A Little Birdie Whispered At Bernie Sanders' Podium Today
"And of course, the bird now has its own hashtag: #BirdieSanders"
Sunday, March 27, 2016
American elections ranked worst among Western democracies — here’s why
American elections ranked worst among Western democracies — here’s why
"This contest matters. It is the election for the most powerful leader in the Western world, and some – like the Economist Intelligence Unit – regard Donald Trump as a major risk to global prosperity and stability."
"This contest matters. It is the election for the most powerful leader in the Western world, and some – like the Economist Intelligence Unit – regard Donald Trump as a major risk to global prosperity and stability."
What happened in Arizona wasn’t an accident: When states make voting impossible, it’s for a very clear reason
What happened in Arizona wasn’t an accident: When states make voting impossible, it’s for a very clear reason
"The GOP excuse for these laws? It’s voter fraud, they say. But how often do voters attempt to scam the system? Among all federal elections between 2002 and 2005, the rate of voter fraud was 0.00000013 percent. This according to a five-year probe by George W. Bush’s Justice Department. Put another way, around 26 people out of 197 million were convicted of attempting to vote illegally during all of those elections. And yet the Republicans continue to screech about voter fraud anyway. (They’re willing to believe that voter fraud exists, even though it doesn’t, and yet the climate crisis, with its 97 percent scientific consensus, is clearly fiction.)"
"The GOP excuse for these laws? It’s voter fraud, they say. But how often do voters attempt to scam the system? Among all federal elections between 2002 and 2005, the rate of voter fraud was 0.00000013 percent. This according to a five-year probe by George W. Bush’s Justice Department. Put another way, around 26 people out of 197 million were convicted of attempting to vote illegally during all of those elections. And yet the Republicans continue to screech about voter fraud anyway. (They’re willing to believe that voter fraud exists, even though it doesn’t, and yet the climate crisis, with its 97 percent scientific consensus, is clearly fiction.)"
Seth Meyers nails Trump and his racist supporters for their ‘sorry-not sorry’ phony apologies
Seth Meyers nails Trump and his racist supporters for their ‘sorry-not sorry’ phony apologies
"If there’s one thing politics brings out it’s the non-apology apology. Such is the case with racist Donald Trump supporters who have been caught assaulting African Americans in his rallies. It must be something they’re learning from the man himself, because the “sorry, not sorry” non-apology is something Trump has mastered from the beginning of the campaign. Seth Meyers nails them all on in Wednesday’s “Late Night"."
"If there’s one thing politics brings out it’s the non-apology apology. Such is the case with racist Donald Trump supporters who have been caught assaulting African Americans in his rallies. It must be something they’re learning from the man himself, because the “sorry, not sorry” non-apology is something Trump has mastered from the beginning of the campaign. Seth Meyers nails them all on in Wednesday’s “Late Night"."
WATCH: AZ recorder blames voters for 5 hour waits after she cut polling places from 200 to 60
WATCH: AZ recorder blames voters for 5 hour waits after she cut polling places from 200 to 60
"Resign, Helen Purcell — you are terrible at your job."
"Resign, Helen Purcell — you are terrible at your job."
Arizona voters wait hours after GOP official closes polls: ‘It’s almost like they want to disenfranchise us’
Arizona voters wait hours after GOP official closes polls: ‘It’s almost like they want to disenfranchise us’
"Frustrated voters lashed out at Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell, who made the decision to shut down two-thirds of the polling stations and scatter them further out into Phoenix suburbs."
"Frustrated voters lashed out at Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell, who made the decision to shut down two-thirds of the polling stations and scatter them further out into Phoenix suburbs."
Michigan Republicans Are Trying To Change Election Law To Stop Liberal Ballot Initiatives
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/24/3762667/michigan-republicans-fracking-ban-legal-marijuana/
"Grassroots groups in Michigan say they’re about to achieve something big. This year, if they get enough petition signatures, voters might get to decide at the ballot box whether to ban fracking and legalize marijuana. There’s just one problem: the state’s Republican lawmakers are now trying to change the rules in the middle of the game. The lawmakers aren’t opposing marijuana legalization or fracking bans on their merits — they’re trying to change election law to make it harder for citizen groups to get their issues on the ballot in the first place."
"Grassroots groups in Michigan say they’re about to achieve something big. This year, if they get enough petition signatures, voters might get to decide at the ballot box whether to ban fracking and legalize marijuana. There’s just one problem: the state’s Republican lawmakers are now trying to change the rules in the middle of the game. The lawmakers aren’t opposing marijuana legalization or fracking bans on their merits — they’re trying to change election law to make it harder for citizen groups to get their issues on the ballot in the first place."
Trump Loves the Poorly Educated—and They Love Him Right Back @alternet
Trump Loves the Poorly Educated—and They Love Him Right Back @alternet:
"The low-educated, low-income counties of Trump’s America also receive large sums of public assistance. Social Security fraud—seeking disability payments for minor injuries or conditions—is so rampant that attorneys have created a cottage industry out of offering to secure services for clients willing to pay a one-time fee for longtime subsidy."
"The low-educated, low-income counties of Trump’s America also receive large sums of public assistance. Social Security fraud—seeking disability payments for minor injuries or conditions—is so rampant that attorneys have created a cottage industry out of offering to secure services for clients willing to pay a one-time fee for longtime subsidy."
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel's Fake Ad Hilariously Points out Cruz and Trump Are One and the Same @alternet
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel's Fake Ad Hilariously Points out Cruz and Trump Are One and the Same @alternet:
"Republicans, who have no one but themselves to blame for the titanic disaster that is Donald Trump, also have no one but themselves to blame for the gigantic disaster that is Ted Cruz."
"Republicans, who have no one but themselves to blame for the titanic disaster that is Donald Trump, also have no one but themselves to blame for the gigantic disaster that is Ted Cruz."
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Sanders Trounces Clinton in Washington State and Alaska @alternet
Sanders Trounces Clinton in Washington State and Alaska @alternet:
"Bernie Sanders has won decisive victories in Washington State and in Alaska, the New York Times and various other news sources are reporting. Primary voters are still at the polls in Hawaii."
"Bernie Sanders has won decisive victories in Washington State and in Alaska, the New York Times and various other news sources are reporting. Primary voters are still at the polls in Hawaii."
Arizona Recorder Helen Purcell Blames Voters For Her Screw-Up
Arizona Recorder Helen Purcell Blames Voters For Her Screw-Up
"This Maricopa County Recorder needs to resign or be fired, sooner rather than later. She had ONE JOB, and she screwed it up, royally."
"This Maricopa County Recorder needs to resign or be fired, sooner rather than later. She had ONE JOB, and she screwed it up, royally."
“Just boxes and boxes of dildos” Seth Meyers roasts Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback after state sells adult toys to fix his tax screw-up
“Just boxes and boxes of dildos” Seth Meyers roasts Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback after state sells adult toys to fix his tax screw-up
"Gov. Sam Brownback became a target for the comedian after his proposed tax-cut for the wealthy and no income taxes for small businesses turned sour. Brownback was famously quoted as saying Kansas would be a “real live experiment” for conservative economic policies. “That’s a terrible sales pitch for something,” Meyers taunted. “Those words only usually show up in shady classified ads.” Conservatives assured the cuts would somehow generate $323 million in new revenue, but in actuality, they produced a $688 million loss. In desperation, the state tried to close the gap by selling adult industry toys, seized from a business that owed back taxes to the state. “Just boxes and boxes of dildos,” emphasized Meyers. Small businesses and residents are now disillusioned by the tax cuts, and troubled by the slashing of state budgets for public school education, leading Meyers to confirm that the results of the experiment are conclusive. “Republicans want to replicate these policies on a national level, but even when you buy couch cleaner they tell you to try it on a small patch of fabric first,” he said. “That’s what happened here — Kansas was the small patch of fabric. Not only did the cleaner not work, the couch exploded"."
"Gov. Sam Brownback became a target for the comedian after his proposed tax-cut for the wealthy and no income taxes for small businesses turned sour. Brownback was famously quoted as saying Kansas would be a “real live experiment” for conservative economic policies. “That’s a terrible sales pitch for something,” Meyers taunted. “Those words only usually show up in shady classified ads.” Conservatives assured the cuts would somehow generate $323 million in new revenue, but in actuality, they produced a $688 million loss. In desperation, the state tried to close the gap by selling adult industry toys, seized from a business that owed back taxes to the state. “Just boxes and boxes of dildos,” emphasized Meyers. Small businesses and residents are now disillusioned by the tax cuts, and troubled by the slashing of state budgets for public school education, leading Meyers to confirm that the results of the experiment are conclusive. “Republicans want to replicate these policies on a national level, but even when you buy couch cleaner they tell you to try it on a small patch of fabric first,” he said. “That’s what happened here — Kansas was the small patch of fabric. Not only did the cleaner not work, the couch exploded"."
Wapo Throws Up Its Hands: Donald Trump Is Dangerous
Wapo Throws Up Its Hands: Donald Trump Is Dangerous
"everything Trump said, and the way he said it, only reinforced Wapo's earlier editorial statement that "Mr. Trump must be stopped because he presents a threat to American democracy"."
"everything Trump said, and the way he said it, only reinforced Wapo's earlier editorial statement that "Mr. Trump must be stopped because he presents a threat to American democracy"."
Maricopa County Cuts Number Of Polling Places From 200 To 60, Chaos Ensues
Maricopa County Cuts Number Of Polling Places From 200 To 60, Chaos Ensues
"When the polls closed, there were still lines so long it was estimated that people would be waiting another 3 hours before they could vote."
"When the polls closed, there were still lines so long it was estimated that people would be waiting another 3 hours before they could vote."
Why Either Trump’s or Cruz’s Tax Plans Would Be the Largest Redistributions to the Rich in American History
Why Either Trump’s or Cruz’s Tax Plans Would Be the Largest Redistributions to the Rich in American History
"The tax cuts for the rich proposed by the two leading Republican candidates for the presidency—Donald Trump and Ted Cruz—are larger, as a proportion of the government budget and the total economy, than any tax cuts ever before proposed in history. Trump and Cruz pretend to be opposed to the Republican establishment, but when it comes to taxes they’re seeking exactly what that Republican establishment wants."
"The tax cuts for the rich proposed by the two leading Republican candidates for the presidency—Donald Trump and Ted Cruz—are larger, as a proportion of the government budget and the total economy, than any tax cuts ever before proposed in history. Trump and Cruz pretend to be opposed to the Republican establishment, but when it comes to taxes they’re seeking exactly what that Republican establishment wants."
How Ted Cruz’s New Senior Economic Adviser Paved The Way For The Financial Crisis
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/03/22/3762291/ted-cruz-phil-gramm/
"He inserted a provision in the Commodity Futures Modernization Act in 2000 that exempted complex derivatives — such as credit-default swaps — from regulatory oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The lack of regulation meant that as the use of credit-default swaps grew in the lead up to the crisis, banks weren’t required to create backstops in case they failed, and once they all came crashing down amid the housing bubble’s burst, it left financial institutions exposed. Credit-default swaps took down AIG, leading to its bailout."
"He inserted a provision in the Commodity Futures Modernization Act in 2000 that exempted complex derivatives — such as credit-default swaps — from regulatory oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The lack of regulation meant that as the use of credit-default swaps grew in the lead up to the crisis, banks weren’t required to create backstops in case they failed, and once they all came crashing down amid the housing bubble’s burst, it left financial institutions exposed. Credit-default swaps took down AIG, leading to its bailout."
11 Terrible Right-Wing Laws and Ideas Pushed by Far-Right Republicans Near You @alternet
11 Terrible Right-Wing Laws and Ideas Pushed by Far-Right Republicans Near You @alternet:
"In November, many Americans who didn’t vote in 2014 or 2015 will be casting a vote for president of the United States. Midterms and off-year elections are often ignored by registered voters, but anyone who doubts the importance of voting in every election need only look at the type of damage far-right Republicans can do at the state or local level when they are in control. Although Democrats have won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections, and President Barack Obama was reelected decisively in 2012, Republicans fared extremely well during the 2010 and 2014 midterms, not only in Congress, but in the state and local races. The result has been an obscene amount of destructive legislation"
"In November, many Americans who didn’t vote in 2014 or 2015 will be casting a vote for president of the United States. Midterms and off-year elections are often ignored by registered voters, but anyone who doubts the importance of voting in every election need only look at the type of damage far-right Republicans can do at the state or local level when they are in control. Although Democrats have won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections, and President Barack Obama was reelected decisively in 2012, Republicans fared extremely well during the 2010 and 2014 midterms, not only in Congress, but in the state and local races. The result has been an obscene amount of destructive legislation"
Seth Meyers: GOP wrecked Kansas economy so bad they had to auction off dildos for cash
Seth Meyers: GOP wrecked Kansas economy so bad they had to auction off dildos for cash
"For years, Democrats have fought back against the idea that Reaganomics or ‘trickle-down economics’ works as an economic policy. Now, we’re in a presidential election where Republicans are pitching the same policies that have proven to be unsuccessful. The difference, this time, is that we have actual proof of truly bankrupted economies when we look at what Gov. Sam Brownback did to Kansas and his followers are doing in other states like Oklahoma and Louisiana. Monday evening, “Late Night” host Seth Meyers used the opportunity to educate the country on what happened and why it’s so messed up."
"For years, Democrats have fought back against the idea that Reaganomics or ‘trickle-down economics’ works as an economic policy. Now, we’re in a presidential election where Republicans are pitching the same policies that have proven to be unsuccessful. The difference, this time, is that we have actual proof of truly bankrupted economies when we look at what Gov. Sam Brownback did to Kansas and his followers are doing in other states like Oklahoma and Louisiana. Monday evening, “Late Night” host Seth Meyers used the opportunity to educate the country on what happened and why it’s so messed up."
Sam Brownback, America’s worst governor: He’s gutted Kansas with an ultraconservative, religious agenda — and it’s getting worse
Sam Brownback, America’s worst governor: He’s gutted Kansas with an ultraconservative, religious agenda — and it’s getting worse
"We do know that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Kansas Policy Institute (KPI) and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce (KCC) are not so quietly influencing and applying pressure on Kansas legislators. They also play the part of the Trickster, a mischievous, cross-cultural archetypal character often surrounded by conflict and confusion, with his/her own self-interests primarily in mind. Tricksters have often been used in myth and literature to teach us what not to do, such as spinning and spreading memes of misinformation, a common past time of ALEC, KPI and the KCC. Major sources of funding for these groups include Charles and David Koch of Koch Industries, Ivan Crossland of Crossland Construction and David Murfin of Murfin Drilling Corp. In addition to funding, they also provide their own form of legislative arm twisting."
"We do know that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Kansas Policy Institute (KPI) and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce (KCC) are not so quietly influencing and applying pressure on Kansas legislators. They also play the part of the Trickster, a mischievous, cross-cultural archetypal character often surrounded by conflict and confusion, with his/her own self-interests primarily in mind. Tricksters have often been used in myth and literature to teach us what not to do, such as spinning and spreading memes of misinformation, a common past time of ALEC, KPI and the KCC. Major sources of funding for these groups include Charles and David Koch of Koch Industries, Ivan Crossland of Crossland Construction and David Murfin of Murfin Drilling Corp. In addition to funding, they also provide their own form of legislative arm twisting."
