http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/09/3657089/ceres-water-report-food-companies/
"Leading global food companies are failing to account for impending water scarcity in their business plans, new report finds."
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Heartland Institute's President Denies They're Climate Science Deniers...Then Spouts More Denial
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/04/heartland-institutes-president-denies-theyre-cl/203522
"Here is a side-by-side comparison of what Heartland says about climate science juxtaposed with statements from some of the world's leading scientific bodies"
"Here is a side-by-side comparison of what Heartland says about climate science juxtaposed with statements from some of the world's leading scientific bodies"
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Watch GOP Environment Committee Head Argue Carbon Pollution Is Good With Straight Face (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/07/watch-gop-environment-committee-head-argue-carbon-pollution-is-good-with-straight-face-video/
"While Inhofe held his carbon dioxide lovefest in the Senate, House Republicans have been busy working on a bill that would roll back a massive number of regulations that have kept oil companies in check, while at the same time killing funding for green energy. Fittingly, it has been dubbed the “Pollute at Will” bill. Republicans are falling head over heels for it.
It’s hard to view what Republican lawmakers are doing as anything other than sabotage."
"While Inhofe held his carbon dioxide lovefest in the Senate, House Republicans have been busy working on a bill that would roll back a massive number of regulations that have kept oil companies in check, while at the same time killing funding for green energy. Fittingly, it has been dubbed the “Pollute at Will” bill. Republicans are falling head over heels for it.
It’s hard to view what Republican lawmakers are doing as anything other than sabotage."
Despite Republican Obstruction Tesla Sales Are Going Strong
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/07/tesla-sales/
"Republicans tend to tout the party line of how government regulations strangle innovation, all the while continuing a legacy of using regulations to hinder those who are not in their pocket. Hence, why the subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are fine, but those that subsidize clean energy are merely the works of the devil trying to institute Sharia Law in the United States for some reason."
"Republicans tend to tout the party line of how government regulations strangle innovation, all the while continuing a legacy of using regulations to hinder those who are not in their pocket. Hence, why the subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are fine, but those that subsidize clean energy are merely the works of the devil trying to institute Sharia Law in the United States for some reason."
The ludicrous myth of Republican fiscal responsibility: A history lesson for the modern GOP
The ludicrous myth of Republican fiscal responsibility: A history lesson for the modern GOP
"Over the past three decades, the Republican party has followed a familiar strategy — get elected to executive office by preaching fiscal responsibility, make a complete mess of things fiscally, and then, when a Democrat comes in to clean up the mess, blame them endlessly for not fixing it fast enough. We see this currently, with the insipid Republican candidates blaming President Obama for our current debt level, despite the fact that Republican policies, like cutting taxes for the wealthy and putting two wars on the credit card made it all possible."
"Over the past three decades, the Republican party has followed a familiar strategy — get elected to executive office by preaching fiscal responsibility, make a complete mess of things fiscally, and then, when a Democrat comes in to clean up the mess, blame them endlessly for not fixing it fast enough. We see this currently, with the insipid Republican candidates blaming President Obama for our current debt level, despite the fact that Republican policies, like cutting taxes for the wealthy and putting two wars on the credit card made it all possible."
Republican presidents flunk the economy: 11 reasons why America does worse under the GOP
Republican presidents flunk the economy: 11 reasons why America does worse under the GOP
"The difference between conservative and progressive governance is simple: one benefits a small elite while the other promotes widespread prosperity."
"The difference between conservative and progressive governance is simple: one benefits a small elite while the other promotes widespread prosperity."
Texas Republican Wants Women to Carry Deceased Fetuses to Full Term | Alternet
Texas Republican Wants Women to Carry Deceased Fetuses to Full Term | Alternet
"You can share your thoughts with this GOP extremist on his Facebook page, where he is seen buddying up with other women-haters like former Republican Governor Rick Perry and Republican Senator Ted Cruz"
"You can share your thoughts with this GOP extremist on his Facebook page, where he is seen buddying up with other women-haters like former Republican Governor Rick Perry and Republican Senator Ted Cruz"
Our Ayn Randian Dystopia: The Five-Step Process to Privatize Everything | Alternet
Our Ayn Randian Dystopia: The Five-Step Process to Privatize Everything | Alternet
"Education: A private system that pays a charter CEO 350 times more per student than the corresponding public school chancellor.
Health Care: The most expensive system in the developed world, with the price of common surgeries anywhere from three to ten times higher than in much of Europe, and with 43 percent of sick Americans skipping doctor's visits and/or medication purchases in 2011 because of excessive costs. Medicare, on the other hand, which is largely without the profit motive and the competing sources of billing, is efficiently run, for all eligible Americans.
Banking: Thanks to private banks, interest claims one out of every three dollars that we spend, and by the time we retire with a 401(k), nearly half of our money is lost to the banks. But the public bank of North Dakota (BND) had an equity return of 23.4% before the state's oil boom. The normally privatization-mindedWall Street Journal admits that the BND "is more profitable than Goldman Sachs Group Inc., has a better credit rating than J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and hasn’t seen profit growth drop since 2003"."
"Education: A private system that pays a charter CEO 350 times more per student than the corresponding public school chancellor.
Health Care: The most expensive system in the developed world, with the price of common surgeries anywhere from three to ten times higher than in much of Europe, and with 43 percent of sick Americans skipping doctor's visits and/or medication purchases in 2011 because of excessive costs. Medicare, on the other hand, which is largely without the profit motive and the competing sources of billing, is efficiently run, for all eligible Americans.
