www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/28/3106221/endangered-species-act-turns-40/
"Since then the ESA has been credited with saving a number of species from the brink of extinction, including the bald eagle, the American alligator, the grizzly bear and the prairie dog. The act has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the more than 2,140 species it currently protects."
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
On Christmas, Republicans Quietly Declare War on Themselves
www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/on-christmas-republicans-quietly-declare-war-on-themselves-20131230
"The news came in the Wall Street Journal, where the Chamber of Commerce disclosed that it will be teaming up with Republican establishment leaders to spend $50 million in an effort to stem the tide of “fools” who have overwhelmed Republican ballots in recent seasons."
"The news came in the Wall Street Journal, where the Chamber of Commerce disclosed that it will be teaming up with Republican establishment leaders to spend $50 million in an effort to stem the tide of “fools” who have overwhelmed Republican ballots in recent seasons."
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
Why "Fines" Don't Stop Bad Corporate Behavior
www.alternet.org/fines-corporate
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
Earthquakes Rattle Fukushima Region Once More | Common Dreams
Earthquakes Rattle Fukushima Region Once More | Common Dreams
"Once again revealing its perilous geographic location, a pair of earthquakes shook the ground near the damaged nuclear power plant at Fukushima on Tuesday."
"Once again revealing its perilous geographic location, a pair of earthquakes shook the ground near the damaged nuclear power plant at Fukushima on Tuesday."
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
Why Republicans Don’t Believe In Evolution Anymore
www.thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/12/31/3108741/republicans-evolution-demographics/
"There are two keys to understanding what the Pew poll teaches us about Republicans. First, the drop in belief in evolution is among Republicans and, more or less, Republicans only. Acceptance of human evolution was basically the same among Democrats and independents in 2013 as it was in 2009. Second, the share of the total population that believes in evolution hasn’t changed at all. The drop in Republican belief doesn’t appear to be people changing their minds about evolution so much as people who already didn’t believe in evolution becoming Republicans.
Why might that be? The obvious explanation is the changing character of the Republican base."
"There are two keys to understanding what the Pew poll teaches us about Republicans. First, the drop in belief in evolution is among Republicans and, more or less, Republicans only. Acceptance of human evolution was basically the same among Democrats and independents in 2013 as it was in 2009. Second, the share of the total population that believes in evolution hasn’t changed at all. The drop in Republican belief doesn’t appear to be people changing their minds about evolution so much as people who already didn’t believe in evolution becoming Republicans.
Why might that be? The obvious explanation is the changing character of the Republican base."
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
Burning cows: Extreme weather and America’s perilous food supply
Burning cows: Extreme weather and America’s perilous food supply
"The United States leads the world in staples like corn, beef and soybeans. Because the vast majority of these US foodstuffs are produced in the heartland, changes to climate here can affect dinner tables around the world."
"The United States leads the world in staples like corn, beef and soybeans. Because the vast majority of these US foodstuffs are produced in the heartland, changes to climate here can affect dinner tables around the world."
The National Memo » How The GOP Became A Party Of Benghazi ‘Truthers’
The National Memo » How The GOP Became A Party Of Benghazi ‘Truthers’
"From the night of the murders, Republicans have been shamefully trying to politicize the attack that killed four Americans including Ambassador Chris Stevens, first as a means of stopping the re-election of President Obama, and then to damage the reputation of former secretary of state and possible candidate for president in 2016, Hillary Clinton."
"From the night of the murders, Republicans have been shamefully trying to politicize the attack that killed four Americans including Ambassador Chris Stevens, first as a means of stopping the re-election of President Obama, and then to damage the reputation of former secretary of state and possible candidate for president in 2016, Hillary Clinton."
New Greenhouse Gas Proves More Powerful Than CO2
New Greenhouse Gas Proves More Powerful Than CO2
"The newly discovered gas, perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA), has been in use by the electrical industry since the mid-20th century."
"The newly discovered gas, perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA), has been in use by the electrical industry since the mid-20th century."
The 8 Most Absurd Things the Right Wing Did This Year
www.alternet.org/8-most-absurd-things-right-wing-did-year
"From Megyn Kelly's freak out over Santa Claus to GOP efforts to kill Obamacare -- here's the worst of the worst."
"From Megyn Kelly's freak out over Santa Claus to GOP efforts to kill Obamacare -- here's the worst of the worst."
The Worst Hoax Of 2013
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/31/the-worst-hoax-of-2013/197335
"Fox News and the rest of the right-wing media doubled down, spending much of the year trying to turn Benghazi into Obama's Watergate (or Iran-Contra, or both) and try to end any potential presidential run by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before it can begin. And some mainstream outlets, more eager to win over a conservative audience than to check their facts, ran their own misleading, sketchily-sourced Benghazi exposés.
Much of the discussion has centered around two "unanswered questions" that in reality were answered long ago."
