Friday, March 7, 2014
ALEC: Now Coming To A City Or Town Government Near You
ALEC: Now Coming To A City Or Town Government Near You
"The American Legislative Exchange Council, founded in 1973, has become one of the most pervasive advocacy operations in the nation. It brings elected officials together with representatives of major corporations, giving those companies a direct channel into legislation in the form of Alec “model bills”."
"The American Legislative Exchange Council, founded in 1973, has become one of the most pervasive advocacy operations in the nation. It brings elected officials together with representatives of major corporations, giving those companies a direct channel into legislation in the form of Alec “model bills”."
Why Rep. Elijah Cummings Was So Mad At Rep. Darrell Issa
Why Rep. Elijah Cummings Was So Mad At Rep. Darrell Issa
"Wednesday morning during another one of Rep. Darrell Issa's hearings on the IRS scandal, ranking Democrat Rep. Elijah Cummings exploded at him for his ridiculous witch hunt on the phony scandal --which is mostly what Issa has done with his chairmanship. As Cummings tried to ask a question, Darrel Issa cut off his microphone when he was about to explain what had irked him so much. There was a good reason for his anger, and it's because because Issa refused to share evidence with their committee, but released the information on Fox news Sunday instead."
"Wednesday morning during another one of Rep. Darrell Issa's hearings on the IRS scandal, ranking Democrat Rep. Elijah Cummings exploded at him for his ridiculous witch hunt on the phony scandal --which is mostly what Issa has done with his chairmanship. As Cummings tried to ask a question, Darrel Issa cut off his microphone when he was about to explain what had irked him so much. There was a good reason for his anger, and it's because because Issa refused to share evidence with their committee, but released the information on Fox news Sunday instead."
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Hours Left for KXL Public Comment | Common Dreams
Hours Left for KXL Public Comment | Common Dreams
"With just hours left in the public comment period on the proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, green groups are calling on all concerned citizens to contact the Obama administration and make their opposition known."
"With just hours left in the public comment period on the proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, green groups are calling on all concerned citizens to contact the Obama administration and make their opposition known."
These Nine Maps Show How The GOP is Destroying Southern States
These Nine Maps Show How The GOP is Destroying Southern States
"Upward mobility is also a scenario that southerners cannot expect to experience at a rate matching the more sensible parts of the country. Red state voters have a decreased likelihood of moving up the economic ladder, as shown below. The dark red areas are places where the American Dream is all but dead."
"Upward mobility is also a scenario that southerners cannot expect to experience at a rate matching the more sensible parts of the country. Red state voters have a decreased likelihood of moving up the economic ladder, as shown below. The dark red areas are places where the American Dream is all but dead."
It’s Official: Job Growth Exploding While Poverty Shrinks In State With Highest Min. Wage! (Video)
It’s Official: Job Growth Exploding While Poverty Shrinks In State With Highest Min. Wage! (Video)
"However, the gridlock congress and the fact that the Tea Party would rather see someone else die before they raise the minimum wage (someone else who was preferably Black or Hispanic) means it’ll likely be up to local governments for the foreseeable future, and some aren’t waiting around. San Fran and Santa Fe are both increasing theirs to $10.74 and $10.66, respectively, while New Jersey voters have voted to increase it by $1, and tied future increases to the consumer price index. New Jersey in particular is notable; since the increase in minimum wage, the state’s added over 8,000 new jobs at a rate the fastest it’s being since 2012. And this doesn’t even touch on SeaTac, a suburb of Seattle; they voted a $15.00 minimum wage for people in certain service sectors."
"However, the gridlock congress and the fact that the Tea Party would rather see someone else die before they raise the minimum wage (someone else who was preferably Black or Hispanic) means it’ll likely be up to local governments for the foreseeable future, and some aren’t waiting around. San Fran and Santa Fe are both increasing theirs to $10.74 and $10.66, respectively, while New Jersey voters have voted to increase it by $1, and tied future increases to the consumer price index. New Jersey in particular is notable; since the increase in minimum wage, the state’s added over 8,000 new jobs at a rate the fastest it’s being since 2012. And this doesn’t even touch on SeaTac, a suburb of Seattle; they voted a $15.00 minimum wage for people in certain service sectors."
Climate buffoons’ real motives: 5 reasons they still spout debunked garbage
Climate buffoons’ <em>real</em> motives: 5 reasons they still spout debunked garbage
"From greed to idiocy, here's the true agenda of deniers who still claim climate change isn't happening"
"From greed to idiocy, here's the true agenda of deniers who still claim climate change isn't happening"
The 'Grover Norquist Is A Secret Muslim Brotherhood Agent' Conspiracy Returns Just In Time For CPAC | Right Wing Watch
The 'Grover Norquist Is A Secret Muslim Brotherhood Agent' Conspiracy Returns Just In Time For CPAC | Right Wing Watch
"But perhaps our favorite rant against Norquist came from Cathie Adams of Eagle Forum, who said that she knows Norquist is a secret Muslim because “he has a beard"."
"But perhaps our favorite rant against Norquist came from Cathie Adams of Eagle Forum, who said that she knows Norquist is a secret Muslim because “he has a beard"."