Banking: Thanks to private banks, interest claims one out of every three dollars that we spend, and by the time we retire with a 401(k), nearly half of our money is lost to the banks. But the public bank of North Dakota (BND) had an equity return of 23.4% before the state's oil boom. The normally privatization-mindedWall Street Journal admits that the BND "is more profitable than Goldman Sachs Group Inc., has a better credit rating than J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and hasn’t seen profit growth drop since 2003"."
The Buildings of Tomorrow Are Here Today
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2015/04/30/112212/the-buildings-of-tomorrow-are-here-today/
"Net-zero energy buildings are technically and financially viable today and are delivering benefits to their owners and users. Throughout the United States, private citizens and businesses are already demonstrating this by building and retrofitting spaces of the future that are highly efficient and renewable energy powered"
"Net-zero energy buildings are technically and financially viable today and are delivering benefits to their owners and users. Throughout the United States, private citizens and businesses are already demonstrating this by building and retrofitting spaces of the future that are highly efficient and renewable energy powered"
ALEC-Tied Politicians Push North Carolina To Gut Its Environmental Protection Act
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/30/3653236/nc-environmental-act-threatened/
"It only took two weeks for the Republican-led House in North Carolina to introduce and pass a bill gutting the state’s environmental law."
"It only took two weeks for the Republican-led House in North Carolina to introduce and pass a bill gutting the state’s environmental law."
Global Carbon Dioxide Levels Just Hit A Disturbing New Threshold
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/06/3655775/carbon-dioxide-new-threshold/
"Four hundred: it’s a number that will go down in climate history while also continuing to rise.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 400.83 parts per million (ppm) was the average concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in March."
"Four hundred: it’s a number that will go down in climate history while also continuing to rise.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 400.83 parts per million (ppm) was the average concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in March."
Republicans Who Cut Science Budgets Are Not Stupid — They're Malicious — And Their Goal is Ignorance | Alternet
Republicans Who Cut Science Budgets Are Not Stupid — They're Malicious — And Their Goal is Ignorance | Alternet
"It's meant to bolster the goals and, most importantly, the bottom line of the corporations whose products are the driving force behind the global warming that is steadily making Earth less humanly habitable."
"It's meant to bolster the goals and, most importantly, the bottom line of the corporations whose products are the driving force behind the global warming that is steadily making Earth less humanly habitable."
Right-Wing Media Desperately Smear Scientists To Defend Climate Deniers' Virtue
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/01/right-wing-media-desperately-smear-scientists-t/203489
"It should come as no surprise that Michaels himself works for an organization funded by the fossil fuel industry. The Cato Institute was co-founded by the oil billionaire Koch brothers and has received millions from the Koch family, while also receiving funding from ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute."
"It should come as no surprise that Michaels himself works for an organization funded by the fossil fuel industry. The Cato Institute was co-founded by the oil billionaire Koch brothers and has received millions from the Koch family, while also receiving funding from ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute."
Anti-Science GOP 'Eviscerates' NASA Spending on Climate Change Research
Anti-Science GOP 'Eviscerates' NASA Spending on Climate Change Research
"Astronomer and journalist Phil Plait, writing at Slate, agreed that "the evisceration of Earth sciences means this bill is seriously, critically flawed." But, Plait said, U.S. voters only have themselves to blame for such short-sighted policy decisions"
"Astronomer and journalist Phil Plait, writing at Slate, agreed that "the evisceration of Earth sciences means this bill is seriously, critically flawed." But, Plait said, U.S. voters only have themselves to blame for such short-sighted policy decisions"
Fracking Titans Bankrolling Right-Wing Indoctrination Effort in Schools: Investigation
Fracking Titans Bankrolling Right-Wing Indoctrination Effort in Schools: Investigation
"Prager University, an online institution founded in 2011 by conservative radio host Dennis Prager to create right-wing educational resources, is directing its religious politics directly at students and teachers, while receiving financial support from two fracking industry titans."
"Prager University, an online institution founded in 2011 by conservative radio host Dennis Prager to create right-wing educational resources, is directing its religious politics directly at students and teachers, while receiving financial support from two fracking industry titans."
Watch: Bernie Sanders Blows Lid Off the Corporate Media’s Biggest Secret
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-bernie-sanders-blows-lid-off-the-corporate-medias-biggest-secret/
"In this clip, Bernie Sanders is interviewed by Bill Moyers and exposes the corporate media’s dirty secret: that they waste the American people’s time with gossip and distractions while doing the corporations bidding and avoiding the most important conversations facing America: shrinking wages, jobs being shipped overseas, rising socioeconomic inequality, etc."
"In this clip, Bernie Sanders is interviewed by Bill Moyers and exposes the corporate media’s dirty secret: that they waste the American people’s time with gossip and distractions while doing the corporations bidding and avoiding the most important conversations facing America: shrinking wages, jobs being shipped overseas, rising socioeconomic inequality, etc."
This Is Who Gives Money To Bernie Sanders – And How Much
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/03/this-is-who-gives-money-to-bernie-sanders-and-how-much/
"And there you have. One candidate, the progressive, gets his money from small town American organizations and associations of workers while the others get their money from Goldman Sachs, Koch Industries, Bank of America, and so forth. So next time you hear someone say all politicians are the same, show them this."
"And there you have. One candidate, the progressive, gets his money from small town American organizations and associations of workers while the others get their money from Goldman Sachs, Koch Industries, Bank of America, and so forth. So next time you hear someone say all politicians are the same, show them this."
75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078852/-75-Ways-Socialism-Has-Improved-America
"1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism."
"1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism."
