Kevin Madden: Minimum Wage Hike Denies 'Opportunity' for 'Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder'
"CNN contributor Kevin Madden, a former advisor and spokesperson for Mitt Romney (R), said on Sunday that Congress should not raise the minimum wage because it would deny people the "opportunity to grab that bottom rung of the economic ladder"."
Monday, December 2, 2013
GOP Credits Rosa Parks For ‘Ending Racism’
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/01/3007041/gop-credits-rosa-parks-ending-racism/
"Racism, of course, hasn’t ended and may have actually increased since the election of President Obama in 2008."
"Racism, of course, hasn’t ended and may have actually increased since the election of President Obama in 2008."
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
Ted Cruz Begins Sad Backtrack on the Importance of ACA Website as Site’s Issues Fade
www.forwardprogressives.com/ted-cruz-begins-sad-backtrack-on-the-importance-of-aca-website-as-sites-issues-fade/
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
Where The Minimum Wage Would Be If It Kept Pace With The Earnings Of The 1%
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/01/3007011/minimum-wage-percent-leave-workers/
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
Sorry, Neoliberals: Inequality Is Driven by Greed, Not Technology | Alternet
Sorry, Neoliberals: Inequality Is Driven by Greed, Not Technology | Alternet
"A new study shows low wages are really caused by low minimum wage, weakened unions and the effects of globalization."
"A new study shows low wages are really caused by low minimum wage, weakened unions and the effects of globalization."
Five Ways We're Being Violated by Big Business | Common Dreams
Five Ways We're Being Violated by Big Business | Common Dreams
"We already pay dearly for energy, medicine, banking, and telecommunications services. But a little research reveals that we're paying more—much more—in a variety of ways that our business-friendly mainstream media won't talk about."
"We already pay dearly for energy, medicine, banking, and telecommunications services. But a little research reveals that we're paying more—much more—in a variety of ways that our business-friendly mainstream media won't talk about."
Noam Chomsky: America Hates Its Poor | Alternet
Noam Chomsky: America Hates Its Poor | Alternet
"Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky on our country's brutal class warfare -- and why it's ultimately so one-sided."
"Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky on our country's brutal class warfare -- and why it's ultimately so one-sided."
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Santorum Complains That 'Sicker, Older' People are Getting Insurance
Santorum Complains That 'Sicker, Older' People are Getting Insurance
"I don't know who Rick Santorum is trying to appeal to with this fearmongering on CNN's State of the Union this Saturday, but it seems to me he's taking aim straight at the GOP's base with his complaints about people over sixty now being able to get health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act."
"I don't know who Rick Santorum is trying to appeal to with this fearmongering on CNN's State of the Union this Saturday, but it seems to me he's taking aim straight at the GOP's base with his complaints about people over sixty now being able to get health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act."
10 Outrages and Crazy Statements by Right-Wingers This Week: Pope Provokes Free-Market Freakout | Alternet
10 Outrages and Crazy Statements by Right-Wingers This Week: Pope Provokes Free-Market Freakout | Alternet
"Before the Thanksgiving floats, there was the usual parade of right-wing nuts this week, many of whom became apoplectic after Pope Francis’ much-publicized Joy of the Gospel document, which critiqued unfettered capitalism and insinuated that thoroughly discredited trickle-down economics is naïve and just plain wrong."
"Before the Thanksgiving floats, there was the usual parade of right-wing nuts this week, many of whom became apoplectic after Pope Francis’ much-publicized Joy of the Gospel document, which critiqued unfettered capitalism and insinuated that thoroughly discredited trickle-down economics is naïve and just plain wrong."
How GOP Oligarchs and the Christian Right Are Hiding Behind the 1st Amendment to Ram Through Their Political Agenda | Alternet
How GOP Oligarchs and the Christian Right Are Hiding Behind the 1st Amendment to Ram Through Their Political Agenda | Alternet
"The Tea Party is turning the Constitution’s most fundamental protections into a refuge for scoundrels and billionaires."
"The Tea Party is turning the Constitution’s most fundamental protections into a refuge for scoundrels and billionaires."
