4 Ways Corporations Owe Us, Big Time—And How They Can Pay Us Back | Alternet
"The distorted belief that wealthy individuals and corporations are job creators has led to sizeable business subsidies and tax breaks. The biggest giveaway is often overlooked: corporations use our nation's plentiful resources, largely at no cost, to build their profits.
There are several factual and well-established reasons why corporations owe a great debt to the nation that has made them rich."
Monday, March 30, 2015
Paul Krugman: Republicans Are Running A Con Game On America
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/paul-krugman-republicans-are-running-a-con-game-on-america/
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
WI Supreme Court Won't Hear Arguments Regarding John Doe
WI Supreme Court Won't Hear Arguments Regarding John Doe
"As previously reported, four of the seven justices on the bench have received heavy support from these dark money special interest groups. So heavy that the special interest groups spent three out of every four dollars in the elections of David Prosser alone.
The United States Supreme Court has already ruled that judges and justices need to recuse themselves "when an interested party’s spending had a “disproportionate influence” in a case that was “pending or imminent.”'
It is more than obvious that this ruling would apply to the four corporate justice on the state supreme court. Why these justices are committing these injustices - and getting away with it - is beyond understanding."
"As previously reported, four of the seven justices on the bench have received heavy support from these dark money special interest groups. So heavy that the special interest groups spent three out of every four dollars in the elections of David Prosser alone.
The United States Supreme Court has already ruled that judges and justices need to recuse themselves "when an interested party’s spending had a “disproportionate influence” in a case that was “pending or imminent.”'
It is more than obvious that this ruling would apply to the four corporate justice on the state supreme court. Why these justices are committing these injustices - and getting away with it - is beyond understanding."
Long Dead Economist’s Theories Proven Right – Free Market Advocates The New Utopians
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/karl-polanyi/
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
Senate Republicans Pass Sadistic Budget: End Medicare, Slash Food Stamps, Increase Military Spending
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/senate-republicans-pass-sadistic-budget-end-medicare-slash-food-stamps-increase-military-spending/
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
Watch this hilarious mock tourist pitch for Indiana: ‘It’s a great place to be a bigot’
Watch this hilarious mock tourist pitch for Indiana: ‘It’s a great place to be a bigot’
"Since the signing of the so-called the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law on Thursday, one of the top trending topics on Twitter is #BoycottIndiana.
With Gov. Mike Pence (R) taking a beating on Twitter, and businesses reviewing their plans in the state, little beyond next week’s Final Four in Indianapolis is going right for the Hoosier State."
"Since the signing of the so-called the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law on Thursday, one of the top trending topics on Twitter is #BoycottIndiana.
With Gov. Mike Pence (R) taking a beating on Twitter, and businesses reviewing their plans in the state, little beyond next week’s Final Four in Indianapolis is going right for the Hoosier State."
Indiana’s Mike Pence is starting to look like Lester Maddox — without the spine
Indiana’s Mike Pence is starting to look like Lester Maddox — without the spine
"Pence can try to convince the country that “tolerance is a two-way street” and “Hoosiers don’t believe in discrimination.” But it doesn’t appear to be working. Now he’s trying to have it both ways, insisting on ABC that “We won’t change the law,” then making a mealy-mouthed promise to consider “clarifying” it. Though he blames it on the “mischaracterization” of outside agitators — much like the defenders of southern segregation did back in the 1950s and ’60s — Pence showed that the pressure is getting to him. As the NCAA heads to Indianapolis for the “Final Four” tournament next weekend, expect that pressure to grow."
"Pence can try to convince the country that “tolerance is a two-way street” and “Hoosiers don’t believe in discrimination.” But it doesn’t appear to be working. Now he’s trying to have it both ways, insisting on ABC that “We won’t change the law,” then making a mealy-mouthed promise to consider “clarifying” it. Though he blames it on the “mischaracterization” of outside agitators — much like the defenders of southern segregation did back in the 1950s and ’60s — Pence showed that the pressure is getting to him. As the NCAA heads to Indianapolis for the “Final Four” tournament next weekend, expect that pressure to grow."
Rand Paul Sells Out On Separation Of Church And State
Rand Paul Sells Out On Separation Of Church And State
"Rand, you are as good a constitutional lawyer as you are an ophthalmologist!"
"Rand, you are as good a constitutional lawyer as you are an ophthalmologist!"
Rand Paul Tries To Explain The First Amendment, Fails Miserably (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/30/rand-paul-tries-to-explain-the-first-amendment-fails-miserably-video/
"He, quite honestly, couldn’t be more wrong about the role of religion in government, and chances are, he knows this. He just knows what sells to his base. He pretty much says whatever is trending as a hot topic in the conservative world as though it’s his original idea and sells it to his simple-minded followers who buy it hook, line, and sinker. He really missed his calling as a snake oil salesman."
"He, quite honestly, couldn’t be more wrong about the role of religion in government, and chances are, he knows this. He just knows what sells to his base. He pretty much says whatever is trending as a hot topic in the conservative world as though it’s his original idea and sells it to his simple-minded followers who buy it hook, line, and sinker. He really missed his calling as a snake oil salesman."
The High Price Of Bigotry: The Walker Edition
The High Price Of Bigotry: The Walker Edition
"At least there's a chance that Pence will have to pay for his hatred politically. The only thing that Walker will have to face is the grumblings of some rabid, foam-at-the-mouth, uber conservatives that are mad that he gave up so soon."
"At least there's a chance that Pence will have to pay for his hatred politically. The only thing that Walker will have to face is the grumblings of some rabid, foam-at-the-mouth, uber conservatives that are mad that he gave up so soon."
Seattle Joins San Francisco in Banning City-Funded Trips to Indiana
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/seattle-joins-san-francisco-banning-city-funded-trips-indiana.html
"Mike Pence and his fellow bigots seem to have missed this lesson in school. The struggle for and the importance of the sacrifices of the civil rights era seem to have gone completely over their heads.
There is an apparently bewildered Pence claiming all the uproar about his state’s embrace of religious tyranny is an Internet conspiracy. This, after he has his photo taken with three prominent anti-gay bigots at the new law’s private signing ceremony.
Maybe he just doesn’t understand how cameras work. Or reading. Maybe he’s an idiot or just thinks everyone else is an idiot. All of the above? It’s hard to say. What is clear is that Pence and his fellow bigots have misjudged the temperament of this country.
It is almost as though he expected nobody to care that religion was being used as a justification for bad behavior. While his state is being devastated by a tidal wave of denunciations from around the country, he is steadfastly insisting on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday that he won’t change the law.
He seems so flabbergasted that he can’t even answer simple questions about the legislation he believed in so strongly that he could not wait to sign it."
"Mike Pence and his fellow bigots seem to have missed this lesson in school. The struggle for and the importance of the sacrifices of the civil rights era seem to have gone completely over their heads.
There is an apparently bewildered Pence claiming all the uproar about his state’s embrace of religious tyranny is an Internet conspiracy. This, after he has his photo taken with three prominent anti-gay bigots at the new law’s private signing ceremony.
Maybe he just doesn’t understand how cameras work. Or reading. Maybe he’s an idiot or just thinks everyone else is an idiot. All of the above? It’s hard to say. What is clear is that Pence and his fellow bigots have misjudged the temperament of this country.
It is almost as though he expected nobody to care that religion was being used as a justification for bad behavior. While his state is being devastated by a tidal wave of denunciations from around the country, he is steadfastly insisting on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday that he won’t change the law.
He seems so flabbergasted that he can’t even answer simple questions about the legislation he believed in so strongly that he could not wait to sign it."
Boycott In Full Swing As CT Gov. Malloy Moves To Ban State Sponsored Travel To Indiana
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/boycott-full-swing-ct-governor-malloy-moves-ban-state-sponsored-travel-indiana.html
"Many conservative Republicans, like Pence, seem not to have adapted to the 21st century reality that courting homophobic bigots is no longer a viable political strategy for boosting one’s approval ratings. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was smart enough to figure that out in 2014, when she rejected a similar bill in her state, but apparently Pence never got the memo. Discrimination isn’t acceptable, and it also isn’t a smart career move in American politics, at least not anymore."
"Many conservative Republicans, like Pence, seem not to have adapted to the 21st century reality that courting homophobic bigots is no longer a viable political strategy for boosting one’s approval ratings. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was smart enough to figure that out in 2014, when she rejected a similar bill in her state, but apparently Pence never got the memo. Discrimination isn’t acceptable, and it also isn’t a smart career move in American politics, at least not anymore."
The Real Unseen Danger of Indiana’s Legal Discrimination Law
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/real-unseen-danger-indianas-legal-discrimination-law.html
"The list of scenarios where a religious person can use ‘religious liberty’ as a legal defense is endless and although it appears Indiana’s law was created to target the gay community, believing it will stop there is a monumental error. Americans have underestimated the impending doom religious fanatics can bring on the nation for too long and what is happening in Indiana, and soon 23 other states, is a direct result of foolish thinking this country is immune from religious tyranny. If there is one thing history has borne out, there is no end to the damage religion can wreak on a society and American naïveté has played a major role in allowing this nation to fall prey to something as despicable as laws legalizing discrimination or controlling women. It is heartening that some members of the public are protesting the Indiana law because it targets the gay community, but the real danger is that they are missing the bigger picture that no group, race, or demographic in America is safe; including Americans protesting religious tyranny."
"The list of scenarios where a religious person can use ‘religious liberty’ as a legal defense is endless and although it appears Indiana’s law was created to target the gay community, believing it will stop there is a monumental error. Americans have underestimated the impending doom religious fanatics can bring on the nation for too long and what is happening in Indiana, and soon 23 other states, is a direct result of foolish thinking this country is immune from religious tyranny. If there is one thing history has borne out, there is no end to the damage religion can wreak on a society and American naïveté has played a major role in allowing this nation to fall prey to something as despicable as laws legalizing discrimination or controlling women. It is heartening that some members of the public are protesting the Indiana law because it targets the gay community, but the real danger is that they are missing the bigger picture that no group, race, or demographic in America is safe; including Americans protesting religious tyranny."
13 Companies Outraged Over Indiana’s Anti-LGBT Law, The State Stands To Lose Billions
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/29/13-companies-outraged-over-indianas-anti-lgbt-law-the-state-stands-to-lose-billions/
"CEO’s, businesses, organizations, entertainers and city governments have expressed great concern over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The law was signed by Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) on Thursday. It allows bigots to refuse service to the LGBT community based on religious principles.
These groups, fearing discrimination against employees, customers and fans are outraged and speaking out. Three days after the medieval anti-LGBT law was signed, Indiana is already on track to lose millions in annual revenue… and momentum is building."
"CEO’s, businesses, organizations, entertainers and city governments have expressed great concern over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The law was signed by Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) on Thursday. It allows bigots to refuse service to the LGBT community based on religious principles.
These groups, fearing discrimination against employees, customers and fans are outraged and speaking out. Three days after the medieval anti-LGBT law was signed, Indiana is already on track to lose millions in annual revenue… and momentum is building."
SNL Rips Into Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom’ Law And Its Unintended Consequences (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/29/snl-rips-into-indianas-religious-freedom-law-and-its-unintended-consequences-video/
"You want to discriminate against an entire subset of people in the year 2015 and think you won’t feel the consequences of those actions? You are terribly mistaken. Just ask the owners, or rather former owners, of Sweet Cakes in Colorado."
"You want to discriminate against an entire subset of people in the year 2015 and think you won’t feel the consequences of those actions? You are terribly mistaken. Just ask the owners, or rather former owners, of Sweet Cakes in Colorado."
Ted Cruz Whines Because Too Many Americans Support the Constitution (Video)
Ted Cruz Whines Because Too Many Americans Support the Constitution (Video)
"Well, newly minted Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is apparently quite bothered with the fact that more and more Americans continue to embrace our Constitution rather than the theocracy individuals like him want to create."
"Well, newly minted Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is apparently quite bothered with the fact that more and more Americans continue to embrace our Constitution rather than the theocracy individuals like him want to create."
In A World Where Eating Shrimp Is A Sin
http://www.liberalamerica.org/2015/03/20/in-a-world-where-eating-shrimp-is-a-sin/
"The “Christians” who condemn gay people, yet refuse to acknowledge other parts of the Bible, are no longer fooling anyone. The gig is up. Stop hurting people with your book. If God is love, then God doesn’t hate gay people or shrimp-eaters. God loves everyone."
"The “Christians” who condemn gay people, yet refuse to acknowledge other parts of the Bible, are no longer fooling anyone. The gig is up. Stop hurting people with your book. If God is love, then God doesn’t hate gay people or shrimp-eaters. God loves everyone."
John Fugelsang: Mike Pence should be grateful there isn’t a law prohibiting ‘serving fake Christian bigots’
John Fugelsang: Mike Pence should be grateful there isn’t a law prohibiting ‘serving fake Christian bigots’
"Fugelsang piled on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), saying the governor should be “grateful there isn’t a law that prohibits businesses from serving fake Christian bigots"."
