Friday, March 30, 2012
EC=BC: Emergency Contraception Is Birth Control, Not Abortion
EC=BC: Emergency Contraception Is Birth Control, Not Abortion: pOur guest blogger is Lindsay Rosenthal, special assistant for domestic policy at the Center for American Progress. Wednesday was “Back Up Your Birth Control Day of Action!,” a day started by the National Institute for Reproductive Health’s Back Up Your Birth Control Campaign to dispel misinformation about emergency contraception (EC), also known as the “morning [...]/p
The Savage Arithmetic of the Pre-Existing Condition
The Savage Arithmetic of the Pre-Existing Condition
"Two years ago, Republican Mike Huckabee compared people with pre-existing conditions to houses that have already burned down. Just the other day on the Leno show, likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney voiced a very similar opinion.
"Two years ago, Republican Mike Huckabee compared people with pre-existing conditions to houses that have already burned down. Just the other day on the Leno show, likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney voiced a very similar opinion.
They both have awesome health insurance.
Do you? Forever?"
Debunking Paul Ryan’s Bizarre Claim That Food Stamps Are ‘Unsustainable’
Debunking Paul Ryan’s Bizarre Claim That Food Stamps Are ‘Unsustainable’: In response to a question from ThinkProgress at a policy summit yesterday, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) not only attempted to defend the tax cuts for millionaires in his new budget, but also dove into greater detail about why he so drastically cuts support programs for poor and low-income Americans: RYAN: With respect to these programs [...]/p
Neurotoxic Pesticides Helping to Decimate Bees Populations, Studies Indicate | Common Dreams
Neurotoxic Pesticides Helping to Decimate Bees Populations, Studies Indicate | Common Dreams
Two studies show that a class of chemicals known as neonicotinoids created disorientation among bees and caused colonies to lose weight, which may have contributed to a mysterious die-off.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Supremes & Obama Care: Five Hypocrites and One Bad Idea | Common Dreams
The Supremes & Obama Care: Five Hypocrites and One Bad Idea | Common Dreams
"The Supreme Court is so full of it. The entire institution, as well as its sanctimonious judges themselves, reeks of a time-honored hypocrisy steeped in the arrogance that justice is served by unaccountable elitism."
"The Supreme Court is so full of it. The entire institution, as well as its sanctimonious judges themselves, reeks of a time-honored hypocrisy steeped in the arrogance that justice is served by unaccountable elitism."
New Study Finds Skyrocketing Increase in Autism | Common Dreams
New Study Finds Skyrocketing Increase in Autism | Common Dreams
"Group says link to environmental factors shown, gov't should regulate toxic chemicals"
"Group says link to environmental factors shown, gov't should regulate toxic chemicals"
Senate Republicans Stand with Big Oil, Filibuster for Corporate America | AlterNet
Senate Republicans Stand with Big Oil, Filibuster for Corporate America | AlterNet
"The American taxpayer is subsidizing those billions Big Oil is raking in, while we pay more and more at the pump every week. At least we know now, definitively, which side the Republicans are on."
"The American taxpayer is subsidizing those billions Big Oil is raking in, while we pay more and more at the pump every week. At least we know now, definitively, which side the Republicans are on."
Study: More Conservatives Than Ever Distrust Science
Study: More Conservatives Than Ever Distrust Science: pJust 35 percent of self-identified conservatives said they had a “great deal of trust in science” in 2010, a new report published in the journal American Sociological Review reveals. The finding marks a 28 percent decline since the first survey taken in 1974, “when 48 percent of conservatives—about the same percentage as liberals—trusted science.” According [...]/p
The Wisconsin Story: Scott Walker's Unprecedented Assault on Unions and Democracy And the June 5th Recall Vote | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
The Wisconsin Story: Scott Walker's Unprecedented Assault on Unions and Democracy And the June 5th Recall Vote | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
"Wisconsin's populist rebellion came after state GOP leaders attacked workers' rights and dignity."
"Wisconsin's populist rebellion came after state GOP leaders attacked workers' rights and dignity."
House Republicans vote to end Medicare as we know it, again
House Republicans vote to end Medicare as we know it, again
"The House Republicans made their ultimate dystopian statement today, in passing Rep. Paul Ryan's budget in a 228-191 vote. Ten Republicans voted against it, no Democrats voted for it and 13 members did not vote."
"The House Republicans made their ultimate dystopian statement today, in passing Rep. Paul Ryan's budget in a 228-191 vote. Ten Republicans voted against it, no Democrats voted for it and 13 members did not vote."