"Fox News and the rest of the right-wing media doubled down, spending much of the year trying to turn Benghazi into Obama's Watergate (or Iran-Contra, or both) and try to end any potential presidential run by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before it can begin. And some mainstream outlets, more eager to win over a conservative audience than to check their facts, ran their own misleading, sketchily-sourced Benghazi exposés.
Much of the discussion has centered around two "unanswered questions" that in reality were answered long ago."
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus: My Hopes for 2014
Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus: My Hopes for 2014
"We have a chance now to renew our social contract and to make sure that hardworking Americans earn enough to support their families."
"We have a chance now to renew our social contract and to make sure that hardworking Americans earn enough to support their families."
What The Hell Is Happening At Fukushima Reactor 3?
What The Hell Is Happening At Fukushima Reactor 3?
"We know that TEPCO has lied all along, and I don't think our own government is going to tell us even if something is going on (under the law, they have the authority to lie to us in order to prevent panic that would affect the food supply). So it's not unreasonable to assume that whatever's going on, it's usually a lot worse than what the Powers That Be will admit.
Because when corporate interests have become synonymous with those of a nation's government, the safety of the citizens is way down on the priority list."
"We know that TEPCO has lied all along, and I don't think our own government is going to tell us even if something is going on (under the law, they have the authority to lie to us in order to prevent panic that would affect the food supply). So it's not unreasonable to assume that whatever's going on, it's usually a lot worse than what the Powers That Be will admit.
Because when corporate interests have become synonymous with those of a nation's government, the safety of the citizens is way down on the priority list."
You Won't Believe Conservatives' Absurd Theories They Think Will Cure Poverty
www.alternet.org/economy/conservatives-and-povety
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
Monday, December 30, 2013
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
Sen. Bernie Sanders On 2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
The Republican Autopsy Report Revisited: 5 Ways The GOP Got Worse In 2013 | Right Wing Watch
The Republican Autopsy Report Revisited: 5 Ways The GOP Got Worse In 2013 | Right Wing Watch
"After a devastating loss in 2012, Republicans claimed that they didn’t need to change themselves or their platform, but only cosmetic attributes such as their rhetoric and presentation. Other right-wing activists simply pretended that Republicans actually won the last election.
But if the actions taken this year by Republican leaders are any clue, it looks like Republicans either ignored or outright rejected even the superficial recommendations made in the GOP’s plan to revive the party"
"After a devastating loss in 2012, Republicans claimed that they didn’t need to change themselves or their platform, but only cosmetic attributes such as their rhetoric and presentation. Other right-wing activists simply pretended that Republicans actually won the last election.
But if the actions taken this year by Republican leaders are any clue, it looks like Republicans either ignored or outright rejected even the superficial recommendations made in the GOP’s plan to revive the party"
Republicans Devastate The Lives of 1.3 Million Americans as the Media Stays Silent
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/30/republicans-devastate-lives-1-3-million-americans-media-stays-silent.html
"Republicans ended 2013 exactly the way they started it and have already indicated they are not about to change course in 2014. Without their sequester, job killing cuts, and economy retarding austerity economics the 1.3 million unemployed Americans would likely have jobs, but like their promised $40 billion cuts to food stamps, threats to extract more cuts in the next debt ceiling crisis, and counsel to get more tax breaks for the rich, the economy and jobs are going to continue suffering if for nothing else than to increase the income gap creating a population living in poverty. Americans can depend on the corporate-owned media to continue keeping devastating economic news out of the public consciousness because there is a midterm election on the horizon. The media is not about to damage Republican’s electoral chances by telling Americans the reason they are in poverty, not finding good jobs, and losing their unemployment benefits is because Republicans in Congress successfully executed their economic agenda."
"Republicans ended 2013 exactly the way they started it and have already indicated they are not about to change course in 2014. Without their sequester, job killing cuts, and economy retarding austerity economics the 1.3 million unemployed Americans would likely have jobs, but like their promised $40 billion cuts to food stamps, threats to extract more cuts in the next debt ceiling crisis, and counsel to get more tax breaks for the rich, the economy and jobs are going to continue suffering if for nothing else than to increase the income gap creating a population living in poverty. Americans can depend on the corporate-owned media to continue keeping devastating economic news out of the public consciousness because there is a midterm election on the horizon. The media is not about to damage Republican’s electoral chances by telling Americans the reason they are in poverty, not finding good jobs, and losing their unemployment benefits is because Republicans in Congress successfully executed their economic agenda."
Occupy Madison Builds Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless
Occupy Madison Builds Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless
"Occupy Madison volunteers have been working to combat homelessness in Madison, Wisconsin. This year they launched an ambitious project to start building small, portable homes for Madison's homeless population. The first residents moved in on Christmas Eve."
"Occupy Madison volunteers have been working to combat homelessness in Madison, Wisconsin. This year they launched an ambitious project to start building small, portable homes for Madison's homeless population. The first residents moved in on Christmas Eve."