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Corporations Should Pay a Living Wage or Face the Death Penalty | Alternet
Corporations Should Pay a Living Wage or Face the Death Penalty | Alternet
"If businesses can't pay a living wage, they should get the corporate death penalty.
Doing business in America – and pretty much every other developed country in the world – is a privilege, not a right."
"If businesses can't pay a living wage, they should get the corporate death penalty.
Doing business in America – and pretty much every other developed country in the world – is a privilege, not a right."
Six of the Top Ten US Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons
Six of the Top Ten US Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons
"The problem is, of course, not just economics. It’s the way that economics interacts with politics. The Koch brothers have poured some of their combined $72 billion in wealth into conservative and tea party politicians at the governor and state legislature levels.In addition, our economy is marked by stagnating wages, which have sunk to poverty levels for millions of workers. The key driver of our low-wage economy is Walmart, with its 11,000 stores worldwide that pay so little that many of its workers get by on food stamps. The four main heirs to Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, rank numbers six, seven, eight, and nine on the billionaires list. Three sit on the Walmart board, including Rob Walton, the board chair. (Other U.S. billionaires have made their fortunes in destructive Wall Street financial firms and through the generous government handouts of what President Eisenhower called "the military-industrial complex.")
And, they’ve financed a number of ultra-conservative state ballot initiatives. Scott Walker, for example, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, who gutted the state’s labor laws, is a major Koch client."
"The problem is, of course, not just economics. It’s the way that economics interacts with politics. The Koch brothers have poured some of their combined $72 billion in wealth into conservative and tea party politicians at the governor and state legislature levels.In addition, our economy is marked by stagnating wages, which have sunk to poverty levels for millions of workers. The key driver of our low-wage economy is Walmart, with its 11,000 stores worldwide that pay so little that many of its workers get by on food stamps. The four main heirs to Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, rank numbers six, seven, eight, and nine on the billionaires list. Three sit on the Walmart board, including Rob Walton, the board chair. (Other U.S. billionaires have made their fortunes in destructive Wall Street financial firms and through the generous government handouts of what President Eisenhower called "the military-industrial complex.")
And, they’ve financed a number of ultra-conservative state ballot initiatives. Scott Walker, for example, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, who gutted the state’s labor laws, is a major Koch client."
Corporate Elites Are Witnessing a Growing Wave of Resistance to the ‘Walmartization’ of Our Economy | Alternet
Corporate Elites Are Witnessing a Growing Wave of Resistance to the ‘Walmartization’ of Our Economy | Alternet
"The struggle of working Americans took center stage as Black Friday protests covered the country. The struggle for wages that do not leave families impoverished is one that affects us all and highlights the unfair economy created by a class war waged by the wealthy for decades. The ‘Walmartization’ of the US economy has created a downward spiral in wages and destroyed small businesses and communities while heightening the wealth divide that is at the root of so many problems. The war on working people is a war on all but the wealthiest Americans."
"The struggle of working Americans took center stage as Black Friday protests covered the country. The struggle for wages that do not leave families impoverished is one that affects us all and highlights the unfair economy created by a class war waged by the wealthy for decades. The ‘Walmartization’ of the US economy has created a downward spiral in wages and destroyed small businesses and communities while heightening the wealth divide that is at the root of so many problems. The war on working people is a war on all but the wealthiest Americans."
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Food Stamps Cut Just in Time for Thanksgiving | Common Dreams
Food Stamps Cut Just in Time for Thanksgiving | Common Dreams
"Corporations can’t cut wages and say to working people, “There are plenty of hungry people just waiting to take your job, so shut up” if there aren’t plenty of hungry people just waiting to take any old nasty, humiliating, low-wage job. So as long as the wealthy few and their giant corporations are able to buy our government we can expect more high unemployment and cuts to programs that help feed people."
"Corporations can’t cut wages and say to working people, “There are plenty of hungry people just waiting to take your job, so shut up” if there aren’t plenty of hungry people just waiting to take any old nasty, humiliating, low-wage job. So as long as the wealthy few and their giant corporations are able to buy our government we can expect more high unemployment and cuts to programs that help feed people."