"Fugelsang piled on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), saying the governor should be “grateful there isn’t a law that prohibits businesses from serving fake Christian bigots"."
Thousands rally in Indianapolis to protest new anti-gay law: ‘No hate in our state’
Thousands rally in Indianapolis to protest new anti-gay law: ‘No hate in our state’
"Rally organizers state that they plan to flood Council chambers on Monday to push the council members into making a strong statement against the law which legalizes discrimination."
"Rally organizers state that they plan to flood Council chambers on Monday to push the council members into making a strong statement against the law which legalizes discrimination."
Rand Paul Tosses Libertarian Supporters For The Religious Right
Rand Paul Tosses Libertarian Supporters For The Religious Right
"Rand, on the other hand, has decided that he must ditch everything he courted those college kids' votes for. Check out this interview, where he panders with impunity to the hard right Christian wing of the Republican Party."
"Rand, on the other hand, has decided that he must ditch everything he courted those college kids' votes for. Check out this interview, where he panders with impunity to the hard right Christian wing of the Republican Party."
Indiana’s New Anti-Gay Law Made This Company Cancel $40M/1000 Job Expansion
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/28/indianas-new-anti-gay-law-made-this-company-cancel-40m1000-job-expansion/
"Gov. Pence needs to realize that the freedom of religion isn’t the freedom to discriminate and he needs to help work to repeal this unconstitutional law immediately. He’s going to devastate his state financially trying to pretend he’s upholding “religious freedom"."
"Gov. Pence needs to realize that the freedom of religion isn’t the freedom to discriminate and he needs to help work to repeal this unconstitutional law immediately. He’s going to devastate his state financially trying to pretend he’s upholding “religious freedom"."
Fox News' Dishonest Defense Of Indiana's Anti-LGBT "Religious Freedom" Law
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/03/26/fox-news-dishonest-defense-of-indianas-anti-lgb/203056
"It is a part of Fox's larger role in promoting the narrative of Christian persecution to support the passage of a number of state RFRAs now being considered in states across the country. Expect to see Fox continue to misrepresent RFRA as a harmless law protecting "religious liberty" while ignoring the fact that these bills are actually the product of powerful anti-LGBT organizations lobbying to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination."
"It is a part of Fox's larger role in promoting the narrative of Christian persecution to support the passage of a number of state RFRAs now being considered in states across the country. Expect to see Fox continue to misrepresent RFRA as a harmless law protecting "religious liberty" while ignoring the fact that these bills are actually the product of powerful anti-LGBT organizations lobbying to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination."
Michigan Republican Says Schools Should be a Ministry of the Church
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/28/michigan-republican-schools-ministry-church.html
"Indiana has gotten a lot of attention lately for their religious tyranny law, but let’s not forget that Tea Party gulag-in-the-making, Michigan. Republican anti-education efforts don’t get much worse than the Tea Party’s own Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn’s (R-Larkin Township) House Bill 4394."
"Indiana has gotten a lot of attention lately for their religious tyranny law, but let’s not forget that Tea Party gulag-in-the-making, Michigan. Republican anti-education efforts don’t get much worse than the Tea Party’s own Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn’s (R-Larkin Township) House Bill 4394."
Arkansas Gov ‘Will Sign’ Same Anti-LGBT ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill As Indiana (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/28/arkansas-gov-will-sign-same-anti-lgbt-religious-freedom-bill-as-indiana-video/
"Arkansas must be a glutton for punishment. They see the massive economic hit Indiana faces and have decided they would like some economic hardship, too."
"Arkansas must be a glutton for punishment. They see the massive economic hit Indiana faces and have decided they would like some economic hardship, too."
Phil Robertson’s version of “morality” is ugly and immoral
Phil Robertson’s version of “morality” is ugly and immoral
"This guy is a sick sadist who has, apparently, no moral compass of his own and needs a fantasy figure in the sky telling him no-no in order to know that murder is wrong. The lack of basic human empathy here is astounding. Indeed, the fact that so many people listen to him suggests not only that religion doesn’t make you more moral, but that it can make you less moral that you would entertain this kind of sadistic blather for even a moment."
"This guy is a sick sadist who has, apparently, no moral compass of his own and needs a fantasy figure in the sky telling him no-no in order to know that murder is wrong. The lack of basic human empathy here is astounding. Indeed, the fact that so many people listen to him suggests not only that religion doesn’t make you more moral, but that it can make you less moral that you would entertain this kind of sadistic blather for even a moment."
Bernie Sanders Stands Up For The Middle Class By Dropping a Huge Fact Bomb On The Senate
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/26/bernie-sanders-stands-middle-class-dropping-huge-fact-bomb-senate.html
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
Texas Republican Gets Demolished By Veterans For Trying To Force Christianity Upon Military
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/24/texas-republican-gets-demolished-by-veterans-for-trying-to-force-christianity-upon-military/
"Veterans are calling out Texas GOP Rep. Sam Johnson for his effort to force members of the US Armed Forces to take an oath to God, and they wiped the floor with him."
"Veterans are calling out Texas GOP Rep. Sam Johnson for his effort to force members of the US Armed Forces to take an oath to God, and they wiped the floor with him."
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
Sign up to be a citizen sponsor of the Congressional Progressive Caucus's People's Budget
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/24/1372982/-Sign-up-to-be-a-citizen-sponsor-of-the-Congressional-Progressive-Caucus-s-People-s-Budget
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
The Five Worst Supreme Court Justices In American History, Ranked
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/24/3636905/five-worst-supreme-court-justices-american-history-ranked/
"The Court was the midwife of Jim Crow, the right hand of union busters, and the dead hand of the Confederacy. Nor is the modern Court a vast improvement, with its incursions on voting rights and its willingness to place elections for sale"."
"The Court was the midwife of Jim Crow, the right hand of union busters, and the dead hand of the Confederacy. Nor is the modern Court a vast improvement, with its incursions on voting rights and its willingness to place elections for sale"."
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
How The Supreme Court Could Repeal The 20th Century
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/23/3634309/darkest-timeline-new-deal-great-society-obamacare-vanish-nearly-overnight/
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
Blockheads
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/22/1371873/-Blockheads
"Mississippi, the state with the very worst healthcare system in the nation, nevertheless turned down Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. It’s no wonder the Magnolia State was the only one to see its uninsured rate increase after the implementation of the ACA in 2014. In sharp contrast, Arkansas and Kentucky, two red states whose Democratic governors accepted Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, saw the steepest reductions in the ranks of the uninsured since the ACA went fully into effect.
Now, House Republicans want to create a United States of Mississippi."
"Mississippi, the state with the very worst healthcare system in the nation, nevertheless turned down Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. It’s no wonder the Magnolia State was the only one to see its uninsured rate increase after the implementation of the ACA in 2014. In sharp contrast, Arkansas and Kentucky, two red states whose Democratic governors accepted Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, saw the steepest reductions in the ranks of the uninsured since the ACA went fully into effect.
Now, House Republicans want to create a United States of Mississippi."
If Republicans Did Get Intel From Israeli Spies, They Could Be Charged Under Espionage Act
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/24/if-republicans-did-get-intel-from-israeli-spies-they-could-be-charged-under-espionage-act/
"If it can be proven that Republican lawmakers were dealing in Israeli backchannels in violation of federal law, the country may witness something it has never seen before: the mass incarceration of politicians whose crimes look an awful lot like treason. History books might be forgiven for one day viewing it as a sort of failed silent coup."
"If it can be proven that Republican lawmakers were dealing in Israeli backchannels in violation of federal law, the country may witness something it has never seen before: the mass incarceration of politicians whose crimes look an awful lot like treason. History books might be forgiven for one day viewing it as a sort of failed silent coup."
Republicans Are Sabotaging Iran Nuclear Talks With Help From Israeli Spies
Republicans Are Sabotaging Iran Nuclear Talks With Help From Israeli Spies
"It becomes more and more obvious that Benjamin Netanyahu and Republicans are only going to be happy with a war with Iran – nothing less will satisfy them. It’s also not a huge secret that some members of Congress like Louie Gohmert are beating the drums for war as part of a religious belief that requires a huge conflict in the Middle East in order to fulfill “End Times” prophecies that many fundamentalist Christians are very much invested in."
"It becomes more and more obvious that Benjamin Netanyahu and Republicans are only going to be happy with a war with Iran – nothing less will satisfy them. It’s also not a huge secret that some members of Congress like Louie Gohmert are beating the drums for war as part of a religious belief that requires a huge conflict in the Middle East in order to fulfill “End Times” prophecies that many fundamentalist Christians are very much invested in."
NYT Helps Neocon John Bolton Push The U.S. Toward Another War
NYT Helps Neocon John Bolton Push The U.S. Toward Another War
"Bolton wrote an op-ed in the New York Times asking for all-out war in Iran as soon as possible. He has no idea what he’s talking about, and it’s scary he was ever in power to begin with."
"Bolton wrote an op-ed in the New York Times asking for all-out war in Iran as soon as possible. He has no idea what he’s talking about, and it’s scary he was ever in power to begin with."
Fox's Pirro Helps Neocon John Bolton Beat The Drums For War With Iran
Fox's Pirro Helps Neocon John Bolton Beat The Drums For War With Iran
"More bloodlust from Fox's wingnut Judge Jeanine Pirro and her neocon buddy John Bolton. I guess Fox didn't want to leave The New York Times out there all alone with aiding and abetting Bolton and his call to bomb Iran right now."
"More bloodlust from Fox's wingnut Judge Jeanine Pirro and her neocon buddy John Bolton. I guess Fox didn't want to leave The New York Times out there all alone with aiding and abetting Bolton and his call to bomb Iran right now."
Armed Anti-Government Contingent To Swarm Carson City On Tuesday
Armed Anti-Government Contingent To Swarm Carson City On Tuesday
"It seems like the best way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Bundy Ranch Seige: a big Teabag protest where a tax-dodging, bigoted Mormon garnered the sympathy of fellow ammosexual anarchists. In Carson City, tomorrow, the Nevada Assembly will vote on a few controversial bills, one being AB408."
"It seems like the best way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Bundy Ranch Seige: a big Teabag protest where a tax-dodging, bigoted Mormon garnered the sympathy of fellow ammosexual anarchists. In Carson City, tomorrow, the Nevada Assembly will vote on a few controversial bills, one being AB408."
Saturday, March 28, 2015
20 Obamacare Stats Republicans Don't Want You to See
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/03/obamacare-charts-stats-health-care-reform
"Nearly 30 million Americans have gotten health insurance under Obamacare."
"Nearly 30 million Americans have gotten health insurance under Obamacare."
Obamacare Makes A Stunning Economic Impact: New Companies, More Jobs
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/22/obamacare-makes-a-stunning-economic-impact-new-companies-more-jobs/
"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is five years old — on Monday, March 23rd, to be precise. PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) has delivered a walloping good birthday present, just in time.
The company’s Health Research Institute released a report on the ACA’s impact. In spite of all the naysayers, in spite of all the obstacles, in spite of — basically — the Republicans in Congress, the Affordable Care Act has spurred enormous growth in the healthcare industry. The report makes this remarkable statement:
Not since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, has a piece of legislation sparked such significant changes in a leading sector of the economy."
"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is five years old — on Monday, March 23rd, to be precise. PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) has delivered a walloping good birthday present, just in time.
The company’s Health Research Institute released a report on the ACA’s impact. In spite of all the naysayers, in spite of all the obstacles, in spite of — basically — the Republicans in Congress, the Affordable Care Act has spurred enormous growth in the healthcare industry. The report makes this remarkable statement:
Not since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, has a piece of legislation sparked such significant changes in a leading sector of the economy."
The Agenda to Raise America’s Pay | Economic Policy Institute
The Agenda to Raise America’s Pay | Economic Policy Institute
"Over the same period that most workers’ wages have stagnated, economy-wide productivity has risen by 64 percent. In short, the potential has existed for adequate, widespread wage growth over the last three-and-a-half decades—but these economic gains have not trickled down to the vast majority."
"Over the same period that most workers’ wages have stagnated, economy-wide productivity has risen by 64 percent. In short, the potential has existed for adequate, widespread wage growth over the last three-and-a-half decades—but these economic gains have not trickled down to the vast majority."
Republicans Screw Over Students By Blocking Elizabeth Warren’s Student Loan Plan
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/25/republicans-screw-students-blocking-elizabeth-warren.html
"Senate Republicans may have blocked Sen. Warren today, but she and her fellow Democrats will continue to fight on for students and the middle-class."
"Senate Republicans may have blocked Sen. Warren today, but she and her fellow Democrats will continue to fight on for students and the middle-class."
