GOP's Corporate Lackies Block Climate Change Science At Every Turn
"Republicans are the original party of "see no evil." Like toddlers, they think if they close their eyes, "You can't see me!" Can't wait to see how that philosophy works out!"
Friday, March 20, 2015
The Only Place It Was Cold This Winter Was The East Coast Of The United States
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/18/3635560/noaa-hottest-winter/
"Now entering its fourth year, the drought in California is so bad that NASA senior water scientist Jay Famiglietti warned that “the state has only about one year of water supply left in its reservoirs, and our strategic backup supply, groundwater, is rapidly disappearing.” Global warming-driven record heat has made this the worst California drought in 1200 years, as scientists explained in December.
The Earth keeps setting the record for the hottest 12 months in the surface temperature record, as we reported Saturday. NOAA’s global data show we’ve started this year at a record pace — and early indications are that March will be warm globally — so we are on track for what is likely to be the hottest calendar year on record."
"Now entering its fourth year, the drought in California is so bad that NASA senior water scientist Jay Famiglietti warned that “the state has only about one year of water supply left in its reservoirs, and our strategic backup supply, groundwater, is rapidly disappearing.” Global warming-driven record heat has made this the worst California drought in 1200 years, as scientists explained in December.
The Earth keeps setting the record for the hottest 12 months in the surface temperature record, as we reported Saturday. NOAA’s global data show we’ve started this year at a record pace — and early indications are that March will be warm globally — so we are on track for what is likely to be the hottest calendar year on record."
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
West Virginia Passes Bill Rolling Back Regulations On Chemical Storage Tanks
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/17/3634033/west-virginia-storage-tank-bill-passage/
"The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill that scales back regulations meant to protect state waterways from storage tank spills, a piece of legislation that some worry could leave the state’s water more vulnerable to the kind of spill that contaminated the water of 300,000 state residents last year."
"The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill that scales back regulations meant to protect state waterways from storage tank spills, a piece of legislation that some worry could leave the state’s water more vulnerable to the kind of spill that contaminated the water of 300,000 state residents last year."
What Will the World Look Like When Humans Go Extinct? | Alternet
What Will the World Look Like When Humans Go Extinct? | Alternet
"The sixth mass extinction is nearly upon us. Species on Earth are dying out at a rate one thousand times greater than they were before humans began altering the environment. By the end of this century, scientists warn, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the species on Earth could be lost forever.
And among those who might not make it out the other side, says science writer Michael Tennesen, are humans."
"The sixth mass extinction is nearly upon us. Species on Earth are dying out at a rate one thousand times greater than they were before humans began altering the environment. By the end of this century, scientists warn, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the species on Earth could be lost forever.
And among those who might not make it out the other side, says science writer Michael Tennesen, are humans."
San Diego Sues Monsanto for Polluting Bay With Banned Carcinogenic Chemicals
San Diego Sues Monsanto for Polluting Bay With Banned Carcinogenic Chemicals
"San Diego authorities filed a lawsuit on Monday against the agrochemical giant Monsanto, accusing the corporation of polluting the city's Bay with carcinogenic chemicals that are so dangerous to human health they were banned in the U.S. more than 30 years ago."
"San Diego authorities filed a lawsuit on Monday against the agrochemical giant Monsanto, accusing the corporation of polluting the city's Bay with carcinogenic chemicals that are so dangerous to human health they were banned in the U.S. more than 30 years ago."
Fukushima Radiation Found in Sample of Green Tea from Japan
Fukushima Radiation Found in Sample of Green Tea from Japan
"Four years after the multiple explosions and melt-downs at Fukushima, it seems the scary stories have only just begun to surface."
"Four years after the multiple explosions and melt-downs at Fukushima, it seems the scary stories have only just begun to surface."
Monday, March 16, 2015
Near record-breaking number of sea lion pups washing up on California beaches
Near record-breaking number of sea lion pups washing up on California beaches
"Over 1,450 emaciated sea lion pups have washed ashore in California in 2015, sparking concern among conservationists and putting a strain on nearby animal rescue centers. While some sea lions are found on beaches every year, this year, the number is already five times higher than it was in 2013, the worst season in recent history."
"Over 1,450 emaciated sea lion pups have washed ashore in California in 2015, sparking concern among conservationists and putting a strain on nearby animal rescue centers. While some sea lions are found on beaches every year, this year, the number is already five times higher than it was in 2013, the worst season in recent history."
Scott Walker Is the Worst Candidate for the Environment
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/03/scott-walker-environment-climate-change-2016
"Koch Industries gave $43,000 to Walker's 2010 election campaign, and just after he took office, the Kochs doubled their lobbying force in Madison. In 2011 and 2012, David Koch and Americans for Prosperity spent $11 million backing Walker's agenda and his successful effort to avoid being recalled."
"Koch Industries gave $43,000 to Walker's 2010 election campaign, and just after he took office, the Kochs doubled their lobbying force in Madison. In 2011 and 2012, David Koch and Americans for Prosperity spent $11 million backing Walker's agenda and his successful effort to avoid being recalled."
Koch Industries refuses to comply with US senators' climate investigation
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/13/koch-industries-refuses-senators-climate-investigation
"The Koch brothers’ conglomerate Koch Industries has refused to comply with an investigation by three Senate Democrats into whether the company has funded groups or researchers who deny or cast doubt on climate change."
"The Koch brothers’ conglomerate Koch Industries has refused to comply with an investigation by three Senate Democrats into whether the company has funded groups or researchers who deny or cast doubt on climate change."
What Would Happen If Wind Power Got The Same Tax Breaks As The Fossil Fuel Industry
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/13/3632999/wind-can-grow-but-it-probably-wont/
"America could get 10 percent of its power from wind by 2020; 20 percent by 2030; and 35 percent by 2050, the report said."
"America could get 10 percent of its power from wind by 2020; 20 percent by 2030; and 35 percent by 2050, the report said."
Four Years Since Fukushima, Calls Grow for Nuclear-Free World
Four Years Since Fukushima, Calls Grow for Nuclear-Free World
"Four years since disaster struck the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011—with nightmare yet to abate—the call for a future beyond nuclear power also continues."
"Four years since disaster struck the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011—with nightmare yet to abate—the call for a future beyond nuclear power also continues."