Climate change by the numbers: The worst is yet to come
Climate change by the numbers: The worst is yet to come
"Only in the future, looking back, will we be able to recognize the true significance of many of this year’s big numbers"
"Only in the future, looking back, will we be able to recognize the true significance of many of this year’s big numbers"
The “middle class” myth: Here’s why wages are really so low today
The “middle class” myth: Here’s why wages are really so low today
"Want to understand the failures of the "free market" and the key to getting a decent wage? Here's the real story"
"Want to understand the failures of the "free market" and the key to getting a decent wage? Here's the real story"
Elizabeth Warren: Every American Has the Right to Retire with Dignity—Why We Must Expand Social Security
www.alternet.org/economy/elizabeth-warren-its-right-every-american-retire-dignity-why-we-must-expand-social-security
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
Booming Solar Energy Halted by Hawaii Utility Because Sun Produces Too Much Power!
Booming Solar Energy Halted by Hawaii Utility Because Sun Produces Too Much Power!
"Now, a nation that cannot invest in fixing its electrical grid -- if you believe the utility company excuse for basically shutting down solar expansion in Hawaii -- is a nation that is not the greatest on earth, but one doomed to failure while its energy policy is dictated by the profiteering, environmentally toxic fossil fuel industry and utility companies."
"Now, a nation that cannot invest in fixing its electrical grid -- if you believe the utility company excuse for basically shutting down solar expansion in Hawaii -- is a nation that is not the greatest on earth, but one doomed to failure while its energy policy is dictated by the profiteering, environmentally toxic fossil fuel industry and utility companies."
Young Americans Can Buy Health Insurance For Under $100
www.genprogress.org/voices/2013/12/18/24221/young-americans-can-buy-health-insurance-for-under-100/
"In fact, almost 5 in 10 single, uninsured Millennials will be eligible for plans in the Marketplace that cost only $50 per month or less after tax credits."
"In fact, almost 5 in 10 single, uninsured Millennials will be eligible for plans in the Marketplace that cost only $50 per month or less after tax credits."
The 10 biggest GOP rebranding fails of 2013
The 10 biggest GOP rebranding fails of 2013
"In March of this year, just a few months after the party’s drubbing in the 2012 elections, the Republican National Committee released its much-anticipated “autopsy” report. The goal of the report was to explain the GOP’s 2012 failure and to recommend changes the party could make to improve its chances in the future. On both counts, the authors concluded, the answer was inclusiveness — or the lack thereof. If the GOP were to stay competitive on the national level, it would be necessary to change the way many voters (young and Latino ones, especially) saw the party. And in order to do that, the Republican Party would, as the authors put it, have to “stop talking to itself.” It was time to rebrand.
Nine months later, however, it’s hard to conclude that the GOP’s rebranding effort has been anything other than an abysmal failure."
"In March of this year, just a few months after the party’s drubbing in the 2012 elections, the Republican National Committee released its much-anticipated “autopsy” report. The goal of the report was to explain the GOP’s 2012 failure and to recommend changes the party could make to improve its chances in the future. On both counts, the authors concluded, the answer was inclusiveness — or the lack thereof. If the GOP were to stay competitive on the national level, it would be necessary to change the way many voters (young and Latino ones, especially) saw the party. And in order to do that, the Republican Party would, as the authors put it, have to “stop talking to itself.” It was time to rebrand.
Nine months later, however, it’s hard to conclude that the GOP’s rebranding effort has been anything other than an abysmal failure."
Coal Trains Run into Stiff Resistance in U.S. | Common Dreams
Coal Trains Run into Stiff Resistance in U.S. | Common Dreams
"Citizens and activists in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are fighting three different proposed coal terminals, including one in Oregon and two in Washington."
"Citizens and activists in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are fighting three different proposed coal terminals, including one in Oregon and two in Washington."
Homeless Japanese Being 'Recruited' To Clean Up Fukushima Disaster | Common Dreams
Homeless Japanese Being 'Recruited' To Clean Up Fukushima Disaster | Common Dreams
"Private labor contractors in Japan are "recruiting" homeless individuals throughout the country, luring them to perform clean-up work in the areas near the destroyed nuclear power plant at Fukushima for less than minimum wage."
"Private labor contractors in Japan are "recruiting" homeless individuals throughout the country, luring them to perform clean-up work in the areas near the destroyed nuclear power plant at Fukushima for less than minimum wage."
Sunday, December 29, 2013
S.E. Cupp Tells Liberals Not to Get Excited About Pope's Economic Message
S.E. Cupp Tells Liberals Not to Get Excited About Pope's Economic Message
"So don't worry your pretty little heads conservatives. The pope is just like you -- and sadly, there's more where that came from in the column. It really is something to watch the lengths they'll go to in order to justify their views on trickle-down economics and unfettered capitalism."
"So don't worry your pretty little heads conservatives. The pope is just like you -- and sadly, there's more where that came from in the column. It really is something to watch the lengths they'll go to in order to justify their views on trickle-down economics and unfettered capitalism."
