Dear Republicans: Your Constant Whining About the Media Makes Me Sick
"What Republicans mean when they complain about “liberal bias” or “gotcha” questions is that they’re very upset that their lies are being called out publicly. That’s why these GOP presidential candidates threw such a fit during the third debate. It wasn’t because the questions were bad (only a couple were), it was because they weren’t being allowed to stand there on live television and blatantly lie. Someone like Ben Carson, much like fellow fool Sarah Palin, has become a huge critic of the media and “gotcha questions.” Ben Carson seems to think that any question or comment that exposes his idiocy, or mentions something crazy he’s said in the past, is a “gotcha” moment. In fact, to listen to Carson talk, every time the media confronts him about one of his ridiculous quotes they’re always taking it out of context – even when they quote him verbatim. Ted Cruz has probably been the biggest cry baby about the media. Cruz is nothing more than an opportunist, constantly pandering to the ignorance of the far-right voter. I’m not joking, he actually said that he believes GOP debates should be hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other members of the conservative media. It’s clear he doesn’t want a debate, he wants a 2-3 hour GOP propaganda event. But this is how conspiracy theorists work. If you’re trying to sell some sort of propaganda, the most effective way to get people to never doubt you is by insisting that anyone who exposes your nonsense is all a part of the conspiracy (aka the liberal media)."
Friday, November 13, 2015
Egyptians and Twitter Mock Ben Carson for Dumb Pyramids Theory @alternet
Egyptians and Twitter Mock Ben Carson for Dumb Pyramids Theory @alternet
"There were the stories of him being a rageaholic, homicidal neighborhood menace that, oddly, none of his neighbors remember; there was the Incredible Disappearing West Point Full Scholarship. And there was – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – the one about the pyramids being gigantic grain storage silos for the Old Testament’s Joseph. Never mind that the pyramids are solid, the story of Joseph took place 500 years before the pyramids were built, and the fact that the Egyptians wrote down the reasons they built the pyramids. Ben Carson still believes his cockamamie theory because crazy is impressively stubborn."
"There were the stories of him being a rageaholic, homicidal neighborhood menace that, oddly, none of his neighbors remember; there was the Incredible Disappearing West Point Full Scholarship. And there was – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – the one about the pyramids being gigantic grain storage silos for the Old Testament’s Joseph. Never mind that the pyramids are solid, the story of Joseph took place 500 years before the pyramids were built, and the fact that the Egyptians wrote down the reasons they built the pyramids. Ben Carson still believes his cockamamie theory because crazy is impressively stubborn."
Ben Carson’s hilarious, ridiculous, completely broken history: A rare window into the extreme right’s fact-challenged worldview
Ben Carson’s hilarious, ridiculous, completely broken history: A rare window into the extreme right’s fact-challenged worldview
"Carson is revealing himself to be a bit dense when it comes to American history, as the Wall Street Journal (which is hardly a “secular progressive” publication) pointed out last week after Carson wrote on Facebook: “Every signer of the Declaration of Independence had no elected office experience…What they had was a deep belief that freedom is a gift from God.” This is, of course, completely false."
"Carson is revealing himself to be a bit dense when it comes to American history, as the Wall Street Journal (which is hardly a “secular progressive” publication) pointed out last week after Carson wrote on Facebook: “Every signer of the Declaration of Independence had no elected office experience…What they had was a deep belief that freedom is a gift from God.” This is, of course, completely false."
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Donald Trump wants the U.S. to 'compete with other countries' on minimum wage. But which countries?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/12/1449083/-Donald-Trump-wants-the-U-S-to-compete-with-other-countries-on-minimum-wage-But-which-countries
"Exactly which other countries does Trump think we need to compete with by keeping the minimum wage low? Because if you’re looking at other advanced countries, the United States lags behind Australia, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Austria. But I doubt Trump is even talking about Israel, Slovenia, Spain, and Greece, which are just behind the U.S. when it comes to minimum wage."
"Exactly which other countries does Trump think we need to compete with by keeping the minimum wage low? Because if you’re looking at other advanced countries, the United States lags behind Australia, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Austria. But I doubt Trump is even talking about Israel, Slovenia, Spain, and Greece, which are just behind the U.S. when it comes to minimum wage."
Million Dollar Baby Donald Trump Once Again Says Wages Are Too High
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/11/million-dollar-baby-donald-trump-wages-high.html
"Trump’s message is that in order to make America great again, the working class will have to take another hit. This doesn’t fit well with his populist tone or the need of the Republican Party to pretend they care about working Americans."
"Trump’s message is that in order to make America great again, the working class will have to take another hit. This doesn’t fit well with his populist tone or the need of the Republican Party to pretend they care about working Americans."
The BING BING Theory: GOP Debate IV
http://quietmike.org/2015/11/11/the-bing-bing-theory-gop-debate-iv/
"None of them said anything new, only re-wording ways to implement a failed Trickle Down Theory of economics, as Republicans always do."
