While Trump Touts His Properties as a Measure of Success, His Property Tax Filings Tell a Different Story @alternet:
"Trump has a history of making dishonest financial filings, varying the values of his properties based on who the Republican presidential frontrunner is trying to appeal to, with swings of significantly more than 75 percent. As Johnston points out, while some range in real estate property valuations is to be expected, the range most assessors expect hovers in the single digits, “not 97.3 percent or even 82 percent.” The discrepancies between Trump’s boasts about his financial success and what he reports for tax purposes are not just a measure of his propensity to bend the truth, they also have implications for other property owners, as Johnston notes. Trump recognized that “the system is easily manipulated to shift the tax burden off grand properties and onto those whose estates are not so well endowed.” While Trump plays fast and loose with his property valuations, those without access to teams of lawyers and tax experts have little recourse as the tax burden shifts to them, along with the rest of the public."
Monday, May 30, 2016
Donald Trump Went Full Hillary Clinton Conspiracist ... Because of Course He Did
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/36193-donald-trump-went-full-hillary-clinton-conspiracist-because-of-course-he-did
"Every one of the so-called theories regarding his end have been slapped down and stomped, and the only people who still believe them exist in that far-right netherworld where John Birch is a saint and the moon landings were faked... and hey, anything that harms a Clinton has to be good, right? Even if it grossens society and civil discourse beyond recognition. Barack Obama was born in Kenya. The father of Ted Cruz had a hand in the assassination of John Kennedy. The Clintons had Vince Foster killed. This is what orbits the bowl beneath Donald Trump's comb-over like feces that won't flush. He is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, and he is a fool. Worse, he is a cunning fool who knows what buttons to push and when to push them for maximum effect. If he doesn't win in November, he has still lessened us all. Trump is a disgrace, and yet somehow he remains idealized within a segment of the US population as the Maximum American, the ideal man, the savior. He is milk gone to curds, a fart in the elevator. That he would reach down through the oozing slime of history to grasp the sad refrain of Vince Foster's death only reinforces what many already know: He is a ruthless, remorseless wrecker capable of anything. His soul is a vat of pus."
"Every one of the so-called theories regarding his end have been slapped down and stomped, and the only people who still believe them exist in that far-right netherworld where John Birch is a saint and the moon landings were faked... and hey, anything that harms a Clinton has to be good, right? Even if it grossens society and civil discourse beyond recognition. Barack Obama was born in Kenya. The father of Ted Cruz had a hand in the assassination of John Kennedy. The Clintons had Vince Foster killed. This is what orbits the bowl beneath Donald Trump's comb-over like feces that won't flush. He is the presumptive Republican nominee for president, and he is a fool. Worse, he is a cunning fool who knows what buttons to push and when to push them for maximum effect. If he doesn't win in November, he has still lessened us all. Trump is a disgrace, and yet somehow he remains idealized within a segment of the US population as the Maximum American, the ideal man, the savior. He is milk gone to curds, a fart in the elevator. That he would reach down through the oozing slime of history to grasp the sad refrain of Vince Foster's death only reinforces what many already know: He is a ruthless, remorseless wrecker capable of anything. His soul is a vat of pus."
Donald Trump Secures GOP Nomination - And Fox Has Two Prime Time Specials About Him Ready
Donald Trump Secures GOP Nomination - And Fox Has Two Prime Time Specials About Him Ready
"What a coincidence that on the same day that Donald Trump clinched enough delegates to secure the Republican presidential nomination, Fox News just happens to have two prime time specials scheduled to promote him."
"What a coincidence that on the same day that Donald Trump clinched enough delegates to secure the Republican presidential nomination, Fox News just happens to have two prime time specials scheduled to promote him."
Masculine insecurities are driving Trump’s train of lies — according to science
Masculine insecurities are driving Trump’s train of lies — according to science
"Trump’s lies are so blatant and so self-aggrandizing, it’s difficult not to pathologize the man."
"Trump’s lies are so blatant and so self-aggrandizing, it’s difficult not to pathologize the man."
Fox News' Obscene And Ridiculous Trump Infomercial
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/05/27/fox-news-obscene-and-ridiculous-trump-infomercial/210616
"On May 26, Fox News aired an hour-long special, Meet The Trumps, in which On The Record host Greta Van Susteren spent the hour asking flattering questions of presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump and his immediate family. Multiple critics compared the special to the state-run media of a dictatorship."
"On May 26, Fox News aired an hour-long special, Meet The Trumps, in which On The Record host Greta Van Susteren spent the hour asking flattering questions of presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump and his immediate family. Multiple critics compared the special to the state-run media of a dictatorship."
Trump Attacks Judge Overseeing The Case Against His Fake University: ‘He’s A Hater’
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/05/28/3782986/trump-university-federal-judge/
"Trump also said he believes Curiel is "Mexican." The crowd -- which had previously shouted "build that wall" -- booed loudly."
"Trump also said he believes Curiel is "Mexican." The crowd -- which had previously shouted "build that wall" -- booed loudly."
Donald Trump's Campaign: The American People are Too Stupid to See Tax Returns
Donald Trump's Campaign: The American People are Too Stupid to See Tax Returns
"First, Trump tried to claim that he would release his tax returns, but wasn’t allowed to because he was currently being audited. The IRS quickly debunked that lie by saying his audit had nothing to do with his ability to release his tax returns, but that hasn’t stopped Trump from repeating this lie on numerous occasions. Then again, when has Trump ever let something like the truth get in the way of whatever nonsense he’s trying to con Republican voters into believing?"
"First, Trump tried to claim that he would release his tax returns, but wasn’t allowed to because he was currently being audited. The IRS quickly debunked that lie by saying his audit had nothing to do with his ability to release his tax returns, but that hasn’t stopped Trump from repeating this lie on numerous occasions. Then again, when has Trump ever let something like the truth get in the way of whatever nonsense he’s trying to con Republican voters into believing?"