Nearly One And A Half Million Workers Will Get A Raise On New Year’s Day
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/28/3105581/minimum-wage-raise-year/
"Come January 1, over 1.4 million people — 1,441,000 to be exact — will get a raise thanks to increasing minimum wages in 13 states, according to an analysis by the National Employment Law Project (NELP)."
"Come January 1, over 1.4 million people — 1,441,000 to be exact — will get a raise thanks to increasing minimum wages in 13 states, according to an analysis by the National Employment Law Project (NELP)."
Federal Obamacare Enrollments Soar Past One Million Mark Through Christmas Eve
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/29/3106501/obamacare-enrollments-soar-past-million-mark/
"Some states — including California, New York, and Washington — have reported enrollment spikes similar to the federal marketplace in the last month."
"Some states — including California, New York, and Washington — have reported enrollment spikes similar to the federal marketplace in the last month."
Talking Heads Praise Pope's Concern for Poor, Ignore Own Part in Austerity Politics
Talking Heads Praise Pope's Concern for Poor, Ignore Own Part in Austerity Politics
"They probably weren't hired for their introspection, but it's still a little startling when you see how little responsibility Beltway media types take for pushing austerity politics."
"They probably weren't hired for their introspection, but it's still a little startling when you see how little responsibility Beltway media types take for pushing austerity politics."
Living in a red state is hazardous to your health
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/26/1256778/-Living-in-a-red-state-is-hazardous-to-your-nbsp-health
"Of the 25 states above the national average, 19 are blue and just six are red. Of the 25 states below the national average, 17 are red and just eight are blue.
Environmental policies, access to health insurance, workplace safety regulations ... these things matter. They are literally a matter of life and death. And it's clear that conservatism is hazardous to your health."
"Of the 25 states above the national average, 19 are blue and just six are red. Of the 25 states below the national average, 17 are red and just eight are blue.
Environmental policies, access to health insurance, workplace safety regulations ... these things matter. They are literally a matter of life and death. And it's clear that conservatism is hazardous to your health."
Seems like the Pope Has Conservative Paul Ryan Rattled
www.alternet.org/economy/paul-ryan-lectures-pope-about-capitalism
"Sure, a lot of Republicans share blame with Ryan. But he deserves extra-special (negative) credit for the deal, because he has lately had the audacity to depict himself as the new face of “compassionate conservatism,” insisting Republicans must pay attention to the problems of the poor. Friends say the man who once worshipped Ayn Rand now takes Pope Francis as his moral role model. Except he can’t help treating his new role model with arrogance and contempt."
"Sure, a lot of Republicans share blame with Ryan. But he deserves extra-special (negative) credit for the deal, because he has lately had the audacity to depict himself as the new face of “compassionate conservatism,” insisting Republicans must pay attention to the problems of the poor. Friends say the man who once worshipped Ayn Rand now takes Pope Francis as his moral role model. Except he can’t help treating his new role model with arrogance and contempt."
Pope Francis Is Hated By Conservatives, But Americans Approve Of Him By A Landslide
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/24/pope-francis-is-hated-by-conservatives-but-americans-approve-of-him-by-a-landslide/
"Pope Francis has taken up the plight of the poor and immigrants. He supports protecting the environment. He has called for putting a stop to hating homosexuals. He has been a progressive on women’s rights. And he has attacked trickle-down economics as a “tyranny.” In addition, he has also condemned obsessive ideology and those Christians who think they are superior to others. In short, Pope Francis represents everything that conservatives hate."
"Pope Francis has taken up the plight of the poor and immigrants. He supports protecting the environment. He has called for putting a stop to hating homosexuals. He has been a progressive on women’s rights. And he has attacked trickle-down economics as a “tyranny.” In addition, he has also condemned obsessive ideology and those Christians who think they are superior to others. In short, Pope Francis represents everything that conservatives hate."
What America Would Look Like If Libertarians Got Their Way
www.alternet.org/what-america-would-look-if-libertarians-got-their-way?paging=off¤t_page=1#bookmark
"A North America dotted with Third World colonies. And a blighted landscape where Others are subjugated to Owners."
"A North America dotted with Third World colonies. And a blighted landscape where Others are subjugated to Owners."
Ted Cruz Just Admits Outright that Blocking Immigration Reform in 2014 Is About Helping GOP
www.alternet.org/immigration/ted-cruz-just-admits-outright-blocking-immigration-reform-2014-about-helping-gop
"Cruz said he hopes that Speaker John Boehner will not take on immigration reform next year. Doing so, Cruz argued, would diminish the “incredible opportunity to retake the Senate in 2014.” Cruz emphasized that he is focused on winning the Senate majority from Democrats, and said passing immigration reform legislation would be the “number one thing Republicans could do to mess that up"."
