Thursday, November 14, 2013
Paul Ryan Gets 700,000 ‘No’ Votes on Social Security Cuts | Common Dreams
Paul Ryan Gets 700,000 ‘No’ Votes on Social Security Cuts | Common Dreams
"Rep. Paul Ryan now has a clear, unmistakable message about where the American Majority stands on his ideas for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits – no, no, 700,000 times no."
"Rep. Paul Ryan now has a clear, unmistakable message about where the American Majority stands on his ideas for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits – no, no, 700,000 times no."
Former Israeli Security Chief Says U.S. Iran Policy ‘Is A Policy Of Wisdom’
Former Israeli Security Chief Says U.S. Iran Policy ‘Is A Policy Of Wisdom’: While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slams the U.S. on a possible deal with Iran, former members of Israel's security establishment are steadily coming out in support of the talks.
No, Obama Didn't Lie to You About Your Health Care Plans | Alternet
No, Obama Didn't Lie to You About Your Health Care Plans | Alternet
"First, it is important to note that the ACA grand-fathered all the individual policies that were in place at the time the law was enacted. This means that the plans in effect at the time that President Obama was pushing the bill could still be offered even if they did not meet all the standards laid out in the ACA.
"First, it is important to note that the ACA grand-fathered all the individual policies that were in place at the time the law was enacted. This means that the plans in effect at the time that President Obama was pushing the bill could still be offered even if they did not meet all the standards laid out in the ACA.
The plans being terminated because they don't meet the minimal standards were all plans that insurers introduced after the passage of the ACA."
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
How Republicans Rig the Game
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/how-republicans-rig-the-game-20131111
"Despite the fact that Republican Congressional can didates received nearly 1.4 million fewer votes than Democratic candidates last November, the Republicans lost only eight seats from their historic 2010 romp, allowing them to preserve a fat 33-seat edge in the House."
"Despite the fact that Republican Congressional can didates received nearly 1.4 million fewer votes than Democratic candidates last November, the Republicans lost only eight seats from their historic 2010 romp, allowing them to preserve a fat 33-seat edge in the House."
Watch John Boehner Lie About Immigration Bill
Watch John Boehner Lie About Immigration Bill
"Can we please stop saying Boehner is one of the reasonable ones who would make a deal if the tea party would let him? He's not reasonable. He's a true believer and he just lied to those kids, right to their face."
"Can we please stop saying Boehner is one of the reasonable ones who would make a deal if the tea party would let him? He's not reasonable. He's a true believer and he just lied to those kids, right to their face."
The Real Web of America's Economic Life
The Real Web of America's Economic Life
"Right now, there are 10 giant corporations that control, either directly or indirectly, virtually everything we buy."
"Right now, there are 10 giant corporations that control, either directly or indirectly, virtually everything we buy."
Occupy Wall Street Activists Buy $15 Million of Americans Personal Debt | Alternet
Occupy Wall Street Activists Buy $15 Million of Americans Personal Debt | Alternet
"Rolling Jubilee spends $400,000 to purchase cheap debt and free people from their bills."
"Rolling Jubilee spends $400,000 to purchase cheap debt and free people from their bills."
Senator Warren says 'Pick Up The Slingshot' Against Too Big To Fail Banks | Common Dreams
Senator Warren says 'Pick Up The Slingshot' Against Too Big To Fail Banks | Common Dreams
"Warren has thrown her support behind the “21st Century Glass-Steagall Act,” legislation co-sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and John McCain, R-Ariz."
"Warren has thrown her support behind the “21st Century Glass-Steagall Act,” legislation co-sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and John McCain, R-Ariz."
Elizabeth Warren: 'Too Big To Fail' Is Worse Than Before Financial Crisis
Elizabeth Warren: 'Too Big To Fail' Is Worse Than Before Financial Crisis
"Warren said that the lobbyists from Wall Street said the sky would fall if they cannot use deposits in checking accounts to perform their high risk activities."