A Message From A Republican Meteorologist On Climate Change
A Message From A Republican Meteorologist On Climate Change: Acknowledging Climate Change Doesn’t Make You A Liberal by Paul Douglas, via neorenaissance I’m going to tell you something that my Republican friends are loath to admit out loud: climate change is real. I am a moderate Republican, fiscally conservative; a fan of small government, accountability, self-empowerment, and sound science. I am not a climate [...]/p
If Health Care Reform Falls, Watch Fox For Clues On Whether Social Security Will Be The Next Target
If Health Care Reform Falls, Watch Fox For Clues On Whether Social Security Will Be The Next Target
"If the Roberts Court's conservative majority strikes down the Affordable Care Act, observers seeking to learn which fundamental safety net provisions the Right will go after next would be well advised to look to Fox News for guidance. Based on the crucial role Fox News played in the rise of the Tea Party and the assault (based wholly on political arguments at first, later incorporating legal arguments as well) on the Affordable Care Act, the network likely will serve as the next campaign's chief communicator and cheerleader. A Fox Business Network host may have provided an early hint that Social Security could be next, and given a preview of what that campaign would look like"
"If the Roberts Court's conservative majority strikes down the Affordable Care Act, observers seeking to learn which fundamental safety net provisions the Right will go after next would be well advised to look to Fox News for guidance. Based on the crucial role Fox News played in the rise of the Tea Party and the assault (based wholly on political arguments at first, later incorporating legal arguments as well) on the Affordable Care Act, the network likely will serve as the next campaign's chief communicator and cheerleader. A Fox Business Network host may have provided an early hint that Social Security could be next, and given a preview of what that campaign would look like"
Mitt Romney attacks Rick Santorum as a friend of 'big labor.' Santorum objects: He hates unions, too
Mitt Romney attacks Rick Santorum as a friend of 'big labor.' Santorum objects: He hates unions, too
"The Wisconsin Republican presidential primary is turning into a bit of a "who's more anti-union" competition as Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum try to tie themselves to Gov. Scott Walker's assaults on unions to gain an edge with Walker's supporters. Romney is sounding a note he's sounded before:"
"The Wisconsin Republican presidential primary is turning into a bit of a "who's more anti-union" competition as Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum try to tie themselves to Gov. Scott Walker's assaults on unions to gain an edge with Walker's supporters. Romney is sounding a note he's sounded before:"
The Budget for All: A technical report on the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2013 | Economic Policy Institute
The Budget for All: A technical report on the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2013 | Economic Policy Institute
"Last year, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) introduced the People’s Budget, a budget alternative for fiscal year (FY) 2012, which would have achieved fiscal sustainability while investing in economic recovery, strengthening the middle class, and protecting vital social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act). For FY2013, the CPC has released the Budget for All as an alternative to President Barack Obama’s budget request for FY2013"
"Last year, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) introduced the People’s Budget, a budget alternative for fiscal year (FY) 2012, which would have achieved fiscal sustainability while investing in economic recovery, strengthening the middle class, and protecting vital social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act). For FY2013, the CPC has released the Budget for All as an alternative to President Barack Obama’s budget request for FY2013"
Did Trayvon Martin's Killer Walk Out of Jail Courtesy of Friends In High Places?
Did Trayvon Martin's Killer Walk Out of Jail Courtesy of Friends In High Places?
"It seems George Zimmerman has some friends in high places. Despite the fact that at least one Sanford police detective did not buy Zimmerman's story that Trayvon Martin posed a threat to his life, officials at the highest level of local justice said to "cut him loose."
"It seems George Zimmerman has some friends in high places. Despite the fact that at least one Sanford police detective did not buy Zimmerman's story that Trayvon Martin posed a threat to his life, officials at the highest level of local justice said to "cut him loose."
Paul Ryan says U.S. military leaders are lying about budget request
Paul Ryan says U.S. military leaders are lying about budget request
"Yes. Paul Ryan just said that senior U.S. military officials and commanders were lying to Congress about their support for the budget request for defense, the request that is strongly supported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Paul Ryan just called our military leaders liars."
"Yes. Paul Ryan just said that senior U.S. military officials and commanders were lying to Congress about their support for the budget request for defense, the request that is strongly supported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Paul Ryan just called our military leaders liars."
INFOGRAPHIC: George Zimmerman’s Story Vs. Surveillance Images
INFOGRAPHIC: George Zimmerman’s Story Vs. Surveillance Images: pLast night, ABC News released footage of Trayvon Marin’s killer George Zimmerman arriving at the police station on the night of the shooting. The video, which “shows no blood or bruises” on Zimmerman, seems to provide a stark visual contrast with Zimmerman’s version of events that night. Recall, Zimmerman claimed Martin “slammed his head into [...]/p
New Tax Cuts in Ryan Budget Would Give Millionaires $265,000 on Top of Bush Tax Cuts — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
New Tax Cuts in Ryan Budget Would Give Millionaires $265,000 on Top of Bush Tax Cuts — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
"Even as House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s budget would impose trillions of dollars in spending cuts, 62 percent of which would come from low-income programs,[1] it would enact new tax cuts that would provide huge windfalls to households at the top of the income scale."
"Even as House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s budget would impose trillions of dollars in spending cuts, 62 percent of which would come from low-income programs,[1] it would enact new tax cuts that would provide huge windfalls to households at the top of the income scale."
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Surveillance Tapes Show Zimmerman Without Bloody Nose or Gash to Head
Surveillance Tapes Show Zimmerman Without Bloody Nose or Gash to Head
"Remember when George Zimmerman's attorney made the media rounds insisting that his client really did feel threatened by Trayvon Martin and suffered a broken nose and a gash to the head as a result of the scuffle that preceded George Zimmerman shooting and killing the unarmed Trayvon Martin?"
"Remember when George Zimmerman's attorney made the media rounds insisting that his client really did feel threatened by Trayvon Martin and suffered a broken nose and a gash to the head as a result of the scuffle that preceded George Zimmerman shooting and killing the unarmed Trayvon Martin?"
Fox News Loves the Chevy Volt Even Though It's Spent All This Time Demonizing It | Common Dreams
Fox News Loves the Chevy Volt Even Though It's Spent All This Time Demonizing It | Common Dreams
"Your rare chance to watch Fox without suffering gastrointestinal distress, or not as much:"
"Your rare chance to watch Fox without suffering gastrointestinal distress, or not as much:"
Santorum's Latest Attack Ad
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SCOTUS faces compromised credibility with political rulings
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A Budget for Wall Street Versus A Budget for Main Street | Common Dreams
A Budget for Wall Street Versus A Budget for Main Street | Common Dreams
"The U.S. House of Represenatives will weigh in Thursday on the direction the country should take regarding budget priorities."
"The U.S. House of Represenatives will weigh in Thursday on the direction the country should take regarding budget priorities."