In Republicans’ ‘War On Nature,’ California Gets A Big Win
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/14/3633852/california-gets-major-new-marine-haven/
"Described as the “blue Serengeti” by scientists for their nutrient-rich areas, the sanctuaries support a diverse array of marine life, including 25 endangered or threatened species, 36 marine mammals, and more than a quarter million breeding seabirds, the largest colony of seabirds in the U.S. While the broadening of these wildlife havens had near unanimous local support in the Bay Area, previous attempts in Congress to pass their expansion had failed due to oil and gas industry opposition."
"Described as the “blue Serengeti” by scientists for their nutrient-rich areas, the sanctuaries support a diverse array of marine life, including 25 endangered or threatened species, 36 marine mammals, and more than a quarter million breeding seabirds, the largest colony of seabirds in the U.S. While the broadening of these wildlife havens had near unanimous local support in the Bay Area, previous attempts in Congress to pass their expansion had failed due to oil and gas industry opposition."
NASA: Earth Tops Hottest 12 Months On Record Again, Thanks To Warm February
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/15/3630404/nasa-hottest-12-months-record/
"There had never been as hot a 12-month period in NASA’s database as February 2014–January 2015. But that turned out to be a very short-lived record.
NASA reported this weekend that last month was the second-hottest February on record, which now makes March 2014–February 2015 the hottest 12 months on record."
"There had never been as hot a 12-month period in NASA’s database as February 2014–January 2015. But that turned out to be a very short-lived record.
NASA reported this weekend that last month was the second-hottest February on record, which now makes March 2014–February 2015 the hottest 12 months on record."
The Economic Fallout of the Freeze on Ohio’s Clean Energy Sector
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2015/03/10/108251/the-economic-fallout-of-the-freeze-on-ohios-clean-energy-sector/
"Passed in 2008 with overwhelming bipartisan support, Ohio’s renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards proved unambiguously successful in spurring economic progress in the state. Among their benefits were increased in-state investment and energy development, new jobs for Ohioans, and decreased electricity bills.
Despite broad public support for these standards, the Ohio legislature passed S.B. 310 in May 2014, which froze the state’s ramp-up schedules for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It subsequently passed H.B. 483, which dramatically increased the setback requirements for wind turbines. Gov. John Kasich (R) signed both bills into law in June 2014."
"Passed in 2008 with overwhelming bipartisan support, Ohio’s renewable energy and energy-efficiency standards proved unambiguously successful in spurring economic progress in the state. Among their benefits were increased in-state investment and energy development, new jobs for Ohioans, and decreased electricity bills.
Despite broad public support for these standards, the Ohio legislature passed S.B. 310 in May 2014, which froze the state’s ramp-up schedules for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It subsequently passed H.B. 483, which dramatically increased the setback requirements for wind turbines. Gov. John Kasich (R) signed both bills into law in June 2014."
The Quiet Plan To Sell Off America’s National Forests
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/16/3633814/gop-budget-public-lands/
"Despite these concerns — and despite the fact that these proposals are extremely expensive, unpopular, and most importantly, unconstitutional — there is a strong likelihood that Rep. Bishop’s request will be included in the House GOP’s budget, thanks to intensive lobbying efforts by a handful of right wing politicians and special interest groups."
"Despite these concerns — and despite the fact that these proposals are extremely expensive, unpopular, and most importantly, unconstitutional — there is a strong likelihood that Rep. Bishop’s request will be included in the House GOP’s budget, thanks to intensive lobbying efforts by a handful of right wing politicians and special interest groups."
Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?
Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?
"Unusually warm waters off the California coast are causing the highest number of sea lion pup strandings over the past decade, scientists say, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on the species' survival."
"Unusually warm waters off the California coast are causing the highest number of sea lion pup strandings over the past decade, scientists say, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on the species' survival."
Senator Whitehouse Exposes ALEC Climate Change Denial
Senator Whitehouse Exposes ALEC Climate Change Denial
"Sponsorship opportunities at ALEC conferences, held three times annually, are offered at several different levels. Its “President” level during its annual meeting comes with a $100,000 price tag, which Chevron, BP and Shell have all paid for in the past and its “Chairman” level at $50,000, which ExxonMobil has forked over.
The conferences, which bring together state legislators and corporate lobbyists, include “policy workshops,” that are also paid for by corporations at $40,000 for a session during ALEC’s annual meeting."
"Sponsorship opportunities at ALEC conferences, held three times annually, are offered at several different levels. Its “President” level during its annual meeting comes with a $100,000 price tag, which Chevron, BP and Shell have all paid for in the past and its “Chairman” level at $50,000, which ExxonMobil has forked over.
The conferences, which bring together state legislators and corporate lobbyists, include “policy workshops,” that are also paid for by corporations at $40,000 for a session during ALEC’s annual meeting."
The Ugly Truth Behind Chris Christie's Sweetheart Deal with Exxon | Alternet
The Ugly Truth Behind Chris Christie's Sweetheart Deal with Exxon | Alternet
"Last week, Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration settled New Jersey's long-standing environmental lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. for pennies on the dollar. For a decade, the state had been seeking $8.9 billion in damages for pollution at two refineries in the northern part of the state, and yet Christie's top officials abruptly proposed closing the case for just $225 million."
"Last week, Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration settled New Jersey's long-standing environmental lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. for pennies on the dollar. For a decade, the state had been seeking $8.9 billion in damages for pollution at two refineries in the northern part of the state, and yet Christie's top officials abruptly proposed closing the case for just $225 million."
How the Media Fails to Explain the Basic Science that Proves Climate Change | Alternet
How the Media Fails to Explain the Basic Science that Proves Climate Change | Alternet
"In the great media universe, it would be great to have at least a few instances of dealing with the science."
"In the great media universe, it would be great to have at least a few instances of dealing with the science."
California Will Soon Be Home To The Country’s Largest Floating Solar Array
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/12/3633029/floating-solar-in-california/
"Sonoma Clean Power in California’s wine country has announced that it will be building the largest floating solar array in the U.S., a project that’s scheduled to be completed in 2016 and will create enough energy to power 3,000 houses. The array will span six wastewater ponds filled with treated sewage."
"Sonoma Clean Power in California’s wine country has announced that it will be building the largest floating solar array in the U.S., a project that’s scheduled to be completed in 2016 and will create enough energy to power 3,000 houses. The array will span six wastewater ponds filled with treated sewage."
Saturday, March 14, 2015
California only has one year’s worth of its water supply left, NASA scientist warns
California only has one year’s worth of its water supply left, NASA scientist warns
"Plagued by prolonged drought, California now has only enough water to get it through the next year, according to NASA.
