Saturday, June 30, 2012
Florida Insurers To Rebate $113 Million To Policyholders
Florida Insurers To Rebate $113 Million To Policyholders: Thanks to the health care law, Floridians who obtained health insurance without employer assistance will receive rebates between $143 and $949 in August, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The law requires insurers to spend 80 percent of their premiums on medical costs, and refund the difference to policyholders if they fail to meet the [...]/p
12.8 Million Receive Insurance Rebates As A Result Of Obamacare
12.8 Million Receive Insurance Rebates As A Result Of Obamacare: 12.8 million Americans will receive $1.1 billion in rebates from insurers that have not met minimum spending guidelines in Obamacare, the administration announced Thursday morning. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to spend 80 to 85 percent of premium dollars on health care services or issue rebates to policy holders. The average rebate is valued [...]/p
New Gender Study Asks: Who is Quoted on Women’s Issues in The Media? | AlterNet
New Gender Study Asks: Who is Quoted on Women’s Issues in The Media? | AlterNet
"According to a study by 4th Estate, a research group that monitors campaign coverage, found that women accounted for only 31 percent of sources on “women’s rights” — a general category excluding reproductive issues — in major news outlets. Men accounted for 52 percent, while organizations made up 17 percent."
"According to a study by 4th Estate, a research group that monitors campaign coverage, found that women accounted for only 31 percent of sources on “women’s rights” — a general category excluding reproductive issues — in major news outlets. Men accounted for 52 percent, while organizations made up 17 percent."
Corporate Profits at All-Time High; Wages at All-Time Low: Can We Call it Class War Yet? | | AlterNet
Corporate Profits at All-Time High; Wages at All-Time Low: Can We Call it Class War Yet? | | AlterNet
"The middle class is being hollowed out; increasingly, there are the super-super-rich, and there are the rest of us."
"The middle class is being hollowed out; increasingly, there are the super-super-rich, and there are the rest of us."
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Top 5 Ways The Supreme Court’s Ruling On Obamacare Helps Women
The Top 5 Ways The Supreme Court’s Ruling On Obamacare Helps Women: Today’s historic Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, is a tremendous victory for millions of Americans, and perhaps most of all for women. By upholding the health reform law, [...]/p
Analysis: 98.4% of voters on Rick Scott's first purge list are eligible voters
Analysis: 98.4% of voters on Rick Scott's first purge list are eligible voters
"The statistics that we've seen from the first round of Republican Gov. Rick Scott's Florida voter purge are pretty disturbing."
"The statistics that we've seen from the first round of Republican Gov. Rick Scott's Florida voter purge are pretty disturbing."
Romney: Students Should Get ‘As Much Education As They Can Afford’
Romney: Students Should Get ‘As Much Education As They Can Afford’: On the campaign trail Wednesday night in Virginia, Mitt Romney took on the topic of education. While extolling the virtues of America as “the land of opportunity for every single person,” Romney said that he believes students should only be able to get as much education “as they can afford”: I think this is a [...]/p
Court Allows Crisis Pregnancy Centers To Decieve Women
Court Allows Crisis Pregnancy Centers To Decieve Women: Crisis Pregnancy Centers often masquerade as abortion consultation facilities — they lure in women who are pregnant and terrified, and then often try to convince them not to get the procedure. Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that is a totally acceptable practice. The city of Baltimore passed a law [...]/p
Workplace Policies Can Help Working Mothers ‘Have It All’ By Not ‘Losing It All’
Workplace Policies Can Help Working Mothers ‘Have It All’ By Not ‘Losing It All’: Two years ago, I sat in the ER with my two-year-old Aiden, who had a double ear infection. Though I’d been working as a manager at the Statue of Liberty gift [...]/p
Obama Threatens To Veto Bill That Defunds Wall Street Reform
Obama Threatens To Veto Bill That Defunds Wall Street Reform: House Republicans, after failing to prevent the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law from passing Congress, have attempted to undermine it by refusing to give Wall Street regulators adequate funds to do their jobs. Both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are short of the funding they require, and House Republicans [...]/p
Adults only, please: Five things the Romney campaign believes are presidential
Adults only, please: Five things the Romney campaign believes are presidential
"Staking your entire presidential campaign on repealing the very same health care reform policy that you signed into law when governor."
"Staking your entire presidential campaign on repealing the very same health care reform policy that you signed into law when governor."
Mississippi Tea Party Chairman Calls For Open Rebellion Against Federal Government After Obamacare Ruling
Mississippi Tea Party Chairman Calls For Open Rebellion Against Federal Government After Obamacare Ruling: Of all the right-wing meltdowns following yesterday’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act, this statement put out by the chairman of the Mississippi Tea Party may take the cake: When a gang of criminals subvert legitimate government offices and seize all power to themselves without the [...]/p
CNN's Erin Burnett Cherry-Picks Numbers To Attack Health Care Law
CNN's Erin Burnett Cherry-Picks Numbers To Attack Health Care Law
"CNN's Erin Burnett cherry-picked numbers to claim that the health care reform law was "a massive fail" because medical costs are expected to grow more in 2014 than they did in 2010.
"CNN's Erin Burnett cherry-picked numbers to claim that the health care reform law was "a massive fail" because medical costs are expected to grow more in 2014 than they did in 2010.
But the massive fail here is on Burnett: health care costs in 2010 grew at historically low rates as the country emerged from a deep recession, making it an inappropriate point of comparison."
Leading Anti-Obamacare Congressman: ‘I Don’t Want To Hear Any Talk From Republicans About Preserving Any Aspect Of It’
Leading Anti-Obamacare Congressman: ‘I Don’t Want To Hear Any Talk From Republicans About Preserving Any Aspect Of It’: WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Steve King (R-IA) has a message for those Republicans wavering on whether to repeal popular provisions of Obamacare: “it’s all or none.” ThinkProgress spoke with King, who has been leading the fight against Obamacare since it was signed into law, at the Supreme Court following yesterday’s ruling. In an expectedly dour [...]/p
Five Health Care Mandates Republicans Support
Five Health Care Mandates Republicans Support: Republicans are in complete upheaval over Obamacare, fired up by the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the law yesterday. They have continuously claimed that the government is ramming this legislation down the throats of the American people, and now they are calling it an unwanted financial burden on everyday Americans. In fact, the individual mandate [...]/p
New Tea Party Theory: Kindergarten Leads To Higher Crime Rates
New Tea Party Theory: Kindergarten Leads To Higher Crime Rates
"Please, Rep. Kingsbury, don't let facts get in the way of your fantasies. Here's a fact: Children who attend kindergarten, especially a kindergarten class with small class size and experienced teachers, do better in life, are more likely to go to college, and more likely to earn decent wages."
"Please, Rep. Kingsbury, don't let facts get in the way of your fantasies. Here's a fact: Children who attend kindergarten, especially a kindergarten class with small class size and experienced teachers, do better in life, are more likely to go to college, and more likely to earn decent wages."