"None of them said anything new, only re-wording ways to implement a failed Trickle Down Theory of economics, as Republicans always do."
Republicans must hate the middle class: The most startling revelation of the GOP debate
Republicans must hate the middle class: The most startling revelation of the GOP debate
"this was a rehash of the trickle-down theory of economic prosperity that was popularized by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, when his tax cuts greatly expanded the federal debt — a historical fact not mentioned on the GOP debate stage Tuesday night."
"this was a rehash of the trickle-down theory of economic prosperity that was popularized by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, when his tax cuts greatly expanded the federal debt — a historical fact not mentioned on the GOP debate stage Tuesday night."
The Daily Show Fact-Checks The GOP Fox Business Debate
The Daily Show Fact-Checks The GOP Fox Business Debate
"Sadly there was no desire whatsoever to do the same with the candidates the night of the actual "debate" (and I use that term lightly) by the three right wing corporate suck-ups they had for moderators."
"Sadly there was no desire whatsoever to do the same with the candidates the night of the actual "debate" (and I use that term lightly) by the three right wing corporate suck-ups they had for moderators."
GOP’s Obamacare lie-fest: “Post-truth” politics dominated the Republican debate
GOP’s Obamacare lie-fest: “Post-truth” politics dominated the Republican debate
"The lying even extended down into the undercard debate."
"The lying even extended down into the undercard debate."
We Must Put an End to the Biggest Republican Lie About Taxes
We Must Put an End to the Biggest Republican Lie About Taxes
"you’re nuts if you trust a group of rich people who tell you that the path to economic prosperity is based upon giving the rich more massive tax cuts."
"you’re nuts if you trust a group of rich people who tell you that the path to economic prosperity is based upon giving the rich more massive tax cuts."
The GOP is living in a fantasy world: Every single Republican’s economic plan is made of wishes and fairy dust
The GOP is living in a fantasy world: Every single Republican’s economic plan is made of wishes and fairy dust
"The reality is that every single candidate on stage has a tax plan meant to screw over the entire country so that the already wealthy can buy bigger yachts, just as it was under Bush and every Republican before him."
"The reality is that every single candidate on stage has a tax plan meant to screw over the entire country so that the already wealthy can buy bigger yachts, just as it was under Bush and every Republican before him."
35 of the Worst Moments From Fox Business, GOP Presidential Debate Host @alternet
35 of the Worst Moments From Fox Business, GOP Presidential Debate Host @alternet
"1. Fox Business Promoted Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy Theory"
"1. Fox Business Promoted Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy Theory"
Fact-checking the debate: Sorry, Republicans, but welfare spending is not tanking our economy
Fact-checking the debate: Sorry, Republicans, but welfare spending is not tanking our economy
"A full two-thirds of SNAP recipients can’t work, because they are children, elderly or disabled. Far from being some kind of program redirecting money from hard-working people to the indolent poor, it’s a program that allows hard-working people to have a safety net in case they lose a job or someone in the house becomes disabled. Would cutting all these people loose save us a fortune, though? Nope!"
"A full two-thirds of SNAP recipients can’t work, because they are children, elderly or disabled. Far from being some kind of program redirecting money from hard-working people to the indolent poor, it’s a program that allows hard-working people to have a safety net in case they lose a job or someone in the house becomes disabled. Would cutting all these people loose save us a fortune, though? Nope!"
Carly Fiorina Comes Unglued Over The CFPB
Carly Fiorina Comes Unglued Over The CFPB
"Enforcement actions have already returned more than $10 billion to consumers."
"Enforcement actions have already returned more than $10 billion to consumers."
10 Distortions, Misrepresentations and Outright Lies in the 4th GOP Debate @alternet
10 Distortions, Misrepresentations and Outright Lies in the 4th GOP Debate @alternet
"Both debates offered a window into an entirely different world, completely unrelated to the world we actually live in. Candidates made statement after statement that contained distortions, misstatements, untruths, and outright lies. Here are the biggest whoppers"
"Both debates offered a window into an entirely different world, completely unrelated to the world we actually live in. Candidates made statement after statement that contained distortions, misstatements, untruths, and outright lies. Here are the biggest whoppers"
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Every Single Republican Candidate Opposes Raising the Minimum Wage
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/10/single-republican-candidate-opposes-raising-minimum-wage.html
"They are basically handing this election to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Senator Bernie Sanders. In fact, the Clinton campaign immediately sent out a memo reminding everyone what the Republican presidential candidates said and have said in the past on the issue of raising the minimum wage"
"They are basically handing this election to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Senator Bernie Sanders. In fact, the Clinton campaign immediately sent out a memo reminding everyone what the Republican presidential candidates said and have said in the past on the issue of raising the minimum wage"
While Conservative Christians Cry About Cups, Starbucks Extends Amazing Benefit to Veterans
While Conservative Christians Cry About Cups, Starbucks Extends Amazing Benefit to Veterans
"If you’re so insecure about your beliefs as a Christian, or your faith in general, that the design of a disposable coffee cup upsets you – you really need to reassess your priorities. And if it does bother you that much, then don’t drink Starbucks. You’ll only be boycotting a company that just announced it will now extend a completely tuition-free four-year college benefit to the spouse or child of every veteran or active military reservist employed 20 or more hours a week. Yes, Starbucks just did that. Please, tell me again how you’re going to boycott the company over the design of a disposable cup. We all really care. This is what I mean when I say most conservatives aren’t Christians. While these clowns obsess over the design of a cup, they’re now bashing a company that just gave a remarkable benefit to every single veteran or active member of our military."