In an op-ed published Thursday by the Los Angeles Times, Jay Famiglietti, a senior water scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, painted a dire picture of the state's water crisis. California, he writes, has lost around 12 million acre-feet of stored water every year since 2011. In the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins, the combined water sources of snow, rivers, reservoirs, soil water and groundwater amounted to a volume that was 34 million acre-feet below normal levels in 2014. And there is no relief in sight."
"Plagued by prolonged drought, California now has only enough water to get it through the next year, according to NASA.
In an op-ed published Thursday by the Los Angeles Times, Jay Famiglietti, a senior water scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, painted a dire picture of the state's water crisis. California, he writes, has lost around 12 million acre-feet of stored water every year since 2011. In the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins, the combined water sources of snow, rivers, reservoirs, soil water and groundwater amounted to a volume that was 34 million acre-feet below normal levels in 2014. And there is no relief in sight."
Report: Solar Will Dominate World Energy Supply in Just 15 Years | Alternet
Report: Solar Will Dominate World Energy Supply in Just 15 Years | Alternet
"Deutsche Bank has produced a 175 page report that will have the Koch bros and their bought and paid for minions as well as every oil, coal and natural gas company weeping in their Chevas Regal or Glenfiddich.
The report suggests that solar generated energy will be the dominant source of energy worldwide within the next 15 years. Not only that, but the solar industry will generate $5 trillion in revenue in that time while displacing fossil fuels."
"Deutsche Bank has produced a 175 page report that will have the Koch bros and their bought and paid for minions as well as every oil, coal and natural gas company weeping in their Chevas Regal or Glenfiddich.
The report suggests that solar generated energy will be the dominant source of energy worldwide within the next 15 years. Not only that, but the solar industry will generate $5 trillion in revenue in that time while displacing fossil fuels."
Take a lesson, climate deniers and Fox News know-nothings
Take a lesson, climate deniers and Fox News know-nothings
"Here's a history of knowledge and science that far too many Tea Partyers need to grapple with now"
"Here's a history of knowledge and science that far too many Tea Partyers need to grapple with now"
At Least Four States Are Pushing Koch-Backed Legislation To Ban Funding EPA’s Climate Rule
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/03/13/3633452/state-resolutions-ban-epa-climate-rule/
"All four of those groups are active in promoting anti-climate and anti-clean energy policies. AFP and ALEC do so particularly through model legislation, which provides states with templates for bills and resoltuions. ALEC, for example, encourages state legislatures to limit renewable energy, oppose the EPA, and teach climate denial in schools."
"All four of those groups are active in promoting anti-climate and anti-clean energy policies. AFP and ALEC do so particularly through model legislation, which provides states with templates for bills and resoltuions. ALEC, for example, encourages state legislatures to limit renewable energy, oppose the EPA, and teach climate denial in schools."
40 Corporate Polluters Exposed In Report – Citizens Demand Feds Investigate Koch-Scott-Bush Deal
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/03/40-corporate-polluters-exposed/
"It’s also time for the Department of Justice to listen to the citizens. A petition has been created requesting a federal criminal investigation involving Governor Rick Scott and the board of trustees of Florida’s public lands for allowing Georgia-Pacific to discharge up to 60 million gallons of toxic waste per day into the St. Johns River, smothering the bottom with tons of solids and making the water unfit for humans/animals."
"It’s also time for the Department of Justice to listen to the citizens. A petition has been created requesting a federal criminal investigation involving Governor Rick Scott and the board of trustees of Florida’s public lands for allowing Georgia-Pacific to discharge up to 60 million gallons of toxic waste per day into the St. Johns River, smothering the bottom with tons of solids and making the water unfit for humans/animals."
Republicans' new climate strategy: just ban the words 'climate change'
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/11/republican-new-climate-change-strategy-ban-words-climate-change?CMP=ema_565
"Making the science invisible is a much better plan than the current Republican strategy of foregoing all policy decisions by pretending to be too stupid to understand science. Scott already tried the “I’m not a scientist!” excuse anyway, and for his troubles had to entertain a clutch of scientists in Tallahassee trying to explain climate change to him. He gave them a 30-minute limit, spent nearly half of it on chit-chat, stonefaced through the remainder and then bolted.
Claiming that you’re not a scientist trips you up when you do other science-based things with the same tools. For instance: Scott’s environmental policies read like a textbook version of regulatory capture, slashing budgets while staffing agencies with developers and their lawyers. Environmental regulation enforcement dropped by two-thirds while DEP staffers were given bonuses for accelerating permitting for development. Meanwhile, Scott capped environmental penalties for Big Sugar and fought the federal government on clean-water standards"."
"Making the science invisible is a much better plan than the current Republican strategy of foregoing all policy decisions by pretending to be too stupid to understand science. Scott already tried the “I’m not a scientist!” excuse anyway, and for his troubles had to entertain a clutch of scientists in Tallahassee trying to explain climate change to him. He gave them a 30-minute limit, spent nearly half of it on chit-chat, stonefaced through the remainder and then bolted.
Claiming that you’re not a scientist trips you up when you do other science-based things with the same tools. For instance: Scott’s environmental policies read like a textbook version of regulatory capture, slashing budgets while staffing agencies with developers and their lawyers. Environmental regulation enforcement dropped by two-thirds while DEP staffers were given bonuses for accelerating permitting for development. Meanwhile, Scott capped environmental penalties for Big Sugar and fought the federal government on clean-water standards"."
Florida Banned Use of ‘Climate Change’ Because Florida is F*cking Stupid
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/03/florida-banned-use-climate-change-florida-fcking-stupid/
"The climate change that is apparently ‘not a true fact’ is in fact, a true fact if you take the almost unanimous scientific consensus seriously. But then what do pesky scientists know about things like actual science? Surely complex climatic patterns and the precise study of atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide should be left to the experts, like former lawyers and billionaire venture capitalists with no formal science training.
"The climate change that is apparently ‘not a true fact’ is in fact, a true fact if you take the almost unanimous scientific consensus seriously. But then what do pesky scientists know about things like actual science? Surely complex climatic patterns and the precise study of atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide should be left to the experts, like former lawyers and billionaire venture capitalists with no formal science training.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott Bans Officials From Using the Terms ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Global Warming’
Florida Gov. Rick Scott Bans Officials From Using the Terms ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Global Warming’
"This whole thing reminded me of an incident that happened a couple of years ago when former Texas Governor Rick Perry censored a report on climate change because it didn’t fall in line with the right-wing propaganda that “climate change is a hoax.” Many Republicans are literally ignoring overwhelmingly accepted scientific facts because they don’t support what they want to be real and what these big oil companies are essentially paying them to say."