Top GOPers push for Trump-Gingrich ticket: Six wives mean they ‘certainly understand women’
Top GOPers push for Trump-Gingrich ticket: Six wives mean they ‘certainly understand women’
"Ed Rollins, a top Republican consultant, asserted recently that Donald Trump should choose Newt Gingrich as his running mate because the two men’s six marriages meant that they “certainly understand women.” On Monday, National Review‘s Eliana Johnson reported that some GOP insiders were predicting “the announcement of a Trump-Gingrich GOP ticket"."
"Ed Rollins, a top Republican consultant, asserted recently that Donald Trump should choose Newt Gingrich as his running mate because the two men’s six marriages meant that they “certainly understand women.” On Monday, National Review‘s Eliana Johnson reported that some GOP insiders were predicting “the announcement of a Trump-Gingrich GOP ticket"."
Trump Grifts The Christian Right
Trump Grifts The Christian Right
"After all, "If he is going to have to cite “two Corinthians” in a speech, he might as well profit from it"."
"After all, "If he is going to have to cite “two Corinthians” in a speech, he might as well profit from it"."
Donald Trump To Court Anti-LGBT Hate Groups, 'Prophets' And Televangelists
Donald Trump To Court Anti-LGBT Hate Groups, 'Prophets' And Televangelists:
"Trump, who has already recruited a variety of far-right activists and conspiracy theorists to his campaign, is set to take part in a convening organized by Ben Carson, a former rival turned campaign surrogate, aimed at bringing reluctant Religious Right leaders to his side. According to a copy of the invitation to the event obtained by the National Review, Trump will be joined by Religious Right activists including Tony Perkins, James Dobson, Penny Nance, Jim Garlow, Rick Scarborough, Phil Burress, Ken Cuccinelli, Lila Rose, E.W Jackson, Harry Jackson, Tim Wildmon, Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson and Cindy Jacobs. The meeting will be cohosted by the Family Research Council, Vision America and AFA Action, the political arm of the American Family Association, three of the most vicious anti-LGBT hate groups in the country."
"Trump, who has already recruited a variety of far-right activists and conspiracy theorists to his campaign, is set to take part in a convening organized by Ben Carson, a former rival turned campaign surrogate, aimed at bringing reluctant Religious Right leaders to his side. According to a copy of the invitation to the event obtained by the National Review, Trump will be joined by Religious Right activists including Tony Perkins, James Dobson, Penny Nance, Jim Garlow, Rick Scarborough, Phil Burress, Ken Cuccinelli, Lila Rose, E.W Jackson, Harry Jackson, Tim Wildmon, Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson and Cindy Jacobs. The meeting will be cohosted by the Family Research Council, Vision America and AFA Action, the political arm of the American Family Association, three of the most vicious anti-LGBT hate groups in the country."
Fox Takes Clinton Out Of Context In Effort To Distract From Trump’s Hope For Housing Crisis
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/05/25/fox-takes-clinton-out-context-effort-distract-trump-s-hope-housing-crisis/210586
"Fox & Friends deceptively edited a 2007 video of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to claim that Clinton blamed homeowners for the housing market crash and that she is “flip flopping now” to blame Wall Street. But the speech transcript shows that Clinton indeed blamed Wall Street and a host of other financial actors, saying Wall Street “helped create the foreclosure crisis” and bears “responsibility” for the crash. Fox also downplayed Donald Trump’s expressed hope for a financial crisis in 2006"
"Fox & Friends deceptively edited a 2007 video of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to claim that Clinton blamed homeowners for the housing market crash and that she is “flip flopping now” to blame Wall Street. But the speech transcript shows that Clinton indeed blamed Wall Street and a host of other financial actors, saying Wall Street “helped create the foreclosure crisis” and bears “responsibility” for the crash. Fox also downplayed Donald Trump’s expressed hope for a financial crisis in 2006"
Vince Foster’s sister pens blistering op-ed shaming Trump for his insane conspiracy theories
Vince Foster’s sister pens blistering op-ed shaming Trump for his insane conspiracy theories
"Foster’s own sister, has written a blistering op-ed for The Washington Post that shames Trump for using her brother’s death for political gain."
"Foster’s own sister, has written a blistering op-ed for The Washington Post that shames Trump for using her brother’s death for political gain."
Colorado GOP Official Compares Obama To A Monkey
Colorado GOP Official Compares Obama To A Monkey:
"Linda Sorenson, chair of the Delta County, Colorado, Republican Party, posted a racist Facebook meme last week depicting President Obama as a monkey"
"Linda Sorenson, chair of the Delta County, Colorado, Republican Party, posted a racist Facebook meme last week depicting President Obama as a monkey"
‘Go back to Mexico’: Trump supporter caught on tape berating Latino McDonald’s employee
‘Go back to Mexico’: Trump supporter caught on tape berating Latino McDonald’s employee
"Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump may say he “loves” Hispanics, but many of his hardcore supporters definitely do not."
"Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump may say he “loves” Hispanics, but many of his hardcore supporters definitely do not."
The Surge Of Trump-Fueled Anti-Semitism Is Hitting Jewish Reporters Who Cover Him
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/05/27/3782503/donald-trump-anti-semitism-tweets/
"Trump has done little to quell a rising tide of anti-Semitism among his supporters since launching his campaign last year."
"Trump has done little to quell a rising tide of anti-Semitism among his supporters since launching his campaign last year."
Young libertarian explains Trump vote: One time a co-worker shamed me for liking ‘racist’ Hulk Hogan
Young libertarian explains Trump vote: One time a co-worker shamed me for liking ‘racist’ Hulk Hogan
"He envisions a Trump win as a symbolic — and possibly even legislative — blow against cultural forces that reject bigotry and shun demeaning slurs against minority groups."
"He envisions a Trump win as a symbolic — and possibly even legislative — blow against cultural forces that reject bigotry and shun demeaning slurs against minority groups."
Ex-Trump delegate: ‘I was naive’ to think America had overcome prejudice against white supremacists
Ex-Trump delegate: ‘I was naive’ to think America had overcome prejudice against white supremacists
"later in the article he and his fellow white nationalists nonetheless give Trump credit for opening the door for them so that their views may finally become part of mainstream political discourse in this country. With Trump as their leader, these long-suffering white nationalists believe that they shall overcome."