Why Everyone – Including Middle Class Republicans – Needs To Listen To Bernie Sanders
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/03/why-everyone-including-middle-class-republicans-needs-to-listen-to-bernie-sanders/
"Open your eyes to the very corrupt and powerful war the world of big business and the oligarchy are waging on the United States (and your wallet)."
"Open your eyes to the very corrupt and powerful war the world of big business and the oligarchy are waging on the United States (and your wallet)."
Bernie Sanders Unloads On The Kochs While Refusing To Play The Media’s Smear Hillary Game
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/03/bernie-sanders-unloads-kochs-refusing-play-medias-smear-hillary-game.html
"The movement is growing against the Citizens United enabled Koch brothers. The American people will not yield to a hostile billionaire takeover."
"The movement is growing against the Citizens United enabled Koch brothers. The American people will not yield to a hostile billionaire takeover."
Cavuto And Crew Attack Bernie Sanders As A 'Kook'
Cavuto And Crew Attack Bernie Sanders As A 'Kook'
"Look for more of this whether it's from Fox or the rest of our corporate media. They'll make fun of him, but you won't hear many specifics about his policy proposals, because they're popular, and they know it."
"Look for more of this whether it's from Fox or the rest of our corporate media. They'll make fun of him, but you won't hear many specifics about his policy proposals, because they're popular, and they know it."
GOPer’s Bright Idea: Let’s Pass A Bunch Of Terrible Bills So Obama Looks Bad For Vetoing Them
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/02/gopers-bright-idea-lets-pass-a-bunch-of-terrible-bills-so-obama-looks-bad-for-vetoing-them/
"He’s not working to better the country, Gosar is at war with an “adversary” and he intends to “win.” It’s why the claim that politicians on “both sides” – Democrat and Republican – are equally toxic rings so hollow. Consumed with destroying President Obama, the Republican Party has completely removed itself from the national conversation. They can’t govern because they don’t want to – they only want to destroy the ones that do."
"He’s not working to better the country, Gosar is at war with an “adversary” and he intends to “win.” It’s why the claim that politicians on “both sides” – Democrat and Republican – are equally toxic rings so hollow. Consumed with destroying President Obama, the Republican Party has completely removed itself from the national conversation. They can’t govern because they don’t want to – they only want to destroy the ones that do."
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert Just Made the Jade Helm Conspiracy Garbage Even More Ridiculous
Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert Just Made the Jade Helm Conspiracy Garbage Even More Ridiculous
"With the rise of the Internet, and more importantly social media, these people – who would otherwise be hiding out in a basement somewhere wearing a tinfoil hat – have now suddenly been given the ability to spew their insanity to the entire world. That’s how this entire Jade Helm conspiracy nonsense grew into “a thing.” And trust me when I say that these people who believe in this absurdity aren’t joking, they honestly believe that the Obama administration is planning to invade Texas (as well as several other states) and declare martial law. Matters weren’t helped much when Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Guard to monitor the activity of the U.S. military in his state, to ensure nothing suspicious was going on; a move which was so preposterous that it drove former Republican Texas Rep. Todd Smith to write to Abbott begging him to stop “pandering to idiots"."
"With the rise of the Internet, and more importantly social media, these people – who would otherwise be hiding out in a basement somewhere wearing a tinfoil hat – have now suddenly been given the ability to spew their insanity to the entire world. That’s how this entire Jade Helm conspiracy nonsense grew into “a thing.” And trust me when I say that these people who believe in this absurdity aren’t joking, they honestly believe that the Obama administration is planning to invade Texas (as well as several other states) and declare martial law. Matters weren’t helped much when Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Guard to monitor the activity of the U.S. military in his state, to ensure nothing suspicious was going on; a move which was so preposterous that it drove former Republican Texas Rep. Todd Smith to write to Abbott begging him to stop “pandering to idiots"."
Ted Cruz Hops Aboard the Texas Military Takeover Crazy Train. Because of Course.
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/05/ted-cruz-hops-aboard-the-texas-military-takeover-crazy-train-because-of-course/
"This is what the Republican party has become over the past several years. It’s a party run by lunatics. It’s the party of science-deniers and Jesus freaks, xenophobes and voodoo economists. And worst of all, it’s the party that willfully lends credence to the unfounded night terrors of heavily armed, anti-government fanatics."
"This is what the Republican party has become over the past several years. It’s a party run by lunatics. It’s the party of science-deniers and Jesus freaks, xenophobes and voodoo economists. And worst of all, it’s the party that willfully lends credence to the unfounded night terrors of heavily armed, anti-government fanatics."
Jon Stewart Mocks ‘Lone Star Lunatics’ Who Believe Obama Is Trying To Invade Texas (Video)
Jon Stewart Mocks ‘Lone Star Lunatics’ Who Believe Obama Is Trying To Invade Texas (Video)
"Abbott’s decision to order the Texas State Guard to monitor the U.S. military was so ludicrous that a former Republican Texas representative directly wrote to the governor imploring him to stop “pandering to idiots"."
"Abbott’s decision to order the Texas State Guard to monitor the U.S. military was so ludicrous that a former Republican Texas representative directly wrote to the governor imploring him to stop “pandering to idiots"."
Here’s What It Looks Like When 200 Paranoid Idiots Try To Get the Army To Admit It’s Planning To Take Over Texas
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/05/now-can-we-give-texas-back-to-mexico/
"So what you have here is one of two things, neither of which is exactly reassuring. Either the governor of the state of Texas — the governor of the state — believes that an internet conspiracy theory bandied about by paranoid f**king lunatics with a collective IQ of 43 is actually true, or he’s simply pandering to those paranoid f**king lunatics with the collective IQ of 43, indulging their conspiratorial fever dreams in the name of playing to his base. Regardless, the reputation of Texas as America’s giant, embarrassing lobotomy scar is kept intact."