"If you’re so insecure about your beliefs as a Christian, or your faith in general, that the design of a disposable coffee cup upsets you – you really need to reassess your priorities. And if it does bother you that much, then don’t drink Starbucks. You’ll only be boycotting a company that just announced it will now extend a completely tuition-free four-year college benefit to the spouse or child of every veteran or active military reservist employed 20 or more hours a week. Yes, Starbucks just did that. Please, tell me again how you’re going to boycott the company over the design of a disposable cup. We all really care. This is what I mean when I say most conservatives aren’t Christians. While these clowns obsess over the design of a cup, they’re now bashing a company that just gave a remarkable benefit to every single veteran or active member of our military."
Here are 5 Republican governors who trashed their states in the name of conservatism
Here are 5 Republican governors who trashed their states in the name of conservatism
"1. Gov. Sam Brownback: The Kansas City Star described the former U.S. congressman’s tenure as governor as a “full-time disaster,” economically. Brownback has clung to his Tea Party principles as governor, slashing taxes and gutting state programs on the promise that he would create new jobs and boost the state’s lagging economy. Sadly for Kansans, tax cuts for the rich and trickle-down economics have worked as well there as they’ve worked anywhere else — which is to say, not at all. And even as the state’s economy has nose-dived, Brownback has clung more tightly to the conservative orthodoxy, that the only way to create jobs is to lavish money on the rich and force the poor to pull themselves up by their increasingly frayed bootstraps. In September, the Star said, “(T)he state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July. Here’s even more dire news: The Sunflower State in the past 12 months gained a total of a puny 1,000 new jobs. That’s the fourth worst record in the entire United States, at .1 percent employment growth for the entire last year.” Last month, only 18 percent of Kansas voters said they approve of Brownback’s performance as governor. Ironically, 28 percent of voters in the deep red state approved of President Barack Obama’s performance as president, ten points higher than the governor. “This could be some of the lowest approval ratings of any Kansas governor in history,” said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University to the Topeka Capital-Journal. “It’s epic"."
"1. Gov. Sam Brownback: The Kansas City Star described the former U.S. congressman’s tenure as governor as a “full-time disaster,” economically. Brownback has clung to his Tea Party principles as governor, slashing taxes and gutting state programs on the promise that he would create new jobs and boost the state’s lagging economy. Sadly for Kansans, tax cuts for the rich and trickle-down economics have worked as well there as they’ve worked anywhere else — which is to say, not at all. And even as the state’s economy has nose-dived, Brownback has clung more tightly to the conservative orthodoxy, that the only way to create jobs is to lavish money on the rich and force the poor to pull themselves up by their increasingly frayed bootstraps. In September, the Star said, “(T)he state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July. Here’s even more dire news: The Sunflower State in the past 12 months gained a total of a puny 1,000 new jobs. That’s the fourth worst record in the entire United States, at .1 percent employment growth for the entire last year.” Last month, only 18 percent of Kansas voters said they approve of Brownback’s performance as governor. Ironically, 28 percent of voters in the deep red state approved of President Barack Obama’s performance as president, ten points higher than the governor. “This could be some of the lowest approval ratings of any Kansas governor in history,” said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University to the Topeka Capital-Journal. “It’s epic"."
Thursday, November 5, 2015
To Help Hard-Hit Seniors, Warren/Sanders Bill Would Boost Social Security
To Help Hard-Hit Seniors, Warren/Sanders Bill Would Boost Social Security
"Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation on Thursday that would provide tens of millions of Americans with an emergency payment while tackling a corporate loophole that boosts CEO pay."
"Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation on Thursday that would provide tens of millions of Americans with an emergency payment while tackling a corporate loophole that boosts CEO pay."
Matt Bevin Vows To Dismantle Kentucky Health Care Exchange
Matt Bevin Vows To Dismantle Kentucky Health Care Exchange
"Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin took a victory lap Thursday on Fox & Friends, vowing to dismantle Kynect in the name of "hope." No, really. He told Fox hosts that his election was because he brought hope to Kentuckians who must really hate having access to health care."
"Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin took a victory lap Thursday on Fox & Friends, vowing to dismantle Kynect in the name of "hope." No, really. He told Fox hosts that his election was because he brought hope to Kentuckians who must really hate having access to health care."
The Mega-Rich Families Who Own Our Politicians @alternet
The Mega-Rich Families Who Own Our Politicians @alternet
"Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts -- but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech.
"Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts -- but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech.
Historic: Ohio Voters Just Banned Gerrymandering, Restoring Faith In Democracy
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/historic-ohio-voters-just-banned-gerrymandering-restoring-faith-in-democracy/
"Winners to be determined by the voters – what a novel idea! Redistricting in order to gain a partisan advantage is known as gerrymandering, and has become one of the key tools in the Republican war chest to repress voters and entrench their stolen gains."
"Winners to be determined by the voters – what a novel idea! Redistricting in order to gain a partisan advantage is known as gerrymandering, and has become one of the key tools in the Republican war chest to repress voters and entrench their stolen gains."
HISTORIC: Koch Brothers Lose Big, Seattle Votes Big Money Out of Politics
http://usuncut.com/politics/seattle-wins-publicly-financed-elections-i-122/
"The I-122 initiative — also known as “Honest Elections Seattle” — passed with 60 percent of votes cast"
"The I-122 initiative — also known as “Honest Elections Seattle” — passed with 60 percent of votes cast"
In Victory for Public Ed, Colorado Boots Koch-Backed School Board
In Victory for Public Ed, Colorado Boots Koch-Backed School Board
"In a resounding blow to the national education "reform" movement, voters in Jefferson County, Colorado on Tuesday overwhelmingly chose to recall three Koch-backed conservative school board members who, among other transgressions, last year suggested censoring U.S. history curriculum to promote patriotism."
"In a resounding blow to the national education "reform" movement, voters in Jefferson County, Colorado on Tuesday overwhelmingly chose to recall three Koch-backed conservative school board members who, among other transgressions, last year suggested censoring U.S. history curriculum to promote patriotism."
Colorado Votes To Fire Education Board Conservatives Who Tried To Mess With History Books
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/04/colorado-votes-to-fire-education-board-conservatives-who-tried-to-mess-with-history-books/
"Here’s a history lesson three Colorado Board of Education members learned the hard way: Don’t try to change public school history books to better suit your conservative ideology. If you do, you’ll be out of a job."
"Here’s a history lesson three Colorado Board of Education members learned the hard way: Don’t try to change public school history books to better suit your conservative ideology. If you do, you’ll be out of a job."
Paul Ryan vs. the People
Paul Ryan vs. the People
"Paul Ryan paints himself as a champion of “the people” over “Washington.” But the “people” the new House speaker defends are corporations. And the “Washington” he attacks is the one that does deliver for real people."
"Paul Ryan paints himself as a champion of “the people” over “Washington.” But the “people” the new House speaker defends are corporations. And the “Washington” he attacks is the one that does deliver for real people."
Republicans To Rally With Pastor Who Says God Is About To Destroy America Due To Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
Republicans To Rally With Pastor Who Says God Is About To Destroy America Due To Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
"It would be an understatement to call Swanson an extremist. He wants the government to apply Old Testament law in all matters, thinks birth control turns women’s uteruses into “graveyards for lots and lots of little babies,” spoke up for Uganda’s “kill-the-gays” bill, sees constant threats to recruit his daughter to become a lesbian from Disney movies and Girl Scout cookies, and describes homosexuality as a satanic “disease” that causes natural disasters."
"It would be an understatement to call Swanson an extremist. He wants the government to apply Old Testament law in all matters, thinks birth control turns women’s uteruses into “graveyards for lots and lots of little babies,” spoke up for Uganda’s “kill-the-gays” bill, sees constant threats to recruit his daughter to become a lesbian from Disney movies and Girl Scout cookies, and describes homosexuality as a satanic “disease” that causes natural disasters."
Rupert Murdoch Takes Over at National Geographic, Immediately Starts Laying off Award-Winning Staff @alternet
Rupert Murdoch Takes Over at National Geographic, Immediately Starts Laying off Award-Winning Staff @alternet
"The management of National Geographic sent out an email telling its staff, all of its staff, all to report to their headquarters, and wait by their phones. This pulled back every person who was in the field, every photographer, every reporter, even those on vacation had to show up on this fateful day. As these phones rang, one by one National Geographic let go the award-winning staff, and the venerable institution was no more. The name now belongs to Rupert Murdoch, and he has plans for it."
"The management of National Geographic sent out an email telling its staff, all of its staff, all to report to their headquarters, and wait by their phones. This pulled back every person who was in the field, every photographer, every reporter, even those on vacation had to show up on this fateful day. As these phones rang, one by one National Geographic let go the award-winning staff, and the venerable institution was no more. The name now belongs to Rupert Murdoch, and he has plans for it."
