Friday, November 30, 2012
Meet Four Conservative State Supreme Court Justices Thankful For Citizens United
Meet Four Conservative State Supreme Court Justices Thankful For Citizens United: Despite spending nearly half a billion dollars to buy the White House for Mitt Romney, rich conservatives were not able to leverage the Supreme Court’s election-buying decision in Citizens United into a bought-and-paid-for presidency. Yet, in state-level races, where candidates are far [...]/p
Florida Rejects Christian Slater’s Ballot
Florida Rejects Christian Slater’s Ballot: Film star Christian Slater live-tweeted his nightmarish voting process in Florida on Election Day. Even as a celebrity, Slater had to endure the same hours-long lines as other Florida voters. Once he finally made it to the front of the line, Slater was told his DMV registration was out of date and he had to [...]/p
Peggy Noonan: Why can't Obama just be nicer to Boehner and McConnell?
Peggy Noonan: Why can't Obama just be nicer to Boehner and McConnell?
"I promise, this is not The Onion, this is Peggy Noonan, and it's for real"
"I promise, this is not The Onion, this is Peggy Noonan, and it's for real"
Infrastructure Spending Needed: Century-Old New Jersey Bridge Collapses For Second Time In Four Years
Infrastructure Spending Needed: Century-Old New Jersey Bridge Collapses For Second Time In Four Years: A bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey collapsed Friday morning, derailing a train carrying highly flammable and carcinogenic vinyl chloride into Mantua Creek. The most recent reports say at least 28 people are having trouble breathing from the spill’s vapors and residents are being evacuated. Local schools are in lockdown. This is the second time in [...]/p
Santelli Throws a Tantrum and Storms Off Air Because Pro-Obama CEO Paying Dividends Before Tax Hikes
Santelli Throws a Tantrum and Storms Off Air Because Pro-Obama CEO Paying Dividends Before Tax Hikes
"CNBC on-air editor Rick Santelli, who is credited with helping to launch the tea party movement, flew into a rage and stomped off camera on Friday because a supporter of President Obama plans to pay shareholders a dividend before taxes are scheduled to go up at the end of the year."
"CNBC on-air editor Rick Santelli, who is credited with helping to launch the tea party movement, flew into a rage and stomped off camera on Friday because a supporter of President Obama plans to pay shareholders a dividend before taxes are scheduled to go up at the end of the year."
Irony Alert: American Petroleum Institute Calls For Obama To Aid ‘Economic Catastrophy’ Due To Warming-Fueled Drought
Irony Alert: American Petroleum Institute Calls For Obama To Aid ‘Economic Catastrophy’ Due To Warming-Fueled Drought: This summer’s historic drought hasn’t let up (in fact, it’s actually expanding in some areas) and it’s causing a lot of trouble in regions whose economies are driven by major bodies of water. The drought, coupled with a seasonal dry period, has caused water levels on the Mississippi River to fall to [...]/p
DONATE: Why LGBT Rights Advocate Zach Wahls Needs You To Support ThinkProgress
DONATE: Why LGBT Rights Advocate Zach Wahls Needs You To Support ThinkProgress: Thank you for reading ThinkProgress. Help us meet our goal. Before our fundraising campaign ends at midnight, DONATE HERE to help fund our one-of-a-kind, progressive reporting./p
Fracking Our Food Supply | The Nation
Fracking Our Food Supply | The Nation
"In Pennsylvania, the oil and gas industry is already on a tear—drilling thousands of feet into ancient seabeds, then repeatedly fracturing (or “fracking”) these wells with millions of gallons of highly pressurized, chemically laced water, which shatters the surrounding shale and releases fossil fuels. New York, meanwhile, is on its own natural-resource tear, with hundreds of newly opened breweries, wineries, organic dairies and pastured livestock operations—all of them capitalizing on the metropolitan area’s hunger to localize its diet.
"In Pennsylvania, the oil and gas industry is already on a tear—drilling thousands of feet into ancient seabeds, then repeatedly fracturing (or “fracking”) these wells with millions of gallons of highly pressurized, chemically laced water, which shatters the surrounding shale and releases fossil fuels. New York, meanwhile, is on its own natural-resource tear, with hundreds of newly opened breweries, wineries, organic dairies and pastured livestock operations—all of them capitalizing on the metropolitan area’s hunger to localize its diet.
But there’s growing evidence that these two impulses, toward energy and food independence, may be at odds with each other. "
Governor Blames Teens For His Failed Abstinence Only Policies, Says They ‘Do Not Care’ About Birth Control
Governor Blames Teens For His Failed Abstinence Only Policies, Says They ‘Do Not Care’ About Birth Control: Even though the increased numbers of young women using effective forms of birth control have contributed to a steady decline in the teen birth rate over the past decade, Mississippi has retained the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the nation. At an event this week to address the issue of unintended pregnancy in the [...]/p
Costco Looks Out For Middle Class Workers
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Costco invest in its workers with higher wages and heath benefits.
Oops: New Senator Picks Ghostwriter Behind Rick Perry’s Extremist Book As Chief of Staff
Oops: New Senator Picks Ghostwriter Behind Rick Perry’s Extremist Book As Chief of Staff: Senator-elect Ted Cruz (R-TX) is no stranger to fringe ideas. He authored an unconstitutional plan to nullify the Affordable Care Act. His first campaign ad touted his work helping Texas to execute an “illegal alien.” And he published an article last January claiming that the United Nations and billionaire George Soros are engaged in a [...]/p
In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Republicans Recycle Ryan Budget Plan That Voters Rejected
In Fiscal Cliff Talks, Republicans Recycle Ryan Budget Plan That Voters Rejected: Congressional Republicans yesterday leaked the details of President Obama’s initial outline of a deal to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff.” Obama’s proposed package includes $1.6 trillion in revenue, new measures to boost the economy, an extension of both the current payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits, and $400 billion in entitlement cuts. Those cuts are [...]/p
Lloyd Blankfein is the Face of Class Warfare
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders took to the Senate floor Thursday to call out the audacity of corporate-minded millionaires and billionaires, calling them the new "face of class warfare" in the United States.
80 Years for Medical Pot? Montana Man's Potential Sentence Sparks Outrage | Alternet
80 Years for Medical Pot? Montana Man's Potential Sentence Sparks Outrage | Alternet
"Chris Williams is sitting in a private federal prison on the Montana prairie these days awaiting sentencing. If the federal government has its way, he won't be a free man again for three-quarters of a century, an effective life sentence for a middle-aged man like Williams.
"Chris Williams is sitting in a private federal prison on the Montana prairie these days awaiting sentencing. If the federal government has its way, he won't be a free man again for three-quarters of a century, an effective life sentence for a middle-aged man like Williams.
So, what did he do that merits such a harsh sentence? Did he murder someone? Did he rape, pillage, and plunder? No. He grew medical marijuana. And, as is not uncommon in Montana, he had guns around as he did so. Standing on firm conviction, he steadfastly refused repeated plea bargain offers from federal prosecutors, which could have seen him serving "only" 10 years or so. Williams is one of the more than two dozen Montana medical marijuana providers caught up in the federal dragnet after mass raids in March 2011 savaged the state's medical marijuana community, including Montana Cannabis, one of the state's largest providers, where he was a partner."
