http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/12989/koch-funded-special-interest-groups-and-utilities-bankrolling-alec-meeting
"Koch-funded groups and utilities are bankrolling ALEC's closed-door winter meeting and parties for state legislators that are underway in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a luxury resort and spa. The three-day gathering is bringing together lobbyists and legislators to plan their 2016 bill agenda for the upcoming legislative session."
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Women’s Economic Agenda: Creating an Economy That Works for Everyone
http://www.epi.org/womens-agenda/
"Closing the wage gap is essential to helping women achieve economic security."
"Closing the wage gap is essential to helping women achieve economic security."
WATCH: Jon Stewart Returns to Daily Show to Shame Pols Over 9/11 First Responders Bill @alternet
WATCH: Jon Stewart Returns to Daily Show to Shame Pols Over 9/11 First Responders Bill @alternet
"Stewart spent the majority of the second half of the segment going after McConnell, who he said “is the key to getting this done, and so far he has been an enormous obstacle, unwilling to move the bill forward for purely political reasons.” Later Stewart added, "Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky doesn't give a sh*t about anything but politics. The first responders were told the Zadroga Act would be included – they were told this last week – would be included in the transport bill passed last week. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled it out of the transportation bill last week when he didn't get concessions about loosening oil export regulations."
"Stewart spent the majority of the second half of the segment going after McConnell, who he said “is the key to getting this done, and so far he has been an enormous obstacle, unwilling to move the bill forward for purely political reasons.” Later Stewart added, "Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky doesn't give a sh*t about anything but politics. The first responders were told the Zadroga Act would be included – they were told this last week – would be included in the transport bill passed last week. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled it out of the transportation bill last week when he didn't get concessions about loosening oil export regulations."
Jon Stewart’s triumphant return: The former “Daily Show” host shames Congress with powerful message
Jon Stewart’s triumphant return: The former “Daily Show” host shames Congress with powerful message
"Stewart is launching #WorstResponders to get Mitch McConnell and the Senate to do the right thing. VIDEO"
"Stewart is launching #WorstResponders to get Mitch McConnell and the Senate to do the right thing. VIDEO"
White supremacist leaders thank Donald Trump for dragging their racism into the mainstream
White supremacist leaders thank Donald Trump for dragging their racism into the mainstream
"Donald Trump hasn’t just been popular with the Republican party as a presidential candidate. He’s also served as a recruiting tool for white supremacists"
"Donald Trump hasn’t just been popular with the Republican party as a presidential candidate. He’s also served as a recruiting tool for white supremacists"
European business network does what the GOP doesn’t have the guts to do — bans Donald Trump
European business network does what the GOP doesn’t have the guts to do — bans Donald Trump
"200,000 United Kingdom citizens have also signed a petition that Trump be barred from entering Britain’s shores. Any petition exceeding 100,000 signatures is automatically taken into consideration for debate in Parliament, according to the BBC."
"200,000 United Kingdom citizens have also signed a petition that Trump be barred from entering Britain’s shores. Any petition exceeding 100,000 signatures is automatically taken into consideration for debate in Parliament, according to the BBC."
British Parliament Set To Ban Trump After 211,000 Sign Petition Demanding It
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/british-parliament-set-to-ban-trump-after-211000-sign-petition-demanding-it/
"The petition needed 10,000 signatures in order for the government to respond, and 100,000 signatures for a Parliamentary debate. As of this writing, more than 211,000 people have signed it — with more than thirty being added every second."
"The petition needed 10,000 signatures in order for the government to respond, and 100,000 signatures for a Parliamentary debate. As of this writing, more than 211,000 people have signed it — with more than thirty being added every second."
GOP in panic mode: Will Mitt Romney try to save the day, or must RNC steal nomination from Trump?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/9/1458497/-GOP-in-panic-mode-Will-Mitt-Romney-try-to-save-the-day-or-must-RNC-steal-nomination-from-Trump
"Ultimately, Trump just filled a market need created by GOP rhetoric and extremism. They all built a party of crazies, happy to ride the crazy train to congressional and state-level majorities—but the inmates took over the asylum. The only question now is what to do: Whether it’s resurrecting the corpse of Romney’s candidacy, or outright stealing the nomination from Trump. Either way, it won’t be pretty. But we are far beyond the point of pretty."
"Ultimately, Trump just filled a market need created by GOP rhetoric and extremism. They all built a party of crazies, happy to ride the crazy train to congressional and state-level majorities—but the inmates took over the asylum. The only question now is what to do: Whether it’s resurrecting the corpse of Romney’s candidacy, or outright stealing the nomination from Trump. Either way, it won’t be pretty. But we are far beyond the point of pretty."
