www.politicususa.com/2014/01/09/chamber-commerce-attacks-obama-screw-trickle-down.html
"As a propaganda minister, Donahue faithfully spread false ideas (trickle-down creates jobs), misinformation (repealing Dodd-Frank and the ACA creates jobs), rumors (taxes under Obama are painfully high), and a blatant lie that eliminating “entitlements and taxes” is the key to creating jobs and growing the economy. It is likely that Republicans and Donahue have told a lie big enough and kept repeating it for thirty years leading ignorant people to believe taxes are painfully high, Social Security and Medicare kill jobs, and that regulations kill jobs. However, for any American experiencing declining wages, jobs lost to outsourcing, and suffering from safety net cuts, the thirty year lie that giving the nation’s wealth to the rich creates jobs and fosters economic growth is just bad propaganda they are unlikely to fall for again."
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Marco Rubio Lays Out 'New' GOP Anti-Poverty Agenda: Same as Old Anti-Poverty Agenda
Marco Rubio Lays Out 'New' GOP Anti-Poverty Agenda: Same as Old Anti-Poverty Agenda
"Sen. Rubio's big speech on poverty is exactly what we expected... just more of the same old trickle-down economics we've been hearing from them for decades now."
"Sen. Rubio's big speech on poverty is exactly what we expected... just more of the same old trickle-down economics we've been hearing from them for decades now."
Christie bridge closure delayed emergency vehicles, hindered search for missing child
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/09/1268204/-Christie-bridge-closure-delayed-emergency-vehicles-hindered-search-for-missing-child
"Endangering the public safety as "payback" for a member of the opposing party not sufficiently cowing to you would seem to be beyond what a non-sociopath would consider to be reasonable policy."
"Endangering the public safety as "payback" for a member of the opposing party not sufficiently cowing to you would seem to be beyond what a non-sociopath would consider to be reasonable policy."
Marco Rubio’s Plan to End Poverty Is a Joke | The Nation
Marco Rubio’s Plan to End Poverty Is a Joke | The Nation
"So much for the GOP’s much-hyped pivot to poverty backed by bold new policy specifics."
"So much for the GOP’s much-hyped pivot to poverty backed by bold new policy specifics."
Multi-millionaire Steve Forbes Has a Cynical Plan to Keep Working People Down
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/multi-millionaire-steve-forbes-has-cynical-plan-keep-working-people-down
"Recent respected academic research has determined that raising the minimum wage does not result in job loss – even during bad economic times.
Forbes, a two-time unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate, is on the wrong side of the public in more ways than one. The Nelp-commissioned survey shows that 80% of the public – including 62% of those in Forbes' own party – supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and adjusting it for inflation in the future, as President Obama and congressional Democrats propose.
An increase in the minimum wage is overdue. If the minimum wage had just kept pace with inflation since 1969, it would be around $10.70 an hour today instead of $7.25 (or the scandalous $2.13 for tipped workers). If it had kept up with the growth of workers' productivity, it would be $18.72. Meanwhile, if it matched the wage growth of the wealthiest 1%, it would be $28.34.
The stagnation of the minimum wage is digging a deeper and deeper hole between the Steve Forbes's of this country and the rest of us."
"Recent respected academic research has determined that raising the minimum wage does not result in job loss – even during bad economic times.
Forbes, a two-time unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate, is on the wrong side of the public in more ways than one. The Nelp-commissioned survey shows that 80% of the public – including 62% of those in Forbes' own party – supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and adjusting it for inflation in the future, as President Obama and congressional Democrats propose.
An increase in the minimum wage is overdue. If the minimum wage had just kept pace with inflation since 1969, it would be around $10.70 an hour today instead of $7.25 (or the scandalous $2.13 for tipped workers). If it had kept up with the growth of workers' productivity, it would be $18.72. Meanwhile, if it matched the wage growth of the wealthiest 1%, it would be $28.34.
The stagnation of the minimum wage is digging a deeper and deeper hole between the Steve Forbes's of this country and the rest of us."
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Fort Lee Mayor to Christie: 'Shame on You'
Fort Lee Mayor to Christie: 'Shame on You'
"Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich responds to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his staff following the recent revelations on the George Washington Bridge controversy."
"Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich responds to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his staff following the recent revelations on the George Washington Bridge controversy."