PERRspectives: Ted Cruz is Getting the Iran-Contra Band Back Together
PERRspectives: Ted Cruz is Getting the Iran-Contra Band Back Together
"Iran-Contra, as you'll recall, almost laid waste to the Reagan presidency. Desperate to free U.S. hostages held by Iranian proxies in Lebanon, President Reagan provided weapons Tehran badly needed in its long war with Saddam Hussein (who, of course, was backed by the United States). In a clumsy and illegal attempt to skirt U.S. law, the proceeds of those sales were then funneled to the Contras fighting the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. And as the media appear not to recall, it was Michael Ledeen who established Iranian arms dealer Manucher Ghorbanifar as the middleman to Tehran and Elliott Abrams who then lied to Congress about the Reagan administration's scheme to unlawfully aid the Contras."
"Iran-Contra, as you'll recall, almost laid waste to the Reagan presidency. Desperate to free U.S. hostages held by Iranian proxies in Lebanon, President Reagan provided weapons Tehran badly needed in its long war with Saddam Hussein (who, of course, was backed by the United States). In a clumsy and illegal attempt to skirt U.S. law, the proceeds of those sales were then funneled to the Contras fighting the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. And as the media appear not to recall, it was Michael Ledeen who established Iranian arms dealer Manucher Ghorbanifar as the middleman to Tehran and Elliott Abrams who then lied to Congress about the Reagan administration's scheme to unlawfully aid the Contras."
Revealed: Trump foreign policy advisor was booted from Pentagon for blocking probes of Bush White House
Revealed: Trump foreign policy advisor was booted from Pentagon for blocking probes of Bush White House
"Joseph E. Schmitz, named by Donald Trump as a key foreign policy adviser on Monday, was forced out of his job as the Pentagon’s top watchdog a decade ago amid accusations that he protected top officials in the George W. Bush administration suspected of wrongdoing."
"Joseph E. Schmitz, named by Donald Trump as a key foreign policy adviser on Monday, was forced out of his job as the Pentagon’s top watchdog a decade ago amid accusations that he protected top officials in the George W. Bush administration suspected of wrongdoing."
The Daily Show Mocks Right Wing Freak-Out Over Cuba Visit
The Daily Show Mocks Right Wing Freak-Out Over Cuba Visit
"Thankfully, our late night comedy shows have a terrific way of dealing with the stupidity espoused by our Mainstream Media."
"Thankfully, our late night comedy shows have a terrific way of dealing with the stupidity espoused by our Mainstream Media."
Obama Visits Cuba in Historic Trip, But Will U.S. Ever End Embargo & Give Back Guantanamo? @alternet
Obama Visits Cuba in Historic Trip, But Will U.S. Ever End Embargo & Give Back Guantanamo? @alternet:
"President Obama has arrived in Cuba for a historic three-day visit, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit the island in 88 years."
"President Obama has arrived in Cuba for a historic three-day visit, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit the island in 88 years."
5 Reasons Why the Republican Party is Directly Responsible for the Rise of Donald Trump
5 Reasons Why the Republican Party is Directly Responsible for the Rise of Donald Trump
"1. The embrace of the “Southern Strategy”: This was really the foundation of it all. Back in the 1960s, the Republican party deliberately began focusing on “white anger” during the civil rights era by pointing out that Democrats were becoming the party of African-Americans. This was the party literally saying that they were going to pander to racism because they knew they could use that ignorance to their political benefit. This was when the “party of Lincoln” officially died."
"1. The embrace of the “Southern Strategy”: This was really the foundation of it all. Back in the 1960s, the Republican party deliberately began focusing on “white anger” during the civil rights era by pointing out that Democrats were becoming the party of African-Americans. This was the party literally saying that they were going to pander to racism because they knew they could use that ignorance to their political benefit. This was when the “party of Lincoln” officially died."
From bad to worse for Sam Brownback’s Kansas
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/bad-worse-sam-brownbacks-kansas
"Not long after he made the transition from senator to governor in late 2010, Kansas Republican Sam Brownback boasted about his grand ambitions. The far-right Kansan, working with a GOP-led legislature, would cut taxes far beyond what the state could afford, in what Brownback described at the time as “a real-live experiment.” He was optimistic, though the Republican governor added at the time, “We’ll see how it works.” We sure will. In his first term, Brownback’s “experiment” led to debt downgrades, weak growth, and state finances in shambles. Perhaps the jobs picture is more heartening? Guess again. The Kansas City Star’s Yael Abouhalkah reported today on the state’s latest job numbers. Let this stunning news sink in: The Kansas jobs report released Friday shows the state lost another 1,900 jobs in February and now has 5,400 fewer jobs than it did one year ago. That’s right: The Sunflower State had a “growth” rate of negative 0.4 percent from February 2015 to February 2016, the first time that’s happened in more than five years. That negative employment rate is one of the worst in the nation. The same piece noted that, just a year ago during his re-election campaign, Brownback set a goal of 25,000 new jobs, per year, for a total of 100,000 new jobs in his second term. Eighteen months later, Kansas has created 1,600 jobs. Put another way, the GOP governor set a projection of over 2,000 jobs per month. Since then, Kansas has created about 90 jobs per month."
"Not long after he made the transition from senator to governor in late 2010, Kansas Republican Sam Brownback boasted about his grand ambitions. The far-right Kansan, working with a GOP-led legislature, would cut taxes far beyond what the state could afford, in what Brownback described at the time as “a real-live experiment.” He was optimistic, though the Republican governor added at the time, “We’ll see how it works.” We sure will. In his first term, Brownback’s “experiment” led to debt downgrades, weak growth, and state finances in shambles. Perhaps the jobs picture is more heartening? Guess again. The Kansas City Star’s Yael Abouhalkah reported today on the state’s latest job numbers. Let this stunning news sink in: The Kansas jobs report released Friday shows the state lost another 1,900 jobs in February and now has 5,400 fewer jobs than it did one year ago. That’s right: The Sunflower State had a “growth” rate of negative 0.4 percent from February 2015 to February 2016, the first time that’s happened in more than five years. That negative employment rate is one of the worst in the nation. The same piece noted that, just a year ago during his re-election campaign, Brownback set a goal of 25,000 new jobs, per year, for a total of 100,000 new jobs in his second term. Eighteen months later, Kansas has created 1,600 jobs. Put another way, the GOP governor set a projection of over 2,000 jobs per month. Since then, Kansas has created about 90 jobs per month."
Republican governor of Alabama guts state services, gives his staff 80% pay raises for doing it
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/19/1503343/-Republican-governor-of-Alabama-guts-state-services-gives-his-staff-80-pay-raises-for-doing-it
"Here's a great story, one of hundreds and hundreds, that boils down the Republican efforts to govern the states over the last few years to its essence. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley recently signed a bill barring the cities in his state from raising their minimum wage. They're not allowed to do it now, don't care the reason, because Robert Bentley doesn't believe in that sort of thing. Bentley led the state in a spending purge that, like the similar efforts in other states with Republican governors, slashed uncouth things the common rabble might use under the omnipresent GOP motto: We Just Can't Afford Nice Things Anymore. You know what's next for the people in Robert Bentley's office, right? Raises all around!"
"Here's a great story, one of hundreds and hundreds, that boils down the Republican efforts to govern the states over the last few years to its essence. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley recently signed a bill barring the cities in his state from raising their minimum wage. They're not allowed to do it now, don't care the reason, because Robert Bentley doesn't believe in that sort of thing. Bentley led the state in a spending purge that, like the similar efforts in other states with Republican governors, slashed uncouth things the common rabble might use under the omnipresent GOP motto: We Just Can't Afford Nice Things Anymore. You know what's next for the people in Robert Bentley's office, right? Raises all around!"
BOMBSHELL: Police Suspect Flint Water Files Stolen In “Inside Job” Burglary
http://occupydemocrats.com/2016/03/20/bombshell-police-reveal-flint-water-files-stolen-inside-job-burglary/
"The suspicious nature of the break-in and the long trail of emails showing that Snyder and his office conspired to hide the lead contamination in Flint’s exorbitantly expensive water would seem to indicate that they also conspired to seize evidence that could implicate the Governor’s office for knowingly poisoning thousands of innocent people, which will cause permanent brain damage in up to 8,000 children."
"The suspicious nature of the break-in and the long trail of emails showing that Snyder and his office conspired to hide the lead contamination in Flint’s exorbitantly expensive water would seem to indicate that they also conspired to seize evidence that could implicate the Governor’s office for knowingly poisoning thousands of innocent people, which will cause permanent brain damage in up to 8,000 children."
John Oliver Absolutely Destroys Trump's 'Stupid F*cking' Wall in Brilliant Segment (Video)
John Oliver Absolutely Destroys Trump's 'Stupid F*cking' Wall in Brilliant Segment (Video)
"Take for instance Trump’s insistence that the wall would cost anywhere between $4-12 billion. Though as Oliver pointed out, that estimate is complete fiction. In fact, after all the estimated costs associated with such a massive project are added up, it would likely cost around $24 billion just to build the thing. Furthermore, the CBO projects that within seven years the upkeep on the wall would exceed the actual cost to build it."
"Take for instance Trump’s insistence that the wall would cost anywhere between $4-12 billion. Though as Oliver pointed out, that estimate is complete fiction. In fact, after all the estimated costs associated with such a massive project are added up, it would likely cost around $24 billion just to build the thing. Furthermore, the CBO projects that within seven years the upkeep on the wall would exceed the actual cost to build it."
Conservatives vs. contraceptives: In both Florida and in the Supreme Court, right wingers hungry to control women’s sexuality are targeting birth control
Conservatives vs. contraceptives: In both Florida and in the Supreme Court, right wingers hungry to control women’s sexuality are targeting birth control
"There are two major stories this week that illustrate exactly how the right is attempting to cut women, especially low-income women, off from affordable birth control: By stripping them of insurance coverage for contraception and making it harder to get contraception (or any sexual health care at all) from low-cost public health centers. They make a lot of excuses for this, ranging from “abortion!!!!!!” to “religious liberty”, but the consistent theme is making contraception too expensive for many women to access."
"There are two major stories this week that illustrate exactly how the right is attempting to cut women, especially low-income women, off from affordable birth control: By stripping them of insurance coverage for contraception and making it harder to get contraception (or any sexual health care at all) from low-cost public health centers. They make a lot of excuses for this, ranging from “abortion!!!!!!” to “religious liberty”, but the consistent theme is making contraception too expensive for many women to access."
Governor Rick Scott Dumps Hospital Standards After Big Healthcare Donation
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/03/21/governor-rick-scott-dumps-hospital-standards-after-big-healthcare-donation/
"The giant, for-profit, hospital chain, Tenet Healthcare, was investigated by journalists in July 2015 amid claims the hospitals were failing miserably in living up to the state of Florida’s quality standards for children’s heart surgery. A CNN investigation found the mortality rate for these surgeries was more than three times the national average. Instead of improving the quality of care in their hospitals, Tenet Healthcare responded with a $200,000 donation to Florida Republicans, and in kind, Governor Rick Scott got rid of the standards, allowing Tenet Healthcare to continue making thousands of dollars from performing these surgeries while endangering the lives of thousands of children born with heart defects."
"The giant, for-profit, hospital chain, Tenet Healthcare, was investigated by journalists in July 2015 amid claims the hospitals were failing miserably in living up to the state of Florida’s quality standards for children’s heart surgery. A CNN investigation found the mortality rate for these surgeries was more than three times the national average. Instead of improving the quality of care in their hospitals, Tenet Healthcare responded with a $200,000 donation to Florida Republicans, and in kind, Governor Rick Scott got rid of the standards, allowing Tenet Healthcare to continue making thousands of dollars from performing these surgeries while endangering the lives of thousands of children born with heart defects."
GOPers Chaffetz And Walberg Lied During House Hearing On Flint
GOPers Chaffetz And Walberg Lied During House Hearing On Flint
"Everybody knows these Chaffetz hearings are same as they were with Planned Parenthood and Benghazi. They are not fact-finding. They are not interested in solutions. They exist merely to fling political poo and enhance the wingnut cred of the tea party Congressman from Utah."
"Everybody knows these Chaffetz hearings are same as they were with Planned Parenthood and Benghazi. They are not fact-finding. They are not interested in solutions. They exist merely to fling political poo and enhance the wingnut cred of the tea party Congressman from Utah."
Lindsey Graham buries the Republican “rebrand”: The GOP officially gives up on expanding its demographic appeal
Lindsey Graham buries the Republican “rebrand”: The GOP officially gives up on expanding its demographic appeal
"Lindsey Graham’s endorsement of Ted Cruz for the presidency represents a new low point for Republicans who dreamed of rebranding the party following the 2012 elections. As you probably recall, the drubbing Mitt Romney received in 2012 was powered in no small part by Latino voters, who rejected Romney’s “self-deportation” stance and sent him packing with a paltry 27 percent of the Latino vote. In the aftermath of Mitt’s defeat, the Republican establishment came to the sudden, sobering realization that an increasingly diverse electorate posed massive demographic problems for the party at the national level, and it whipped together a plan to expand the GOP’s appeal beyond older, white voters. At the center of that plan was the recommendation that the party pursue comprehensive immigration reform as a policy."
"Lindsey Graham’s endorsement of Ted Cruz for the presidency represents a new low point for Republicans who dreamed of rebranding the party following the 2012 elections. As you probably recall, the drubbing Mitt Romney received in 2012 was powered in no small part by Latino voters, who rejected Romney’s “self-deportation” stance and sent him packing with a paltry 27 percent of the Latino vote. In the aftermath of Mitt’s defeat, the Republican establishment came to the sudden, sobering realization that an increasingly diverse electorate posed massive demographic problems for the party at the national level, and it whipped together a plan to expand the GOP’s appeal beyond older, white voters. At the center of that plan was the recommendation that the party pursue comprehensive immigration reform as a policy."
Arizona GOP Passes Bill To Punish Cities With Budget Cuts If They Pass Paid Sick Leave Laws
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/03/21/arizona-gop-passes-bill-to-punish-cities-with-budget-cuts-if-they-pass-paid-sick-leave-laws/
"If cities want to try and help their workers get paid sick leave, the Arizona state government will punish them with harmful budget cuts."
"If cities want to try and help their workers get paid sick leave, the Arizona state government will punish them with harmful budget cuts."
Guess Who the GOP is Blaming for Trump's Violence Today (Hint: It's Not Trump or the GOP)
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/03/guess-who-the-gop-is-blaming-for-trumps-violence-today/
"It's everyone's fault except the RNC, under Priebus and before Priebus, who's helped to create the present atmosphere of xenophobic suspicions and incoherent conspiracy-theory-mongering about everything from Benghazi to Planned Parenthood. Priebus himself controls the GOP message that includes lies about the size of the budget deficit, to lies about job creation, to lies about the Iran deal, to lies about immigration. It's really no wonder why Trump's mob is so full of blind wrath. They've been indoctrinated into it for years by the RNC, the congressional Republicans, AM talk radio and Fox News Channel."
"It's everyone's fault except the RNC, under Priebus and before Priebus, who's helped to create the present atmosphere of xenophobic suspicions and incoherent conspiracy-theory-mongering about everything from Benghazi to Planned Parenthood. Priebus himself controls the GOP message that includes lies about the size of the budget deficit, to lies about job creation, to lies about the Iran deal, to lies about immigration. It's really no wonder why Trump's mob is so full of blind wrath. They've been indoctrinated into it for years by the RNC, the congressional Republicans, AM talk radio and Fox News Channel."