House Republican leaders fear a 'devastating' Trump nomination. Poor babies.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/9/1458431/-House-Republican-leaders-fear-a-devastating-Trump-nomination-Poor-babies
"Donald Trump keeps terrifying establishment Republicans, and they keep running to reporters to explain how very upset they are that their party’s presidential leader is for some odd reason a flaming bigot. It’s not good for the general election, you see, and they have downballot races to worry about"
"Donald Trump keeps terrifying establishment Republicans, and they keep running to reporters to explain how very upset they are that their party’s presidential leader is for some odd reason a flaming bigot. It’s not good for the general election, you see, and they have downballot races to worry about"
Hey Paul Ryan, Here's Proof That Donald Trump Represents Exactly What Your Party Stands For
Hey Paul Ryan, Here's Proof That Donald Trump Represents Exactly What Your Party Stands For
"Since announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump has led the field of GOP presidential candidates running a campaign based on bigotry, racism, sexism, disrespecting veterans, bullying reporters and mocking a writer with disabilities – and conservative voters have loved him for it."
"Since announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump has led the field of GOP presidential candidates running a campaign based on bigotry, racism, sexism, disrespecting veterans, bullying reporters and mocking a writer with disabilities – and conservative voters have loved him for it."
Donald Trump is lying through his teeth: This is why the political press is so enraging
Donald Trump is lying through his teeth: This is why the political press is so enraging
"It’s clear that Trump’s taking advantage of press etiquette and its firm reluctance to call him what he is, a congenital liar"
"It’s clear that Trump’s taking advantage of press etiquette and its firm reluctance to call him what he is, a congenital liar"
The Breitbartian Candidate
http://www.breitbartunmasked.com/2015/12/08/the-breitbartian-candidate/
"Trump clearly enjoys the ardent enthusiasm of what used to be considered a lunatic fringe, but is now the conservative Republican base. Over the last few weeks, plentiful commentary has examined whether Trump should be considered a fascist, or whether it’s more correct to define him as a proto-fascist, yet almost all of these writers have left the maddening crowd at his rallies, and the media channels which enable him, unexamined in any detail. It’s as if we tried studying Mussolini without ever looking at his arditi goon squads or his party newspapers. Fascist propaganda masquerades as news to inflame the passions and shape the selection bias of people who desperately want a simple answer to their complex problems; fascism makes a fetish of violence, and in both areas Trump presents as a classical fascist."
"Trump clearly enjoys the ardent enthusiasm of what used to be considered a lunatic fringe, but is now the conservative Republican base. Over the last few weeks, plentiful commentary has examined whether Trump should be considered a fascist, or whether it’s more correct to define him as a proto-fascist, yet almost all of these writers have left the maddening crowd at his rallies, and the media channels which enable him, unexamined in any detail. It’s as if we tried studying Mussolini without ever looking at his arditi goon squads or his party newspapers. Fascist propaganda masquerades as news to inflame the passions and shape the selection bias of people who desperately want a simple answer to their complex problems; fascism makes a fetish of violence, and in both areas Trump presents as a classical fascist."
UPDATED: White Nationalist Media Back Trump's Anti-Muslim Plan: "Great," "So Wonderful," "Heil Donald Trump"
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/12/08/white-nationalist-media-back-trumps-anti-muslim/207323
"Neo-Nazi Vanguard News Network: "Trump Is Beginning To Sound Like A White Nationalist."."
"Neo-Nazi Vanguard News Network: "Trump Is Beginning To Sound Like A White Nationalist."."
Dear Media: You're The Daddy, And He Looks Just Like You!
Dear Media: You're The Daddy, And He Looks Just Like You!
"Hey, cable TV bobbleheads: What Trump says isn't new. It's just that he says it so much more unabashedly, unashamed. The Republican party didn't just suddenly become the party of extremism, of dangerous ideas. You watched as they became smaller, purer, crazier. Your response? "Hey, we'd better target that demographic!" You guys own that. Your careerist asses went along with that corporate agenda -- I'd guess with very little meaningful pushback. Did it never occur to you that chasing "stories" and "scandals" fabricated by Fox News and affiliated extremist groups would have consequences?"
"Hey, cable TV bobbleheads: What Trump says isn't new. It's just that he says it so much more unabashedly, unashamed. The Republican party didn't just suddenly become the party of extremism, of dangerous ideas. You watched as they became smaller, purer, crazier. Your response? "Hey, we'd better target that demographic!" You guys own that. Your careerist asses went along with that corporate agenda -- I'd guess with very little meaningful pushback. Did it never occur to you that chasing "stories" and "scandals" fabricated by Fox News and affiliated extremist groups would have consequences?"
Heil Trump! The Times of Israel uses a telling photograph of the Donald to highlight “the nativist racism inherent in his latest remarks”
Heil Trump! The Times of Israel uses a telling photograph of the Donald to highlight “the nativist racism inherent in his latest remarks”
"and tonight the ADL released a statement saying that “in the Jewish community, we know all too well what can happen when a particular religious group is singled out for stereotyping and scapegoating. We also know that this country must not give into fear by turning its back on its fundamental values, even at a time of great crisis.” The director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, was even more blunt in his assessment, saying that “as Jews who are now observing Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates a small religious minority’s right to live unmolested, we are deeply disturbed by the nativist racism inherent in the candidate’s latest remarks. You don’t need to go back to the Hanukkah story to see the horrific results of religious persecution; religious stereotyping of this sort has been tried often, inevitably with disastrous results"."