"This whole thing reminded me of an incident that happened a couple of years ago when former Texas Governor Rick Perry censored a report on climate change because it didn’t fall in line with the right-wing propaganda that “climate change is a hoax.” Many Republicans are literally ignoring overwhelmingly accepted scientific facts because they don’t support what they want to be real and what these big oil companies are essentially paying them to say."
Florida’s anti-climate crusade is an Orwellian nightmare
Florida’s anti-climate crusade is an Orwellian nightmare
"The extreme, Orwellian nature of the ban certainly struck a nerve. It’s rare, after all, to see climate denial take such a literal form. The news also reveals just how thoroughly Florida’s leader has rejected science — and how far the state is falling behind in preparing for the threats already lapping at its shores."
"The extreme, Orwellian nature of the ban certainly struck a nerve. It’s rare, after all, to see climate denial take such a literal form. The news also reveals just how thoroughly Florida’s leader has rejected science — and how far the state is falling behind in preparing for the threats already lapping at its shores."
AR Secretary Of State Defends 'Exorcist' Lovin' Justin Harris
AR Secretary Of State Defends 'Exorcist' Lovin' Justin Harris
"Apparently, he has a defender in Arkansas, who is blaming "the people" for Harris's lunacy and his name is Mark Martin."
"Apparently, he has a defender in Arkansas, who is blaming "the people" for Harris's lunacy and his name is Mark Martin."
Ted Cruz Embarrassed After Speech Loaded with Applause Points is Met with Silence from Audience (Video)
Ted Cruz Embarrassed After Speech Loaded with Applause Points is Met with Silence from Audience (Video)
"This is what happens when a politician buys into his own lies. When someone like Cruz is speaking in front of a bunch of radical right-wing tea party voters who don’t care about truth, this is the sort of ridiculous speech that would have been a huge hit. But when he tried to pull this kind of nonsense in front of a group of people who actually care about facts, and have the ability to think rationally and for themselves, he was basically humiliated."
"This is what happens when a politician buys into his own lies. When someone like Cruz is speaking in front of a bunch of radical right-wing tea party voters who don’t care about truth, this is the sort of ridiculous speech that would have been a huge hit. But when he tried to pull this kind of nonsense in front of a group of people who actually care about facts, and have the ability to think rationally and for themselves, he was basically humiliated."
Firefighters' Response Throws Cold Water On Ted Cruz's Fiery Speech
Firefighters' Response Throws Cold Water On Ted Cruz's Fiery Speech
"These morons who only speak to the extreme right get a cold dose of reality when they have to speak in front of an audience that's not comprised of cheerleaders, and that's why this Ted Cruz video is so funny. Invited to speak at the International Association of Firefighters bipartisan presidential summit, he is so shocked to discover his standard "red meat" lines don't work."
"These morons who only speak to the extreme right get a cold dose of reality when they have to speak in front of an audience that's not comprised of cheerleaders, and that's why this Ted Cruz video is so funny. Invited to speak at the International Association of Firefighters bipartisan presidential summit, he is so shocked to discover his standard "red meat" lines don't work."
The Shocking Tax Loophole for Corporations that Commit Crimes | Alternet
The Shocking Tax Loophole for Corporations that Commit Crimes | Alternet
"Congress has generously written the law so corporations can deduct much of their punitive payments from their income taxes! "
"Congress has generously written the law so corporations can deduct much of their punitive payments from their income taxes! "
Ted Cruz Gives Anti-Government Speech To Room Full Of Firefighters, Bombs Hilariously (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/11/ted-cruz-gives-anti-government-speech-to-room-full-of-firefighters-bombs-hilariously-video/
"The chilled response is absolutely cringeworthy, but also supremely telling. Cruz is modeling himself within the Republican Party as a viable presidential candidate (if not in 2016, then at least in 2020), but this is a tangible reminder of just how out-of-touch “President Ted Cruz” and his agenda is with regular people. He has the same problems that many of his extremist friends on the right have — fiery popularity within the far-right wing, but deep alienation to literally everyone else."
"The chilled response is absolutely cringeworthy, but also supremely telling. Cruz is modeling himself within the Republican Party as a viable presidential candidate (if not in 2016, then at least in 2020), but this is a tangible reminder of just how out-of-touch “President Ted Cruz” and his agenda is with regular people. He has the same problems that many of his extremist friends on the right have — fiery popularity within the far-right wing, but deep alienation to literally everyone else."
The Erasure of US History Starts in Texas
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29519-the-erasure-of-us-history-starts-in-texas
"The second most populous state in the US, Texas has also long been the frontline of a right-wing offensive against historical accuracy in the United States."
"The second most populous state in the US, Texas has also long been the frontline of a right-wing offensive against historical accuracy in the United States."
College Republicans Praise Education Budget Cuts
College Republicans Praise Education Budget Cuts
"consider who the parent group of this organization is: The Leadership Institute. It reads as a who's who in the Republican science-denial realm when you look at some of its previous members. They include Mitch McConnell, Ralph Reed, Karl Rove, Grover Norquist and Mr. "You Lie" Joe Wilson."
"consider who the parent group of this organization is: The Leadership Institute. It reads as a who's who in the Republican science-denial realm when you look at some of its previous members. They include Mitch McConnell, Ralph Reed, Karl Rove, Grover Norquist and Mr. "You Lie" Joe Wilson."
Cookie-Cutter ALEC Right-to-Work Bills Pop in Multiple States
Cookie-Cutter ALEC Right-to-Work Bills Pop in Multiple States
"the Wisconsin bill was taken almost word for word from the American Legislative Exchange Council "model" bill. (See CMD's side-by-side here.) And we reported on the Koch and Bradley Foundation funding behind the panoply of usual suspects that flew into the state to testify on behalf of the bill, including "experts" from the National Right to Work Committee, the Mackinac Center and the Heritage Foundation with assists from ALEC "scholar" Richard Vedder and State Policy Network "stink tanks" like the Wisconsin Public Research Institute. And let's not forget the $1 million in TV ads from the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity group.