Seattle Voters Approve First-in-the-Nation 'Democracy Vouchers'
Seattle Voters Approve First-in-the-Nation 'Democracy Vouchers'
"Maine voters also approved a clean elections ballot initiative on Tuesday."
"Maine voters also approved a clean elections ballot initiative on Tuesday."
Let's recap hilariously wrong Republican predictions about Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/03/1443846/-Let-s-recap-hilariously-wrong-Republican-predictions-about-Obamacare
"There are definitely two sides to our politics today, and they are "right" and "wrong." In a sane world, that whole "wrong" crowd would never have a platform or be treated seriously again."
"There are definitely two sides to our politics today, and they are "right" and "wrong." In a sane world, that whole "wrong" crowd would never have a platform or be treated seriously again."
Republicans don’t want a debate at all: The real reason for their endless bellyaching
Republicans don’t want a debate at all: The real reason for their endless bellyaching
"GOP candidates don't like being called out on their BS. Their solution? Change the rules of the game, mid-contest"
"GOP candidates don't like being called out on their BS. Their solution? Change the rules of the game, mid-contest"
National Geographic Readies Itself For Murdoch Takeover With Layoffs
National Geographic Readies Itself For Murdoch Takeover With Layoffs
"Welcome to Murdoch-land, National Geographic. What a colossal waste of a fine publication."
"Welcome to Murdoch-land, National Geographic. What a colossal waste of a fine publication."
The GOP is digging its own grave: How their debate tantrum hastens the party’s demise
The GOP is digging its own grave: How their debate tantrum hastens the party’s demise
"Ted Cruz wants sycophants to ask loaded questions that allow candidates to deliver rehearsed soliloquies"
"Ted Cruz wants sycophants to ask loaded questions that allow candidates to deliver rehearsed soliloquies"
Kris Kobach just got busted: Leader of GOP’s voter suppression crusade spoke before white nationalist group
Kris Kobach just got busted: Leader of GOP’s voter suppression crusade spoke before white nationalist group
"Kansas Secretary of State and the right-wing’s most prominent anti-immigration activist Kris Kobach was recently outed for speaking at the annual Writers’ Workshop of the The Social Contract Press (TSCP), a group classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a white nationalist publishing house."
"Kansas Secretary of State and the right-wing’s most prominent anti-immigration activist Kris Kobach was recently outed for speaking at the annual Writers’ Workshop of the The Social Contract Press (TSCP), a group classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a white nationalist publishing house."
Wisconsin Poised to Gut Its Campaign Finance and Anti-Corruption Laws
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/10/scott-walker-guts-wisconsin-corruption-campaign-finance-laws
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
Paul Ryan Tells Fox News That Only He Is Entitled To Have Paid Family Time (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/01/paul-ryan-tells-fox-news-that-only-he-is-entitled-to-have-paid-family-time-video/
"In fact, Paul Ryan makes even more money now as House Speaker, getting a whopping paycheck of $223,500 while doing less work than his predecessor and while presiding over a Congress that will likely be one of the least productive in American history as it takes a vote every day to repeal Obamacare while doing little for the people they are supposed to serve. The good news is that Americans don’t have to continue taking this kind of sh*t from Republicans. The 2016 Election is just a year away and they can change this. The bottom line is that if Americans want paid family time like Paul Ryan receives, all they have to do is give the Senate and House back to the Democratic Party, which supports paid leave for every American worker."
"In fact, Paul Ryan makes even more money now as House Speaker, getting a whopping paycheck of $223,500 while doing less work than his predecessor and while presiding over a Congress that will likely be one of the least productive in American history as it takes a vote every day to repeal Obamacare while doing little for the people they are supposed to serve. The good news is that Americans don’t have to continue taking this kind of sh*t from Republicans. The 2016 Election is just a year away and they can change this. The bottom line is that if Americans want paid family time like Paul Ryan receives, all they have to do is give the Senate and House back to the Democratic Party, which supports paid leave for every American worker."
You Won’t Believe What Financial Advisers Are Getting In Return For Giving Seniors Bad Advice (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/10/31/bonuses-bad-financial-advise-wall-street-retirement-pensions-rewards-video/
"The revelations detailed in Senator Warren’s report support the Obama administration’s call for changes to existing laws, that don’t prohibit financial advisers, brokers and agents from putting their own financial interests above those of their client. A proposed rule change would allow the Department of Labor to “impose a fiduciary duty on fund managers, requiring them to make investment decisions in the best interests of their clients and making it illegal for investment professionals to push clients into under-performing investments in order to score vacations or other benefits.” Not surprisingly, Wall Street and Congressional Republicans are adamantly opposed to the change which would put the interest of working class families above the interests of those who exploit them."