"and tonight the ADL released a statement saying that “in the Jewish community, we know all too well what can happen when a particular religious group is singled out for stereotyping and scapegoating. We also know that this country must not give into fear by turning its back on its fundamental values, even at a time of great crisis.” The director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, was even more blunt in his assessment, saying that “as Jews who are now observing Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates a small religious minority’s right to live unmolested, we are deeply disturbed by the nativist racism inherent in the candidate’s latest remarks. You don’t need to go back to the Hanukkah story to see the horrific results of religious persecution; religious stereotyping of this sort has been tried often, inevitably with disastrous results"."
New Poll Proves How Damaging Donald Trump Is To The GOP
New Poll Proves How Damaging Donald Trump Is To The GOP
"The constant parade of bizarre and offensive actions by Donald Trump are indeed hurting the Republican Party. Even though he is extremely popular with primary voters, he’s pulled the GOP into the realm of openly celebrating ignorance, fear and hatred. He doesn’t offer any reasonable solutions to anything, just bombastic speeches that contain no substance, and are aimed at the lowest common denominator. If Trump got his way, come 2017, we’d officially be the land of the conspiracy theorists and home of the cowards."
"The constant parade of bizarre and offensive actions by Donald Trump are indeed hurting the Republican Party. Even though he is extremely popular with primary voters, he’s pulled the GOP into the realm of openly celebrating ignorance, fear and hatred. He doesn’t offer any reasonable solutions to anything, just bombastic speeches that contain no substance, and are aimed at the lowest common denominator. If Trump got his way, come 2017, we’d officially be the land of the conspiracy theorists and home of the cowards."
Sunday, December 6, 2015
In "Extraordinary" Move, WI Supreme Court Fires Scott Walker Prosecutor to Stave-Off SCOTUS Review
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/12986/Walker-JohnDoe-WisconsinSupremeCourt
"On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority contorted itself to find a new way to protect both Scott Walker and the Court's biggest supporters--not to mention itself--following its decision in July rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Wednesday's ruling was supposed to be a straightforward decision on a motion to reconsider, in light of additional evidence that Walker and his allies had violated the campaign finance laws that the Court upheld in July. The Court denied that motion, but then (in a lengthy unsigned opinion) went further, rewriting its July decision to fire the Republican Special Prosecutor who had led the investigation, Francis Schmitz, making it harder for him to challenge the justices' conflicts-of-interest by appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those conflicts arise from the fact that the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, raising concerns under U.S. Supreme Court precedent about whether the justices should have heard the case at all."
"On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority contorted itself to find a new way to protect both Scott Walker and the Court's biggest supporters--not to mention itself--following its decision in July rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Wednesday's ruling was supposed to be a straightforward decision on a motion to reconsider, in light of additional evidence that Walker and his allies had violated the campaign finance laws that the Court upheld in July. The Court denied that motion, but then (in a lengthy unsigned opinion) went further, rewriting its July decision to fire the Republican Special Prosecutor who had led the investigation, Francis Schmitz, making it harder for him to challenge the justices' conflicts-of-interest by appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those conflicts arise from the fact that the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, raising concerns under U.S. Supreme Court precedent about whether the justices should have heard the case at all."
Pro-Democracy Group Warns of Secret Right-Wing Push to Rewrite Constitution
Pro-Democracy Group Warns of Secret Right-Wing Push to Rewrite Constitution
"With pro-corporate, right-wing lobby groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Citizens for Self-Governance—not to mention a number of 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls—pushing for such a convention, those who care about everything from environmental regulation to same-sex marriage to fair taxation have reason to be wary."
"With pro-corporate, right-wing lobby groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Citizens for Self-Governance—not to mention a number of 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls—pushing for such a convention, those who care about everything from environmental regulation to same-sex marriage to fair taxation have reason to be wary."
How the Clinton and Sanders Infrastructure Plans Measure Up
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33895-how-the-clinton-and-sanders-infrastructure-plans-measure-up
"With Republicans opposed to any investment in America's infrastructure, the proposals are measures of political positions, not measures of what the country should be able to do."
"With Republicans opposed to any investment in America's infrastructure, the proposals are measures of political positions, not measures of what the country should be able to do."
The incredible cowardice of the 1 percent: Why wealthy GOP donors are so afraid of Donald Trump
The incredible cowardice of the 1 percent: Why wealthy GOP donors are so afraid of Donald Trump
"Many leading Republican officials, strategists and donors now say they fear that Mr. Trump’s nomination would lead to an electoral wipeout, a sweeping defeat that could undo some of the gains Republicans have made in recent congressional, state and local elections … Some of the highest-ranking Republicans in Congress and some of the party’s wealthiest and most generous donors have balked at trying to take down Mr. Trump because they fear a public feud with the insult-spewing media figure."
"Many leading Republican officials, strategists and donors now say they fear that Mr. Trump’s nomination would lead to an electoral wipeout, a sweeping defeat that could undo some of the gains Republicans have made in recent congressional, state and local elections … Some of the highest-ranking Republicans in Congress and some of the party’s wealthiest and most generous donors have balked at trying to take down Mr. Trump because they fear a public feud with the insult-spewing media figure."