Why The Individual Mandate Is Not A ‘Massive Tax Hike’ On The Middle Class
Why The Individual Mandate Is Not A ‘Massive Tax Hike’ On The Middle Class: The Supreme Court ruled today that the Affordable Care Act, the comprehensive health care reform package signed by President Obama in 2010, is constitutional. The Court upheld the law’s most controversial provision, the individual mandate, ruling that it is constitutional under the government’s authority to levy and collect taxes. Republicans have falsely claimed the mandate [...]/p
Taxes Are The New Death Panels: Exposing The Latest Lie About Obamacare
Taxes Are The New Death Panels: Exposing The Latest Lie About Obamacare: Republicans are responding to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the individual mandate by constructing a new “death panels”-like lie. The law, they argue, imposes a burdensome tax on millions of middle class families who will have to pay a penalty for not purchasing health care coverage by 2014. The line originates in the majority’s decision, [...]/p
Health care ruling a victory for problem-solving policy
Rachel Maddow points out the role of the Affordable Care Act in solving the problem of America's terrible health care system
Supreme Court Leaves Romney in the Cold | Common Dreams
Supreme Court Leaves Romney in the Cold | Common Dreams
"Mitt Romney is an idiot or, even worse, is pretending to be one. His tantrum of a response on Thursday to the Supreme Court’s health care decision was pure playground: As president I will own the ball, and the game will be played by rules that leave me a winner."
"Mitt Romney is an idiot or, even worse, is pretending to be one. His tantrum of a response on Thursday to the Supreme Court’s health care decision was pure playground: As president I will own the ball, and the game will be played by rules that leave me a winner."
Why Obamacare Is A Tax Cut For Millions Of Americans
Why Obamacare Is A Tax Cut For Millions Of Americans: Following the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday that Obamacare, the 2010 health care law, is constitutional under Congress’ ability to tax, Republicans have launched a full court press calling the individual mandate a “massive tax hike.” But as ThinkProgress noted yesterday, there is no massive tax hike: few people will ever pay the penalty, and those [...]/p
Thursday, June 28, 2012
4 Reasons Why Republicans Won’t Be Able To Repeal Obamacare
4 Reasons Why Republicans Won’t Be Able To Repeal Obamacare: Responding to Thursday’s Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, Congressional Republicans have scheduled a vote in the House to repeal the law and Mitt Romney pledged to undo the measure if he’s elected president in November. But unless the GOP wins a super majority in the Senate — a scenario [...]/p
'Medicare for All' Must Remain the Goal | Common Dreams
'Medicare for All' Must Remain the Goal | Common Dreams
"Go ahead and wade through the cacophony of responses to the Supreme Court decision. It should be a fascinating excursion through society’s exposed soul at its finest, and at its worst. Some of the responses you will hear will rely on refined cognitive processes and others on fundamental reflexive emotions."
"Go ahead and wade through the cacophony of responses to the Supreme Court decision. It should be a fascinating excursion through society’s exposed soul at its finest, and at its worst. Some of the responses you will hear will rely on refined cognitive processes and others on fundamental reflexive emotions."
Catholic bishops very sad SCOTUS upholds health care for ladies
Catholic bishops very sad SCOTUS upholds health care for ladies
"It's not just Republicans who are feeling really, really sad today that millions of Americans will continue to have health care. The Catholic bishops are, of course, also sad"
"It's not just Republicans who are feeling really, really sad today that millions of Americans will continue to have health care. The Catholic bishops are, of course, also sad"
Four Reasons Why The Court’s Decision To Uphold Obamacare Is Good News For The Economy
Four Reasons Why The Court’s Decision To Uphold Obamacare Is Good News For The Economy: The Supreme Court today upheld the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law signed by President Obama in 2010, ruling 5-4 that the law was constitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Justices Sonya Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Elena Kagan on the opinion. The individual mandate, the requirement that all Americans purchase [...]/p
How the Federal Reserve Is Manipulating Our Kids Into Loving Wall Street | Economy | AlterNet
How the Federal Reserve Is Manipulating Our Kids Into Loving Wall Street | Economy | AlterNet
"A Fed-sponsored competition brainwashes teens into putting the capitalist titans of Wall Street on a pedestal."
"A Fed-sponsored competition brainwashes teens into putting the capitalist titans of Wall Street on a pedestal."
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Medicare for all
Medicare for all
"The Republican majority of the Supreme Court is very likely to overturn the Affordable Care Act tomorrow, fully embracing the "let 'em die" attitude that has become the Republican rallying cry."
"The Republican majority of the Supreme Court is very likely to overturn the Affordable Care Act tomorrow, fully embracing the "let 'em die" attitude that has become the Republican rallying cry."
Affordable Care Act's Hidden Escape Hatch
Affordable Care Act's Hidden Escape Hatch
"Let's assume the almost-worst case scenario for Thursday: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the mandate but leaves all of the consumer protections in place."
"Let's assume the almost-worst case scenario for Thursday: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the mandate but leaves all of the consumer protections in place."
The American People Are Angry
"In a must see 25 minute speech, Senator Bernie Sanders took to the Senate floor and challenged Congress to break free of its billionaire masters and work for the American people." Copy and paste the link for the article: http://www.politicususa.com/bernie-sanders-storms-senate-floor-challenges-congress-koch-whores.html
As Exxon CEO Calls Global Warming’s Impacts ‘Manageable’, Colorado Wildfires Shutter Climate Lab
As Exxon CEO Calls Global Warming’s Impacts ‘Manageable’, Colorado Wildfires Shutter Climate Lab: Fueled by a warming climate, Colorado is experiencing its worst fire season in its history. As researchers at Boulder’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) joined 32,000 other Coloradans in fleeing the fires, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson spoke to the Council on Foreign Relations about the “manageable” risks of climate change: Rex Tillerson said at a meeting at [...]/p
New York GOP Nominates U.S. Senate Candidate Who Thinks Child Labor Laws Are Unconstitutional
New York GOP Nominates U.S. Senate Candidate Who Thinks Child Labor Laws Are Unconstitutional: Yesterday, New York Republicans voted to nominate Wendy Long as their candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Long, a former law clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, is best known for spearheading several inaccurate and race baiting attacks against Justice Sonia Sotomayor during Sotomayor’s confirmation process. Despite an impressive legal [...]/p
New York Attorney General Investigating US Chamber of Commerce, Other NonProfits For Laundering Contributions
New York Attorney General Investigating US Chamber of Commerce, Other NonProfits For Laundering Contributions
"This is huge, major, awesome news. Finally, finally, finally someone is investigatingmoney-laundering nonprofit organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who recently admitted to funneling secret multi-million dollar contributions from AHIP to astroturf organizations in order to stoke hate for the Affordable Care Act."
"This is huge, major, awesome news. Finally, finally, finally someone is investigating
Top Ranked Professional Tennis Player Says Women Should Be Paid Less Than Men
Top Ranked Professional Tennis Player Says Women Should Be Paid Less Than Men: Gilles Simon, the 13th ranked mens tennis player in the world, said this week at Wimbledon that he believes women tennis players should be paid less than men, because the men’s game is “more attractive.” He added that he thinks equal pay is “something that doesn’t work in sport“: Simon, the world number 13, had [...]/p
Montana can't keep corporate money out of it's elections...
The Supreme Court reaffirmed their Citizens United decision - saying Montana can't keep corporate money out of it's elections. Where does the fight go to get money out of politics stands after this latest blow?
Who is Bankrolling the Fight Against "Obamacare?" | Common Dreams
Who is Bankrolling the Fight Against "Obamacare?" | Common Dreams
"The lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), is a highly partisan front group masquerading as the "nation's leading small business association," critics say. The nation's highest court is expected to rule on the federal health care law Thursday."