5 States Where GOP Extremists Are Pushing Repugnant Anti-Women Laws | Alternet
5 States Where GOP Extremists Are Pushing Repugnant Anti-Women Laws | Alternet
"The 2012 election was meant to be a referendum on, among other things, the tide of Republican extremism that swept reproductive rights to the edge of existence in many states between 2010 and 2012. Although the Tea Party was allegedly given votes in the midterms to address financial issues, abortion restriction and defunding Planned Parenthood immediately rose to the top of the new Republican priority list.
"The 2012 election was meant to be a referendum on, among other things, the tide of Republican extremism that swept reproductive rights to the edge of existence in many states between 2010 and 2012. Although the Tea Party was allegedly given votes in the midterms to address financial issues, abortion restriction and defunding Planned Parenthood immediately rose to the top of the new Republican priority list.
That was all supposed to end with this election--but did it? This absurd period of legislative history that became dubbed the “war on women” (though it affected people of all genders) culminated in this year's notorious spate of comments from Tea Party-approved candidates about rape -- legitimate, god-willed or otherwise -- and resulted in the biggest anti-misogynist backlash at the ballot box we’ve seen in a long time."
Why Are Cows Tails Dropping Off?
Why Are Cows Tails Dropping Off?
"In Pennsylvania, the oil and gas industry is already on a tear—drilling thousands of feet into ancient seabeds, then repeatedly fracturing (or “fracking”) these wells with millions of gallons of highly pressurized, chemically laced water, which shatters the surrounding shale and releases fossil fuels. New York, meanwhile, is on its own natural-resource tear, with hundreds of newly opened breweries, wineries, organic dairies and pastured livestock operations—all of them capitalizing on the metropolitan area’s hunger to localize its diet.
"In Pennsylvania, the oil and gas industry is already on a tear—drilling thousands of feet into ancient seabeds, then repeatedly fracturing (or “fracking”) these wells with millions of gallons of highly pressurized, chemically laced water, which shatters the surrounding shale and releases fossil fuels. New York, meanwhile, is on its own natural-resource tear, with hundreds of newly opened breweries, wineries, organic dairies and pastured livestock operations—all of them capitalizing on the metropolitan area’s hunger to localize its diet.
But there’s growing evidence that these two impulses, toward energy and food independence, may be at odds with each other."
Sen. Sanders: Wall Street CEOs are the 'Faces of Class Warfare' | Common Dreams
Sen. Sanders: Wall Street CEOs are the 'Faces of Class Warfare' | Common Dreams
"Incredulous that Wall Street investment bankers and billionaire CEOs have descended on Washington in the midst of ongoing budget talks to tell Americans that they should "lower their expectations" when it comes to the security of their retirement and future health care, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders took to the Senate floor Thursday to call out the audacity of corporate-minded millionaires and billionaires, calling them the new "face of class warfare" in the United States."
"Incredulous that Wall Street investment bankers and billionaire CEOs have descended on Washington in the midst of ongoing budget talks to tell Americans that they should "lower their expectations" when it comes to the security of their retirement and future health care, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders took to the Senate floor Thursday to call out the audacity of corporate-minded millionaires and billionaires, calling them the new "face of class warfare" in the United States."
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Right-Wing Media Bubble Cocoons Republicans from Adapting to the New Political Landscape | Alternet
The Right-Wing Media Bubble Cocoons Republicans from Adapting to the New Political Landscape | Alternet
"Republicans are responding to their recent losses not by moderating their rhetoric or rethinking their policy preferences, but by retreating deeper into the conservative bubble -- and hardening it lest any objective reality intrude."
"Republicans are responding to their recent losses not by moderating their rhetoric or rethinking their policy preferences, but by retreating deeper into the conservative bubble -- and hardening it lest any objective reality intrude."
Missouri Gov.: Implementing Obamacare Is ‘The Smart Thing And The Right Thing’
Missouri Gov.: Implementing Obamacare Is ‘The Smart Thing And The Right Thing’: Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) announced today that his state will participate in the optional expansion of the Medicaid program under Obamacare, one of the crucial methods that the health care reform law uses to extend coverage to previously uninsured Americans. An estimated 33,000 Missouri residents will be able to access health insurance thanks to [...]/p
Wall Street Executive Salaries Skyrocketed After Deregulation
Wall Street Executive Salaries Skyrocketed After Deregulation: Wall Street compensates its CEOs so well, one former executive walked off with $260 million despite crashing his company. Even Wall Street heavyweights have criticized the practice, which has helped widen the nation’s income inequality. According to a new study in Quarterly Journal of Economics, Wall Street’s generous pay began to skyrocket following deregulation. The [...]/p
As Rumors of 'Grand Bargain' Cuts to Medicare Swirl, Progressives in Congress Say No Way | Alternet
As Rumors of 'Grand Bargain' Cuts to Medicare Swirl, Progressives in Congress Say No Way | Alternet
"There will be consequences, he warned, for Democrats who support a deal that cuts entitlements. “Bottom line: Any Democrat who votes to cut Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits does so at his or her own peril, and shouldn’t be in the least bit surprised to be held accountable by MoveOn members in the next primary election"."
"There will be consequences, he warned, for Democrats who support a deal that cuts entitlements. “Bottom line: Any Democrat who votes to cut Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits does so at his or her own peril, and shouldn’t be in the least bit surprised to be held accountable by MoveOn members in the next primary election"."
Fewer Judges Confirmed Under President Obama Than Any First Term President Since Kennedy
Fewer Judges Confirmed Under President Obama Than Any First Term President Since Kennedy: According to data from the Federal Judicial Center, the rate of judicial confirmations under President Obama is slower than the rate during any president’s first term since the term begun by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The chart below includes all Article III federal judicial confirmations during a president’s first term. As the purpose [...]/p
It’s Not a Fiscal Cliff, It’s an Austerity Crisis | Common Dreams
It’s Not a Fiscal Cliff, It’s an Austerity Crisis | Common Dreams
"Here is the crux of it: Depending on what you throw into the pot, the sum of the expiring Bush tax cuts along with currently mandated spending cuts would equal somewhere between $500 billion and $700 billion in deficit reduction in 2013. That’s more than enough fiscal contraction to throw the U.S. into recession. The tax increases alone would reduce the average family’s take-home pay by more than 6 percent. Because everyone agrees that’s a bad thing, Congress could pass a law, tomorrow, preventing it. Done.
"Here is the crux of it: Depending on what you throw into the pot, the sum of the expiring Bush tax cuts along with currently mandated spending cuts would equal somewhere between $500 billion and $700 billion in deficit reduction in 2013. That’s more than enough fiscal contraction to throw the U.S. into recession. The tax increases alone would reduce the average family’s take-home pay by more than 6 percent. Because everyone agrees that’s a bad thing, Congress could pass a law, tomorrow, preventing it. Done.