"So what you have here is one of two things, neither of which is exactly reassuring. Either the governor of the state of Texas — the governor of the state — believes that an internet conspiracy theory bandied about by paranoid f**king lunatics with a collective IQ of 43 is actually true, or he’s simply pandering to those paranoid f**king lunatics with the collective IQ of 43, indulging their conspiratorial fever dreams in the name of playing to his base. Regardless, the reputation of Texas as America’s giant, embarrassing lobotomy scar is kept intact."
Jon Stewart schools “Dallas dipsh*ts” who think Obama is invading Texas
Jon Stewart schools “Dallas dipsh*ts” who think Obama is invading Texas
"ripping theories surrounding the Jade Helm 15 military exercises — including, of course, the state governor’s theory that the government was planning a “Texas Takeover"."
"ripping theories surrounding the Jade Helm 15 military exercises — including, of course, the state governor’s theory that the government was planning a “Texas Takeover"."
Texas Republican Calls Out Gov. Greg Abbott: Stop ‘Pandering to Idiots’
Texas Republican Calls Out Gov. Greg Abbott: Stop ‘Pandering to Idiots’
"It’s a sad day not just for Texas, but the entire country, when the governor of one the largest and most populated states in the country is now apparently influenced by people who believe in chemtrails and “false flags.” I just wish there were more Republicans like Todd Smith calling out the stupidity that seems to be engulfing the GOP."
"It’s a sad day not just for Texas, but the entire country, when the governor of one the largest and most populated states in the country is now apparently influenced by people who believe in chemtrails and “false flags.” I just wish there were more Republicans like Todd Smith calling out the stupidity that seems to be engulfing the GOP."
Bobby Jindal Wants To Slash Funding For Education, Duck Dynasty Will Keep Tax Breaks
Bobby Jindal Wants To Slash Funding For Education, Duck Dynasty Will Keep Tax Breaks
"In defense of Kansas, their budget gap is only $800 million, which is half of what Louisiana is currently looking at. So how are these states planning to attract businesses if they can’t provide them with educated workers or infrastructure that doesn’t look like it will collapse during the next strong wind storm? The answer is that they aren’t. Governors like Bobby Jindal and Sam Brownback don’t care about actually taking care of their constituents, they care about appealing to the religious right with laws that promote bigotry and making sure their corporate friends pay as little in taxes as possible, all while shifting the burden of the taxes that are paid off onto the very people who voted for them as they run their states into the ground financially. At least with a $415,000 per episode tax break, we’ve finally found out why those Robertson boys put up with Bobby Jindal and his sad, sad attempts to be a Louisiana good ‘ol boy."
"In defense of Kansas, their budget gap is only $800 million, which is half of what Louisiana is currently looking at. So how are these states planning to attract businesses if they can’t provide them with educated workers or infrastructure that doesn’t look like it will collapse during the next strong wind storm? The answer is that they aren’t. Governors like Bobby Jindal and Sam Brownback don’t care about actually taking care of their constituents, they care about appealing to the religious right with laws that promote bigotry and making sure their corporate friends pay as little in taxes as possible, all while shifting the burden of the taxes that are paid off onto the very people who voted for them as they run their states into the ground financially. At least with a $415,000 per episode tax break, we’ve finally found out why those Robertson boys put up with Bobby Jindal and his sad, sad attempts to be a Louisiana good ‘ol boy."
Fox News’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck Looks Like A Fool Discussing ‘In God We Trust’ (Video)
Fox News’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck Looks Like A Fool Discussing ‘In God We Trust’ (Video)
"See, a real news network might have mentioned to the good pastor that “In God We Trust” has nothing to do with our Founding Fathers or our Constitution, and it wasn’t adopted as our national motto until 1956. You know, pointing out those things called “facts.” But as we all know, Fox isn’t really a news network, it’s just conservative entertainment. That’s all this segment was – nothing but right-wing entertainment to feed the masses who watch the network, blindly believing anything that they’re told."
"See, a real news network might have mentioned to the good pastor that “In God We Trust” has nothing to do with our Founding Fathers or our Constitution, and it wasn’t adopted as our national motto until 1956. You know, pointing out those things called “facts.” But as we all know, Fox isn’t really a news network, it’s just conservative entertainment. That’s all this segment was – nothing but right-wing entertainment to feed the masses who watch the network, blindly believing anything that they’re told."
Bobby Jindal Robs Louisianans Of A Chance At Higher Education
Bobby Jindal Robs Louisianans Of A Chance At Higher Education
"Governor Jindal may very well be a modern day robber baron. With one hand he manufactured a financial crisis when he repealed the Stelly plan, and with the other he has given away taxpayer dollars to industries that have little incentive to put that money back into the state’s coffers. Beyond these preventable losses in revenue that are crippling the state’s public universities, higher tuition rates are robbing many of the state’s people of a chance to receive a quality education."
"Governor Jindal may very well be a modern day robber baron. With one hand he manufactured a financial crisis when he repealed the Stelly plan, and with the other he has given away taxpayer dollars to industries that have little incentive to put that money back into the state’s coffers. Beyond these preventable losses in revenue that are crippling the state’s public universities, higher tuition rates are robbing many of the state’s people of a chance to receive a quality education."