"The revelations detailed in Senator Warren’s report support the Obama administration’s call for changes to existing laws, that don’t prohibit financial advisers, brokers and agents from putting their own financial interests above those of their client. A proposed rule change would allow the Department of Labor to “impose a fiduciary duty on fund managers, requiring them to make investment decisions in the best interests of their clients and making it illegal for investment professionals to push clients into under-performing investments in order to score vacations or other benefits.” Not surprisingly, Wall Street and Congressional Republicans are adamantly opposed to the change which would put the interest of working class families above the interests of those who exploit them."
The Kochs Keep America Behind The Developed World In Using Free Energy
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/02/kochs-america-falling-developed-world-free-energy.html
"Leading the charge against expanding solar power in the Sunshine State are none other than the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The Koch group has repeated the same tactics in Florida that it has in myriad other states and has openly, and viciously, attacked the ballot initiative to open solar markets in Florida."
"Leading the charge against expanding solar power in the Sunshine State are none other than the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The Koch group has repeated the same tactics in Florida that it has in myriad other states and has openly, and viciously, attacked the ballot initiative to open solar markets in Florida."
Paul Ryan’s Stance On Paid Family Leave Shows Exactly Why I Called Him a Scumbag
Paul Ryan’s Stance On Paid Family Leave Shows Exactly Why I Called Him a Scumbag
"He’s someone who constantly complains about entitlements, government programs and public spending despite the fact that practically his entire life has been supported by government programs and/or the taxpayers. He even used Social Security benefits he received following his father’s tragic death to help him pay for school. Yes, the guy who’s built his career out of opposing entitlement programs used benefits from an entitlement program to help pay for his education. The hypocrisy is astounding. Ryan recently took his ridiculousness up a notch when he included as part of his requirements to replace John Boehner as House Speaker that he be given adequate time to spend with his family. This is the sort of thing that Fox News and the conservative media would be losing their minds over had a Democrat made such a request – yet because it was Paul Ryan, the right pretty much completely ignored it. Well, during an interview Sunday morning on Fox News, Ryan was asked whether or not he would support legislation that provided paid “family time” to Americans who want the exact same thing he demanded before becoming Speaker of the House. His answer was absolutely appalling"
"He’s someone who constantly complains about entitlements, government programs and public spending despite the fact that practically his entire life has been supported by government programs and/or the taxpayers. He even used Social Security benefits he received following his father’s tragic death to help him pay for school. Yes, the guy who’s built his career out of opposing entitlement programs used benefits from an entitlement program to help pay for his education. The hypocrisy is astounding. Ryan recently took his ridiculousness up a notch when he included as part of his requirements to replace John Boehner as House Speaker that he be given adequate time to spend with his family. This is the sort of thing that Fox News and the conservative media would be losing their minds over had a Democrat made such a request – yet because it was Paul Ryan, the right pretty much completely ignored it. Well, during an interview Sunday morning on Fox News, Ryan was asked whether or not he would support legislation that provided paid “family time” to Americans who want the exact same thing he demanded before becoming Speaker of the House. His answer was absolutely appalling"
Paul Ryan: Paid Leave Doesn't 'Make Any Sense' For Workers, But I Deserve More Family Time
Paul Ryan: Paid Leave Doesn't 'Make Any Sense' For Workers, But I Deserve More Family Time
"The new Speaker said that he would reserve at least two days a week for his family. However, legislation to guarantee paid leave for workers was out of the question."
"The new Speaker said that he would reserve at least two days a week for his family. However, legislation to guarantee paid leave for workers was out of the question."
Rubio is so Hate Filled, He Now is Blocking his Own Nominee from Becoming a Judge
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/10/30/rubio-is-so-hate-filled-he-now-is-blocking-his-own-nominee-from-becoming-a-judge/
"Presidential candidate Marco Rubio has been busy blocking one of President Obama’s judicial nominees. The strange part of it is that the nominee in question, Mary Barzee Flores, was recommended to the President by Senator Rubio himself."
"Presidential candidate Marco Rubio has been busy blocking one of President Obama’s judicial nominees. The strange part of it is that the nominee in question, Mary Barzee Flores, was recommended to the President by Senator Rubio himself."
GOP leader of House anti-immigrant wing says immigration reform is never gonna happen: 'No way'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/30/1442828/-GOP-leader-of-House-anti-immigrant-wing-says-immigration-reform-is-never-gonna-happen-No-way#
"Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio promised right-wing radio host Laura Ingraham that immigration reform would never happen."
"Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio promised right-wing radio host Laura Ingraham that immigration reform would never happen."
Cruz, Jindal And Huckabee To Join Multiple Speakers Who Want Gays Put To Death | Right Wing Watch
Cruz, Jindal And Huckabee To Join Multiple Speakers Who Want Gays Put To Death | Right Wing Watch
"So let us reiterate once again that, in 2015, three Republican presidential hopefuls — including a sitting senator, a sitting governor, and one former governor — are all scheduled to speak at an event organized by and featuring several speakers who openly advocate putting gay people to death."