"later in the article he and his fellow white nationalists nonetheless give Trump credit for opening the door for them so that their views may finally become part of mainstream political discourse in this country. With Trump as their leader, these long-suffering white nationalists believe that they shall overcome."
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Water in Flint still not safe, but Gov. Rick Snyder's lawyers are doing well
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/25/1530773/-Water-in-Flint-still-not-safe-but-Gov-Rick-Snyder-s-lawyers-doing-well
"The total tab the Rickster has run up on taxpayer-funded legal help is already powering past $1.2 million. And that doesn’t count the $800,000 fund set up to protect Snyder against criminal charges after the three arrested workers start to cough up the people who gave them orders."
"The total tab the Rickster has run up on taxpayer-funded legal help is already powering past $1.2 million. And that doesn’t count the $800,000 fund set up to protect Snyder against criminal charges after the three arrested workers start to cough up the people who gave them orders."
Virginia GOP Halts Bill To Stop Child Labor On Tobacco Farms
Virginia GOP Halts Bill To Stop Child Labor On Tobacco Farms
"Is this really happening in the 21st Century? Apparently so! If the Republicans have their way, sentimentality over the old South and the economic demands of big Tobacco will trump the health and safety of children. If you think children shouldn't be treated as indentured servants exposed to carcinogens, make sure that you vote against electing these inhuman miscreants to office. Although far from perfect, we know that Democrats aren't in favor of turning the labor law clocks back to the 19th Century!"
"Is this really happening in the 21st Century? Apparently so! If the Republicans have their way, sentimentality over the old South and the economic demands of big Tobacco will trump the health and safety of children. If you think children shouldn't be treated as indentured servants exposed to carcinogens, make sure that you vote against electing these inhuman miscreants to office. Although far from perfect, we know that Democrats aren't in favor of turning the labor law clocks back to the 19th Century!"
Mitch McConnell’s Laziest Senate In History Will Work 6 Days In July And August
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/05/24/mitch-mcconnells-laziest-senate-history-work-6-days-july-august.html
"Taxpayers are spending millions of dollars on salaries, benefits, and staff for a Senate Republican majority that is only going to put in three full days of work in two months over the summer. Republicans have scheduled themselves to work the fewest days for a Senate in 60 years. Not only is their obstruction of President Obama historic, but their laziness is also unparalleled in modern America political history. If Republicans want to really cut back on waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government a good place to start would be the salaries and benefits that they are being given, but aren’t earning. The cry of do your jobs is not enough. The American people need to demand something more basic like Senate Republicans at least show up for work."
"Taxpayers are spending millions of dollars on salaries, benefits, and staff for a Senate Republican majority that is only going to put in three full days of work in two months over the summer. Republicans have scheduled themselves to work the fewest days for a Senate in 60 years. Not only is their obstruction of President Obama historic, but their laziness is also unparalleled in modern America political history. If Republicans want to really cut back on waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government a good place to start would be the salaries and benefits that they are being given, but aren’t earning. The cry of do your jobs is not enough. The American people need to demand something more basic like Senate Republicans at least show up for work."
Elizabeth Warren's Anti-Trump Onslaught Looks Like It's Just Warming Up
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/elizabeth-warren-donald-trump-taxes-housing-market-dodd-frank
"she expanded her arguments against him during a speech at the annual gala for the liberal nonprofit Center for Popular Democracy. "Let's face it: Donald Trump cares about exactly one thing—Donald Trump," said the senator from Massachusetts, according to her prepared remarks. "It's time for some accountability because these statements disqualify Donald Trump from ever becoming president. The free ride is over." Warren's attack on Trump wasn't quite as harsh as it's been in the past; during her first tweetstorm after he secured the nomination, she said he had "built his campaign on racism, sexism, and xenophobia." But that doesn't mean she held back during her speech Tuesday. She began by reflecting on the human toll from the foreclosure crisis and then tied it to an NBC report this week that quoted Trump, shortly before the housing market crash, saying he was "excited" for the bubble to burst since he'd make money off the misfortune it caused. "Donald Trump was drooling over the idea of a housing meltdown," Warren said, "because it meant he could buy up a bunch more property on the cheap." She also zeroed in on a topic that has been a growing cause of frustration for Democrats: Trump's refusal to release his tax returns, as major presidential candidates have long done. "Maybe he's just a lousy businessman who doesn't want you to find out that he's worth a lot less money than he claims," Warren speculated. Echoing a video from her 2012 Senate campaign, Warren emphasized that "Donald Trump didn't get rich on his own." He inherited a fortune from his father, she said, and "his businesses rely on the roads and bridges the rest of us paid for. His businesses rely on workers the rest of us paid to educate and on police forces and firefighters who protect all of us and the rest of us pay to support." Warren quoted a recent statement from Trump attacking the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, passed by Democrats to try to rein in Wall Street, for imposing too many restrictions on bankers."
"she expanded her arguments against him during a speech at the annual gala for the liberal nonprofit Center for Popular Democracy. "Let's face it: Donald Trump cares about exactly one thing—Donald Trump," said the senator from Massachusetts, according to her prepared remarks. "It's time for some accountability because these statements disqualify Donald Trump from ever becoming president. The free ride is over." Warren's attack on Trump wasn't quite as harsh as it's been in the past; during her first tweetstorm after he secured the nomination, she said he had "built his campaign on racism, sexism, and xenophobia." But that doesn't mean she held back during her speech Tuesday. She began by reflecting on the human toll from the foreclosure crisis and then tied it to an NBC report this week that quoted Trump, shortly before the housing market crash, saying he was "excited" for the bubble to burst since he'd make money off the misfortune it caused. "Donald Trump was drooling over the idea of a housing meltdown," Warren said, "because it meant he could buy up a bunch more property on the cheap." She also zeroed in on a topic that has been a growing cause of frustration for Democrats: Trump's refusal to release his tax returns, as major presidential candidates have long done. "Maybe he's just a lousy businessman who doesn't want you to find out that he's worth a lot less money than he claims," Warren speculated. Echoing a video from her 2012 Senate campaign, Warren emphasized that "Donald Trump didn't get rich on his own." He inherited a fortune from his father, she said, and "his businesses rely on the roads and bridges the rest of us paid for. His businesses rely on workers the rest of us paid to educate and on police forces and firefighters who protect all of us and the rest of us pay to support." Warren quoted a recent statement from Trump attacking the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, passed by Democrats to try to rein in Wall Street, for imposing too many restrictions on bankers."