CPAC wingnuts’ greatest hits: 18 outrageous things its top speakers have said in public
CPAC wingnuts’ greatest hits: 18 outrageous things its top speakers have said in public
"Here are some head-turning past comments from headliners highlighted on CPAC’s site"
"Here are some head-turning past comments from headliners highlighted on CPAC’s site"
A Healthy Economy Requires Fewer People Working on Wall Street, Making Much Less Money
www.alternet.org/economy/american-economy-recover-we-need-fewer-people-working-wall-st-making-much-less-money
"All of us suspect the obvious — that Wall Street not only is too big to fail, but also just too damn big. But where's our evidence? It's one thing to direct our anger at financial elites and the top one percent. It's quite another to make a factual case that Wall Street, indeed, is much too big, and therefore should be radically reduced in size. So here's some data."
"All of us suspect the obvious — that Wall Street not only is too big to fail, but also just too damn big. But where's our evidence? It's one thing to direct our anger at financial elites and the top one percent. It's quite another to make a factual case that Wall Street, indeed, is much too big, and therefore should be radically reduced in size. So here's some data."
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Dump Closure Leaves Nuclear Waste Stranded... In Parking Lot | Common Dreams
Dump Closure Leaves Nuclear Waste Stranded... In Parking Lot | Common Dreams
"The federally-owned Waste Isolation Pilot Project, located in southeastern New Mexico, has been closed to underground waste dumping since early February as a result of a series of accidents, including an airborne radiation leak that contaminated at least 13 workers."
"The federally-owned Waste Isolation Pilot Project, located in southeastern New Mexico, has been closed to underground waste dumping since early February as a result of a series of accidents, including an airborne radiation leak that contaminated at least 13 workers."
Coal Giant Slapped With Record Fine for Years of Toxic Water Pollution | Common Dreams
Coal Giant Slapped With Record Fine for Years of Toxic Water Pollution | Common Dreams
"Coal giant Alpha Natural Resources Inc. has been hit with a record $27.5 million fine for violating water pollution permits thousands of times, discharging toxic contaminants into Appalachian waterways for years, the Associated Press is reporting."
"Coal giant Alpha Natural Resources Inc. has been hit with a record $27.5 million fine for violating water pollution permits thousands of times, discharging toxic contaminants into Appalachian waterways for years, the Associated Press is reporting."
Jon Stewart Rips Shameless Republican Senators for F*cking Over Veterans
Jon Stewart Rips Shameless Republican Senators for F*cking Over Veterans
"As Stewart pointed out, there's something terribly wrong with our country's "national shame-o-meter" when John Travolta pronouncing someone's name wrong at the Oscar's has got the country worked up into a Twitter frenzy, but how the Senate behaved this week barely gets a mention in the national media."
"As Stewart pointed out, there's something terribly wrong with our country's "national shame-o-meter" when John Travolta pronouncing someone's name wrong at the Oscar's has got the country worked up into a Twitter frenzy, but how the Senate behaved this week barely gets a mention in the national media."
Voting rights advocates try to put oversight back on the map
www.southernstudies.org/2014/03/voting-rights-advocates-try-to-put-oversight-back-.html
"A quick refresher: The Voting Rights Act outlaws racial discrimination against voters. But the law's real strength comes from its "preclearance" provision, which forces jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to submit new voting measures to the federal government for approval.
In last summer's Shelby County v. Holder ruling, the Supreme Court threw out the part of the law that spelled out when states were automatically subject to federal oversight. States that have been released from preclearance have already passed a rash of new restrictive voting measures."
"A quick refresher: The Voting Rights Act outlaws racial discrimination against voters. But the law's real strength comes from its "preclearance" provision, which forces jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to submit new voting measures to the federal government for approval.
In last summer's Shelby County v. Holder ruling, the Supreme Court threw out the part of the law that spelled out when states were automatically subject to federal oversight. States that have been released from preclearance have already passed a rash of new restrictive voting measures."
In Show of Direct Democracy, Vermont Pushes for Public Bank | Common Dreams
In Show of Direct Democracy, Vermont Pushes for Public Bank | Common Dreams
"Fifteen towns approve resolution that would establish bank that works for Vermont, not Wall Street"
"Fifteen towns approve resolution that would establish bank that works for Vermont, not Wall Street"
19 More Reasons to Be Worried About the Hanford Nuclear Site | Common Dreams
19 More Reasons to Be Worried About the Hanford Nuclear Site | Common Dreams
"Problems at the most contaminated nuclear site in the nation continue to unfold."
"Problems at the most contaminated nuclear site in the nation continue to unfold."
The Effects of Minimum Wages on SNAP Enrollments and Expenditures
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/report/2014/03/05/85158/the-effects-of-minimum-wages-on-snap-enrollments-and-expenditures/
"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would lower government spending on federal nutrition assistance by $46 billion over the next 10 years"
"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would lower government spending on federal nutrition assistance by $46 billion over the next 10 years"
7 Reasons Why the Republican Claim that Raising Minimum Wage Will Kill Jobs Is Bunk
www.alternet.org/economy/7-reasons-why-republican-claim-raising-minimum-wage-will-kill-jobs-bunk
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says a minimum wage increase would be a job killer. Republicans and the Chamber also say unions are job killers, workplace safety regulations are job killers, environmental regulations are job killers, and the Affordable Care Act is a job killer. The California Chamber of Commerce even publishes an annual list of “job killers,” including almost any measures that lift wages or protect workers and the environment.