Conservative war on women belies mandate objections
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What ‘Obamacare’ means to women’s health
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Romney Justifies Denying Health Care To People With Pre-Existing Conditions: ‘We Can’t Play The Game Like That’
Romney Justifies Denying Health Care To People With Pre-Existing Conditions: ‘We Can’t Play The Game Like That’: As Mitt Romney tries to distance himself from Obamacare, he ran into some trouble last night when he got stumped by comedian Jay Leno. Leno asked Romney what he would do to help people with preexisting medical conditions, who are often denied coverage today by insurance companies worried about increased costs. Romney’s answer was essentially [...]/p
The Truth About the US Postal Service | Common Dreams
The Truth About the US Postal Service | Common Dreams
"America's postal service is a true public service, a grassroots people's asset that has even more potential than we're presently tapping to serve the democratic ideal of the common good. Why the hell would we let an elite of small-minded profiteers, ranting ideologues and their political hirelings drop-kick this jewel through the goal posts of corporate greed? This is not a fight merely to save 32,000 post offices and the middle-class jobs they provide — but to advance the BIG IDEA of America itself, the bold, historic notion that "yes, we can" create a society in which we're all in it together."
"America's postal service is a true public service, a grassroots people's asset that has even more potential than we're presently tapping to serve the democratic ideal of the common good. Why the hell would we let an elite of small-minded profiteers, ranting ideologues and their political hirelings drop-kick this jewel through the goal posts of corporate greed? This is not a fight merely to save 32,000 post offices and the middle-class jobs they provide — but to advance the BIG IDEA of America itself, the bold, historic notion that "yes, we can" create a society in which we're all in it together."
If the Mandate Fails, Single Payer Awaits | Common Dreams
If the Mandate Fails, Single Payer Awaits | Common Dreams
"There is much consternation in liberal circles this afternoon, as the arguments before the Supreme Court about health care reform’s crucial individual mandate don’t seem to have gone very well. “A bad day for Obamacare’s supporters,” writes Ezra Klein. “I think this law is in grave, grave trouble,” said Jeffrey Toobin."
"There is much consternation in liberal circles this afternoon, as the arguments before the Supreme Court about health care reform’s crucial individual mandate don’t seem to have gone very well. “A bad day for Obamacare’s supporters,” writes Ezra Klein. “I think this law is in grave, grave trouble,” said Jeffrey Toobin."
3 Shady Things the Koch Brothers Have Been Up To That the Media Ignore | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
3 Shady Things the Koch Brothers Have Been Up To That the Media Ignore | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
"To the corporate media, the machinations of the 1 percent's most infamous poster boys might look like old news. But for regular Americans, it's a fight for their lives."
The wealthy funders of the Tea Party.
"To the corporate media, the machinations of the 1 percent's most infamous poster boys might look like old news. But for regular Americans, it's a fight for their lives."
The wealthy funders of the Tea Party.
The Strange Conservative Brain: 3 Reasons Republicans Refuse to Accept Reality About Global Warming | | AlterNet
The Strange Conservative Brain: 3 Reasons Republicans Refuse to Accept Reality About Global Warming | | AlterNet
"Even many well-educated Republicans deny global warming. What's going on here?"
"Even many well-educated Republicans deny global warming. What's going on here?"
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Obamacare supporters outnumber opponents outside the Supreme Court
Obamacare supporters outnumber opponents outside the Supreme Court
"If you can think of a remotely health care-related issue, someone is probably in front of the Supreme Court holding a sign about it as the Court hears arguments on the Affordable Care Act. Giant anti-circumcision sign? Check. Single-payer? Check. The full range of tea party slogans, including that the health care law is socialism, is the war on religion, is putting the taxpayer in debtors prison? Check. But the vast majority of people out there Tuesday morning were cheerfully pro-Obamacare."
"If you can think of a remotely health care-related issue, someone is probably in front of the Supreme Court holding a sign about it as the Court hears arguments on the Affordable Care Act. Giant anti-circumcision sign? Check. Single-payer? Check. The full range of tea party slogans, including that the health care law is socialism, is the war on religion, is putting the taxpayer in debtors prison? Check. But the vast majority of people out there Tuesday morning were cheerfully pro-Obamacare."
Occupy Education: Seizing the Momentum to Reclaim Our Schools | Common Dreams
Occupy Education: Seizing the Momentum to Reclaim Our Schools | Common Dreams
"The Occupy movement that began in 2011 raised a defiant voice for justice and equality."
"The Occupy movement that began in 2011 raised a defiant voice for justice and equality."
On the Brink: Planet Near Irreversible Point of Global Warming | Common Dreams
On the Brink: Planet Near Irreversible Point of Global Warming | Common Dreams
"Scientists issue dire call for action on climate change at conference; we must stop warming or "cross the threshold"
"Scientists issue dire call for action on climate change at conference; we must stop warming or "cross the threshold"
Republican Medicare plan tanks in new poll
Republican Medicare plan tanks in new poll
"House Republicans are sure they have a new message strategy for their plan to gut Medicare that will make the plan not devastatingly unpopular."
"House Republicans are sure they have a new message strategy for their plan to gut Medicare that will make the plan not devastatingly unpopular."