N.J. lawmaker calls for federal criminal probe into GWB scandal
N.J. lawmaker calls for federal criminal probe into GWB scandal
"An Aug. 13 email exchange among documents obtained by The Star-Ledger included a message from Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly that stated: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee. The 7:34 a.m. message, sent from Kelly's personal Yahoo account, was directed to David Wildstein, a former Port Authority official placed at the agency by Christie, who later ordered the bridge manager to carry out the closures."
"An Aug. 13 email exchange among documents obtained by The Star-Ledger included a message from Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly that stated: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee. The 7:34 a.m. message, sent from Kelly's personal Yahoo account, was directed to David Wildstein, a former Port Authority official placed at the agency by Christie, who later ordered the bridge manager to carry out the closures."
EMS Couldn't Get To At Least Four Medical Emergencies On GW Bridge
EMS Couldn't Get To At Least Four Medical Emergencies On GW Bridge
"First responders were delayed in responding to at least four medical emergencies due to the politically-motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September."
"First responders were delayed in responding to at least four medical emergencies due to the politically-motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September."
Texas man selling restaurant to save uninsured worker who has a brain tumor
Texas man selling restaurant to save uninsured worker who has a brain tumor
"A Texas business owner has put his restaurant up for sale with the hopes of saving a young employee who has a brain tumor and no insurance."
"A Texas business owner has put his restaurant up for sale with the hopes of saving a young employee who has a brain tumor and no insurance."
For 'Moral Monday' Organizers, A National Vision | Common Dreams
For 'Moral Monday' Organizers, A National Vision | Common Dreams
"As the far-right legislative agenda spreads, so does the "moral" response."
"As the far-right legislative agenda spreads, so does the "moral" response."
Fox Regular Art Laffer: The Minimum Wage Is Just The "Black Teenage Unemployment Act"
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/08/fox-regular-art-laffer-the-minimum-wage-is-just/197482
"Laffer, the so-called father of trickle-down economics, appeared on the January 8 edition of Fox News' Happening Now to discuss the possible extension of recently-expired unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed."
"Laffer, the so-called father of trickle-down economics, appeared on the January 8 edition of Fox News' Happening Now to discuss the possible extension of recently-expired unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed."
Top Christie aide: 'Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee'
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/08/1268037/-Top-Christie-aide-Time-for-some-traffic-problems-in-Fort-Lee
"Fort Lee suffered through four days of gridlock inflicted by Wildstein—and ordered by Christie's staff—as they forced a phantom "traffic study" on the town that closed all but one lane to the George Washington bridge. People were forced to sit through four hour car delays, including children, all because Fort Lee's Democratic mayor had refused to endorse Christie."
"Fort Lee suffered through four days of gridlock inflicted by Wildstein—and ordered by Christie's staff—as they forced a phantom "traffic study" on the town that closed all but one lane to the George Washington bridge. People were forced to sit through four hour car delays, including children, all because Fort Lee's Democratic mayor had refused to endorse Christie."
Fox guest rips the minimum wage, calls it the 'Black Teenage Unemployment Act'
Fox guest rips the minimum wage, calls it the 'Black Teenage Unemployment Act'
"A Fox News guest on Wednesday said that Congress should repeal the federal minimum wage because it was serving as the "Black Teenage Unemployment Act."
"A Fox News guest on Wednesday said that Congress should repeal the federal minimum wage because it was serving as the "Black Teenage Unemployment Act."
'Time for Some Traffic Problems': Bridge Scandal Hits Christie Camp | Common Dreams
'Time for Some Traffic Problems': Bridge Scandal Hits Christie Camp | Common Dreams
"Newly released emails between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff and the state's Port Authority reveal "vindictive" efforts by the governor's office, according to a breaking report by the New Jersey Record Wednesday morning, to create "traffic problems" as revenge against a local mayor who refused to endorse Christie's reelection campaign."
"Newly released emails between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff and the state's Port Authority reveal "vindictive" efforts by the governor's office, according to a breaking report by the New Jersey Record Wednesday morning, to create "traffic problems" as revenge against a local mayor who refused to endorse Christie's reelection campaign."