Most of this is bunk."
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says a minimum wage increase would be a job killer. Republicans and the Chamber also say unions are job killers, workplace safety regulations are job killers, environmental regulations are job killers, and the Affordable Care Act is a job killer. The California Chamber of Commerce even publishes an annual list of “job killers,” including almost any measures that lift wages or protect workers and the environment.
Most of this is bunk."
The Massive Policy Failure That Paul Ryan Wants To Emulate
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/05/3366601/welfare-reform-fail/
"If his plans are as widely embraced within his party as they have been in the past, that doesn’t bode well for the programs that still work."
"If his plans are as widely embraced within his party as they have been in the past, that doesn’t bode well for the programs that still work."
Rape Culture 101: “Christian” Colleges Call Women “Liars And Sinners” For Reporting Sexual Assault
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/03/05/rape-culture-101-christian-colleges-call-women-liars-sinners-reporting-sexual-assault/
"Christian fundamentalism, on the other hand, literally teaches rape culture. It teaches that women are lesser beings subordinate to the will of men. Women are temptresses. Sinners. Whores. Why do you think the conservative Christians of the GOP spend so much time downplaying the severity or even existence of rape? The Bible clearly states that a woman should marry her rapist so it can’t be all that bad, can it? That is not just rape culture, it’s institutional rape culture.
Rape culture is part of the ideological underpinnings of the religious right and it explain much of the widespread sexism and flat out misogyny found among conservatives and Republicans. How could a woman ever be paid as much as a man for the same work? How dare women have sex, enjoy it and not be punished with an unwanted pregnancy? If a woman has a drink and is raped, clearly she was asking for it."
"Christian fundamentalism, on the other hand, literally teaches rape culture. It teaches that women are lesser beings subordinate to the will of men. Women are temptresses. Sinners. Whores. Why do you think the conservative Christians of the GOP spend so much time downplaying the severity or even existence of rape? The Bible clearly states that a woman should marry her rapist so it can’t be all that bad, can it? That is not just rape culture, it’s institutional rape culture.
Rape culture is part of the ideological underpinnings of the religious right and it explain much of the widespread sexism and flat out misogyny found among conservatives and Republicans. How could a woman ever be paid as much as a man for the same work? How dare women have sex, enjoy it and not be punished with an unwanted pregnancy? If a woman has a drink and is raped, clearly she was asking for it."
Paul Ryan’s every distortion: Fact-checking his anti-poverty plan
Paul Ryan’s every distortion: Fact-checking his anti-poverty plan
"It seems Ryan will stop at nothing to destroy social safety net, even misrepresenting essential poverty research"
"It seems Ryan will stop at nothing to destroy social safety net, even misrepresenting essential poverty research"
Meet Mythopedia, A Treasure Trove of Conservative Whoppers | Common Dreams
Meet Mythopedia, A Treasure Trove of Conservative Whoppers | Common Dreams
"Mythopedia, an online inter-active compendium of lies peddled by conservatives, along with truths, their sources and useful rebuttals."
"Mythopedia, an online inter-active compendium of lies peddled by conservatives, along with truths, their sources and useful rebuttals."
Darrell Issa: IRS Investigation Hitting 'Dead End'
Darrell Issa: IRS Investigation Hitting 'Dead End'
"Rep. Darrel Issa is finally admitting that his dog and pony show starring the IRS is finally coming to a close."
"Rep. Darrel Issa is finally admitting that his dog and pony show starring the IRS is finally coming to a close."
Phonies, frauds and liars: Why GOP’s poverty strategy is even more cynical than you think
Phonies, frauds and liars: Why GOP’s poverty strategy is even more cynical than you think
"It’s heartwarming to see how quickly Rep. Paul Ryan’s new poverty report has been debunked and discredited. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has the most exhaustive takedown, but the Fiscal Times report featuring scholars who said Ryan misrepresented their work in order to discredit anti-poverty programs was devastating, too."
"It’s heartwarming to see how quickly Rep. Paul Ryan’s new poverty report has been debunked and discredited. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has the most exhaustive takedown, but the Fiscal Times report featuring scholars who said Ryan misrepresented their work in order to discredit anti-poverty programs was devastating, too."
Chris Christie Praises Obamacare Medicaid Expansion At Town Hall, South Carolina Responds
Chris Christie Praises Obamacare Medicaid Expansion At Town Hall, South Carolina Responds
"what's even more amazing is that Christie is not shy about flaunting his support for Medicaid expansion. Has he bullied the press so much that hey won't even question his actions in South Carolina while doing just the opposite in his own state?"
"what's even more amazing is that Christie is not shy about flaunting his support for Medicaid expansion. Has he bullied the press so much that hey won't even question his actions in South Carolina while doing just the opposite in his own state?"