Sen. Rand Paul: When Big Oil Screws Americans At The Gas Pump, ‘You Should Want To Encourage Them’
Sen. Rand Paul: When Big Oil Screws Americans At The Gas Pump, ‘You Should Want To Encourage Them’: pThe top five oil companies in the United States have already made $5.8 billion in windfall profits from spiking gasoline prices this year. Yesterday, Senate Republicans agreed to debate a bill that repeals $2 billion in annual tax breaks for these super-wealthy oil giants. The move was purely a political calculation — don’t expect the [...]/p
GOP Justices Clown over Health Care | Common Dreams
GOP Justices Clown over Health Care | Common Dreams
"The questions asked by the Republican partisans on the U.S. Supreme Court suggest they will overturn the Affordable Care Act. Instead of a serious debate about health care and the Constitution, they clowned around with silly what-ifs about mandating broccoli-eating and requiring burial insurance"
"The questions asked by the Republican partisans on the U.S. Supreme Court suggest they will overturn the Affordable Care Act. Instead of a serious debate about health care and the Constitution, they clowned around with silly what-ifs about mandating broccoli-eating and requiring burial insurance"
Health Care and the SCOTUS Day 2: A Bad Beginning And A Better Ending
Health Care and the SCOTUS Day 2: A Bad Beginning And A Better Ending: The Constitution’s words enabling Congress to “regulate commerce . . . among the several states” gives the United States broad authority over economic matters — although non-economic regulation is far more suspect. Early in today’s argument, however, several of the justices appeared poised to impose an entirely novel limit on Congress’ authority — suggesting that [...]/p
By Ditching the Public Option, Obama Gave His Enemies a Path to the Supreme Court | The Progressive
By Ditching the Public Option, Obama Gave His Enemies a Path to the Supreme Court | The Progressive
"If you want to keep your private health insurance provider, fine. But if you want the government, in essence, to be your insurer, then join the Medicare program. This option the Supreme Court couldn’t invalidate unless it threw out the entire Medicare system, which has stood for 47 years."
"If you want to keep your private health insurance provider, fine. But if you want the government, in essence, to be your insurer, then join the Medicare program. This option the Supreme Court couldn’t invalidate unless it threw out the entire Medicare system, which has stood for 47 years."
Geraldo Rivera Offers Half-Hearted ‘Apology’ For Hoodie Comments
Geraldo Rivera Offers Half-Hearted ‘Apology’ For Hoodie Comments: Fox News contributor Geraldo Rivera offed a “heartfelt apology” today for his comments about the danger of hoodies and Travyon Martin’s death, but despite uttering the word “apology,” Rivera completely stood by his controversial comments. “I apologize to anyone offended by what one prominent black conservative called my ‘very practical and potentially life-saving campaign urging [...]/p
BP Spill Caused 'Graveyard of Corals' | Common Dreams
BP Spill Caused 'Graveyard of Corals' | Common Dreams
"New Evidence points to 'chemical fingerprint' of Deepwater Horizon"
"New Evidence points to 'chemical fingerprint' of Deepwater Horizon"
What’s Good For The CEO May Be Bad For Business – OpEd
What’s Good For The CEO May Be Bad For Business – OpEd
"Total investment will increase when the government expands public investment in needed infrastructure like broadband, a smart energy grid, and an efficient transportation system. The government should also provide incentives for productive private domestic investment rather than rewarding speculation and overseas investment."
"Total investment will increase when the government expands public investment in needed infrastructure like broadband, a smart energy grid, and an efficient transportation system. The government should also provide incentives for productive private domestic investment rather than rewarding speculation and overseas investment."
James Cameron’s Record Dive Exposes Need For Global Protection Of The High Seas
James Cameron’s Record Dive Exposes Need For Global Protection Of The High Seas: pby Lisa Speer, via NRDC’s Switchboard Yesterday, filmmaker James Cameron became the first solo explorer to reach the ocean’s deepest point, traveling nearly seven miles down through some of the darkest, most mysterious waters on Earth. Cameron’s successful venture to the bottom of the Mariana Trench comes at a pivotal time for the deep ocean. As [...]/p
The Last Word: Zimmerman's Lawyer Runs From Questions
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Four Hundred Chernobyls: Solar Flares, Electromagnetic Pulses and Nuclear Armageddon
Four Hundred Chernobyls: Solar Flares, Electromagnetic Pulses and Nuclear Armageddon
"There are nearly 450 nuclear reactors in the world, with hundreds more being planned or under construction. There are 104 of these reactors in the United States and 195 in Europe. Imagine what havoc it would wreak on our civilization and the planet's ecosystems if we were to suddenly witness not just one or two nuclear meltdowns, but 400 or more!"
"There are nearly 450 nuclear reactors in the world, with hundreds more being planned or under construction. There are 104 of these reactors in the United States and 195 in Europe. Imagine what havoc it would wreak on our civilization and the planet's ecosystems if we were to suddenly witness not just one or two nuclear meltdowns, but 400 or more!"
Veterans Peace Team Joins Occupy Wall Street
Veterans Peace Team Joins Occupy Wall Street
""Post-World War II, the military hasn't been defending America, but working for the power elite to expand empire," Will Thomas tells me. In I962, at the age of 19, he was deployed on board the USS Okinawa to help enforce the US Naval quarantine of Cuba during the missile crisis."
""Post-World War II, the military hasn't been defending America, but working for the power elite to expand empire," Will Thomas tells me. In I962, at the age of 19, he was deployed on board the USS Okinawa to help enforce the US Naval quarantine of Cuba during the missile crisis."
GOP War On Women: Southern Strategy Run Amok?
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The Horrors of an Ayn Rand World: Why We Must Fight for America's Soul | News & Politics | AlterNet
The Horrors of an Ayn Rand World: Why We Must Fight for America's Soul | News & Politics | AlterNet
"An Objectivist America would be a dark age of unhindered free enterprise, far more primitive and Darwinian than anything seen before."
"An Objectivist America would be a dark age of unhindered free enterprise, far more primitive and Darwinian than anything seen before."
Republican Party Is Rotted and Collapsing from Within -- And We Can Thank Super PACs for Exposing It | | AlterNet
Republican Party Is Rotted and Collapsing from Within -- And We Can Thank Super PACs for Exposing It | | AlterNet
"Super PACs are an affront to the democratic process, but they are hastening the Republican Party's fall."
"Super PACs are an affront to the democratic process, but they are hastening the Republican Party's fall."