"Warren said that the lobbyists from Wall Street said the sky would fall if they cannot use deposits in checking accounts to perform their high risk activities."
2013 On Track to Be One of the Hottest Years Ever | Alternet
2013 On Track to Be One of the Hottest Years Ever | Alternet
"This year is on track to be one of the hottest since record keeping began, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Association (WMO)."
"This year is on track to be one of the hottest since record keeping began, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Association (WMO)."
Sanders Goes on Offense Against Austerity with 'Progressive Budget Blueprint' | Common Dreams
Sanders Goes on Offense Against Austerity with 'Progressive Budget Blueprint' | Common Dreams
"As budget committee meets again, progressive lawmakers declare full-throated defense of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while saying 'Jobs, Not Cuts' is more sensible path"
"As budget committee meets again, progressive lawmakers declare full-throated defense of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while saying 'Jobs, Not Cuts' is more sensible path"
SEC Receives Onslaught Of Public Comments Supporting Corporate Political Transparency
SEC Receives Onslaught Of Public Comments Supporting Corporate Political Transparency: A petition to the Securities and Exchange Commission, requesting a rule mandating that public companies disclose use of corporate resources for political activities to shareholders, received 643,599 public comments
Top Senate Republican: ‘Sequestration Is Working’
Top Senate Republican: ‘Sequestration Is Working’: There is little evidence that sequestration is working as it devastates the economy and many Americans' lives.
Teens Confront Speaker Boehner On Immigration Reform
Teens Confront Speaker Boehner On Immigration Reform: Watch as two young teenagers approach House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) at a diner to tell him that their families had been separated by the broken immigration system.
'Trust Us': World's Most Perilous Nuclear Operation Set To Begin | Common Dreams
'Trust Us': World's Most Perilous Nuclear Operation Set To Begin | Common Dreams
"the operation to remove the fuel rods from Reactor 4 has nuclear experts sounding every alarm bell they can find in order to draw attention to the potentially devastating results if something goes wrong with the effort."
"the operation to remove the fuel rods from Reactor 4 has nuclear experts sounding every alarm bell they can find in order to draw attention to the potentially devastating results if something goes wrong with the effort."
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
'People's Bailout' Abolishes $15 Million in Personal Medical Debt | Common Dreams
'People's Bailout' Abolishes $15 Million in Personal Medical Debt | Common Dreams
"In what is being touted as a "bailout by the people," the Rolling Jubilee announced Monday they have now abolished nearly $15 million in individual medical debt.
In an affront to the status quo of debt collection, Strike Debt—the group behind the project—has so far raised $600,000 which it has used to purchase a total of $14.7 million in medical debt for "pennies on the dollar." Then, instead of trying to collect on it, the group graciously forgives the debt."
"In what is being touted as a "bailout by the people," the Rolling Jubilee announced Monday they have now abolished nearly $15 million in individual medical debt.
In an affront to the status quo of debt collection, Strike Debt—the group behind the project—has so far raised $600,000 which it has used to purchase a total of $14.7 million in medical debt for "pennies on the dollar." Then, instead of trying to collect on it, the group graciously forgives the debt."
THE FUKUSHIMA CRISIS COMES TO THE STATES
www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/fukushima-radiation-arrives-in-alaska-111213
"The catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant -- aka Yesterday's Tragedy -- appears to be ongoing, and Alaska now has become part of the story."
Read more: Fukushima Radiation Arrives In Alaska - The Fukushima Crisis Comes To The States - Esquire
Follow us: @Esquiremag on Twitter | Esquire on Facebook
Visit us at Esquire.com
"The catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant -- aka Yesterday's Tragedy -- appears to be ongoing, and Alaska now has become part of the story."