Donald Trump Can't Understand the Big Deal Over His Totally Normal-Sized Hands That He Can't Shut Up About
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/03/donald-trump-wont-shut-up-about-his-hands/
"It goes without saying that Trump doesn't deserve to be president. But Jesus, if we're honest with ourselves, this clown doesn't even deserve to be a sh*tty reality TV star. He's not even that clever."
"It goes without saying that Trump doesn't deserve to be president. But Jesus, if we're honest with ourselves, this clown doesn't even deserve to be a sh*tty reality TV star. He's not even that clever."
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Republican Party Must Answer for What It Did to Kansas and Louisiana
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/03/gop-must-answer-for-what-it-did-to-kansas.html#
"In 2010, the tea-party wave put Sam Brownback into the Sunflower State’s governor’s mansion and Republican majorities in both houses of its legislature. Together, they implemented the conservative movement’s blueprint for Utopia: They passed massive tax breaks for the wealthy and repealed all income taxes on more than 100,000 businesses. They tightened welfare requirements, privatized the delivery of Medicaid, cut $200 million from the education budget, eliminated four state agencies and 2,000 government employees. In 2012, Brownback helped replace the few remaining moderate Republicans in the legislature with conservative true believers. The following January, after signing the largest tax cut in Kansas history, Brownback told the Wall Street Journal, “My focus is to create a red-state model that allows the Republican ticket to say, 'See, we've got a different way, and it works.' " As you’ve probably guessed, that model collapsed. Like the budget plans of every Republican presidential candidate, Brownback’s “real live experiment” proceeded from the hypothesis that tax cuts for the wealthy are such a boon to economic growth, they actually end up paying for themselves (so long as you kick the undeserving poor out of their welfare hammocks). The Koch-backed Kansas Policy Institute predicted that Brownback’s 2013 tax plan would generate $323 million in new revenue. During its first full year in operation, the plan produced a $688 million loss. Meanwhile, Kansas’s job growth actually trailed that of its neighboring states. With that nearly $700 million deficit, the state had bought itself a 1.1 percent increase in jobs, just below Missouri’s 1.5 percent and Colorado’s 3.3. Those numbers have hardly improved in the intervening years. In 2015, job growth in Kansas was a mere 0.1 percent, even as the nation’s economy grew 1.9 percent."
"In 2010, the tea-party wave put Sam Brownback into the Sunflower State’s governor’s mansion and Republican majorities in both houses of its legislature. Together, they implemented the conservative movement’s blueprint for Utopia: They passed massive tax breaks for the wealthy and repealed all income taxes on more than 100,000 businesses. They tightened welfare requirements, privatized the delivery of Medicaid, cut $200 million from the education budget, eliminated four state agencies and 2,000 government employees. In 2012, Brownback helped replace the few remaining moderate Republicans in the legislature with conservative true believers. The following January, after signing the largest tax cut in Kansas history, Brownback told the Wall Street Journal, “My focus is to create a red-state model that allows the Republican ticket to say, 'See, we've got a different way, and it works.' " As you’ve probably guessed, that model collapsed. Like the budget plans of every Republican presidential candidate, Brownback’s “real live experiment” proceeded from the hypothesis that tax cuts for the wealthy are such a boon to economic growth, they actually end up paying for themselves (so long as you kick the undeserving poor out of their welfare hammocks). The Koch-backed Kansas Policy Institute predicted that Brownback’s 2013 tax plan would generate $323 million in new revenue. During its first full year in operation, the plan produced a $688 million loss. Meanwhile, Kansas’s job growth actually trailed that of its neighboring states. With that nearly $700 million deficit, the state had bought itself a 1.1 percent increase in jobs, just below Missouri’s 1.5 percent and Colorado’s 3.3. Those numbers have hardly improved in the intervening years. In 2015, job growth in Kansas was a mere 0.1 percent, even as the nation’s economy grew 1.9 percent."
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) ‘Find A Way To Neuter Elizabeth Warren’
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) ‘Find A Way To Neuter Elizabeth Warren’
"Elizabeth Warren has been both passionate about fighting for financial protection for the average American and successful at the same time. Unfortunately, Republicans (and some Blue Dog Democrats), beholden to their wealthy benefactors, want nothing more than to see Warren fail in her quest to protect ordinary Americans from predatory lending, while strengthening oversight on the industry. Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer directly provoked the Massachusetts Senator by suggesting she be 'neutered,' rather than spayed. We aren't sure whether Luetkemeyer views Warren as an opponent with far greater testicular fortitude than he has or he simply doesn't know the difference between males and females. Likely, he holds females in very low esteem, mirroring the positions of his own political party. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been in the midst of a heated battle over the predatory practices of payday lending. Luetkemeyer, your standard Mid-Western Republican, who holds typical positions on major issues, is part of the problem Warren and consumers are facing. He's a little too chummy with those he's supposed to be overseeing."
"Elizabeth Warren has been both passionate about fighting for financial protection for the average American and successful at the same time. Unfortunately, Republicans (and some Blue Dog Democrats), beholden to their wealthy benefactors, want nothing more than to see Warren fail in her quest to protect ordinary Americans from predatory lending, while strengthening oversight on the industry. Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer directly provoked the Massachusetts Senator by suggesting she be 'neutered,' rather than spayed. We aren't sure whether Luetkemeyer views Warren as an opponent with far greater testicular fortitude than he has or he simply doesn't know the difference between males and females. Likely, he holds females in very low esteem, mirroring the positions of his own political party. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been in the midst of a heated battle over the predatory practices of payday lending. Luetkemeyer, your standard Mid-Western Republican, who holds typical positions on major issues, is part of the problem Warren and consumers are facing. He's a little too chummy with those he's supposed to be overseeing."
US Congressman Says Bankers Should Find Way to 'Neuter' Sen. Elizabeth Warren
US Congressman Says Bankers Should Find Way to 'Neuter' Sen. Elizabeth Warren
"U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Missouri and senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, on Wednesday described Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as the "Darth Vader of the financial services world" and said bankers should find a way to "neuter" her. Luetkemeyer, who made the remarks at a meeting of the American Bankers Association, is part of a group of lawmakers identified by the Center for Public Integrity as "especially solicitous to the banking industry," Slate noted in 2014. He has raised significant campaign funds from the the finance, insurance, and real estate sector, according to the Center for Responsive Politics."
"U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Missouri and senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, on Wednesday described Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as the "Darth Vader of the financial services world" and said bankers should find a way to "neuter" her. Luetkemeyer, who made the remarks at a meeting of the American Bankers Association, is part of a group of lawmakers identified by the Center for Public Integrity as "especially solicitous to the banking industry," Slate noted in 2014. He has raised significant campaign funds from the the finance, insurance, and real estate sector, according to the Center for Responsive Politics."
Congressman scorches Michigan governor over Flint water crisis: ‘There you are, dripping with guilt’
Congressman scorches Michigan governor over Flint water crisis: ‘There you are, dripping with guilt’
"Snyder as governor oversaw the state amid a massive water crisis in Flint that caused residents to drink and be poisoned by lead in the water system."
"Snyder as governor oversaw the state amid a massive water crisis in Flint that caused residents to drink and be poisoned by lead in the water system."
Governor Blocks $2.85 Minimum Wage Increase After Giving Staffers $73,405 Raises
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/17/3761458/robert-bentley-alabama-raises-minimum-wage/
"When the city Birmingham, Alabama voted last month to give its lowest-paid workers a $2.85 raise, Republican Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill banning Alabama cities from raising their minimum wages at all. Now, news has emerged that Bentley recently gave four of his cabinet members $73,405 raises — an 80 percent increase from the $91,000 salaries they were making previously. One of the beneficiaries of the raises, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Administrator Mac Gipson, argues his previous $91,000 salary wasn’t sufficient to attract the best talent from the private sector. But an author of the bill that gave Bentley the authority to raise cabinet members’ salaries in the first place says the 80 percent boosts are “outrageous"."
"When the city Birmingham, Alabama voted last month to give its lowest-paid workers a $2.85 raise, Republican Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill banning Alabama cities from raising their minimum wages at all. Now, news has emerged that Bentley recently gave four of his cabinet members $73,405 raises — an 80 percent increase from the $91,000 salaries they were making previously. One of the beneficiaries of the raises, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Administrator Mac Gipson, argues his previous $91,000 salary wasn’t sufficient to attract the best talent from the private sector. But an author of the bill that gave Bentley the authority to raise cabinet members’ salaries in the first place says the 80 percent boosts are “outrageous"."
Racism is their best weapon: How the 1 percent divided the American people and conquered the country
Racism is their best weapon: How the 1 percent divided the American people and conquered the country
"For the past 40 years, the right wing has peddled a winning strategy. It sells the economic agenda of the 1% to working- and middle-class white voters through a hidden formula: Fear People of Color → Hate Government → Trust the Market and the 1% And they’ve been selling us this idea even as it has hurt Americans of all races whose wages have plummeted and economic insecurity has soared. Ronald Reagan was able to draw millions of former Democrats to the GOP with this race-baiting strategy. He gave us the fictional character of the “welfare queen” to prey on resentment against struggling African American families, but the real target was government and labor unions. Why? Because these are the only public institutions powerful enough to hold corporations and the wealthy accountable."
"For the past 40 years, the right wing has peddled a winning strategy. It sells the economic agenda of the 1% to working- and middle-class white voters through a hidden formula: Fear People of Color → Hate Government → Trust the Market and the 1% And they’ve been selling us this idea even as it has hurt Americans of all races whose wages have plummeted and economic insecurity has soared. Ronald Reagan was able to draw millions of former Democrats to the GOP with this race-baiting strategy. He gave us the fictional character of the “welfare queen” to prey on resentment against struggling African American families, but the real target was government and labor unions. Why? Because these are the only public institutions powerful enough to hold corporations and the wealthy accountable."
The Lewis Powell Memo - Corporate Blueprint to Dominate Democracy
The Lewis Powell Memo - Corporate Blueprint to Dominate Democracy
Older article on the Powell Memo "Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., an attorney from Richmond, Virginia, drafted a confidential memorandum for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that describes a strategy for the corporate takeover of the dominant public institutions of American society. Powell and his friend Eugene Sydnor, then-chairman of the Chamber’s education committee, believed the Chamber had to transform itself from a passive business group into a powerful political force capable of taking on what Powell described as a major ongoing “attack on the American free enterprise system.” An astute observer of the business community and broader social trends, Powell was a former president of the American Bar Association and a board member of tobacco giant Philip Morris and other companies. In his memo, he detailed a series of possible “avenues of action” that the Chamber and the broader business community should take in response to fierce criticism in the media, campus-based protests, and new consumer and environmental laws."
Older article on the Powell Memo "Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., an attorney from Richmond, Virginia, drafted a confidential memorandum for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that describes a strategy for the corporate takeover of the dominant public institutions of American society. Powell and his friend Eugene Sydnor, then-chairman of the Chamber’s education committee, believed the Chamber had to transform itself from a passive business group into a powerful political force capable of taking on what Powell described as a major ongoing “attack on the American free enterprise system.” An astute observer of the business community and broader social trends, Powell was a former president of the American Bar Association and a board member of tobacco giant Philip Morris and other companies. In his memo, he detailed a series of possible “avenues of action” that the Chamber and the broader business community should take in response to fierce criticism in the media, campus-based protests, and new consumer and environmental laws."
The Flint Crisis Happened Because of Movement Conservatism
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/03/the-flint-crisis-happened-because-of-movement-conservatism/
"it is because to accept reality would mean accepting that the political beliefs that drive their every action -- and that they've taken on like religious dogma -- have been demonstrated to be wrong. In this political state, American conservatives have been fed a constant stream of propaganda that repeat a handful of beliefs: that "big" (any) government is ineffective and the private market/business is the preferred standard; that low tax rates for the wealthy result in massive economic growth; that the poor are largely poor because of their own choices, and their situation is of their own doing; and that liberals are purposely working against the best interests of the country. These beliefs have become like religious dogma, with any deviation or compromise seen as betrayal. Those beliefs were put into action in Michigan by Snyder and his administration. But this crisis demonstrates just how wrong all of those beliefs are. Like we have seen for years, conservative leaders cannot take on board that which conflicts with this dogma, such as the fact that trickle-down economics does not work. They instead repeatedly tout larger and more outrageously budget-busting tax cuts as plans to 'unlock prosperity.' Triumphs of government, such as reducing the number of uninsured Americans and offering health care to those who had previously gone without, are dismissed or ignored altogether. Government is seen as an evil bogeyman instead of a body representing the people and their will. Climate change is a myth created by a cabal of scientists and elites who are seeking to impose their fascistic big government on the little people. So for the true believer conservatives on that congressional panel, the (mis)placement of blame is an exercise in self-preservation, a crusade to protect their religion and its adherents. Their attacks on those who encroach on the conservative bubble with reality are a crusade to protect their god."
"it is because to accept reality would mean accepting that the political beliefs that drive their every action -- and that they've taken on like religious dogma -- have been demonstrated to be wrong. In this political state, American conservatives have been fed a constant stream of propaganda that repeat a handful of beliefs: that "big" (any) government is ineffective and the private market/business is the preferred standard; that low tax rates for the wealthy result in massive economic growth; that the poor are largely poor because of their own choices, and their situation is of their own doing; and that liberals are purposely working against the best interests of the country. These beliefs have become like religious dogma, with any deviation or compromise seen as betrayal. Those beliefs were put into action in Michigan by Snyder and his administration. But this crisis demonstrates just how wrong all of those beliefs are. Like we have seen for years, conservative leaders cannot take on board that which conflicts with this dogma, such as the fact that trickle-down economics does not work. They instead repeatedly tout larger and more outrageously budget-busting tax cuts as plans to 'unlock prosperity.' Triumphs of government, such as reducing the number of uninsured Americans and offering health care to those who had previously gone without, are dismissed or ignored altogether. Government is seen as an evil bogeyman instead of a body representing the people and their will. Climate change is a myth created by a cabal of scientists and elites who are seeking to impose their fascistic big government on the little people. So for the true believer conservatives on that congressional panel, the (mis)placement of blame is an exercise in self-preservation, a crusade to protect their religion and its adherents. Their attacks on those who encroach on the conservative bubble with reality are a crusade to protect their god."
How Trump Has Inspired Violence Across The Country, In One Map
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/17/3760438/trump-hate-map/
"As Trump’s hateful rhetoric has increased, so have violent, often racist or xenophobic attacks against people at his campaign events. Some Trump supporters have even taken to using the real estate mogul’s name as a racist taunt."
"As Trump’s hateful rhetoric has increased, so have violent, often racist or xenophobic attacks against people at his campaign events. Some Trump supporters have even taken to using the real estate mogul’s name as a racist taunt."
Is Donald Trump 'Completely Mental'? Yes.
Is Donald Trump 'Completely Mental'? Yes.
"He exhibits to a "T" the criteria of two mental disorders: Pathological Narcissism & Compulsive Lying. Here is a short review of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)'s definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Persons with this disorder may come across as conceited, boastful, or pretentious. They often monopolize conversations. They belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. They have trouble handling any comments perceived as criticism. They are thin-skinned due to secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation. They will react to any form of criticism with rage or contempt, and try to belittle the other person."
"He exhibits to a "T" the criteria of two mental disorders: Pathological Narcissism & Compulsive Lying. Here is a short review of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)'s definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Persons with this disorder may come across as conceited, boastful, or pretentious. They often monopolize conversations. They belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. They have trouble handling any comments perceived as criticism. They are thin-skinned due to secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation. They will react to any form of criticism with rage or contempt, and try to belittle the other person."