Peabody Energy Lobbyist Schools Legislators on Getting More ALEC Travel Perks
Peabody Energy Lobbyist Schools Legislators on Getting More ALEC Travel Perks
"Part of the duty of the ALEC state chairs is to solicit funds from corporations for the ALEC "scholarship fund," which raises more than $600,000 per year and which enables legislators to travel for free to ALEC conferences, where they meet with lobbyists from corporations like Peabody Energy, Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries. Well-connected lobbyists like those of Peabody, enable ALEC legislators to tap into large funds, but the relationship is one that appears to benefit the lobbyists at least as much."
"Part of the duty of the ALEC state chairs is to solicit funds from corporations for the ALEC "scholarship fund," which raises more than $600,000 per year and which enables legislators to travel for free to ALEC conferences, where they meet with lobbyists from corporations like Peabody Energy, Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries. Well-connected lobbyists like those of Peabody, enable ALEC legislators to tap into large funds, but the relationship is one that appears to benefit the lobbyists at least as much."
Darrell Issa Cuts Off Mic Of Rep. Cummings Who Was Exposing IRS Hearing As Fraud
Darrell Issa Cuts Off Mic Of Rep. Cummings Who Was Exposing IRS Hearing As Fraud
"Rep. Daryl Issa, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee told the world that he planned hundreds of hearings and investigationswhen he took over in 2010 and has been holding bogus hearing after bogus hearing ever since, tampering with the evidence as he tries to damage President Obama at every turn. In the last three years has come up empty each time. After Benghazi, his number two priority has been the phony IRS scandal which he keeps trying to portray as an attack on conservatives."
"Rep. Daryl Issa, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee told the world that he planned hundreds of hearings and investigationswhen he took over in 2010 and has been holding bogus hearing after bogus hearing ever since, tampering with the evidence as he tries to damage President Obama at every turn. In the last three years has come up empty each time. After Benghazi, his number two priority has been the phony IRS scandal which he keeps trying to portray as an attack on conservatives."
Paul Ryan Attacks Obama Budget as 'Raising White Flag' for Not Gutting Social Safety Nets
Paul Ryan Attacks Obama Budget as 'Raising White Flag' for Not Gutting Social Safety Nets
"Rep. Paul Ryan continues to find refuge with friendly media outlets like Fox to pretend that the majority of Americans agree with his cruel budget proposals."
"Rep. Paul Ryan continues to find refuge with friendly media outlets like Fox to pretend that the majority of Americans agree with his cruel budget proposals."
8 of the Most Clueless, Offensive Statements by America's Out-of-Touch Rich People
www.alternet.org/economy/they-dont-get-it-8-most-clueless-statements-1
"Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky? The last couple months have seen a surge in CEOs, hedge fund managers and startup entrepreneurs whining about how tough they have it, while lecturing the working class about how they need to stop that very whining. According to the wealthy, they do all the work, earn all the money, and yet practically live like paupers."
"Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky? The last couple months have seen a surge in CEOs, hedge fund managers and startup entrepreneurs whining about how tough they have it, while lecturing the working class about how they need to stop that very whining. According to the wealthy, they do all the work, earn all the money, and yet practically live like paupers."
5 Christian Right Leaders in Desperate Need of a Civics Lesson About How America Works
www.alternet.org/belief/5-christian-right-leaders-desperate-need-civics-lesson-about-how-america-works
"The truth is, many leaders of the Religious Right and their followers could use a civics lesson. Their descriptions of American government and the history behind it are usually bound up more in wishful thinking than reality. Like creationists who made up a fake “science” because they don’t like evolution, Religious Right acolytes are prone to rewrite our nation’s governing documents to fit their preconceived notions."
"The truth is, many leaders of the Religious Right and their followers could use a civics lesson. Their descriptions of American government and the history behind it are usually bound up more in wishful thinking than reality. Like creationists who made up a fake “science” because they don’t like evolution, Religious Right acolytes are prone to rewrite our nation’s governing documents to fit their preconceived notions."
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Elderly Women the Most Vulnerable, Social Security the Most Protective
Elderly Women the Most Vulnerable, Social Security the Most Protective
"Social Security (and other social insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid) has significantly helped reduce elderly poverty over the last several decades. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 15.3 million elderly people would have been in poverty in 2012 without Social Security."
"Social Security (and other social insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid) has significantly helped reduce elderly poverty over the last several decades. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 15.3 million elderly people would have been in poverty in 2012 without Social Security."
First Electric School Bus Hits The Road In California
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/04/3359551/electric-school-bus/
"The first-ever electric school bus, introduced in November, started picking up students in Central California’s Kings Canyon Unified school district this week. And three more should be operating soon, according to a press release from developers Trans Tech and Motiv Power Systems."
"The first-ever electric school bus, introduced in November, started picking up students in Central California’s Kings Canyon Unified school district this week. And three more should be operating soon, according to a press release from developers Trans Tech and Motiv Power Systems."
How Christie Built the Port Authority ‘Slush Fund’ | The Nation
How Christie Built the Port Authority ‘Slush Fund’ | The Nation
"Two former officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey described to Christie Watch a regime of secrecy, conspiracy and political favoritism inside the huge agency. They also claimed that Bill Baroni and David Wildstein, both of whom have resigned in the wake of the Bridgegate scandal, were key principals in a secret effort by Governor Chris Christie to raise tolls on the Hudson River bridges and tunnels in order to help fund a slush fund that was used to finance major construction projects that benefited the PA’s chairman, David Samson, and his law firm, Wolff & Samson. Among those projects: the raising and reconstruction of the Bayonne Bridge, a $1.2 billion project that benefited Skanska Koch, a construction firm represented by Wolff & Samson."