Sanders Only Candidate To Get On Texas Ballot By Petition, Doesn’t Pay A Cent
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/sanders-only-candidate-to-get-on-texas-ballot-by-petition-doesnt-pay-a-cent/
"Senator Sanders has drawn the largest crowds of supporters thus far in the race for the White House and his popularity doesn’t seem to be leveling off."
"Senator Sanders has drawn the largest crowds of supporters thus far in the race for the White House and his popularity doesn’t seem to be leveling off."
Obamacare Is Saving Lives: Early Cancer Detection And Treatment For Young Women On The Rise
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/27/obamacare-is-saving-lives-early-cancer-detection-and-treatment-for-young-women-on-the-rise/
"A new study conducted by researchers at the American Cancer Society found that, since the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) took effect, more women between the ages of 18 and 25 are being diagnosed with cervical cancer in the early stages, a time when treatment is more likely to be effective."
"A new study conducted by researchers at the American Cancer Society found that, since the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) took effect, more women between the ages of 18 and 25 are being diagnosed with cervical cancer in the early stages, a time when treatment is more likely to be effective."
Twenty Wealthiest Americans Now Own More Than 50 Percent of US Population
Twenty Wealthiest Americans Now Own More Than 50 Percent of US Population
"given the vast ability of the richest Americans to influence elections through campaign contributions - which was exponentially augmented by the Supreme Court Citizens United decision - the majority of elected officials in Congress appear even more determined to keep the redistribution of income flowing in only one direction: up."
"given the vast ability of the richest Americans to influence elections through campaign contributions - which was exponentially augmented by the Supreme Court Citizens United decision - the majority of elected officials in Congress appear even more determined to keep the redistribution of income flowing in only one direction: up."
Latest Poll: Sanders Handily Trounces All Top Republicans—Yeah, Including Trump @alternet
Latest Poll: Sanders Handily Trounces All Top Republicans—Yeah, Including Trump @alternet
"In many cases, those numbers are even higher than Hillary Clinton's, who nonetheless maintains a sizable lead against Sanders."
"In many cases, those numbers are even higher than Hillary Clinton's, who nonetheless maintains a sizable lead against Sanders."
ALEC Invites Politicians to "Plan Your 2016 Agenda" at ALEC Confab in Scottsdale
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/11/12981/alec-agenda-scottsdale-2015
"ALEC continues to promote corporate-friendly changes to the legal system through its Civil Justice Task Force, which pushes numerous bills that make it harder for consumers to get the full measure of damages a jury would award if they are injured or killed by dangerous products."
"ALEC continues to promote corporate-friendly changes to the legal system through its Civil Justice Task Force, which pushes numerous bills that make it harder for consumers to get the full measure of damages a jury would award if they are injured or killed by dangerous products."
Sanders Blasts Republicans for Corporate-Funded Climate Denialism
Sanders Blasts Republicans for Corporate-Funded Climate Denialism
"Recent studies have shown how corporations, led by ExxonMobil and the Koch family foundations, drive such anti-science ideology through the creation of climate disinformation think tanks and dissemination of coordinated contrarian messaging in mainstream media and public discourse."
"Recent studies have shown how corporations, led by ExxonMobil and the Koch family foundations, drive such anti-science ideology through the creation of climate disinformation think tanks and dissemination of coordinated contrarian messaging in mainstream media and public discourse."
Divestment Surges as Endowments Worth $3.4 Trillion Pull Funds From Fossil Fuels
Divestment Surges as Endowments Worth $3.4 Trillion Pull Funds From Fossil Fuels
"The "writing is on the wall" for the fossil fuel sector as more than 500 cities, banks, universities, and museums across the globe, representing over $3.4 trillion in total assets, have now pledged to pull their funds from polluting industries."
"The "writing is on the wall" for the fossil fuel sector as more than 500 cities, banks, universities, and museums across the globe, representing over $3.4 trillion in total assets, have now pledged to pull their funds from polluting industries."
ALEC Works to Scuttle Global Climate Agreement
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/12984/alec-works-scuttle-global-climate-agreement
"Chevron, Exxon, Peabody, Dominion, Duke Energy, and ALEC stalwart Koch Industries are just a few of the big names orchestrating ALEC’s pushback on the CPP."
"Chevron, Exxon, Peabody, Dominion, Duke Energy, and ALEC stalwart Koch Industries are just a few of the big names orchestrating ALEC’s pushback on the CPP."
Instead Of Accepting Climate Change, The GOP Has Declared War On Scientists
Instead Of Accepting Climate Change, The GOP Has Declared War On Scientists
"Whether it is Hillary Clinton, Planned Parenthood, the EPA, or climate change – the GOP finds themselves on the wrong side of science and the facts, so they try to slander the messenger instead."
"Whether it is Hillary Clinton, Planned Parenthood, the EPA, or climate change – the GOP finds themselves on the wrong side of science and the facts, so they try to slander the messenger instead."
Pentagon: Carly Fiorina Is An Idiot, Climate Change Is An “Immediate Risk” To National Security
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/pentagon-carly-fiorina-is-an-idiot-climate-change-is-an-immediate-risk-to-national-security/
"Well, we could listen to someone who can’t manage a company effectively, yet somehow thinks she has the necessary skills to be President — or we can see what actual experts on the matter have to say. A new Pentagon report says that climate change is an “urgent and growing threat to our national security"."