Bridget Kelly Asks For Donations From The Public She Helped Screw
Bridget Kelly Asks For Donations From The Public She Helped Screw
"The political operative who wrote New Jersey’s new state slogan, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” is ready to be rewarded for her work.
“This fund will aid in ensuring truth and justice prevails,” reads the appeal for money by Bridget Anne Kelly at the website of her new legal defense fund, which takes credit cards—“$25 minimum donation”—but warns that refunds are out of the question.
Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Governor Chris Christie, joined the New Jersey Indicted Public Officials Hall of Infamy on Friday along with another former member of Christie’s inner circle, Bill Baroni."
"The political operative who wrote New Jersey’s new state slogan, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” is ready to be rewarded for her work.
“This fund will aid in ensuring truth and justice prevails,” reads the appeal for money by Bridget Anne Kelly at the website of her new legal defense fund, which takes credit cards—“$25 minimum donation”—but warns that refunds are out of the question.
Kelly, former deputy chief of staff to Governor Chris Christie, joined the New Jersey Indicted Public Officials Hall of Infamy on Friday along with another former member of Christie’s inner circle, Bill Baroni."
Mike Huckabee defends Bible cancer cure scam: It’s like selling ‘catheters or adult diapers’
Mike Huckabee defends Bible cancer cure scam: It’s like selling ‘catheters or adult diapers’
"Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee argued on Wednesday that he had not been wrong to allow his mailing list to be used to peddle cancer cures based on Bible verses because it was similar to selling legitimate medical equipment."
"Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee argued on Wednesday that he had not been wrong to allow his mailing list to be used to peddle cancer cures based on Bible verses because it was similar to selling legitimate medical equipment."
John Boehner Busted By Fact-Checkers For Lying About The Amount Of Money In American Politics
John Boehner Busted By Fact-Checkers For Lying About The Amount Of Money In American Politics
"Whoever is trying to make it easier for more money – especially “dark money” (all the money donated by sources that do not have to be revealed) – to get into politics should never be trusted."
"Whoever is trying to make it easier for more money – especially “dark money” (all the money donated by sources that do not have to be revealed) – to get into politics should never be trusted."
Gohmert: 'It's A Real Shame' That People Want To End Mass Incarceration Of Non-Violent Offenders
Gohmert: 'It's A Real Shame' That People Want To End Mass Incarceration Of Non-Violent Offenders
"According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, the United States has 5 percent of the World's population, but nearly 25 percent of its incarcerated population."
"According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, the United States has 5 percent of the World's population, but nearly 25 percent of its incarcerated population."
Glenn Beck Goes On Bizarre Rant: Pray For Me, ‘I’m Entering Now The Time Of My Calling’ (Video)
Glenn Beck Goes On Bizarre Rant: Pray For Me, ‘I’m Entering Now The Time Of My Calling’ (Video)
"These aren’t serious adults out to have meaningful dialogue about issues facing this country – they’re crazy people who believe things like God personally talks to them or that gay marriage becoming legal in the United States is going to bring about the apocalypse… even though same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since 2007 and the world, by all accounts, still seems to exist."
"These aren’t serious adults out to have meaningful dialogue about issues facing this country – they’re crazy people who believe things like God personally talks to them or that gay marriage becoming legal in the United States is going to bring about the apocalypse… even though same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since 2007 and the world, by all accounts, still seems to exist."
NY Times and Washington Post Feature Hillary Attacker Who has Poor Record for Accuracy; Is Long-Time Right-Wing Operative. | Alternet
NY Times and Washington Post Feature Hillary Attacker Who has Poor Record for Accuracy; Is Long-Time Right-Wing Operative. | Alternet
"Indeed, the pattern of behavior worth noting is that Schweizer is serial fabricator of falsehoods and conspiracies about Democrats that don’t hold up to scrutiny by mainstream journalists, fact-checkers and news organizations."
"Indeed, the pattern of behavior worth noting is that Schweizer is serial fabricator of falsehoods and conspiracies about Democrats that don’t hold up to scrutiny by mainstream journalists, fact-checkers and news organizations."
Jeb Bush Openly Admits He’s A Fan Of White Supremacy
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/01/jeb-bush-openly-admits-hes-a-fan-of-white-supremacy/
"Charles Murray is a darling of the right-wing because of his book “The Bell Curve” which declares that black people are not as smart as white people because of their inferior genes. No, seriously, that’s exactly what the book is about."
"Charles Murray is a darling of the right-wing because of his book “The Bell Curve” which declares that black people are not as smart as white people because of their inferior genes. No, seriously, that’s exactly what the book is about."
GOP Congressman Throws Temper Tantrum Because Republicans Can’t Impeach President Obama
GOP Congressman Throws Temper Tantrum Because Republicans Can’t Impeach President Obama
"Republicans don’t really care about governing, what’s best for this country or anything else – all they really care about is opposing practically anything and everything President Obama supports."
"Republicans don’t really care about governing, what’s best for this country or anything else – all they really care about is opposing practically anything and everything President Obama supports."
'Here In Florida, They Let You Die'
'Here In Florida, They Let You Die'
"Scott made his fortune in the healthcare sector, where he once presided over Columbia/HCA, a major for-profit company. He resigned in 1997 after it was investigated for what the Justice Department ultimately deemed the “largest health care fraud case in U.S. history,” which included attempting to falsely bill Medicare. Scott was never charged in the case but was generously compensated after he resigned from the company."
"Scott made his fortune in the healthcare sector, where he once presided over Columbia/HCA, a major for-profit company. He resigned in 1997 after it was investigated for what the Justice Department ultimately deemed the “largest health care fraud case in U.S. history,” which included attempting to falsely bill Medicare. Scott was never charged in the case but was generously compensated after he resigned from the company."