6 of the Top 10 U.S. Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons | Alternet
6 of the Top 10 U.S. Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons | Alternet
"For the first time ever, according to Forbes magazine, the 400 richest Americanshave more than $2 trillion in combined wealth. And, a fifth of that amount is held by just 10 individuals. Of those top 10 richest Americans, six hail from two families—the Kochs and the Waltons—who are destroying our economy and corrupting our politics. We all should be outraged."
"For the first time ever, according to Forbes magazine, the 400 richest Americanshave more than $2 trillion in combined wealth. And, a fifth of that amount is held by just 10 individuals. Of those top 10 richest Americans, six hail from two families—the Kochs and the Waltons—who are destroying our economy and corrupting our politics. We all should be outraged."
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
We’re Not Broke — We’ve Been Robbed | Common Dreams
We’re Not Broke — We’ve Been Robbed | Common Dreams
"One of the biggest common misunderstandings is that governments are like households, which need to tighten their spending when times are tough. Actually, governments and households work in opposite ways.
"One of the biggest common misunderstandings is that governments are like households, which need to tighten their spending when times are tough. Actually, governments and households work in opposite ways.
Governments can and should spend more when times are tough. Government spending makes up for lack of spending by families and businesses, and it helps get the economy moving by getting people back to work, putting money in their pockets, and contracting with businesses."
How Wall Street's New Empire of Rental Homes Could Blow Up the Economy | Alternet
How Wall Street's New Empire of Rental Homes Could Blow Up the Economy | Alternet
"Wall Street is at it again—this time, they're turning rentals into the next get-rich-quick bubble."
"Wall Street is at it again—this time, they're turning rentals into the next get-rich-quick bubble."
This Was One of The Least Productive Years Ever for Congress
This Was One of The Least Productive Years Ever for Congress
"Congress is on track to have one of the least productive years in modern history, having passed only 52 bills since January, just 44 which are considered “substantive”—far below the average of 70 in the years 1990-2012."
"Congress is on track to have one of the least productive years in modern history, having passed only 52 bills since January, just 44 which are considered “substantive”—far below the average of 70 in the years 1990-2012."
The Tea Party gave birth to this: Christian American Patriots Militia calling for Obama’s assassination
www.freakoutnation.com/2013/11/25/the-tea-party-gave-birth-to-this-christian-american-patriots-militia-calling-for-obamas-assassination/
"The Secret Service is aware of the threats. The page has been reported numerous times."
"The Secret Service is aware of the threats. The page has been reported numerous times."
Jim Garrow and Erik Rush Obama Should Be Stood Against Wall and Shot
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/27/jim-garrow-erik-rush-obama-stood-wall-shot.html
"Republicans have become obsessed not with simply impeaching or imprisoning President Obama, but with killing him."
"Republicans have become obsessed not with simply impeaching or imprisoning President Obama, but with killing him."
Pope Francis Attacks 'Idolatry of Money,' Says Inequality 'Kills' | Alternet
Pope Francis Attacks 'Idolatry of Money,' Says Inequality 'Kills' | Alternet
"Pope Francis called on politicians to guarantee “dignified work, education and healthcare” to their citizens."
"Pope Francis called on politicians to guarantee “dignified work, education and healthcare” to their citizens."
Did Karl Rove’s super PAC commit perjury?
Did Karl Rove’s super PAC commit perjury?
"The return, signed under penalty of perjury, specified that the grants would be used for social welfare purposes, “and not for political expenditures, consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt mission.” But that’s not what happened."
"The return, signed under penalty of perjury, specified that the grants would be used for social welfare purposes, “and not for political expenditures, consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt mission.” But that’s not what happened."
Big Retail Is Watching You: Exposing Walmart's Massive Data Collection Schemes | Common Dreams
Big Retail Is Watching You: Exposing Walmart's Massive Data Collection Schemes | Common Dreams
"Outside of its growing reputation for poverty wages, worker intimidation and an overall culture of employee repression, a new report released Wednesday reveals that retail giant Walmart is also throwing its weight behind a massive consumer tracking effort with particular implications for people of color."
"Outside of its growing reputation for poverty wages, worker intimidation and an overall culture of employee repression, a new report released Wednesday reveals that retail giant Walmart is also throwing its weight behind a massive consumer tracking effort with particular implications for people of color."
Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall $
Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall $
"The controversy immediately kicked off a struggle for control of the Wisconsin Senate. Between 2011 and 2012 Wisconsin voters across the state knocked on doors, circulated recall petitions, and put an unprecedented number of state officials up for recall. Thirteen state senators eventually faced recall elections. Close to one million people signed recall petitions for the Governor and Lt. Governor, and even before an election was certified, outside money began to saturate the state. $137.5 million is estimated to have been spent on the recalls in total, the vast majority from out-of-state players.
The source of much of that spending remains unknown. Millions were spent by "dark money" nonprofits -- most of them organized under 501(c)(4) of the tax code -- that allow deep pocketed donors to hide their identity."
"The controversy immediately kicked off a struggle for control of the Wisconsin Senate. Between 2011 and 2012 Wisconsin voters across the state knocked on doors, circulated recall petitions, and put an unprecedented number of state officials up for recall. Thirteen state senators eventually faced recall elections. Close to one million people signed recall petitions for the Governor and Lt. Governor, and even before an election was certified, outside money began to saturate the state. $137.5 million is estimated to have been spent on the recalls in total, the vast majority from out-of-state players.
The source of much of that spending remains unknown. Millions were spent by "dark money" nonprofits -- most of them organized under 501(c)(4) of the tax code -- that allow deep pocketed donors to hide their identity."
The 'Ticking Time Bomb' That Could Cause Such Rapid Global Warming We'd Be Unable to Prevent Extinction | Alternet
The 'Ticking Time Bomb' That Could Cause Such Rapid Global Warming We'd Be Unable to Prevent Extinction | Alternet
"Our planet has experienced five major extinctions over the past billion or so years -- do we really want to launch an irreversible 6th?"
"Our planet has experienced five major extinctions over the past billion or so years -- do we really want to launch an irreversible 6th?"
Bernie Sanders: To Defeat Oligarchy, I Would Run for President | Common Dreams
Bernie Sanders: To Defeat Oligarchy, I Would Run for President | Common Dreams
"Senator Bernie Sanders, for the second time in as many weeks, is indicating serious contemplation for a presidential run in 2016 if none of the potential Democratic candidates show the proper urgency when it comes to addressing a key set of issues that he thinks now face the country and the world.
Stressing the overarching crisis of out-of-control income and wealth inequality coupled with the planetary emergencies of global warming and climate change, Sanders' message has been that unless these problems are put at the forefront of the domestic policy agenda he will feel compelled to run."
"Senator Bernie Sanders, for the second time in as many weeks, is indicating serious contemplation for a presidential run in 2016 if none of the potential Democratic candidates show the proper urgency when it comes to addressing a key set of issues that he thinks now face the country and the world.
Stressing the overarching crisis of out-of-control income and wealth inequality coupled with the planetary emergencies of global warming and climate change, Sanders' message has been that unless these problems are put at the forefront of the domestic policy agenda he will feel compelled to run."
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
"Nestle’s sit-down with Berman’s sponsors reveals why he has had a four-decade run as a corporate hit man. With the backing of tobacco, booze and then Big Food, he has created industry front groups, kept his sponsors’ identities largely hidden, developed a political playbook based on smears, distortions and hate-mongering, and seen the campaign and lobbying profession embrace his poisonous and destructive methodology.
America’s political culture has become uglier and more hate-filled in recent decades, and Richard Berman has played a singular roll in that descent into the gutter."
"Nestle’s sit-down with Berman’s sponsors reveals why he has had a four-decade run as a corporate hit man. With the backing of tobacco, booze and then Big Food, he has created industry front groups, kept his sponsors’ identities largely hidden, developed a political playbook based on smears, distortions and hate-mongering, and seen the campaign and lobbying profession embrace his poisonous and destructive methodology.
America’s political culture has become uglier and more hate-filled in recent decades, and Richard Berman has played a singular roll in that descent into the gutter."
6 Outrageously Greedy Companies That Make Scrooge Look Like a Softie | Alternet
6 Outrageously Greedy Companies That Make Scrooge Look Like a Softie | Alternet
"From paying starvation wages to abandoning victims of factory disasters, there is no action too heartless for some of our best-known companies."