"The lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), is a highly partisan front group masquerading as the "nation's leading small business association," critics say. The nation's highest court is expected to rule on the federal health care law Thursday."
Arizona Senate Candidate Rep. Jeff Flake Lobbied To Preserve South Africa’s Apartheid Government
Arizona Senate Candidate Rep. Jeff Flake Lobbied To Preserve South Africa’s Apartheid Government: In 1987, Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) — then a lobbyist for a Namibian uranium mine — testified before the Utah State Senate in support of a resolution backing the apartheid government in South Africa. Flake, a sixth-term GOP congressman and current Arizona senate candidate, opposed sanctions on the segregationist Botha government — largely to support [...]/p
10 Things You Would Miss About Obamacare
10 Things You Would Miss About Obamacare: The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act this week and could potentially strike down part or the whole of ‘Obamacare.’ Below are 10 things you will miss about the law if the justices invalidate it: 1) Access to health insurance for 30 million Americans and lower premiums. [...]/p
In Ohio, the People Push Back on Fracking | Common Dreams
In Ohio, the People Push Back on Fracking | Common Dreams
"Last week nearly 1,000 people took over the Ohio Statehouse. Joined by others from neighboring states, they came together to protest the destructive gas drilling method called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." After rallying and marching to the Capitol building, hundreds poured in—without a permit—to hold a "People's Assembly" to decide how they, the people, could end the practice in their state."
"Last week nearly 1,000 people took over the Ohio Statehouse. Joined by others from neighboring states, they came together to protest the destructive gas drilling method called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." After rallying and marching to the Capitol building, hundreds poured in—without a permit—to hold a "People's Assembly" to decide how they, the people, could end the practice in their state."
Top 5 Ways Republicans Have Turned Washington DC Into Their Legislative Playground
Top 5 Ways Republicans Have Turned Washington DC Into Their Legislative Playground: Last night, a bill to grant Washington, DC, budget autonomy had to be pulled from the schedule after Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tacked on restrictions that supported his Republican agenda. According to The Hill, Paul said of the amendments, “‘I think it’s a good way to call attention to some issues that have national implications… [...]/p
Class War at the Supreme Court | Common Dreams
Class War at the Supreme Court | Common Dreams
"On the eve of the Supreme Court’s much anticipated ruling on Obamacare, here is a simple test for detecting the politics behind a decision: When reading the rulings, look for the double standards and answers to questions not posed by the cases themselves. By those measures, the Supreme Court’s record in the past week fairly reeks of the justices’ politics."
"On the eve of the Supreme Court’s much anticipated ruling on Obamacare, here is a simple test for detecting the politics behind a decision: When reading the rulings, look for the double standards and answers to questions not posed by the cases themselves. By those measures, the Supreme Court’s record in the past week fairly reeks of the justices’ politics."
PERRspectives: GOP Goal: Kill Health Care Reform and a Lasting Democratic Majority
PERRspectives: GOP Goal: Kill Health Care Reform and a Lasting Democratic Majority
"For GOP leaders like Mitch McConnell the battle to "kill it and start over" wasn't merely about ensuring that "the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president." For twenty years, Republicans have feared not that health care reform would fail the American people, but that it would succeed. To put it another way, the GOP was never really concerned about a "government takeover of health care", "rationing", "the doctor-patient relationship" or mythical "death panels," but that an American public grateful for access to health care could provide Democrats with an enduring majority for years to come."
"For GOP leaders like Mitch McConnell the battle to "kill it and start over" wasn't merely about ensuring that "the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president." For twenty years, Republicans have feared not that health care reform would fail the American people, but that it would succeed. To put it another way, the GOP was never really concerned about a "government takeover of health care", "rationing", "the doctor-patient relationship" or mythical "death panels," but that an American public grateful for access to health care could provide Democrats with an enduring majority for years to come."
The Supreme Court and Citizens United
While discussing Citizens United, Bernie Sanders got on the topic of Mitt Romney and with visible disgust slammed the Republican nominee for his Koch clone ways. This is more than Bernie Sanders sounding the alarm about what is happening to our electoral system. Sen. Sanders connected the dots. Mitt Romney and Citizens United are one and the same. Romney is the human embodiment of Citizens United. If the conservative billionaires can get him elected it will set up a long line of future corporate presidential candidates, because Citizens United will have allowed them to buy the presidency.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Republican Congressional Candidate Promises To Impeach Obama Over New Immigration Policy
Republican Congressional Candidate Promises To Impeach Obama Over New Immigration Policy: A Republican congressional candidate in a competitive district is promising to try to impeach President Obama because of his new immigration policy protecting one million undocumented students from being deported. Allen Quist, a former state representative running against Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) in Minnesota’s 1st congressional district, told a town hall late last week that [...]/p
Americans still blame Bush for economy
Americans still blame Bush for economy
"Nonetheless, these numbers demonstrate the enormous flaw in Romney's strategy of simply trash-talking the economy, because no matter how much trash he talks, Obama isn't the one who is getting the blame. Of course, given that Romney's economic plan is basically Bush's on steroids—and given the fact that Americans blame Bush for our economic challenges—maybe Mitt Romney really doesn't have a better choice."
"Nonetheless, these numbers demonstrate the enormous flaw in Romney's strategy of simply trash-talking the economy, because no matter how much trash he talks, Obama isn't the one who is getting the blame. Of course, given that Romney's economic plan is basically Bush's on steroids—and given the fact that Americans blame Bush for our economic challenges—maybe Mitt Romney really doesn't have a better choice."
Texas GOP Platform Calls For Repealing Voting Rights Act Of 1965
Texas GOP Platform Calls For Repealing Voting Rights Act Of 1965: The Republican Party of Texas released its platform this month, calling on Congress to repeal the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. “We urge that the Voter [sic] Rights Act of 1965 codified and updated in 1973 be repealed and not reauthorized,” the platform reads. Texas is one of nine states with a history of [...]/p
Republican Senator Tries To Add Conception Amendment To Flood Insurance Bill
Republican Senator Tries To Add Conception Amendment To Flood Insurance Bill: Floods and abortions are distinctly different topics — except to Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who is trying to attach an anti-choice amendment to the Senate’s flood insurance bill. After years of delay, senators recently came to an agreement over the flood bill and were set to vote on it this week. But now, Paul is [...]/p
Predatory For-Profit Colleges Are Sucking Up A Disproportionate Amount Of Aid For Military Veterans
Predatory For-Profit Colleges Are Sucking Up A Disproportionate Amount Of Aid For Military Veterans: As ThinkProgress has documented, predatory for-profit colleges survive mainly due to the federal government, which provides about 90 percent of many schools’ revenue through the various streams of federal aid used by their students. Those students are also much more likely to default on their loans; students who attended for-profit colleges account for nearly 50 [...]/p
Texas GOP Promotes Abstinence-Only Education
Texas GOP Promotes Abstinence-Only Education: Along with the outrageous economic ideas the Texas Republican Party has included in its 2012 platform, the state party is also promoting abstinence-only sex education and urging legislators to prohibit reproductive health services — including any “counseling” — in public schools. In the 23-page document, Texas Republicans lay out their education platform, which includes the [...]/p
A Teen Lesbian Couple Is Shot and Left For Dead: What Matters Most Now is How We Respond | AlterNet
A Teen Lesbian Couple Is Shot and Left For Dead: What Matters Most Now is How We Respond | AlterNet
"On Friday night, as the LGBT community and their allies celebrated Pride throughout the nation, a teenage lesbian couple in Texas were both shot in the head and left to die. Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, died from her wounds, and Mary Christine Chapa, 18, is in serious but stable condition after surgery."