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Carly Fiorina Attacks Elizabeth Warren While Lying About Net Neutrality
Carly Fiorina Attacks Elizabeth Warren While Lying About Net Neutrality
"Here's the right's supposed answer to Hillary Clinton lying to the National Review's John Fund about net neutrality and who supported it on the eve of her big announcement that she's going to add her name to the list of passengers in the GOP 2016 clown car."
"Here's the right's supposed answer to Hillary Clinton lying to the National Review's John Fund about net neutrality and who supported it on the eve of her big announcement that she's going to add her name to the list of passengers in the GOP 2016 clown car."
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Water Industry Launches Attack on Water Democracy, Promotes Privatization | Alternet
Water Industry Launches Attack on Water Democracy, Promotes Privatization | Alternet
"What’s not so transparent is how the water industry lobbies to secure their interests. Comprised of large U.S. water companies and the U.S. subsidiaries of multinational corporations like Suez, the NAWC has been a member of the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), alongside Koch Industries and ExxonMobil. ALEC works to ensure that state legislation is modeled to support its industry-friendly policy goals, including deregulation and privatization. One of its bolder resolutions has been one to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency. ALEC has even backed restrictions on voting.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Coca-Cola and more recently, Google, have backed out of ALEC because of its reactionary agenda. But in 2012 NAWC publicly defended its membership in ALEC, and, as journalist Sarah Pavlus noted, it’s not the industry’s only dubious association: American Water’s Pennsylvania subsidiary and Aqua America have partnered with the oil and gas industry on a lobbying effort to expand fracking (water companies sell the industry water used in fracking operations, and also recognize that the treatment of wastewater from fracking is a lucrative business opportunity.)
Instead of promoting private involvement in municipal water systems in the form of public private partnerships, the federal government should adequately fund water infrastructure projects."
"What’s not so transparent is how the water industry lobbies to secure their interests. Comprised of large U.S. water companies and the U.S. subsidiaries of multinational corporations like Suez, the NAWC has been a member of the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), alongside Koch Industries and ExxonMobil. ALEC works to ensure that state legislation is modeled to support its industry-friendly policy goals, including deregulation and privatization. One of its bolder resolutions has been one to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency. ALEC has even backed restrictions on voting.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Coca-Cola and more recently, Google, have backed out of ALEC because of its reactionary agenda. But in 2012 NAWC publicly defended its membership in ALEC, and, as journalist Sarah Pavlus noted, it’s not the industry’s only dubious association: American Water’s Pennsylvania subsidiary and Aqua America have partnered with the oil and gas industry on a lobbying effort to expand fracking (water companies sell the industry water used in fracking operations, and also recognize that the treatment of wastewater from fracking is a lucrative business opportunity.)
Instead of promoting private involvement in municipal water systems in the form of public private partnerships, the federal government should adequately fund water infrastructure projects."
Friday, May 1, 2015
GOP House Leaders Create ‘Action Group’ To Seize And Sell America’s Public Lands
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/01/3653883/gop-action-group-seize-public-lands/
"Thanks to support from the Koch-backed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and front groups for the oil industry’s PR giant, Richard Berman, as well as increasing lobbying by the Utah-based American Lands Council, these proposals have now gained prominence at the national level."
"Thanks to support from the Koch-backed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and front groups for the oil industry’s PR giant, Richard Berman, as well as increasing lobbying by the Utah-based American Lands Council, these proposals have now gained prominence at the national level."
The Murray-Scott Minimum-Wage Bill: A Win-Win for Working Families and Taxpayers
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/poverty/news/2015/04/30/111808/the-murray-scott-minimum-wage-bill-a-win-win-for-working-families-and-taxpayers/
"America’s current minimum wage is a poverty wage: Many full-time workers who receive minimum-wage salaries live at or near the federal poverty level. This means that many must turn to public assistance such as food assistance and Medicaid in order to make ends meet. By allowing businesses to pay poverty-level wages, lawmakers have relieved low-wage employers of their legal responsibility to adequately compensate their workers—leaving American taxpayers to foot the bill instead. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, recently estimated that low wages cost U.S. taxpayers a whopping $152.8 billion each year. Yet for workers who cannot make ends meet on paltry pay, public assistance programs are critical to survival."
"America’s current minimum wage is a poverty wage: Many full-time workers who receive minimum-wage salaries live at or near the federal poverty level. This means that many must turn to public assistance such as food assistance and Medicaid in order to make ends meet. By allowing businesses to pay poverty-level wages, lawmakers have relieved low-wage employers of their legal responsibility to adequately compensate their workers—leaving American taxpayers to foot the bill instead. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, recently estimated that low wages cost U.S. taxpayers a whopping $152.8 billion each year. Yet for workers who cannot make ends meet on paltry pay, public assistance programs are critical to survival."
Delusional Ted Cruz Tries To Blame President Obama For 2008 Economic Crash
Delusional Ted Cruz Tries To Blame President Obama For 2008 Economic Crash
"This is the sort of statement I’m talking about when I say Republicans treat their voters like idiots. You have to be a complete moron to blame President Obama for the poor economic numbers that began before he was even elected president. Then again, there are some conservatives who actually blamed him for Hurricane Katrina – seriously."
"This is the sort of statement I’m talking about when I say Republicans treat their voters like idiots. You have to be a complete moron to blame President Obama for the poor economic numbers that began before he was even elected president. Then again, there are some conservatives who actually blamed him for Hurricane Katrina – seriously."