9 Things Many Americans Just Don’t Grasp (Compared to the Rest of the World) | Alternet
9 Things Many Americans Just Don’t Grasp (Compared to the Rest of the World) | Alternet
"1. Universal Healthcare Is Great for Free Enterprise and Great for Small Businesses
The modern-day Republican Party would have us believe that those who promote universal healthcare are anti-free enterprise or hostile to small businesses. But truth be told, universal healthcare is great for entrepreneurs, small businesses and the self-employed in France, Germany and other developed countries where healthcare is considered a right. The U.S.’ troubled healthcare system has a long history of punishing entrepreneurs with sky-high premiums when they start their own businesses. Prior to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, a.k.a. Obamacare, many small business owners couldn’t even obtain individual health insurance plans if they had a preexisting condition such as heart disease or diabetes—and even with the ACA’s reforms, the high cost of health insurance is still daunting to small business owners. But many Americans fail to realize that healthcare reform is not only a humanitarian issue, it is also vitally important to small businesses and the self-employed.
In 2009, the Center for Economic and Policy Research published a study on small businesses around the world and found that “by every measure of small-business employment, the United States has among the world’s smallest small-business sectors.” People in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and other European countries are more likely to be self-employed—and the study concluded that universal healthcare is a key factor. According to CEPR’s study, “High healthcare costs discourage small business formation since start-ups in other countries can tap into government-funded healthcare systems"."
"1. Universal Healthcare Is Great for Free Enterprise and Great for Small Businesses
The modern-day Republican Party would have us believe that those who promote universal healthcare are anti-free enterprise or hostile to small businesses. But truth be told, universal healthcare is great for entrepreneurs, small businesses and the self-employed in France, Germany and other developed countries where healthcare is considered a right. The U.S.’ troubled healthcare system has a long history of punishing entrepreneurs with sky-high premiums when they start their own businesses. Prior to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, a.k.a. Obamacare, many small business owners couldn’t even obtain individual health insurance plans if they had a preexisting condition such as heart disease or diabetes—and even with the ACA’s reforms, the high cost of health insurance is still daunting to small business owners. But many Americans fail to realize that healthcare reform is not only a humanitarian issue, it is also vitally important to small businesses and the self-employed.
In 2009, the Center for Economic and Policy Research published a study on small businesses around the world and found that “by every measure of small-business employment, the United States has among the world’s smallest small-business sectors.” People in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and other European countries are more likely to be self-employed—and the study concluded that universal healthcare is a key factor. According to CEPR’s study, “High healthcare costs discourage small business formation since start-ups in other countries can tap into government-funded healthcare systems"."
Bankers Have A Pout Over Mean Old Elizabeth Warren, May Withhold Campaign Cash
Bankers Have A Pout Over Mean Old Elizabeth Warren, May Withhold Campaign Cash
"So these bankers (and the media, apparently) really don't understand how much ordinary people hate them and think they should be in jail. Nor do they get that being a candidate the banks hate is a badge of honor these days."
"So these bankers (and the media, apparently) really don't understand how much ordinary people hate them and think they should be in jail. Nor do they get that being a candidate the banks hate is a badge of honor these days."
What Is She Doing Right? Report Says Wall Street Ready to Punish Dems over Elizabeth Warren
What Is She Doing Right? Report Says Wall Street Ready to Punish Dems over Elizabeth Warren
"As recently as Thursday—as the Republicans moved to pass its new budget—Warren could be seen using social media to trumpet warnings about the ways in which Wall Street and the financial industry would benefit by the GOP proposals being put forth."
"As recently as Thursday—as the Republicans moved to pass its new budget—Warren could be seen using social media to trumpet warnings about the ways in which Wall Street and the financial industry would benefit by the GOP proposals being put forth."
With Patriots Like This, Who Needs Enemies?
With Patriots Like This, Who Needs Enemies?
"We've got homegrown "patriots" who think the way to get people's attention is to place IEDs in public places while trying to pin responsibility on people with exotic names."
"We've got homegrown "patriots" who think the way to get people's attention is to place IEDs in public places while trying to pin responsibility on people with exotic names."
Indiana Enacts Theocracy Legalizing Discrimination
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/27/indiana-enacts-theocracy-legalizing-discrimination.html
"Preacher Pence signed the theocratic edict in secret because there were mass events in Indianapolis in opposition to the theocratic law including the very profitable and powerful NCAA’s Final Four that decried the edict as discriminatory and suggested it will cause the state to lose out on future business. In fact, immediately after Pence ushered in theocratic law on Indianans, the theocracy felt the first pangs of negative economic impacts of a religious law legalizing discrimination in the state."
"Preacher Pence signed the theocratic edict in secret because there were mass events in Indianapolis in opposition to the theocratic law including the very profitable and powerful NCAA’s Final Four that decried the edict as discriminatory and suggested it will cause the state to lose out on future business. In fact, immediately after Pence ushered in theocratic law on Indianans, the theocracy felt the first pangs of negative economic impacts of a religious law legalizing discrimination in the state."
8 Entities Protesting Indiana’s New LGBT Discrimination Law
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/03/27/3639895/8-entities-may-boycott-indiana-new-lgbt-discrimination-bill/
"In the wake of Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) signing a law that essentially allows discrimination against gay and lesbian people in the state, companies are starting to consider pulling their business from the state.
Though Pence has tried to insist that the law is about “religious liberty” and not discrimination against LGBT discrimination in the state, that doesn’t seem to wash with many in the state — including the Chamber of Commerce, which has said the law will bring unwanted attention to the state. Many high-profile companies and entities that host major events in the state are starting to reconsider their business."
"In the wake of Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) signing a law that essentially allows discrimination against gay and lesbian people in the state, companies are starting to consider pulling their business from the state.
Though Pence has tried to insist that the law is about “religious liberty” and not discrimination against LGBT discrimination in the state, that doesn’t seem to wash with many in the state — including the Chamber of Commerce, which has said the law will bring unwanted attention to the state. Many high-profile companies and entities that host major events in the state are starting to reconsider their business."
Let the Boycotts Begin: Salesforce and NCAA Slam Indiana for Passing Anti-LGBT Law | Alternet
Let the Boycotts Begin: Salesforce and NCAA Slam Indiana for Passing Anti-LGBT Law | Alternet
"The NCAA — which will host college basketball’s biggest event of the year, the Men’s and Women’s Final 4, in Indianapolis — published a statement warning that the law may discourage it from hosting future events in the state."
"The NCAA — which will host college basketball’s biggest event of the year, the Men’s and Women’s Final 4, in Indianapolis — published a statement warning that the law may discourage it from hosting future events in the state."
As Religious Tyranny Arrives, Religious Freedom Lovers Flee Indiana
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/27/religious-tyranny-freedom-lovers-flee.html
"This medieval measure was supposed to be a moment of triumph for bigots throughout Indiana, for men and women who hate Jews, who hate Muslims and atheists and gays and lesbians and transgenders. Instead, Governor Mike Spence slunk away and signed it in private like the shameful act it was."
"This medieval measure was supposed to be a moment of triumph for bigots throughout Indiana, for men and women who hate Jews, who hate Muslims and atheists and gays and lesbians and transgenders. Instead, Governor Mike Spence slunk away and signed it in private like the shameful act it was."
Dear GOP, Here Are 5 Ways to Stop Being Crazy Christian Zealots That Many Americans Despise | Alternet
Dear GOP, Here Are 5 Ways to Stop Being Crazy Christian Zealots That Many Americans Despise | Alternet
"Now that “religious freedom” is being treated as cover to do whatever you want, however you want to other people, the Christian right is going hog wild. Now the Catholic Church is claiming that it doesn’t have to pay restitution to people raped by priests because of “religious freedom”. People are going to start seeing that this “religious freedom” thing is nothing more than rolling your eyes upwards and saying that you don’t have to follow the laws, even laws protecting victims of violence, if you don’t want to. Using God as a get-out-of-jail-free card is going to turn the public on Republicans eventually, at this rate."
"Now that “religious freedom” is being treated as cover to do whatever you want, however you want to other people, the Christian right is going hog wild. Now the Catholic Church is claiming that it doesn’t have to pay restitution to people raped by priests because of “religious freedom”. People are going to start seeing that this “religious freedom” thing is nothing more than rolling your eyes upwards and saying that you don’t have to follow the laws, even laws protecting victims of violence, if you don’t want to. Using God as a get-out-of-jail-free card is going to turn the public on Republicans eventually, at this rate."
Arizona State Sen. Sylvia Allen Says Church Attendance Should Be Mandatory
Arizona State Sen. Sylvia Allen Says Church Attendance Should Be Mandatory
"There can’t be a more obvious example of a law that defies the 1st Amendment than what Sylvia Allen is suggesting. Granted, this isn’t a piece of legislation that she’s introducing, but it does show how religious extremism has taken a strong foothold in state legislatures across the country thanks to gerrymandering, off-year elections, voter suppression and rampant apathy from the left."
"There can’t be a more obvious example of a law that defies the 1st Amendment than what Sylvia Allen is suggesting. Granted, this isn’t a piece of legislation that she’s introducing, but it does show how religious extremism has taken a strong foothold in state legislatures across the country thanks to gerrymandering, off-year elections, voter suppression and rampant apathy from the left."
#BoycottIndiana: Big Names React To Passage Of Anti-LGBT ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill (TWEETS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/boycottindiana-big-names-react-to-passage-of-anti-lgbt-religious-freedom-bill-twitter/
"America agrees and the floodgates of outrage have opened. The hashtag #BoycottIndiana is trending on Twitter. Celebrities, CEOs, organizations, politicians and athletes are lashing out at Indiana and Gov. Pence over this medieval law."
"America agrees and the floodgates of outrage have opened. The hashtag #BoycottIndiana is trending on Twitter. Celebrities, CEOs, organizations, politicians and athletes are lashing out at Indiana and Gov. Pence over this medieval law."
Friday, March 27, 2015
GOP Sociopaths, Not God, Don’t Want Americans To Have Medical Care
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/24/god-gop-sociopaths-americans-medical-care.html
"The crusade to eliminate healthcare for Americans is not reserved to conservative attacks on ACA subsidies. In both the House and Senate budget proposals, the ACA is repealed, Medicare, Medicaid, and the children’s CHIP healthcare program are slated for deep Draconian cuts to keep tens-of-millions of Americans of all ages sick and dying. It is, no matter how one looks at it, the definition of evil to deliberately strip basic healthcare from human beings, and insanity to invoke some god as justification for social immorality"
"The crusade to eliminate healthcare for Americans is not reserved to conservative attacks on ACA subsidies. In both the House and Senate budget proposals, the ACA is repealed, Medicare, Medicaid, and the children’s CHIP healthcare program are slated for deep Draconian cuts to keep tens-of-millions of Americans of all ages sick and dying. It is, no matter how one looks at it, the definition of evil to deliberately strip basic healthcare from human beings, and insanity to invoke some god as justification for social immorality"
Ted Cruz Signs Up For Obamacare
Ted Cruz Signs Up For Obamacare
"The only thing that would be better is knowing that Ted Cruz had to sign up for Obamacare using the federal exchange as a Texas resident. That way, if the US Supreme Court screws up the subsidies for people, he could pay exorbitant insurance rates along with the rest of his fellow Texas citizens."
"The only thing that would be better is knowing that Ted Cruz had to sign up for Obamacare using the federal exchange as a Texas resident. That way, if the US Supreme Court screws up the subsidies for people, he could pay exorbitant insurance rates along with the rest of his fellow Texas citizens."
Ted Cruz Launches His 2016 Campaign By Proclaiming God Wants You To Have No Healthcare
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/23/ted-cruz-launches-2016-campaign-proclaiming-god-healthcare.html
"The message that God wants rich people to have all the money, and everyone else to have no health insurance is not going to play well with voters. The real agenda behind Sen. Cruz’s campaign is anything but godly. Cruz is running on massive upward redistribution of wealth to the rich."
"The message that God wants rich people to have all the money, and everyone else to have no health insurance is not going to play well with voters. The real agenda behind Sen. Cruz’s campaign is anything but godly. Cruz is running on massive upward redistribution of wealth to the rich."
Ted Cruz Is So Proud Of His Role In America’s Near-Default, He’s Touting It On Campaign Site
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/03/24/3638080/ted-cruz-default-jobs/
"Cruz may want to claim this moment as part of his economic plan, but economists agree that this strategy hurt, not helped, the economy. A report from the Peterson Institute on International Economics found that the threat of default on American debt and other ways that Congress has governed crisis to crisis meant the loss of 750,000 jobs and sliced 1 percent off of GDP economic growth. The shutdown itself cost the economy an estimated $24 billion and 120,000 jobs in just two weeks. Another report found that uncertainty created by Congress’s manufactured crises over short-term spending bills, the fiscal cliff, and debt ceiling battles had already cost 900,000 jobs before the government shutdown."