Elizabeth Warren Slams ‘Small, Insecure Money Grubber’ Trump For Profiting Off Housing Crisis
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/05/25/3781852/elizabeth-warren-trump-housing-profit/
"In a 2006 Trump University audiobook, Trump was asked about “gloomy predictions that the real estate market is heading for a spectacular crash.” He responded by saying the prospect was actually something he was looking forward to."
"In a 2006 Trump University audiobook, Trump was asked about “gloomy predictions that the real estate market is heading for a spectacular crash.” He responded by saying the prospect was actually something he was looking forward to."
Inside Donald Trump's Vitamin 'Scam'
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/25/inside-donald-trump-s-vitamin-scam.html
"The Trump Network ultimately failed, and its assets were sold off. But it was not just a marketing and business disaster—the actions of the all-but-certain GOP presidential nominee reflect his willingness to license his name to a product without fully vetting it: a casual endorsement of a serious matter, all with the flitting nonchalance that characterizes the many falsehoods he utters. The project is just another example of Trump’s questionable business practices, from his Trump University (accused by many students of fraud) to his casinos (which went bankrupt so often) to his “tasteless and mealy” signature steaks. And it highlights an essential contradiction in his campaign for the White House. While politician Trump says that he cares about average Joe or Jane, his past shows a shocking indifference."
"The Trump Network ultimately failed, and its assets were sold off. But it was not just a marketing and business disaster—the actions of the all-but-certain GOP presidential nominee reflect his willingness to license his name to a product without fully vetting it: a casual endorsement of a serious matter, all with the flitting nonchalance that characterizes the many falsehoods he utters. The project is just another example of Trump’s questionable business practices, from his Trump University (accused by many students of fraud) to his casinos (which went bankrupt so often) to his “tasteless and mealy” signature steaks. And it highlights an essential contradiction in his campaign for the White House. While politician Trump says that he cares about average Joe or Jane, his past shows a shocking indifference."
Trump’s Kitchen Cabinet: What The Media Needs To Know About The Nominee’s Top Advisers And Supporters
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/05/26/trump-s-kitchen-cabinet-what-media-needs-know-about-nominee-s-top-advisers-and-supporters/210538
"a guide to the people the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has chosen to surround himself with."
"a guide to the people the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has chosen to surround himself with."
Think Trump "tells it like it is?" Think again... (InfoGraphic)
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/23/1529748/-Think-Trump-tells-it-like-it-is-Think-again-InfoGraphic
"turns out that Trump’s a terribly unreliable source. Who often relies on other unreliable sources, like the National Enquirer and wildly inaccurate crime statistics compiled by a white supremacist."
"turns out that Trump’s a terribly unreliable source. Who often relies on other unreliable sources, like the National Enquirer and wildly inaccurate crime statistics compiled by a white supremacist."
Exposing Trump's Decades of Deep Ties to Organized Crime @alternet
Exposing Trump's Decades of Deep Ties to Organized Crime @alternet:
"Trump’s connection to mob figures has an evidence trail that runs through federal prosecutor offices and into federal courtrooms, where his associations are part of the legal record."
"Trump’s connection to mob figures has an evidence trail that runs through federal prosecutor offices and into federal courtrooms, where his associations are part of the legal record."
Trump's 'Christian Policy Adviser' Takes the Cake, Claims He's a Prophet Who Stopped a Tsunami @alternet
Trump's 'Christian Policy Adviser' Takes the Cake, Claims He's a Prophet Who Stopped a Tsunami @alternet:
"Amedia, who was once implicated in a bribery scandal in which he attempted to help a car-dealer friend avoid prosecution, is now a self-proclaimed “apostle” who says that he once single-handedly stopped a tsunami from hitting an island in Hawaii."
"Amedia, who was once implicated in a bribery scandal in which he attempted to help a car-dealer friend avoid prosecution, is now a self-proclaimed “apostle” who says that he once single-handedly stopped a tsunami from hitting an island in Hawaii."
The Newt Factor: Gingrich as Trump's VP Would Be a Scary, Power-Hungry Monster @alternet
The Newt Factor: Gingrich as Trump's VP Would Be a Scary, Power-Hungry Monster @alternet:
"Now why Trump would think Gingrich, who hasn’t been in congress for over 16 years, is the mover and shaker who can move his agenda through Congress today is a mystery, but he certainly has a working knowledge of how the government functions which is something Trump is completely lacking. It’s unclear if he even knows that there are three branches and what they do. (But then, George W. Bush was famously confused on that as well, saying it is the executive branch’s responsibility to “interpret the laws,” so it isn’t unprecedented.) And Trump already likes the cut of Newt’s jib. According to this article by Eliana Johnson in National Review, he’s already one of the campaign’s most important advisers: Gingrich’s influence within Trump World is widespread. Inside Trump’s newly established campaign offices in Washington, D.C., his fingerprints are everywhere. “Right from the minute I joined we were told that Newt will have his hand in every major policy effort,” says one Trump aide. “So one of the things I do when I’m researching or writing anything, in addition to looking at what Trump has said about anything, I look at what Newt has said"."
"Now why Trump would think Gingrich, who hasn’t been in congress for over 16 years, is the mover and shaker who can move his agenda through Congress today is a mystery, but he certainly has a working knowledge of how the government functions which is something Trump is completely lacking. It’s unclear if he even knows that there are three branches and what they do. (But then, George W. Bush was famously confused on that as well, saying it is the executive branch’s responsibility to “interpret the laws,” so it isn’t unprecedented.) And Trump already likes the cut of Newt’s jib. According to this article by Eliana Johnson in National Review, he’s already one of the campaign’s most important advisers: Gingrich’s influence within Trump World is widespread. Inside Trump’s newly established campaign offices in Washington, D.C., his fingerprints are everywhere. “Right from the minute I joined we were told that Newt will have his hand in every major policy effort,” says one Trump aide. “So one of the things I do when I’m researching or writing anything, in addition to looking at what Trump has said about anything, I look at what Newt has said"."