"Two former officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey described to Christie Watch a regime of secrecy, conspiracy and political favoritism inside the huge agency. They also claimed that Bill Baroni and David Wildstein, both of whom have resigned in the wake of the Bridgegate scandal, were key principals in a secret effort by Governor Chris Christie to raise tolls on the Hudson River bridges and tunnels in order to help fund a slush fund that was used to finance major construction projects that benefited the PA’s chairman, David Samson, and his law firm, Wolff & Samson. Among those projects: the raising and reconstruction of the Bayonne Bridge, a $1.2 billion project that benefited Skanska Koch, a construction firm represented by Wolff & Samson."
5 Anti-Abortion Laws Offering Solutions For Problems That Don’t Actually Exist
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/27/3341041/abortion-restrictions-problems-exist/
"Over the past three years, lawmakers have imposed a record-breaking number of state-level restrictions on abortion, and the onslaught appears to be continuing. In order to keep passing multiple pieces of legislation related to this particular medical procedure, abortion opponents have been forced to get creative. Since banning abortion outright typically doesn’t work, lawmakers have resorted to enacting barriers to the procedure based on imaginary issues that they claim their legislation will fix."
"Over the past three years, lawmakers have imposed a record-breaking number of state-level restrictions on abortion, and the onslaught appears to be continuing. In order to keep passing multiple pieces of legislation related to this particular medical procedure, abortion opponents have been forced to get creative. Since banning abortion outright typically doesn’t work, lawmakers have resorted to enacting barriers to the procedure based on imaginary issues that they claim their legislation will fix."
How Tennessee Could Turn Rape Into An ‘Invisible Crime’
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/26/3332321/tennessee-invisible-rape-proposed/
"A new bill proposed in Tennessee attempts to safeguard rape victims’ privacy by protecting information about sexual assault cases from the public. But critics of the legislation say it’s written too broadly, and warn it could ultimately end up turning rape into an “invisible crime” that the media is never able to bring to light. Some state residents also suspect it’s a direct response to an ongoing rape trial involving four Vanderbilt University football stars, in which the press is battling with local law enforcement to obtain details that haven’t been made public."
"A new bill proposed in Tennessee attempts to safeguard rape victims’ privacy by protecting information about sexual assault cases from the public. But critics of the legislation say it’s written too broadly, and warn it could ultimately end up turning rape into an “invisible crime” that the media is never able to bring to light. Some state residents also suspect it’s a direct response to an ongoing rape trial involving four Vanderbilt University football stars, in which the press is battling with local law enforcement to obtain details that haven’t been made public."
Meet The Lawmaker Who’s Trying To End Abortion In Alabama
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/26/3333611/alabama-abortion-lawmaker/
"McClurkin, who is perhaps the most ardently anti-abortion state lawmaker in Alabama, has a long history of pushing policies to undermine reproductive health."
"McClurkin, who is perhaps the most ardently anti-abortion state lawmaker in Alabama, has a long history of pushing policies to undermine reproductive health."
House Republicans Dig a Deep Hole with Budget that Kills Medicare and Cuts Head Start
www.politicususa.com/2014/03/04/house-republicans-budget-takes-aim-medicare-medicaid-head-start.html
"If you recall, the non-partisan CBO was not impressed either, and pointed out that the Ryan voucher concept would result in rising costs for older Americans. People would have higher out of pocket expenses even as their medical bills escalated. The bottom line is that the Republican plan “saves” money by shifting the burden of pay onto seniors, and this means that they no longer have the guarantee of Medicare. By any logic, this fundamentally changes Medicare enough to call it killed, as the entire purpose was to provide a safety net."
"If you recall, the non-partisan CBO was not impressed either, and pointed out that the Ryan voucher concept would result in rising costs for older Americans. People would have higher out of pocket expenses even as their medical bills escalated. The bottom line is that the Republican plan “saves” money by shifting the burden of pay onto seniors, and this means that they no longer have the guarantee of Medicare. By any logic, this fundamentally changes Medicare enough to call it killed, as the entire purpose was to provide a safety net."
This Tea Party Woman Says Women Shouldn’t Be Allowed To Vote
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/03/03/janis-lane-women-shouldnt-vote/
"The GOP is not about equality of any sort, and the Tea Party even less so."
"The GOP is not about equality of any sort, and the Tea Party even less so."
The Billionaires’ Scheme to Destroy Democracy
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16341/the_billionaire_scheme_to_destroy_democracy
"And in the United Plutocrats of Perkins, the children and grandchildren of billionaires, the nation’s Paris Hiltons and PC Petersons, would wield millions of times the political power of Jack Andraka, the determined Maryland teen-ager who developed an inexpensive test for pancreatic cancer, or Tawanda Jones, who used her savings to start a dance team to teach Camden girls self-discipline.