"Cruz may want to claim this moment as part of his economic plan, but economists agree that this strategy hurt, not helped, the economy. A report from the Peterson Institute on International Economics found that the threat of default on American debt and other ways that Congress has governed crisis to crisis meant the loss of 750,000 jobs and sliced 1 percent off of GDP economic growth. The shutdown itself cost the economy an estimated $24 billion and 120,000 jobs in just two weeks. Another report found that uncertainty created by Congress’s manufactured crises over short-term spending bills, the fiscal cliff, and debt ceiling battles had already cost 900,000 jobs before the government shutdown."
The law isn't making Ted Cruz accept Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/25/1373267/-The-law-isn-t-making-Ted-Cruz-accept-nbsp-Obamacare
"Ted Cruz says he has to accept Obamacare because it's the law. See, his wife is taking unpaid leave from her job at Goldman Sachs for the duration of the presidential campaign, and is giving up her health insurance there. The health insurance that has been covering the whole family. Now, Cruz says, he has no legal choice but to take Obamacare because Obamacare is making him do it.
Except it's not. What the law demands of members of Congress is not that they get their health insurance through Obamacare (unless they have Medicare or coverage from a spouse). It just says that if they do get their health insurance from a plan that's not on an exchange, they don't get a sweet taxpayer subsidy to help pay their premiums."
"Ted Cruz says he has to accept Obamacare because it's the law. See, his wife is taking unpaid leave from her job at Goldman Sachs for the duration of the presidential campaign, and is giving up her health insurance there. The health insurance that has been covering the whole family. Now, Cruz says, he has no legal choice but to take Obamacare because Obamacare is making him do it.
Except it's not. What the law demands of members of Congress is not that they get their health insurance through Obamacare (unless they have Medicare or coverage from a spouse). It just says that if they do get their health insurance from a plan that's not on an exchange, they don't get a sweet taxpayer subsidy to help pay their premiums."
Amazing Hypocrisy: Ted Cruz Is Enrolling In Obamacare
Amazing Hypocrisy: Ted Cruz Is Enrolling In Obamacare
"So there you have it. Ted Cruz who previously made a big deal about other folks in Congress getting federal health insurance while being on his wife’s private, high-end health plan, is now going to have to buy health insurance on a state exchange, and he may or may not receive subsidies to help cover the cost. If Ted Cruz was really that opposed to Obamacare, why not forgo coverage, pay the fines on his tax return and make that a campaign issue? But this is what the Affordable Care Act has done, and not just for the spouses of U.S. Senators or Goldman Sachs executives. The Affordable Care Act has allowed people to become entrepreneurs and strike out on their own instead of being dependent on employer coverage. Now the Cruz family is showing us that Obamacare is working for America, whether Ted Cruz wants to admit it or not. And who knows, maybe like those infamous “green eggs and ham,” he might just like it."
"So there you have it. Ted Cruz who previously made a big deal about other folks in Congress getting federal health insurance while being on his wife’s private, high-end health plan, is now going to have to buy health insurance on a state exchange, and he may or may not receive subsidies to help cover the cost. If Ted Cruz was really that opposed to Obamacare, why not forgo coverage, pay the fines on his tax return and make that a campaign issue? But this is what the Affordable Care Act has done, and not just for the spouses of U.S. Senators or Goldman Sachs executives. The Affordable Care Act has allowed people to become entrepreneurs and strike out on their own instead of being dependent on employer coverage. Now the Cruz family is showing us that Obamacare is working for America, whether Ted Cruz wants to admit it or not. And who knows, maybe like those infamous “green eggs and ham,” he might just like it."
The fake presidential campaign of Never-Going-To-Be-President Ted Cruz
The fake presidential campaign of Never-Going-To-Be-President Ted Cruz
"Since being sworn in on Jan 3, 2013, Cruz’s senatorial career has been one of self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. His only notable achievement was convincing Republican members of the House — the children’s table at GOP cash-and-grab buffet — to shut down the U.S. government at a cost to taxpayers of several billion dollars and lost jobs.
With the focus turning to other Republicans like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and Rand Paul, who think they have a shot at the presidency, Cruz is trying to keep his brand alive and not be relegated to his natural position of bomb-throwing back-bencher."
"Since being sworn in on Jan 3, 2013, Cruz’s senatorial career has been one of self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. His only notable achievement was convincing Republican members of the House — the children’s table at GOP cash-and-grab buffet — to shut down the U.S. government at a cost to taxpayers of several billion dollars and lost jobs.
With the focus turning to other Republicans like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and Rand Paul, who think they have a shot at the presidency, Cruz is trying to keep his brand alive and not be relegated to his natural position of bomb-throwing back-bencher."
Ted Cruz’s shutdown amnesia: Who’s to blame for the 2013 shutdown? Everyone but Ted Cruz!
Ted Cruz’s shutdown amnesia: Who’s to blame for the 2013 shutdown? Everyone but Ted Cruz!
"Cruz’s verdict on the shutdown has gone through several different revisions as the months have worn on, though each one invariably casts Ted Cruz as the hero."
"Cruz’s verdict on the shutdown has gone through several different revisions as the months have worn on, though each one invariably casts Ted Cruz as the hero."
Peter King On Ted Cruz: More OF A 'Carnival Barker' Than A 'Leader'
Peter King On Ted Cruz: More OF A 'Carnival Barker' Than A 'Leader'
"After Sen. Ted Cruz announced his presidential run for 2016, Rep. Peter King released a statement bashing his qualifications for the oval office."
"After Sen. Ted Cruz announced his presidential run for 2016, Rep. Peter King released a statement bashing his qualifications for the oval office."
The Top 10 Most Embarrassing Ted Cruz Moments
The Top 10 Most Embarrassing Ted Cruz Moments
"While trying to bash President Obama and Hillary Clinton, he managed to not only point out just how terrible George W. Bush’s policies were for our economy, but he essentially proved that trickle-down economics is disastrous for our economy."
"While trying to bash President Obama and Hillary Clinton, he managed to not only point out just how terrible George W. Bush’s policies were for our economy, but he essentially proved that trickle-down economics is disastrous for our economy."
Another Blue State Outperforms A Typical Koch Fueled Red State Failure
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/23/blue-state-outperforms-typical-red-state-failure.html
"For a comparison with a neighboring state with Republican governor, Koch employee Scott Walker’s famous “Wisconsin Open for Business” agenda has Wisconsin sitting at a distant 32nd on the Forbes top states for business list, Wisconsin’s job creation is 38th in the nation, and Wisconsin is tied with Iowa for last place in the Midwest for creating private sector jobs. Where Dayton’s tax hikes on the wealthy have Minnesotan’s income $8,000 higher than the national average, Walker drove his state’s median income down to $900 below than the national average; a result of imposing ‘right to work’ laws and abolishing workers’ collective bargaining rights. Remember that Walker equated eliminating worker rights with crushing violent extremists and murdering terrorists; all he crushed was economic prosperity for Wisconsin residents."
"For a comparison with a neighboring state with Republican governor, Koch employee Scott Walker’s famous “Wisconsin Open for Business” agenda has Wisconsin sitting at a distant 32nd on the Forbes top states for business list, Wisconsin’s job creation is 38th in the nation, and Wisconsin is tied with Iowa for last place in the Midwest for creating private sector jobs. Where Dayton’s tax hikes on the wealthy have Minnesotan’s income $8,000 higher than the national average, Walker drove his state’s median income down to $900 below than the national average; a result of imposing ‘right to work’ laws and abolishing workers’ collective bargaining rights. Remember that Walker equated eliminating worker rights with crushing violent extremists and murdering terrorists; all he crushed was economic prosperity for Wisconsin residents."
Senate Mocks Fla. Official Because He Can’t Say Climate Change During Hearing (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/22/mock-cant-say-climate-change/
"Florida was once again the laughing stock of the United Sates recently due to Florida agencies being banned from the words “climate change”. The absurdity of the situation was made clear at a Senate subcommittee hearing last Thursday."
"Florida was once again the laughing stock of the United Sates recently due to Florida agencies being banned from the words “climate change”. The absurdity of the situation was made clear at a Senate subcommittee hearing last Thursday."
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Pew Report: Wisconsin No. 1 State In Household Income Decline
Pew Report: Wisconsin No. 1 State In Household Income Decline
"Gee, I wonder why. Could it be the Ayn Randian splendor of Scott Walker's economic voodoo?"
"Gee, I wonder why. Could it be the Ayn Randian splendor of Scott Walker's economic voodoo?"
Look At All The Great Things In The Progressive People's Budget
Look At All The Great Things In The Progressive People's Budget
"Once again, I've yet to hear our corporate media talking about this progressive budget, which includes things that voters actually want."
"Once again, I've yet to hear our corporate media talking about this progressive budget, which includes things that voters actually want."
GOP's Cruel Budget Proposals Threaten to Take Us Back to the 19th Century | Alternet
GOP's Cruel Budget Proposals Threaten to Take Us Back to the 19th Century | Alternet
"Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
"Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
Indiana Governor 'Looking Forward' to Signing Bill That Ensures Sweeping Discrimination | Alternet
Indiana Governor 'Looking Forward' to Signing Bill That Ensures Sweeping Discrimination | Alternet
"The Indiana House of Representatives passed a religious "freedom" bill Monday 63-31 that will allow private businesses, individuals and organizations to discriminate anywhere at any time against any person they so choose based on religious grounds."
"The Indiana House of Representatives passed a religious "freedom" bill Monday 63-31 that will allow private businesses, individuals and organizations to discriminate anywhere at any time against any person they so choose based on religious grounds."
Lobbyist Fails His Own Pesticide Challenge On Camera
Lobbyist Fails His Own Pesticide Challenge On Camera
"Today's lesson is brought to you by Dr. Patrick Moore, who has worked for pesticide manufacturers like Monsanto, refusing to drink Monsanto's product just seconds after claiming it's safe to do so"
"Today's lesson is brought to you by Dr. Patrick Moore, who has worked for pesticide manufacturers like Monsanto, refusing to drink Monsanto's product just seconds after claiming it's safe to do so"
In Blistering New Report Bernie Sanders Exposes The Gimmicks And Fraud In The GOP Budget
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/22/blistering-report-bernie-sanders-exposes-gimmicks-fraud-gop-budget.html
"Republicans don’t want to tell the American people what their budget really does."
"Republicans don’t want to tell the American people what their budget really does."
Real Economist Paul Krugman Calls Republican Budget A Trillion Dollar Con Job
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/22/real-economist-krugman-calls-gop-budget-trillion-dollar-con-job.html
"Republicans only know one approach to economic policy; the abject failure and scam known as trickle down with a healthy dose of Draconian austerity."
"Republicans only know one approach to economic policy; the abject failure and scam known as trickle down with a healthy dose of Draconian austerity."
Wisconsin Republicans seek to take away the weekend
Wisconsin Republicans seek to take away the weekend
"Not much else to say to this. I doubt any of the supporters of this bill intend to give up their own weekends. They just don’t want you to have any."
"Not much else to say to this. I doubt any of the supporters of this bill intend to give up their own weekends. They just don’t want you to have any."
Victorian romance: The GOP’s “Oliver Twist” budget and the comeback of class warfare
Victorian romance: The GOP’s “Oliver Twist” budget and the comeback of class warfare
"To make sense of the distorted dream world of American politics and its perplexing Lewis Carroll rhetoric, we sometimes have to look beyond familiar categories and recent history. This week, for instance, we get to look clear back to Victorian England, a longtime source of fascination for American conservatives and, at least in its stereotypical form, a cryptic role model for today’s Republican Party. The GOP’s House and Senate majorities have unveiled their budget proposals, a fantastical and mendacious set of documents worthy of Mr. Bumble, the comic villain and font of incoherent conventional wisdom in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
"To make sense of the distorted dream world of American politics and its perplexing Lewis Carroll rhetoric, we sometimes have to look beyond familiar categories and recent history. This week, for instance, we get to look clear back to Victorian England, a longtime source of fascination for American conservatives and, at least in its stereotypical form, a cryptic role model for today’s Republican Party. The GOP’s House and Senate majorities have unveiled their budget proposals, a fantastical and mendacious set of documents worthy of Mr. Bumble, the comic villain and font of incoherent conventional wisdom in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
Bernie Sanders Demands War Tax On Millionaires To Pay For GOP Military Spending Increase
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/20/bernie-sanders-demands-war-tax-millionaires-pay-gop-military-spending-increase.html
"The message is clear. If Republicans want a new war, their beloved millionaire “job creators” are going to have to pay for it."
"The message is clear. If Republicans want a new war, their beloved millionaire “job creators” are going to have to pay for it."
Watch: Bernie Sanders Delivers The Most Epic Blow To The New GOP Budgets (Video)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/19/watch-bernie-sanders-delivers-the-most-epic-blow-to-the-new-gop-budgets-video/
"In a searing rebuttal to the House and Senate plans, Sanders contended that both plans do absolutely nothing to help the middle class and instead benefit the top 1% who still have the audacity to say it’s not enough"
"In a searing rebuttal to the House and Senate plans, Sanders contended that both plans do absolutely nothing to help the middle class and instead benefit the top 1% who still have the audacity to say it’s not enough"
President Obama Forces Republican Politicians to Eat Their Own Words | Alternet
President Obama Forces Republican Politicians to Eat Their Own Words | Alternet
"He pointed out how off base Republican willful deceptive prognostication of his policies were."