"On Friday night, as the LGBT community and their allies celebrated Pride throughout the nation, a teenage lesbian couple in Texas were both shot in the head and left to die. Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, died from her wounds, and Mary Christine Chapa, 18, is in serious but stable condition after surgery."
EXCLUSIVE POLL: Women’s Health Issues Create Surprising Vulnerability For Eric Cantor’s Reelection Bid
EXCLUSIVE POLL: Women’s Health Issues Create Surprising Vulnerability For Eric Cantor’s Reelection Bid: New polling from Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, one of the more reliably conservative districts in the country, shows surprising vulnerabilities for Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, especially on the issue of women’s health. In the poll from from Harrison Hickman obtained exclusively by ThinkProgress, voters say they would support a pro-choice candidate over a [...]/p
Fighting The Right Wing Voter Suppression Tricks
The GOP came up with a plan shortly after the 2008 elections -- they figured out that if they could just keep 1% of voters from reaching the polls in just nine states in 2012, then they could take back the White House. And they're doing everything they can to make that a reality. Florida governor Rick Scott is already locked in a legal battle over voter purging with the Justice Department, and numerous states across the country are working on other efforts to prevent minorities, the elderly, and college students from reaching the polls this November.
The Pope's New PR Man: Fox News Reporter and Secretive Opus Dei Member | Media | AlterNet
The Pope's New PR Man: Fox News Reporter and Secretive Opus Dei Member | Media | AlterNet
"The pope's new PR strategist not only hails from Fox News; he belongs to the secretive Opus Dei society and lives in an all-male house cleaned by women members."
"The pope's new PR strategist not only hails from Fox News; he belongs to the secretive Opus Dei society and lives in an all-male house cleaned by women members."
How Right-Wingers on the Supreme Court Sold Our Democracy Down the River -- Again | | AlterNet
How Right-Wingers on the Supreme Court Sold Our Democracy Down the River -- Again | | AlterNet
"When the gavel fell in the U.S. Supreme Court’s chamber after the justices overturned Montana’s century-old ban on corporate electioneering on Monday, it drove another nail into the coffin of American democracy."
"When the gavel fell in the U.S. Supreme Court’s chamber after the justices overturned Montana’s century-old ban on corporate electioneering on Monday, it drove another nail into the coffin of American democracy."
Monday, June 25, 2012
More Women Are Breadwinners, But They Still Can’t Get Out Of The Kitchen
More Women Are Breadwinners, But They Still Can’t Get Out Of The Kitchen: Women are a growing part of the American workforce. In the last 25 years, the number of working women has grown by 44.2 percent, while 59.4 percent of working-age women are currently in the labor force. Sixty percent of women are the primary or co-bread winner for their household. But despite those historic numbers, most [...]/p
Pennsylvania Republican: Voter ID Laws Are ‘Gonna Allow Governor Romney To Win’
Pennsylvania Republican: Voter ID Laws Are ‘Gonna Allow Governor Romney To Win’: This weekend, Pennsylvania Republican House Leader Mike Turzai (R-PA) finally admitted what so many have speculated: Voter identification efforts are meant to suppress Democratic votes in this year’s election. At the Republican State Committee meeting, Turzai took the stage and let slip the truth about why Republicans are so insistent on voter identification efforts — [...]/p
Why Did NY Times Publish Hackish Op-Ed on Planned Parenthood (By Romney Advisor's Wife)? | AlterNet
Why Did NY Times Publish Hackish Op-Ed on Planned Parenthood (By Romney Advisor's Wife)? | AlterNet
"Campbell Brown’s op-ed is such a shameless piece of hackwork that I have to wonder what the Times was thinking when they decided to publish it. Especially because, as I mentioned, they published another op-ed by her only a month ago! It’s a piece that would make a lot more sense at a place like Townhall.com than the New York Times."
"Campbell Brown’s op-ed is such a shameless piece of hackwork that I have to wonder what the Times was thinking when they decided to publish it. Especially because, as I mentioned, they published another op-ed by her only a month ago! It’s a piece that would make a lot more sense at a place like Townhall.com than the New York Times."
Kansas Doctor Loses License For Protecting Privacy Of Abortion Patients
Kansas Doctor Loses License For Protecting Privacy Of Abortion Patients: On Friday, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts refused to reinstate the medical license of Dr. Ann Neuhaus, who provided second opinions to abortion provider Dr. George Tiller between 1999 and 2006. Kansas law requires a second opinion to perform some late-term abortions. Neuhaus’ license was revoked by an administrative court in February following a [...]/p
Supreme Court Decision On Arizona’s Immigration Law Provides Strong Support For Obama’s Immigration Order
Supreme Court Decision On Arizona’s Immigration Law Provides Strong Support For Obama’s Immigration Order: Today, the Supreme Court issued a decision invalidating most of Arizona’s controversial immigration law. Georgetown Law professor David Cole, a vocal civil liberties advocate, called the decision “almost a total victory for the Obama administration,” which challenged the constitutionality of the law. But the decision signaled that the court also views Obama’s recent immigration directive, [...]/p
Congressman Laughs As Radio Host Suggests ‘Pistol Whipping’ Nuns
Congressman Laughs As Radio Host Suggests ‘Pistol Whipping’ Nuns: On an Iowa radio show this weekend, Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) laughed along as the host suggested he “pistol whip” nuns who are objecting to the Republicans’ draconian budget cuts. A group of Catholic nuns are traveling around the country to protest the cuts, which they say go against the Christian belief of helping the [...]/p
Give the People What They Want: Real Universal Health Care | | AlterNet
Give the People What They Want: Real Universal Health Care | | AlterNet
"The nutty thing about the health care debate that will play a prominent role in the next election is that most Americans want pretty much the same outcome: to control costs without sacrificing quality"
"The nutty thing about the health care debate that will play a prominent role in the next election is that most Americans want pretty much the same outcome: to control costs without sacrificing quality"
The Robin Hood Tax: A Powerful Antidote to Austerity | Common Dreams
The Robin Hood Tax: A Powerful Antidote to Austerity | Common Dreams
"Last week, nurses rallied, bank staff marched, conservatives coalesced and finance professionals petitioned—all in support of a global tax on Wall Street speculation. You wouldn’t know it from the headlines (Financial Times: “Push for EU-wide ‘Robin Hood Tax’ ends”), but by week’s end, that elusive goal was closer than ever."
"Last week, nurses rallied, bank staff marched, conservatives coalesced and finance professionals petitioned—all in support of a global tax on Wall Street speculation. You wouldn’t know it from the headlines (Financial Times: “Push for EU-wide ‘Robin Hood Tax’ ends”), but by week’s end, that elusive goal was closer than ever."
Supreme Court Extends Power of Corporations to Buy Elections | Common Dreams
Supreme Court Extends Power of Corporations to Buy Elections | Common Dreams
"The U.S. Supreme Court may still retain some familiarity with the Constitution when it comes to deciding the nuances of cases involving immigration policy and lifetime incarceration. But when it comes to handing off control of American democracy to corporations, the court continue to reject the intents of the founders and more than a century of case law to assure that CEOs are in charge."