But Congress won’t pass that law. Although the problem may be too much austerity too quickly, most everyone in Washington is insisting that the solution should encompass much, much more. In theory, this crisis should be easily resolved: If you have too much austerity, lighten the load. The reason the austerity crisis has become so messy is that the connection between the problem and its solution has been severed."
Rice's Republican critics won't let up. But they will get sillier
Rice's Republican critics won't let up. But they will get sillier
"When Jim "Climate Change Is a Hoax" Inhofe enters a fray, you know that things are going to move from the grotesque to the goofy. The Oklahoma senator has now publicly joined the Republican opposition to Susan Rice with one of his patented idiocies"
"When Jim "Climate Change Is a Hoax" Inhofe enters a fray, you know that things are going to move from the grotesque to the goofy. The Oklahoma senator has now publicly joined the Republican opposition to Susan Rice with one of his patented idiocies"
Donald Trump Partnership Ruins Macy’s Popularity
Donald Trump Partnership Ruins Macy’s Popularity: The old adage that “all press is good press” might not ring true with department store chain Macy’s. Their recent partnership with conservative billionaire oddball Donald Trump is causing a sudden drop in the brand’s popularity, particularly among women. According to a YouGov Brandindex survey, immediately after the Macy’s-Trump partnership, women steadily became far less [...]/p
Boehner Refuses To Give Specifics About The Entitlement Cuts He’s Demanding
Boehner Refuses To Give Specifics About The Entitlement Cuts He’s Demanding: House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) called on President Obama and Democrats to specify entitlement cuts that could balance their desires for tax increases in a hypothetical deal to avert the so-called “fiscal cliff,” even though only Republicans have demanded spending cuts to programs like Medicare and Social Security. Despite their support for putting entitlement programs [...]/p
Party of Entitled Rich Threatens Economy - In These Times
Party of Entitled Rich Threatens Economy - In These Times
"Republicans, the party of the nation's entitled rich, are holding a knife to the throat of America's frail recovery."
"Republicans, the party of the nation's entitled rich, are holding a knife to the throat of America's frail recovery."
The Privatization of US Foreign Policy: An Interview with the Author of The Foreign Policy Auction
The Privatization of US Foreign Policy: An Interview with the Author of The Foreign Policy Auction
"The opening paragraph of Ben Freeman'sThe Foreign Policy Auction launches the reader on a fierce exposé of the massive yet relatively unknown foreign-influence industry, whose explicit goal is to bend US foreign policy to the will of foreign powers. Many of these lobbyists work for the type of rulers you don't want associating with your elected officials. More often than not, Freeman finds that the most money flows from the most repressive regimes, and it flows right into the pockets of our politicians."
"The opening paragraph of Ben Freeman'sThe Foreign Policy Auction launches the reader on a fierce exposé of the massive yet relatively unknown foreign-influence industry, whose explicit goal is to bend US foreign policy to the will of foreign powers. Many of these lobbyists work for the type of rulers you don't want associating with your elected officials. More often than not, Freeman finds that the most money flows from the most repressive regimes, and it flows right into the pockets of our politicians."
Meet Corey Stewart, Virginia’s Mitt Romney
Meet Corey Stewart, Virginia’s Mitt Romney: Stewart, like Romney, has been a strong advocate of the idea tax cuts magically leadto balanced budgets. Like Romney, he advocates deregulating business, wants to pursue anti-LGBT and anti-women social policies, and believes Arizona’s anti-immigrant laws are the ideal model.
Yup, Romney couldn't get out of mid-40s in battlegrounds
Yup, Romney couldn't get out of mid-40s in battlegrounds
"Seriously, the more we dig into the numbers, the more dominant Obama's victory looks."
"Seriously, the more we dig into the numbers, the more dominant Obama's victory looks."
Fix The Debt CEOs Shorting Their Employees' Retirement Funds
Fix The Debt CEOs Shorting Their Employees' Retirement Funds
"No wonder conservatives hate public education. It makes it so damn easy to see what they're up to when you know how to do simple arithmetic. Imagine having the audacity to say Social Security is too generous when you're pillaging your own employee pension fund. They're pretty consistent that way! With Pete Peterson behind them, all they have to do is show up and say their lines, and in exchange, Peterson will fund ALEC's legislative wish list. Corporate synergy!"
"No wonder conservatives hate public education. It makes it so damn easy to see what they're up to when you know how to do simple arithmetic. Imagine having the audacity to say Social Security is too generous when you're pillaging your own employee pension fund. They're pretty consistent that way! With Pete Peterson behind them, all they have to do is show up and say their lines, and in exchange, Peterson will fund ALEC's legislative wish list. Corporate synergy!"
No, Low Capital Gains Taxes Don’t Boost The Economy
No, Low Capital Gains Taxes Don’t Boost The Economy: If the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire on schedule at the end of the year, the capital gains tax will increase from 15 percent to 20 percent. President Obama has called for allowing the capital gains tax, as well as the tax for dividends, to increase only on income in excess of $250,000. [...]/p
Tea Party Refuses to Accept Reality, Opts for Desperation
Tea Party Refuses to Accept Reality, Opts for Desperation
"By the way, there's a reason Tea Party Nation is one of the few tea party groups to snag the attention of the Southern Poverty Law Center. They're extreme and extremely hateful. They also seem to have a problem with reality-based living."
"By the way, there's a reason Tea Party Nation is one of the few tea party groups to snag the attention of the Southern Poverty Law Center. They're extreme and extremely hateful. They also seem to have a problem with reality-based living."
How Medical Marijuana Is Helping To Treat A Seven-Year-Old Girl’s Cancer
How Medical Marijuana Is Helping To Treat A Seven-Year-Old Girl’s Cancer: Seven-year-old Mykayla Comstock is one of 51 children under the age of 17 who are currently enrolled in Oregon’s medical marijuana program. After Mykayla was diagnosed with leukemia and began chemotherapy, her mother filed medical marijuana paperwork with the state so that she could help ease her daughter’s pain with capsules filled with cannabis oil [...]/p
Ohio Secretary Of State May Be Illegally Tossing Ballots
Ohio Secretary Of State May Be Illegally Tossing Ballots: Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted (R) became the public face of vote suppression this year for his overreaching election directives, which restricted early voting hours and forbid election officials from counting legitimate votes. Though President Obama won the state, Husted has not halted his efforts. With two House races heading to a recount, Husted [...]/p
Whistleblower: Nuclear Disaster in America Is More Likely Than the Public Is Aware of | Alternet
Whistleblower: Nuclear Disaster in America Is More Likely Than the Public Is Aware of | Alternet
"Key federal official warns that the public has been kept in the dark about safety risks."
"Key federal official warns that the public has been kept in the dark about safety risks."
Quantico Psychiatrist: Military's Mistreatment of Pfc. Manning 'Unprecedented' | Common Dreams
Quantico Psychiatrist: Military's Mistreatment of Pfc. Manning 'Unprecedented' | Common Dreams
"The government psychiatrist charged with evaluating Pfc. Bradley Manning during his early detention at the military brig at Quantico told the judge at a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday that his recommendations for the Manning's treatment were repeatedly ignored by the Marine guard unit responsible for him."