Read more: Fukushima Radiation Arrives In Alaska - The Fukushima Crisis Comes To The States - Esquire
Follow us: @Esquiremag on Twitter | Esquire on Facebook
Visit us at Esquire.com
Poll: Americans Overwhelmingly Support Increase in Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
Poll: Americans Overwhelmingly Support Increase in Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"Critics have blasted a call for a $9 minimum wage as not nearly enough, and MIT's Living Wage Calculator shows that rate would still leave many without a living wage."
"Critics have blasted a call for a $9 minimum wage as not nearly enough, and MIT's Living Wage Calculator shows that rate would still leave many without a living wage."
The Swiss Have Greedy CEOs Outraged With This Crazy Liberal Idea
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/12/income-inequality-initiative-switzerland/
"On November 24th, the Swiss can take another step in curbing corporate superfluous pay grades. The 1:12 initiative seeks to limit the monthly pay of the highest earners in Swiss firms to no greater than the yearly pay of the lowest earners. In other words, CEO’s can’t make more in a month than their lowest laborers makes in a year."
"On November 24th, the Swiss can take another step in curbing corporate superfluous pay grades. The 1:12 initiative seeks to limit the monthly pay of the highest earners in Swiss firms to no greater than the yearly pay of the lowest earners. In other words, CEO’s can’t make more in a month than their lowest laborers makes in a year."
Just Eat It: Big Money Spends Millions to Convince Washington It's None of Our Business What We Put In Our Mouths | Common Dreams
Just Eat It: Big Money Spends Millions to Convince Washington It's None of Our Business What We Put In Our Mouths | Common Dreams
"food, biotech and agribusiness giants barraged voters with ads and mailers to convince them labelling would raise prices and overwhelm their wee brains with too much information about what it is they're putting in their and their children's bodies"
"food, biotech and agribusiness giants barraged voters with ads and mailers to convince them labelling would raise prices and overwhelm their wee brains with too much information about what it is they're putting in their and their children's bodies"
Poverty Is America's #1 Education Problem | Alternet
Poverty Is America's #1 Education Problem | Alternet
"In short, if we were serious about education, then our education discussion wouldn't be focused on demonizing teachers and coming up with radical schemes to undermine traditional public schools. It would instead be focused on mounting a new war on poverty and thus directly addressing the biggest education problem of all."
"In short, if we were serious about education, then our education discussion wouldn't be focused on demonizing teachers and coming up with radical schemes to undermine traditional public schools. It would instead be focused on mounting a new war on poverty and thus directly addressing the biggest education problem of all."
The 40-Year Slump
The 40-Year Slump
"From 1954 thought 1974, American workers brought home most of the wealth that they produced. Since 1974, they've steadily lost power—and they're getting just a fraction of the wealth they produce today."
"From 1954 thought 1974, American workers brought home most of the wealth that they produced. Since 1974, they've steadily lost power—and they're getting just a fraction of the wealth they produce today."
Stop Being 'Reasonable' With These Global Warming Enablers
Stop Being 'Reasonable' With These Global Warming Enablers
"First of all, let's get the terms straight. They're not climate change "deniers". They're climate change enablers.And I don't care if they're sincerely misinformed Christianists, Teabaggers, plutocrats or just stupid. Stop treating them as if they might have a point. They don't."
"First of all, let's get the terms straight. They're not climate change "deniers". They're climate change enablers.And I don't care if they're sincerely misinformed Christianists, Teabaggers, plutocrats or just stupid. Stop treating them as if they might have a point. They don't."
Walmart Workers In Seattle To Walk Out On Strike
Walmart Workers In Seattle To Walk Out On Strike: The Seattle strike is the latest in a string of walk outs since June and comes ahead of promised strikes on Black Friday.
Corporate Expressways, Brought to You by Macquarie and Transurban
Corporate Expressways, Brought to You by Macquarie and Transurban
"ALEC’s vision would implement a fractured system of toll roads crisscrossing the country, with the proceeds going directly into the coffers of private corporations and their shareholders."
"ALEC’s vision would implement a fractured system of toll roads crisscrossing the country, with the proceeds going directly into the coffers of private corporations and their shareholders."