"He pointed out how off base Republican willful deceptive prognostication of his policies were."
Paul Krugman Reveals the Outrageous Con Job Behind the Savage GOP Budget | Alternet
Paul Krugman Reveals the Outrageous Con Job Behind the Savage GOP Budget | Alternet
"What's really going on? The charitable explanation is that the Republicans honestly believe the demonstrably false horsesh*t that tax cuts for the rich help anybody but the rich, and somehow magically create revenue for the government. (Yeah, makes no sense.)"
"What's really going on? The charitable explanation is that the Republicans honestly believe the demonstrably false horsesh*t that tax cuts for the rich help anybody but the rich, and somehow magically create revenue for the government. (Yeah, makes no sense.)"
Scott Walker's supercharged War on Women
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/19/1370548/-Scott-Walker-s-supercharged-War-on-Women
"This is the Scott Walker to remember, no matter what he says on the campaign trail at any given moment. If you believe women should have access to a full range of healthcare options without being shamed or interfered with by the government, remember that Scott Walker will stop at nothing to strip women of those options."
"This is the Scott Walker to remember, no matter what he says on the campaign trail at any given moment. If you believe women should have access to a full range of healthcare options without being shamed or interfered with by the government, remember that Scott Walker will stop at nothing to strip women of those options."
The People's Budget: Progressive Proposal Aims to Un-Rig Failed Economic System
The People's Budget: Progressive Proposal Aims to Un-Rig Failed Economic System
"Overall, the provisions included in the CPC budget contrast sharply with the austerity policies embraced by the right-wing."
"Overall, the provisions included in the CPC budget contrast sharply with the austerity policies embraced by the right-wing."
The Unbearable Cruelty of the GOP Budget
http://reverbpress.com/politics/the-unbearable-cruelty-of-the-gop-budget/
"The GOP budget makes it very clear where their priorities lie: not with protecting the least fortunate or maintaining a social safety net, but with lining the pockets a select and wealthy few. Is it any surprise that the defense industry gives far more to Republicans than to Democrats? Didn’t think so."
"The GOP budget makes it very clear where their priorities lie: not with protecting the least fortunate or maintaining a social safety net, but with lining the pockets a select and wealthy few. Is it any surprise that the defense industry gives far more to Republicans than to Democrats? Didn’t think so."
Sanders Blasts GOP Budgets
Sanders Blasts GOP Budgets
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted as large a hole in the newly-released Republican budget as he could muster, declaring it an attack on low- and middle-income Americans, a fiesta of deregulation and subsidies for Wall Street and Big Business, and a plan to further enrich the nation's wealthiest and most powerful"
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted as large a hole in the newly-released Republican budget as he could muster, declaring it an attack on low- and middle-income Americans, a fiesta of deregulation and subsidies for Wall Street and Big Business, and a plan to further enrich the nation's wealthiest and most powerful"
Bernie Sanders Storms The Senate and Rips The Republican Rich Get Richer Budget
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/18/bernie-sanders-storms-senate-rips-republican-rich-richer-budget.html
"Sen. Sanders was correct. The Republicans are offering up the ultimate rich get richer budgets. The goal of the Republican budget is to take money away from poor and middle-class Americans and give it to the people at the top. Sanders was spot on. No matter how much wealth the richest Americans accumulate, Congressional Republicans believe that they deserve more.
The House and Senate Republican budget deserve the scorn of the American people because they explicitly confirm the Republican goal of creating an oligarchic society that consists of a few haves and everyone else being a have not."
"Sen. Sanders was correct. The Republicans are offering up the ultimate rich get richer budgets. The goal of the Republican budget is to take money away from poor and middle-class Americans and give it to the people at the top. Sanders was spot on. No matter how much wealth the richest Americans accumulate, Congressional Republicans believe that they deserve more.
The House and Senate Republican budget deserve the scorn of the American people because they explicitly confirm the Republican goal of creating an oligarchic society that consists of a few haves and everyone else being a have not."
It's the Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq. Where's the Accountability? | Alternet
It's the Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq. Where's the Accountability? | Alternet
"What are we doing now to ensure Israel and the Republican Congress don’t drive us with lies to another war?"
"What are we doing now to ensure Israel and the Republican Congress don’t drive us with lies to another war?"
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
Thanks To Obamacare, Hospitals Saved More Than $7 Billion Last Year
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/03/23/3637685/obamacare-hospital-savings/
"The savings reflect a reduction in the so-called “uncompensated care” that hospitals provide to uninsured Americans, and are even greater than HHS officials predicted they would be at the beginning of this year.
Since people without insurance typically don’t have any means to cover their medical bills, the cost of their treatment ends up falling on the hospital itself. Therefore, as more people gain coverage, it become less expensive for hospitals to care for their patients. More than 16 million previously uninsured Americans have gotten covered under Obamacare, contributing to the biggest drop in the national uninsurance rate over the past four decades."
"The savings reflect a reduction in the so-called “uncompensated care” that hospitals provide to uninsured Americans, and are even greater than HHS officials predicted they would be at the beginning of this year.
Since people without insurance typically don’t have any means to cover their medical bills, the cost of their treatment ends up falling on the hospital itself. Therefore, as more people gain coverage, it become less expensive for hospitals to care for their patients. More than 16 million previously uninsured Americans have gotten covered under Obamacare, contributing to the biggest drop in the national uninsurance rate over the past four decades."
Cut their paychecks and take away their healthcare! The GOP’s insane plan to woo women in 2016
Cut their paychecks and take away their healthcare! The GOP’s insane plan to woo women in 2016
"It is bizarro world out there, and it only promises to get more bizarro as we move closer to 2016. The GOP will be in the unenviable position of pretending that decimating women’s paychecks and taking away their healthcare is the real way to improve their lives. (Because being broke and sick without access to a doctor always turns out so well.) Some in the party may have had a moment of political savvy back in January, but that moment is gone. There’s no disguising the GOP’s blatant assault on women’s lives and basic livelihoods, and what’s ahead looks bleaker than ever."
"It is bizarro world out there, and it only promises to get more bizarro as we move closer to 2016. The GOP will be in the unenviable position of pretending that decimating women’s paychecks and taking away their healthcare is the real way to improve their lives. (Because being broke and sick without access to a doctor always turns out so well.) Some in the party may have had a moment of political savvy back in January, but that moment is gone. There’s no disguising the GOP’s blatant assault on women’s lives and basic livelihoods, and what’s ahead looks bleaker than ever."
Infographic: How Many Women Are Benefiting from the Affordable Care Act?
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/news/2015/03/17/85389/infographic-how-many-women-are-benefiting-from-the-affordable-care-act/
"This infographic is a compilation of data from multiple sources to highlight how women are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act."
"This infographic is a compilation of data from multiple sources to highlight how women are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act."
14 Reasons Why House and Senate Republicans Have Declared Economic War On Average Americans | Alternet
14 Reasons Why House and Senate Republicans Have Declared Economic War On Average Americans | Alternet
"In almost every one of these budget areas, nationwide polls show that a majority of Americans strongly oppose what the GOP is proposing. In other words, the Republicans are not delivering the kind of federal government that Americans want; they are declaring economic war on average Americans by reshaping government to serve the upper classes and biggest businesses."
"In almost every one of these budget areas, nationwide polls show that a majority of Americans strongly oppose what the GOP is proposing. In other words, the Republicans are not delivering the kind of federal government that Americans want; they are declaring economic war on average Americans by reshaping government to serve the upper classes and biggest businesses."
Schools Plan Massive Layoffs After Scott Walker Guts Funding
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/03/18/3634306/students-teachers-brace-scott-walkers-devastating-education-cuts/
"This week, Wisconsin kicked off a series of hearings on Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget, which would slash about $300 million from the University of Wisconsin system over two years, funnel hundreds of millions to build a pro-basketball stadium, and cut deeply from funds for health care, food stamps and public media.
College campuses across the state are already preparing for the worst."
"This week, Wisconsin kicked off a series of hearings on Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget, which would slash about $300 million from the University of Wisconsin system over two years, funnel hundreds of millions to build a pro-basketball stadium, and cut deeply from funds for health care, food stamps and public media.
College campuses across the state are already preparing for the worst."
Top Ten Arguments for Raising the Minimum Wage
Top Ten Arguments for Raising the Minimum Wage
"Worker productivity has gone up much faster than wages. Using the 1968 minimum wage as benchmark, if the minimum wage grew at same rate as worker productivity it would have reached $21.72 per hour."
"Worker productivity has gone up much faster than wages. Using the 1968 minimum wage as benchmark, if the minimum wage grew at same rate as worker productivity it would have reached $21.72 per hour."
Cashin' In Crew Fearmongers Over Seattle Raising Minimum Wage
Cashin' In Crew Fearmongers Over Seattle Raising Minimum Wage
"If there's one thing they love doing over at Faux "news" it's looking out for big business while continually punching down and attacking workers, minimum wage, our social safety nets and organized labor. This Saturday's Cashin' In was no exception with all of Eric Bolling's guests other than Juan Williams who was the lone voice of reason fearmongering over an upcoming minimum wage increase in Seattle.
Wingnut libertarian as usual doesn't think there should be any minimum wage at all, and the others were fearmongering that it's going to lead to layoffs and business closing, never mind the fact that the restaurant owners in the area have said this is not true."
"If there's one thing they love doing over at Faux "news" it's looking out for big business while continually punching down and attacking workers, minimum wage, our social safety nets and organized labor. This Saturday's Cashin' In was no exception with all of Eric Bolling's guests other than Juan Williams who was the lone voice of reason fearmongering over an upcoming minimum wage increase in Seattle.
Wingnut libertarian as usual doesn't think there should be any minimum wage at all, and the others were fearmongering that it's going to lead to layoffs and business closing, never mind the fact that the restaurant owners in the area have said this is not true."
GOP’s new moral monstrosity: Trickle-down lies enrich the 1 percent, as wing-nuts assert control
GOP’s new moral monstrosity: Trickle-down lies enrich the 1 percent, as wing-nuts assert control
"On purely ideological grounds they say that overnight their unholy combination of miserly spending cuts for the poor and profligate tax cuts for the rich will juice economic growth by nearly 50 percent, unleashing a cascade of revenue. It’s faith-based accounting based on supply-side economics and it’s never worked. But in the spirit of Florida Gov. Rick Scott forbidding state officials from uttering the words “global warming” and “climate change,” the Republicans have ordered their formerly non-partisan budget analysts to apply the theory. It’s how their whole budget works; like a sleight of hand street hustle, a shell game with no pea."
"On purely ideological grounds they say that overnight their unholy combination of miserly spending cuts for the poor and profligate tax cuts for the rich will juice economic growth by nearly 50 percent, unleashing a cascade of revenue. It’s faith-based accounting based on supply-side economics and it’s never worked. But in the spirit of Florida Gov. Rick Scott forbidding state officials from uttering the words “global warming” and “climate change,” the Republicans have ordered their formerly non-partisan budget analysts to apply the theory. It’s how their whole budget works; like a sleight of hand street hustle, a shell game with no pea."
GOP’s “black magic” budget: Using voodoo to conjure trillions in savings
GOP’s “black magic” budget: Using voodoo to conjure trillions in savings
"while the House budget borrowed heavily from the Paul Ryan school of achieving balance through cutting and privatizing social programs, the Senate budget takes a slightly different approach: magic voodoo savings."
"while the House budget borrowed heavily from the Paul Ryan school of achieving balance through cutting and privatizing social programs, the Senate budget takes a slightly different approach: magic voodoo savings."
Jeb Bush Displays His Stupidity While Discussing Income Inequality and the Minimum Wage (Video)
Jeb Bush Displays His Stupidity While Discussing Income Inequality and the Minimum Wage (Video)
"The Republican economic theory of trickle-down economics is based upon the principle that the better the rich do, the better it is for the rest of us. Yet, here we have Jeb Bush admitting that the rich are doing great – but everyone else is falling further and further behind, especially the poor. In other words, he just admitted that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
"The Republican economic theory of trickle-down economics is based upon the principle that the better the rich do, the better it is for the rest of us. Yet, here we have Jeb Bush admitting that the rich are doing great – but everyone else is falling further and further behind, especially the poor. In other words, he just admitted that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
GOP’s “screw the poor” budget: Republicans plan some serious pain for low-income Americans
GOP’s “screw the poor” budget: Republicans plan some serious pain for low-income Americans
"The Republican proposal privatizes everything it can privatize, cuts every non-defense program it gets its grubby mitts on, nukes Obamacare from orbit, and dynamically scores itself into something resembling balance.