"The government psychiatrist charged with evaluating Pfc. Bradley Manning during his early detention at the military brig at Quantico told the judge at a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday that his recommendations for the Manning's treatment were repeatedly ignored by the Marine guard unit responsible for him."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Grover Norquist Struggles To Keep A Tight Grip On GOP
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Tom Ricks and Media Truth-Telling About Fox News | Alternet
Tom Ricks and Media Truth-Telling About Fox News | Alternet
"It took less than 90 seconds of airtime, but Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tom Ricks did real damage to Fox News yesterday when he stated clearly and unequivocally that the channel operates "as a wing of the Republican Party," and that Fox had spent weeks politicizing and hyping the terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya."
"It took less than 90 seconds of airtime, but Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tom Ricks did real damage to Fox News yesterday when he stated clearly and unequivocally that the channel operates "as a wing of the Republican Party," and that Fox had spent weeks politicizing and hyping the terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya."
Ron Paul's Farewell Speech in Congress Lays Bare His Hatred for "Pure Democracy," and Love of Oligarchy | Alternet
Ron Paul's Farewell Speech in Congress Lays Bare His Hatred for "Pure Democracy," and Love of Oligarchy | Alternet
"Rep. Ron Paul, an icon to the libertarian Right and to some on the anti-war Left, gave a farewell address to Congress that expressed his neo-Confederate interpretation of the Constitution and his anti-historical view of the supposedly good old days of laissez-faire capitalism.
"Rep. Ron Paul, an icon to the libertarian Right and to some on the anti-war Left, gave a farewell address to Congress that expressed his neo-Confederate interpretation of the Constitution and his anti-historical view of the supposedly good old days of laissez-faire capitalism.
In a near-hour-longrambling speech on Nov. 14, Paul also revealed himself to be an opponent of “pure democracy” because government by the people and for the people tends to infringe on the “liberty” of businessmen who, in Paul’s ideal world, should be allowed to do pretty much whatever they want to the less privileged."
John McCain Leads Attacks Against Rice While Republicans Eye MA Senate Seat
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Barack Obama '51 percent watch': Romney leads the EV in states that have finished counting!
Barack Obama '51 percent watch': Romney leads the EV in states that have finished counting!
"Obama's popular vote lead is now 4,501,774 votes, or 3.52 percent."
"Obama's popular vote lead is now 4,501,774 votes, or 3.52 percent."
ALEC's Economic Policies Do More Harm Than Good, New Report Shows
ALEC's Economic Policies Do More Harm Than Good, New Report Shows
"ALEC's economic policies are largely the brainchild of the "father of supply-side economics," Arthur Laffer, promulgated with the release of the annual Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index (RSPS) report. The most recent (fifth) edition was published in July 2012. ALEC's and Laffer's recommendations to promote economic growth include the reduction or abolition of progressive taxes, fewer investments in education and other public services, a smaller social safety net, and weaker or non-existent unions."
"ALEC's economic policies are largely the brainchild of the "father of supply-side economics," Arthur Laffer, promulgated with the release of the annual Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index (RSPS) report. The most recent (fifth) edition was published in July 2012. ALEC's and Laffer's recommendations to promote economic growth include the reduction or abolition of progressive taxes, fewer investments in education and other public services, a smaller social safety net, and weaker or non-existent unions."
Republican Economic Lies Exposed
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Tax the Rich, Take Your Hands Off Medicare: Overwhelming US Majority | Common Dreams
Tax the Rich, Take Your Hands Off Medicare: Overwhelming US Majority | Common Dreams
"A large majority of US citizens would like to see higher taxes on the rich and oppose cuts to Medicare as an answer to the US deficit, according to a poll released Wednesday by theWashington Post and ABC News."
"A large majority of US citizens would like to see higher taxes on the rich and oppose cuts to Medicare as an answer to the US deficit, according to a poll released Wednesday by theWashington Post and ABC News."
Republicans Pick Committee Leaders In House From One Demographic
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Federal Court: Tobacco Companies ‘Deliberately Deceived the American Public’ About The Dangers Of Smoking
Federal Court: Tobacco Companies ‘Deliberately Deceived the American Public’ About The Dangers Of Smoking: Six years ago, a federal district court determined that tobacco companies “‘knew there was a consensus in the scientific community that smoking caused lung cancer and other diseases’ by at least January 1964,” and that they nonetheless engaged in a campaign to “mislead the public about the health consequences of smoking.” In that 2006 order, [...]/p
Ohio Cracks Down On Brutal Treatment Of Puppies
Ohio Cracks Down On Brutal Treatment Of Puppies: Ohio, one of the epicenters of cruel “puppy mill” style dog breeders, passed a landmark bill on Tuesday restricting the ability of breeders to mistreat the dogs they are raising for sale. Because Ohio had virtually no legal oversight of breeders, it became “one of the biggest unregulated states” for puppy mills, understood as breeders [...]/p
Goldman Sachs' Global Coup d'état
Thom Hartmann takes a look at the enormous power Goldman Sachs has amassed around the world.
Republicans Will Pay a Heavy Price for Their Groundless Attack on Susan Rice | Alternet
Republicans Will Pay a Heavy Price for Their Groundless Attack on Susan Rice | Alternet
"John McCain and the GOP brigade appear determined to sink Obama's likely nominee for Secretary of State, but it's going to backfire."
"John McCain and the GOP brigade appear determined to sink Obama's likely nominee for Secretary of State, but it's going to backfire."
What Happens If Labor Dies? | Alternet
What Happens If Labor Dies? | Alternet
"When unions vanish, ordinary Americans lose their right to bargain collectively for their pay and benefits. Even those who have never bargained collectively will feel the loss. Some years ago, when unions were big enough that their effect on the larger economy could be measured, Princeton economist Henry Farber concluded that the wages of nonunion workers in industries that were 25 percent unionized were 7.5 percent higher than they’d be if their industry were union-free. When unionized companies were common, firms that were nonunion had to mimic the wages and benefits of their unionized counterparts for fear that their employees would leave or, worse, organize. That was certainly the practice at General Electric and other largely nonunion giants."
"When unions vanish, ordinary Americans lose their right to bargain collectively for their pay and benefits. Even those who have never bargained collectively will feel the loss. Some years ago, when unions were big enough that their effect on the larger economy could be measured, Princeton economist Henry Farber concluded that the wages of nonunion workers in industries that were 25 percent unionized were 7.5 percent higher than they’d be if their industry were union-free. When unionized companies were common, firms that were nonunion had to mimic the wages and benefits of their unionized counterparts for fear that their employees would leave or, worse, organize. That was certainly the practice at General Electric and other largely nonunion giants."
Sen. Dick Durbin Says Social Security Should Not Be Part of Any Fiscal Deal
Sen. Dick Durbin Says Social Security Should Not Be Part of Any Fiscal Deal
"Anyone who's paying attention knows that Social Security DOES NOT add one red cent to the federal deficit. So it's nice to finally some Democrats are speaking out against including Social Security in any talks for a fiscal cliff solution."