"The U.S. Supreme Court may still retain some familiarity with the Constitution when it comes to deciding the nuances of cases involving immigration policy and lifetime incarceration. But when it comes to handing off control of American democracy to corporations, the court continue to reject the intents of the founders and more than a century of case law to assure that CEOs are in charge."
Supreme Court Upholds Citizens United; Tightens Corporate Stranglehold on Campaign Finance | Common Dreams
Supreme Court Upholds Citizens United; Tightens Corporate Stranglehold on Campaign Finance | Common Dreams
"In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court has struck down (pdf) Montana's 100 year old law that banned direct corporate political campaign spending in state and local elections. The court reversed a lower court ruling, but did so without allowing full briefing or argument in the case."
"In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court has struck down (pdf) Montana's 100 year old law that banned direct corporate political campaign spending in state and local elections. The court reversed a lower court ruling, but did so without allowing full briefing or argument in the case."
Sunday, June 24, 2012
PERRspectives: Romney "Sick at Heart" Over Bain Job Losses
PERRspectives: Romney "Sick at Heart" Over Bain Job Losses
"If Mitt Romney becomes the 45th President of the United States, it will be the American people who would become sick at heart. While Paul Krugman predicted "I think Ireland is America's future if Romney is president," his fellow Nobel Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz warned, "The Romney plan is going to slow down the economy, worsen the jobs deficit and significantly increase the likelihood of a recession." Or as Mark Hopkins of Moody Analytics summed it up:
"If Mitt Romney becomes the 45th President of the United States, it will be the American people who would become sick at heart. While Paul Krugman predicted "I think Ireland is America's future if Romney is president," his fellow Nobel Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz warned, "The Romney plan is going to slow down the economy, worsen the jobs deficit and significantly increase the likelihood of a recession." Or as Mark Hopkins of Moody Analytics summed it up:
"On net, all of these policies would do more harm in the short term. If we implemented all of his policies, it would push us deeper into recession and make the recovery slower."
To put it another way, if Romney wins, America loses. Of course, that sickening result is one Mitt Romney knows all too well."
Saturday, June 23, 2012
‘Nuns on the Bus’ Visits Paul Ryan’s Office
‘Nuns on the Bus’ Visits Paul Ryan’s Office
"A group of nuns led by Sister Simone Campbell is driving from the small towns of the Midwest to the urban centers of the East to protest the House Republican budget authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). Yesterday, they brought their message to Ryan’s door, visiting the congressman’s office in his home town of Janesville, Wisconsin. There, Sister Simone spoke with members of Ryan’s staff and greeted supporters gathered outside."
"A group of nuns led by Sister Simone Campbell is driving from the small towns of the Midwest to the urban centers of the East to protest the House Republican budget authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). Yesterday, they brought their message to Ryan’s door, visiting the congressman’s office in his home town of Janesville, Wisconsin. There, Sister Simone spoke with members of Ryan’s staff and greeted supporters gathered outside."
Serious People Do Not Use Wealth of People Under Age 35 as a Measure of Their Well-Being | Common Dreams
Serious People Do Not Use Wealth of People Under Age 35 as a Measure of Their Well-Being | Common Dreams
"here is a well-funded effort in this country to try to distract the public's attention from the massive upward redistribution of income over the last three decades by trying to claim that the issue is one of generational conflict rather than class conflict. Billionaire investment banker Peter Peterson is the most well-known funder of this effort, having kicked in a billion dollars of his own money for the cause."
"here is a well-funded effort in this country to try to distract the public's attention from the massive upward redistribution of income over the last three decades by trying to claim that the issue is one of generational conflict rather than class conflict. Billionaire investment banker Peter Peterson is the most well-known funder of this effort, having kicked in a billion dollars of his own money for the cause."
On Anniversary Of Title IX, Sec. Sebelius Says: Budget Cutbacks ‘Shouldn’t Mean Rolling Back Equality For Women’
On Anniversary Of Title IX, Sec. Sebelius Says: Budget Cutbacks ‘Shouldn’t Mean Rolling Back Equality For Women’: This Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX, a gender equality in education effort from the 1970s. At an event at the Center for American Progress, Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius acknowledged the country still has a long way to go before it achieves true gender parity. Sebelius spoke about the huge [...]/p
The Gender Gap and the American Presidential Election | Common Dreams
The Gender Gap and the American Presidential Election | Common Dreams
"A Gender Gap will emerge only if women remember who waged the war against women, who fought against their economic inequality and their reproductive rights, and who refused to stimulate the economy to lower unemployment and create a future for American youth."
"A Gender Gap will emerge only if women remember who waged the war against women, who fought against their economic inequality and their reproductive rights, and who refused to stimulate the economy to lower unemployment and create a future for American youth."
Majority Of Consumers Prefer Food Without Antibiotics
Majority Of Consumers Prefer Food Without Antibiotics: A recent poll conducted by the Consumers Union found that the majority of Americans do not like antibiotics in their food and agree that the antibiotics pose health risks. According to the full report, “more than 60% of respondents stated that they would be willing to pay at least five cents a pound more for [...]/p
PERRspectives: Mitt Romney's Golden Showers
PERRspectives: Mitt Romney's Golden Showers
"And so it goes. If Mitt Romney wins and gets his way in the White House, the very richest Americans will get much, much richer. And it will fall to every other taxpayer in America to replace the billions of dollars of revenue emptied from the Treasury. As Home Depot co-founder Kenneth Langone, who opened his cash spigots for Mitt Romney after Chris Christie decided to pass on a White House bid, explained it during an April lecture at Brandeis University:
"And so it goes. If Mitt Romney wins and gets his way in the White House, the very richest Americans will get much, much richer. And it will fall to every other taxpayer in America to replace the billions of dollars of revenue emptied from the Treasury. As Home Depot co-founder Kenneth Langone, who opened his cash spigots for Mitt Romney after Chris Christie decided to pass on a White House bid, explained it during an April lecture at Brandeis University:
"My notion about giving back is simple: I'm more of a beneficiary of my charity than the recipients of my charity. The more you give back, you think to yourself, 'Hey, maybe the world is a better place because I'm here.'"
If you have any questions about Langone's version of the view that "it's better to give than to receive," you can ask him yourself this weekend. You'll find him in Park City, Utah with Mitt Romney."
Latest GOP Election Law Violation: Keep Fat Cat Donors' Names Secret | | AlterNet
Latest GOP Election Law Violation: Keep Fat Cat Donors' Names Secret | | AlterNet
"In the Senate this week, 10 Republicans led by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch signed a letter attacking the Internal Revenue Service—which McConnell called the “speech police”—for seeking information about conservative political groups that were incorporated as nonprofit charities but which instead have been primarily engaged in partisan electioneering."
"In the Senate this week, 10 Republicans led by Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch signed a letter attacking the Internal Revenue Service—which McConnell called the “speech police”—for seeking information about conservative political groups that were incorporated as nonprofit charities but which instead have been primarily engaged in partisan electioneering."
If the Supreme Court Rejects Health Care, I (And Millions Like Me) Am Screwed | News & Politics | AlterNet
If the Supreme Court Rejects Health Care, I (And Millions Like Me) Am Screwed | News & Politics | AlterNet
"I’m one of millions of young Americans who may finally be able to get health insurance in the next few years if the Affordable Care Act is not struck down."