Who, Me? 'Standup Guy' Christie Throws His Staffers Under The Bus
Who, Me? 'Standup Guy' Christie Throws His Staffers Under The Bus
"Oh, he's going for the old "plausible deniability" play. I knew he would! Let me remind you once again that Bill Stepien (Christie's campaign manager) was copied in on some of the emails. Which, knowing the way campaigns operate, leads me to suspect that he was the "plausible deniability" buffer between Christie and his staffers."
"Oh, he's going for the old "plausible deniability" play. I knew he would! Let me remind you once again that Bill Stepien (Christie's campaign manager) was copied in on some of the emails. Which, knowing the way campaigns operate, leads me to suspect that he was the "plausible deniability" buffer between Christie and his staffers."
Dear middle class: Welcome to poverty
Dear middle class: Welcome to poverty
"Energized by Ronald Reagan’s famous declaration that government is the problem, not the solution, conservatives in recent decades have sought to reduce the government’s vital role in creating opportunity and keeping hard-pressed Americans afloat. Simultaneously, they have unleashed the wild horses of deregulated capitalism, which have trampled working people. Labor unions have been crushed, wages have declined, safety nets have frayed, medical expenses have risen, and millions of Americans are now teetering on the edge of poverty."
"Energized by Ronald Reagan’s famous declaration that government is the problem, not the solution, conservatives in recent decades have sought to reduce the government’s vital role in creating opportunity and keeping hard-pressed Americans afloat. Simultaneously, they have unleashed the wild horses of deregulated capitalism, which have trampled working people. Labor unions have been crushed, wages have declined, safety nets have frayed, medical expenses have risen, and millions of Americans are now teetering on the edge of poverty."
A Bridge Too Far: Emails Link Top Christie Aide To George Washington Bridge Closure
A Bridge Too Far: Emails Link Top Christie Aide To George Washington Bridge Closure
"Private messages between Governor’s Christie’s deputy chief of staff and two of his top executives at the Port Authority reveal a vindictive effort to create “traffic problems in Fort Lee” by shutting lanes to the George Washington Bridge."
"Private messages between Governor’s Christie’s deputy chief of staff and two of his top executives at the Port Authority reveal a vindictive effort to create “traffic problems in Fort Lee” by shutting lanes to the George Washington Bridge."
House Memo: How To Simulate Caring About The Unemployed
House Memo: How To Simulate Caring About The Unemployed
"House Republican leaders sent a memo this week to the entire GOP conference with talking points designed to help rank-and-file Republicans show compassion for the unemployed."
"House Republican leaders sent a memo this week to the entire GOP conference with talking points designed to help rank-and-file Republicans show compassion for the unemployed."
These GOPers Tried (and Failed) to Kill the Benefits Bill. Here's How High Unemployment Is in Their States
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/01/senate-republicans-vote-unemployment-extension
"37 Republicans still voted to block debate on the bill. Some of those Republicans who blocked the bill represent states with the highest unemployment rates in the country."
"37 Republicans still voted to block debate on the bill. Some of those Republicans who blocked the bill represent states with the highest unemployment rates in the country."
Racism, Sexism, And The 50-Year Campaign To Undermine The War On Poverty
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/08/3122111/war-poverty-race-sexism/
"A timeline of conservatives' efforts to systematically undermine the programs that shaped Johnson's War on Poverty and forever changed Americans' perception about the role of government."
"A timeline of conservatives' efforts to systematically undermine the programs that shaped Johnson's War on Poverty and forever changed Americans' perception about the role of government."
Economic liberalism isn’t just popular now — it has been for years
Economic liberalism isn’t just popular <em>now</em> — it has been for years
"Yes, progressive economic reforms are strongly supported by Americans now, in the face of historic suffering. But this isn’t just a new trend. This progressive economic approach is appealing to Americans now because it has been appealing to them for a long time. The political class just hasn’t noticed."
"Yes, progressive economic reforms are strongly supported by Americans now, in the face of historic suffering. But this isn’t just a new trend. This progressive economic approach is appealing to Americans now because it has been appealing to them for a long time. The political class just hasn’t noticed."
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
House GOP leaders coach Republicans on how to show compassion for the unemployed
www.freakoutnation.com/2014/01/07/house-gop-leaders-coach-republicans-on-how-to-show-compassion-for-the-unemployed/
"House Republicans sent out a memo to Republican caucus members to coach them on how to show compassion toward the unemployed. One great idea that’s not in the memo, would be to extend unemployment benefits. Also, it might be helpful to not deem them as lazy, shiftless, entitled lowlifes."