Buoyed by Protests, Obama Embraces $10 Minimum Wage
Buoyed by Protests, Obama Embraces $10 Minimum Wage
"What prompted President Obama to up the ante on the minimum wage? In January 2013, in his State of the Union address, he proposed raising the minimum wage from the current $7.25 to $9 an hour. Then last week he announced that he supports hiking it to $10.10 an hour."
"What prompted President Obama to up the ante on the minimum wage? In January 2013, in his State of the Union address, he proposed raising the minimum wage from the current $7.25 to $9 an hour. Then last week he announced that he supports hiking it to $10.10 an hour."
GOP’s newest demented crusade: War on mothers
GOP’s newest demented crusade: War on mothers
"Conservatives continue to be outraged by the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that basic insurance policies cover maternity and newborn care."
"Conservatives continue to be outraged by the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that basic insurance policies cover maternity and newborn care."
GOP Food Stamp Cuts Would Kick 170,000 Vets Out of the Program
www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/11/veterans-food-stamp-cuts-republicans-snap
"In addition to reducing housing aid, and denying health care to vets, the GOP is also trying to remove thousands of vets from the food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP."
"In addition to reducing housing aid, and denying health care to vets, the GOP is also trying to remove thousands of vets from the food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP."
GOP Did Contribute To Obamacare, Study Finds – Turns Out They Wrote A Large Portion
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/10/obamacare-study-republican-contribution/
"For the final bill, over 10% came from House Republicans, and almost 30% came from Senate Republicans. That brings the total GOP contribution to Obamacare to 38.5%, meaning that over a third of Obamacare was written by the Republican party."
"For the final bill, over 10% came from House Republicans, and almost 30% came from Senate Republicans. That brings the total GOP contribution to Obamacare to 38.5%, meaning that over a third of Obamacare was written by the Republican party."
6 Reasons Why Obamacare Enrollment Is Going Better Than You Think
6 Reasons Why Obamacare Enrollment Is Going Better Than You Think: An estimated 50,000 enrolled in the federal exchanges, but that's not the whole story.
Voters Overwhelmingly Support A $9 Minimum Wage
Voters Overwhelmingly Support A $9 Minimum Wage: Three-quarters of the country would vote for a $9 minimum wage if given the chance.
California Headed For Driest Year On Record
California Headed For Driest Year On Record: San Francisco received no rain in October and only 3.95 inches of precipitation since January.
Why the Hate-Filled, Retrograde Politics of the Tea Party Are Here to Stay | Alternet
Why the Hate-Filled, Retrograde Politics of the Tea Party Are Here to Stay | Alternet
"The South, and by association the GOP, sees America increasingly through the prism of race. It’s central to their worldview. In 2012, 92% of the Republican vote came from white people who, within the next three decades, will no longer be in the majority."
"The South, and by association the GOP, sees America increasingly through the prism of race. It’s central to their worldview. In 2012, 92% of the Republican vote came from white people who, within the next three decades, will no longer be in the majority."
Monday, November 11, 2013
Koch Group Throws Boozy Anti-Obamacare Tailgate Party At College Football Game
Koch Group Throws Boozy Anti-Obamacare Tailgate Party At College Football Game: The game day bash included a "fleet of Hummers," according to a Generation Opportunity spokesperson, in addition to beer pong, models, and anti-Obamacare rhetoric.
How Republicans Are Denying Health Care Coverage To Thousands Of Veterans
How Republicans Are Denying Health Care Coverage To Thousands Of Veterans: The states that have failed to grow Medicaid are home to higher rates of uninsured veterans than the states that expanded their programs.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Enormous Power of the People Sways the November Elections | Alternet
Enormous Power of the People Sways the November Elections | Alternet
"From increased minimum wage wins to local fracking bans, the people made their voices heard this election."
"From increased minimum wage wins to local fracking bans, the people made their voices heard this election."