But the push for RTW continues in multiple states in a variety of forms. From a legally dubious executive order in Illinois to an equally suspect county-level strategy in Kentucky, ALEC's effort to disable unions as an organized voice for working families marches on."
"the Wisconsin bill was taken almost word for word from the American Legislative Exchange Council "model" bill. (See CMD's side-by-side here.) And we reported on the Koch and Bradley Foundation funding behind the panoply of usual suspects that flew into the state to testify on behalf of the bill, including "experts" from the National Right to Work Committee, the Mackinac Center and the Heritage Foundation with assists from ALEC "scholar" Richard Vedder and State Policy Network "stink tanks" like the Wisconsin Public Research Institute. And let's not forget the $1 million in TV ads from the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity group.
But the push for RTW continues in multiple states in a variety of forms. From a legally dubious executive order in Illinois to an equally suspect county-level strategy in Kentucky, ALEC's effort to disable unions as an organized voice for working families marches on."
Scott Walker: Actually Rather Intimidated
Scott Walker: Actually Rather Intimidated
"While Scott Walker was Milwaukee County Executive and then as Governor of Wisconsin, he has enjoyed the privilege of being treated with kid gloves by the corporate media. Even as he was the subject of two separate John Doe investigations into various scandalous activities, the media would often minimize or even ignore his involvement into the skulduggery.
It was only when he left this bubble to run for president that Walker started to be challenged on things. Showing that he is not ready for prime time, Walker has been quite the gaffe machine, including things like:
Getting called out by other right wingers on his lousy job numbers
Punting on a question about evolution
Being unable and/or unwilling to discuss foreign policy
Refusing to say that President Obama loves America
Refusing to say that President Obama is a Christian
Comparing Wisconsin protesters to ISIS terrorists and claiming that this made him qualified to deal with the terrorists
Walker has become quite flustered with the realization that he is going to have to know things, be able to answer questions that don't necessarily follow his script and - worst of all - tell the truth (or a reasonable facsimile thereof)."
"While Scott Walker was Milwaukee County Executive and then as Governor of Wisconsin, he has enjoyed the privilege of being treated with kid gloves by the corporate media. Even as he was the subject of two separate John Doe investigations into various scandalous activities, the media would often minimize or even ignore his involvement into the skulduggery.
It was only when he left this bubble to run for president that Walker started to be challenged on things. Showing that he is not ready for prime time, Walker has been quite the gaffe machine, including things like:
Getting called out by other right wingers on his lousy job numbers
Punting on a question about evolution
Being unable and/or unwilling to discuss foreign policy
Refusing to say that President Obama loves America
Refusing to say that President Obama is a Christian
Comparing Wisconsin protesters to ISIS terrorists and claiming that this made him qualified to deal with the terrorists
Walker has become quite flustered with the realization that he is going to have to know things, be able to answer questions that don't necessarily follow his script and - worst of all - tell the truth (or a reasonable facsimile thereof)."
Louisiana Republicans revolt over Bobby Jindal’s ‘insane’ allegiance to Grover Norquist
Louisiana Republicans revolt over Bobby Jindal’s ‘insane’ allegiance to Grover Norquist
"officials in Jindal’s administration had warned lawmakers during a recent Republican retreat that any attempt to reduce tax credits for businesses would have to be approved by Norquist’s group."
"officials in Jindal’s administration had warned lawmakers during a recent Republican retreat that any attempt to reduce tax credits for businesses would have to be approved by Norquist’s group."
Nevada Bill Aims To Scrap Minimum Wage That Voters Passed By Ballot Initiative
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/03/14/3633838/nevada-minimum-wage/
"In 2006, the state’s voters approved a constitutional amendment that sets a standard minimum wage, but Hardy’s resolution would repeal it and give the legislature the ability to control the wage."
"In 2006, the state’s voters approved a constitutional amendment that sets a standard minimum wage, but Hardy’s resolution would repeal it and give the legislature the ability to control the wage."
GOP’s absurd new tax scam: What its “middle-class tax relief” is really about
GOP’s absurd new tax scam: What its “middle-class tax relief” is really about
"right now Rubio’s and Lee’s primary concern is getting people talking about how Republicans are all about middle-class tax relief, even as they continue cranking out policies that overwhelmingly benefit the rich."
"right now Rubio’s and Lee’s primary concern is getting people talking about how Republicans are all about middle-class tax relief, even as they continue cranking out policies that overwhelmingly benefit the rich."
The Wall Street Bonus Pool and Low-Wage Workers
The Wall Street Bonus Pool and Low-Wage Workers
"While workers’ wages stagnate, the Wall Street bonus culture is flourishing—in part because of regulatory foot-dragging. Nearly five years after the Dodd-Frank financial reform was signed into law, regulators have still not implemented Section 956 of that law, which prohibits financial industry pay packages that encourage “inappropriate risks"."
"While workers’ wages stagnate, the Wall Street bonus culture is flourishing—in part because of regulatory foot-dragging. Nearly five years after the Dodd-Frank financial reform was signed into law, regulators have still not implemented Section 956 of that law, which prohibits financial industry pay packages that encourage “inappropriate risks"."
Obamacare enrollments for 2015 confirm, red states have the most to lose from Supreme Court
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/11/1370151/-Obamacare-enrollments-for-2015-confirm-red-states-have-the-most-to-lose-from-Supreme-Court#
"insurers would have to hike premiums on everyone buying in the individual market."
"insurers would have to hike premiums on everyone buying in the individual market."
Nearly 12 million insured, health costs going down ... will the Supreme Court still gut Obamacare?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/10/1369843/-Nearly-12-million-insured-health-costs-going-down-will-the-Supreme-Court-still-gut-Obamacare
"The Congressional Budget Office now says that the U.S. will spend less on health care in the coming decade than it predicted before Obamacare became law. That means, even with all the spending that goes with the law—Medicaid expansion and health insurance subsidies—it's driving health care costs down."
"The Congressional Budget Office now says that the U.S. will spend less on health care in the coming decade than it predicted before Obamacare became law. That means, even with all the spending that goes with the law—Medicaid expansion and health insurance subsidies—it's driving health care costs down."