Self-righteous 1 percenters—from former Morgan Stanley CEO John J. Mack to real estate investor Sam Zell—sulked in recent weeks that their money can’t buy them love from the 99 percent. Perkins’ solution is to eliminate democracy’s self-determination and return to medieval rule by wealthy royals."
"And in the United Plutocrats of Perkins, the children and grandchildren of billionaires, the nation’s Paris Hiltons and PC Petersons, would wield millions of times the political power of Jack Andraka, the determined Maryland teen-ager who developed an inexpensive test for pancreatic cancer, or Tawanda Jones, who used her savings to start a dance team to teach Camden girls self-discipline.
Self-righteous 1 percenters—from former Morgan Stanley CEO John J. Mack to real estate investor Sam Zell—sulked in recent weeks that their money can’t buy them love from the 99 percent. Perkins’ solution is to eliminate democracy’s self-determination and return to medieval rule by wealthy royals."
WND: 'You Can Make A Black Woman The First Lady, But That Doesn't Mean She Will Have Any Class' | Right Wing Watch
WND: 'You Can Make A Black Woman The First Lady, But That Doesn't Mean She Will Have Any Class' | Right Wing Watch
"WorldNetDaily’s Mychal Massie writes today that the new nutrition facts label championed by Michelle Obama is proof that she’s a “bigoted, racialist” first lady who is “usurping authority and inflicting additional financial injury upon an already suffering people"."
"WorldNetDaily’s Mychal Massie writes today that the new nutrition facts label championed by Michelle Obama is proof that she’s a “bigoted, racialist” first lady who is “usurping authority and inflicting additional financial injury upon an already suffering people"."
Conservatives, Wake Up: The Republican Party Uses Religion To Manipulate You
www.forwardprogressives.com/conservatives-wake-republican-party-uses-religion-manipulate/
"I’ll give Republicans this – it’s a brilliant move. They literally have millions of people voting for their party, against their own economic interests, based on social issues that have absolutely no impact on their lives."
"I’ll give Republicans this – it’s a brilliant move. They literally have millions of people voting for their party, against their own economic interests, based on social issues that have absolutely no impact on their lives."
How the GOP's Backward Social Agenda Hurts Businesses and Job Growth
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-gops-backward-social-agenda-really-bad-business
"Why is the business community constantly having to speak out against extreme right-wing social legislation in the first place?"
"Why is the business community constantly having to speak out against extreme right-wing social legislation in the first place?"
Rush Limbaugh Mocks “12 Years a Slave” Winning Best Picture
www.forwardprogressives.com/rush-limbaugh-mocks-12-years-slave-winning-best-picture/
"This is a man who once called President Obama a “magic negro” and an “oreo.” He even once referred to single women as “receptacles” for “semen.” Honestly, his attacks against minorities, women and other religions are seemingly endless."
"This is a man who once called President Obama a “magic negro” and an “oreo.” He even once referred to single women as “receptacles” for “semen.” Honestly, his attacks against minorities, women and other religions are seemingly endless."
Millionaire Paul Ryan Disguises Plan to Gut All Programs for the 99% as Helping the Poor
www.politicususa.com/2014/03/04/millionaire-paul-ryan-disguises-plan-gut-programs-99-helping-poor.html
"Ryan’s report is an archetype of a class warfare manifesto that would elicit highest praise from Ayn Rand for adhering to the ideology in her fictional work Atlas Shrugged. According to House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), “People used to say we couldn’t talk about these issues. Now they have become a framework.” Republicans have been talking about slashing or eliminating anti-poverty programs incessantly since Americans first elected an African American man as President, and the people are well-aware that any Republican framework with the words “reform” and “overhaul” means massive cuts or elimination. Any Republican plan to fight poverty has nothing to do with fighting poverty and everything to do with fighting anti-poverty programs with a view towards completely eradicating them."
"Ryan’s report is an archetype of a class warfare manifesto that would elicit highest praise from Ayn Rand for adhering to the ideology in her fictional work Atlas Shrugged. According to House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), “People used to say we couldn’t talk about these issues. Now they have become a framework.” Republicans have been talking about slashing or eliminating anti-poverty programs incessantly since Americans first elected an African American man as President, and the people are well-aware that any Republican framework with the words “reform” and “overhaul” means massive cuts or elimination. Any Republican plan to fight poverty has nothing to do with fighting poverty and everything to do with fighting anti-poverty programs with a view towards completely eradicating them."
How Hyper-Religious Political Stunts by Republicans Keep Voters Captive to Corporate Ideology
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-hyper-religious-political-stunts-republicans-keeps-their-voters-captive
"If you want to know why nine out of the 10 poorest states are located in the hyper-religious South, look no further than this calculated right-wing political play, which is designed for one purpose: to ensure Southern and Sunbelt voters continue to vote against their own self-economic interests."
"If you want to know why nine out of the 10 poorest states are located in the hyper-religious South, look no further than this calculated right-wing political play, which is designed for one purpose: to ensure Southern and Sunbelt voters continue to vote against their own self-economic interests."