It really can’t be overstated just how terrible this budget proposal is for America’s poor."
"The Republican proposal privatizes everything it can privatize, cuts every non-defense program it gets its grubby mitts on, nukes Obamacare from orbit, and dynamically scores itself into something resembling balance.
It really can’t be overstated just how terrible this budget proposal is for America’s poor."
Jeb Bush Wants To Eliminate Minimum Wage: 'Leave It To The Private Sector'
Jeb Bush Wants To Eliminate Minimum Wage: 'Leave It To The Private Sector'
"Former Florida Governor and potential GOP 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush wants a race to the bottom on wages in America."
"Former Florida Governor and potential GOP 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush wants a race to the bottom on wages in America."
House GOP Budget: More Money For War, Repeal Obamacare, Cut Food Stamps and Medicaid
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/17/house-gop-budget-money-war-repeal-obamacare-cut-food-stamps-medicaid.html
"While it should be obvious to the American public what the Republican Party’s priorities are by now, the recently unveiled House budget serves as yet another reminder about what the modern GOP stands for. The Republican Party’s eagerness to cut programs that benefit poor and middle class families, while lavishing favor on the big banks, the corporate CEOs, and the military contractors, demonstrates all too clearly who they work for."
"While it should be obvious to the American public what the Republican Party’s priorities are by now, the recently unveiled House budget serves as yet another reminder about what the modern GOP stands for. The Republican Party’s eagerness to cut programs that benefit poor and middle class families, while lavishing favor on the big banks, the corporate CEOs, and the military contractors, demonstrates all too clearly who they work for."
The Numbers Don’t Lie, Obamacare Is Working
The Numbers Don’t Lie, Obamacare Is Working
"Republicans aren’t going to let facts get in the way of attempting further repeals of Obamacare, and they’ll certainly continue to make the same old debunked claims about it because they’ve come too far to turn back now. However, the numbers don’t lie; despite all of the doomsday prophecies from conservatives opposed to the Affordable Care Act, it’s working even better than expected."
"Republicans aren’t going to let facts get in the way of attempting further repeals of Obamacare, and they’ll certainly continue to make the same old debunked claims about it because they’ve come too far to turn back now. However, the numbers don’t lie; despite all of the doomsday prophecies from conservatives opposed to the Affordable Care Act, it’s working even better than expected."
Scott Walker and the GOP Are Putting the Big Squeeze on Middle-Class Workers | Alternet
Scott Walker and the GOP Are Putting the Big Squeeze on Middle-Class Workers | Alternet
"This is the GOP’s big squeeze. It means the death of opportunity for the working poor to climb into the middle class. It means more of the middle class dragged down into poverty as workers scramble to pay ever-climbing bills with ever-smaller paychecks."
"This is the GOP’s big squeeze. It means the death of opportunity for the working poor to climb into the middle class. It means more of the middle class dragged down into poverty as workers scramble to pay ever-climbing bills with ever-smaller paychecks."
Paul Ryan Warns GOP Governors Not To Set Up Exchanges If SCOTUS Kills Subsidies
Paul Ryan Warns GOP Governors Not To Set Up Exchanges If SCOTUS Kills Subsidies
"In other words, turn the clock back to 2008 all over again. Because liberty!"
"In other words, turn the clock back to 2008 all over again. Because liberty!"
Most Americans Don't Understand Their Health Insurance Is At Risk
Most Americans Don't Understand Their Health Insurance Is At Risk
"If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the law’s challengers, it is expected that millions would be unable to afford health insurance, uninsured rates would spike and health insurance costs would soar, affecting even those who do not rely on subsidies to buy insurance."
"If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the law’s challengers, it is expected that millions would be unable to afford health insurance, uninsured rates would spike and health insurance costs would soar, affecting even those who do not rely on subsidies to buy insurance."
After Obamacare Extends Coverage To 16 Million Americans, House Republicans Propose Repealing It
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/03/17/3634539/house-budget-obamacare/
"On Tuesday, House Republicans are planning to unveil a proposed budget that would reportedly overhaul the country’s health care policies — by partially privatizing Medicare, dramatically restructuring Medicaid, and completely repealing Obamacare."
"On Tuesday, House Republicans are planning to unveil a proposed budget that would reportedly overhaul the country’s health care policies — by partially privatizing Medicare, dramatically restructuring Medicaid, and completely repealing Obamacare."
New Report Shows Obamacare Works, 16 Million Fewer Uninsured
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/16/new-report-shows-obamacare-works-16-million-fewer-uninsured/
"While naysayers are still trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act piece by piece, there is no doubt about it, the law works, and millions are benefiting."
"While naysayers are still trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act piece by piece, there is no doubt about it, the law works, and millions are benefiting."
4 Ways the Next Fight Over Spending in Washington Could Seriously Affect Your Life | Alternet
4 Ways the Next Fight Over Spending in Washington Could Seriously Affect Your Life | Alternet
"Republicans have made it clear that one of their top policy goals is to lower top-end and corporate tax rates – the lower the better. What they won’t talk about – but we must – is who would end up paying for those tax cuts."
"Republicans have made it clear that one of their top policy goals is to lower top-end and corporate tax rates – the lower the better. What they won’t talk about – but we must – is who would end up paying for those tax cuts."
Obama’s Biggest Victory: 16.4 Million Uninsured Americans Have Gained Health Coverage Via ACA
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/16/16-4-million-previously-uninsured-americans-gained-health-coverage-aca-effect.html
"The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index estimates that the national uninsured rate has plummeted from 20.3 percent, prior to the 2013 open enrollment period, to just 13.2 percent in early 2015."
"The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index estimates that the national uninsured rate has plummeted from 20.3 percent, prior to the 2013 open enrollment period, to just 13.2 percent in early 2015."
Christian Host Pretty Sure Hollywood ‘Witchcraft’ And Gays Responsible For CA Drought (AUDIO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/20/christian-host-pretty-sure-hollywood-witchcraft-and-gays-responsible-for-ca-drought-audio/
"Here I was thinking the drought was caused by:
A “persistent weather pattern over the past several years has featured a warm, dry ridge of high pressure over the eastern north Pacific Ocean and western North America. Such high-pressure ridges prevent clouds from forming and precipitation from falling.”
But that’s what scientists think is the cause, and really, what do scientists know? (again, sarcasm — some people need to be reminded)"
"Here I was thinking the drought was caused by:
A “persistent weather pattern over the past several years has featured a warm, dry ridge of high pressure over the eastern north Pacific Ocean and western North America. Such high-pressure ridges prevent clouds from forming and precipitation from falling.”
But that’s what scientists think is the cause, and really, what do scientists know? (again, sarcasm — some people need to be reminded)"
Walker's War On Women Receives A Setback
Walker's War On Women Receives A Setback
"Because when it comes to his presidential aspirations and his insatiable craving for campaign donations, there is no position that is too extreme for Walker to to take, whether he means it or not."
"Because when it comes to his presidential aspirations and his insatiable craving for campaign donations, there is no position that is too extreme for Walker to to take, whether he means it or not."
Sam Brownback’s latest master plan to save the Kansas economy: Ban abortions
Sam Brownback’s latest master plan to save the Kansas economy: Ban abortions
"It takes a special kind of delusion to believe — despite decades of empirical evidence — that massive income tax cuts for the wealthy will unleash economic prosperity, thereby boosting job creation and increasing government revenues. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, however, clung to that delusion. Advised by the charlatan Art Laffer — originator of the curve — Brownback slashed income taxes for individuals and businesses, promising that his supply-side “experiment” would jump-start the Sunflower State’s economy. Instead, Kansas’ rendezvous with voodoo has created a $344 million revenue shortfall that legislators must fill by June, while the tax cuts haven’t delivered the promised economic benefits: Kansas’ rate of job growth has lagged behind that of the nation, per-capita income has remained stagnant, and the state’s GDP growth has fallen behind that of its neighbors in the Midwest and Great Plains."
"It takes a special kind of delusion to believe — despite decades of empirical evidence — that massive income tax cuts for the wealthy will unleash economic prosperity, thereby boosting job creation and increasing government revenues. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, however, clung to that delusion. Advised by the charlatan Art Laffer — originator of the curve — Brownback slashed income taxes for individuals and businesses, promising that his supply-side “experiment” would jump-start the Sunflower State’s economy. Instead, Kansas’ rendezvous with voodoo has created a $344 million revenue shortfall that legislators must fill by June, while the tax cuts haven’t delivered the promised economic benefits: Kansas’ rate of job growth has lagged behind that of the nation, per-capita income has remained stagnant, and the state’s GDP growth has fallen behind that of its neighbors in the Midwest and Great Plains."
Republicans’ private terror: Why they despise the modern American state — and embrace fanaticism
Republicans’ private terror: Why they despise the modern American state — and embrace fanaticism
"After 50 years, this relentless process of ideological purification has produced a party whose electoral appeal is almost wholly confined to rural and suburban whites, most of whom reside in Southern states. In the 2012 presidential election, the South provided 72 percent of Mitt Romney’s electoral votes."
"After 50 years, this relentless process of ideological purification has produced a party whose electoral appeal is almost wholly confined to rural and suburban whites, most of whom reside in Southern states. In the 2012 presidential election, the South provided 72 percent of Mitt Romney’s electoral votes."
Let’s All Watch Rick Santorum Being Screamed at By a Completely Crazy Person Who Hates Barack Obama
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/03/lets-all-watch-rick-santorum-being-screamed-at/
"It apparently ended when the woman was dragged away while shouting that Obama was planning to nuke Charleston.
It won’t surprise you to learn that Santorum, while seemingly stunned throughout the entire rant, recovered quickly and, rather than correcting any of the authentic frontier gibberish he’d just heard, actually answered this lunatic.
“I’m not a sitting member of the Senate, so I’m not taking blame for any of that stuff,” he said. “But you hit on one point to which I absolutely agree: this is a complete lack of leadership.” And there you have it: the modern American right in a nutshell. Pun absolutely intended."
"It apparently ended when the woman was dragged away while shouting that Obama was planning to nuke Charleston.
It won’t surprise you to learn that Santorum, while seemingly stunned throughout the entire rant, recovered quickly and, rather than correcting any of the authentic frontier gibberish he’d just heard, actually answered this lunatic.
“I’m not a sitting member of the Senate, so I’m not taking blame for any of that stuff,” he said. “But you hit on one point to which I absolutely agree: this is a complete lack of leadership.” And there you have it: the modern American right in a nutshell. Pun absolutely intended."
Insane Santorum Fan Calls Obama A ‘Communist Dictator,’ He Refuses To Correct Her (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/19/insane-santorum-fan-calls-obama-a-communist-dictator-he-refuses-to-correct-her-video/
"this is what happens after years of existing on a steady diet of Fox News fear-mongering and right wing hate radio. This is what happens when you spend a lifetime marinating in this hate."
"this is what happens after years of existing on a steady diet of Fox News fear-mongering and right wing hate radio. This is what happens when you spend a lifetime marinating in this hate."
The Christian Right Still Dominates the GOP -- Is There Any End in Sight? | Alternet
The Christian Right Still Dominates the GOP -- Is There Any End in Sight? | Alternet
"If you were trying to come up with a quick-and-dirty description of the Republican Party, “coalition of corporate and patriarchal religious interests” would be it."
"If you were trying to come up with a quick-and-dirty description of the Republican Party, “coalition of corporate and patriarchal religious interests” would be it."
Comparing Republican “Christian Values” To Islamic Fundamentalism
Comparing Republican “Christian Values” To Islamic Fundamentalism
"Let’s also not forget that both right-wing evangelicals and Islamic fundamentalists believe that a nation should be ruled by religion, also know as a theocratic form of government. Both groups believe their rights are given to them by God (or Allah), not the government. And while many Islamic nations on this planet are indeed ruled by religion, it is our secularist Constitution which has prevented Christian radicals here from ruling this nation as the theocracy they wished it was."
"Let’s also not forget that both right-wing evangelicals and Islamic fundamentalists believe that a nation should be ruled by religion, also know as a theocratic form of government. Both groups believe their rights are given to them by God (or Allah), not the government. And while many Islamic nations on this planet are indeed ruled by religion, it is our secularist Constitution which has prevented Christian radicals here from ruling this nation as the theocracy they wished it was."
GOP’s “scam artist” problem: Mike Huckabee & the right’s tradition of organized theft
GOP’s “scam artist” problem: Mike Huckabee & the right’s tradition of organized theft
"The sheer size of the conservative scam machine and the involvement of some of the most prominent names in Republican politics are the consequence of the decades spent transforming conservatism into an insular political movement. Conservatives are explicitly told not to trust anyone or anything that exists outside the movement, and to put their faith in the “conservative” alternatives. TV news is biased, so watch Fox News. NPR is full of sneaky liberals, but Rush Limbaugh will tell it straight. “Scientists” tell you the climate is changing, but they have an agenda and Jim Inhofe can blow it apart with nothing more than a snowball. When you’ve conditioned people to associate “conservative” with “trustworthy,” all manner of mischief can be perpetrated. Add in the desperation felt by people struggling with dangerous illnesses, and you’ve got a population that’s ripe for exploitation.