The GOP brought this on itself: Elites have decimated the working class, and Donald Trump is its revenge
The GOP brought this on itself: Elites have decimated the working class, and Donald Trump is its revenge
"Look around at just some of the other sheer lunacy their party perpetrates when it’s not trying to shut government down, redistribute wealth upward, and prevent the president of the United States (who, the last time we looked, has the constitutional right and mandate) from filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court. The Republicans in southern California just got a 7-6 majority on the region’s air quality board and have set out to reverse all of its safeguards, “reaffirming new smog rules backed by oil refineries and other major polluters,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Mary Lou Bruner, a Republican crank in Texas who claimed that a young Barack Obama had worked as a black male prostitute, is on track to become a key vote on the state’s board of education, the group that, as Matt Levin at the Houston Chronicle writes, is, “already drawing intense criticism for textbooks that, among other issues, downplayed slavery and racial segregation.” That’s important because the school board is such a major buyer of books its decisions affect editorial content in texts all over the country. So remember that Bruner is an eccentric whose Facebook declarations include “School shootings started after the schools started teaching evolution” and “The dinosaurs on the ark may have been babies and not able to reproduce. It might make sense to take the small dinosaurs onto the ark instead of the ones bigger than a bus.” Huh? Yet Republican elites seem quite satisfied to have a Mary Lou Bruner as the arbiter of what their children read in schools. And while we’re talking about education, travel over to Texas neighbor Louisiana and look at the legacy that former Republican governor and presidential candidate Bobby Jindal has left behind for his Democratic successor, John Bel Edwards."
"Look around at just some of the other sheer lunacy their party perpetrates when it’s not trying to shut government down, redistribute wealth upward, and prevent the president of the United States (who, the last time we looked, has the constitutional right and mandate) from filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court. The Republicans in southern California just got a 7-6 majority on the region’s air quality board and have set out to reverse all of its safeguards, “reaffirming new smog rules backed by oil refineries and other major polluters,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Mary Lou Bruner, a Republican crank in Texas who claimed that a young Barack Obama had worked as a black male prostitute, is on track to become a key vote on the state’s board of education, the group that, as Matt Levin at the Houston Chronicle writes, is, “already drawing intense criticism for textbooks that, among other issues, downplayed slavery and racial segregation.” That’s important because the school board is such a major buyer of books its decisions affect editorial content in texts all over the country. So remember that Bruner is an eccentric whose Facebook declarations include “School shootings started after the schools started teaching evolution” and “The dinosaurs on the ark may have been babies and not able to reproduce. It might make sense to take the small dinosaurs onto the ark instead of the ones bigger than a bus.” Huh? Yet Republican elites seem quite satisfied to have a Mary Lou Bruner as the arbiter of what their children read in schools. And while we’re talking about education, travel over to Texas neighbor Louisiana and look at the legacy that former Republican governor and presidential candidate Bobby Jindal has left behind for his Democratic successor, John Bel Edwards."
‘The People’s Budget': Analysis of the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2017
‘The People’s Budget': Analysis of the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2017: "The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has unveiled its fiscal year 2017 (FY2017) budget, titled “The People’s Budget—Prosperity not Austerity.” It builds on recent CPC budget alternatives in setting the following priorities: near-term job creation, financing public investments, strengthening low- and middle-income families’ economic security, raising adequate revenue to meet budgetary needs while restoring fairness to the tax code, strengthening social insurance programs, and ensuring long-run fiscal sustainability."
BUSTED: PBS features Trump volunteer sporting white-supremacist tattoos
BUSTED: PBS features Trump volunteer sporting white-supremacist tattoos
"the report does not mention the two tattoos seen on her hand: a stylized version of the Celtic Cross called “Odin’s Cross,” which the Anti-Defamation League said “has become one of the most popular white supremacist symbols around,” as well as a stylized version of the number 88, which the League has identified as “a white supremacist numerical code for ‘Heil Hitler'."
"the report does not mention the two tattoos seen on her hand: a stylized version of the Celtic Cross called “Odin’s Cross,” which the Anti-Defamation League said “has become one of the most popular white supremacist symbols around,” as well as a stylized version of the number 88, which the League has identified as “a white supremacist numerical code for ‘Heil Hitler'."
Trump’s latest New York ally: A loony businessman who emails ’n****r’ jokes and filthy images
Trump’s latest New York ally: A loony businessman who emails ’n****r’ jokes and filthy images
"Paladino was accused of berating and menacingly following the school district’s general counsel, an African-American woman. Another board member said Paladino has a pattern of bullying black women in positions of power. Things have gotten so ugly with Paladino and the woman that they had to be physically separated during a heated confrontation. Most damning perhaps are emails Paladino sent out broadly, containing an array of sexually-explicit and racist content. The emails were sent to politicians, people in the media and local officials."
"Paladino was accused of berating and menacingly following the school district’s general counsel, an African-American woman. Another board member said Paladino has a pattern of bullying black women in positions of power. Things have gotten so ugly with Paladino and the woman that they had to be physically separated during a heated confrontation. Most damning perhaps are emails Paladino sent out broadly, containing an array of sexually-explicit and racist content. The emails were sent to politicians, people in the media and local officials."
‘It’s absolutely terrifying’: British TV hosts shudder for ‘our world’ after realizing Trump could win
‘It’s absolutely terrifying’: British TV hosts shudder for ‘our world’ after realizing Trump could win
"One of the anchors pointed out that another “frightening prospect” was that many British citizens did not yet realize how dangerous Trump was."
"One of the anchors pointed out that another “frightening prospect” was that many British citizens did not yet realize how dangerous Trump was."
Donald Trump: 'There Will Be Riots' If I Don't Get The Nomination
Donald Trump: 'There Will Be Riots' If I Don't Get The Nomination
"for Trump to begin to send violent dog whistles to his followers after there's been so much talk about the violence emanating from his rallies - is pretty unsettling."
"for Trump to begin to send violent dog whistles to his followers after there's been so much talk about the violence emanating from his rallies - is pretty unsettling."
Donald Trump escalates war on media: Increasing assaults on the press putting reporters in a no-win situation
Donald Trump escalates war on media: Increasing assaults on the press putting reporters in a no-win situation
"If anything, there’s reason to worry that the Trump campaign is simply going to double down on the strategy of intimidating journalists in hopes of sycophantic coverage. After all, the strategy worked like a charm when it came to Breitbart. After initially seeming torn, the website quickly shifted towards choosing snuggle time with Trump over their basic duty to protect reporters. (Their duty to the truth was abandoned before the site was even launched, alas.) Six staff members have left, citing the way that Breitbart undermined Fields until she was compelled to leave as the reason. Browbeating Breitbart into bootlicking the Trump campaign is just going to encourage the campaign to engage in intimidation even more. Schreckinger’s ouster isn’t the first time the campaign has tried to control and silence reporters. The Trump campaign, obviously trying to limit reporter access to supporters who have a tendency to reflect poorly on the campaign, has been herding reporters into press pens and monitoring their movements so closely that reporters aren’t even allowed to go to the bathroom without an escort. Photographer Chris Morris alleges that a Secret Service agent choked him rather than let him out of the press pen, an incident captured on video. A CBS reporter who was trying to cover a violent incident at the Chicago rally found himself arrested instead. A Sun Sentinel reporter says he was thrown out of a Dayton event for being on the floor with supporters rather than herded in the press pen. It’s clear that Trump believes reporters are there to be stenographers instead of reporters, and scarily, he’s getting some law enforcement to back him up on his hostility to the press."
"If anything, there’s reason to worry that the Trump campaign is simply going to double down on the strategy of intimidating journalists in hopes of sycophantic coverage. After all, the strategy worked like a charm when it came to Breitbart. After initially seeming torn, the website quickly shifted towards choosing snuggle time with Trump over their basic duty to protect reporters. (Their duty to the truth was abandoned before the site was even launched, alas.) Six staff members have left, citing the way that Breitbart undermined Fields until she was compelled to leave as the reason. Browbeating Breitbart into bootlicking the Trump campaign is just going to encourage the campaign to engage in intimidation even more. Schreckinger’s ouster isn’t the first time the campaign has tried to control and silence reporters. The Trump campaign, obviously trying to limit reporter access to supporters who have a tendency to reflect poorly on the campaign, has been herding reporters into press pens and monitoring their movements so closely that reporters aren’t even allowed to go to the bathroom without an escort. Photographer Chris Morris alleges that a Secret Service agent choked him rather than let him out of the press pen, an incident captured on video. A CBS reporter who was trying to cover a violent incident at the Chicago rally found himself arrested instead. A Sun Sentinel reporter says he was thrown out of a Dayton event for being on the floor with supporters rather than herded in the press pen. It’s clear that Trump believes reporters are there to be stenographers instead of reporters, and scarily, he’s getting some law enforcement to back him up on his hostility to the press."
Blackout Tuesday: The Bernie Sanders Speech Corporate Media Chose Not To Air
Blackout Tuesday: The Bernie Sanders Speech Corporate Media Chose Not To Air
"The problem? No cable or major news channel ran the speech. Not all of it. Not even some of it."
"The problem? No cable or major news channel ran the speech. Not all of it. Not even some of it."
Donald Trump's War on the First Amendment @alternet
Donald Trump's War on the First Amendment @alternet:
"His commitment to free speech extends only to himself."
"His commitment to free speech extends only to himself."
Trump Voter Launches Bizarre Birther Rant Against Obama, Cruz And Rubio
Trump Voter Launches Bizarre Birther Rant Against Obama, Cruz And Rubio
"This is your hard-core Trump voter right here. Baseball, mom, apple pie, and white supremacy, ready to play his Trump card."
"This is your hard-core Trump voter right here. Baseball, mom, apple pie, and white supremacy, ready to play his Trump card."
The 7 Biggest Republican Lies About The Economy Torn Apart In Three Minutes (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/03/13/the-7-biggest-republican-lies-about-the-economy-torn-apart-in-three-minutes-video/
"While Republicans tell us that cutting taxes on the rich will spur economic growth and fuel job creation, the economic data tells a very different story. As Reich points out in the video, both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush cut taxes on the rich, and “nothing trickled down.” The result of Republican tax cuts for the rich have been the same across the states. GOP governors like Bobby Jindal and Rick Snyder have driven their states into economic ruin by imposing experimental trickle-down economic policies on citizens, with disastrous results. Along the same lines, Republicans claim that high taxes on the rich are bad for the economy. Yet history shows the opposite is true."
"While Republicans tell us that cutting taxes on the rich will spur economic growth and fuel job creation, the economic data tells a very different story. As Reich points out in the video, both Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush cut taxes on the rich, and “nothing trickled down.” The result of Republican tax cuts for the rich have been the same across the states. GOP governors like Bobby Jindal and Rick Snyder have driven their states into economic ruin by imposing experimental trickle-down economic policies on citizens, with disastrous results. Along the same lines, Republicans claim that high taxes on the rich are bad for the economy. Yet history shows the opposite is true."
Corporate America Is Just 6 States Short of a Constitutional Convention
http://inthesetimes.com/article/18940/alec-balanced-budget-corporate-constitutional-convention
"The Kochs and company, with their gridlock of Washington, have bred a type of discontent that has made once unimaginable change possible."
"The Kochs and company, with their gridlock of Washington, have bred a type of discontent that has made once unimaginable change possible."
Trump Tells a Lie About Every Five Minutes, Literally @alternet
Trump Tells a Lie About Every Five Minutes, Literally @alternet:
"Distortions from the mouth of Trump include statements about the imminent death of Christianity, the outright lie that he is not taking money from donors and exaggerations of his business success. And those are the relatively harmless ones."
"Distortions from the mouth of Trump include statements about the imminent death of Christianity, the outright lie that he is not taking money from donors and exaggerations of his business success. And those are the relatively harmless ones."
Theocracy Warning In Republican Strongholds Of Kentucky and Texas
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/13/theocracy-rising-republican-strongholds-kentucky-texas.html
"The religious law gives any evangelical racist or bigot the right to refuse services of any kind, including government and lifesaving medical services to “interracial, interfaith, atheistic, Muslim, divorced, or any other kind of person their “religion” disapproves; for evangelicals that is every and anyone who is not a white, heterosexual Christian Republican. This dirty attempt at using religion to strip constitutionally protected civil and equal rights from non-compliant Americans is legend, and goes far beyond backwaters like Kentucky."
"The religious law gives any evangelical racist or bigot the right to refuse services of any kind, including government and lifesaving medical services to “interracial, interfaith, atheistic, Muslim, divorced, or any other kind of person their “religion” disapproves; for evangelicals that is every and anyone who is not a white, heterosexual Christian Republican. This dirty attempt at using religion to strip constitutionally protected civil and equal rights from non-compliant Americans is legend, and goes far beyond backwaters like Kentucky."
12 Things Donald Trump Has Said About Women In 1 Horrific Clip
http://samuel-warde.com/2016/03/things-donald-trump-said-women-1-horrific-clip/
"This is how Donald Trump talks about our mothers, our sisters, our daughters."
"This is how Donald Trump talks about our mothers, our sisters, our daughters."
Donald Trump's healthcare 'plan' is objectively awful
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/14/1501128/-Donald-Trump-s-healthcare-plan-is-objectively-awful
"Insurance would be so poorly regulated it would become essentially worthless for many. This, like every Republican proposal so far, wouldn't just take us back to the bad old days pre-Obamacare. It would be much, much worse than those days."
"Insurance would be so poorly regulated it would become essentially worthless for many. This, like every Republican proposal so far, wouldn't just take us back to the bad old days pre-Obamacare. It would be much, much worse than those days."
Historian Ken Burns: Trump’s America is a ‘retrograde moment’ — white guilt ‘metastasizes into darkness’
Historian Ken Burns: Trump’s America is a ‘retrograde moment’ — white guilt ‘metastasizes into darkness’
"Filmmaker Ken Burns on Monday lamented the fact that the rise of Donald Trump as a political figured indicated that America was in a “retrograde moment” with regard to racism."
"Filmmaker Ken Burns on Monday lamented the fact that the rise of Donald Trump as a political figured indicated that America was in a “retrograde moment” with regard to racism."
Trump Youth Plaster Slurs, Swastika And 'Trump' On College Chapel Walls
Trump Youth Plaster Slurs, Swastika And 'Trump' On College Chapel Walls
"Now they're facing some big-time charges, including institutional vandalism, a hate crime involving a place of worship, and criminal damage to property. They're cooling their heels in jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Maybe The Donald will bail them out."
"Now they're facing some big-time charges, including institutional vandalism, a hate crime involving a place of worship, and criminal damage to property. They're cooling their heels in jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Maybe The Donald will bail them out."
Carl Bernstein: Donald Trump Is An American 'Neo-Fascist'
Carl Bernstein: Donald Trump Is An American 'Neo-Fascist'
"a new kind of American fascist, one who dishes out loads of authoritarianism, despotism, nativism, and incitement."
"a new kind of American fascist, one who dishes out loads of authoritarianism, despotism, nativism, and incitement."
Three Ways Congressional Mens Rea Proposals Could Allow White Collar Criminals to Escape Prosecution
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/criminal-justice/report/2016/03/11/133113/three-ways-congressional-mens-rea-proposals-could-allow-white-collar-criminals-to-escape-prosecution/
"To prosecute a federal crime successfully under the new default standard, prosecutors would have to prove that defendants actually knew or should have known that a certain action was prohibited by law. This overturns the age-old maxim that ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it. Corporate executives would have an incentive to remain ignorant of certain company practices and the laws and regulations that apply to them in order to maintain a plausible defense."