"House Republicans sent out a memo to Republican caucus members to coach them on how to show compassion toward the unemployed. One great idea that’s not in the memo, would be to extend unemployment benefits. Also, it might be helpful to not deem them as lazy, shiftless, entitled lowlifes."
The National Memo » GOP’s Claim That Obamacare Leaves More Uninsured Than Covered Is Still Not True
The National Memo » GOP’s Claim That Obamacare Leaves More Uninsured Than Covered Is Still Not True
"As part of its ongoing strategy of attacking the Affordable Care Act, the Republican Party continues to present claims that just do not hold up."
"As part of its ongoing strategy of attacking the Affordable Care Act, the Republican Party continues to present claims that just do not hold up."
The National Memo » It Took Marco Rubio Just 24 Hours To Blow His Pivot To Poverty
The National Memo » It Took Marco Rubio Just 24 Hours To Blow His Pivot To Poverty
"Rubio joined 36 of his Republican colleagues in voting against even opening debate on extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation."
"Rubio joined 36 of his Republican colleagues in voting against even opening debate on extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation."
Congress Gives Poor The Big Freeze
Congress Gives Poor The Big Freeze
"As the nation endures a deep freeze, Congress is making sure poor Americans stay cold...and hungry."
"As the nation endures a deep freeze, Congress is making sure poor Americans stay cold...and hungry."
Connecticut’s Paid Sick Days Law Has Come With Few Costs And Many Benefits For Business
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/07/3128141/connecticut-paid-sick-days-business/
"Nationally, however, there is no guarantee that workers will get paid time off for an illness or to care for a sick family member, which means 40 percent of private sector workers don’t have access to leave. The United States is the only country out of the 15 most competitive ones that doesn’t have such a guarantee."
"Nationally, however, there is no guarantee that workers will get paid time off for an illness or to care for a sick family member, which means 40 percent of private sector workers don’t have access to leave. The United States is the only country out of the 15 most competitive ones that doesn’t have such a guarantee."
NYC Speakerstakes: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Melissa? | The Nation
NYC Speakerstakes: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Melissa? | The Nation
"The second-most-important election in this municipal campaign cycle has yet to occur—that’s the vote for City Council speaker, which has come down to a contest between two councilmembers from Manhattan: Melissa Mark-Viverito, who has the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Dan Garodnick, who has the support of the press."
"The second-most-important election in this municipal campaign cycle has yet to occur—that’s the vote for City Council speaker, which has come down to a contest between two councilmembers from Manhattan: Melissa Mark-Viverito, who has the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Dan Garodnick, who has the support of the press."
Democrats Defeat Republican Obstruction and Move Unemployment Extension Forward 60-37
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/07/democrats-defeat-republican-obstruction-move-unemployment-extension-60-37.html
"Democrats have shocked the political world by defeating Republican obstruction and moving on to a final vote on extending unemployment benefits by a margin of 60-37.
All Democrats voted for the bill, and were joined by Republicans co-sponsor of the bill Dean Heller, Susan Collins, Kelly Ayotte, Rob Portman, Ben Coats, and Lisa Murkowski. These 6 Republicans deserve praise for doing what is right for their constituents who are out there looking every single day, but are struggling to find a job."
"Democrats have shocked the political world by defeating Republican obstruction and moving on to a final vote on extending unemployment benefits by a margin of 60-37.
All Democrats voted for the bill, and were joined by Republicans co-sponsor of the bill Dean Heller, Susan Collins, Kelly Ayotte, Rob Portman, Ben Coats, and Lisa Murkowski. These 6 Republicans deserve praise for doing what is right for their constituents who are out there looking every single day, but are struggling to find a job."
Tycoon’s hostage-taking strangles pensions: Boeing workers cave on retirement ransom
Tycoon’s hostage-taking strangles pensions: Boeing workers cave on retirement ransom
"After government drops an investigation amid a Tea Party firestorm, giant contractor keeps squeezing its employees"
"After government drops an investigation amid a Tea Party firestorm, giant contractor keeps squeezing its employees"
Analyst Downgrades Apple In Move to Teach Wall Street New Word: Moral. Outrage Ensues. | Common Dreams
Analyst Downgrades Apple In Move to Teach Wall Street New Word: Moral. Outrage Ensues. | Common Dreams
"Apparently for the first time, an analyst has downgraded - or in Wall-Street-speak, blacklisted - several big companies on moral and ethical grounds, moving their stock from a "hold" to "sell" recommendation based on the "obscene" way the companies are run."