Christie refuses to dump corrupt crony: Why sketchy David Samson still has his job
Christie refuses to dump corrupt crony: Why sketchy David Samson still has his job
"Governor's top Port Authority appointee faces ethics complaint over deals that enriched his private practice"
"Governor's top Port Authority appointee faces ethics complaint over deals that enriched his private practice"
Monday, March 3, 2014
Scott Walker’s little-known scandal: When he treated welfare recipients like dogs
Scott Walker’s little-known scandal: When he treated welfare recipients like dogs
"When Scott Walker was county executive, how he handled programs for Milwaukee’s poor will shock and amaze you"
"When Scott Walker was county executive, how he handled programs for Milwaukee’s poor will shock and amaze you"
Republican Governor’s Idea To Lower Medical Costs: Stop Emergency Care
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/03/01/republican-governors-idea-lower-medical-costs-stop-emergency-care/
"Georgia governor Nathan Deal, however, has proposed an idea he thinks just might work: stop handing out emergency care."
"Georgia governor Nathan Deal, however, has proposed an idea he thinks just might work: stop handing out emergency care."
10 Biggest Right-Wing Idiots This Week (Not Even Including Arizona Homophobes)
www.alternet.org/10-biggest-right-wing-idiots-week-not-even-including-arizona-homophobes
"Putting aside all of the nutjob reactions to the veto of Arizona’s crazy anti-gay law, some of which were chronicled here, right wingers were still plenty busy mouthing off this week."
"Putting aside all of the nutjob reactions to the veto of Arizona’s crazy anti-gay law, some of which were chronicled here, right wingers were still plenty busy mouthing off this week."
Why the Christian Right Feels Entitled to Legal Protections to Impose Hate and Mooch Off Taxpayers
www.alternet.org/why-christian-right-feels-entitled-legal-protections-impose-hate-and-mooch-taxpayers
"Discrimination against gays is just the tip of the iceberg."
"Discrimination against gays is just the tip of the iceberg."
Paralyzed Republican Lawmaker Who Survived Thanks to Medicaid Opposes Medicaid Expansion
www.forwardprogressives.com/paralyzed-republican-lawmaker-survived-thanks-medicad-opposes-medicad-expansion/
"Miller is the worst, most disgusting, form of hypocrite. Someone who actually owes his life to a program that he now opposes expanding so others might have their lives saved."
"Miller is the worst, most disgusting, form of hypocrite. Someone who actually owes his life to a program that he now opposes expanding so others might have their lives saved."
Five Terrible U.S. Supreme Court Rulings That Poisoned American Elections With Big Money
www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/five-terrible-us-supreme-court-rulings-poisoned-american-elections-big-money
"The Supreme Court will rule soon in McCutcheon v. FEC, which could further increase the influence of big money in elections. But McCutcheon is just the latest in a long string of cases weakening campaign finance rules. Since Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito joined the Court in 2005 and 2006 respectively, five decisions have significantly reshaped the legal landscape dictating how much big money can flow into political races. Here is some background on what the Court did, how it affected American elections, and what could happen next."
"The Supreme Court will rule soon in McCutcheon v. FEC, which could further increase the influence of big money in elections. But McCutcheon is just the latest in a long string of cases weakening campaign finance rules. Since Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito joined the Court in 2005 and 2006 respectively, five decisions have significantly reshaped the legal landscape dictating how much big money can flow into political races. Here is some background on what the Court did, how it affected American elections, and what could happen next."
Behind the ‘Religious Freedom’ Attacks on Gay Rights Lurks a Broad Attack on Civil Rights
Behind the ‘Religious Freedom’ Attacks on Gay Rights Lurks a Broad Attack on Civil Rights
"Most of this legislation originates with the same source: the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the Scottsdale-based religious-right organization formerly known as the Alliance Defense Fund, which is ostensibly dedicated to advocating for Christians’ right to “freely live out their faith.” ADF is also active in working to criminalize gay sex in other countries, and played a key role in the recent passage of Uganda’s new laws outlawing homosexuality. It is also active in supporting a number of lawsuits involving conservative Christians’ rights to discriminate against gays and lesbians."
"Most of this legislation originates with the same source: the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the Scottsdale-based religious-right organization formerly known as the Alliance Defense Fund, which is ostensibly dedicated to advocating for Christians’ right to “freely live out their faith.” ADF is also active in working to criminalize gay sex in other countries, and played a key role in the recent passage of Uganda’s new laws outlawing homosexuality. It is also active in supporting a number of lawsuits involving conservative Christians’ rights to discriminate against gays and lesbians."
The Real Welfare Queens
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16362/the_real_welfare_queens
"Consider Charles and David Koch. Their company, Koch Industries, has relied on $88 million worth of government handouts. Yet, as the major financiers of the anti-government right, the Kochs are still billed as libertarian free-market activists."
"Consider Charles and David Koch. Their company, Koch Industries, has relied on $88 million worth of government handouts. Yet, as the major financiers of the anti-government right, the Kochs are still billed as libertarian free-market activists."
Right-wing columnist urges GOP to abandon outreach: ‘Colorblind conservatism’ is futile
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/03/right-wing-columnist-urges-gop-to-abandon-outreach-colorblind-conservatism-is-futile/
"Disgraced conservative columnist John Derbyshire is urging the Republican Party to abandon its meager efforts to court voters who aren’t racist white men.