"So let us reiterate once again that, in 2015, three Republican presidential hopefuls — including a sitting senator, a sitting governor, and one former governor — are all scheduled to speak at an event organized by and featuring several speakers who openly advocate putting gay people to death."
What the GOP Got Wrong About Women During Their Latest Debate
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33463-what-the-gop-got-wrong-about-women-during-their-lastest-debate
"A debate hosted by CNBC, the business side of NBC News, should have been a prime opportunity to focus on economics, and, as such, women. After all, women make up a larger portion of the workforce, they often receive lower wages, they live longer and subsequently need more options in retirement, they make most of the household purchases, and until the passage of Obamacare they paid more for their healthcare just because they were in fact women."
"A debate hosted by CNBC, the business side of NBC News, should have been a prime opportunity to focus on economics, and, as such, women. After all, women make up a larger portion of the workforce, they often receive lower wages, they live longer and subsequently need more options in retirement, they make most of the household purchases, and until the passage of Obamacare they paid more for their healthcare just because they were in fact women."
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
If Ohio Bans Gerrymandering Today, There Could be Hope for American Democracy
http://www.thenation.com/article/if-ohio-bans-gerrymandering-today-there-could-be-hope-for-american-democracy/
"What makes Ohio’s Issue 1 test stand out is the fact that voters are being given a chance to address a key source of the political dysfunction that influences so many other issues. Nothing does more to deny democracy than gerrymandering—the process by which legislators draw districts that are so heavily weighted toward one party that election results are preordained. When whole states are gerrymandered, the will of the voters can and is thwarted—so that even if most voters cast their ballots for Democrats, Republicans might retain control of legislative chambers."
"What makes Ohio’s Issue 1 test stand out is the fact that voters are being given a chance to address a key source of the political dysfunction that influences so many other issues. Nothing does more to deny democracy than gerrymandering—the process by which legislators draw districts that are so heavily weighted toward one party that election results are preordained. When whole states are gerrymandered, the will of the voters can and is thwarted—so that even if most voters cast their ballots for Democrats, Republicans might retain control of legislative chambers."
Forget 2016. Here Are 9 Huge Issues Americans Are Voting On In Today’s Elections.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/11/03/3718302/ballot-initiatives-november-3/
"voters across the country will go to the polls on Tuesday to elect various state legislators and governors, and the outcomes of those races could have wide-ranging policy implications.
"voters across the country will go to the polls on Tuesday to elect various state legislators and governors, and the outcomes of those races could have wide-ranging policy implications.
From Pot to 'Democracy Vouchers,' Election Day 2015 Races to Watch
From Pot to 'Democracy Vouchers,' Election Day 2015 Races to Watch
"voters in Ohio will also be asked to weigh in on Issue 1 (pdf), which would create a new, bipartisan commission to draw legislative districts that are compact and do not favor one political party or another."
"voters in Ohio will also be asked to weigh in on Issue 1 (pdf), which would create a new, bipartisan commission to draw legislative districts that are compact and do not favor one political party or another."
Monday, November 2, 2015
Wisconsin Poised to Gut Its Campaign Finance and Anti-Corruption Laws
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/10/scott-walker-guts-wisconsin-corruption-campaign-finance-laws
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
'Absolute Crap' But Brilliant: Corporate America's Plan to 'Misbehave Without Reproach
'Absolute Crap' But Brilliant: Corporate America's Plan to 'Misbehave Without Reproach
"What the Times found was a pattern of legal dead ends for consumers seeking to find redress for perceived injustices due to various forms of corporate fraud and malpractice. Often buried deep within lengthy and difficult-to-read contracts that purchasers of products or services are forced to sign, legal experts say the injection of these arbitration clauses "have essentially disabled consumer challenges to practices like predatory lending, wage theft and discrimination"."
"What the Times found was a pattern of legal dead ends for consumers seeking to find redress for perceived injustices due to various forms of corporate fraud and malpractice. Often buried deep within lengthy and difficult-to-read contracts that purchasers of products or services are forced to sign, legal experts say the injection of these arbitration clauses "have essentially disabled consumer challenges to practices like predatory lending, wage theft and discrimination"."
Krugman: Why Republicans Are Ferocious Liars About What Makes the Economy Work @alternet
Krugman: Why Republicans Are Ferocious Liars About What Makes the Economy Work @alternet
"Why does the economy do better under Democrats, and why do Republicans tend to lie about that fact? Despite Carly Fiorina's fallacious claims to the contrary, Hillary Clinton was right to say that the the country has had better economic times with a Democrat in the White House.