"Apparently for the first time, an analyst has downgraded - or in Wall-Street-speak, blacklisted - several big companies on moral and ethical grounds, moving their stock from a "hold" to "sell" recommendation based on the "obscene" way the companies are run."
Inside the Right-Wing Love Affair with Conspiracy Theories
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/another-big-time-right-wing-conspiracy-theory-bites-dust-why-conservatives
"the right-wing echo chamber feeds off of paranoid stories that have no basis in reality."
"the right-wing echo chamber feeds off of paranoid stories that have no basis in reality."
Monday, January 6, 2014
Court Says LA Police Warrantless Access Of Hotel Records Is 'Unconstitutional'
Court Says LA Police Warrantless Access Of Hotel Records Is 'Unconstitutional'
"A little more good news has arrived on the Fourth Amendment front, but if the recent past is any indication of what the future holds, an opposing decision is lurking just around the corner."
"A little more good news has arrived on the Fourth Amendment front, but if the recent past is any indication of what the future holds, an opposing decision is lurking just around the corner."
Karl Rove Calls Push to Raise Minimum Wage an 'Obamacare Distraction'
Karl Rove Calls Push to Raise Minimum Wage an 'Obamacare Distraction'
"Karl Rove wants the viewers at Fox to believe 30 million workers "isn't a lot"."
"Karl Rove wants the viewers at Fox to believe 30 million workers "isn't a lot"."
Second American City Ends Chronic Homelessness Among Veterans
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/06/3124991/salt-lake-city-homelessness/
"Salt Lake City, Utah has taken the title of being the second city in the United States to end chronic homelessness among military veterans, Mayor Ralph Becker (D) told MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry." Both mayors also happen to be Democrats.
"Salt Lake City, Utah has taken the title of being the second city in the United States to end chronic homelessness among military veterans, Mayor Ralph Becker (D) told MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry." Both mayors also happen to be Democrats.
Senators From States With the Highest Unemployment Poised to Kill Unemployment Insurance Bill | The Nation
Senators From States With the Highest Unemployment Poised to Kill Unemployment Insurance Bill | The Nation
"In eight Southern states—Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky—the long-term jobless rate is quite high compared to much of the rest of the country. Of the sixteen senators representing those states, fourteen are Republicans (with one Democrat in both North Carolina and Florida.)
That means not only higher numbers of constituents being hurt by the benefit lapse, but a bigger hit to the state economy"
"In eight Southern states—Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky—the long-term jobless rate is quite high compared to much of the rest of the country. Of the sixteen senators representing those states, fourteen are Republicans (with one Democrat in both North Carolina and Florida.)
That means not only higher numbers of constituents being hurt by the benefit lapse, but a bigger hit to the state economy"
Colorado River Lowest In 1,300 Years; Climate Deniers Keep It Up (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/06/colorado-river-running-dry/
"There’s a lesson in the news for right-wingers today. (It’s a fairly safe bet they’ll miss it though.) It involves the Colorado River."
"There’s a lesson in the news for right-wingers today. (It’s a fairly safe bet they’ll miss it though.) It involves the Colorado River."
Investigation Confirms Widespread Fears about Fracking | Common Dreams
Investigation Confirms Widespread Fears about Fracking | Common Dreams
"The Associated Press has confirmed what residents have long known and the oil and gas industries have sought to hide: the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, as well as conventional oil and gas drilling, is polluting and contaminating well drinking water supplies."
"The Associated Press has confirmed what residents have long known and the oil and gas industries have sought to hide: the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, as well as conventional oil and gas drilling, is polluting and contaminating well drinking water supplies."
How Right-Wing Radicals -- From Nixon to Paul Ryan -- Have Deceived America
www.alternet.org/how-right-wing-radicals-nixon-paul-ryan-have-deceived-america?page=0%2C0
"Without this sort of ideological cover, there would be no mistaking the extremism, recklessness and heartlessness of conservative leaders from Nixon to Reagan to Gingrich to Bush to Ryan, Christie and all the rest today. The U.S. already has the smallest, least effective welfare state of any advanced industrial nation in the West, as conservatives continue mobilizing to dismantle it completely. They have their eye on a Dickensian society, and they think that it looks pretty good. Martin Luther King had his dream, and they’ve got theirs: separate, and extremely unequal."