"From paying starvation wages to abandoning victims of factory disasters, there is no action too heartless for some of our best-known companies."
Pope Francis Understands Economics Better Than Most Politicians | Common Dreams
Pope Francis Understands Economics Better Than Most Politicians | Common Dreams
"Pope Francis is a pontiff who has constructively broken all the rules of popery – so far to widespread acclaim. He's faulted the Catholic church for its negative obsession with gays and birth control, and now he has expanded his mandate to economics with a groundbreaking screed denouncing "the new idolatry of money"."
"Pope Francis is a pontiff who has constructively broken all the rules of popery – so far to widespread acclaim. He's faulted the Catholic church for its negative obsession with gays and birth control, and now he has expanded his mandate to economics with a groundbreaking screed denouncing "the new idolatry of money"."
Billionaires' Bad Day: New Rules Would Rein in Nonprofits
Billionaires' Bad Day: New Rules Would Rein in Nonprofits
"The fact that these groups were ever considered "social welfare" groups in the first place is laughable. I'm waiting for them to start screeching on Fox about how they're taking away their "free speech" and how terrible the IRS "thugs" are for finally trying to curb some of this activity."
"The fact that these groups were ever considered "social welfare" groups in the first place is laughable. I'm waiting for them to start screeching on Fox about how they're taking away their "free speech" and how terrible the IRS "thugs" are for finally trying to curb some of this activity."
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Obama Blasts Republicans For Wasting 40+ Votes On Repealing The ACA Instead of Creating Jobs
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/26/obama-blasts-republicans-wasting-40-votes-repealing-aca-creating-jobs.html
"The president was correct that Republicans could be voting on his jobs plans or infrastructure spending, but they choose to continue to waste time on meaningless votes to repeal the ACA. The president made an important point when he said that Republicans are obsessed with taking health insurance away from 40 million people.
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop obsessing about a website that is performing much better, and start asking Republicans why they want tens of millions of Americans to not have access to affordable healthcare."
"The president was correct that Republicans could be voting on his jobs plans or infrastructure spending, but they choose to continue to waste time on meaningless votes to repeal the ACA. The president made an important point when he said that Republicans are obsessed with taking health insurance away from 40 million people.
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop obsessing about a website that is performing much better, and start asking Republicans why they want tens of millions of Americans to not have access to affordable healthcare."
You Probably Didn’t Hear About The Most Important Health Care News This Week
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/22/2983481/media-historic-slowdown-health-spending/
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
Pope Francis Says Trickle-Down Economics ‘Has Never Been Confirmed By The Facts’
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/26/2997451/pope-francis-trickle/
"Pope Francis condemned trickle-down economics and the world of inequality and exclusion it fosters in the first apostolic exhortation of his papacy"
"Pope Francis condemned trickle-down economics and the world of inequality and exclusion it fosters in the first apostolic exhortation of his papacy"
Republicans continue efforts to suppress the vote in places where it will do them the most good
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/26/1258522/-Republicans-continue-efforts-to-suppress-the-vote-in-places-where-it-will-do-them-the-most-good
"Shaming the GOP for its determination to shave a few points off Democratic election turnout obviously hasn't had an impact. Unblushable, the party is still at it. Instead of doing all they can to encourage every eligible person to vote, Republicans have been relentlessly imposing new restrictions to make it harder"
"Shaming the GOP for its determination to shave a few points off Democratic election turnout obviously hasn't had an impact. Unblushable, the party is still at it. Instead of doing all they can to encourage every eligible person to vote, Republicans have been relentlessly imposing new restrictions to make it harder"
Some Florida Election Supervisors Stunned By New Voter Restrictions
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/26/2995801/florida-election-supervisors-stunned-voter-restrictions/
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) chief election official issued new rules Monday night that could hamper absentee voting, just months before Floridians in the state’s 13th Congressional district take part in a special election to replace the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R). The seat was held by Republicans for decades, but is now considered a tossup."
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) chief election official issued new rules Monday night that could hamper absentee voting, just months before Floridians in the state’s 13th Congressional district take part in a special election to replace the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R). The seat was held by Republicans for decades, but is now considered a tossup."