"Anyone who's paying attention knows that Social Security DOES NOT add one red cent to the federal deficit. So it's nice to finally some Democrats are speaking out against including Social Security in any talks for a fiscal cliff solution."
New Scientist Special Report: 7 Reasons Climate Change Is ‘Even Worse Than We Thought’
New Scientist Special Report: 7 Reasons Climate Change Is ‘Even Worse Than We Thought’: The NY Times isn’t the only major publication going apocalyptic on climate change. New Scientist has a new dedicated issue that makes the Times’ stories seem down-right Pollyannish. Nearly 3 years ago, the late William R. Freudenburg discussed in a AAAS presentation how new scientific findings since the 2007 IPCC report are found to be more than twenty [...]/p
Leave the Carbon in the Ground: An Open Letter to Governments and Their Negotiators | Common Dreams
Leave the Carbon in the Ground: An Open Letter to Governments and Their Negotiators | Common Dreams
"2012 saw the shocking melt of the Arctic, leading our greatest climatologist to declare a 'planetary emergency,' and it saw weather patterns wreck harvests around the world, raising food prices by 40% and causing family emergencies in poor households throughout the world.
That's what happens with 0.8ºC of global warming. If we are going to stop this situation from getting worse, an array of institutions have explained this year precisely what we need to do: leave most of the carbon we know about in the ground and stop looking for more."
"2012 saw the shocking melt of the Arctic, leading our greatest climatologist to declare a 'planetary emergency,' and it saw weather patterns wreck harvests around the world, raising food prices by 40% and causing family emergencies in poor households throughout the world.
That's what happens with 0.8ºC of global warming. If we are going to stop this situation from getting worse, an array of institutions have explained this year precisely what we need to do: leave most of the carbon we know about in the ground and stop looking for more."
CEOs Try to Shred the Safety Net While Pigging Out on Corporate Welfare
CEOs Try to Shred the Safety Net While Pigging Out on Corporate Welfare
"A gang of brazen CEOs has joined forces to promote economically disastrous and socially irresponsible austerity policies. Many of those same CEOs were bailed out by the American taxpayer after a Wall Street-driven financial crash. Instead of a thank-you, they are showing their appreciation in the form of a coordinated effort to rob Americans of hard-earned retirements, decent medical care and relief for the poorest."
"A gang of brazen CEOs has joined forces to promote economically disastrous and socially irresponsible austerity policies. Many of those same CEOs were bailed out by the American taxpayer after a Wall Street-driven financial crash. Instead of a thank-you, they are showing their appreciation in the form of a coordinated effort to rob Americans of hard-earned retirements, decent medical care and relief for the poorest."
Rep. Lamar Smith, Who Criticized ‘The Idea Of Human-Made Global Warming,’ Set To Chair House Science Panel
Rep. Lamar Smith, Who Criticized ‘The Idea Of Human-Made Global Warming,’ Set To Chair House Science Panel: Climate advocates celebrated after winning nearly every Congressional race they targeted during the national elections, including four of the “Flat Earth Five” climate deniers in the House of Representatives. But with the balance of power essentially the same in Washington, many rightly worried that little would change moving into the 113th Congress. Case in point: [...]/p
GOP Senator Praises Susan Rice: Don’t ‘Shoot The Messenger’ On Benghazi Intel
GOP Senator Praises Susan Rice: Don’t ‘Shoot The Messenger’ On Benghazi Intel: A Republican senator on Wednesday praised U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice during an interview on CNN, saying Rice is a “very smart, very intelligent woman” and that she shouldn’t be held responsible for the misleading information she presented on the Benghazi terror attacks during her Sept. 16 Sunday show appearances. Republicans led [...]/p
Poll: Strong support for Obama's tax plan, opposition to GOP plan to cap deductions and cut Medicare
Poll: Strong support for Obama's tax plan, opposition to GOP plan to cap deductions and cut Medicare
"These numbers once again show that the path forward is abundantly clear: let the Bush tax cuts on income over $250,000 expire, keep major cuts to Medicare benefits off the table, and don't use tax reform as an excuse to take away middle-class tax benefits. In other words, Americans support President Obama's approach—not Mitt Romney's and certainly not the Republican Party's. Given that President Obama won the election, that's not exactly a shock. The key thing to remember is that Congress doesn't need to do anything in order for Bush's upper-income tax cuts to expire—under current law, they end on December 31, 2012."
"These numbers once again show that the path forward is abundantly clear: let the Bush tax cuts on income over $250,000 expire, keep major cuts to Medicare benefits off the table, and don't use tax reform as an excuse to take away middle-class tax benefits. In other words, Americans support President Obama's approach—not Mitt Romney's and certainly not the Republican Party's. Given that President Obama won the election, that's not exactly a shock. The key thing to remember is that Congress doesn't need to do anything in order for Bush's upper-income tax cuts to expire—under current law, they end on December 31, 2012."
Study: Sea Levels Rising 60% Faster Than Projected, Planet Keeps Warming As Expected
Study: Sea Levels Rising 60% Faster Than Projected, Planet Keeps Warming As Expected: A new study, “Comparing climate projections to observations up to 2011,” confirms that climate change is happening as fast — and in some cases faster — than climate models had projected. The news release explains: The rate of sea-level rise in the past decades is greater than projected by the latest assessments of the IPCC, [...]/p
Greetings from Crazyland! 10 Instances of Fox Nation's Departure from Reality | Alternet
Greetings from Crazyland! 10 Instances of Fox Nation's Departure from Reality | Alternet
"Fox Nation is a website integral to the Fox news family. And their abuse of reality and truth is truly breathtaking."
"Fox Nation is a website integral to the Fox news family. And their abuse of reality and truth is truly breathtaking."
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Corrections Corporation of America Used in Drug Sweeps of Public School Students
Corrections Corporation of America Used in Drug Sweeps of Public School Students
"An unsettling trend appears to be underway in Arizona: the use of private prison employees in law enforcement operations."
"An unsettling trend appears to be underway in Arizona: the use of private prison employees in law enforcement operations."
Fox Business host: Bangladeshi fire victims needed those jobs, let's not victimize poor Walmart
Fox Business host: Bangladeshi fire victims needed those jobs, let's not victimize poor Walmart
"Fox Business host and self-evidently despicable person Charles Payne:"
"Fox Business host and self-evidently despicable person Charles Payne:"
Right-Wingers File Suit to Delist Endangered Orcas
Right-Wingers File Suit to Delist Endangered Orcas
"When the resident orcas in the Puget Sound were listed as an endangered species back in 2005, it seemed inevitable that business interests -- who hate being restricted in their ability to ruin the environment at whim, including destroying the salmon runs on which the orcas' survival depends -- would try to overturn the ruling. And sure enough, within the year, the Building Industry Association of Washington filed a suit to try to delist them. It was thrown out in a matter of months.
"When the resident orcas in the Puget Sound were listed as an endangered species back in 2005, it seemed inevitable that business interests -- who hate being restricted in their ability to ruin the environment at whim, including destroying the salmon runs on which the orcas' survival depends -- would try to overturn the ruling. And sure enough, within the year, the Building Industry Association of Washington filed a suit to try to delist them. It was thrown out in a matter of months.