"I’m one of millions of young Americans who may finally be able to get health insurance in the next few years if the Affordable Care Act is not struck down."
Friday, June 22, 2012
Half Of States Protect Men’s Health More Than Women’s
Half Of States Protect Men’s Health More Than Women’s: Twenty-two states will not offer coverage of contraception to women on the same basis as it is offered to men if the Affordable Care Act is overturned. The Progressive States Network put together this map, which shows that no matter how the Supreme Court rules on the law, women in 28 states will have contraceptives [...]/p
The Wild Conspiracy Theory Driving The Fast And Furious Investigation
The Wild Conspiracy Theory Driving The Fast And Furious Investigation: Here is theory that some Congressional Republicans believe: The Obama Administration intentionally handed over automatic weapons to Mexican drug cartels, who they knew would commit violent acts, because they wanted to scare Americans into supporting stricter gun laws. That supposed series of events has now led Congress to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt. [...]/p
Five More Issues To Watch Out For On State Ballots this Fall
Five More Issues To Watch Out For On State Ballots this Fall: This November, voters will face ballot questions on a variety of issues. Some initiatives are targeted at denying the rights of working families, women, LGBT people, communities of color, immigrants, and the poor, while others are targeted at implementing better public policy. Ten important issues to watch this November can be found here and here [...]/p
Battleground state Latinos reject Mitt Romney
Battleground state Latinos reject Mitt Romney
"As I've noted before, Romney and his Republicans are digging themselves into a deep hole in key battlegrounds by losing Latinos by such dramatic numbers. And no amount of cheesy web videos will change that dynamic. Particularly not when Latinos see this in the news:"
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR: Romney would "rescind" Obama immigration order http://t.co/...#spillingthebeans
— @thinkprogress
"As I've noted before, Romney and his Republicans are digging themselves into a deep hole in key battlegrounds by losing Latinos by such dramatic numbers. And no amount of cheesy web videos will change that dynamic. Particularly not when Latinos see this in the news:"
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR: Romney would "rescind" Obama immigration order http://t.co/...#spillingthebeans— @thinkprogress
Why Women Still Can’t Have It All - The Atlantic
Why Women Still Can’t Have It All - The Atlantic
"The best hope for improving the lot of all women, and for closing what Wolfers and Stevenson call a “new gender gap”—measured by well-being rather than wages—is to close the leadership gap: to elect a woman president and 50 women senators; to ensure that women are equally represented in the ranks of corporate executives and judicial leaders. Only when women wield power in sufficient numbers will we create a society that genuinely works for all women. That will be a society that works for everyone."
"The best hope for improving the lot of all women, and for closing what Wolfers and Stevenson call a “new gender gap”—measured by well-being rather than wages—is to close the leadership gap: to elect a woman president and 50 women senators; to ensure that women are equally represented in the ranks of corporate executives and judicial leaders. Only when women wield power in sufficient numbers will we create a society that genuinely works for all women. That will be a society that works for everyone."
4 Policies That Can Help Women (And Men) ‘Have It All’
4 Policies That Can Help Women (And Men) ‘Have It All’ A policy analyst at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, and Tara Dawson McGuinness, Senior Vice President for CAPAF. Former State department official Anne-Marie Slaughter’s piece in the Atlantic, entitled “Why Women Still Can’t Have it All,” has set off a fire-storm of discussion about women and [...]/p
House Energy Bill Fuels Dirtier Air, More Lung Disease
House Energy Bill Fuels Dirtier Air, More Lung Disease: Today, the House of Representatives passed the Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, H.R. 4480. This bill puts oil and gas profits above the health of the most vulnerable Americans, especially infants, children and senior citizens, in a concentrated attack on air pollution safeguards under the Clean Air Act. The House passed this bill by [...]/p
President Obama addresses National Association of Latino Elected Officials
President Obama addresses National Association of Latino Elected Officials
"A day after Mitt Romney delivered a speech to the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) -- a speech most notable for what Romney did not say (like whether he would actually abandon his "self deportation" plan or embrace the DREAM ACT), the President of the United States spoke to the same group this afternoon."
"A day after Mitt Romney delivered a speech to the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) -- a speech most notable for what Romney did not say (like whether he would actually abandon his "self deportation" plan or embrace the DREAM ACT), the President of the United States spoke to the same group this afternoon."
Texas Slashes Family Planning Services So It Can Under-Fund Women’s Health
Texas Slashes Family Planning Services So It Can Under-Fund Women’s Health: In March, the federal government cut off funds to Texas’ Women’s Health Program because the state chose to exclude abortion providers from the program in violation of federal law. But even without federal funds, which made up 90 percent of the funding, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) announced the state would fund the Women’s Health [...]/p
GOP Congressman Says Ryan’s Medicare Plan Would Hurt Seniors
GOP Congressman Says Ryan’s Medicare Plan Would Hurt Seniors: House Republicans approved a budget in April that would drive up Medicare costs for seniors, and Mitt Romney has embraced the plan crafted by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). But not all in the party are in agreement. Ten Republicans voted against Ryan’s budget in April, and now, Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) is campaigning on his [...]/p
GOP Congressman Calls Pelosi ‘Mind-Numbingly Stupid’ And Suggests She May Be Mentally Ill
GOP Congressman Calls Pelosi ‘Mind-Numbingly Stupid’ And Suggests She May Be Mentally Ill: Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) yesterday called House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi “mind-numbingly stupid” and said that there is something medically wrong with her brain because she believes Republicans are unfairly targeting Attorney General Eric Holder. On FOX News, Gowdy ranted about Pelosi’s suggestion that the witch hunt against Attorney General Eric Holder might have to [...]/p
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Insurers will have to pay out $1.1 billion in rebates if Obamacare survives the Supreme Court
Insurers will have to pay out $1.1 billion in rebates if Obamacare survives the Supreme Court
"If there's any silver lining to this, it's that for one year, insurance companies generally didmeet the demands of the law. Before the provision was enacted, health care system experts expected that rebates owed would be over $2 billion. Which means the law did what it was supposed to: make insurers spend more on covering actual health care."
"If there's any silver lining to this, it's that for one year, insurance companies generally didmeet the demands of the law. Before the provision was enacted, health care system experts expected that rebates owed would be over $2 billion. Which means the law did what it was supposed to: make insurers spend more on covering actual health care."