Georgia Senate Passes Watered Down ‘Fetal Pain’ Bill
Georgia Senate Passes Watered Down ‘Fetal Pain’ Bill: State legislators across the country have been debating several bills to limit women’s access to abortion, from cutting off funding to putting more barriers in their way. Lawmakers in Georgia have been considering one of those bills — a measure that would prevent women from receiving abortions 20 weeks after fertilization — and the Senate [...]/p
What Everyone Needs To Know About The Smear Campaign Against Trayvon Martin (1995-2012)
What Everyone Needs To Know About The Smear Campaign Against Trayvon Martin (1995-2012): Over the last 48 hours, there has been a sustained effort to smear Trayvon Martin, the 17-year old African-American who was shot dead by George Zimmerman a month ago. Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, said, “They killed my son, now they’re trying to kill his reputation.” Thus far these attacks have fallen into two categories: false [...]/p
Individual Mandate, Republican Idea Turned Republican Scorn
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Ed Schultz: Healthcare Showdown
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How Many Nukes Do We Need? (We Have More Than That)
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Congressional Progressive Caucus Issues 'Budget for All' | Common Dreams
Congressional Progressive Caucus Issues 'Budget for All' | Common Dreams
"The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has issued their full alternative budget today,The Budget for All."
"The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has issued their full alternative budget today,The Budget for All."
Anti-Immigrant Georgia Legislator Proposes Reactionary Immigration Bill
Anti-Immigrant Georgia Legislator Proposes Reactionary Immigration Bill: A proposed bill under consideration in the Georgia legislature to prevent all undocumented immigrants from attending state institutions of higher learning also contains provisions which could prevent them from even obtaining marriage licenses and water and sewage service. The legislation, sponsored by Georgia Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R), would remove foreign passports from the list of [...]/p
New Orleans Police Officer on Trayvon: 'Act Like a Thug, Die Like One'
New Orleans Police Officer on Trayvon: 'Act Like a Thug, Die Like One'
"This certainly isn’t going to do much to help the reputation of police in the black community:"
"This certainly isn’t going to do much to help the reputation of police in the black community:"
Exxon Mobil’s Tax Rate Drops To 13 Percent, After Making 35 Percent More Profits On Rising Gas Prices In 2011
Exxon Mobil’s Tax Rate Drops To 13 Percent, After Making 35 Percent More Profits On Rising Gas Prices In 2011: Exxon Mobil, the most profitable of the big five oil companies, made $41.1 billion in profits last year. Although Exxon made 35 percent more profits since 2010, its estimated effective tax rate actually dropped. Citizens for Tax Justice reported Exxon paid only 17.6 percent taxes in 2010, lower than the average American, and a Reuters [...]/p
‘You Can’t Take Away My Hope’: Thirty Years Of Climate Scientists Helplessly Describing Our Dangerously Changing World
‘You Can’t Take Away My Hope’: Thirty Years Of Climate Scientists Helplessly Describing Our Dangerously Changing World: In a new video by Peter Sinclair, prominent climate scientist Michael MacCracken discusses how the last thirty years have confirmed the predictions he and others made in 1982 and earlier. The scientific understanding of how burning fossil fuels transforms the atmosphere was well established then, and predictions of warming and systemic changes in the world [...]/p
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Paul Ryan Rorschach Test
The Paul Ryan Rorschach Test
"House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan did a great public service when he released his budget last week. By throwing a piece of total garbage on the table and pretending it was a real budget plan, he allowed us to see who in Washington is serious about the budget and who just says things that will push their agenda."
"House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan did a great public service when he released his budget last week. By throwing a piece of total garbage on the table and pretending it was a real budget plan, he allowed us to see who in Washington is serious about the budget and who just says things that will push their agenda."
Affording Health Care and Education on the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
Affording Health Care and Education on the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"The cost of family coverage increased from 329 hours in 1979 to 2,079 hours in 2011. These figures imply that after paying for family health insurance coverage, a minimum-wage worker would have just one hour of work left over to spend on other goods and services after working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks in a year."
"The cost of family coverage increased from 329 hours in 1979 to 2,079 hours in 2011. These figures imply that after paying for family health insurance coverage, a minimum-wage worker would have just one hour of work left over to spend on other goods and services after working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks in a year."
Pennsylvania GOP Senate Candidate Favors Privatizing Social Security, Ending Disability Payments
Pennsylvania GOP Senate Candidate Favors Privatizing Social Security, Ending Disability Payments: HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania Senate candidate Sam Rohrer (R), an 18-year veteran of the state legislature, has already made a name for himself during this campaign as one of the GOP’s most radical candidates. He thinks federal highways are unconstitutional, doesn’t understand the budget process, and has compared driver’s license requirements to slavery. Rohrer also [...]/p
Subliminal Santorum Ad Flashes Obama’s Face When Talking About ‘Sworn American Enemy’
Subliminal Santorum Ad Flashes Obama’s Face When Talking About ‘Sworn American Enemy’: pA paranoid Rick Santorum campaign ad, “Obamaville,” briefly replaces a picture of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad with President Barack Obama’s face, as the narrator talks about a “sworn American enemy”: VOICEOVER: Every day, the residents of this town must come to grips with reality that a rogue nation and sworn American enemy has become a [...]/p
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Iraqi Immigrant Beaten to Death in California
Iraqi Immigrant Beaten to Death in California
"Dear God, how many "isolated incidents" do there have to be before we start pushing back against this awful, deceptive trope and start demanding an end to hate speech?"
"Dear God, how many "isolated incidents" do there have to be before we start pushing back against this awful, deceptive trope and start demanding an end to hate speech?"
Scientists Warn of Low-Dose Risks of Chemical Exposure | Common Dreams
Scientists Warn of Low-Dose Risks of Chemical Exposure | Common Dreams
"A new study finds that even low doses of hormone-disrupting chemicals — used in everything from plastics to pesticides – can have serious effects on human health. These findings, the researchers say, point to the need for basic changes in how chemical safety testing is conducted."
"A new study finds that even low doses of hormone-disrupting chemicals — used in everything from plastics to pesticides – can have serious effects on human health. These findings, the researchers say, point to the need for basic changes in how chemical safety testing is conducted."