"Cruz said he hopes that Speaker John Boehner will not take on immigration reform next year. Doing so, Cruz argued, would diminish the “incredible opportunity to retake the Senate in 2014.” Cruz emphasized that he is focused on winning the Senate majority from Democrats, and said passing immigration reform legislation would be the “number one thing Republicans could do to mess that up"."
Meet The Man Who Told The GOP How To Destroy America’s Middle Class
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/26/powell-memo-gop-blueprint/
"The Powell Memo came up with the plan, the blueprint. Based on the ideas presented in the Powell Memo, the Republican party created think tanks responsible for dispersing misleading information with a false cloak of authenticity. The Heritage Foundation is a classic example of this."
"The Powell Memo came up with the plan, the blueprint. Based on the ideas presented in the Powell Memo, the Republican party created think tanks responsible for dispersing misleading information with a false cloak of authenticity. The Heritage Foundation is a classic example of this."
Darrell Issa Hid The Truth About Benghazi For a Year While Attacking President Obama
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/29/darrell-issa-hid-truth-benghazi-year-attacking-president-obama.html
"The current scandal in Washington is that slimy crook Darrell Issa who has had the same information the New York Times reported for over a year and sat on his ass wasting taxpayer time and money pursuing Barack Obama."
"The current scandal in Washington is that slimy crook Darrell Issa who has had the same information the New York Times reported for over a year and sat on his ass wasting taxpayer time and money pursuing Barack Obama."
Rep. Castro rips Issa after Benghazi report: He 'crusaded for over a year on a fairy tale'
Rep. Castro rips Issa after Benghazi report: He 'crusaded for over a year on a fairy tale'
"Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) lashed out at House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) on Sunday for spending over a year on what he said was a crusade on a "fairy tale" after a New York Times report showed that Al-Qaeda had no role in the 2012 Benghazi attacks."
"Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) lashed out at House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) on Sunday for spending over a year on what he said was a crusade on a "fairy tale" after a New York Times report showed that Al-Qaeda had no role in the 2012 Benghazi attacks."
The National Memo » America’s Greediest: The Koch Brothers, The ‘Libertarians’ Who Hate The Free Market
The National Memo » America’s Greediest: The Koch Brothers, The ‘Libertarians’ Who Hate The Free Market
"While the Kochs insist that their goal is freedom, their agenda seems entirely based on policies that increase economic inequality and make it easy for carbon polluters like Koch Industries to continue their unfettered domination of energy markets.
Perhaps the best example of the Kochs’ hypocrisy comes in their war on solar power.
While the Kochs spent millions to try to put politicians in office who have vowed to never raise taxes on the rich or anyone, the billionaires are aiding efforts to “tax the sun” in an effort to squash the nascent solar industry."
"While the Kochs insist that their goal is freedom, their agenda seems entirely based on policies that increase economic inequality and make it easy for carbon polluters like Koch Industries to continue their unfettered domination of energy markets.
Perhaps the best example of the Kochs’ hypocrisy comes in their war on solar power.
While the Kochs spent millions to try to put politicians in office who have vowed to never raise taxes on the rich or anyone, the billionaires are aiding efforts to “tax the sun” in an effort to squash the nascent solar industry."
NYT Benghazi Bombshell: Embassy Attack Spurred by Anti-Islam Video
NYT Benghazi Bombshell: Embassy Attack Spurred by Anti-Islam Video
"Right-wing conspiracy theorists were dealt a heavy blow today by The New York Times, as actual investigative journalism reared its head"
"Right-wing conspiracy theorists were dealt a heavy blow today by The New York Times, as actual investigative journalism reared its head"
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Detroit’s Deals with Financial Institutions Led to Disaster
Detroit’s Deals with Financial Institutions Led to Disaster
"Today’s New York Times published one of the most important stories yet about the Detroit bankruptcy, a story that shines a harsh light on the financial institutions whose tricky deal-making helped tank the city’s finances. At the heart of the story is Detroit’s decision to enter into swap contracts that were spectacularly ill-advised."
"Today’s New York Times published one of the most important stories yet about the Detroit bankruptcy, a story that shines a harsh light on the financial institutions whose tricky deal-making helped tank the city’s finances. At the heart of the story is Detroit’s decision to enter into swap contracts that were spectacularly ill-advised."
Robert Reich Takes on Ryan Adviser Who Claims Income Inequality is Not a Problem
Robert Reich Takes on Ryan Adviser Who Claims Income Inequality is Not a Problem
"Here we go again with another one of these Third Way flacks making their way onto our airways -- although this one has moved onto the Manhattan Institute and working as an economic adviser for Rep. Paul Ryan."
"Here we go again with another one of these Third Way flacks making their way onto our airways -- although this one has moved onto the Manhattan Institute and working as an economic adviser for Rep. Paul Ryan."