"Without this sort of ideological cover, there would be no mistaking the extremism, recklessness and heartlessness of conservative leaders from Nixon to Reagan to Gingrich to Bush to Ryan, Christie and all the rest today. The U.S. already has the smallest, least effective welfare state of any advanced industrial nation in the West, as conservatives continue mobilizing to dismantle it completely. They have their eye on a Dickensian society, and they think that it looks pretty good. Martin Luther King had his dream, and they’ve got theirs: separate, and extremely unequal."
Because We Are Way Too Nice To Poor People In Texas
Because We Are Way Too Nice To Poor People In Texas
"Here’s Perry's latest deal. First he builds toll roads, you know, so that rich people don’t have to drive with the riffraff and he doesn’t have to raise taxes to build an infrastructure. But just in case some working poor people will save enough in gas to justify using the toll road, guess where you have to go to pass the toll road account?"
"Here’s Perry's latest deal. First he builds toll roads, you know, so that rich people don’t have to drive with the riffraff and he doesn’t have to raise taxes to build an infrastructure. But just in case some working poor people will save enough in gas to justify using the toll road, guess where you have to go to pass the toll road account?"
Detroit Retirees Will Lose Health Insurance In 2 Months If City Manager Gets His Way
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/06/3121671/detroit-retirees-lose-health-insurance/
"About 24,000 retired Detroit public servants will soon receive letters notifying them that they are losing their health insurance on March 1, even as the city claims to be negotiating with retirees’ groups to strike a better deal on health care"
"About 24,000 retired Detroit public servants will soon receive letters notifying them that they are losing their health insurance on March 1, even as the city claims to be negotiating with retirees’ groups to strike a better deal on health care"
Darrell Issa Has Sleazy Plan to Restore Veterans’ Pensions By Privatizing the Post Office
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/06/darrell-issa-sleazy-plan-restore-veterans-pensions-privatizing-post-office.html
"Issa’s proposal informs that there is no bad Republican legislation that he, or any Republican, cannot make worse to satisfy their dirty machinations to privatize the government, kill Americans’ jobs, repay UPS and FedEx for campaign donations, deprive Americans of reliable mail delivery, and punish Veterans; all the while portraying the privatization scheme as restoring Veteran’s benefits Republicans stole in the first place. Darrell Issa has a criminal history and it has been painfully obvious he brought that mindset to Congress; particularly since he has been Chairman of the House Oversight Committee."
"Issa’s proposal informs that there is no bad Republican legislation that he, or any Republican, cannot make worse to satisfy their dirty machinations to privatize the government, kill Americans’ jobs, repay UPS and FedEx for campaign donations, deprive Americans of reliable mail delivery, and punish Veterans; all the while portraying the privatization scheme as restoring Veteran’s benefits Republicans stole in the first place. Darrell Issa has a criminal history and it has been painfully obvious he brought that mindset to Congress; particularly since he has been Chairman of the House Oversight Committee."
GOP’s ulterior motive on unemployment: Economic sabotage?
GOP’s ulterior motive on unemployment: Economic sabotage?
"There's more to Republican opposition to extending unemployment benefits than conservative principles"
"There's more to Republican opposition to extending unemployment benefits than conservative principles"
Koch Network Raised Over $400 Million in 2012
Koch Network Raised Over $400 Million in 2012
"The Koch network alone raised nearly as much as the Romney campaign, and tens of millions more than GOP presidential candidate John McCain raised for his entire 2008 campaign. By design, following the Koch money trail is extremely difficult. Despite the groups spending hundreds of millions influencing elections, most of their spending and the sources of their funds are not reported to the Federal Elections Commission, earning them the moniker "dark money" groups.
Money is passed from one organization to the next, both to give donors an extra layer of anonymity and to help groups retain their tax exempt status. Nonprofits are not supposed to have electoral intervention as a primary activity, and the Koch groups apparently claim that transferring funds to other politically-active nonprofits should be counted as advancing "social welfare" rather than electoral activity."