House Republicans nearly prove they love Wall Street more than the troops
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/30/1381520/-House-Republicans-nearly-prove-they-love-Wall-Street-more-than-the-nbsp-troops
"it was the sharp eye and action on the part of Democrats on the panel—including Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—that stopped it from happening. Duckworth offered an amendment in committee to strip the language from the bill, and it very narrowly passed early Thursday morning. It's good to know that at least a few Republicans are capable of being shamed.
It's likely not the end of the banksters' efforts, though. There will almost certainly be another amendment offered on the floor to block these rules from protecting the troops when the bill comes up in a few weeks."
"it was the sharp eye and action on the part of Democrats on the panel—including Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—that stopped it from happening. Duckworth offered an amendment in committee to strip the language from the bill, and it very narrowly passed early Thursday morning. It's good to know that at least a few Republicans are capable of being shamed.
It's likely not the end of the banksters' efforts, though. There will almost certainly be another amendment offered on the floor to block these rules from protecting the troops when the bill comes up in a few weeks."
Republicans Are Now Trying To Pass Obamacare Extension To Save Their Own Asses
Republicans Are Now Trying To Pass Obamacare Extension To Save Their Own Asses
"It is astonishing how stupid Republicans treat conservative voters - yet their voters seem to eat it right up. Republicans couldn’t be any more transparent about what they’re trying to do, but conservative voters couldn’t seem to care less. Clearly Republicans know the law is working and they also know millions of Americans are going to finally see just how valuable “Obamacare” has been if the GOP finally gets its way. If they didn’t fear that, and they truly believed this law was one of the worst things to ever happen to this country, Senate Republicans wouldn’t be pathetically trying to pass an extension to the very subsidies they want struck down just to save their political asses in 2016."
"It is astonishing how stupid Republicans treat conservative voters - yet their voters seem to eat it right up. Republicans couldn’t be any more transparent about what they’re trying to do, but conservative voters couldn’t seem to care less. Clearly Republicans know the law is working and they also know millions of Americans are going to finally see just how valuable “Obamacare” has been if the GOP finally gets its way. If they didn’t fear that, and they truly believed this law was one of the worst things to ever happen to this country, Senate Republicans wouldn’t be pathetically trying to pass an extension to the very subsidies they want struck down just to save their political asses in 2016."
It’s Time to Raise the Minimum Wage | Economic Policy Institute
It’s Time to Raise the Minimum Wage | Economic Policy Institute
"The minimum wage in 2014 was 24 percent below its 1968 level despite the fact that U.S. productivity more than doubled over that period and low-wage workers now have much more experience and education than they did back then.1 Now is the time to address this historic weakness in the minimum wage by raising it and lifting the earnings of low-wage workers.
Across the country, there is overwhelming momentum in favor of raising wages for our nation’s lowest-wage workers. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia, as well as 21 cities and counties, set their minimum wages above the inadequate federal rate of $7.25. The Fight for $15 campaign has galvanized workers across the country to demand the kind of living wages that they are entitled to receive. As a result of their actions, cities such as Seattle and San Francisco have raised their minimum wages to $15, and some of the nation’s largest employers have raised wages even in the absence of federal action.
On Election Day in November 2014, in Arkansas, Alaska, South Dakota, and Nebraska, voters by very wide margins approved ballot initiatives to raise their state minimum wages. And a national poll released in January 2015 showed that 75 percent of Americans—representing all demographics—support raising the federal minimum wage to over $12 per hour.2 These facts demonstrate that a substantial increase in the minimum wage is needed and enjoys overwhelming support across political lines."
"The minimum wage in 2014 was 24 percent below its 1968 level despite the fact that U.S. productivity more than doubled over that period and low-wage workers now have much more experience and education than they did back then.1 Now is the time to address this historic weakness in the minimum wage by raising it and lifting the earnings of low-wage workers.
Across the country, there is overwhelming momentum in favor of raising wages for our nation’s lowest-wage workers. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia, as well as 21 cities and counties, set their minimum wages above the inadequate federal rate of $7.25. The Fight for $15 campaign has galvanized workers across the country to demand the kind of living wages that they are entitled to receive. As a result of their actions, cities such as Seattle and San Francisco have raised their minimum wages to $15, and some of the nation’s largest employers have raised wages even in the absence of federal action.
On Election Day in November 2014, in Arkansas, Alaska, South Dakota, and Nebraska, voters by very wide margins approved ballot initiatives to raise their state minimum wages. And a national poll released in January 2015 showed that 75 percent of Americans—representing all demographics—support raising the federal minimum wage to over $12 per hour.2 These facts demonstrate that a substantial increase in the minimum wage is needed and enjoys overwhelming support across political lines."
Bernie Sanders Torpedos Republicans By Revealing GOP Budget Kills 2.3 Million Jobs
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/04/27/bernie-sanders-torpedos-republicans-revealing-gop-budget-kills-2-3-million-jobs.html
"Sen. Sanders was put in the top Democratic seat on the Budget Committee for this exact reason. Sanders is exposing the things that Republicans don’t want to talk about. He is revealing the ugly truth behind the GOP’s economic ideology, and in the process, he is destroying any potential support for their economic ideas outside of the Republican Party."
"Sen. Sanders was put in the top Democratic seat on the Budget Committee for this exact reason. Sanders is exposing the things that Republicans don’t want to talk about. He is revealing the ugly truth behind the GOP’s economic ideology, and in the process, he is destroying any potential support for their economic ideas outside of the Republican Party."