It's an ironic and inconvenient truth. All Republican candidates do is talk about economic growth. And then they pursue and peddle policies that have been demonstrated not to produce it, with tax cuts for the wealthy front and center. Krugman digs deep into the facts of matter:
The arithmetic on partisan differences is actually stunning. Last year the economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson circulated a paper comparing economic performance under Democratic and Republican presidents since 1947. Under Democrats, the economy grew, on average, 4.35 percent per year; under Republicans, only 2.54 percent. Over the whole period, the economy was in recession for 49 quarters; Democrats held the White House during only eight of those quarters.
But isn’t the story different for the Obama years? Not as much as you think. Yes, the recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2009 has been sluggish. Even so, the Obama record compares favorably on a number of indicators with that of George W. Bush. In particular, despite all the talk about job-killing policies, private-sector employment is eight million higher than it was when Barack Obama took office, twice the job gains achieved under his predecessor before the recession struck."
"Why does the economy do better under Democrats, and why do Republicans tend to lie about that fact? Despite Carly Fiorina's fallacious claims to the contrary, Hillary Clinton was right to say that the the country has had better economic times with a Democrat in the White House.
It's an ironic and inconvenient truth. All Republican candidates do is talk about economic growth. And then they pursue and peddle policies that have been demonstrated not to produce it, with tax cuts for the wealthy front and center. Krugman digs deep into the facts of matter:
The arithmetic on partisan differences is actually stunning. Last year the economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson circulated a paper comparing economic performance under Democratic and Republican presidents since 1947. Under Democrats, the economy grew, on average, 4.35 percent per year; under Republicans, only 2.54 percent. Over the whole period, the economy was in recession for 49 quarters; Democrats held the White House during only eight of those quarters.
But isn’t the story different for the Obama years? Not as much as you think. Yes, the recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2009 has been sluggish. Even so, the Obama record compares favorably on a number of indicators with that of George W. Bush. In particular, despite all the talk about job-killing policies, private-sector employment is eight million higher than it was when Barack Obama took office, twice the job gains achieved under his predecessor before the recession struck."
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease.
“The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.”
In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added:
“They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection"."
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease.
“The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.”
In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added:
“They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection"."
Robert Reich: Everywhere You Look Huge Cartels Are Jacking Up Prices, Gouging You However They Can @alternet
Robert Reich: Everywhere You Look Huge Cartels Are Jacking Up Prices, Gouging You However They Can @alternet
"The only way to stop them is to prevent big corporations and Wall Street banks from rigging the market."
"The only way to stop them is to prevent big corporations and Wall Street banks from rigging the market."
Sunday, November 1, 2015
This is the media’s real bias — pro-business, pro-corporate, pro-CEO
This is the media’s real bias — pro-business, pro-corporate, pro-CEO
"the extraordinary thing is not that powerful financial interests have the ability to determine what topics dominate news media which they, for the most part, own. The really notable fact is that so many people believe that this is natural, reasonable, and the result of some democratic consensus."
"the extraordinary thing is not that powerful financial interests have the ability to determine what topics dominate news media which they, for the most part, own. The really notable fact is that so many people believe that this is natural, reasonable, and the result of some democratic consensus."
GOP hates the media because they are liars: The damning, evil history of the right’s war on a free press
GOP hates the media because they are liars: The damning, evil history of the right’s war on a free press
"These lies are symptoms of the real problem: that the rigid ideology of Movement Conservatives concentrates power in a very few wealthy men. When asked to justify with actual math the regressive economic policies that underlie all of their candidacies, the candidates obfuscated. Their numbers do not add up, as they have not added up since President Reagan’s budget director David Stockman notoriously made supply-side tax policy work with a “magic asterisk” that represented cuts and loophole closures to be made later."
"These lies are symptoms of the real problem: that the rigid ideology of Movement Conservatives concentrates power in a very few wealthy men. When asked to justify with actual math the regressive economic policies that underlie all of their candidacies, the candidates obfuscated. Their numbers do not add up, as they have not added up since President Reagan’s budget director David Stockman notoriously made supply-side tax policy work with a “magic asterisk” that represented cuts and loophole closures to be made later."
Jim Hightower: How Much 'Free Speech' Can You Buy?
Jim Hightower: How Much 'Free Speech' Can You Buy?
"Sure enough, in the first six months of this presidential election cycle, more than half of the record-setting $300 million given to the various candidates came from only 358 mega-rich families and the corporations they control. The top 158 of them totaled $176 million in political spending, meaning that, on average, each one of them bought more than a million dollars' worth of "free" speech.
Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts — but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech."
"Sure enough, in the first six months of this presidential election cycle, more than half of the record-setting $300 million given to the various candidates came from only 358 mega-rich families and the corporations they control. The top 158 of them totaled $176 million in political spending, meaning that, on average, each one of them bought more than a million dollars' worth of "free" speech.
Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts — but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech."
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