And that’s what Huckabee does. He exploits desperate people who trust him. He’s part of a grand conservative tradition of leveraging one’s political celebrity to bleed dry the people who form the bedrock of the movement. Looking at this behavior, you can’t help but conclude that it demonstrates little but contempt for some of the most vulnerable people in the country."
"The sheer size of the conservative scam machine and the involvement of some of the most prominent names in Republican politics are the consequence of the decades spent transforming conservatism into an insular political movement. Conservatives are explicitly told not to trust anyone or anything that exists outside the movement, and to put their faith in the “conservative” alternatives. TV news is biased, so watch Fox News. NPR is full of sneaky liberals, but Rush Limbaugh will tell it straight. “Scientists” tell you the climate is changing, but they have an agenda and Jim Inhofe can blow it apart with nothing more than a snowball. When you’ve conditioned people to associate “conservative” with “trustworthy,” all manner of mischief can be perpetrated. Add in the desperation felt by people struggling with dangerous illnesses, and you’ve got a population that’s ripe for exploitation.
And that’s what Huckabee does. He exploits desperate people who trust him. He’s part of a grand conservative tradition of leveraging one’s political celebrity to bleed dry the people who form the bedrock of the movement. Looking at this behavior, you can’t help but conclude that it demonstrates little but contempt for some of the most vulnerable people in the country."
We can’t believe we have to explain this: Diabetes can’t be cured with cinnamon rolls
We can’t believe we have to explain this: Diabetes can’t be cured with cinnamon rolls
"Presidential hopeful and “former diabetic” Mike Huckabee was recently spotted in a low-budget Internet informercial which claims that cinnamon rolls “contain a real ingredient that reverses diabetes.”
And with that, welcome back to “We can’t believe we have to explain this"."
"Presidential hopeful and “former diabetic” Mike Huckabee was recently spotted in a low-budget Internet informercial which claims that cinnamon rolls “contain a real ingredient that reverses diabetes.”
And with that, welcome back to “We can’t believe we have to explain this"."
Rick Santorum’s Plan To Save America: A Christian Theocracy
Rick Santorum’s Plan To Save America: A Christian Theocracy
"The First Amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. We are not meant to be a theocracy. Every citizen has the right to worship, or not worship, whatever deity they choose, without government interference. Rick Santorum and the rest of the American Taliban cannot force Christianity upon us anymore than a Muslim or a Buddhist or a Wiccan or a Jew can force their beliefs upon us. We cannot have a president who believes Christianity should be the only religion allowed in America. We cannot have a president who says the idea of the separation of church and state makes him want to throw up."
"The First Amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. We are not meant to be a theocracy. Every citizen has the right to worship, or not worship, whatever deity they choose, without government interference. Rick Santorum and the rest of the American Taliban cannot force Christianity upon us anymore than a Muslim or a Buddhist or a Wiccan or a Jew can force their beliefs upon us. We cannot have a president who believes Christianity should be the only religion allowed in America. We cannot have a president who says the idea of the separation of church and state makes him want to throw up."
Walker Budget Sneaks Major Policy Changes Past Education Agency
Walker Budget Sneaks Major Policy Changes Past Education Agency
"Advancing the privatization of the public school system, and turning community schools into for-profit money-making operations, has long been an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) priority."
"Advancing the privatization of the public school system, and turning community schools into for-profit money-making operations, has long been an American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) priority."
Republicans Want to Turn Back the Clock on the Constitution
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29679-republicans-want-to-turn-back-the-clock-on-the-constitution
"These guys are so committed to the "Caucus Room conspiracy" that was hatched the night Obama was inaugurated that they will do whatever it takes to stop our nation's first Black president from achieving any sort of meaningful success.
They've already shut down the government, brought the nation to brink of fiscal crisis and filibustered countless pieces of legislation.
Now they're dragging us back to the dark days before we even had a Constitution, which essentially means they're willing to turn back the clock on the entire US democratic experiment just so they can sabotage President Obama.
The Republican Party now officially belongs in the dustbin of history. It's time to dissolve it with a RICO complaint, and bring back the federalists or the whigs."
"These guys are so committed to the "Caucus Room conspiracy" that was hatched the night Obama was inaugurated that they will do whatever it takes to stop our nation's first Black president from achieving any sort of meaningful success.
They've already shut down the government, brought the nation to brink of fiscal crisis and filibustered countless pieces of legislation.
Now they're dragging us back to the dark days before we even had a Constitution, which essentially means they're willing to turn back the clock on the entire US democratic experiment just so they can sabotage President Obama.
The Republican Party now officially belongs in the dustbin of history. It's time to dissolve it with a RICO complaint, and bring back the federalists or the whigs."
Christie Shifted NJ Pension Cash To Donor’s Foreign Firm
Christie Shifted NJ Pension Cash To Donor’s Foreign Firm
"Two years ago, as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pursued re-election, his administration found itself mulling investment options for the state’s $80 billion pension fund. In one deal in May 2013, officials settled on a subsidiary of U.K.-based foreign financial conglomerate Prudential plc. With little fanfare, state pension overseers quickly endorsed the deal.
Weeks later, a Hong Kong-based executive director and board member of Prudential plc delivered a maximum $3,800 contribution to Christie’s gubernatorial campaign, followed by a maximum $32,400 donation to the Republican National Committee, which was about to launch a get-out-the-vote effort for Christie. Two months after that, New Jersey began moving public employees’ retirement savings into two funds managed by the Prudential subsidiary as part of the state’s new $300 million investment commitment to the company.
State and federal rules are designed to prevent firms that manage public pension money from contributing to the campaigns of public officials who have the authority to influence pension investments. The sequence of transactions in New Jersey, campaign finance experts say, is troubling."
"Two years ago, as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pursued re-election, his administration found itself mulling investment options for the state’s $80 billion pension fund. In one deal in May 2013, officials settled on a subsidiary of U.K.-based foreign financial conglomerate Prudential plc. With little fanfare, state pension overseers quickly endorsed the deal.
Weeks later, a Hong Kong-based executive director and board member of Prudential plc delivered a maximum $3,800 contribution to Christie’s gubernatorial campaign, followed by a maximum $32,400 donation to the Republican National Committee, which was about to launch a get-out-the-vote effort for Christie. Two months after that, New Jersey began moving public employees’ retirement savings into two funds managed by the Prudential subsidiary as part of the state’s new $300 million investment commitment to the company.
State and federal rules are designed to prevent firms that manage public pension money from contributing to the campaigns of public officials who have the authority to influence pension investments. The sequence of transactions in New Jersey, campaign finance experts say, is troubling."
Huckabee's Diabetes Snake Oil Pays For His Campaign While Killing People
Huckabee's Diabetes Snake Oil Pays For His Campaign While Killing People
"I take it as a given that Huckabee is a grifter. But when that grifting is done to finance a bid for the 2016 presidential nomination and said grifting has the ability to actually kill people, it's time to draw a line and call him out for unprincipled and greedy practices."
"I take it as a given that Huckabee is a grifter. But when that grifting is done to finance a bid for the 2016 presidential nomination and said grifting has the ability to actually kill people, it's time to draw a line and call him out for unprincipled and greedy practices."
Obama White House Hammers Mitch McConnell For Lying About Loretta Lynch Vote
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/16/obama-white-house-hammers-mitch-mcconnell-lying-loretta-lynch-vote.html
"Senate Republicans are desperate to prove that they can pass legislation over Democratic objections. The problem is that they can’t pass legislation without working with Democrats. By blocking a vote on Lynch, McConnell is compounding his problems by denying the Senate at least one accomplishment.
McConnell is denying the nation a new attorney general because he needs to pass a bill and get a “win.” Mitch McConnell is getting desperate, and the Obama White House is calling out the Senate Majority Leader’s lie on the Lynch nomination."
"Senate Republicans are desperate to prove that they can pass legislation over Democratic objections. The problem is that they can’t pass legislation without working with Democrats. By blocking a vote on Lynch, McConnell is compounding his problems by denying the Senate at least one accomplishment.
McConnell is denying the nation a new attorney general because he needs to pass a bill and get a “win.” Mitch McConnell is getting desperate, and the Obama White House is calling out the Senate Majority Leader’s lie on the Lynch nomination."
Republicans get whiny after White House points out they can't govern
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/16/1371247/-Republicans-get-whiny-after-White-House-points-out-GOP-can-t-govern
"So far, Republicans have spent weeks bashing their heads against Department of Homeland Security funding before caving on it, have passed a few things they know President Obama won't sign, and otherwise have struggled to do jack squat."
"So far, Republicans have spent weeks bashing their heads against Department of Homeland Security funding before caving on it, have passed a few things they know President Obama won't sign, and otherwise have struggled to do jack squat."
WI Supreme Court Candidate Does Full Corporate Press
WI Supreme Court Candidate Does Full Corporate Press
"Daley has also gone on the record that he is quite comfortable receiving all the dark money from special interest groups, just as the four Supreme Corporate Injustices and sees no reason for these injustices to recuse themselves in cases involving their donors. This stance goes against United Supreme Court rulings, but hey, in Wisconsin, laws are optional for the corporate Republicans."
"Daley has also gone on the record that he is quite comfortable receiving all the dark money from special interest groups, just as the four Supreme Corporate Injustices and sees no reason for these injustices to recuse themselves in cases involving their donors. This stance goes against United Supreme Court rulings, but hey, in Wisconsin, laws are optional for the corporate Republicans."
Tom Cotton’s Unpatriotic Forefathers: Treasonous Iran Letter Not First Time GOP Has Crossed the Line | Alternet
Tom Cotton’s Unpatriotic Forefathers: Treasonous Iran Letter Not First Time GOP Has Crossed the Line | Alternet
"The Republican senators who warned Iranian officials that any agreement they made with President Obama would not outlive the present administration appear to have been blindsided by the backlash against their letter. Republicans as well as Democrats have responded to the move with such fury that unnamed sources clumsily suggested the letter was only a “cheeky” reminder that Congress should have a voice in negotiations. Sen. John McCain downplayed the extraordinary letter as business as usual: “I sign lots of letters,” he told Politico.
But the firestorm continues to rage. Newspaper editorials slam the senators who signed the bill; more than a quarter of a million people have signed a petition calling for the senators to be tried for treason; #47Traitors has been trending on Twitter. Why has this letter garnered such a visceral reaction when attacks on the president and his policies are the everyday currency of the modern Republican Party?
It has created a backlash because it shows, with crystal clarity, that the ideology of Movement Conservatives is not simply partisanship. It is an attack on American democracy itself."
"The Republican senators who warned Iranian officials that any agreement they made with President Obama would not outlive the present administration appear to have been blindsided by the backlash against their letter. Republicans as well as Democrats have responded to the move with such fury that unnamed sources clumsily suggested the letter was only a “cheeky” reminder that Congress should have a voice in negotiations. Sen. John McCain downplayed the extraordinary letter as business as usual: “I sign lots of letters,” he told Politico.
But the firestorm continues to rage. Newspaper editorials slam the senators who signed the bill; more than a quarter of a million people have signed a petition calling for the senators to be tried for treason; #47Traitors has been trending on Twitter. Why has this letter garnered such a visceral reaction when attacks on the president and his policies are the everyday currency of the modern Republican Party?
It has created a backlash because it shows, with crystal clarity, that the ideology of Movement Conservatives is not simply partisanship. It is an attack on American democracy itself."
WSJ Has Weekend Weepfest Over DOJ Campaign Finance Law Enforcement
WSJ Has Weekend Weepfest Over DOJ Campaign Finance Law Enforcement
"This little gem of a weep session features Kimberley Strassel and her gang of pundits had a big wet crying together over the Department of Justice's resolve to enforce egregious violations of campaign finance laws."
"This little gem of a weep session features Kimberley Strassel and her gang of pundits had a big wet crying together over the Department of Justice's resolve to enforce egregious violations of campaign finance laws."
Michigan Revives Plan To Rig Electoral College To Help Republicans Win White House
Michigan Revives Plan To Rig Electoral College To Help Republicans Win White House
"Maybe it's time we just scrap the electoral college all together? In the meantime, I'm sure we'll see more states controlled by Republicans making these sort of moves."
"Maybe it's time we just scrap the electoral college all together? In the meantime, I'm sure we'll see more states controlled by Republicans making these sort of moves."
Friday, March 20, 2015
Up Next on the GOP's To-Do List: Selling US National Forests
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29763-up-next-on-the-gop-s-to-do-list-selling-us-national-forests
"Several parties have drawn up a proposal for the House GOP budget resolution that calls for the seizure and sale of US national forests and public land."
"Several parties have drawn up a proposal for the House GOP budget resolution that calls for the seizure and sale of US national forests and public land."