"The Koch network alone raised nearly as much as the Romney campaign, and tens of millions more than GOP presidential candidate John McCain raised for his entire 2008 campaign. By design, following the Koch money trail is extremely difficult. Despite the groups spending hundreds of millions influencing elections, most of their spending and the sources of their funds are not reported to the Federal Elections Commission, earning them the moniker "dark money" groups.
Money is passed from one organization to the next, both to give donors an extra layer of anonymity and to help groups retain their tax exempt status. Nonprofits are not supposed to have electoral intervention as a primary activity, and the Koch groups apparently claim that transferring funds to other politically-active nonprofits should be counted as advancing "social welfare" rather than electoral activity."
Retirement Theft in 4 Despicable Steps
www.alternet.org/economy/retirement-theft-4-despicable-steps
"But the American workers who have paid all their lives for retirement security are being cheated by wealthy individuals and corporations who refuse to meet their tax obligations, and who have found other ways to keep expanding their wealth at the expense of the middle class."
"But the American workers who have paid all their lives for retirement security are being cheated by wealthy individuals and corporations who refuse to meet their tax obligations, and who have found other ways to keep expanding their wealth at the expense of the middle class."
10 worst right-wing moments of the week — “global cooling” edition
10 worst right-wing moments of the week — “global cooling” edition
"Donald Trump has a theory about climate change, while the Pope catches flack for being too mean to rich people"
"Donald Trump has a theory about climate change, while the Pope catches flack for being too mean to rich people"
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Reagan’s Tax Shock » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Reagan’s Tax Shock » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"Buying stocks doesn’t grow jobs or grow the economy, it grows portfolios. The money that’s invested doesn’t go to companies, it goes to the prior owners of the stock. In fact, through dividends and stock buybacks, shareholders take money out of companies rather than put it in; they’re a drain on company funds, not a source."
"Buying stocks doesn’t grow jobs or grow the economy, it grows portfolios. The money that’s invested doesn’t go to companies, it goes to the prior owners of the stock. In fact, through dividends and stock buybacks, shareholders take money out of companies rather than put it in; they’re a drain on company funds, not a source."
Fukushima Fallout Damaged the Thyroids of California Babies » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Fukushima Fallout Damaged the Thyroids of California Babies » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"A new study of the effects of tiny quantities of radioactive fallout from Fukushima on the health of babies born in California shows a significant excess of hypothyroidism caused by the radioactive contamination travelling 5,000 miles across the Pacific. The article will be published next week in the peer-reviewed journal Open Journal of Pediatrics."
"A new study of the effects of tiny quantities of radioactive fallout from Fukushima on the health of babies born in California shows a significant excess of hypothyroidism caused by the radioactive contamination travelling 5,000 miles across the Pacific. The article will be published next week in the peer-reviewed journal Open Journal of Pediatrics."
Fact Check: The Affordable Care Act Does Cover Insurance For Babies
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/03/in-which-fox-suggests-the-affordable-care-act-w/197410
"In fact, having a child counts as a qualifying life event, that allows consumers enrolled in health insurance under the ACA to alter their coverage outside of the open enrollment period.
Fox has previously attacked provisions in the ACA designed to aid pregnant women and new mothers, claiming that a ban on discrimination against women in the health insurance market constitutes "sticking it to men" and denying the need for improved access to maternity coverage -- while ignoring the benefits of improved maternity care under the ACA."
"In fact, having a child counts as a qualifying life event, that allows consumers enrolled in health insurance under the ACA to alter their coverage outside of the open enrollment period.
Fox has previously attacked provisions in the ACA designed to aid pregnant women and new mothers, claiming that a ban on discrimination against women in the health insurance market constitutes "sticking it to men" and denying the need for improved access to maternity coverage -- while ignoring the benefits of improved maternity care under the ACA."
Darrell Issa’s Cruelest Cut: A Seriously Cynical Attack on the Postal Service | The Nation
Darrell Issa’s Cruelest Cut: A Seriously Cynical Attack on the Postal Service | The Nation
"The USPS has historically been one of the nation’s largest employers of veterans—second only to the US Department of Defense, according to USPS figures. Roughly 120,000 postal service employees—more than 20 percent of the total workforce—have records of service in the military. Roughly a third of those employees are rated as 30 percent or more disabled, a reflection of the fact that the postal service goes out of its way to provide an array of employment services and options for veterans.
Cuts to the postal service threaten an institution that provides jobs to veterans and that—thanks to its own practices and strong commitments from postal unions—respects them once they are in those jobs.