"To prosecute a federal crime successfully under the new default standard, prosecutors would have to prove that defendants actually knew or should have known that a certain action was prohibited by law. This overturns the age-old maxim that ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it. Corporate executives would have an incentive to remain ignorant of certain company practices and the laws and regulations that apply to them in order to maintain a plausible defense."
Rachel Maddow Busts Donald Trump With Proof That Rally Violence Is Deliberate
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/12/rachel-maddow-busts-donald-trump-proof-rally-violence-deliberate.html
"Despite what Trump is selling to the media, the majority remain opposed to Donald Trump. The answer to why the violence is happening at Trump events and nowhere else is that the candidate is creating the climate for violence and encouraging confrontation at his rallies. Donald Trump is engaging in the vilest form of politics imaginable and is the civic duty of the Republican Party to shut him down. If Republicans won’t stop Trump, it is up to the members of communities all across this nation to treat a Trump rally like they would a KKK rally. The vast majority of Americans don’t want the KKK in their town or city. People come out and counter protest when racists rally in their neighborhoods. It is time for a national effort to stop Donald Trump. It is time for activists to pressure the cable news networks who give Trump unlimited free media. It is time for civic leaders to let the politicians know that Trump and his politics of violence and hate aren’t welcome in their towns."
"Despite what Trump is selling to the media, the majority remain opposed to Donald Trump. The answer to why the violence is happening at Trump events and nowhere else is that the candidate is creating the climate for violence and encouraging confrontation at his rallies. Donald Trump is engaging in the vilest form of politics imaginable and is the civic duty of the Republican Party to shut him down. If Republicans won’t stop Trump, it is up to the members of communities all across this nation to treat a Trump rally like they would a KKK rally. The vast majority of Americans don’t want the KKK in their town or city. People come out and counter protest when racists rally in their neighborhoods. It is time for a national effort to stop Donald Trump. It is time for activists to pressure the cable news networks who give Trump unlimited free media. It is time for civic leaders to let the politicians know that Trump and his politics of violence and hate aren’t welcome in their towns."
Fox News Hosts Freak Out When Their Colleague Denounces Donald Trump Over Violence At His Events
Fox News Hosts Freak Out When Their Colleague Denounces Donald Trump Over Violence At His Events
"It’s no surprise that Tantaros would think violence is no biggie. This is the woman who asked her radio show listeners to “do me a favor” and punch an Obama supporter “in the face"."
"It’s no surprise that Tantaros would think violence is no biggie. This is the woman who asked her radio show listeners to “do me a favor” and punch an Obama supporter “in the face"."
Courting Extremism: The Week The GOP Admitted Its Supreme Court Blockade Is Based On A Lie
Courting Extremism: The Week The GOP Admitted Its Supreme Court Blockade Is Based On A Lie:
"Apparently, the fictitious no-appointments-in-an-election-year tradition only applies to Democratic presidents, at least according to Sen. Ron Johnson."
"Apparently, the fictitious no-appointments-in-an-election-year tradition only applies to Democratic presidents, at least according to Sen. Ron Johnson."
Meet the GOP Mega-Donors of the 2016 Election
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/meet-the-gop-mega-donors-of-the-2016-election-20160311
"The big money coursing through American politics in the current primary contest is shattering all records. Through March 10, more than $245 million in Super PAC money had been spent on the 2016 presidential race, compared to less than $80 million at the same point in 2012. "What's going on in the 2016 election is completely unprecedented," says Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a top campaign-finance watchdog. "Citizens United has turned our political system into a sandbox for the wealthiest people in the country to play in — and that's what they're doing." The influx of cash warped the Republican race from the beginning. Super PACs stocked with mega-donor millionaires put a stamp of credibility on GOP candidates as they jockeyed for early momentum. "A smaller and smaller slice of the population has a major say in who runs, who they listen to," says Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "It's very alarming"."
"The big money coursing through American politics in the current primary contest is shattering all records. Through March 10, more than $245 million in Super PAC money had been spent on the 2016 presidential race, compared to less than $80 million at the same point in 2012. "What's going on in the 2016 election is completely unprecedented," says Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a top campaign-finance watchdog. "Citizens United has turned our political system into a sandbox for the wealthiest people in the country to play in — and that's what they're doing." The influx of cash warped the Republican race from the beginning. Super PACs stocked with mega-donor millionaires put a stamp of credibility on GOP candidates as they jockeyed for early momentum. "A smaller and smaller slice of the population has a major say in who runs, who they listen to," says Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "It's very alarming"."
The GOP’s Demographic Demise Was On Full Display At The Miami Debate
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/11/3759023/gop-demographic-demise/
"After losing the 2012 presidential election, the Republican Party underwent some soul searching, and produced an “autopsy report” urging future candidates to reach out to non-white voters, women, and young people. The GOP then proceeded to follow none of these recommendations, and now Republican strategists warn that the party is dooming itself not only in 2016 election, but for a generation or more to come. This November, Latinos will make up a higher percentage of the electorate than ever before, especially in key swing states like Colorado, Nevada, and Florida. There will be more than 27 million eligible Latino voters this fall, and more than half of them are millenials. Polls this year have repeatedly shown these voters have unfavorable views of Donald Trump as Trump continues to advance towards the Republican nomination. The Pew Research Center found that about two-thirds of Latino voters say that it’s extremely important or very important to have changes in federal immigration policies to pass new immigration legislation soon. The same poll found that about one-third of Latino voters say that they would not vote for a candidate if they disagreed with the candidate on immigration policy. Republican presidential candidates may need anywhere between 42 and 47 percent of the Latino vote, especially in key battleground states like Virginia, Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, Nevada, and Colorado, the polling group Latino Decisions found. The party won less than 30 percent in 2012. The GOP is also showing signs of losing the youth vote. After conducting surveys of more than 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds, top Republican pollster Frank Luntz reported “a chasm of disconnection that renders every prominent national Republican irrelevant with the voting bloc that could control campaigns for the next 30 years"."
"After losing the 2012 presidential election, the Republican Party underwent some soul searching, and produced an “autopsy report” urging future candidates to reach out to non-white voters, women, and young people. The GOP then proceeded to follow none of these recommendations, and now Republican strategists warn that the party is dooming itself not only in 2016 election, but for a generation or more to come. This November, Latinos will make up a higher percentage of the electorate than ever before, especially in key swing states like Colorado, Nevada, and Florida. There will be more than 27 million eligible Latino voters this fall, and more than half of them are millenials. Polls this year have repeatedly shown these voters have unfavorable views of Donald Trump as Trump continues to advance towards the Republican nomination. The Pew Research Center found that about two-thirds of Latino voters say that it’s extremely important or very important to have changes in federal immigration policies to pass new immigration legislation soon. The same poll found that about one-third of Latino voters say that they would not vote for a candidate if they disagreed with the candidate on immigration policy. Republican presidential candidates may need anywhere between 42 and 47 percent of the Latino vote, especially in key battleground states like Virginia, Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, Nevada, and Colorado, the polling group Latino Decisions found. The party won less than 30 percent in 2012. The GOP is also showing signs of losing the youth vote. After conducting surveys of more than 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds, top Republican pollster Frank Luntz reported “a chasm of disconnection that renders every prominent national Republican irrelevant with the voting bloc that could control campaigns for the next 30 years"."
Friday, March 18, 2016
The Great Let's-Totally-F*ck-Up-Kansas-Experiment Is Nearly Complete
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a42817/kansas-judge-impeachment/
"If it were possible for Congress to place a state into some kind of democratic receivership, Kansas would be a really good candidate. Governor Sam Brownback—excuse me, twice-elected, god help us, Governor Sam Brownback—turned the state into a lab rat for all the worst policy ideas produced by the modern conservative Republican party. The legislature went gleefully along for the ride. The state has cratered and, as it cratered, it sank deeper and deeper into madness. The latest chapter in this sad saga came when the state's Supreme Court began to rule that, all Randian wet-dreams aside, Kansas had an obligation to fund its public schools at a decent level. If you think that the legislature response was to carefully consider what it's been doing over the past few years and pull itself back from a course of action that is so obviously harming so many of the people that put it into office, then you probably live in a state not presided over by the likes of Sam Brownback.
"If it were possible for Congress to place a state into some kind of democratic receivership, Kansas would be a really good candidate. Governor Sam Brownback—excuse me, twice-elected, god help us, Governor Sam Brownback—turned the state into a lab rat for all the worst policy ideas produced by the modern conservative Republican party. The legislature went gleefully along for the ride. The state has cratered and, as it cratered, it sank deeper and deeper into madness. The latest chapter in this sad saga came when the state's Supreme Court began to rule that, all Randian wet-dreams aside, Kansas had an obligation to fund its public schools at a decent level. If you think that the legislature response was to carefully consider what it's been doing over the past few years and pull itself back from a course of action that is so obviously harming so many of the people that put it into office, then you probably live in a state not presided over by the likes of Sam Brownback.
Elizabeth Warren Pressures Washington For a Vote on Her Sanders-Backed Bill That Would Give Seniors a Raise @alternet
Elizabeth Warren Pressures Washington For a Vote on Her Sanders-Backed Bill That Would Give Seniors a Raise @alternet:
"This week Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a petition of 800,000 signatures to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on him to hold a vote on her Social Security bill. Warren, who was joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and a group of activists, is trying to get a vote on her SAVE Benefits Act, a piece of legislation that would give 70 million seniors, veterans and disabled people a one-time payment of $581 to compensate for the dormant cost-of-living adjustment in government benefits during 2016. The cost-of-living adjustment went into effect in 1975 and this is only the third time Social Security recipients will not get their annual raise."
"This week Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a petition of 800,000 signatures to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on him to hold a vote on her Social Security bill. Warren, who was joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and a group of activists, is trying to get a vote on her SAVE Benefits Act, a piece of legislation that would give 70 million seniors, veterans and disabled people a one-time payment of $581 to compensate for the dormant cost-of-living adjustment in government benefits during 2016. The cost-of-living adjustment went into effect in 1975 and this is only the third time Social Security recipients will not get their annual raise."
GOP Tyranny As Brownback’s GOP On the Verge Of Nullifying Kansas’ Judiciary
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/11/gop-tyranny-brownbacks-gop-verge-nullifying-kansas-judiciary.html
"It is noteworthy that the Brownback law passed last year defunding the Kansas’ Judiciary for acting contrary to Republicans was declared “unconstitutional” by the Kansas Supreme Court. That makes this latest Brownback move a thuggish vendetta and warning to the Justices on the Kansas’ Supreme Court. It is also a tyrannical ploy to allow Brownback to rule by religious and corporate Republican edict without interference from the Constitution. By now some Americans are aware of the monumental economic catastrophe Brownback’s trickle down tax cuts have wrought on the state, and the situation is only getting worse after Brownback’s re-election on the grounds of “the fetus.” As Esquire writer Charles Pierce noted, “the sorry condition of Kansas under complete tea party dominance serves as a textbook, laboratory-tested example of what unchecked Republican policies lead to"."
"It is noteworthy that the Brownback law passed last year defunding the Kansas’ Judiciary for acting contrary to Republicans was declared “unconstitutional” by the Kansas Supreme Court. That makes this latest Brownback move a thuggish vendetta and warning to the Justices on the Kansas’ Supreme Court. It is also a tyrannical ploy to allow Brownback to rule by religious and corporate Republican edict without interference from the Constitution. By now some Americans are aware of the monumental economic catastrophe Brownback’s trickle down tax cuts have wrought on the state, and the situation is only getting worse after Brownback’s re-election on the grounds of “the fetus.” As Esquire writer Charles Pierce noted, “the sorry condition of Kansas under complete tea party dominance serves as a textbook, laboratory-tested example of what unchecked Republican policies lead to"."
Sunday, March 13, 2016
The indisputable disaster of GOP governors: How Jindal, Brownback & Snyder have sold their constituents up the river
The indisputable disaster of GOP governors: How Jindal, Brownback & Snyder have sold their constituents up the river
"In Kansas, Sam Brownback’s massive tax cuts haven’t spurred the growth he projected they would, but instead wreaked havoc on the state’s budget. As the Kansas City Star reports, “Gov. Sam Brownback’s income tax-cut plan to spur job growth in Kansas has become a full-time disaster. On Friday, the state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July.” The result is a nearly $1 billion budget gap that has led to cuts to funding for schools and highways. In glorious Republican tradition, these cuts disproportionately affected poor children and children of color. The Boston Globe reports that the state is now being sued on constitutional grounds after poor schools were forced to close early and eliminate summer school. Brownback also cut funding for healthcare programs that would benefit the poor and children, money for veterans, and programs to help children read. He recently had to slash spending for higher education and increase taxes on cigarettes (which predominantly impact the poor). Research suggests that this is the norm: Economist Howard Chernick finds that “Party control by Republicans is associated with a more regressive tax structure” at the state and local level."
"In Kansas, Sam Brownback’s massive tax cuts haven’t spurred the growth he projected they would, but instead wreaked havoc on the state’s budget. As the Kansas City Star reports, “Gov. Sam Brownback’s income tax-cut plan to spur job growth in Kansas has become a full-time disaster. On Friday, the state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July.” The result is a nearly $1 billion budget gap that has led to cuts to funding for schools and highways. In glorious Republican tradition, these cuts disproportionately affected poor children and children of color. The Boston Globe reports that the state is now being sued on constitutional grounds after poor schools were forced to close early and eliminate summer school. Brownback also cut funding for healthcare programs that would benefit the poor and children, money for veterans, and programs to help children read. He recently had to slash spending for higher education and increase taxes on cigarettes (which predominantly impact the poor). Research suggests that this is the norm: Economist Howard Chernick finds that “Party control by Republicans is associated with a more regressive tax structure” at the state and local level."
Saturday, March 12, 2016
GOP Debate: Setting The Record Straight On Social Security
GOP Debate: Setting The Record Straight On Social Security
"1) Social Security is not going to "run out of money" and is not "going broke." The Social Security Trust Fund will rise to approx. $2.9 trillion at the end of 2019. Then it begins to draw on this fund and there is a potential funding shortfall in about 20 years. If nothing is changed the program would be forced to pay a bit less out to recipients. There are many proposals for fixing this, most do not involve future cuts in benefits."
"1) Social Security is not going to "run out of money" and is not "going broke." The Social Security Trust Fund will rise to approx. $2.9 trillion at the end of 2019. Then it begins to draw on this fund and there is a potential funding shortfall in about 20 years. If nothing is changed the program would be forced to pay a bit less out to recipients. There are many proposals for fixing this, most do not involve future cuts in benefits."
Revenge of the Simple: How George W. Bush Gave Rise to Trump
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/revenge-of-the-simple-how-george-w-bush-gave-rise-to-trump-20160301?page=3
"We're about to enter a dark period in the history of the American experiment. The Founding Fathers never imagined an electorate raised on Toddlers and Tiaras and Temptation Island. Remember, just a few decades ago, shows like Married With Children and Roseanne were satirical parodies. Now the audience can't even handle that much irony. A lot of American culture is just dumb slobs cheering on other dumb slobs. It was inevitable, once we broke the seal with Bush, that our politics would become the same thing. Madison and Jefferson never foresaw this situation. They knew there was danger of demagoguery, but they never imagined presidential candidates exchanging "mine's bigger than yours" jokes or doing "let's laugh at the disabled" routines. There's no map in the Constitution to tell us how to get out of where we're going. All we can do now is hold on."