Friday, December 27, 2013
Investigation Reveals Rampant Fraud by Privatized Hospice Groups | Common Dreams
Investigation Reveals Rampant Fraud by Privatized Hospice Groups | Common Dreams
"A Washington Post investigation into the world of hospice care published Thursday found that what was initially intended to be a peaceful end-of-life alternative led by religious and community organizations, has now evolved into a $17 billion for-profit industry ripe with scams and abuse.
"A Washington Post investigation into the world of hospice care published Thursday found that what was initially intended to be a peaceful end-of-life alternative led by religious and community organizations, has now evolved into a $17 billion for-profit industry ripe with scams and abuse.
Hospice care, which focuses on providing comfort to the terminally ill rather than finding a cure, is funded primarily by Medicare—which makes an estimated 85 to 90 percent of all payments to hospices."
Noam Chomsky: We’re no longer a functioning democracy, we’re really a plutocracy
Noam Chomsky: We’re no longer a functioning democracy, we’re really a plutocracy (via Raw Story )The world faces two potentially existential threats, according to the linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky. “There are two major dark shadows that hover over everything, and they’re getting more and more serious,” Chomsky said. “The…
Inequality: An Essential Reader
Inequality: An Essential Reader
"How did we arrive at this new Gilded Age? And how might we create an economy of broadly shared prosperity?"
"How did we arrive at this new Gilded Age? And how might we create an economy of broadly shared prosperity?"
For-Profit Prisons: Eight Statistics That Show the Problems
For-Profit Prisons: Eight Statistics That Show the Problems
"States sign agreements with private prisons to guarantee that they will fill a certain number of beds in jail at any given point. The most common rate is 90%, though some prisons are able to snag a 100% promise from their local governments. Because of these contracts, the state is obligated to keep prisons almost full at all times or pay for the beds anyway, so the incentive is to incarcerate more people and for longer in order to fill the quota."
"States sign agreements with private prisons to guarantee that they will fill a certain number of beds in jail at any given point. The most common rate is 90%, though some prisons are able to snag a 100% promise from their local governments. Because of these contracts, the state is obligated to keep prisons almost full at all times or pay for the beds anyway, so the incentive is to incarcerate more people and for longer in order to fill the quota."
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Thank a Postal Worker This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
Thank a Postal Worker This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
"Postal workers are still under assault from political slackers in Washington—like House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Darrell Issa, R-California, and the wrecking crew he has assembled to diminish the United States Postal Service to such an extent that it can be bartered off to the highest bidder."
"Postal workers are still under assault from political slackers in Washington—like House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Darrell Issa, R-California, and the wrecking crew he has assembled to diminish the United States Postal Service to such an extent that it can be bartered off to the highest bidder."
Moral Monday Movement Set To Spread Across South
Moral Monday Movement Set To Spread Across South
"Moral Monday protests in North Carolina against a raft of recent legislation targeting voters and teachers will continue in 2014. Reporting by the AP suggests that the protests will spread across the South."
"Moral Monday protests in North Carolina against a raft of recent legislation targeting voters and teachers will continue in 2014. Reporting by the AP suggests that the protests will spread across the South."
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Conservatives' Quagmire: The War on Christmas | Common Dreams
Conservatives' Quagmire: The War on Christmas | Common Dreams
"The annual "war on Christmas" took an unexpected twist this holiday season, when the UK-based website the Freethinker published the ironic headline "First known casualty in America's 2013 'War on Xmas' turns out to be a Salvation Army member". A woman attacked a bell ringer in Phoenix, Arizona because she was angry at being wished a "Happy Holidays" instead of honoring Jesus' birth by saying "Merry Christmas"."
"The annual "war on Christmas" took an unexpected twist this holiday season, when the UK-based website the Freethinker published the ironic headline "First known casualty in America's 2013 'War on Xmas' turns out to be a Salvation Army member". A woman attacked a bell ringer in Phoenix, Arizona because she was angry at being wished a "Happy Holidays" instead of honoring Jesus' birth by saying "Merry Christmas"."
News Video Catches Black Santa Being Shot by pellet gun during D.C. toy giveaway
News Video Catches Black Santa Being Shot by pellet gun during D.C. toy giveaway
"Fox News host Megyn Kelly recently told children that the only real Santa Claus was white."
"Fox News host Megyn Kelly recently told children that the only real Santa Claus was white."
Phoenix Reduces its Population of Chronically Homeless Veterans to Zero
Phoenix Reduces its Population of Chronically Homeless Veterans to Zero
"This could be a sign of things to come as the Obama administration aims to eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015."
"This could be a sign of things to come as the Obama administration aims to eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015."
Cruelty, Corporations, Congress, and Christmas: Unhappy Holidays for the Poor & Unemployed | Common Dreams
Cruelty, Corporations, Congress, and Christmas: Unhappy Holidays for the Poor & Unemployed | Common Dreams
"It's the holiday season in the United States and members of Congress and corporate executives are home with their families.
Meanwhile, in a year that Congress decided to slash funds for the federal food stamp program while also refusing to extend unemployment benefits to millions of people still suffering from a financial crisis created by large banks and a corrupted government, working people and the nation's most vulnerable have been left to fend for themselves."