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Earth Sends Climate Warning by Busting World Heat Records | Common Dreams
Earth Sends Climate Warning by Busting World Heat Records | Common Dreams
"
"
First decade of 21st Century warmest on record; US locations break 7,000 temperature records in March
Fox News Defends 'Pink Slime' in Hamburgers
Fox News Defends 'Pink Slime' in Hamburgers
"The extremely unappetizing phrase "pink slime" has come to the forefront of late. In case you haven't heard--or don't have the stomach (pun intended) to watch the video above--pink slime is the process by which some beef manufacturers have come up with to strip every last bit of beef and render it "fit" for human consumption by cleaning it with an ammonia solution and mincing it."
"The extremely unappetizing phrase "pink slime" has come to the forefront of late. In case you haven't heard--or don't have the stomach (pun intended) to watch the video above--pink slime is the process by which some beef manufacturers have come up with to strip every last bit of beef and render it "fit" for human consumption by cleaning it with an ammonia solution and mincing it."
Is Scott Walker a Conservative Without a Conscience? » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Is Scott Walker a Conservative Without a Conscience? » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"By way of preface, a few years ago, when I wrote Conservatives Without Conscience (2006), I relied on a half-century of empirical studies by social scientists to better understand political figures who evidence little concern for anyone and anything other than themselves, their tribe, and their goal of imposing their worldview on others. That science on authoritarianism remains valid and unchallenged."
"By way of preface, a few years ago, when I wrote Conservatives Without Conscience (2006), I relied on a half-century of empirical studies by social scientists to better understand political figures who evidence little concern for anyone and anything other than themselves, their tribe, and their goal of imposing their worldview on others. That science on authoritarianism remains valid and unchallenged."
PERRspectives: Rove's Failed Rewrite: Bush, Romney Opposed Bin Laden Strike
PERRspectives: Rove's Failed Rewrite: Bush, Romney Opposed Bin Laden Strike
"This week, Karl Rove took to the pages of the Wall Street Journal in the feeble attempt to undermine of one of President Obama's signature achievements, the killing of Osama Bin Laden. "Mr. Obama did," Rove sniffed, "what virtually any commander in chief would have done in the same situation." Well, not quite every commander-in-chief. As it turns out, back in 2008 both President Bush and would-be President Romneyridiculed then candidate Obama's pledge that "that if Pakistan cannot or will not act, we will take out high-level terrorist targets like bin Laden if we have them in our sights."
"This week, Karl Rove took to the pages of the Wall Street Journal in the feeble attempt to undermine of one of President Obama's signature achievements, the killing of Osama Bin Laden. "Mr. Obama did," Rove sniffed, "what virtually any commander in chief would have done in the same situation." Well, not quite every commander-in-chief. As it turns out, back in 2008 both President Bush and would-be President Romneyridiculed then candidate Obama's pledge that "that if Pakistan cannot or will not act, we will take out high-level terrorist targets like bin Laden if we have them in our sights."
400 Chernobyls: Solar Flares, Electromagnetic Pulses and Nuclear Armageddon
400 Chernobyls: Solar Flares, Electromagnetic Pulses and Nuclear Armageddon
"There are nearly 450 nuclear reactors in the world, with hundreds more being planned or under construction. There are 104 of these reactors in the United States and 195 in Europe. Imagine what havoc it would wreak on our civilization and the planet's ecosystems if we were to suddenly witness not just one or two nuclear meltdowns, but 400 or more! "
"There are nearly 450 nuclear reactors in the world, with hundreds more being planned or under construction. There are 104 of these reactors in the United States and 195 in Europe. Imagine what havoc it would wreak on our civilization and the planet's ecosystems if we were to suddenly witness not just one or two nuclear meltdowns, but 400 or more! "
A Single Hedge-Fund Hustler Makes More Than 85,000 Teachers: Why Are Our Priorities So Messed Up? | World | AlterNet
A Single Hedge-Fund Hustler Makes More Than 85,000 Teachers: Why Are Our Priorities So Messed Up? | World | AlterNet
"This obscene distribution of income is what we get for failing to rein in Wall Street."
"This obscene distribution of income is what we get for failing to rein in Wall Street."
Friday, March 23, 2012
Why Seniors Could Pay $5,900 More for Health Care Under the Republican Budget
Why Seniors Could Pay $5,900 More for Health Care Under the Republican Budget: pOur guest blogger is Topher Spiro, the Managing Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress. Earlier this week the Center for American Progress released an analysis of the Republican budget’s Medicare plan, which would provide vouchers to beneficiaries to purchase either a private health insurance plan or the traditional Medicare plan. We [...]/p
MIT Economist: Income Inequality In The U.S. Is Crushing The Middle Class’ Political Power
MIT Economist: Income Inequality In The U.S. Is Crushing The Middle Class’ Political Power: pThanks in large part to the Occupy Wall Street movement, the debilitating effects of income inequality have been hoisted into the national spotlight. But in addition to killing economic growth and economic mobility, income inequality also exacerbates political inequality. Today, ThinkProgress spoke with MIT economist Daron Acemoglu, whose new book, Why Nations Fail (co-written by [...]/p
62 Percent Of The House Republican Budget Cuts Would Hit Programs For Low-Income Americans
62 Percent Of The House Republican Budget Cuts Would Hit Programs For Low-Income Americans: pThe House Republican Budget, in addition to providing $3 trillion in tax breaks to the rich and corporations, would gut the food stamp program, denying food assistance to millions of Americans. And that’s not the only way in which the budget, authored by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), would force the pain of [...]/p
Intel: Iran Is Not a Nuclear Threat | Common Dreams
Intel: Iran Is Not a Nuclear Threat | Common Dreams
""Tehran does not have a bomb, has not decided to build one, and is probably years away from having a deliverable nuclear warhead," states a Reuters special report released today. The report, citing breaking intelligence from current and former US officials, outlines the less than dramatic realities of Iran's nuclear program, running counter to many US and Israeli claims that Iran has imminent nuclear weapon capabilities. Such had been the desired justification for a joint attack on Iran."
