."
"Republicans ended 2013 exactly the way they started it and have already indicated they are not about to change course in 2014. Without their sequester, job killing cuts, and economy retarding austerity economics the 1.3 million unemployed Americans would likely have jobs, but like their promised $40 billion cuts to food stamps, threats to extract more cuts in the next debt ceiling crisis, and counsel to get more tax breaks for the rich, the economy and jobs are going to continue suffering if for nothing else than to increase the income gap creating a population living in poverty. Americans can depend on the corporate-owned media to continue keeping devastating economic news out of the public consciousness because there is a midterm election on the horizon. The media is not about to damage Republican’s electoral chances by telling Americans the reason they are in poverty, not finding good jobs, and losing their unemployment benefits is because Republicans in Congress successfully executed their economic agenda."
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