"Well, we could listen to someone who can’t manage a company effectively, yet somehow thinks she has the necessary skills to be President — or we can see what actual experts on the matter have to say. A new Pentagon report says that climate change is an “urgent and growing threat to our national security"."
The most important consequence of the Paris climate talks will be the fate of the oceans.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/11/ocean_acidification_and_climate_change_at_the_paris_talks.html
"there’s increasing evidence that the world’s oceans are nearing the point of no return. They’re getting hit with a double whammy—rising temperatures and acidification—that together are forcing fundamental changes to the basis of the planet’s food chain. So far, the oceans have absorbed about 93 percent of all the additional heat energy trapped by rising greenhouse gas concentrations. That’s already prompted the loss of about 40 percent of the world’s coral reefs, accelerated by a series of worldwide bleaching events in which exceptionally warm water temperatures prompt normally symbiotic algae to become toxic—the most recent of which was just this year. Since coral reefs—the “rainforests of the sea”—support a quarter of all marine life on just 0.1 percent of the ocean area, a mass extinction may already be underway. If we lose the oceans, we lose everything."
"there’s increasing evidence that the world’s oceans are nearing the point of no return. They’re getting hit with a double whammy—rising temperatures and acidification—that together are forcing fundamental changes to the basis of the planet’s food chain. So far, the oceans have absorbed about 93 percent of all the additional heat energy trapped by rising greenhouse gas concentrations. That’s already prompted the loss of about 40 percent of the world’s coral reefs, accelerated by a series of worldwide bleaching events in which exceptionally warm water temperatures prompt normally symbiotic algae to become toxic—the most recent of which was just this year. Since coral reefs—the “rainforests of the sea”—support a quarter of all marine life on just 0.1 percent of the ocean area, a mass extinction may already be underway. If we lose the oceans, we lose everything."
Scientific Proof That Exxon And The Kochs Distorted The Public’s Understanding Of Climate Change
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/11/24/3725320/exxon-koch-climate-misinformation-polarizing/
"The study comes out at a time when ExxonMobil is facing increasing public scrutiny for its role in misleading the public about climate change. Several prominent politicians have called for a Department of Justice investigation into whether or not Exxon purposefully mislead the public about climate change, based on information published in a recent Inside Climate News investigation which found that Exxon’s internal research confirmed in 1977 that climate change is caused by carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Earlier this month, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a subpoena to Exxon, demanding records relating to its climate research."
"The study comes out at a time when ExxonMobil is facing increasing public scrutiny for its role in misleading the public about climate change. Several prominent politicians have called for a Department of Justice investigation into whether or not Exxon purposefully mislead the public about climate change, based on information published in a recent Inside Climate News investigation which found that Exxon’s internal research confirmed in 1977 that climate change is caused by carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Earlier this month, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a subpoena to Exxon, demanding records relating to its climate research."
Robert Reich Lists and Smashes Paul Ryan's 7 Terrible Ideas (VIDEO) @alternet
Robert Reich Lists and Smashes Paul Ryan's 7 Terrible Ideas (VIDEO) @alternet
"Ryan clings to dumb ideas that are also cropping up among Republican presidential candidates."
"Ryan clings to dumb ideas that are also cropping up among Republican presidential candidates."
Republicans Are Failing Horribly At Attracting Minority Voters
Republicans Are Failing Horribly At Attracting Minority Voters
"As long as the Republican Party continues to treat minorities like idiots and attempts to appeal to them with politicians who insult them, their slide toward irrelevance will continue. The smartest thing Bobby Jindal ever did was to tell the GOP to “stop being the stupid party,” but he couldn’t even take his own advice."
"As long as the Republican Party continues to treat minorities like idiots and attempts to appeal to them with politicians who insult them, their slide toward irrelevance will continue. The smartest thing Bobby Jindal ever did was to tell the GOP to “stop being the stupid party,” but he couldn’t even take his own advice."
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Dredging up the swamp: The 2016 GOP race is shining a light on scummy right-wing politics
Dredging up the swamp: The 2016 GOP race is shining a light on scummy right-wing politics
"The large Republican field contains a number of candidates who have direct links to people who populate the eccentric and scummy underbelly of conservative and libertarian politics. As these candidates have risen in the polls, intense press scrutiny has helped draw the extremists and hucksters in their orbits out of the shadows."
"The large Republican field contains a number of candidates who have direct links to people who populate the eccentric and scummy underbelly of conservative and libertarian politics. As these candidates have risen in the polls, intense press scrutiny has helped draw the extremists and hucksters in their orbits out of the shadows."