Derbyshire, who lost his job with the National Review after publishing a “nasty and indefensible” 2012 column about his racial prejudices, told Communities Digital News on Friday that the GOP would never attract enough black and women voters to be worth the effort."
"Disgraced conservative columnist John Derbyshire is urging the Republican Party to abandon its meager efforts to court voters who aren’t racist white men.
Derbyshire, who lost his job with the National Review after publishing a “nasty and indefensible” 2012 column about his racial prejudices, told Communities Digital News on Friday that the GOP would never attract enough black and women voters to be worth the effort."
7 Numbers that Show How Most Americans Were Robbed of a Comfortable Retirement
www.alternet.org/economy/7-numbers-show-how-most-americans-were-robbed-comfortable-retirement
"The dream of a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. It's being extracted as a form of tribute to the very rich, a redistribution of our nation's wealth, a "tax" imposed on the middle and lower classes and paid for with their retirement savings."
"The dream of a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. It's being extracted as a form of tribute to the very rich, a redistribution of our nation's wealth, a "tax" imposed on the middle and lower classes and paid for with their retirement savings."
Saturday, March 1, 2014
How to survive a future without water
How to survive a future without water
"As history-defying droughts become more common, Americans will be forced to cope with the reality of water scarcity"
"As history-defying droughts become more common, Americans will be forced to cope with the reality of water scarcity"
Why Are the Advocates Trying to Save the Planet Prosecuted While the Plunderers Walk Free?
Why Are the Advocates Trying to Save the Planet Prosecuted While the Plunderers Walk Free?
"Three Michigan women - Lisa Leggio, Barbara Carter, and Vicci Hamlin - chained themselves to an excavator in the little town of Mason. They were polite in that Midwestern way throughout their protest of Enbridge, the Canadian firm that leaked 800,000 gallons of oil in their community, and can't seem to clean it up. After the conviction was read, Judge William Collette, a Republican and former bomber pilot, marched the ladies - one of them a great-grandmother - straight to jail from their defense table, despite their intentions to appeal."
"Three Michigan women - Lisa Leggio, Barbara Carter, and Vicci Hamlin - chained themselves to an excavator in the little town of Mason. They were polite in that Midwestern way throughout their protest of Enbridge, the Canadian firm that leaked 800,000 gallons of oil in their community, and can't seem to clean it up. After the conviction was read, Judge William Collette, a Republican and former bomber pilot, marched the ladies - one of them a great-grandmother - straight to jail from their defense table, despite their intentions to appeal."
The Real Job Killers | Common Dreams
The Real Job Killers | Common Dreams
"In other words, forget what you’re hearing from the Republicans and the Chamber of Commerce. The real job killers in America are lousy jobs at lousy wages."
"In other words, forget what you’re hearing from the Republicans and the Chamber of Commerce. The real job killers in America are lousy jobs at lousy wages."
Derbyshire: 'Future Of The Conservative Movement Is As A Home For White Ethnocentrism' | Right Wing Watch
Derbyshire: 'Future Of The Conservative Movement Is As A Home For White Ethnocentrism' | Right Wing Watch
"He concludes that he is forced to agree with his “friend,” white nationalist Jared Taylor that “whites may as well start asserting themselves and join in fighting for the spoils. If that’s right, ‘colorblind conservatism’ is a dead end, and the future of the conservative movement is as a home for white ethnocentrism"."
"He concludes that he is forced to agree with his “friend,” white nationalist Jared Taylor that “whites may as well start asserting themselves and join in fighting for the spoils. If that’s right, ‘colorblind conservatism’ is a dead end, and the future of the conservative movement is as a home for white ethnocentrism"."
While Duke Energy dodges taxes, its pollution costs the public dearly
www.southernstudies.org/2014/02/while-duke-energy-dodges-taxes-its-pollution-costs.html
"In fact, Duke -- the nation's largest electric utility -- had a negative effective tax rate of -3.3 percent during the five-year period. The investor-owned company earned over $9 billion in profits during those years but received tax rebates totaling $299 million."
"In fact, Duke -- the nation's largest electric utility -- had a negative effective tax rate of -3.3 percent during the five-year period. The investor-owned company earned over $9 billion in profits during those years but received tax rebates totaling $299 million."
Georgia’s Republican Gov. Wants To Save Money By Not Allowing Poor People To Receive Emergency Care!
Georgia’s Republican Gov. Wants To Save Money By Not Allowing Poor People To Receive Emergency Care!
"The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 requires that a hospital treat anyone in an emergency, regardless of citizenship or ability to pay and it has saved many lives since it was enacted. Governor Nathan Deal (R) of Georgia thinks that it is an onerous law which is costing way to much money and wants Congress to repeal it and just let those poor people die.
Deal, who has been vocal in his opposition to Obamacare, called for the repeal of the law at a University of Georgia political science alumni event."
"The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 requires that a hospital treat anyone in an emergency, regardless of citizenship or ability to pay and it has saved many lives since it was enacted. Governor Nathan Deal (R) of Georgia thinks that it is an onerous law which is costing way to much money and wants Congress to repeal it and just let those poor people die.
Deal, who has been vocal in his opposition to Obamacare, called for the repeal of the law at a University of Georgia political science alumni event."
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