Why Is the Corporate Media Taking Trump's Nonsense Seriously? @alternet
Why Is the Corporate Media Taking Trump's Nonsense Seriously? @alternet:
"Trump. He wants all the craziness to be taken in stride, and he’s succeeding. He’s being abetted in this by a Republican Party establishment that is happy to bite its tongue so long as they get their tax cuts and conservative judicial nominations. But that’s no reason for the press to buy into Trump’s game and treat his crazy mudslinging as a mere campaign tactic rather than a disqualifying character flaw. And it’s only going to get worse as the election cycle wears on. Trump met a few weeks ago with Ed Klein, an infamous source of salacious and discredited Hillary Clinton bullsh*t. Just this week, Trump promoted Klein’s latest book, which is full of insane nonsense. None of this is normal, so stop treating it like it is."
"Trump. He wants all the craziness to be taken in stride, and he’s succeeding. He’s being abetted in this by a Republican Party establishment that is happy to bite its tongue so long as they get their tax cuts and conservative judicial nominations. But that’s no reason for the press to buy into Trump’s game and treat his crazy mudslinging as a mere campaign tactic rather than a disqualifying character flaw. And it’s only going to get worse as the election cycle wears on. Trump met a few weeks ago with Ed Klein, an infamous source of salacious and discredited Hillary Clinton bullsh*t. Just this week, Trump promoted Klein’s latest book, which is full of insane nonsense. None of this is normal, so stop treating it like it is."
WATCH: Trump’s new ‘Christian Policy’ adviser claims he once stopped a tsunami through prayer
WATCH: Trump’s new ‘Christian Policy’ adviser claims he once stopped a tsunami through prayer
"Unsurprisingly, it seems that Trump has developed his strongest political relationships with some particularly shady televangelists, including one who believes Trump uses secret hand gestures to signal to Christians that he’s just as devout as they are. Another shady televangelist who has boarded the Trump Train is a man named Frank Amedia, who heads up a church called Touch Heaven Ministries and who Time reported last week had recently been named the Trump campaign’s new “liaison for Christian policy"."
"Unsurprisingly, it seems that Trump has developed his strongest political relationships with some particularly shady televangelists, including one who believes Trump uses secret hand gestures to signal to Christians that he’s just as devout as they are. Another shady televangelist who has boarded the Trump Train is a man named Frank Amedia, who heads up a church called Touch Heaven Ministries and who Time reported last week had recently been named the Trump campaign’s new “liaison for Christian policy"."
Meet Donald Trump's Absolutely Batsh*t Crazy 'Christian Liaison' (Video)
Meet Donald Trump's Absolutely Batsh*t Crazy 'Christian Liaison' (Video)
"Donald Trump is nothing but a caricature of a presidential candidate. He’s a conservative blog’s comment section sprung to life who somehow managed to win a major political party’s nomination by doing nothing more than lying through his teeth and saying whatever he felt conservative voters were gullible enough to believe. A great example of this is shown in who Trump picked as his apparent “Christian liaison” – whatever the hell that even means."
"Donald Trump is nothing but a caricature of a presidential candidate. He’s a conservative blog’s comment section sprung to life who somehow managed to win a major political party’s nomination by doing nothing more than lying through his teeth and saying whatever he felt conservative voters were gullible enough to believe. A great example of this is shown in who Trump picked as his apparent “Christian liaison” – whatever the hell that even means."
Coulter Says Trump's Taxes Self-Incriminate So Nevermind
Coulter Says Trump's Taxes Self-Incriminate So Nevermind
"However, she did make the only case why Donald Trump is refusing to release his tax returns. They will be heavily scrutinized by the public, just like every other presidential candidate has before him. That's too dangerous for the Dapper Don."
"However, she did make the only case why Donald Trump is refusing to release his tax returns. They will be heavily scrutinized by the public, just like every other presidential candidate has before him. That's too dangerous for the Dapper Don."
Top Young Republicans official quits over Trump: ‘I want no part of a racist, fascist, hateful presidency’
Top Young Republicans official quits over Trump: ‘I want no part of a racist, fascist, hateful presidency’
"The communications chair for the Young Republican National Federation criticized her party on the national level for supporting Donald Trump as she announced her resignation from the group"
"The communications chair for the Young Republican National Federation criticized her party on the national level for supporting Donald Trump as she announced her resignation from the group"
Did You Lose Your House? Trump Hoped You Would
Did You Lose Your House? Trump Hoped You Would
"This happened while he was peddling his bogus Trump University courses to teach folks how to scam the markets and their neighbors."
"This happened while he was peddling his bogus Trump University courses to teach folks how to scam the markets and their neighbors."
Why Aren't Trump's Mob Ties A Bigger Story?
Why Aren't Trump's Mob Ties A Bigger Story?
"Trump’s career has benefited from a decades-long and largely successful effort to limit and deflect law enforcement investigations into his dealings with top mobsters, organized crime associates, labor fixers, corrupt union leaders, con artists and even a one-time drug trafficker whom Trump retained as the head of his personal helicopter service. Johnston gives us stories like this: In Atlantic City, Trump built on property where mobsters controlled parts of the adjoining land needed for parking. He paid $1.1 million for about a 5,000-square-foot lot that had been bought five years earlier for just $195,000. The sellers were Salvy Testa and Frank Narducci Jr., a pair of hitmen for Atlantic City mob boss Nicky Scarfo who were known as the Young Executioners. There's a lot more where that came from, including a summary of the many shady aspects of Trump Tower's construction (concrete purchased from mob bosses, mobsters helping to conceal Trump's use of undocumented immigrant demolition workers, etc., etc.)."