"It's the holiday season in the United States and members of Congress and corporate executives are home with their families.
Meanwhile, in a year that Congress decided to slash funds for the federal food stamp program while also refusing to extend unemployment benefits to millions of people still suffering from a financial crisis created by large banks and a corrupted government, working people and the nation's most vulnerable have been left to fend for themselves."
Monday, December 23, 2013
NC warns court about 'womanless' marriages to defend Gov. McCrory's ban on NAACP protests
NC warns court about 'womanless' marriages to defend Gov. McCrory's ban on NAACP protests
"A Superior Court judge in Raleigh on Monday gave the NAACP permission to rally at the State Capital building to protest the Republican-controlled legislature after Gov. Pat McCrory's (R) administration refused to approve a permit for the group."
"A Superior Court judge in Raleigh on Monday gave the NAACP permission to rally at the State Capital building to protest the Republican-controlled legislature after Gov. Pat McCrory's (R) administration refused to approve a permit for the group."
'Gaffe-ing All the Way': Corporate Gluttony This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
'Gaffe-ing All the Way': Corporate Gluttony This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
"At a time of year when we're inclined to show empathy for people less fortunate than ourselves, some of our top business leaders are notable for comments that show their disdain for struggling Americans. Their words may seem too outlandish to have been uttered, or inappropriately humorous, but all the speakers were serious."
"At a time of year when we're inclined to show empathy for people less fortunate than ourselves, some of our top business leaders are notable for comments that show their disdain for struggling Americans. Their words may seem too outlandish to have been uttered, or inappropriately humorous, but all the speakers were serious."
Millions in Dark Money Funding Climate Change Denial: Report | Common Dreams
Millions in Dark Money Funding Climate Change Denial: Report | Common Dreams
"The expansive misinformation campaign behind climate change denial is increasingly being funded in the dark, reveals a new report published Friday in the journal Climatic Change
According to the study titled "Institutionalizing Delay: foundation funding and the creation of U.S. climate change counter-movement organizations," while the largest and most consistent funders of climate change denial are a number of well-known conservative foundations and industry groups, the majority of donations come from "dark money," or concealed funding."
"The expansive misinformation campaign behind climate change denial is increasingly being funded in the dark, reveals a new report published Friday in the journal Climatic Change
According to the study titled "Institutionalizing Delay: foundation funding and the creation of U.S. climate change counter-movement organizations," while the largest and most consistent funders of climate change denial are a number of well-known conservative foundations and industry groups, the majority of donations come from "dark money," or concealed funding."
Harvey Wasserman Wants You to Know the Truth About Fukushima
Harvey Wasserman Wants You to Know the Truth About Fukushima
"At Fukushima Unit 4, the impending removal of hugely radioactive spent fuel rods from a pool 100 feet in the air presents unparalleled scientific and engineering challenges."
"At Fukushima Unit 4, the impending removal of hugely radioactive spent fuel rods from a pool 100 feet in the air presents unparalleled scientific and engineering challenges."
Sunday, December 22, 2013
WSJ Panel Celebrates 'Third Way' Attack on Elizabeth Warren
WSJ Panel Celebrates 'Third Way' Attack on Elizabeth Warren
"After they finished bashing Pope Francis for daring to speak up about income disparity and the need to take care of the poor, talking heads on Fox moved on attacking yet another of their favorite targets, Massachusetts Senator and progressive champion Elizabeth Warren."
"After they finished bashing Pope Francis for daring to speak up about income disparity and the need to take care of the poor, talking heads on Fox moved on attacking yet another of their favorite targets, Massachusetts Senator and progressive champion Elizabeth Warren."
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Mitch McConnell Wants To Repeal Heath Care Of Over 92,000 Kentuckians
Mitch McConnell Wants To Repeal Heath Care Of Over 92,000 Kentuckians
"And when any Republican talks about repealing Obamacare, what they're really calling for is repealing health care insurance for every single person who has gotten their coverage on a health care exchange, and the number of people in that group is growing with each and every passing day."
"And when any Republican talks about repealing Obamacare, what they're really calling for is repealing health care insurance for every single person who has gotten their coverage on a health care exchange, and the number of people in that group is growing with each and every passing day."
How to Mess Up a Perfectly Good Democracy as Seen From Down Under
How to Mess Up a Perfectly Good Democracy as Seen From Down Under
"Living underneath the real world, as we do in Oz, we tend to do things back to front. For example, for us, voting is a tedious duty - but up there in the Greatest Democracy in the World, voters are exercising a privilege. That's why so many people in the United States have to struggle to get registered as voters, and their right to vote can be canceled at the stroke of a judge's gavel or a bureaucrat's whim. In fact, the right to vote was so restricted in some US states that the federal government had to step in and enforce fair voter-registration laws. Unfortunately, as you will know, the Voting Rights Act was recently emasculated by the Supreme Court which, on somewhat underwhelming grounds, decided that the discrimination that led to the original act had been overcome and so the act could be weakened. This has been greeted with hoots of delight in many states, which have immediately reintroduced the sorts of restrictions that brought about the VRA in the first place."