Wage Crushers' Prevailing Wage Claims Are Nonsense
Wage Crushers' Prevailing Wage Claims Are Nonsense
"Now that the Wisconsin GOP and its allies have rammed though an American Legislative Exchange Council "right to work" (RTW) bill, the same cast of characters is back pushing another ALEC model: repeal of the state’s prevailing wage laws. These laws require public construction projects to support local wage standards instead of undercutting them."
"Now that the Wisconsin GOP and its allies have rammed though an American Legislative Exchange Council "right to work" (RTW) bill, the same cast of characters is back pushing another ALEC model: repeal of the state’s prevailing wage laws. These laws require public construction projects to support local wage standards instead of undercutting them."
Wall Street owns our cities: The secret pension travesty threatening American workers
Wall Street owns our cities: The secret pension travesty threatening American workers
"Public officials are overseeing this massive payout to Wall Street at the very moment many of those same officials are demanding big cuts to retirees’ promised pension benefits."
"Public officials are overseeing this massive payout to Wall Street at the very moment many of those same officials are demanding big cuts to retirees’ promised pension benefits."
The GOP’s demonic alliance: How the religious right & big business are dumbing down America
The GOP’s demonic alliance: How the religious right & big business are dumbing down America
"Indeed, anti-intellectualism has quite a storied history here in America — from evangelical preachers of the 19th century like Billy Sunday saying “college graduates are going as fast as they can straight to hell,” to Joseph McCarthy smearing every left-wing intellectual he could find. When it comes to alienating and demonizing thinking individuals, Christian’s and conservatives have always lead the way. And in the modern Republican party, anti-intellectualism has long been a common theme."
"Indeed, anti-intellectualism has quite a storied history here in America — from evangelical preachers of the 19th century like Billy Sunday saying “college graduates are going as fast as they can straight to hell,” to Joseph McCarthy smearing every left-wing intellectual he could find. When it comes to alienating and demonizing thinking individuals, Christian’s and conservatives have always lead the way. And in the modern Republican party, anti-intellectualism has long been a common theme."
Author Of New Anti-Hillary Book Admits He Lied About Paid Clinton Appearances, Press Releases
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/04/26/author-of-new-anti-hillary-book-admits-he-lied-about-paid-clinton-appearances-press-releases/
"What else would you expect from the Breitbart senior editor-at-large, former Hoover Institution think-tank, and president of the right-wing Government Accountability Institute?"
"What else would you expect from the Breitbart senior editor-at-large, former Hoover Institution think-tank, and president of the right-wing Government Accountability Institute?"
Fox Hosts Attack Black Miami Cop, Say She Might Be a Flag-Hating Muslim (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/04/27/fox-hosts-attack-black-miami-cop-say-she-might-be-a-flag-hating-muslim-video/
"Once again, Fox News is showing just how racist they really are. The hosts of Fox and Friends decided that they had a “right to know” if a black woman- the first black woman to be named Assistant Chief of Police in Miami, no less- was an America-hating Muslim. Now, why, you might ask, would they think this? Well, they say that it is because she followed military protocol and stood at attention, facing the flag, instead of putting her right hand over her heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Now, having been in ROTC programs myself, I can attest to the fact that this woman did nothing wrong. When in uniform, you do not put your hand over your heart. You stand at attention."
"Once again, Fox News is showing just how racist they really are. The hosts of Fox and Friends decided that they had a “right to know” if a black woman- the first black woman to be named Assistant Chief of Police in Miami, no less- was an America-hating Muslim. Now, why, you might ask, would they think this? Well, they say that it is because she followed military protocol and stood at attention, facing the flag, instead of putting her right hand over her heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Now, having been in ROTC programs myself, I can attest to the fact that this woman did nothing wrong. When in uniform, you do not put your hand over your heart. You stand at attention."
Texas Republicans Pushing Through Bill That Makes Political Corruption A Whole Lot Easier
Texas Republicans Pushing Through Bill That Makes Political Corruption A Whole Lot Easier
"Perhaps some of you remember the Public Integrity Unit from last summer when their investigation into the behavior of former governor Rick Perry eventually led to him being indicted on two felonies. I’m sure that also has absolutely nothing to do with Republicans trying desperately to change the rules so that similar matters going forward would be taken out of the PIU’s hands.
This is essentially a bill meant to make corruption even easier. The problem is, Republicans in this state know that conservative voters here will never vote for Democrats, so there’s absolutely no reason for them to even attempt to hide the fact that they’re basically trying to make it easier for politicians to accept bribes and kickbacks."
"Perhaps some of you remember the Public Integrity Unit from last summer when their investigation into the behavior of former governor Rick Perry eventually led to him being indicted on two felonies. I’m sure that also has absolutely nothing to do with Republicans trying desperately to change the rules so that similar matters going forward would be taken out of the PIU’s hands.
This is essentially a bill meant to make corruption even easier. The problem is, Republicans in this state know that conservative voters here will never vote for Democrats, so there’s absolutely no reason for them to even attempt to hide the fact that they’re basically trying to make it easier for politicians to accept bribes and kickbacks."
Rep. Steve King Proposes Legislation That Proves He Knows Almost Nothing About The Constitution
Rep. Steve King Proposes Legislation That Proves He Knows Almost Nothing About The Constitution
"Steve King operates on a special level of stupidity I dare not even try to comprehend. The people of Iowa who vote him into office should be absolutely ashamed of themselves because he’s an utter embarrassment to this country."
"Steve King operates on a special level of stupidity I dare not even try to comprehend. The people of Iowa who vote him into office should be absolutely ashamed of themselves because he’s an utter embarrassment to this country."
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