From “ Racist,“ To “ Dick,“ To Heckling: How The Press Treats Obama
From “ Racist,“ To “ Dick,“ To Heckling: How The Press Treats Obama
"You probably can't even count the number of insults and smears that have been hurled at Obama by the GOP press, although Sally Kohn recently did a nice job of highlight some of the more vile broadsides:"
"You probably can't even count the number of insults and smears that have been hurled at Obama by the GOP press, although Sally Kohn recently did a nice job of highlight some of the more vile broadsides:"
CHARTS: How Austerity Is Hurting State Economies
CHARTS: How Austerity Is Hurting State Economies: The effect of austerity in Europe has been decidedly detrimental, stifling growth and needlessly prolonging economic pain for the continent’s residents. And in America, many states are doing the exact same thing, slashing spending and laying off workers in an attempt to cope with collapsed revenue. As Center for American Progress economist Adam Hersh found, [...]/p
PHOTO: 857 Empty Desks On National Mall Represent Number Of U.S. High School Drop-Outs Per Hour
PHOTO: 857 Empty Desks On National Mall Represent Number Of U.S. High School Drop-Outs Per Hour: A powerful installation on the National Mall today is meant to call attention to the nation’s current drop-out rate: the 857 desks represent the number of students who drop out of high school in the United States every single hour, according to the College Board’s calculations. The College Board set up the display as part [...]/p
Republicans Holding Nearly 3 Million Transportation Jobs Hostage For 6,000 Temporary Oil Jobs
Republicans Holding Nearly 3 Million Transportation Jobs Hostage For 6,000 Temporary Oil Jobs: With as many as 2.9 million new and existing jobs on the line, House Republicans are refusing to pass a transportation reauthorization bill, even after the Senate’s version of the bill overwhelmingly passed through the upper chamber in a 74-22 bipartisan vote. The deadline for new transportation funding is June 30, and if the calendar [...]/p
12.8 Million Receive Insurance Rebates As A Result Of Obamacare
12.8 Million Receive Insurance Rebates As A Result Of Obamacare: 12.8 million Americans will receive $1.1 billion in rebates from insurers that have not met minimum spending guidelines in Obamacare, the administration announced Thursday morning. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to spend 80 to 85 percent of premium dollars on health care services or issue rebates to policy holders. The average rebate is valued [...]/p
Romney To Republican Governor: Discussing The Economic Recovery Will Hurt My Election Chances
Romney To Republican Governor: Discussing The Economic Recovery Will Hurt My Election Chances: Republican governors in states across the country have been touting their states’ economic growth, pointing to falling unemployment rates and continued signs of economic recovery. Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) has expressed frustration that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is using his state as an example of the nation’s economic woes. However, since positive economic messages [...]/p
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
26,000 Uninsured Americans Died Prematurely In 2010 Because They Lacked Health Care
26,000 Uninsured Americans Died Prematurely In 2010 Because They Lacked Health Care: About 26,100 people between 25 and 64 died prematurely in the U.S. in 2010 because they lacked health insurance, according to a report by Families USA. That estimate is up from 20,350 in 2005 and 18,000 in 2000. The group based its findings on government data and a 2002 Institute of Medicine showing that people [...]/p
Scott Brown discovers that—gasp!—liberals like Elizabeth Warren
Scott Brown discovers that—gasp!—liberals like Elizabeth Warren
"How about we respond with a bunch of us sending in $3 or $4 to Elizabeth Warren? It's always nice to remind the other side what a people-powered armada looks like."
"How about we respond with a bunch of us sending in $3 or $4 to Elizabeth Warren? It's always nice to remind the other side what a people-powered armada looks like."
What’s Good For Women is Good for the Planet
What’s Good For Women is Good for the Planet: by Maggie L. Fox This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit, the pivotal 1992 event that put climate change on the international map. The theme of this year’s Rio+20 summit is sustainable development — economic growth that sustains us in the present without placing the lives and welfare of future generations [...]/p
Republicans want the middle class to pay for tax cuts for the rich
Republicans want the middle class to pay for tax cuts for the rich
"Remember, this is just the tax side of the Ryan plan. The devastating cuts to everything fromPell Grants to Medicaid and Medicare would put even bigger burdens on low-income and middle-class America."
"Remember, this is just the tax side of the Ryan plan. The devastating cuts to everything fromPell Grants to Medicaid and Medicare would put even bigger burdens on low-income and middle-class America."
Piling On, Male GOP Michigan Representative Says Silenced Female Legislators Were Like Children In ‘Time Out’
Piling On, Male GOP Michigan Representative Says Silenced Female Legislators Were Like Children In ‘Time Out’: Two female legislators in Michigan can’t catch a break. First, the women were banned from the floor for trying to speak out against the worst abortion measures in the country and using the word “vagina” to discuss the bill. Then, the spokesman for the GOP House majority leader said the women were having “temper tantrums” [...]/p
Over Two Decades, Abortion Rate Dropped For Women In Their 20s Because Of Contraception Access
Over Two Decades, Abortion Rate Dropped For Women In Their 20s Because Of Contraception Access: Between 1990 and 2008, pregnancy and abortion rates for women in their twenties dropped dramatically, a new study revealed today. Pregnancy rates fell by 18 percent, while abortion rates dropped by a third. One of the biggest influencing factors in this decrease is the growing accessibility, use, and options for birth control. Contraceptive use is [...]/p
Romney Signals Support For Sen. Inhofe’s Push To Nullify Mercury Pollution Standard
Romney Signals Support For Sen. Inhofe’s Push To Nullify Mercury Pollution Standard: Today, the Senate votes on Sen. James Inhofe’s measure to derail the first Environmental Protection Agency regulation to reduce mercury pollution and other toxics. The EPA projects the new standard will prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths. The push by the coal industry’s GOP allies isn’t likely to move forward, however, with a White House [...]/p
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Thanks to Sarah Palin, lady Republicans never allowed to be VP again
Thanks to Sarah Palin, lady Republicans never allowed to be VP again
"But that's okay, Mitt Romney. Go ahead and pick your VP based on a total misunderstanding of the lesson you should have learned from 2008 because a strict No Girls Allowed rule will definitely help you with your lady problem."
"But that's okay, Mitt Romney. Go ahead and pick your VP based on a total misunderstanding of the lesson you should have learned from 2008 because a strict No Girls Allowed rule will definitely help you with your lady problem."
Melissa Harris-Perry: Fear Is Driving America's Politics, But Hope Is the Only Antidote | Activism | AlterNet
Melissa Harris-Perry: Fear Is Driving America's Politics, But Hope Is the Only Antidote | Activism | AlterNet
"In her speech Monday in Washington, D.C., at Take Back the American Dream, Perry explained that racism, anti-immigrant panic and the war on women all drive our politics."
"In her speech Monday in Washington, D.C., at Take Back the American Dream, Perry explained that racism, anti-immigrant panic and the war on women all drive our politics."
Low-Wage Nation: Poverty and Inequality Are Threatening Our Democracy | Common Dreams
Low-Wage Nation: Poverty and Inequality Are Threatening Our Democracy | Common Dreams
"Nationwide, the percentage of kids covered by these benefits has declined to 27 percent from 68 percent before President Bill Clinton and the GOP-controlled Congress "reformed" the welfare system. As a result, we have 6 million people whose only income is from food stamps. Food stamps provide an income of a third of the poverty line — about $6,000 for a family of three. This is the most urgent problem we face."
"Nationwide, the percentage of kids covered by these benefits has declined to 27 percent from 68 percent before President Bill Clinton and the GOP-controlled Congress "reformed" the welfare system. As a result, we have 6 million people whose only income is from food stamps. Food stamps provide an income of a third of the poverty line — about $6,000 for a family of three. This is the most urgent problem we face."
Scott Brown fails to shut the widow up
Scott Brown fails to shut the widow up
"he issued a list of ridiculous conditions for accepting that debate, including demanding that Ted Kennedy's wife, Vicki, not endorse in the race."
"he issued a list of ridiculous conditions for accepting that debate, including demanding that Ted Kennedy's wife, Vicki, not endorse in the race."
Republicans Attempt To Raid Food Stamps: Would Reduce Average Monthly Benefit By $90
Republicans Attempt To Raid Food Stamps: Would Reduce Average Monthly Benefit By $90: Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) is advancing an amendment to the 2012 farm bill that will cut more than $4 billion from the food stamp program and could take $90 out of the average benefit just as millions of lower-income families are struggling to make ends meet in a difficult economy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [...]/p
Can MSNBC Really 'Lean Forward' With S.E. Cupp as Host?