Right-Wing Militia Leader Says Constitution Gives Him The Right To Assassinate President Obama (IMAGE)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/24/right-wing-assassinate-obama/
"These threats justify why the Department of Homeland Security and a West Point think-tank classified right-wing extremists as a dangerous threat to the country. Ever since Obama took office, the right has gone completely crazy with hate. They have zero ideas and are incapable of winning elections by making a reasonable case to voters. They can’t even bring themselves to compromise on anything. So they threaten the nation with guns and violent revolution in order to scare Americans and get their way."
"These threats justify why the Department of Homeland Security and a West Point think-tank classified right-wing extremists as a dangerous threat to the country. Ever since Obama took office, the right has gone completely crazy with hate. They have zero ideas and are incapable of winning elections by making a reasonable case to voters. They can’t even bring themselves to compromise on anything. So they threaten the nation with guns and violent revolution in order to scare Americans and get their way."
Bernie Sanders Explains How Democrats Will Win in 2014
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/26/bernie-sanders-explains-democrats-win-2014.html
"Contrary to what the media is saying, the ACA website drama will pass. President Obama discussed the economy today in similar terms that Bernie Sanders used, and what the Republicans don’t get is that people care more about having a job than they do a health insurance website."
"Contrary to what the media is saying, the ACA website drama will pass. President Obama discussed the economy today in similar terms that Bernie Sanders used, and what the Republicans don’t get is that people care more about having a job than they do a health insurance website."
4 Ways the Koch Brothers' Wealth Is Beyond Comprehension | Alternet
4 Ways the Koch Brothers' Wealth Is Beyond Comprehension | Alternet
"Charles and David Koch are both members of the .00001%. That's a group of twenty individuals who have a total net worth of over a half-trillion dollars , about $26 billion each."
"Charles and David Koch are both members of the .00001%. That's a group of twenty individuals who have a total net worth of over a half-trillion dollars , about $26 billion each."
Good-bye Milton Friedman, Hello Joseph Stiglitz! Progressive Economists Can Help Save Working America | Alternet
Good-bye Milton Friedman, Hello Joseph Stiglitz! Progressive Economists Can Help Save Working America | Alternet
"For more than four decades the debate on economic policy has been dominated by an ideologically driven theory originating in economics departments of several major universities, most notably the University of Chicago. This simplistic neoliberal economic philosophy relentlessly taught that there was no problem that could not be solved by a reliance on market forces. All that was needed was for the government to get out of the way. President Reagan summed it up with the mantra: "government is not the solution; government is the problem."
This neoliberal economic philosophy has dominated the debate on economic policy. It has limited the very language in which our political debates have been conducted. The simplistic model of the perfectly competitive market has been the standard against which all public policies have been measured."
"For more than four decades the debate on economic policy has been dominated by an ideologically driven theory originating in economics departments of several major universities, most notably the University of Chicago. This simplistic neoliberal economic philosophy relentlessly taught that there was no problem that could not be solved by a reliance on market forces. All that was needed was for the government to get out of the way. President Reagan summed it up with the mantra: "government is not the solution; government is the problem."
This neoliberal economic philosophy has dominated the debate on economic policy. It has limited the very language in which our political debates have been conducted. The simplistic model of the perfectly competitive market has been the standard against which all public policies have been measured."
Darrell Issa's Traveling Obamacare Hearings Exclude ACA Supporters
Darrell Issa's Traveling Obamacare Hearings Exclude ACA Supporters
"In his traveling road show of “hearings” on the Affordable Care Act rollout, Darrell Issa has hand-picked the people testifying, and has excluded those who want to speak in favor of the ACA."
"In his traveling road show of “hearings” on the Affordable Care Act rollout, Darrell Issa has hand-picked the people testifying, and has excluded those who want to speak in favor of the ACA."
Wealthy Libertarians Are Driving Poverty, Unemployment, and Anti-Government Discontent
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/24/wealthy-libertarians-driving-poverty-unemployment-anti-government-discontent.html
"There is a reason the Koch brothers and their cohort ALEC are funneling millions to anti-government teabaggers and religious right anti-choice activists, and it is part of their plan to stir up opposition to equal rights, religious freedom, and particularly the federal government and social programs. Inciting discontent and division among the population, coupled with their job-killing austerity economics, stagnating wages, and domestic spending cuts is the recipe for the growth of fascism and at some point the people will look to a champion who will promise a path to economic prosperity if they are given authority to transform America according to the Koch brothers’ libertarian vision of no federal government, no regulations, no taxation, a return to Christian moral values, and free market capitalism that is code for corporate owned-and-operated government."