"We're about to enter a dark period in the history of the American experiment. The Founding Fathers never imagined an electorate raised on Toddlers and Tiaras and Temptation Island. Remember, just a few decades ago, shows like Married With Children and Roseanne were satirical parodies. Now the audience can't even handle that much irony. A lot of American culture is just dumb slobs cheering on other dumb slobs. It was inevitable, once we broke the seal with Bush, that our politics would become the same thing. Madison and Jefferson never foresaw this situation. They knew there was danger of demagoguery, but they never imagined presidential candidates exchanging "mine's bigger than yours" jokes or doing "let's laugh at the disabled" routines. There's no map in the Constitution to tell us how to get out of where we're going. All we can do now is hold on."
Trump Rallies With "Great Lady" Who Doesn't Believe Wives Can Be Raped By Husbands
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/03/11/trump-rallies-with-great-lady-who-doesnt-believ/209192
"Schlafly was one of the leading opponents of the Equal Rights Amendment. She has a long history of extreme rhetoric against women and immigrants. She recently said that Major League Baseball should ban foreign players because they are taking "positions that should have gone to American players." During a 2007 speech at a college, Schlafly reportedly said, "By getting married, the woman has consented to sex, and I don't think you can call it rape." She stood by her remarks the following year while speaking to a college newspaper"
"Schlafly was one of the leading opponents of the Equal Rights Amendment. She has a long history of extreme rhetoric against women and immigrants. She recently said that Major League Baseball should ban foreign players because they are taking "positions that should have gone to American players." During a 2007 speech at a college, Schlafly reportedly said, "By getting married, the woman has consented to sex, and I don't think you can call it rape." She stood by her remarks the following year while speaking to a college newspaper"
Donald Trump Jr. Cites White Nationalist To Push Anti-Sanders Conspiracy Theory
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/12/3759451/donald-trump-jr-cites-white-nationalist-to-push-anti-sanders-conspiracy-theory/
"Although even @voxday has acknowledged he was wrong, Donald Trump Jr. has not corrected his error as of publication time."
"Although even @voxday has acknowledged he was wrong, Donald Trump Jr. has not corrected his error as of publication time."
No One Is Violating Donald Trump’s First Amendment Rights
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/12/3759418/no-one-is-violating-trump-free-speech/
"Not only does this argument belie the foundation of the First Amendment — it protects the right to free speech; it does not protect you from protest and criticism — but it also wholly dismisses the role of Trump’s incendiary rhetoric toward protesters at his events in fostering the chaotic scene in Chicago. What’s more, if the goal is to silence Trump, this small effort on behalf of protesters to make their voices heard could hardly counteract the millions of dollars in free air time he’s been given dating back to last year. The level of violence at Trump campaign events has only escalated over the past several months. Earlier this week, a young African American protester, Rakeem Jones, was sucker-punched at a Trump rally in North Carolina by an older white man. At the time, only Jones was restrained and removed from the venue; the other man was later charged with assault. A young black woman was attacked and shoved during a Trump rally in Kentucky earlier this month. A Puerto Rican teenager was roughed up at a Trump rally in Georgia last month. Rather than seek to quell this disturbing trend, Trump has fueled it. At a press conference earlier in the day on Friday, he called the assault of protesters like Jones “very, very appropriate.” During Thursday night’s Republican debate, Trump defended his supporters and their “tremendous passion,” attributing their anger to “bad trade deals, higher taxes, loss of their jobs.” Trump has encouraged his supporters to “knock the crap out of” protesters, offering to pay their legal fees. “I’d like to punch him in the face, I’ll tell you that,” he said of a protester being removed from a rally last month, much to the delight of the crowd."
"Not only does this argument belie the foundation of the First Amendment — it protects the right to free speech; it does not protect you from protest and criticism — but it also wholly dismisses the role of Trump’s incendiary rhetoric toward protesters at his events in fostering the chaotic scene in Chicago. What’s more, if the goal is to silence Trump, this small effort on behalf of protesters to make their voices heard could hardly counteract the millions of dollars in free air time he’s been given dating back to last year. The level of violence at Trump campaign events has only escalated over the past several months. Earlier this week, a young African American protester, Rakeem Jones, was sucker-punched at a Trump rally in North Carolina by an older white man. At the time, only Jones was restrained and removed from the venue; the other man was later charged with assault. A young black woman was attacked and shoved during a Trump rally in Kentucky earlier this month. A Puerto Rican teenager was roughed up at a Trump rally in Georgia last month. Rather than seek to quell this disturbing trend, Trump has fueled it. At a press conference earlier in the day on Friday, he called the assault of protesters like Jones “very, very appropriate.” During Thursday night’s Republican debate, Trump defended his supporters and their “tremendous passion,” attributing their anger to “bad trade deals, higher taxes, loss of their jobs.” Trump has encouraged his supporters to “knock the crap out of” protesters, offering to pay their legal fees. “I’d like to punch him in the face, I’ll tell you that,” he said of a protester being removed from a rally last month, much to the delight of the crowd."
This Is What It Looks Like to Get Beat Up at a Trump Rally
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/03/trump-violence
"Last month, Trump was interrupted by a protester at a rally in Las Vegas the night before the Nevada caucuses. As the man was escorted out, Trump told the crowd, "I'd like to punch him in the face." Trump has not himself engaged in violence—although his campaign manager has been accused of assaulting a reporter this week—but attendees at Trump's rallies seem to be taking his suggestions to heart. Violence at Trump events has ramped up, and it now seems as though protesters and members of the press are routinely verbally or physically attacked."
"Last month, Trump was interrupted by a protester at a rally in Las Vegas the night before the Nevada caucuses. As the man was escorted out, Trump told the crowd, "I'd like to punch him in the face." Trump has not himself engaged in violence—although his campaign manager has been accused of assaulting a reporter this week—but attendees at Trump's rallies seem to be taking his suggestions to heart. Violence at Trump events has ramped up, and it now seems as though protesters and members of the press are routinely verbally or physically attacked."
Second White-on-Black Assault Caught on Video From Horrifying Trump Rally in North Carolina @alternet
Second White-on-Black Assault Caught on Video From Horrifying Trump Rally in North Carolina @alternet:
"At the end of the video, a white man says to him, ‘Hey, f*ck you, baby, f*ck you!” and slaps him."
"At the end of the video, a white man says to him, ‘Hey, f*ck you, baby, f*ck you!” and slaps him."
WATCH: Violent Attacks At Trump's St. Louis Rally
WATCH: Violent Attacks At Trump's St. Louis Rally
"Meanwhile, inside the rally, Trump was even nastier and harsher about protests at "his" rallies. “Part of the problem and part of the reason it takes so long [to kick them out] is nobody wants to hurt each other anymore,” Trump said during a speech at the Peabody Opera House — around 12 miles from Ferguson, Mo., the site of racially charged mass protests in 2014."
"Meanwhile, inside the rally, Trump was even nastier and harsher about protests at "his" rallies. “Part of the problem and part of the reason it takes so long [to kick them out] is nobody wants to hurt each other anymore,” Trump said during a speech at the Peabody Opera House — around 12 miles from Ferguson, Mo., the site of racially charged mass protests in 2014."
The shocking story isn’t Donald Trump — it’s how the GOP morphed into a party of hate and obstruction
The shocking story isn’t Donald Trump — it’s how the GOP morphed into a party of hate and obstruction
"But here is what no one in the GOP establishment wants you to know, and no one in the media wants to admit: Donald Trump isn’t the destruction of the Republican Party; he is the fulfillment of everything the party has been saying and doing for decades. He is just saying it louder and more plainly than his predecessors and intra-party rivals. The media have been acting as if the Trump debacle were the biggest political story to come down the pike in some time. But the real story – one the popularity of Trump’s candidacy has revealed and inarguably the biggest political story of the last 50 years — is the decades-long transformation of Republicanism from a business-centered, small town, white Protestant set of beliefs into quite possibly America’s primary institutional force of bigotry, intellectual dishonesty, ignorance, warmongering, intractability and cruelty against the vulnerable and powerless."
"But here is what no one in the GOP establishment wants you to know, and no one in the media wants to admit: Donald Trump isn’t the destruction of the Republican Party; he is the fulfillment of everything the party has been saying and doing for decades. He is just saying it louder and more plainly than his predecessors and intra-party rivals. The media have been acting as if the Trump debacle were the biggest political story to come down the pike in some time. But the real story – one the popularity of Trump’s candidacy has revealed and inarguably the biggest political story of the last 50 years — is the decades-long transformation of Republicanism from a business-centered, small town, white Protestant set of beliefs into quite possibly America’s primary institutional force of bigotry, intellectual dishonesty, ignorance, warmongering, intractability and cruelty against the vulnerable and powerless."
‘F*ck you, you whore!’: Watch angry white people go berserk outside Trump rally in St. Louis
‘F*ck you, you whore!’: Watch angry white people go berserk outside Trump rally in St. Louis
"Videos taken of Donald Trump supporters outside a rally in St. Louis, Missouri, show demonstrations of extreme anger, provocation and aggression as the GOP front runner tries to defend himself against criticism that his rallies are becoming dangerous."
"Videos taken of Donald Trump supporters outside a rally in St. Louis, Missouri, show demonstrations of extreme anger, provocation and aggression as the GOP front runner tries to defend himself against criticism that his rallies are becoming dangerous."
Pressure Grows On Coke To Dump Trump And RNC After Supporter Punches Protester
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/10/pressure-grows-coke-dump-trump-rnc-supporter-punches-protester.html
"If Coke wants to sponsor Donald Trump’s Republican convention, they need to understand that there will be a price to be paid with consumers for their decision. Those who sponsor Trump’s racism are just as guilty as the Trump supporter who punched the African-American protester."
"If Coke wants to sponsor Donald Trump’s Republican convention, they need to understand that there will be a price to be paid with consumers for their decision. Those who sponsor Trump’s racism are just as guilty as the Trump supporter who punched the African-American protester."
See For Yourself: The More a Republican Candidate Lies, the More Popular They Become
See For Yourself: The More a Republican Candidate Lies, the More Popular They Become
"So it makes perfect sense that Donald Trump is the overwhelming frontrunner, because nearly everything he says is a lie. Though what’s even more ironic is one of the top things his supporters list about him when asked why they support him is that “he’s honest and tells it like it is.” No, he doesn’t. Trump is single-handedly proving that most Republicans couldn’t care less about facts or reality."
"So it makes perfect sense that Donald Trump is the overwhelming frontrunner, because nearly everything he says is a lie. Though what’s even more ironic is one of the top things his supporters list about him when asked why they support him is that “he’s honest and tells it like it is.” No, he doesn’t. Trump is single-handedly proving that most Republicans couldn’t care less about facts or reality."
Second white-on-black assault caught on video from horrifying Trump rally in North Carolina
Second white-on-black assault caught on video from horrifying Trump rally in North Carolina
"At the end of the video, a white man says to him, ‘Hey, f*ck you, baby, f*ck you!” and slaps him."
"At the end of the video, a white man says to him, ‘Hey, f*ck you, baby, f*ck you!” and slaps him."
Dear Republicans: Trump and Cruz Prove That If Your Party Doesn't Change, It's Going to Destroy Us All
Dear Republicans: Trump and Cruz Prove That If Your Party Doesn't Change, It's Going to Destroy Us All
"The modern-day Republican party is driven by fear, hate, racism, bigotry and paranoia. This explains why when someone like Trump hesitates to instantly condemn David Duke, it’s not that big of a deal. Why would it be? While Republicans will deny it, Duke’s ignorant views aren’t all that far off from those of many Republicans. Hell, in September 2013, Cruz heaped praise on the late Sen. Jesse Helms, saying he wished we had 100 senators just like him. The same Jesse Helms who was a renowned racist, bigot and called the Civil Rights Act one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation in history. Not only that, but Cruz has embraced the endorsement of a pastor who’s said that Adolf Hitler was “sent by God” to hunt and kill Jews for not converting. He defended that endorsement. Furthermore, is this not the same party represented in the media by the likes of Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity? You know, individuals who make tens of millions of dollars peddling hate, bigotry, fear, propaganda and lies? The rise of candidates like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz is just the latest blip on the radar of radical conservatism. These are the types of candidates to which Republican voters are flocking to in droves all across the country. The Republican party can stop this, they just have to change who they are. They have to get back to the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower. They have to dump this blind devotion to their myths of Ronald Reagan. They have to cast out people like Grover Norquist and Karl Rove. They have to shun the religious fanaticism that’s engulfed their party since the 60’s. Will they? Probably not."
"The modern-day Republican party is driven by fear, hate, racism, bigotry and paranoia. This explains why when someone like Trump hesitates to instantly condemn David Duke, it’s not that big of a deal. Why would it be? While Republicans will deny it, Duke’s ignorant views aren’t all that far off from those of many Republicans. Hell, in September 2013, Cruz heaped praise on the late Sen. Jesse Helms, saying he wished we had 100 senators just like him. The same Jesse Helms who was a renowned racist, bigot and called the Civil Rights Act one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation in history. Not only that, but Cruz has embraced the endorsement of a pastor who’s said that Adolf Hitler was “sent by God” to hunt and kill Jews for not converting. He defended that endorsement. Furthermore, is this not the same party represented in the media by the likes of Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity? You know, individuals who make tens of millions of dollars peddling hate, bigotry, fear, propaganda and lies? The rise of candidates like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz is just the latest blip on the radar of radical conservatism. These are the types of candidates to which Republican voters are flocking to in droves all across the country. The Republican party can stop this, they just have to change who they are. They have to get back to the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower. They have to dump this blind devotion to their myths of Ronald Reagan. They have to cast out people like Grover Norquist and Karl Rove. They have to shun the religious fanaticism that’s engulfed their party since the 60’s. Will they? Probably not."
“The next time we see him we might have to kill him”: It’s dangerous to be black at a Trump rally
“The next time we see him we might have to kill him”: It’s dangerous to be black at a Trump rally
"The latest assault comes a week after a young black woman was attacked at a Trump rally in Louisville, Kentucky."
"The latest assault comes a week after a young black woman was attacked at a Trump rally in Louisville, Kentucky."
Trump-Supporting KKK Leader: I Am Not A Racist
Trump-Supporting KKK Leader: I Am Not A Racist
"He also hopes Trump gets to build that wall between the U.S. and Mexico to stop the "white genocide" that is going on in America today."
"He also hopes Trump gets to build that wall between the U.S. and Mexico to stop the "white genocide" that is going on in America today."
Friday, March 11, 2016
Why Seniors—Not CEOs—Deserve a Raise
Why Seniors—Not CEOs—Deserve a Raise
"Any conversation about tackling poverty in the United States should include protecting and expanding Social Security. The reason is pretty straightforward: Social Security is the most powerful tool available to lift people out of poverty. Nearly two-thirds of seniors depend on Social Security for the majority of their income, and millions more children and adults depend upon survivors and disability benefits. According to Center for Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of Census data, Social Security kept 21 million Americans out of poverty in the last year alone. All told, that’s more people than any other government program. Social Security works. No one runs out of benefits, and payments don’t rise and fall with the stock market. Despite scare tactics from Republicans in Congress, the facts are clear. Social Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. If we do nothing, Social Security will be safe for the next 18 years, and after that will continue to pay three-quarters of benefits through the end of the century. Of course, we don’t have to sit by and to do nothing. Since its beginning, Social Security has been adjusted from time to time, and that’s what we need to do now. With some modest adjustments, it is possible to keep the system solvent for decades more, even while increasing benefits."