"Trump’s career has benefited from a decades-long and largely successful effort to limit and deflect law enforcement investigations into his dealings with top mobsters, organized crime associates, labor fixers, corrupt union leaders, con artists and even a one-time drug trafficker whom Trump retained as the head of his personal helicopter service. Johnston gives us stories like this: In Atlantic City, Trump built on property where mobsters controlled parts of the adjoining land needed for parking. He paid $1.1 million for about a 5,000-square-foot lot that had been bought five years earlier for just $195,000. The sellers were Salvy Testa and Frank Narducci Jr., a pair of hitmen for Atlantic City mob boss Nicky Scarfo who were known as the Young Executioners. There's a lot more where that came from, including a summary of the many shady aspects of Trump Tower's construction (concrete purchased from mob bosses, mobsters helping to conceal Trump's use of undocumented immigrant demolition workers, etc., etc.)."
Leading White Nationalist Predicts Trump Administration Will Be Stacked With 'People Who Think The Way We Do'
Leading White Nationalist Predicts Trump Administration Will Be Stacked With 'People Who Think The Way We Do':
"Earlier this month, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke said that it was the job of white nationalists like himself to give Donald Trump “space” so that he can eventually publicly embrace anti-Semitism. Jared Taylor, the leading white nationalist who heads the organization American Renaissance, expressed a similar hope in a May 16 interview on an “alt-right” podcast, saying that he could “imagine” a scenario in which Trump, once president, would publicly back “white people wanting to remain a majority in their own country” and endorse bogus theories about racial differences in intelligence. Taylor also predicted that Trump would hire people “at all sorts of levels in his administration” who “think the way we do"."
"Earlier this month, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke said that it was the job of white nationalists like himself to give Donald Trump “space” so that he can eventually publicly embrace anti-Semitism. Jared Taylor, the leading white nationalist who heads the organization American Renaissance, expressed a similar hope in a May 16 interview on an “alt-right” podcast, saying that he could “imagine” a scenario in which Trump, once president, would publicly back “white people wanting to remain a majority in their own country” and endorse bogus theories about racial differences in intelligence. Taylor also predicted that Trump would hire people “at all sorts of levels in his administration” who “think the way we do"."
Trump Exploited a Loophole to Pocket 150k in Funding Meant for Small Businesses Affected by 9/11 @alternet
Trump Exploited a Loophole to Pocket 150k in Funding Meant for Small Businesses Affected by 9/11 @alternet:
"Considering his willingness to snatch up public funds designated for those less fortunate, it’s a tad ironic that Trump is so unwilling to pay his fair taxes. The Republican frontrunner has repeatedly said his tax rate is none of the public’s business, noting he fights “very hard to pay as little tax as possible.” And a USA Today analysis published Thursday found Trump’s businesses are currently engaged in over 100 lawsuits over unpaid taxes and tax-related disputes."
"Considering his willingness to snatch up public funds designated for those less fortunate, it’s a tad ironic that Trump is so unwilling to pay his fair taxes. The Republican frontrunner has repeatedly said his tax rate is none of the public’s business, noting he fights “very hard to pay as little tax as possible.” And a USA Today analysis published Thursday found Trump’s businesses are currently engaged in over 100 lawsuits over unpaid taxes and tax-related disputes."
Trump Has Also Hawked Bogus Vitamins @alternet
Trump Has Also Hawked Bogus Vitamins @alternet:
"Another day, another failed and sleazy Trump venture. To the pile of shady businesses that Trump has engaged in, you can add what the Daily Beast has called a “pseudo-scientific vitamin scheme”. Yep, that’s right. Along with crummy steaks, a litigious university, and a crashed airline, we can now add to that list The Trump Network, a telemarketing company that preyed on people’s lack of scientific understanding by selling them exorbitantly priced ($140) urine-tests, “which would then be used to personally “tailor” a pricey monthly concoction of vitamins"."
"Another day, another failed and sleazy Trump venture. To the pile of shady businesses that Trump has engaged in, you can add what the Daily Beast has called a “pseudo-scientific vitamin scheme”. Yep, that’s right. Along with crummy steaks, a litigious university, and a crashed airline, we can now add to that list The Trump Network, a telemarketing company that preyed on people’s lack of scientific understanding by selling them exorbitantly priced ($140) urine-tests, “which would then be used to personally “tailor” a pricey monthly concoction of vitamins"."
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Warren Incensed at GOP Effort to Gut Financial Protections for Retirees
Warren Incensed at GOP Effort to Gut Financial Protections for Retirees
"The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday to repeal a new Labor Department rule aimed at protecting retirement savers from Wall Street brokers. Yes, you read that right. The Labor Department rule, issued last month, requires financial advisors to adhere to a "fiduciary standard" that places client interests ahead of potential profits for themselves."
"The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday to repeal a new Labor Department rule aimed at protecting retirement savers from Wall Street brokers. Yes, you read that right. The Labor Department rule, issued last month, requires financial advisors to adhere to a "fiduciary standard" that places client interests ahead of potential profits for themselves."
The Koch Brothers Are Using This State as Their Right-Wing Laboratory @alternet
The Koch Brothers Are Using This State as Their Right-Wing Laboratory @alternet:
"Ducey, elected governor in 2014, is the most obvious Koch devotee in Arizona elected office, and a web of Koch-funded, secret-money nonprofits has helped him get there."
"Ducey, elected governor in 2014, is the most obvious Koch devotee in Arizona elected office, and a web of Koch-funded, secret-money nonprofits has helped him get there."
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Trump’s Bizarre Climate Beliefs Would Jeopardize Meaningful Global Climate Action
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/05/18/3779417/donald-denier-destroy-paris-climate-deal/
"Donald Trump’s climate science denial and dubious deal-making skills just raised the stakes of this election to “existential"."
"Donald Trump’s climate science denial and dubious deal-making skills just raised the stakes of this election to “existential"."
One Thing Changed About Obama This Year, And It Should Terrify Republicans
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/05/21/one-thing-changed-about-obama-this-year-and-it-should-terrify-republicans/
"Multiple factors probably account for the dramatic change, but the improving economy and the contrast between Donald Trump’s buffoonish style and Obama’s leadership have to be considered. Trump is definitely having an effect among Latino voters, where Obama is up even higher than the average – almost +15%."