How This Company—and Mike Huckabee—Cashed In by Scaring Conservatives
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/09/agora-huckabee-conservative-bible-cures
"Last year, a man named Brian Chambers announced a world-changing advance: An international research organization called the Health Sciences Institute had found an incredible cure for cancer hidden in the Book of Matthew. For just $74, you, too, could discover the secret. That was the breathless pitch emailed to hundreds of thousands of Huckabee's followers in January, beneath a "special message" from the Republican presidential candidate trumpeting "important information." Upon closer inspection, the divine remedy—eating fewer carbs—was never recommended by St. Matthew. Chambers is not a doctor, and the studies on starvation diets he cited make no mention of "cures." The Health Sciences Institute is part of a company called NewMarket Health, which is just one asset of a Baltimore-based publishing empire named Agora Inc. Agora's subsidiaries and affiliates publish more than 40 newsletters and sell more than 300 books on a range of topics, including biblical health tips, natural-healing supplements, and "insider" investment advice—a mix of ideas the company considers the intellectual equivalent of the marketplace of ancient Athens. To find new readers for its ever-expanding catalog of publications, Agora's subsidiaries have tapped into a network of conservative heavyweights, including Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich, who sell access to their massive email lists to advertise Agora's products."
"Last year, a man named Brian Chambers announced a world-changing advance: An international research organization called the Health Sciences Institute had found an incredible cure for cancer hidden in the Book of Matthew. For just $74, you, too, could discover the secret. That was the breathless pitch emailed to hundreds of thousands of Huckabee's followers in January, beneath a "special message" from the Republican presidential candidate trumpeting "important information." Upon closer inspection, the divine remedy—eating fewer carbs—was never recommended by St. Matthew. Chambers is not a doctor, and the studies on starvation diets he cited make no mention of "cures." The Health Sciences Institute is part of a company called NewMarket Health, which is just one asset of a Baltimore-based publishing empire named Agora Inc. Agora's subsidiaries and affiliates publish more than 40 newsletters and sell more than 300 books on a range of topics, including biblical health tips, natural-healing supplements, and "insider" investment advice—a mix of ideas the company considers the intellectual equivalent of the marketplace of ancient Athens. To find new readers for its ever-expanding catalog of publications, Agora's subsidiaries have tapped into a network of conservative heavyweights, including Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich, who sell access to their massive email lists to advertise Agora's products."
The GOP Is on the Eve of Destruction | Alternet
The GOP Is on the Eve of Destruction | Alternet
"For reasons hard to fathom, the Republicans seem to have made up their minds: they will divide, degrade and secede from the Union. They will do so with bullying, lies and manipulation, a willingness to say anything, no matter how daft or wrong. They will do so by spending unheard of sums to buy elections with the happy assistance of big business and wealthy patrons for whom the joys of gross income inequality are a comfortable fact of life. By gerrymandering and denying the vote to as many of the poor, the elderly, struggling low-paid workers, and people of color as they can. And by appealing to the basest impulses of human nature: anger, fear and bigotry."
"For reasons hard to fathom, the Republicans seem to have made up their minds: they will divide, degrade and secede from the Union. They will do so with bullying, lies and manipulation, a willingness to say anything, no matter how daft or wrong. They will do so by spending unheard of sums to buy elections with the happy assistance of big business and wealthy patrons for whom the joys of gross income inequality are a comfortable fact of life. By gerrymandering and denying the vote to as many of the poor, the elderly, struggling low-paid workers, and people of color as they can. And by appealing to the basest impulses of human nature: anger, fear and bigotry."
Friday, December 4, 2015
Stewart: McConnell Should Be Ashamed Of Himself For Blocking 9/11 First Responders Bill
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/stewart-mcconnell-should-be-ashamed-of-himself-for-blocking-911-first-responders-bill/
"The Republican Party talks a good game about supporting our troops, police officers, and first responders, but when it comes time to actually put their money where their mouth is, they fail every single time."
"The Republican Party talks a good game about supporting our troops, police officers, and first responders, but when it comes time to actually put their money where their mouth is, they fail every single time."
Our Ayn Randian dystopia: Here’s the secret five-step plan to privatize everything
Our Ayn Randian dystopia: Here’s the secret five-step plan to privatize everything
"Law enforcement, education, health care, water management, government itself — all have been or are being privatized. People with money get the best of each service. At the heart of privatization is a disdain for government and a distrust of society, and a mindless individualism that leaves little room for cooperation. Adherents of privatization demand ‘freedom’ unless they need the government to intervene on their behalf."
"Law enforcement, education, health care, water management, government itself — all have been or are being privatized. People with money get the best of each service. At the heart of privatization is a disdain for government and a distrust of society, and a mindless individualism that leaves little room for cooperation. Adherents of privatization demand ‘freedom’ unless they need the government to intervene on their behalf."
Republicans Celebrate Christmas By Voting To Take Healthcare Away From 17 Million Americans
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/03/republicans-celebrate-christmas-voting-healthcare-17-million-americans.html
"The fact that Senate Republicans chose to hold this vote during the holiday season spoke volumes about their priorities. Tonight’s vote was an advertisement for how Republicans intend to harm working people if they take back the White House."
"The fact that Senate Republicans chose to hold this vote during the holiday season spoke volumes about their priorities. Tonight’s vote was an advertisement for how Republicans intend to harm working people if they take back the White House."