Now comes yet another attempt, courtesy of a right-wing legal foundation filing another delisting attempt "
The Top 4 Whoppers Norquist Tells To Keep Republicans From Defecting
The Top 4 Whoppers Norquist Tells To Keep Republicans From Defecting: The anti-tax zealot uses his ubiquitous presence on cable TV, radio, and in print to publicly pressure Republicans from compromising on a balanced measure that includes increased revenue and spending cuts, using various scare tactics to keep the GOP in line. But his claims — which he dutifully reiterates in every media appearance — are often divorced from reality.
For Scott Walker, Walls Are Closing In
For Scott Walker, Walls Are Closing In
"According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the last player in the Walkergate case is his right-hand man, Tim Russell, who just reached a plea deal with prosecutors over his alleged embezzlement of funds from a veterans group."
"According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the last player in the Walkergate case is his right-hand man, Tim Russell, who just reached a plea deal with prosecutors over his alleged embezzlement of funds from a veterans group."
GOP on post- election course correction
Rachel Maddow reports on what Republican leaders are saying they learned from the GOP's major 2012 losses, and what Republican lawmakers are actually doing that completely contradicts the rhetoric from the beltway.
Former Conservative: Right-Wing 'Stupidity and Closed-Mindedness' Will Doom the GOP | Alternet
Former Conservative: Right-Wing 'Stupidity and Closed-Mindedness' Will Doom the GOP | Alternet
"A one-time pusher of Reagan-style supply-side economics and a former writer for the Wall Street Journal has penned a devastating critique in The American Conservative of the Republican Party’s slide to the right over recent decades. While it is well known that Bruce Bartlett was a dissenting conservative, the article lays out his evolution and critique of the Republican Party in a way not articulated by Bartlett before."
"A one-time pusher of Reagan-style supply-side economics and a former writer for the Wall Street Journal has penned a devastating critique in The American Conservative of the Republican Party’s slide to the right over recent decades. While it is well known that Bruce Bartlett was a dissenting conservative, the article lays out his evolution and critique of the Republican Party in a way not articulated by Bartlett before."
The Toxic Legacy of Depleted Uranium Weapons | Common Dreams
The Toxic Legacy of Depleted Uranium Weapons | Common Dreams
"But how many of us know about the current manufacturing and active use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons? DU (Uranium 238) is a radioactive waste by-product of the uranium enrichment process. It results from making fuel for nuclear reactors and the manufacturing of nuclear weapons."
"But how many of us know about the current manufacturing and active use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons? DU (Uranium 238) is a radioactive waste by-product of the uranium enrichment process. It results from making fuel for nuclear reactors and the manufacturing of nuclear weapons."
Without Labor Protections, Domestic Workers Earn Low Wages And Receive No Benefits
Without Labor Protections, Domestic Workers Earn Low Wages And Receive No Benefits: America’s domestic home help workers, most of them female minorities, earn low wages and often receive no retirement or health benefits because they lack basic labor protections, according to a first-of-its-kind survey of more than 2,000 domestic workers in 14 American cities. The report from the National Domestic Workers Alliance and affiliated groups found that [...]/p
Lone Republican Still Gunning for Romney Victory | Alternet
Lone Republican Still Gunning for Romney Victory | Alternet
"One Idaho state lawmaker is still in denial over election results and would like to see states challenge the legitimacy of Obama’s reelection."
"One Idaho state lawmaker is still in denial over election results and would like to see states challenge the legitimacy of Obama’s reelection."
The Millennial Generation: Our Liberal Future
The Millennial Generation: Our Liberal Future
"How doomed are conservatives? Pretty doomed, if you look carefully at the Pew Research Survey’s close analysis of the youth vote in the 2012 elections. The Republicans’ long-term dilemma has generally been framed in racial terms, but it’s mainly a generational one. The youngest generation of voters contains a much smaller proportion of white voters than previous generations, and those whites in that generation vote Republican by a much smaller margin than their elders. What’s more, younger voters supported President Obama during the last two election cycles for reasons that seem to go beyond the usual reasons — social issues like gay marriage and feminism, immigration policy, or Obama’s personal appeal — and suggest a deeper attachment to liberalism. The proclivities of younger voters may actually portend a full-scale sea change in American politics."
"How doomed are conservatives? Pretty doomed, if you look carefully at the Pew Research Survey’s close analysis of the youth vote in the 2012 elections. The Republicans’ long-term dilemma has generally been framed in racial terms, but it’s mainly a generational one. The youngest generation of voters contains a much smaller proportion of white voters than previous generations, and those whites in that generation vote Republican by a much smaller margin than their elders. What’s more, younger voters supported President Obama during the last two election cycles for reasons that seem to go beyond the usual reasons — social issues like gay marriage and feminism, immigration policy, or Obama’s personal appeal — and suggest a deeper attachment to liberalism. The proclivities of younger voters may actually portend a full-scale sea change in American politics."
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Lucy Burns Institute (Publishers of Ballotpedia, Judgepedia and WikiFOIA) and Her Right-Wing Bedfellows
The Lucy Burns Institute (Publishers of Ballotpedia, Judgepedia and WikiFOIA) and Her Right-Wing Bedfellows
"As a consequence, when reporters and other users of LBI's resources cite the organization's work, they may not be aware of its close ties to right-wing funders and organizations including foundations and organizations associated with the Koch brothers. Below we use foundation annual reports, IRS 990 filings, archived materials, and other resources to detail these connections."
"As a consequence, when reporters and other users of LBI's resources cite the organization's work, they may not be aware of its close ties to right-wing funders and organizations including foundations and organizations associated with the Koch brothers. Below we use foundation annual reports, IRS 990 filings, archived materials, and other resources to detail these connections."
Grover Norquist, Enemy of the State? | Alternet
Grover Norquist, Enemy of the State? | Alternet
"Is it possible that Grover Norquist, the multi-millionaire K-Street lobbyist long funded by billionaires, is an enemy of the state? Pretty strong language, but consider that he has connived over the years to get hundreds of members of Congress to violate their own oath of office by pledging a higher oath to keep billionaires' taxes low than their pledge to the Constitution itself."
"Is it possible that Grover Norquist, the multi-millionaire K-Street lobbyist long funded by billionaires, is an enemy of the state? Pretty strong language, but consider that he has connived over the years to get hundreds of members of Congress to violate their own oath of office by pledging a higher oath to keep billionaires' taxes low than their pledge to the Constitution itself."
Why Even a Deal on the Budget is Bad for the American Economy | Alternet
Why Even a Deal on the Budget is Bad for the American Economy | Alternet
"Looking at the latest US data, business sentiment and capital spending have been eroding, and given the lagged impact of capital expenditure, that trend looks set to continue for the next few months. Against that, a number of consumer sentiment indicators remain upbeat and housing looks like it is in a firmly established uptrend, after a 5 year bear market. In fact, the existing home inventory to sales ratio is as low as it ever gets, and that is with still very depressed sales. If sales pick up further, given low inventories and with new housing starts still below the replacement rate, home prices could lurch forward.