"Multiple factors probably account for the dramatic change, but the improving economy and the contrast between Donald Trump’s buffoonish style and Obama’s leadership have to be considered. Trump is definitely having an effect among Latino voters, where Obama is up even higher than the average – almost +15%."
HORRIBLE News For Do-Nothing GOP: Americans Support Paid Family Leave Across Political Lines
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/05/20/bads-news-for-republicans-americans-support-paid-family-leave-across-political-lines/
"Because a happier, healthier workforce is what is best for business and America."
"Because a happier, healthier workforce is what is best for business and America."
Obama Approval Skyrockets To New Highs As Independents Appreciate The President
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/05/21/obama-approval-skyrockets-highs-independents-president.html
"As potential voters have witnessed Donald Trump in action, they appreciate Obama more."
"As potential voters have witnessed Donald Trump in action, they appreciate Obama more."
The Supreme Court Is at Stake: Why the Presidential Election Matters
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/36036-the-supreme-court-is-at-stake-why-the-presidential-election-matters
"Conservatives in this country have been on a mission to change the makeup of the Supreme Court since the Warren court overturned segregation laws, approved civil rights and voting rights, and upheld the rights of the accused to due process."
"Conservatives in this country have been on a mission to change the makeup of the Supreme Court since the Warren court overturned segregation laws, approved civil rights and voting rights, and upheld the rights of the accused to due process."
REPORT: Trump Lied About How Much Was Raised For Veterans, Personal Donation Appears Missing
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/05/21/report-trump-lied-about-how-much-was-raised-for-veterans-personal-donation-appears-missing/
"On top of failing to pay charities for months after the fundraiser, despite already having beneficiaries listed, it turns out Donald Trump actually lied about how much was raised — to the tune of around a million and a half dollars. And now, four months later, his campaign is admitting it. In fact, as of this time, only a little over three million has actually been paid out, meaning it’s possible that even the new number given by the Trump’s campaign is false. That, or worse, it simply disappeared. According to his campaign, donations were pledged that were not received. But that begs the question: If $4.5 million was definitely raised, where did it go? In any case, the amount of time between the fundraiser and actually paying the money is questionable, and Trump has been called out by many people for it — including Sandra Miniutti, the vice president for Charity Navigator, a service that rates charities: Miniutti said some fundraisers rightfully take time to distribute payments if the recipients have to be vetted, such as after public emergencies, but she said Trump’s campaign established a clear list of organizations to benefit. “There is no hard rule for turn-around time, but because the fundraising was so public, I think it’s fair to question why the funds haven’t been paid out,” Miniutti said. (CNN) Trump has also been criticized by the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff, who tweeted at the time of the fundraiser that “We need strong policies from candidates, not to be used for political stunts.” VoteVets.org has also distanced itself from the candidate, and other organizations have made it clear that receiving donations does not indicate support for his policies. Trump’s support for veterans is a facade. He doesn’t care about veterans at all; he knows that expressing support for veterans is a surefire strategy in American politics."
"On top of failing to pay charities for months after the fundraiser, despite already having beneficiaries listed, it turns out Donald Trump actually lied about how much was raised — to the tune of around a million and a half dollars. And now, four months later, his campaign is admitting it. In fact, as of this time, only a little over three million has actually been paid out, meaning it’s possible that even the new number given by the Trump’s campaign is false. That, or worse, it simply disappeared. According to his campaign, donations were pledged that were not received. But that begs the question: If $4.5 million was definitely raised, where did it go? In any case, the amount of time between the fundraiser and actually paying the money is questionable, and Trump has been called out by many people for it — including Sandra Miniutti, the vice president for Charity Navigator, a service that rates charities: Miniutti said some fundraisers rightfully take time to distribute payments if the recipients have to be vetted, such as after public emergencies, but she said Trump’s campaign established a clear list of organizations to benefit. “There is no hard rule for turn-around time, but because the fundraising was so public, I think it’s fair to question why the funds haven’t been paid out,” Miniutti said. (CNN) Trump has also been criticized by the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff, who tweeted at the time of the fundraiser that “We need strong policies from candidates, not to be used for political stunts.” VoteVets.org has also distanced itself from the candidate, and other organizations have made it clear that receiving donations does not indicate support for his policies. Trump’s support for veterans is a facade. He doesn’t care about veterans at all; he knows that expressing support for veterans is a surefire strategy in American politics."
Donald Trump gets away with every lie: Ronald Reagan, Fox News and how the right slowly gutted the truth
Donald Trump gets away with every lie: Ronald Reagan, Fox News and how the right slowly gutted the truth
"Trying to knock down Trump’s lies one at a time is a fool’s errand. It’s like trying to cut the head off of the hydra; for every lie you chop down, two new ones take its place. You have to step back and grasp the full magnitude of his lying, how he kneads together a whole multitude of lies into a single narrative, one which he then quickly casts off the moment it becomes advantageous to abandon it in favor of something else—possibly even the exact opposite of what he had been arguing the moment before. Perhaps the best way to understand him is simply as a salesman. There are no objective facts where he comes from, just selling points."
"Trying to knock down Trump’s lies one at a time is a fool’s errand. It’s like trying to cut the head off of the hydra; for every lie you chop down, two new ones take its place. You have to step back and grasp the full magnitude of his lying, how he kneads together a whole multitude of lies into a single narrative, one which he then quickly casts off the moment it becomes advantageous to abandon it in favor of something else—possibly even the exact opposite of what he had been arguing the moment before. Perhaps the best way to understand him is simply as a salesman. There are no objective facts where he comes from, just selling points."
That Time Donald Trump Posed As His Own Spokesman To Brag About Himself (VIDEO)
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/05/13/that-time-donald-trump-posed-as-his-own-spokesman-to-brag-about-himself-video/
"Unfortunately, he keeps getting away with things. Despite his horrific remarks, his repeated lies, and his generally awful attitude, The Donald has managed to land himself the spot as the 2016 GOP nominee. Republicans have repeatedly given him a pass no matter what he says or does because he represents all that is terrible about our society — bigotry, hatred, racism, xenophobia — and that is exactly what appeals to them."