The GOP’s “Hunger Games” economics: These proposals would hasten the middle class’s descent into dystopia
The GOP’s “Hunger Games” economics: These proposals would hasten the middle class’s descent into dystopia
"Despite the prominence of tax cuts in the policies of the top six Republican candidates, even the venerable Brookings Institution found that they have a minimal effect on economic growth. In addition, when you consider all the promised corporate cuts, you should know that corporations already don’t contribute much. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, between 2008 and 2012, 26 of the 288 Fortune 500 firms (consistently profitable in those years) managed to pay nothing, nada, zero in federal income tax. The 288 firms collectively paid an effective federal income tax rate of 19.4%, and a third of them paid an effective rate of less than 10%. Five companies — Wells Fargo, AT&T, IBM, General Electric, and Verizon — also bagged over $77 billion of the $364 billion in tax breaks doled out in those years. Extra jobs didn’t follow. Think of this crew as the real winners of the American Hunger Games in this period. For 2014, for instance, Goldman Sachs avoided forking over federal income taxes on almost half of its $6.8 billion in U.S. profits, paying an effective tax rate of 18.6%. Between 2010 and 2012, due to tax breaks associated with executive pay, Fortune 500 companies saved an extra $27 billion in federal and state taxes. That’s a lot of dosh to use for Super PAC support. In 2012, the Democrats blasted candidate Mitt Romney’s tax plan as a giveaway to the rich. This time around, our six tributes-cum-candidates are taking no such chances. They’re making sure to throw crumbs to the middle and working classes, even as they offer more caviar to the wealthy and corporations. Depending on the candidate and plan, the overall loss of national revenue will range from an estimated $1.6 trillion (even factoring in growth that may never happen) to $12 trillion, but will be a stunning amount."
"Despite the prominence of tax cuts in the policies of the top six Republican candidates, even the venerable Brookings Institution found that they have a minimal effect on economic growth. In addition, when you consider all the promised corporate cuts, you should know that corporations already don’t contribute much. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, between 2008 and 2012, 26 of the 288 Fortune 500 firms (consistently profitable in those years) managed to pay nothing, nada, zero in federal income tax. The 288 firms collectively paid an effective federal income tax rate of 19.4%, and a third of them paid an effective rate of less than 10%. Five companies — Wells Fargo, AT&T, IBM, General Electric, and Verizon — also bagged over $77 billion of the $364 billion in tax breaks doled out in those years. Extra jobs didn’t follow. Think of this crew as the real winners of the American Hunger Games in this period. For 2014, for instance, Goldman Sachs avoided forking over federal income taxes on almost half of its $6.8 billion in U.S. profits, paying an effective tax rate of 18.6%. Between 2010 and 2012, due to tax breaks associated with executive pay, Fortune 500 companies saved an extra $27 billion in federal and state taxes. That’s a lot of dosh to use for Super PAC support. In 2012, the Democrats blasted candidate Mitt Romney’s tax plan as a giveaway to the rich. This time around, our six tributes-cum-candidates are taking no such chances. They’re making sure to throw crumbs to the middle and working classes, even as they offer more caviar to the wealthy and corporations. Depending on the candidate and plan, the overall loss of national revenue will range from an estimated $1.6 trillion (even factoring in growth that may never happen) to $12 trillion, but will be a stunning amount."
Trey Gowdy Is About To Learn The Wages Of His Crimes And Misdemeanors
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/12/trey-gowdy-to-learn-the-wages-of-sin/
"The House Select Committee on Benghazi, led by Republican Trey Gowdy, has all but exploded in the wake of recent revelations. The CIA revealed in October that Trey Gowdy altered documents in an attempt to frame Hillary and in November Maj. Bradley Podliska, a former investigator on the Benghazi committee staff, has filed a lawsuit against Gowdy seeking damages for defamation."
"The House Select Committee on Benghazi, led by Republican Trey Gowdy, has all but exploded in the wake of recent revelations. The CIA revealed in October that Trey Gowdy altered documents in an attempt to frame Hillary and in November Maj. Bradley Podliska, a former investigator on the Benghazi committee staff, has filed a lawsuit against Gowdy seeking damages for defamation."
The GOP’s insidious Christmas list: How congressional Republicans are planning to screw the country this holiday season
The GOP’s insidious Christmas list: How congressional Republicans are planning to screw the country this holiday season
"Hundreds of riders already embedded in Hosue spending bills take aim at financial, environmental, health care, campaign finance and labor rules."
"Hundreds of riders already embedded in Hosue spending bills take aim at financial, environmental, health care, campaign finance and labor rules."
Donald Trump's Timeline Of Insanity Since Announcing His Candidacy Is Hideous
Donald Trump's Timeline Of Insanity Since Announcing His Candidacy Is Hideous
"Donald Trump’s depravity has been fairly well documented. Without a doubt he’s been the most vile mainstream candidate American politics has seen in quite some time, if not ever."
"Donald Trump’s depravity has been fairly well documented. Without a doubt he’s been the most vile mainstream candidate American politics has seen in quite some time, if not ever."