"Any conversation about tackling poverty in the United States should include protecting and expanding Social Security. The reason is pretty straightforward: Social Security is the most powerful tool available to lift people out of poverty. Nearly two-thirds of seniors depend on Social Security for the majority of their income, and millions more children and adults depend upon survivors and disability benefits. According to Center for Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of Census data, Social Security kept 21 million Americans out of poverty in the last year alone. All told, that’s more people than any other government program. Social Security works. No one runs out of benefits, and payments don’t rise and fall with the stock market. Despite scare tactics from Republicans in Congress, the facts are clear. Social Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. If we do nothing, Social Security will be safe for the next 18 years, and after that will continue to pay three-quarters of benefits through the end of the century. Of course, we don’t have to sit by and to do nothing. Since its beginning, Social Security has been adjusted from time to time, and that’s what we need to do now. With some modest adjustments, it is possible to keep the system solvent for decades more, even while increasing benefits."
Kansas Would Rather Impeach Their Supreme Court Than Pay For Schools
Kansas Would Rather Impeach Their Supreme Court Than Pay For Schools
"I'm sure no one will see any influence from Koch Industries or Charles Koch when they hear that Kansas lawmakers are considering impeachment of Kansas Supreme Court justices over simply funding their public schools properly, right? Because that's what's happening."
"I'm sure no one will see any influence from Koch Industries or Charles Koch when they hear that Kansas lawmakers are considering impeachment of Kansas Supreme Court justices over simply funding their public schools properly, right? Because that's what's happening."
Too Loony for Fox News: Fox Created the Fact-Free GOP, Then Trump Stole It Away @alternet
Too Loony for Fox News: Fox Created the Fact-Free GOP, Then Trump Stole It Away @alternet: "Gullible Fox viewers are the most misinformed. That made it easy for Donald Trump to fill vacuum of ignorance, fear."
Another Trump rally turns violent: Black protestor punched in the face while being kicked out of North Carolina rally by police
Another Trump rally turns violent: Black protestor punched in the face while being kicked out of North Carolina rally by police
"Donald Trump’s supporters turned violent against non-violent protestors again, this time at a North Carolina rally Wednesday evening where one Trump fan even punched a passing protestor square in the face as he attempted to leave. While the Republican presidential frontrunner and carnival barker has long drawn protestors and bellicose supporters alike to his campaign rallies with controversial rhetoric, in recent days peaceful protesters have been repeatedly met with more might from security officials and more vitriol from Trump supporters. Two different groups of African-American students were profiled and kicked out of Trump rallies on college campuses in two different states recently. Trump supporters have physically attacked protesters at Trump’s events on a number of occasions and video of this latest incident shows a Trump supporter boldly assaulting a protestor right in front of police officers."
"Donald Trump’s supporters turned violent against non-violent protestors again, this time at a North Carolina rally Wednesday evening where one Trump fan even punched a passing protestor square in the face as he attempted to leave. While the Republican presidential frontrunner and carnival barker has long drawn protestors and bellicose supporters alike to his campaign rallies with controversial rhetoric, in recent days peaceful protesters have been repeatedly met with more might from security officials and more vitriol from Trump supporters. Two different groups of African-American students were profiled and kicked out of Trump rallies on college campuses in two different states recently. Trump supporters have physically attacked protesters at Trump’s events on a number of occasions and video of this latest incident shows a Trump supporter boldly assaulting a protestor right in front of police officers."
Robert Reich: Donald Trump, 21st-Century American Fascist @alternet
Robert Reich: Donald Trump, 21st-Century American Fascist @alternet:
"There are further parallels. Fascists glorified national power and greatness, fanning xenophobia and war. Trump’s entire foreign policy consists of asserting American power against other nations. Mexico “will” finance a wall. China “will” stop manipulating its currency. In pursuit of their nationalistic aims, the fascists disregarded international law. Trump is the same. He recently proposed using torture against terrorists, and punishing their families, both in clear violation of international law. Finally, the fascists created their mass followings directly, without political parties or other intermediaries standing between them and their legions of supporters. Trump’s tweets and rallies similarly circumvent all filters. The Republican Party is irrelevant to his campaign, and he considers the media an enemy. (Reporters covering his rallies are kept behind a steel barrier.) Viewing Donald Trump in light of the fascists of the first half of the twentieth century – who used economic stresses to scapegoat others, created cults of personality, intimidated opponents, incited violence, glorified their nations and disregarded international law, and connected directly with the masses – helps explain what Trump is doing and how he is succeeding. It also suggests why Donald Trump presents such a profound danger to the future of America and the world."
"There are further parallels. Fascists glorified national power and greatness, fanning xenophobia and war. Trump’s entire foreign policy consists of asserting American power against other nations. Mexico “will” finance a wall. China “will” stop manipulating its currency. In pursuit of their nationalistic aims, the fascists disregarded international law. Trump is the same. He recently proposed using torture against terrorists, and punishing their families, both in clear violation of international law. Finally, the fascists created their mass followings directly, without political parties or other intermediaries standing between them and their legions of supporters. Trump’s tweets and rallies similarly circumvent all filters. The Republican Party is irrelevant to his campaign, and he considers the media an enemy. (Reporters covering his rallies are kept behind a steel barrier.) Viewing Donald Trump in light of the fascists of the first half of the twentieth century – who used economic stresses to scapegoat others, created cults of personality, intimidated opponents, incited violence, glorified their nations and disregarded international law, and connected directly with the masses – helps explain what Trump is doing and how he is succeeding. It also suggests why Donald Trump presents such a profound danger to the future of America and the world."
Trump Ramps Up His Private Intelligence Gathering, Security Services
Trump Ramps Up His Private Intelligence Gathering, Security Services
"Trump is ramping up the Gestapo tactics at his rallies to get us all used to the destruction of the first amendment when it's expressed in any form other than money, which will always be speech, especially to a white nationalist billionaire."
"Trump is ramping up the Gestapo tactics at his rallies to get us all used to the destruction of the first amendment when it's expressed in any form other than money, which will always be speech, especially to a white nationalist billionaire."
Trump Supporter Who Punched Protester Says 'We Might Have To Kill Him Next Time'
Trump Supporter Who Punched Protester Says 'We Might Have To Kill Him Next Time'
"I'll wait for Trump to claim (yet again) that his extremist rhetoric isn't creating an environment for extreme violence."
"I'll wait for Trump to claim (yet again) that his extremist rhetoric isn't creating an environment for extreme violence."
Cashing in on Kids: 172 ALEC Education Bills Push Privatization in 2015
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/03/13054/cashing-kids-172-alec-education-bills-2015
"One of ALEC's biggest funders is Koch Industries and the Koch brothers' fortune. The Kochs have had a seat at the table—where the private sector votes as equals with legislators—on ALEC's education task force via their "grassroots" group Americans for Prosperity and their Freedom Partners group, which was described as the Kochs' "secret bank." The Kochs also have a voice on ALEC's Education Task Force through multiple state-based think tanks of the State Policy Network, ALEC's sister organization, which is funded by many of the same corporations and foundations and donor entities. ALEC's Education Task Force is also funded by the billionaire DeVos family, which bankrolls a privatization operation called "American Federation of Children," and by for-profit corporations like K12 Inc., which was founded by junk-bond king Michael Milliken. ALEC's education task force has pushed legislation for decades to privatize public schools, weaken teacher's unions, and lower teaching standards. ALEC's agenda would transform public education from a public and accountable institution that serves the public into one that serves private, for-profit interests. ALEC model bills divert taxpayer money from public to private schools through a variety of "voucher" and "tuition tax credit" programs. They promote unaccountable charter schools and shift power away from democratically elected local school boards."
"One of ALEC's biggest funders is Koch Industries and the Koch brothers' fortune. The Kochs have had a seat at the table—where the private sector votes as equals with legislators—on ALEC's education task force via their "grassroots" group Americans for Prosperity and their Freedom Partners group, which was described as the Kochs' "secret bank." The Kochs also have a voice on ALEC's Education Task Force through multiple state-based think tanks of the State Policy Network, ALEC's sister organization, which is funded by many of the same corporations and foundations and donor entities. ALEC's Education Task Force is also funded by the billionaire DeVos family, which bankrolls a privatization operation called "American Federation of Children," and by for-profit corporations like K12 Inc., which was founded by junk-bond king Michael Milliken. ALEC's education task force has pushed legislation for decades to privatize public schools, weaken teacher's unions, and lower teaching standards. ALEC's agenda would transform public education from a public and accountable institution that serves the public into one that serves private, for-profit interests. ALEC model bills divert taxpayer money from public to private schools through a variety of "voucher" and "tuition tax credit" programs. They promote unaccountable charter schools and shift power away from democratically elected local school boards."
Southern counties with highest prevalence of slavery historically more likely to vote Republican, study shows
Southern counties with highest prevalence of slavery historically more likely to vote Republican, study shows
"For some, the findings reiterate something that is already widely known: the “Southern strategy.” Republican politicians have after all, for decades tapped into many white Southerners’ racism to engage voter support"
"For some, the findings reiterate something that is already widely known: the “Southern strategy.” Republican politicians have after all, for decades tapped into many white Southerners’ racism to engage voter support"
On Race and More, Donald Trump Is a Perfect Fit for the GOP
On Race and More, Donald Trump Is a Perfect Fit for the GOP
"The GOP has been exploiting race by nurturing racism for at least 50 years, since LBJ was said to have prophetically lamented that the Democratic Party would lose the South for a generation as its punishment for passing civil rights legislation. And for the past 15 years — since the 9/11 attacks — the GOP has similarly contributed to and profited from a simmering xenophobia in the United States. Reasonable discussions on immigration policy, as a result, are unthinkable within the party. Trump and his resume of hatred is more of the same. It is just that Trump doesn’t bother with nuance, filters or, in what has become a cliché, the “dog whistles” of coded communication employed by Republicans."
"The GOP has been exploiting race by nurturing racism for at least 50 years, since LBJ was said to have prophetically lamented that the Democratic Party would lose the South for a generation as its punishment for passing civil rights legislation. And for the past 15 years — since the 9/11 attacks — the GOP has similarly contributed to and profited from a simmering xenophobia in the United States. Reasonable discussions on immigration policy, as a result, are unthinkable within the party. Trump and his resume of hatred is more of the same. It is just that Trump doesn’t bother with nuance, filters or, in what has become a cliché, the “dog whistles” of coded communication employed by Republicans."
Lyin' Ryan Peddles Same Old Trickle Down Snake Oil At CPAC
Lyin' Ryan Peddles Same Old Trickle Down Snake Oil At CPAC
"Ryan then goes on to argue that tax cuts, especially for the rich, will somehow help the Average Joe lift himself out of poverty. It hasn't worked since St. Ronnie started it and it ain't about to work now. Ryan's theory is apparently if tax cuts for the rich didn't work, the answer is obviously more of the same."
"Ryan then goes on to argue that tax cuts, especially for the rich, will somehow help the Average Joe lift himself out of poverty. It hasn't worked since St. Ronnie started it and it ain't about to work now. Ryan's theory is apparently if tax cuts for the rich didn't work, the answer is obviously more of the same."
The Republican Party's Ku Klux Klan 'problem' is much bigger than just Donald Trump
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/6/1494960/-The-Republican-Party-s-Ku-Klux-Klan-problem-is-much-bigger-than-just-Donald-Trump
"In the post-civil rights era conservatism and racism are one and the same thing. Because of that dynamic, the Republican Party is the United States’ largest white identity organization. The white supremacist behavior and attitudes of today’s Republican Party are legion. The Southern Strategy of using subtle and overt racial appeals to win over white voters has been the preferred strategy of the Republican Party since the 1960s."
"In the post-civil rights era conservatism and racism are one and the same thing. Because of that dynamic, the Republican Party is the United States’ largest white identity organization. The white supremacist behavior and attitudes of today’s Republican Party are legion. The Southern Strategy of using subtle and overt racial appeals to win over white voters has been the preferred strategy of the Republican Party since the 1960s."
Rubio Announces His Neocon Dream Team
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/03/marco-rubio-announces-his-neocon-dream-team
"Among the 18 members of Rubio's new "National Security Advisory Council," which his campaign announced on Monday, are Elliott Abrams, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush who's best known for lying to Congress about the Reagan administration's role in the Iran-Contra scandal; Eliot Cohen, a historian, Iraq war supporter, and lawyer at the State Department during the Bush administration; Michael Chertoff, the secretary of homeland security during Bush's second term; and Michael Mukasey, a Bush administration attorney general. Abrams and Cohen were members of the Project for a New American Century, an early-2000s group of neconservatives who pushed for big increases in defense spending, more American military intervention abroad, regime change in Iraq, and other policies that became Bush administration staples."
"Among the 18 members of Rubio's new "National Security Advisory Council," which his campaign announced on Monday, are Elliott Abrams, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush who's best known for lying to Congress about the Reagan administration's role in the Iran-Contra scandal; Eliot Cohen, a historian, Iraq war supporter, and lawyer at the State Department during the Bush administration; Michael Chertoff, the secretary of homeland security during Bush's second term; and Michael Mukasey, a Bush administration attorney general. Abrams and Cohen were members of the Project for a New American Century, an early-2000s group of neconservatives who pushed for big increases in defense spending, more American military intervention abroad, regime change in Iraq, and other policies that became Bush administration staples."
GOP Candidates Will Reverse Obama’s Record Deficit Reduction
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/07/gop-candidates-reverse-obamas-record-deficit-reduction.html
"The media should have trumpeted the news that President Barack Obama had “virtually eliminated the over $1.4 trillion deficit legacy he inherited from the Bush administration” and reduced it to $439 billion in fiscal 2015 (Sept. 30). According to economic experts, under President Barack Obama “the deficit was normalizing for the first time in 50 years; since 1965.” The deficit has continued to fall with the latest monthly report showing a budget surplus coming in at a respectable $55 billion"
"The media should have trumpeted the news that President Barack Obama had “virtually eliminated the over $1.4 trillion deficit legacy he inherited from the Bush administration” and reduced it to $439 billion in fiscal 2015 (Sept. 30). According to economic experts, under President Barack Obama “the deficit was normalizing for the first time in 50 years; since 1965.” The deficit has continued to fall with the latest monthly report showing a budget surplus coming in at a respectable $55 billion"
Bobby Jindal’s Anti-Tax Fervor May Have Destroyed Louisiana
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/03/07/3757416/jindal-louisiana-budget-crisis/
"Louisiana’s new leaders made headlines last month for mentioning that a budget crisis may jeopardize the elite Louisiana State University football program. But the flood of red ink that former Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) left behind is so all-consuming that Louisiana may soon cease to function as a state in far more fundamental ways. The basic services a government provides — watchdogs to guard abused and abandoned children, emergency rooms and hospitals, scholarships and safety-net stipends to lift families out of poverty — will barely be able to keep the lights on unless politicians can find $3 billion in new revenue in the coming days."
"Louisiana’s new leaders made headlines last month for mentioning that a budget crisis may jeopardize the elite Louisiana State University football program. But the flood of red ink that former Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) left behind is so all-consuming that Louisiana may soon cease to function as a state in far more fundamental ways. The basic services a government provides — watchdogs to guard abused and abandoned children, emergency rooms and hospitals, scholarships and safety-net stipends to lift families out of poverty — will barely be able to keep the lights on unless politicians can find $3 billion in new revenue in the coming days."