""Tehran does not have a bomb, has not decided to build one, and is probably years away from having a deliverable nuclear warhead," states a Reuters special report released today. The report, citing breaking intelligence from current and former US officials, outlines the less than dramatic realities of Iran's nuclear program, running counter to many US and Israeli claims that Iran has imminent nuclear weapon capabilities. Such had been the desired justification for a joint attack on Iran."
Robert Gates: “ An Attack On Iran Would … Be A Catastrophe“
Robert Gates: “ An Attack On Iran Would … Be A Catastrophe“
"Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gave a stern warning to those in Washington beating the drums for war with Iran."
"Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gave a stern warning to those in Washington beating the drums for war with Iran."
Sierra Club Thanks Obama For Historic Mercury Rule
The Sierra Club applauds President Obama and EPA Administrator Jackson for standing up to Big Coal and corporate polluters and strongly urges the Administration to continue fighting for clean air and water.
Warming-Fueled Texas Drought Cost Farmers $7.6 Billion: ‘No One Alive Has Seen Single-Year Drought Damage To This Extent’
Warming-Fueled Texas Drought Cost Farmers $7.6 Billion: ‘No One Alive Has Seen Single-Year Drought Damage To This Extent’: pTexas Agronomists have revised estimates for the cost of Texas’ devastating drought, finding that it cost the agricultural sector $2 billion more than originally thought. According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas drought has caused $7.62 billion in damages to crops and farming operations. That’s up from $5.3 billion reported last August. Texas [...]/p
Romney Celebrates Health Care Reform Anniversary By Lying About It
Romney Celebrates Health Care Reform Anniversary By Lying About It: pOn the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Mitt Romney seems willing to say almost anything to distance himself from the fact that his 2006 Massachusetts health care law served as a template for the national coverage expansion — even if it includes outright lying about its provisions. During an event this morning in [...]/p
Mitt Romney Is A Serial Liar, Lies More Than Most Politicians, Segment 2
Follow up segment to Maddow's look into the lies of Mitt Romney.
Wall Street Journal tries to erase Karl Rove's bin Laden lie
Wall Street Journal tries to erase Karl Rove's bin Laden lie
"In his Wall Street Journal column yesterday, Karl Rove claimed that Bill Clinton had said the killing of Osama bin Laden wasn't a major 'achievement' for President Obama (emphasis mine):"
"In his Wall Street Journal column yesterday, Karl Rove claimed that Bill Clinton had said the killing of Osama bin Laden wasn't a major 'achievement' for President Obama (emphasis mine):"
Thursday, March 22, 2012
George W. Bush much more popular than Mitt Romney
George W. Bush much more popular than Mitt Romney
"All I can say is: if you think hugging George W. Bush would make you more popular, then you're pretty damn unpopular."
"All I can say is: if you think hugging George W. Bush would make you more popular, then you're pretty damn unpopular."
Study: Millionaires Don’t Flee States Due To Tax Hikes
Study: Millionaires Don’t Flee States Due To Tax Hikes: pConservatives across the nation have claimed in recent months that progressive attempts to reduce the burden of budget state budget cuts by raising taxes on millionaires will do nothing but cause the/p
GOP Threatens Transportation Funding Shutdown That Could Jeopardize 1.9 Million Jobs
GOP Threatens Transportation Funding Shutdown That Could Jeopardize 1.9 Million Jobs: pHouse Republicans last night rejected the Senate’s bipartisan transportation reauthorization bill and said they would instead adopt a short-term resolution that would maintain current funding levels for 90 days. With just 10 days until the current short-term authorization plan expires, that means House Republicans have made possible a transportation shutdown that could force more than [...]/p
Ohio Governor’s Budget Could Force Local Town To Privatize Fire And EMS Services
Ohio Governor’s Budget Could Force Local Town To Privatize Fire And EMS Services: pBudget cuts proposed last year by Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) forced cities and towns across Ohio to layoff public safety officials and close fire stations. This year, cuts in Kasich’s budget are again causing ripple effects in the area of public safety — this time by forcing one town near Cincinnati to choose between [...]/p
House Republican Budget Could Cut Off Food Assistance For Millions Of Low-Income Americans
House Republican Budget Could Cut Off Food Assistance For Millions Of Low-Income Americans: pThe House Republican’s 2013 budget authored by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) would cut the social safety net to ribbons while handing trillions of dollars in tax breaks to the rich and corporations. And one of the bigger casualties — in addition to high-profile Ryan targets like Medicaid and Medicare — would be [...]/p
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Mitt Romney Continues To Lie, Even More Than Most Politicians
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Faith leaders condemn Ryan Budget
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Afghan shooting suspect evades stock fraud award in Army
Afghan shooting suspect evades stock fraud award in Army
"Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the U.S. soldier accused of killing 16 civilians in Afghanistan, left for war without paying his part of a $1.5 million judgment for defrauding an elderly client in a stock scheme, and remains shielded from the obligation as long as he remains in the military, legal experts said."
"Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the U.S. soldier accused of killing 16 civilians in Afghanistan, left for war without paying his part of a $1.5 million judgment for defrauding an elderly client in a stock scheme, and remains shielded from the obligation as long as he remains in the military, legal experts said."
Chad Campbell speaks out against the proliferation of legislation undermining women’s rights in Arizona
"Arizona state Rep. Chad Campbell (D-District 14) denounces state Rep. Terri Proud’s (R-District 26) email suggesting that women seeking an abortion should be forced to watch another woman undergo the procedure first. “The party that is supposedly is the one promoting small government has taken government overreach to a whole new level here in Arizona. They’re invading people’s bedrooms. They’re invading the relationship between a doctor and a patient. And they really don’t see any limit in terms of how big they can make government and how intrusive they can make government for the people of the state,” Campbell says."