The Movie Climate Science Deniers Don’t Want You To See
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/19/3635437/merchants-of-doubt/
"The now-classic book “Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming” has been made into a must-see documentary."
"The now-classic book “Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming” has been made into a must-see documentary."
GOP's Corporate Lackies Block Climate Change Science At Every Turn
GOP's Corporate Lackies Block Climate Change Science At Every Turn
"Republicans are the original party of "see no evil." Like toddlers, they think if they close their eyes, "You can't see me!" Can't wait to see how that philosophy works out!"
"Republicans are the original party of "see no evil." Like toddlers, they think if they close their eyes, "You can't see me!" Can't wait to see how that philosophy works out!"
The Only Place It Was Cold This Winter Was The East Coast Of The United States
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/18/3635560/noaa-hottest-winter/
"Now entering its fourth year, the drought in California is so bad that NASA senior water scientist Jay Famiglietti warned that “the state has only about one year of water supply left in its reservoirs, and our strategic backup supply, groundwater, is rapidly disappearing.” Global warming-driven record heat has made this the worst California drought in 1200 years, as scientists explained in December.
The Earth keeps setting the record for the hottest 12 months in the surface temperature record, as we reported Saturday. NOAA’s global data show we’ve started this year at a record pace — and early indications are that March will be warm globally — so we are on track for what is likely to be the hottest calendar year on record."
"Now entering its fourth year, the drought in California is so bad that NASA senior water scientist Jay Famiglietti warned that “the state has only about one year of water supply left in its reservoirs, and our strategic backup supply, groundwater, is rapidly disappearing.” Global warming-driven record heat has made this the worst California drought in 1200 years, as scientists explained in December.
The Earth keeps setting the record for the hottest 12 months in the surface temperature record, as we reported Saturday. NOAA’s global data show we’ve started this year at a record pace — and early indications are that March will be warm globally — so we are on track for what is likely to be the hottest calendar year on record."
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
West Virginia Passes Bill Rolling Back Regulations On Chemical Storage Tanks
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/17/3634033/west-virginia-storage-tank-bill-passage/
"The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill that scales back regulations meant to protect state waterways from storage tank spills, a piece of legislation that some worry could leave the state’s water more vulnerable to the kind of spill that contaminated the water of 300,000 state residents last year."
"The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill that scales back regulations meant to protect state waterways from storage tank spills, a piece of legislation that some worry could leave the state’s water more vulnerable to the kind of spill that contaminated the water of 300,000 state residents last year."
What Will the World Look Like When Humans Go Extinct? | Alternet
What Will the World Look Like When Humans Go Extinct? | Alternet
"The sixth mass extinction is nearly upon us. Species on Earth are dying out at a rate one thousand times greater than they were before humans began altering the environment. By the end of this century, scientists warn, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the species on Earth could be lost forever.
And among those who might not make it out the other side, says science writer Michael Tennesen, are humans."
"The sixth mass extinction is nearly upon us. Species on Earth are dying out at a rate one thousand times greater than they were before humans began altering the environment. By the end of this century, scientists warn, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the species on Earth could be lost forever.
And among those who might not make it out the other side, says science writer Michael Tennesen, are humans."
San Diego Sues Monsanto for Polluting Bay With Banned Carcinogenic Chemicals
San Diego Sues Monsanto for Polluting Bay With Banned Carcinogenic Chemicals
"San Diego authorities filed a lawsuit on Monday against the agrochemical giant Monsanto, accusing the corporation of polluting the city's Bay with carcinogenic chemicals that are so dangerous to human health they were banned in the U.S. more than 30 years ago."
"San Diego authorities filed a lawsuit on Monday against the agrochemical giant Monsanto, accusing the corporation of polluting the city's Bay with carcinogenic chemicals that are so dangerous to human health they were banned in the U.S. more than 30 years ago."
Fukushima Radiation Found in Sample of Green Tea from Japan
Fukushima Radiation Found in Sample of Green Tea from Japan
"Four years after the multiple explosions and melt-downs at Fukushima, it seems the scary stories have only just begun to surface."
"Four years after the multiple explosions and melt-downs at Fukushima, it seems the scary stories have only just begun to surface."
Monday, March 16, 2015
Near record-breaking number of sea lion pups washing up on California beaches
Near record-breaking number of sea lion pups washing up on California beaches
"Over 1,450 emaciated sea lion pups have washed ashore in California in 2015, sparking concern among conservationists and putting a strain on nearby animal rescue centers. While some sea lions are found on beaches every year, this year, the number is already five times higher than it was in 2013, the worst season in recent history."
"Over 1,450 emaciated sea lion pups have washed ashore in California in 2015, sparking concern among conservationists and putting a strain on nearby animal rescue centers. While some sea lions are found on beaches every year, this year, the number is already five times higher than it was in 2013, the worst season in recent history."
Scott Walker Is the Worst Candidate for the Environment
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/03/scott-walker-environment-climate-change-2016
"Koch Industries gave $43,000 to Walker's 2010 election campaign, and just after he took office, the Kochs doubled their lobbying force in Madison. In 2011 and 2012, David Koch and Americans for Prosperity spent $11 million backing Walker's agenda and his successful effort to avoid being recalled."
"Koch Industries gave $43,000 to Walker's 2010 election campaign, and just after he took office, the Kochs doubled their lobbying force in Madison. In 2011 and 2012, David Koch and Americans for Prosperity spent $11 million backing Walker's agenda and his successful effort to avoid being recalled."
Koch Industries refuses to comply with US senators' climate investigation
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/13/koch-industries-refuses-senators-climate-investigation
"The Koch brothers’ conglomerate Koch Industries has refused to comply with an investigation by three Senate Democrats into whether the company has funded groups or researchers who deny or cast doubt on climate change."
"The Koch brothers’ conglomerate Koch Industries has refused to comply with an investigation by three Senate Democrats into whether the company has funded groups or researchers who deny or cast doubt on climate change."
What Would Happen If Wind Power Got The Same Tax Breaks As The Fossil Fuel Industry
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/13/3632999/wind-can-grow-but-it-probably-wont/
"America could get 10 percent of its power from wind by 2020; 20 percent by 2030; and 35 percent by 2050, the report said."
"America could get 10 percent of its power from wind by 2020; 20 percent by 2030; and 35 percent by 2050, the report said."
Four Years Since Fukushima, Calls Grow for Nuclear-Free World
Four Years Since Fukushima, Calls Grow for Nuclear-Free World
"Four years since disaster struck the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011—with nightmare yet to abate—the call for a future beyond nuclear power also continues."
"Four years since disaster struck the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011—with nightmare yet to abate—the call for a future beyond nuclear power also continues."
In Republicans’ ‘War On Nature,’ California Gets A Big Win
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/14/3633852/california-gets-major-new-marine-haven/
"Described as the “blue Serengeti” by scientists for their nutrient-rich areas, the sanctuaries support a diverse array of marine life, including 25 endangered or threatened species, 36 marine mammals, and more than a quarter million breeding seabirds, the largest colony of seabirds in the U.S. While the broadening of these wildlife havens had near unanimous local support in the Bay Area, previous attempts in Congress to pass their expansion had failed due to oil and gas industry opposition."
"Described as the “blue Serengeti” by scientists for their nutrient-rich areas, the sanctuaries support a diverse array of marine life, including 25 endangered or threatened species, 36 marine mammals, and more than a quarter million breeding seabirds, the largest colony of seabirds in the U.S. While the broadening of these wildlife havens had near unanimous local support in the Bay Area, previous attempts in Congress to pass their expansion had failed due to oil and gas industry opposition."
NASA: Earth Tops Hottest 12 Months On Record Again, Thanks To Warm February
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/15/3630404/nasa-hottest-12-months-record/
"There had never been as hot a 12-month period in NASA’s database as February 2014–January 2015. But that turned out to be a very short-lived record.
NASA reported this weekend that last month was the second-hottest February on record, which now makes March 2014–February 2015 the hottest 12 months on record."
"There had never been as hot a 12-month period in NASA’s database as February 2014–January 2015. But that turned out to be a very short-lived record.
NASA reported this weekend that last month was the second-hottest February on record, which now makes March 2014–February 2015 the hottest 12 months on record."
The Economic Fallout of the Freeze on Ohio’s Clean Energy Sector
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2015/03/10/108251/the-economic-fallout-of-the-freeze-on-ohios-clean-energy-sector/
"Passed in 2008 with overwhelming bipartisan support, Ohio’s renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards proved unambiguously successful in spurring economic progress in the state. Among their benefits were increased in-state investment and energy development, new jobs for Ohioans, and decreased electricity bills.
Despite broad public support for these standards, the Ohio legislature passed S.B. 310 in May 2014, which froze the state’s ramp-up schedules for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It subsequently passed H.B. 483, which dramatically increased the setback requirements for wind turbines. Gov. John Kasich (R) signed both bills into law in June 2014."
"Passed in 2008 with overwhelming bipartisan support, Ohio’s renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards proved unambiguously successful in spurring economic progress in the state. Among their benefits were increased in-state investment and energy development, new jobs for Ohioans, and decreased electricity bills.
Despite broad public support for these standards, the Ohio legislature passed S.B. 310 in May 2014, which froze the state’s ramp-up schedules for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It subsequently passed H.B. 483, which dramatically increased the setback requirements for wind turbines. Gov. John Kasich (R) signed both bills into law in June 2014."
The Quiet Plan To Sell Off America’s National Forests
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/16/3633814/gop-budget-public-lands/
"Despite these concerns — and despite the fact that these proposals are extremely expensive, unpopular, and most importantly, unconstitutional — there is a strong likelihood that Rep. Bishop’s request will be included in the House GOP’s budget, thanks to intensive lobbying efforts by a handful of right wing politicians and special interest groups."
"Despite these concerns — and despite the fact that these proposals are extremely expensive, unpopular, and most importantly, unconstitutional — there is a strong likelihood that Rep. Bishop’s request will be included in the House GOP’s budget, thanks to intensive lobbying efforts by a handful of right wing politicians and special interest groups."
Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?
Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?
"Unusually warm waters off the California coast are causing the highest number of sea lion pup strandings over the past decade, scientists say, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on the species' survival."
"Unusually warm waters off the California coast are causing the highest number of sea lion pup strandings over the past decade, scientists say, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on the species' survival."
Senator Whitehouse Exposes ALEC Climate Change Denial
Senator Whitehouse Exposes ALEC Climate Change Denial
"Sponsorship opportunities at ALEC conferences, held three times annually, are offered at several different levels. Its “President” level during its annual meeting comes with a $100,000 price tag, which Chevron, BP and Shell have all paid for in the past and its “Chairman” level at $50,000, which ExxonMobil has forked over.
The conferences, which bring together state legislators and corporate lobbyists, include “policy workshops,” that are also paid for by corporations at $40,000 for a session during ALEC’s annual meeting."
"Sponsorship opportunities at ALEC conferences, held three times annually, are offered at several different levels. Its “President” level during its annual meeting comes with a $100,000 price tag, which Chevron, BP and Shell have all paid for in the past and its “Chairman” level at $50,000, which ExxonMobil has forked over.
The conferences, which bring together state legislators and corporate lobbyists, include “policy workshops,” that are also paid for by corporations at $40,000 for a session during ALEC’s annual meeting."
The Ugly Truth Behind Chris Christie's Sweetheart Deal with Exxon | Alternet
The Ugly Truth Behind Chris Christie's Sweetheart Deal with Exxon | Alternet
"Last week, Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration settled New Jersey's long-standing environmental lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. for pennies on the dollar. For a decade, the state had been seeking $8.9 billion in damages for pollution at two refineries in the northern part of the state, and yet Christie's top officials abruptly proposed closing the case for just $225 million."
"Last week, Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration settled New Jersey's long-standing environmental lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. for pennies on the dollar. For a decade, the state had been seeking $8.9 billion in damages for pollution at two refineries in the northern part of the state, and yet Christie's top officials abruptly proposed closing the case for just $225 million."
How the Media Fails to Explain the Basic Science that Proves Climate Change | Alternet
How the Media Fails to Explain the Basic Science that Proves Climate Change | Alternet
"In the great media universe, it would be great to have at least a few instances of dealing with the science."
"In the great media universe, it would be great to have at least a few instances of dealing with the science."
California Will Soon Be Home To The Country’s Largest Floating Solar Array
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/12/3633029/floating-solar-in-california/
"Sonoma Clean Power in California’s wine country has announced that it will be building the largest floating solar array in the U.S., a project that’s scheduled to be completed in 2016 and will create enough energy to power 3,000 houses. The array will span six wastewater ponds filled with treated sewage."
"Sonoma Clean Power in California’s wine country has announced that it will be building the largest floating solar array in the U.S., a project that’s scheduled to be completed in 2016 and will create enough energy to power 3,000 houses. The array will span six wastewater ponds filled with treated sewage."
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