Can MSNBC Really 'Lean Forward' With S.E. Cupp as Host? MSNBC has decided to hire the dishonest and disgusting S. E. Cupp. They are not FOX News or CNN. (now TNN=Tea Party News Network) Why would MSNBC hire someone who works for Glenn Beck and Tucker Carlson? To hire this hate filled liar takes MSNBC back not "Forward". Here is a link to MSNBC. Tell them that this Glenn Beck hack has zero credibility and should stick to sleazy channels like FOX and CNN. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339/
Iowa Could Lose $1.8 Billion By Stripping Abortion Funding For Rape And Incest Victims
Iowa Could Lose $1.8 Billion By Stripping Abortion Funding For Rape And Incest Victims: Forty-one GOP legislators in Iowa have filed a motion with the Iowa Department of Human Services attempting to halt all government-funded abortion services in the state — even in cases of rape or incest. If successful, Iowa would join South Dakota, the only state that currently denies Medicaid funding for abortion services and could lose [...]/p
At UVA, Billionaire Donors Plot Corporate Takeover
At UVA, Billionaire Donors Plot Corporate Takeover
"As state funds for universities grow scarce, universities are forced to turn to private donors for help, which opens the door for those private donors to assume control of university leadership."
"As state funds for universities grow scarce, universities are forced to turn to private donors for help, which opens the door for those private donors to assume control of university leadership."
PHOTOS: Catholic Nuns Protesting GOP Budget Cuts Visit GOP Rep. King’s Office
PHOTOS: Catholic Nuns Protesting GOP Budget Cuts Visit GOP Rep. King’s Office: As ThinkProgress reported yesterday, a group of Catholic nuns has kicked off a nine-state bus tour to protest cuts to the social safety net that were included in the House Republican budget. The nuns will be visiting the offices of ten Republican lawmakers, stopping yesterday the office of Rep. Steve King (R-IA). Here are photos [...]/p
Monday, June 18, 2012
Massive Crowd Gathers For Reading Of Vagina Monologues At Michigan Capitol
Massive Crowd Gathers For Reading Of Vagina Monologues At Michigan Capitol: After two female legislators were banned from the Michigan House floor last week after saying “vagina” during a debate about an anti-abortion measure, a massive crowd has gathered at the state capitol for a reading of “The Vagina Monologues.” There are an estimated 5,000 people in attendance. Picture via @eclectablog:/p
BREAKING: Obama Would Veto Pro-Mercury Pollution Resolution
BREAKING: Obama Would Veto Pro-Mercury Pollution Resolution: The White House has threatened Congress with a possible veto if S.J. Res. 37 is presented to President Obama. Today, the Executive Office of the President released a statement disapproving of Sen. Inhofe’s (R-OK) bill that would prevent the EPA from limiting mercury and other air toxins from power plants. If S.J. Res. 37 is enacted, [...]/p
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan campaign on the freedom of living without Medicare
Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan campaign on the freedom of living without Medicare
"Yes, we want to be free from Medicare, and that's what Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will deliver to us, if Romney's elected. That'll be true either with Ryan on the ticket with him, or continuing as the House budget leader. Ryan's and Romney's moral compass points to as much suffering for as many of the undeserving as they can ladle out, starting with ending Medicare."
"Yes, we want to be free from Medicare, and that's what Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will deliver to us, if Romney's elected. That'll be true either with Ryan on the ticket with him, or continuing as the House budget leader. Ryan's and Romney's moral compass points to as much suffering for as many of the undeserving as they can ladle out, starting with ending Medicare."
We All Have a Choice in the 2012 Election
We All Have a Choice in the 2012 Election
"How will you feel when the new President nominates partisan cabinet members like Phil Gramm for Treasury, Jeb Bush for the Justice Department, John Kasich for the Office of Management and Budget,Scott Walker for Labor Secretary, Paul Ryan for Health and Human Services, Rudy Giuliani as Secretary of State, John McCain as Secretary of Defense, and Newt Gingrich as UN Ambassador? Sure, it may not be those particular ideologues in those exact positions; in fact, it could be worse still. Keep that in mind."
"How will you feel when the new President nominates partisan cabinet members like Phil Gramm for Treasury, Jeb Bush for the Justice Department, John Kasich for the Office of Management and Budget,Scott Walker for Labor Secretary, Paul Ryan for Health and Human Services, Rudy Giuliani as Secretary of State, John McCain as Secretary of Defense, and Newt Gingrich as UN Ambassador? Sure, it may not be those particular ideologues in those exact positions; in fact, it could be worse still. Keep that in mind."
Republicans Love Big Government (So Long as It Serves Big Business) | Common Dreams
Republicans Love Big Government (So Long as It Serves Big Business) | Common Dreams
"...for conservatives the goal is not ensuring a decent standard of living for the bulk of the population. Rather the goal is ensuring that money is redistributed upward. And, of course, the conservatives are smart enough not to own up to their use of the government."
"...for conservatives the goal is not ensuring a decent standard of living for the bulk of the population. Rather the goal is ensuring that money is redistributed upward. And, of course, the conservatives are smart enough not to own up to their use of the government."
Ohio Has Thrown 40,000 Children Off Key Social Safety Net Program Since 2011
Ohio Has Thrown 40,000 Children Off Key Social Safety Net Program Since 2011: The Nation’s Greg Kaufman reports that “since January 2011, Ohio has thrown nearly 70,000 people — including 40,000 children — off of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program, called Ohio Works First (OWF).” This amounts to nearly 25 percent of the state’s caseload, and is more that the total TANF roll [...]/p
Alabama Departments Fail To Provide Voter Registration Materials When Required By Law
Alabama Departments Fail To Provide Voter Registration Materials When Required By Law: Conservative officials are disenfranchising voters across the country through voter ID laws that could prevent up to 3 million voters from casting a ballot and Florida’s voter purge that continues even though Justice Department officials say it is illegal. Now another state is stopping voters by not providing voter registration information. According to national voting [...]/p
National Campaign to Tax Wall St. Kicks Off in 15 Cities Tomorrow -- Join In! | AlterNet
National Campaign to Tax Wall St. Kicks Off in 15 Cities Tomorrow -- Join In! | AlterNet
"Americans will rally in 15 cities across the country at noon tomorrow to kickoff a national campaign to establish a Wall Street tax that would generate billions for the public good. This Financial Transaction Tax, called the "Robin Hood Tax," is a levy of less than half of a percent on trades in derivatives, stocks, bonds and foreign currencies. According to the campaign, economists estimate that $350 billion could be raised each year for health care, jobs, education, infrastructure and various other needs, which may help rejuvenate the economy. The campaign states that it is pushing for “a tax for the people"."
"Americans will rally in 15 cities across the country at noon tomorrow to kickoff a national campaign to establish a Wall Street tax that would generate billions for the public good. This Financial Transaction Tax, called the "Robin Hood Tax," is a levy of less than half of a percent on trades in derivatives, stocks, bonds and foreign currencies. According to the campaign, economists estimate that $350 billion could be raised each year for health care, jobs, education, infrastructure and various other needs, which may help rejuvenate the economy. The campaign states that it is pushing for “a tax for the people"."
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