"Looking at the latest US data, business sentiment and capital spending have been eroding, and given the lagged impact of capital expenditure, that trend looks set to continue for the next few months. Against that, a number of consumer sentiment indicators remain upbeat and housing looks like it is in a firmly established uptrend, after a 5 year bear market. In fact, the existing home inventory to sales ratio is as low as it ever gets, and that is with still very depressed sales. If sales pick up further, given low inventories and with new housing starts still below the replacement rate, home prices could lurch forward.
That said, the markets have been fairly upbeat given the rising perception of a deal to avert the US falling off the ‘fiscal cliff’."
Ousted Florida Republicans, including ex-Gov. Crist, say voter suppression was state GOP's goal
Ousted Florida Republicans, including ex-Gov. Crist, say voter suppression was state GOP's goal
"The former chairman of the Florida Republican Party and former Gov. Charlie Crist, along with two of the party's consultants, say the Grand Old Party curtailed early voting in the state for the express purpose of reducing turnout by Democrats."
"The former chairman of the Florida Republican Party and former Gov. Charlie Crist, along with two of the party's consultants, say the Grand Old Party curtailed early voting in the state for the express purpose of reducing turnout by Democrats."
Marine Life Disaster Portended: Ocean Acidification Eats at Heart of Food Chain | Common Dreams
Marine Life Disaster Portended: Ocean Acidification Eats at Heart of Food Chain | Common Dreams
"Ocean acidification, caused by human-induced rising CO2 levels, is hitting the base of the marine food chain in the Antarctic and stands as an ominous sign for widespread impacts on marine life."
"Ocean acidification, caused by human-induced rising CO2 levels, is hitting the base of the marine food chain in the Antarctic and stands as an ominous sign for widespread impacts on marine life."
Employers Want Highly-Trained Workers At Manual Labor Wages
Employers Want Highly-Trained Workers At Manual Labor Wages
"You may wonder if it was always this way, that it was the job of the taxpayers to provide job-ready employees for the sainted job creators. Let me tell you a little story."
"You may wonder if it was always this way, that it was the job of the taxpayers to provide job-ready employees for the sainted job creators. Let me tell you a little story."
How Increasing Infrastructure Spending Provides A Major Boost To Our Economy
How Increasing Infrastructure Spending Provides A Major Boost To Our Economy: The United States has a massive infrastructure deficit, with independent analysts finding that the country could need as much as $2 trillion in immediate investments just to bring its infrastructure up to date. With the economy recovering slowly and our nation’s roads and bridges crumbling, a new paper from the San Francisco Federal Reserve found [...]/p
Judge Unconstitutionally Sentences Man To Attend Church
Judge Unconstitutionally Sentences Man To Attend Church: Oklahoma Judge Mike Norman has an unusual approach to sentencing — just don’t worry about the First Amendment: Oklahoma Judge Mike Norman believes an alternative to incarceration is requiring people to attend church for a mandatory stretch of time. Norman has handed down church-related sentences several times. But it was his punishment of teenager Tyler [...]/p
Why the current GOP can't win Latinos
Why the current GOP can't win Latinos
"Or put another way, nearly 67,000 Latinos turn 18 every month according to Pew, with 93 percent of them U.S. citizens and eligible to vote. Couple that with the over 100,000 elderly (and predominantly conservative) whites who die each month, and you're looking at over 3 million new potential Latino voters, and nearly 5 million fewer white voters. In just four years.
"Or put another way, nearly 67,000 Latinos turn 18 every month according to Pew, with 93 percent of them U.S. citizens and eligible to vote. Couple that with the over 100,000 elderly (and predominantly conservative) whites who die each month, and you're looking at over 3 million new potential Latino voters, and nearly 5 million fewer white voters. In just four years.
Or put yet another way: Texas will be a swing state by 2024."
Fox News Abruptly Ends Interview After Guest Calls Out The Network For Hyping Benghazi Scandal
Fox News Abruptly Ends Interview After Guest Calls Out The Network For Hyping Benghazi Scandal: Tom Ricks, author and Pulitzer prize winner who has reported for the Washington Post, lambasted Fox News’s coverage of the Benghazi attacks in an interview with the conservative network on Monday. Ricks, who has written extensively on the American military, called the Fox an “operating as a wing of Republican Party” that “hyped” the Benghazi [...]/p
Mitt Romney '47 percent watch': 47!
Mitt Romney '47 percent watch': 47!
"So what drama is left? Well, if Obama surpasses 51 percent, he'll be just the fourth president in the last 100 years to do so twice, and the last since Ronald Reagan. That shouldn't be a problem given what's left to be counted."
"So what drama is left? Well, if Obama surpasses 51 percent, he'll be just the fourth president in the last 100 years to do so twice, and the last since Ronald Reagan. That shouldn't be a problem given what's left to be counted."
How to End a Fox News Interview Abruptly: Call Fox 'A Wing of the Republican Party' | Alternet
How to End a Fox News Interview Abruptly: Call Fox 'A Wing of the Republican Party' | Alternet
"Now here's one of the few good reasons to go on Fox News. Thomas Ricks, a member of the Center for a New American Security, author of several books on the military, and a Pulitzer Prize winner, went on Fox to talk about Benghazi. But his interview didn't last long."
"Now here's one of the few good reasons to go on Fox News. Thomas Ricks, a member of the Center for a New American Security, author of several books on the military, and a Pulitzer Prize winner, went on Fox to talk about Benghazi. But his interview didn't last long."
5 Obscenely Rich People Who Should Stop Whining About Taxes (and Listen to Warren Buffett) | Alternet
5 Obscenely Rich People Who Should Stop Whining About Taxes (and Listen to Warren Buffett) | Alternet
" Buffett slams the notion that the wealthy would stop investing if taxes went up on them, writing that we should “forget about the rich and ultrarich going on strike and stuffing their ample funds under their mattresses if — gasp — capital gains rates and ordinary income rates are increased"."
" Buffett slams the notion that the wealthy would stop investing if taxes went up on them, writing that we should “forget about the rich and ultrarich going on strike and stuffing their ample funds under their mattresses if — gasp — capital gains rates and ordinary income rates are increased"."
Romney's 47 Percent Chickens Come Home to Roost
Romney's 47 Percent Chickens Come Home to Roost
"As the final 2012 vote tallies come in from all over the country, it's clear that Barack Obama didn't just squeak by, but will win by over three percentage points, leaving Mitt Romney with 47 percent of the popular vote."
"As the final 2012 vote tallies come in from all over the country, it's clear that Barack Obama didn't just squeak by, but will win by over three percentage points, leaving Mitt Romney with 47 percent of the popular vote."