Donald Trump Race Shocker: Polls Prove His Success Really Is Based on Racists @alternet
Donald Trump Race Shocker: Polls Prove His Success Really Is Based on Racists @alternet
"A new Washington Post-ABC News poll proves what gut instinct was already telling you: The Donald Trump campaign’s success is built on the backs of racists"
"A new Washington Post-ABC News poll proves what gut instinct was already telling you: The Donald Trump campaign’s success is built on the backs of racists"
Ted Cruz Picks Right-Wing Extremist To Lead Virginia Campaign | Right Wing Watch
Ted Cruz Picks Right-Wing Extremist To Lead Virginia Campaign | Right Wing Watch
"Fresh off announcing endorsements from radical anti-choice and anti-gay activists, Ted Cruz announced his Virginia Leadership Team last week, naming state Sen. Richard “Dick” Black as his state campaign co-chair. Black is one of the most far-right lawmakers in the state, if not the country."
"Fresh off announcing endorsements from radical anti-choice and anti-gay activists, Ted Cruz announced his Virginia Leadership Team last week, naming state Sen. Richard “Dick” Black as his state campaign co-chair. Black is one of the most far-right lawmakers in the state, if not the country."
Ted Cruz's Virginia Co-Chair Tied Evolution And Gay Rights To The Holocaust | Right Wing Watch
Ted Cruz's Virginia Co-Chair Tied Evolution And Gay Rights To The Holocaust | Right Wing Watch
"Cynthia Dunbar, a former member of the Texas State Board of Education who now works at the Lynchburg-based Liberty University, was also named a state co-chair in a statement from the Cruz campaign in November. Before joining Liberty University, the evangelical school founded by the late televangelist Jerry Falwell, Dunbar stoked national controversy when she tried to insert historical revisionist views into the Texas public school curriculum and textbooks. Since many textbooks are designed for the large Texas market, the changes, which would have placed a right-wing spin on American history and the U.S. Constitution, would have had an impact in other states as well."
"Cynthia Dunbar, a former member of the Texas State Board of Education who now works at the Lynchburg-based Liberty University, was also named a state co-chair in a statement from the Cruz campaign in November. Before joining Liberty University, the evangelical school founded by the late televangelist Jerry Falwell, Dunbar stoked national controversy when she tried to insert historical revisionist views into the Texas public school curriculum and textbooks. Since many textbooks are designed for the large Texas market, the changes, which would have placed a right-wing spin on American history and the U.S. Constitution, would have had an impact in other states as well."
Ted Cruz Welcomes Endorsement From Pastor Who Linked Ebola To Gay Rights | Right Wing Watch
Ted Cruz Welcomes Endorsement From Pastor Who Linked Ebola To Gay Rights | Right Wing Watch
"Ted Cruz has recently boasted of the endorsements he has received from an extremist anti-abortion activist and an anti-gay hate group leader, even courting the support of a radical pastor who backs the death penalty for unrepentant gays."
"Ted Cruz has recently boasted of the endorsements he has received from an extremist anti-abortion activist and an anti-gay hate group leader, even courting the support of a radical pastor who backs the death penalty for unrepentant gays."
Cops Confirm BLM Shooters Were Walking Right-Wing Stereotypes: Racist, Anti-Government Gun Nuts
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/30/cops-confirm-blm-shooters-were-walking-right-wing-stereotypes-racist-anti-government-gun-nuts/
"another group of right-wingers were busy reminding America that the right’s toxic comments about race are equally dangerous."
"another group of right-wingers were busy reminding America that the right’s toxic comments about race are equally dangerous."
Three Men Who Shot Black Lives Matter Protesters Emerged From Internet’s Racist Swamps
https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2015/11/25/three-men-who-shot-black-lives-matter-protesters-emerged-internet’s-racist-swamps
"As more facts emerge in the case, it’s now beginning to appear that not only was the attack a carefully planned attempt to disrupt the demonstration, but the men who participated in the shootings had been radicalized in the course of conversing on websites and in chatrooms where racist and other far-right extremist ideology flourishes."
"As more facts emerge in the case, it’s now beginning to appear that not only was the attack a carefully planned attempt to disrupt the demonstration, but the men who participated in the shootings had been radicalized in the course of conversing on websites and in chatrooms where racist and other far-right extremist ideology flourishes."
The Republican Party Is Now America's Largest Hate Group @alternet
The Republican Party Is Now America's Largest Hate Group @alternet
"Led by Donald Trump, the GOP has abandoned its traditional dogwhistles in favor of a more overt approach to racism."
"Led by Donald Trump, the GOP has abandoned its traditional dogwhistles in favor of a more overt approach to racism."
Dear Corporate Media: Thanks For Refusing To Do Your Jobs
Dear Corporate Media: Thanks For Refusing To Do Your Jobs
"No better example than the way they treated the fake Planned Parenthood videos that made such a strong impression on one Robert Lewis Dear Jr. See, they framed the news stories as if the videos were proven fact. It took all of an hour or so for bloggers who are already familiar with this kind of crap to track down the extremist origins of the videos, and to debunk the videos themselves. Yet media types refused to use the information as anything but a footnote -- if they even bothered to do that."
"No better example than the way they treated the fake Planned Parenthood videos that made such a strong impression on one Robert Lewis Dear Jr. See, they framed the news stories as if the videos were proven fact. It took all of an hour or so for bloggers who are already familiar with this kind of crap to track down the extremist origins of the videos, and to debunk the videos themselves. Yet media types refused to use the information as anything but a footnote -- if they even bothered to do that."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)