Why Does Congress Think It's OK for Working Americans to Go Hungry? | Common Dreams
Why Does Congress Think It's OK for Working Americans to Go Hungry? | Common Dreams
"So why is it OK for working Americans to go hungry? Why in the midst such affluence for the wealthy do we, as a nation, simply turn our back on those struggling, even when they are lucky enough to land a job and work for a living?"
"So why is it OK for working Americans to go hungry? Why in the midst such affluence for the wealthy do we, as a nation, simply turn our back on those struggling, even when they are lucky enough to land a job and work for a living?"
GOP Donors Seek To Oust Michigan Tea Party Congressmen Over Shutdown
GOP Donors Seek To Oust Michigan Tea Party Congressmen Over Shutdown: The growing rift between Tea Party conservatives and the moneyed GOP establishment may have finally broken out into open hostilities.
The Pension Theft Crime Wave Rages On | Alternet
The Pension Theft Crime Wave Rages On | Alternet
"But the fact is that the crisis in funding for pensions, both private and public, is a manufactured one. It’s rooted in the Enron-style accounting and “something-for-nothing” financial engineering that set off the 2008 financial meltdown."
"But the fact is that the crisis in funding for pensions, both private and public, is a manufactured one. It’s rooted in the Enron-style accounting and “something-for-nothing” financial engineering that set off the 2008 financial meltdown."
Who Is Chief Right Wing Whacko this Week? It Might Surprise You | Alternet
Who Is Chief Right Wing Whacko this Week? It Might Surprise You | Alternet
"Rand Paul may have assumed the mantle of Wacko-in-Chief this week, but lots of lesser known right-wing nutjobs had banner weeks as well."
"Rand Paul may have assumed the mantle of Wacko-in-Chief this week, but lots of lesser known right-wing nutjobs had banner weeks as well."
Saturday, November 9, 2013
New Rules Mandate Mental Health Coverage
New Rules Mandate Mental Health Coverage
"The final rule issued today implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and ensures that health plans features like co-pays, deductibles and visit limits are generally not more restrictive for mental health/substance abuse disorders benefits than they are for medical/surgical benefits."
"The final rule issued today implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and ensures that health plans features like co-pays, deductibles and visit limits are generally not more restrictive for mental health/substance abuse disorders benefits than they are for medical/surgical benefits."
Time is Running Out to Save the Post Office | Common Dreams
Time is Running Out to Save the Post Office | Common Dreams
"The American people created the post office. The American people can still save the post office. But we need to do something right now. Time is running out."
"The American people created the post office. The American people can still save the post office. But we need to do something right now. Time is running out."
PERRspectives: Republicans Put Red State Hospitals at Risk
PERRspectives: Republicans Put Red State Hospitals at Risk
"Among the myriadtactics Republicans are using to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, the "coverage gap" is perhaps the most visible. Because 26 GOP-led states have refused to accept the federally-funded expansion of Medicaid to their residents earning up to 138% of the poverty level, at least five million Americans will needlessly be left without health insurance in 2014. As it turns out, that Republican rejection will deal a second body blow to the red state health care systems that need help most by draining funds from hospitals that currently serve the uninsured."
"Among the myriadtactics Republicans are using to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, the "coverage gap" is perhaps the most visible. Because 26 GOP-led states have refused to accept the federally-funded expansion of Medicaid to their residents earning up to 138% of the poverty level, at least five million Americans will needlessly be left without health insurance in 2014. As it turns out, that Republican rejection will deal a second body blow to the red state health care systems that need help most by draining funds from hospitals that currently serve the uninsured."
Lindsey Graham Curiously Mute After CBS Benghazi Story Tanks
Lindsey Graham Curiously Mute After CBS Benghazi Story Tanks
"Well, now that that story has been completely debunked, the new book has been shelved and everybody over at 60 Minutes is walking around with egg on their faces, Senator Graham has refused to comment on his silly actions."