Red states’ SCOTUS reckoning: Oklahoma governor suddenly terrified of losing subsidies
Red states’ SCOTUS reckoning: Oklahoma governor suddenly terrified of losing subsidies
"OK Gov. Mary Fallin was all about gutting Obamacare, but now she wants a temporary extension"
"OK Gov. Mary Fallin was all about gutting Obamacare, but now she wants a temporary extension"
Bryan Fischer: Bilingual People Are A Sign Of God’s Judgment On America (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/13/bryan-fischer-bilingual-people-are-a-sign-of-gods-judgment-on-america-video/
"this man’s ignorance is astounding. I don’t even know why I am surprised anymore. After all, we’re talking about a man who was too hateful even for one of America’s most notorious hate groups, and was fired for going a step too far in one of his infamous rants."
"this man’s ignorance is astounding. I don’t even know why I am surprised anymore. After all, we’re talking about a man who was too hateful even for one of America’s most notorious hate groups, and was fired for going a step too far in one of his infamous rants."
The end of white Christian America is nigh: Why the country’s youth are abandoning religious conservatism
The end of white Christian America is nigh: Why the country’s youth are abandoning religious conservatism
"These changes explain the modern political landscape as well as any economic indicator. While not all white Christians are conservative, these changing numbers definitely suggest that conservative Christians are rapidly losing their grip on power. And while some non-white Christians are conservative, their numbers are not making up for what the Christian right is losing. And whether conservative leaders are aware of the exact numbers or not, it’s clear that they sense that change is in the air. Just by speaking to young people, turning on your TV, or reading the Internet, you can sense the way the country is lurching away from conservative Christian values and towards a more liberal, secular outlook. And conservative Christians aren’t taking these changes well at all.
To look at the Christian right now is to see a people who know they are losing power and are desperately trying to reassert dominance before it’s lost altogether."
"These changes explain the modern political landscape as well as any economic indicator. While not all white Christians are conservative, these changing numbers definitely suggest that conservative Christians are rapidly losing their grip on power. And while some non-white Christians are conservative, their numbers are not making up for what the Christian right is losing. And whether conservative leaders are aware of the exact numbers or not, it’s clear that they sense that change is in the air. Just by speaking to young people, turning on your TV, or reading the Internet, you can sense the way the country is lurching away from conservative Christian values and towards a more liberal, secular outlook. And conservative Christians aren’t taking these changes well at all.
To look at the Christian right now is to see a people who know they are losing power and are desperately trying to reassert dominance before it’s lost altogether."
This Map Is Really Awful News For (Racist) White Christian Conservatives (IMAGE)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/10/this-map-is-really-awful-news-for-racist-white-christian-conservatives-image/
"Dear (racist) white christian conservatives,
There’s no easy way to break this.
You’re now the minority in 19 states of the U S of A."
"Dear (racist) white christian conservatives,
There’s no easy way to break this.
You’re now the minority in 19 states of the U S of A."
Arkansas Republican who gave girls to rapist ‘regularly’ performed exorcisms on unruly preschoolers
Arkansas Republican who gave girls to rapist ‘regularly’ performed exorcisms on unruly preschoolers
"The Arkansas Republican who gave his adopted daughters to a man who raped one of them was apparently in the habit of attempting to cast “demons” out of the children in his federally-funded pre-kindergarten."
"The Arkansas Republican who gave his adopted daughters to a man who raped one of them was apparently in the habit of attempting to cast “demons” out of the children in his federally-funded pre-kindergarten."
You Won't Believe Why Arkansas Legislator Got Rid Of His Adopted Daughters
You Won't Believe Why Arkansas Legislator Got Rid Of His Adopted Daughters
"So now we know why Rep. Justin Harris and his wife gave away their adopted daughters. Because they were possessed by demons, of course!"
"So now we know why Rep. Justin Harris and his wife gave away their adopted daughters. Because they were possessed by demons, of course!"
Arkansas Republican gave adopted girls to rapist because they were ‘possessed by demons’: report
Arkansas Republican gave adopted girls to rapist because they were ‘possessed by demons’: report
"The story of Arkansas state Rep. Justin Harris (R) — whose family adopted a pair of girls then “re-homed” them to another household where one of the girls was raped — has taken a bizarre turn with allegations that the Harris family gave the girls up because they believed the children could communicate telepathically and were possessed by demons."
"The story of Arkansas state Rep. Justin Harris (R) — whose family adopted a pair of girls then “re-homed” them to another household where one of the girls was raped — has taken a bizarre turn with allegations that the Harris family gave the girls up because they believed the children could communicate telepathically and were possessed by demons."
Jeb’s scary new adviser: Meet Jordan Sekulow, global attorney for the religious right
Jeb’s scary new adviser: Meet Jordan Sekulow, global attorney for the religious right
"But while Sekulow’s credibility in conservative circles will likely prove an asset for the Bush campaign, he has also been at the forefront of his organization’s work to keep homosexuality criminalized in Africa, opposed abortion even when a mother’s health is endangered, and espoused incendiary anti-Muslim views, a record that hardly conveys the “inclusive conservative” message his candidate professes to support.
A former operative for the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and Mitt Romney, Sekulow is now executive director at ACLJ, an organization founded by televangelist Pat Robertson to serve as a conservative counterweight to the American Civil Liberties Union. Sekulow’s father Jay, also a prominent social conservative, is ACLJ’s chief counsel. As father and son aided Romney’s second presidential bid in 2012, the pair came under scrutiny after Mother Jones highlighted their international work to criminalize abortion and homosexuality — work that has expanded the ACLJ’s tentacles everywhere from Kenya and Zimbabwe to France and Putin’s Russia."
"But while Sekulow’s credibility in conservative circles will likely prove an asset for the Bush campaign, he has also been at the forefront of his organization’s work to keep homosexuality criminalized in Africa, opposed abortion even when a mother’s health is endangered, and espoused incendiary anti-Muslim views, a record that hardly conveys the “inclusive conservative” message his candidate professes to support.
A former operative for the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and Mitt Romney, Sekulow is now executive director at ACLJ, an organization founded by televangelist Pat Robertson to serve as a conservative counterweight to the American Civil Liberties Union. Sekulow’s father Jay, also a prominent social conservative, is ACLJ’s chief counsel. As father and son aided Romney’s second presidential bid in 2012, the pair came under scrutiny after Mother Jones highlighted their international work to criminalize abortion and homosexuality — work that has expanded the ACLJ’s tentacles everywhere from Kenya and Zimbabwe to France and Putin’s Russia."