Florida Republicans Admit Voter Suppression Was The Goal Of New Election Laws
Florida Republicans Admit Voter Suppression Was The Goal Of New Election Laws: Floridians endured election chaos and marathon voting lines this year, largely thanks to reduced early voting hours, voter purges, and voter registration restrictions pushed by Republican legislators. In an exclusive report by the Palm Beach Post, several prominent Florida Republicans are now admitting that these election law changes were geared toward suppressing minority and Democratic [...]/p
To boost the economy and the retail industry, raise retail wages
To boost the economy and the retail industry, raise retail wages
"Low-wage employers and Republican politicians would share an objection to this: They'd claim it would hurt businesses, causing them to hire fewer workers or even lay people off. But that doesn't take account of the fact that poor people don't have money to spend; if retail workers at or near the poverty line get a raise, that money will go toward meeting basic needs they haven't been able to cover. That means a boost to the economy in general and the retail industry in particular."
"Low-wage employers and Republican politicians would share an objection to this: They'd claim it would hurt businesses, causing them to hire fewer workers or even lay people off. But that doesn't take account of the fact that poor people don't have money to spend; if retail workers at or near the poverty line get a raise, that money will go toward meeting basic needs they haven't been able to cover. That means a boost to the economy in general and the retail industry in particular."
The $250,000 Question: Poll Shows Obama’s Tax Plan Is Widely Misunderstood | Common Dreams
The $250,000 Question: Poll Shows Obama’s Tax Plan Is Widely Misunderstood | Common Dreams
"Here’s the Obama plan in brief. The Bush tax cuts would be extended for households with an annual income under $250,000 (or $200,000 for individuals), but the tax cuts would expire on any income above $250,000. That means, for example, if you make $300,000, your tax rate would rise a few percentage points, to the Clinton-era rates, but only on the portion above $250,000; in this case, only on $50,000. Bottom line: no one—not a billionaire, not someone making $251,000—would have to pay more taxes on that first $250,000.
"Here’s the Obama plan in brief. The Bush tax cuts would be extended for households with an annual income under $250,000 (or $200,000 for individuals), but the tax cuts would expire on any income above $250,000. That means, for example, if you make $300,000, your tax rate would rise a few percentage points, to the Clinton-era rates, but only on the portion above $250,000; in this case, only on $50,000. Bottom line: no one—not a billionaire, not someone making $251,000—would have to pay more taxes on that first $250,000.
There’s a widespread misconception, however, and it’s causing a lot of unnecessary fear. It’s the faulty belief that if your income is above $250,000, you’d have to pay the higher rates on all your income, as if you were suddenly being moved entirely into a higher tax bracket. That is wrong."
Republican Leader Wants Deficit-Reducing Obamacare ‘On The Table’ In Debt Talks
Republican Leader Wants Deficit-Reducing Obamacare ‘On The Table’ In Debt Talks: During an appearance on Fox News on Monday, House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) asserted that Obamacare “ought to be on the table” for cuts during ongoing budget and deficit-reduction negotiations between President Obama and Congressional leaders. Echoing House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) recent op-ed calling for a repeal of Obamacare through “oversight,” Cantor [...]/p
Ohio’s Next Big Decision: A Clean Or Dirty Energy Future?
Ohio’s Next Big Decision: A Clean Or Dirty Energy Future?: by Mary Anne Hitt, via the Sierra Club Now that the presidential election is over, the people of Ohio are facing another important choice — whether their state will embrace clean energy measures that will save money and lives, or continue wasting energy from polluting coal plants. To help get the message out far and [...]/p
Dear Senator Inhofe: Listen To Your Military, Climate Readiness And Hoaxiness Don’t Mix
Dear Senator Inhofe: Listen To Your Military, Climate Readiness And Hoaxiness Don’t Mix: by Anne Polansky Conservative Republican Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma, known internationally for his denialist viewpoint on climate change, and nationally for being a defense hawk, may soon be faced with the problem that his stubborn stance on the former conflicts with his ability to credibly pull off the latter. When he returns for [...]/p
Conservative Groups Team Up To Fight Renewable Energy: ‘We’re Going To See A Knock-Out, Drag-Out Fight’
Conservative Groups Team Up To Fight Renewable Energy: ‘We’re Going To See A Knock-Out, Drag-Out Fight’: Six months after rolling out a disastrous billboard campaign that linked people who care about global warming to the Unabomber, the Heartland Institute is looking for another project to boost its profile. And what better way for the organization to mend its tarnished image than to go after a policy that Americans overwhelmingly support? The [...]/p
3 Right-Wing Lies About Rich People and Taxes -- Debunked | Alternet
3 Right-Wing Lies About Rich People and Taxes -- Debunked | Alternet
"In an effort to discredit President Obama's plan to increase taxes on the wealthy, conservative media outlets have pushed a number of myths to suggest that a large number of Americans will be negatively affected. In reality, only a small percentage of taxpayers would be affected by Obama's proposals."
"In an effort to discredit President Obama's plan to increase taxes on the wealthy, conservative media outlets have pushed a number of myths to suggest that a large number of Americans will be negatively affected. In reality, only a small percentage of taxpayers would be affected by Obama's proposals."
The Healing Power of Marijuana Has Barely Been Tapped | Alternet
The Healing Power of Marijuana Has Barely Been Tapped | Alternet
"Medical marijuana is now legal in 18 states, but it's clear we've discovered a fraction of its potential for health."
"Medical marijuana is now legal in 18 states, but it's clear we've discovered a fraction of its potential for health."
Media Present GOP’s Romney-Like Proposal On Revenue Increases As ‘Big Concession’
Media Present GOP’s Romney-Like Proposal On Revenue Increases As ‘Big Concession’: Since voters rejected Mitt Romney’s $5 trillion tax plan and President Obama won re-election earlier this month, Republicans have expressed interest in raising revenue to avert the coming fiscal cliff. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) immediately signaled that they are open to raising revenue and prominent Senators Lindsey Graham [...]/p
Will the FCC Give Rupert Murdoch the Powerful Gift of Media Consolidation?
Will the FCC Give Rupert Murdoch the Powerful Gift of Media Consolidation?
"Just in time for the holidays, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering changes to media cross-ownership rules that watchdogs say could good give Rupert Murdoch's massive conglomerate News Corporation the go-ahead to acquire more big media outlets.
"Just in time for the holidays, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering changes to media cross-ownership rules that watchdogs say could good give Rupert Murdoch's massive conglomerate News Corporation the go-ahead to acquire more big media outlets.
The proposal could also keep women and minorities out of the media market, according to civil rights groups.
Reports suggest Murdoch has recovered from the British phone hacking scandal and is ready to jump back into the media consolidation game."
Stand Still For the Apocalypse | Common Dreams
Stand Still For the Apocalypse | Common Dreams
"Humans must immediately implement a series of radical measures to halt carbon emissions or prepare for the collapse of entire ecosystems and the displacement, suffering and death of hundreds of millions of the globe’s inhabitants, according to a report commissioned by the World Bank. The continued failure to respond aggressively to climate change, the report warns, will mean that the planet will inevitably warm by at least 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century, ushering in an apocalypse."
"Humans must immediately implement a series of radical measures to halt carbon emissions or prepare for the collapse of entire ecosystems and the displacement, suffering and death of hundreds of millions of the globe’s inhabitants, according to a report commissioned by the World Bank. The continued failure to respond aggressively to climate change, the report warns, will mean that the planet will inevitably warm by at least 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century, ushering in an apocalypse."
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