"Well, now that that story has been completely debunked, the new book has been shelved and everybody over at 60 Minutes is walking around with egg on their faces, Senator Graham has refused to comment on his silly actions."
Chuck Todd Equates Opposition to Privatizing Social Security to GOP Obstruction of 'Obamacare'
Chuck Todd Equates Opposition to Privatizing Social Security to GOP Obstruction of 'Obamacare'
"There are so many things wrong with this very short clip from this Friday's Morning Joe on MSNBC, it's hard to know where to begin, but let's start with the fact that there is no equivalence whatsoever between George W. Bush wanting to privatize Social Security and the Democrats who were against that policy, and the type of obstruction we've seen from Republicans against the Affordable Care Act."
"There are so many things wrong with this very short clip from this Friday's Morning Joe on MSNBC, it's hard to know where to begin, but let's start with the fact that there is no equivalence whatsoever between George W. Bush wanting to privatize Social Security and the Democrats who were against that policy, and the type of obstruction we've seen from Republicans against the Affordable Care Act."
Republican Lawyers Who Gutted 1965 Voting Rights Act Seek Millions From Taxpayers | Alternet
Republican Lawyers Who Gutted 1965 Voting Rights Act Seek Millions From Taxpayers | Alternet
"The lawyers who argued the case destroying the law now want taxpayers to pay them."
"The lawyers who argued the case destroying the law now want taxpayers to pay them."
The 10 Most Toxic Cities in the World | Alternet
The 10 Most Toxic Cities in the World | Alternet
"Toxic pollution can cause serious damage to human health. It’s a known cause of cancer, cognitive impairment, organ damage, and respiratory problems."
"Toxic pollution can cause serious damage to human health. It’s a known cause of cancer, cognitive impairment, organ damage, and respiratory problems."
Even Right-Wingers Become Liberals When They Turn Off Fox News | Alternet
Even Right-Wingers Become Liberals When They Turn Off Fox News | Alternet
"America's center is to the left, and even Tea Partyers are liberals when they turn off Rush and learn real facts."
"America's center is to the left, and even Tea Partyers are liberals when they turn off Rush and learn real facts."
Friday, November 8, 2013
Tepco Strives for Milestone at Fukushima With Fuel Removal
www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-08/fukushima-chief-confident-spent-fuel-rods-can-be-removed-safely.html
"“The thing that keeps me up late at night is that they’re getting ready to unload the spent fuel in unit 4,” said Friedlander, who spent 13 years operating U.S. nuclear plants"
"“The thing that keeps me up late at night is that they’re getting ready to unload the spent fuel in unit 4,” said Friedlander, who spent 13 years operating U.S. nuclear plants"
How the Koch Brothers Organized the Federal Shutdown
How the Koch Brothers Organized the Federal Shutdown
"The Koch machine has now been rather well documented, via leaks from the Kochs' periodic secret bundling-conferences."
"The Koch machine has now been rather well documented, via leaks from the Kochs' periodic secret bundling-conferences."
Texas Homeowner Battles $3 Million Defamation Lawsuit For Exposing Fracking Company’s Pollution
Texas Homeowner Battles $3 Million Defamation Lawsuit For Exposing Fracking Company’s Pollution: Steve Lipsky, a Texas conservative homeowner, has found himself at the center of a $3 million lawsuit for defamation from an oil and gas company.
ALEC Forges New Bills for its Polluting Company Members
ALEC Forges New Bills for its Polluting Company Members
"Now, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is working on new model laws to protect its polluting member companies that participate in ALEC’s Energy, Environment and Agriculture task force (EEA)."
"Now, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is working on new model laws to protect its polluting member companies that participate in ALEC’s Energy, Environment and Agriculture task force (EEA)."
Fed Official: Wall Street Still Thinks It Is Above The Law
Fed Official: Wall Street Still Thinks It Is Above The Law: Without a "cultural shift," the financial industry is likely to bring about another disaster.
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