"Unfortunately, he keeps getting away with things. Despite his horrific remarks, his repeated lies, and his generally awful attitude, The Donald has managed to land himself the spot as the 2016 GOP nominee. Republicans have repeatedly given him a pass no matter what he says or does because he represents all that is terrible about our society — bigotry, hatred, racism, xenophobia — and that is exactly what appeals to them."
Donald Trump Just Lied About Pretending To Be His Own PR Guy, Because We've Gone Insane
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/05/trump-pretends-to-be-publicist/
"Keep in mind that Trump had already admitted, in 1990, that he used the John Miller alias on occasion. And yet there he was -- lying his ass off. The Today show, the Post and his own unmistakable voice had him dead to rights. No sane person would've denied it was Trump and no sane person would've expected that he could get away with denying it was Trump -- but there was Donald Trump, just bald-face lying to the planet. Because Donald Trump is incapable of telling the truth. About anything. He lies spectacularly and mundanely, about any and all subjects. If you ask Trump what time it is and he answers you, get a second opinion because there's a pretty good chance what he told you is nonsense. Trump is compulsive and pathological, exhibiting the traits not simply of a narcissistic bullsh*t artist but of someone with a genuine personality disorder. Every day it feels like we fall deeper into a rabbit hole of insanity this election cycle. Every day, particularly with Trump, there's one new moment that's even more batsh*t than the last. I can only imagine what tomorrow's revelation about this buffoonish con man will be, but it should serve as one more reminder that while we can laugh at his ridiculousness, he now stands literally one vote away from becoming the most powerful man in the world. That's not funny. That's f*cking terrifying."
"Keep in mind that Trump had already admitted, in 1990, that he used the John Miller alias on occasion. And yet there he was -- lying his ass off. The Today show, the Post and his own unmistakable voice had him dead to rights. No sane person would've denied it was Trump and no sane person would've expected that he could get away with denying it was Trump -- but there was Donald Trump, just bald-face lying to the planet. Because Donald Trump is incapable of telling the truth. About anything. He lies spectacularly and mundanely, about any and all subjects. If you ask Trump what time it is and he answers you, get a second opinion because there's a pretty good chance what he told you is nonsense. Trump is compulsive and pathological, exhibiting the traits not simply of a narcissistic bullsh*t artist but of someone with a genuine personality disorder. Every day it feels like we fall deeper into a rabbit hole of insanity this election cycle. Every day, particularly with Trump, there's one new moment that's even more batsh*t than the last. I can only imagine what tomorrow's revelation about this buffoonish con man will be, but it should serve as one more reminder that while we can laugh at his ridiculousness, he now stands literally one vote away from becoming the most powerful man in the world. That's not funny. That's f*cking terrifying."
RNC Chair: 'No One Cares' About NYT's Article On Trump's Abuse Of Women
RNC Chair: 'No One Cares' About NYT's Article On Trump's Abuse Of Women
"Chairman of the RNC, bringing his A-game to Sunday news. Said no one."
"Chairman of the RNC, bringing his A-game to Sunday news. Said no one."
26 Preventative Health Care Services Available To Women Under Obamacare
http://samuel-warde.com/2016/05/26-preventative-health-care-services-available-women-obamacare/
"All Marketplace health plans and many other plans must cover the following list of preventive services for women without charging a copayment or coinsurance."
"All Marketplace health plans and many other plans must cover the following list of preventive services for women without charging a copayment or coinsurance."
Friday, May 20, 2016
The new overtime rule will directly benefit 12.5 million working people: Who they are and where they live
The new overtime rule will directly benefit 12.5 million working people: Who they are and where they live:
"12.5 million salaried workers will directly benefit from the Department of Labor’s new rule raising the salary threshold below which salaried workers are automatically eligible for overtime pay."
"12.5 million salaried workers will directly benefit from the Department of Labor’s new rule raising the salary threshold below which salaried workers are automatically eligible for overtime pay."
Health insurance coverage in the US just reached a historic high
Health insurance coverage in the US just reached a historic high
"The number of people without health insurance coverage is now at a record low."
"The number of people without health insurance coverage is now at a record low."
Republicans outraged millions of workers will get added pay under new Obama overtime rule
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/18/1527927/-Republicans-outraged-millions-of-workers-will-get-added-pay-under-new-Obama-overtime-rule
"President Obama is raising the overtime eligibility threshold, ensuring that, for millions more workers, working extra hours will mean getting extra pay. Naturally, congressional Republicans and industry lobby groups are outraged."
"President Obama is raising the overtime eligibility threshold, ensuring that, for millions more workers, working extra hours will mean getting extra pay. Naturally, congressional Republicans and industry lobby groups are outraged."
Paul Ryan Commits To Fighting Rule That Extends Overtime Protection To Millions Of Workers
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/05/19/3779735/paul-ryan-overtime/
"Hours after the White House announced a final rule that will change overtime protection so that it covers millions more Americans, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) vowed to fight it."
"Hours after the White House announced a final rule that will change overtime protection so that it covers millions more Americans, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) vowed to fight it."
Paul Ryan ADMITS He Wants People To Work More Hours For No Added Pay
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/05/18/paul-ryan-admits-he-wants-people-to-work-more-hours-for-no-added-pay/
"Let’s be blunt, Republicans seem want to make sure employers keep as much money as possible by making sure they’re allowed to pay employees as little as possible. They seem to see giving money to top to let in “trickle down” is an investment in the economy, but investing more money in the people (or rather, consumers) who actually drive the economy, is a bad thing. Republicans have it exactly backwards, and the sooner they realize this the better. What’s most ironic, Paul Ryan is paid an obscene amount to work only mere weeks per year."
"Let’s be blunt, Republicans seem want to make sure employers keep as much money as possible by making sure they’re allowed to pay employees as little as possible. They seem to see giving money to top to let in “trickle down” is an investment in the economy, but investing more money in the people (or rather, consumers) who actually drive the economy, is a bad thing. Republicans have it exactly backwards, and the sooner they realize this the better. What’s most ironic, Paul Ryan is paid an obscene amount to work only mere weeks per year."
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