Opponents Of Florida’s 2005 ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Predicted ‘Racially Motivated Killings’
Opponents Of Florida’s 2005 ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Predicted ‘Racially Motivated Killings’: pSANFORD, FL — Nearly one month after shooting and killing Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman remains a free man. The Sanford Police maintain that Zimmerman’s conduct was legally justified under Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” legislation, enacted in 2005. The law eliminated the duty to avoid a confrontation and authorized the use of deadly force if [...]/p
Glenn Beck Website Blames Trayvon Martin for His Own Killing
Glenn Beck Website Blames Trayvon Martin for His Own Killing
"This sick article goes on, smearing Trayvon Martin by noting that he’d been suspended from school (is that supposed to be an excuse to murder him?), and providing a helpful list of the reasons why he might have been suspended, including arson, sex offenses, kidnapping, and armed robbery. None of which Trayvon Martin was ever accused of."
"This sick article goes on, smearing Trayvon Martin by noting that he’d been suspended from school (is that supposed to be an excuse to murder him?), and providing a helpful list of the reasons why he might have been suspended, including arson, sex offenses, kidnapping, and armed robbery. None of which Trayvon Martin was ever accused of."
Forty Years Later, We're Still Fighting Eisenstadt v. Baird | The Nation
Forty Years Later, We're Still Fighting Eisenstadt v. Baird | The Nation
"While efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade or chip away at abortion access are frequently covered in the media, a longstanding, under-the-radar effort of a number of social and religious conservatives to limit access to contraception has escaped notice—until now. In fact, until recently, any mention of these efforts has been taken as a sign of paranoia or Catholic bashing. Contraception, used by 99 percent of women at some time in their reproductive lives and approved of by just about everyone except the Catholic bishops and the most extreme social conservatives, has for 40 years been considered a settled issue. The FDA approved the birth control pill in 1960 and in 1965 the Supreme Court affirmed the right to use contraception in Griswold v. Connecticut."
"While efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade or chip away at abortion access are frequently covered in the media, a longstanding, under-the-radar effort of a number of social and religious conservatives to limit access to contraception has escaped notice—until now. In fact, until recently, any mention of these efforts has been taken as a sign of paranoia or Catholic bashing. Contraception, used by 99 percent of women at some time in their reproductive lives and approved of by just about everyone except the Catholic bishops and the most extreme social conservatives, has for 40 years been considered a settled issue. The FDA approved the birth control pill in 1960 and in 1965 the Supreme Court affirmed the right to use contraception in Griswold v. Connecticut."
Mitt Romney: "Get Rid of Planned Parenthood"
"When it comes to women's health, Mitt Romney can't be trusted. Yesterday, he made this point crystal clear. In an interview with KSDK St. Louis in Missouri, Romney was asked what programs would he eliminate or defund to reduce the federal deficit. His response: "Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that."
President Obama’s policies revived the economy | Economic Policy Institute
President Obama’s policies revived the economy | Economic Policy Institute
"This piece originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s website"
"The economy had already lost 4.5 million jobs before President Barack Obama took office in January 2009, with job losses that month alone surging to 818,000. Economic contraction had also accelerated, reaching a staggering 8.9 percent annualized decline in the fourth quarter of 2008—the worst in 60 years. From this downward spiral, Obama’s economic policies proved instrumental in generating and sustaining a recovery."
"This piece originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s website"
"The economy had already lost 4.5 million jobs before President Barack Obama took office in January 2009, with job losses that month alone surging to 818,000. Economic contraction had also accelerated, reaching a staggering 8.9 percent annualized decline in the fourth quarter of 2008—the worst in 60 years. From this downward spiral, Obama’s economic policies proved instrumental in generating and sustaining a recovery."
The Case For Bombing Iran Is Quickly Collapsing
The Case For Bombing Iran Is Quickly Collapsing
"One critical element leads me to the conclusion that the United States will not go to war with Iran, nor allow Israel to do so. It is this: common sense."
"One critical element leads me to the conclusion that the United States will not go to war with Iran, nor allow Israel to do so. It is this: common sense."
Senate Democrats File New Bill To Require Disclosure Of Independent Expenditure Funders
Senate Democrats File New Bill To Require Disclosure Of Independent Expenditure Funders: pJustice Anthony Kennedy’s controversial 5-4 majority opinion in the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case specifically endorsed the idea of campaign finance disclosure. “Disclosure is the less-restrictive alternative to more comprehensive speech regulations,” he wrote, adding that they ensure voters are informed enough about who is speaking to fully assess the content of [...]/p
A Seven Day Plan to Finally Hold Wall Street Accountable
A Seven Day Plan to Finally Hold Wall Street Accountable
"New evidence points to illegal behavior. Prosecution is the only way to keep that behavior from continuing."
"New evidence points to illegal behavior. Prosecution is the only way to keep that behavior from continuing."
What The House Republican Budget Gets Wrong About College Aid
What The House Republican Budget Gets Wrong About College Aid: pSince House Republicans took over the majority in 2010, they have had higher education in their sights, proposing bill after bill that would bump up to a million students out of the Pell Grant program (which provides higher education grants to low-income students) and scaremongering about increased financial aid. And the GOP’s 2013 budget, released [...]/p
CAP: Import Tariffs On China-Subsidized Panels Help Level The Solar Playing Field
CAP: Import Tariffs On China-Subsidized Panels Help Level The Solar Playing Field: pToday the U.S. Department of Commerce announced plans to impose import tariffs ranging from 2.9 percent to 4.73 percent on Chinese-manufactured solar panels. Melanie Hart, China Energy and Climate Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement: Today’s Commerce Department decision to levy import tariffs on Chinese solar panels is a [...]/p