Trump’s trade hypocrisy exposed, again: Trump tower in New Jersey funded by Chinese investors
Trump’s trade hypocrisy exposed, again: Trump tower in New Jersey funded by Chinese investors
"Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has endured some criticism from his Republican opponents for his hypocritical trashing of Chinese trade policies while simultaneously using Chinese labor for his clothing lines. Well, now there’s another challenge to Trump’s anti-China rhetoric. According to Bloomberg News, Trump used a “Sopranos”-themed promotional video with Chinese subtitles aimed at attracting Chinese investors for a New Jersey Trump branded tower."
"Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has endured some criticism from his Republican opponents for his hypocritical trashing of Chinese trade policies while simultaneously using Chinese labor for his clothing lines. Well, now there’s another challenge to Trump’s anti-China rhetoric. According to Bloomberg News, Trump used a “Sopranos”-themed promotional video with Chinese subtitles aimed at attracting Chinese investors for a New Jersey Trump branded tower."
Remember When Scott Walker's Reforms Were Going to Deliver a Booming Economy?
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/02/13050/remember-when-scott-walkers-reforms-were-going-deliver-booming-economy
"After pursuing a recipe of tax breaks for the rich, steep cuts in vital public services, two union-busting measures, the repeal of higher wages for construction workers, the only kudos Wisconsin has garnered recently is for being FIRST IN THE NATION for its rapidly shrinking middle class and for a record plant closing and layoff rate not seen since the Wall Street meltdown of 2008."
"After pursuing a recipe of tax breaks for the rich, steep cuts in vital public services, two union-busting measures, the repeal of higher wages for construction workers, the only kudos Wisconsin has garnered recently is for being FIRST IN THE NATION for its rapidly shrinking middle class and for a record plant closing and layoff rate not seen since the Wall Street meltdown of 2008."
Koch-ALEC Right to Work Power Play Exposed in a Small Illinois Village
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/03/13055/koch-alec-right-work-power-play-exposed-illinois
"So how did a town with a population of 7,280 become a frontline in the national fight to destroy unions? Because Lincolnshire is in the vanguard of the latest, localized scheme to dismantle unions drawn directly from the Koch playbook. A closer look at the lengths Lincolnshire's mayor and some members of the village's Board of Trustees went to in order to pass a right-to-work ordinance—which included ignoring legal opinions, constituents and the media—reveals how nationally-funded conservative organizations are using local government to gain a foothold in their fight to weaken unions everywhere."
"So how did a town with a population of 7,280 become a frontline in the national fight to destroy unions? Because Lincolnshire is in the vanguard of the latest, localized scheme to dismantle unions drawn directly from the Koch playbook. A closer look at the lengths Lincolnshire's mayor and some members of the village's Board of Trustees went to in order to pass a right-to-work ordinance—which included ignoring legal opinions, constituents and the media—reveals how nationally-funded conservative organizations are using local government to gain a foothold in their fight to weaken unions everywhere."
Fox News Hides Newt Gingrich's Six-Figure Conflict Of Interest In Anti-Union Commentary
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/03/04/fox-news-hides-newt-gingrichs-six-figure-confli/209023
"Fox News and Fox Business have allowed Newt Gingrich to praise anti-union legislation without disclosing that he's been paid at least $140,000 by an organization lobbying for the bill in question."
"Fox News and Fox Business have allowed Newt Gingrich to praise anti-union legislation without disclosing that he's been paid at least $140,000 by an organization lobbying for the bill in question."
Flint Water Crisis Reinforces Importance Of Unions (VIDEOS)
Flint Water Crisis Reinforces Importance Of Unions (VIDEOS)
"I found this video fascinating, not just for the information provided, but the fact that it takes expertise and professionalism to combat this problem. Enter the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Conservatives hate unions until they need their expertise to solve problems caused by...you guessed it...hatred of unions and unwillingness to fund a society with working infrastructure for everyone. Meanwhile, it's unions who have come to the aid of Flint, Michigan. Go Unions!"
"I found this video fascinating, not just for the information provided, but the fact that it takes expertise and professionalism to combat this problem. Enter the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Conservatives hate unions until they need their expertise to solve problems caused by...you guessed it...hatred of unions and unwillingness to fund a society with working infrastructure for everyone. Meanwhile, it's unions who have come to the aid of Flint, Michigan. Go Unions!"
Who’s Driving The GOP’s Supreme Court Blockade?
Who’s Driving The GOP’s Supreme Court Blockade?:
"This “let the people decide” message belies the true goals of the groups pushing it — not some idealistic belief in good governance, but an effort to shape a Supreme Court that favors business interests at the expense of workers and consumers and that helps to turn back the clock on women, LGBT people and religious minorities."
"This “let the people decide” message belies the true goals of the groups pushing it — not some idealistic belief in good governance, but an effort to shape a Supreme Court that favors business interests at the expense of workers and consumers and that helps to turn back the clock on women, LGBT people and religious minorities."
Back when Trump was pro-outsourcing, before he was a politician
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/3/1495175/-Back-when-Trump-was-pro-outsourcing-before-he-was-a-politician
"A decade ago, before Trump was a politician, he had a much different view on outsourcing: It was often a good thing, he said. In 2005, Trump wrote a blog post on outsourcing that appeared on the website of his now defunct Trump University (which is the subject of a civil suit alleging fraud). The blog post was headlined, "Outsourcing Creates Jobs in the Long Run." In it, Trump advised workers who lost their jobs to adopt a longer view and consider how outsourcing could be good for the overall economy."
"A decade ago, before Trump was a politician, he had a much different view on outsourcing: It was often a good thing, he said. In 2005, Trump wrote a blog post on outsourcing that appeared on the website of his now defunct Trump University (which is the subject of a civil suit alleging fraud). The blog post was headlined, "Outsourcing Creates Jobs in the Long Run." In it, Trump advised workers who lost their jobs to adopt a longer view and consider how outsourcing could be good for the overall economy."
Paul Ryan Busted By Fact Checkers For Lying About Obama Obstruction Precedent
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/03/05/paul-ryan-busted-fact-checkers-lying-obama-obstruction-precedent.html
"Paul Ryan has a history of ignoring the truth, and public opinion, while he pursues his ideological goals."
"Paul Ryan has a history of ignoring the truth, and public opinion, while he pursues his ideological goals."
Watch Marco Rubio Promise To Launch Four Ground Wars If Elected President (VIDEO)
Watch Marco Rubio Promise To Launch Four Ground Wars If Elected President (VIDEO)
"Is there a war that Sen. Marco Rubio isn't willing to send your children to die in for the sake of geopolitics? Apparently not."
"Is there a war that Sen. Marco Rubio isn't willing to send your children to die in for the sake of geopolitics? Apparently not."
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's GOP Prays for People's Prejudices
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's GOP Prays for People's Prejudices
"Speaker Ryan was more than a little disingenuous to complain that "this party does not prey on people's prejudices." After all, Ryan himself hasn't shied away from the dog whistle when lecturing about "makers and takers" turning "the safety net into a hammock" in "our inner cities." More embarrassing, his Louisiana colleague Steve Scalise isn't just the House Majority Whip (you can't make this stuff up), but once boasted that he was "like David Duke without the baggage." Worse still, as growing numbers of Republicans followed Donald Trump in doubting Barack Obama's well-documented birth in Hawaii, the GOP's best and brightest--including Ryan's 2012 running mate Mitt Romney--refused to denounce the bigots in their midst."
"Speaker Ryan was more than a little disingenuous to complain that "this party does not prey on people's prejudices." After all, Ryan himself hasn't shied away from the dog whistle when lecturing about "makers and takers" turning "the safety net into a hammock" in "our inner cities." More embarrassing, his Louisiana colleague Steve Scalise isn't just the House Majority Whip (you can't make this stuff up), but once boasted that he was "like David Duke without the baggage." Worse still, as growing numbers of Republicans followed Donald Trump in doubting Barack Obama's well-documented birth in Hawaii, the GOP's best and brightest--including Ryan's 2012 running mate Mitt Romney--refused to denounce the bigots in their midst."
Tubby-Fingered Trump Sinks To The Lowest Of Lows: Talks About Genitals During Debate
http://trofire.com/2016/03/04/trump-sinks-to-the-lowest-of-lows-talks-about-genitals-during-debate/
"Thursday night’s debate was once again a race to the bottom to see what sort of wasteland Donald Trump would leave the Republican party in – and by extension, American Democracy. Anyone hoping for a “good time” was not disappointed as Trump once again set precedent in a way no one ever expected or even asked for. During the debate, the candidate referred to comments Marco Rubio had made last week about the size of Trump’s hands. It is well documented that Trump is strangely insecure about the size of his tubby little piggies to the extent that the journalist who first pointed them out decades ago still gets photos to this day with captions like “See? Not so stubby.” It sounds like Rubio is soon to be added to that mailing list as Trump took time out from the debate to defend his chubby digits – and his manhood as well."
"Thursday night’s debate was once again a race to the bottom to see what sort of wasteland Donald Trump would leave the Republican party in – and by extension, American Democracy. Anyone hoping for a “good time” was not disappointed as Trump once again set precedent in a way no one ever expected or even asked for. During the debate, the candidate referred to comments Marco Rubio had made last week about the size of Trump’s hands. It is well documented that Trump is strangely insecure about the size of his tubby little piggies to the extent that the journalist who first pointed them out decades ago still gets photos to this day with captions like “See? Not so stubby.” It sounds like Rubio is soon to be added to that mailing list as Trump took time out from the debate to defend his chubby digits – and his manhood as well."
Obama Just Crushed The Argument That He’s To Blame For The Rise Of Trump
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/10/3758695/obama-trump-rise/
"Barack Obama just crushed the argument that he’s to blame for the rise of Donald Trump. “I have been blamed by Republicans for a lot of things, but being blamed for their primaries and who they’re selecting for their party is novel,” Obama said at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minter Justin Trudeau Thursday. “I don’t think that I was the one to prompt questions about my birth certificate… I don’t remember saying, ‘Hey, why don’t you ask me about that?'” Obama said “Why don’t you, you know, question whether I’m American or whether I’m loyal or whether I have America’s best interests at heart. Those aren’t things that were prompted by any actions of mine. And so what you’re seeing within the Republican party is to some degree all those efforts over a course of time, creating an environment where somebody like a Donald Trump can thrive"."
"Barack Obama just crushed the argument that he’s to blame for the rise of Donald Trump. “I have been blamed by Republicans for a lot of things, but being blamed for their primaries and who they’re selecting for their party is novel,” Obama said at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minter Justin Trudeau Thursday. “I don’t think that I was the one to prompt questions about my birth certificate… I don’t remember saying, ‘Hey, why don’t you ask me about that?'” Obama said “Why don’t you, you know, question whether I’m American or whether I’m loyal or whether I have America’s best interests at heart. Those aren’t things that were prompted by any actions of mine. And so what you’re seeing within the Republican party is to some degree all those efforts over a course of time, creating an environment where somebody like a Donald Trump can thrive"."
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
The Republican Party burned itself: How years of racist demagoguing paved the way for this terrifying moment
The Republican Party burned itself: How years of racist demagoguing paved the way for this terrifying moment
"American conservatism has become a movement based more on the extremist spirit of Robert Welch than the ideals of William F. Buckley. The former, who founded the John Birch Society (along with Fred Koch, father of the Koch brothers), promoted outlandish and paranoid conspiracy theories in the sixties, even once implying that President Dwight Eisenhower was a communist infiltrator. His organization was an ally of Alabama governor and anti-segregationist George Wallace, and once claimed that the Civil Rights movement was Moscow-backed, with the intention of creating a “Soviet Negro Republic.” This bizarre extremism earned condemnation from Buckley and his publication, National Review, and the Birch Society was designated to the fringe of the conservative movement. But no longer. This paranoid style is now a part of mainstream conservatism, and birther is the new Bircher. Donald Trump is the demagogue that crazies and racists have long waited for, and the GOP establishment, which is now in full-blown panic mode, created this monster."
"American conservatism has become a movement based more on the extremist spirit of Robert Welch than the ideals of William F. Buckley. The former, who founded the John Birch Society (along with Fred Koch, father of the Koch brothers), promoted outlandish and paranoid conspiracy theories in the sixties, even once implying that President Dwight Eisenhower was a communist infiltrator. His organization was an ally of Alabama governor and anti-segregationist George Wallace, and once claimed that the Civil Rights movement was Moscow-backed, with the intention of creating a “Soviet Negro Republic.” This bizarre extremism earned condemnation from Buckley and his publication, National Review, and the Birch Society was designated to the fringe of the conservative movement. But no longer. This paranoid style is now a part of mainstream conservatism, and birther is the new Bircher. Donald Trump is the demagogue that crazies and racists have long waited for, and the GOP establishment, which is now in full-blown panic mode, created this monster."
Trump’s new Florida ally is a vile Sandy Hook truther who mocks parents with dead children
Trump’s new Florida ally is a vile Sandy Hook truther who mocks parents with dead children
"Front-running GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump is calling it a “great honor” to receive the endorsement of a Florida pastor who mocked the parents of children killed at Sandy Hook and claimed they were “actors"."
"Front-running GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump is calling it a “great honor” to receive the endorsement of a Florida pastor who mocked the parents of children killed at Sandy Hook and claimed they were “actors"."
This is how the GOP imploded: The real story behind the conservative crack-up, and the creation of Donald Trump
This is how the GOP imploded: The real story behind the conservative crack-up, and the creation of Donald Trump
"Movement Conservatives stood firmly against taxes and government activism, but they built their power by adding racism to their anti-government crusade. They argued that tax dollars redistributed wealth from hardworking white people to undeserving people of color and women. This argument proved a winner when Movement Conservative Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater’s only five states in 1964–aside from his home state—were in the Deep South. In 1968, Nixon captured Goldwater voters by adopting the Southern Strategy to assure white southerners that the days of federal enforcement of civil rights were ending. In 1980, Reagan began his general election campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where three civil rights workers had been murdered during Freedom Summer, and told the crowd, “I believe in states’ rights.” The message was unmistakable. He also used the image of the “Welfare Queen,” a black woman who stole tax dollars by making fraudulent welfare claims, in winning the presidency. With a Movement Conservative in the White House, the faction’s leaders tied the Republican Party to tax cuts, the deregulation of business, and the end of social welfare policies. Then, when even racism did not produce enough popular support for their economic policies, leaders welcomed evangelical voters into their movement, promising them conservative social legislation in exchange for their votes."
"Movement Conservatives stood firmly against taxes and government activism, but they built their power by adding racism to their anti-government crusade. They argued that tax dollars redistributed wealth from hardworking white people to undeserving people of color and women. This argument proved a winner when Movement Conservative Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater’s only five states in 1964–aside from his home state—were in the Deep South. In 1968, Nixon captured Goldwater voters by adopting the Southern Strategy to assure white southerners that the days of federal enforcement of civil rights were ending. In 1980, Reagan began his general election campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where three civil rights workers had been murdered during Freedom Summer, and told the crowd, “I believe in states’ rights.” The message was unmistakable. He also used the image of the “Welfare Queen,” a black woman who stole tax dollars by making fraudulent welfare claims, in winning the presidency. With a Movement Conservative in the White House, the faction’s leaders tied the Republican Party to tax cuts, the deregulation of business, and the end of social welfare policies. Then, when even racism did not produce enough popular support for their economic policies, leaders welcomed evangelical voters into their movement, promising them conservative social legislation in exchange for their votes."
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