Friday, March 13, 2015
Wisconsin Loses Jobs To Minnesota Due To 'Right To Work' Bill
Wisconsin Loses Jobs To Minnesota Due To 'Right To Work' Bill
"While Scott Walker and the other Teapublicans were busy pandering to their corporate overlords by rushing through so-called "Right to Work" legislation, Minnesota Republicans were leveraging this to their advantage by trying to get companies to relocate to their state.
It didn't take long for Walker's folly to work to their advantage"
"While Scott Walker and the other Teapublicans were busy pandering to their corporate overlords by rushing through so-called "Right to Work" legislation, Minnesota Republicans were leveraging this to their advantage by trying to get companies to relocate to their state.
It didn't take long for Walker's folly to work to their advantage"
Michigan Republicans revive plan to rig state's electoral college vote
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/10/1369878/-Michigan-Republicans-revive-plan-to-rig-state-s-electoral-college-vote
"Had this system been in place in 2012, Mitt Romney would have lost Michigan by nearly 450,000 of 4.7 million votes, but walked away with nine of the state's 16 electoral votes."
"Had this system been in place in 2012, Mitt Romney would have lost Michigan by nearly 450,000 of 4.7 million votes, but walked away with nine of the state's 16 electoral votes."
Aaron Schock may be toast: News keeps getting worse for embattled congressman
Aaron Schock may be toast: News keeps getting worse for embattled congressman
"Federal law prohibits “knowing and willful” misrepresentation of official expenditures. Those two criminal defense attorneys Schock retained last month may soon find themselves very busy men indeed."
"Federal law prohibits “knowing and willful” misrepresentation of official expenditures. Those two criminal defense attorneys Schock retained last month may soon find themselves very busy men indeed."
Republicans are Trying to Blame President Obama for the Poverty They Created
Republicans are Trying to Blame President Obama for the Poverty They Created
"Even when we look at our economy, as much as it’s improved, we still have a ways to go – especially as it relates to income growth. And while Republicans will have you believe that stagnant wages are a byproduct of President Obama’s economy, this is an issue that started way back when Ronald Reagan was elected. Hell, even Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) proved how damaging trickle-down economics has been for the middle class when he pointed out that we haven’t seen such an unequal distribution of wages in this country since just before the Great Depression. While he pointed to 2012 as an example in trying to bash President Obama, what he failed to mention was that the four consecutive years prior to the 2008 crash almost exactly mirrored the unequal distribution of wealth we saw in this country just before the Great Depression. Just look at this chart from CNN Money
Do you see that wide, fairly flat area in the middle? That’s the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s – before “Reaganomics” took over our economic landscape. Then once Americans started being fed the lie that “tax cuts create jobs,” suddenly income inequality skyrocketed. The rich are doing better than they ever have before; meanwhile, the vast majority of Americans aren’t seeing anything close to that same level of success.
And even though many Republicans will say that wage inequality is an issue, they continue to claim that the mistake which caused this inequality is the same path to fixing it. It’s absurd. The truth is, every time a Republican says that wages aren’t increasing and income distribution is an issue, they’re admitting that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
"Even when we look at our economy, as much as it’s improved, we still have a ways to go – especially as it relates to income growth. And while Republicans will have you believe that stagnant wages are a byproduct of President Obama’s economy, this is an issue that started way back when Ronald Reagan was elected. Hell, even Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) proved how damaging trickle-down economics has been for the middle class when he pointed out that we haven’t seen such an unequal distribution of wages in this country since just before the Great Depression. While he pointed to 2012 as an example in trying to bash President Obama, what he failed to mention was that the four consecutive years prior to the 2008 crash almost exactly mirrored the unequal distribution of wealth we saw in this country just before the Great Depression. Just look at this chart from CNN Money
Do you see that wide, fairly flat area in the middle? That’s the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s – before “Reaganomics” took over our economic landscape. Then once Americans started being fed the lie that “tax cuts create jobs,” suddenly income inequality skyrocketed. The rich are doing better than they ever have before; meanwhile, the vast majority of Americans aren’t seeing anything close to that same level of success.
And even though many Republicans will say that wage inequality is an issue, they continue to claim that the mistake which caused this inequality is the same path to fixing it. It’s absurd. The truth is, every time a Republican says that wages aren’t increasing and income distribution is an issue, they’re admitting that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
The conservative plot to destroy the middle class: Scott Walker, “right-to-work” and America’s new Gilded Age
The conservative plot to destroy the middle class: Scott Walker, “right-to-work” and America’s new Gilded Age
"From the Gilded Age to the Great Depression to today, the economic agenda of conservatives has been easily summarized in two words: “cheap labor"."
"From the Gilded Age to the Great Depression to today, the economic agenda of conservatives has been easily summarized in two words: “cheap labor"."
Your Cable Company Is Teaming Up With Congress To Kill Net Neutrality
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/03/terrible-cable-company-teaming-congress-kill-net-neutrality/
"31 members of the House have co-signed a piece of legislation titled “The Internet Freedom Act,” of which 29 have collectively accepted $800,000 in campaign contributions from major Internet service providers"
"31 members of the House have co-signed a piece of legislation titled “The Internet Freedom Act,” of which 29 have collectively accepted $800,000 in campaign contributions from major Internet service providers"
Military Groups Slam Republicans For Killing A Bill Supporting Veterans
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/03/military-groups-slam-republican/
"Veterans organizations were upset with Senate Republicans after they failed to gain enough votes of support to move forward with a measure that would have expanded federal healthcare and education programs for veterans."
"Veterans organizations were upset with Senate Republicans after they failed to gain enough votes of support to move forward with a measure that would have expanded federal healthcare and education programs for veterans."
Fox News is worse than Bill O’Reilly: Why the pundit’s fabrications are almost beside the point
Fox News is worse than Bill O’Reilly: Why the pundit’s fabrications are almost beside the point
"the real story here is not just the decline of truth telling in television news, it’s the way that the truth has been replaced by fear."
"the real story here is not just the decline of truth telling in television news, it’s the way that the truth has been replaced by fear."
PERRspectives: Six Years Too Late, Media Call Congressional Republicans 'Traitors'
PERRspectives: Six Years Too Late, Media Call Congressional Republicans 'Traitors'
"Sadly, the Daily News and other media outlets are about six years late in reaching that conclusion. After all, with their record-setting use of the filibuster, unprecedented obstruction of judicial and executive branch nominees, threatened and actual government shutdowns, and most of all, their unheard of debt ceiling hostage-taking, Republicans have been undermining the federal government and the U.S. economy since Barack Obama first took the oath office in 2009."