Instead of embracing Issa’s latest and most cynical assault on a necessary service, Congress should do right by veterans. It can move to strengthen the USPS, along lines proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Congressmen Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, and Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin."
"The USPS has historically been one of the nation’s largest employers of veterans—second only to the US Department of Defense, according to USPS figures. Roughly 120,000 postal service employees—more than 20 percent of the total workforce—have records of service in the military. Roughly a third of those employees are rated as 30 percent or more disabled, a reflection of the fact that the postal service goes out of its way to provide an array of employment services and options for veterans.
Cuts to the postal service threaten an institution that provides jobs to veterans and that—thanks to its own practices and strong commitments from postal unions—respects them once they are in those jobs.
Instead of embracing Issa’s latest and most cynical assault on a necessary service, Congress should do right by veterans. It can move to strengthen the USPS, along lines proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Congressmen Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, and Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin."
Joe Conason | Rich Catholics Threaten Pope Francis - Because He Frightens Them
Joe Conason | Rich Catholics Threaten Pope Francis - Because He Frightens Them
"If anyone wonders whether Pope Francis has irritated wealthy conservatives with his courage and idealism, the latest outburst from Kenneth Langone left little doubt. Sounding both aggressive and whiny, the billionaire investor warned that he and his overprivileged friends might withhold their millions from church and charity unless the pontiff stops preaching against the excesses and cruelty of unleashed capitalism."
"If anyone wonders whether Pope Francis has irritated wealthy conservatives with his courage and idealism, the latest outburst from Kenneth Langone left little doubt. Sounding both aggressive and whiny, the billionaire investor warned that he and his overprivileged friends might withhold their millions from church and charity unless the pontiff stops preaching against the excesses and cruelty of unleashed capitalism."
An elderly veteran delivering pizza? The system has failed us ...
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/05/1265470/-An-elderly-veteran-delivering-pizza-The-system-has-failed-us
"President George W. Bush and Official Washington’s neocons are gifts that keep on giving, at least to America’s terrorist enemies. The Shiite-Sunni sectarian conflict that Bush and his neocon advisers stirred up by invading Iraq in 2003 has now engulfed the entire region and has given al-Qaeda and its affiliates footholds in countries where they hadn’t existed before the Iraq War."
"President George W. Bush and Official Washington’s neocons are gifts that keep on giving, at least to America’s terrorist enemies. The Shiite-Sunni sectarian conflict that Bush and his neocon advisers stirred up by invading Iraq in 2003 has now engulfed the entire region and has given al-Qaeda and its affiliates footholds in countries where they hadn’t existed before the Iraq War."
The Best Reporting on the North Carolina Takeover
The Best Reporting on the North Carolina Takeover
"In 2012, North Carolinians elected a Republican to the governor’s office. That same year, the Republican majority in the General Assembly — first elected in 2010 — grew to a supermajority. The result was that conservatives won the power to change state law dramatically — and over this last year, they used that power. The new legislation included ending benefits for the long-term unemployed; declining the Obamacare Medicaid extension; eliminating the earned-income tax credit; and passing what some observers call the worst voter suppression law in the country. In response, those critical of the right-wing legislative agenda united around protests at the state legislature on Mondays, part of a growing citizen movement that has come to be known as “Moral Mondays.” So far, the movement, however ambitious, has done little to slow the state’s Republican majority from pushing through its agenda.
But this story didn’t start on Election Day 2012 — its roots run deep. And a similar situation could unfold in any of America’s 50 states."
"In 2012, North Carolinians elected a Republican to the governor’s office. That same year, the Republican majority in the General Assembly — first elected in 2010 — grew to a supermajority. The result was that conservatives won the power to change state law dramatically — and over this last year, they used that power. The new legislation included ending benefits for the long-term unemployed; declining the Obamacare Medicaid extension; eliminating the earned-income tax credit; and passing what some observers call the worst voter suppression law in the country. In response, those critical of the right-wing legislative agenda united around protests at the state legislature on Mondays, part of a growing citizen movement that has come to be known as “Moral Mondays.” So far, the movement, however ambitious, has done little to slow the state’s Republican majority from pushing through its agenda.
But this story didn’t start on Election Day 2012 — its roots run deep. And a similar situation could unfold in any of America’s 50 states."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)