"There is a reason the Koch brothers and their cohort ALEC are funneling millions to anti-government teabaggers and religious right anti-choice activists, and it is part of their plan to stir up opposition to equal rights, religious freedom, and particularly the federal government and social programs. Inciting discontent and division among the population, coupled with their job-killing austerity economics, stagnating wages, and domestic spending cuts is the recipe for the growth of fascism and at some point the people will look to a champion who will promise a path to economic prosperity if they are given authority to transform America according to the Koch brothers’ libertarian vision of no federal government, no regulations, no taxation, a return to Christian moral values, and free market capitalism that is code for corporate owned-and-operated government."
How Wall Street Turned America Into Incarceration Nation | Alternet
How Wall Street Turned America Into Incarceration Nation | Alternet
"The U.S. leads the world in prisoners with 2.27 million in jail and more than 4.8 million on parole. Minorities have been especially hard hit, forming 39.4% of the prison population, with one in three black men expected to serve time during their lifetimes.
"The U.S. leads the world in prisoners with 2.27 million in jail and more than 4.8 million on parole. Minorities have been especially hard hit, forming 39.4% of the prison population, with one in three black men expected to serve time during their lifetimes.
How is it that our land, supposedly the beacon of freedom and democracy for the rest of the world, puts so many of its own people into prison?"
Monday, November 25, 2013
New Tax Return Shows Karl Rove's Group Spent Even More On Politics Than It Said
New Tax Return Shows Karl Rove's Group Spent Even More On Politics Than It Said
"Social welfare nonprofits, also known as dark money groups because they don't have to report their donors, are allowed to spend money on politics as long as their primary purpose is social welfare. The groups often count so-called issue ads that stop short of advocating for or against a candidate and grants toward that social welfare mission. Since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend directly on election ads, these nonprofits have turned into the vehicle of choice for anonymous spending, dumping more than $254 million into the 2012 elections.
"Social welfare nonprofits, also known as dark money groups because they don't have to report their donors, are allowed to spend money on politics as long as their primary purpose is social welfare. The groups often count so-called issue ads that stop short of advocating for or against a candidate and grants toward that social welfare mission. Since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend directly on election ads, these nonprofits have turned into the vehicle of choice for anonymous spending, dumping more than $254 million into the 2012 elections.
Of the 150 or so social welfare nonprofits that reported spending to the Federal Election Commission during the 2012 election cycle, Crossroads was king, the biggest anonymous spender by far. Americans for Tax Reform came in fourth, with $15.8 million."
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
"Big Food’s top flack has pioneered the worst in our political culture."
"Big Food’s top flack has pioneered the worst in our political culture."
Sunday, November 24, 2013
10 Acts of Madness By Right Wingers This Week -- Limbaugh's Rape Fantasies Edition | Alternet
10 Acts of Madness By Right Wingers This Week -- Limbaugh's Rape Fantasies Edition | Alternet
"There were lots of right-wing lunacies tossed around throughout the Conservoverse this week, but first on that filibuster thing"
"There were lots of right-wing lunacies tossed around throughout the Conservoverse this week, but first on that filibuster thing"
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
Say What? Civil Rights Act Critic Rand Paul Tapped to Launch African American Outreach Project in Michigan | Alternet
Say What? Civil Rights Act Critic Rand Paul Tapped to Launch African American Outreach Project in Michigan | Alternet
"The Michigan Republican Party will launch its new African American Engagement Office in Detroit next month, aiming to improve on the mere two percent of the vote their presidential nominee received in the city last year. To headline this event, the party has enlisted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) — though Paul has been an outspoken critic of the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
"The Michigan Republican Party will launch its new African American Engagement Office in Detroit next month, aiming to improve on the mere two percent of the vote their presidential nominee received in the city last year. To headline this event, the party has enlisted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) — though Paul has been an outspoken critic of the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
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