"Sadly, the Daily News and other media outlets are about six years late in reaching that conclusion. After all, with their record-setting use of the filibuster, unprecedented obstruction of judicial and executive branch nominees, threatened and actual government shutdowns, and most of all, their unheard of debt ceiling hostage-taking, Republicans have been undermining the federal government and the U.S. economy since Barack Obama first took the oath office in 2009."
Bibi’s Speech To Congress Backfires As Netanyahu’s Popularity Crashes In US And Israel
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/11/bibis-speech-congress-backfires-netanyahus-popularity-crashes-israel.html
"The foreign policy amateurs in the GOP, and their bellicose hero, Prime Minister Netanyahu, may have enjoyed their childish political theater. However, for Americans and Israelis who want their leaders to take security seriously, the Bibi traveling road show flopped. Netanyahu’s poll numbers in both the U.S. and Israel demonstrate how poorly the speech was received by the general public."
"The foreign policy amateurs in the GOP, and their bellicose hero, Prime Minister Netanyahu, may have enjoyed their childish political theater. However, for Americans and Israelis who want their leaders to take security seriously, the Bibi traveling road show flopped. Netanyahu’s poll numbers in both the U.S. and Israel demonstrate how poorly the speech was received by the general public."
Return of a neocon nightmare: Tom Cotton, Rush Limbaugh & the worst deja vu ever
Return of a neocon nightmare: Tom Cotton, Rush Limbaugh & the worst deja vu ever
"Think of all the screw-ups this crew inflicted on us a decade ago. Now they're back, revived and worse than before"
"Think of all the screw-ups this crew inflicted on us a decade ago. Now they're back, revived and worse than before"
Sen. Lindsey Graham Says He Would Use Military Force Against Congress As President
Sen. Lindsey Graham Says He Would Use Military Force Against Congress As President
"Senator Lindsey Graham will certainly try to backtrack on his words, but as one of the most hawkish members of the Senate, there’s no denying his statement which is backed up by his track record on defense spending. His proposed actions go far beyond President Obama’s executive orders he and other Republicans have complained about, and headlong into true dictatorship. Senator Lindsey Graham has finally exposed himself for what he really is – a petty tyrant that represents the military industrial complex, not the people of South Carolina."
"Senator Lindsey Graham will certainly try to backtrack on his words, but as one of the most hawkish members of the Senate, there’s no denying his statement which is backed up by his track record on defense spending. His proposed actions go far beyond President Obama’s executive orders he and other Republicans have complained about, and headlong into true dictatorship. Senator Lindsey Graham has finally exposed himself for what he really is – a petty tyrant that represents the military industrial complex, not the people of South Carolina."
Thursday, March 12, 2015
The Republican Letter To Iran: An Embarrassment for the GOP, A Weapon for Iranian Extremists
The Republican Letter To Iran: An Embarrassment for the GOP, A Weapon for Iranian Extremists
"I’ve often accused Republicans (and conservatives in general) of lacking the ability to think “big picture.” Nearly everything with them is short-sighted, simplistic and requires almost instant gratification. Their entire political ideology is basically predicated on fear, paranoia, anger and talking points that are easily repeatable.
The now infamous “Iran letter” that 47 Republican senators sent to Iranian leaders is a prime example of this. In their minds, they saw this as a way to “get at” President Obama and try to perpetuate this notion that they are the ones in power. And it was also a blatant attempt to try to sabotage the ongoing negotiations between the Obama administration, several of our allies and the Iranian government. In my opinion, the actions by the GOP have been tantamount to treason. Sadly for Republicans, this has all backfired on them in ways they obviously didn’t bother thinking about before they collectively stuck their foot in their mouth. The first thing it did was that it allowed Iranian officials to publicly school the GOP on how international treaties work. Not only that, but Republicans just came off looking incredibly childish sending this letter following Netanyahu’s speech. Other world leaders understand the political dynamics over here, meaning they’re well aware of what it is this president has had to deal with when it comes to the GOP. In the grand scheme of things, this came off as Republicans trying to purposely embarrass the president of the country they’re supposed to love on an international stage in nothing more than some immature stunt. Even just days after it was sent, there are several rumblings emanating from the ranks of the GOP that they’re realizing this letter was a mistake. In other words, this entire situation is spiraling into nothing but an absolute embarrassment for the Republican party. Some Republicans are already publicly regretting signing it, and John McCain even blamed his dumb decision to sign it on the impending snowstorm and “looking forward to getting out of town"." #47Traitors
"I’ve often accused Republicans (and conservatives in general) of lacking the ability to think “big picture.” Nearly everything with them is short-sighted, simplistic and requires almost instant gratification. Their entire political ideology is basically predicated on fear, paranoia, anger and talking points that are easily repeatable.
The now infamous “Iran letter” that 47 Republican senators sent to Iranian leaders is a prime example of this. In their minds, they saw this as a way to “get at” President Obama and try to perpetuate this notion that they are the ones in power. And it was also a blatant attempt to try to sabotage the ongoing negotiations between the Obama administration, several of our allies and the Iranian government. In my opinion, the actions by the GOP have been tantamount to treason. Sadly for Republicans, this has all backfired on them in ways they obviously didn’t bother thinking about before they collectively stuck their foot in their mouth. The first thing it did was that it allowed Iranian officials to publicly school the GOP on how international treaties work. Not only that, but Republicans just came off looking incredibly childish sending this letter following Netanyahu’s speech. Other world leaders understand the political dynamics over here, meaning they’re well aware of what it is this president has had to deal with when it comes to the GOP. In the grand scheme of things, this came off as Republicans trying to purposely embarrass the president of the country they’re supposed to love on an international stage in nothing more than some immature stunt. Even just days after it was sent, there are several rumblings emanating from the ranks of the GOP that they’re realizing this letter was a mistake. In other words, this entire situation is spiraling into nothing but an absolute embarrassment for the Republican party. Some Republicans are already publicly regretting signing it, and John McCain even blamed his dumb decision to sign it on the impending snowstorm and “looking forward to getting out of town"." #47Traitors
John McCain On His Decision To Sign Treasonous Letter To Iran: A Snowstorm MADE Me Do It
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/12/john-mccain-on-his-decision-to-sign-treasonous-letter-to-iran-a-snowstorm-made-me-do-it/
"What else could we expect, honestly? He did choose Sarah Palin as his running mate."
"What else could we expect, honestly? He did choose Sarah Palin as his running mate."
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