"Living underneath the real world, as we do in Oz, we tend to do things back to front. For example, for us, voting is a tedious duty - but up there in the Greatest Democracy in the World, voters are exercising a privilege. That's why so many people in the United States have to struggle to get registered as voters, and their right to vote can be canceled at the stroke of a judge's gavel or a bureaucrat's whim. In fact, the right to vote was so restricted in some US states that the federal government had to step in and enforce fair voter-registration laws. Unfortunately, as you will know, the Voting Rights Act was recently emasculated by the Supreme Court which, on somewhat underwhelming grounds, decided that the discrimination that led to the original act had been overcome and so the act could be weakened. This has been greeted with hoots of delight in many states, which have immediately reintroduced the sorts of restrictions that brought about the VRA in the first place."
Friday, December 20, 2013
8 Down, Thousands To Go After Obama Commutes 'Unfair' Crack Cocaine Sentences | Common Dreams
8 Down, Thousands To Go After Obama Commutes 'Unfair' Crack Cocaine Sentences | Common Dreams
"Advocates praise move but call for further reform to keep minor offenders out of long-term prison sentences"
"Advocates praise move but call for further reform to keep minor offenders out of long-term prison sentences"
Southern Republicans Drag the Rest of the Nation Down by Doing the Kochs’ Bidding
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/19/southern-republicans-drag-rest-nation-kochs-bidding.html
"One of the reasons America has become a third-world nation is three decades of Republican trickle-down economics, the monopolization, privatization and deregulation of industry, and decimation of labor protection has sent 50 million Americans into wretched poverty while all the wealth has risen to the top 1% of income earners instead of investing in America. In fact, the destruction of labor has gotten so bad that real first-world nations offshore their jobs to the American South making this country the new Indonesia because foreign corporations look at America as having one of the world’s cheapest labor forces on the planet; solely because of the non-unionized, right to work for less Southern states."
National Paid Family Leave May Finally Be on the Horizon | Common Dreams
National Paid Family Leave May Finally Be on the Horizon | Common Dreams
"Any working parent will tell you that raising a family might as well be another full-time job—one that comes with no vacation days or health benefits. But millions of Americans don't get days off from their regular job, either, even for the sake of their health or their family’s."
"Any working parent will tell you that raising a family might as well be another full-time job—one that comes with no vacation days or health benefits. But millions of Americans don't get days off from their regular job, either, even for the sake of their health or their family’s."
Saudi Arabia Restored As Defendant In 9/11 Lawsuit By Appeals Court
Saudi Arabia Restored As Defendant In 9/11 Lawsuit By Appeals Court
"In a highly unusual move, a federal appeals court effectively acknowledged Thursday that its earlier decision to remove Saudi Arabia from the suit was mistaken."
"In a highly unusual move, a federal appeals court effectively acknowledged Thursday that its earlier decision to remove Saudi Arabia from the suit was mistaken."
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Lift Wages for Millions and Provide a Modest Economic Boost | Economic Policy Institute
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Lift Wages for Millions and Provide a Modest Economic Boost | Economic Policy Institute
"Every year that the minimum wage remains the same in nominal dollars, inflation slowly erodes its real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) value, leaving minimum-wage workers with a paycheck that cannot buy as much as it did in years past."
"Every year that the minimum wage remains the same in nominal dollars, inflation slowly erodes its real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) value, leaving minimum-wage workers with a paycheck that cannot buy as much as it did in years past."
PERRspectives: House GOP Report Silent on Medicare's Use of Navigators for Over 20 Years
PERRspectives: House GOP Report Silent on Medicare's Use of Navigators for Over 20 Years
"Like GOP leaders in other states, Rick Perry has made the navigators' jobs virtually impossible. Georgia Insurance Commission Ralph Hudgens could have been speaking for Darrell Issa and the entire Republican Party when he described how his state was blocking access to navigators for Obamacare that the Medicare program had been using for over 20 years"
"Like GOP leaders in other states, Rick Perry has made the navigators' jobs virtually impossible. Georgia Insurance Commission Ralph Hudgens could have been speaking for Darrell Issa and the entire Republican Party when he described how his state was blocking access to navigators for Obamacare that the Medicare program had been using for over 20 years"
PERRspectives: GOP Releases Government, Takes U.S. Economy Hostage Again
PERRspectives: GOP Releases Government, Takes U.S. Economy Hostage Again
"That was quick. Just two days after he joined House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in lashing out against right-wing extremists who threatened to trigger another government shutdown by blocking his compromise budget, Rep. Paul Ryan on Sunday promised to support the Tea Party's other favorite act of national economic blackmail. Despite the fact that both Ryan and Boehner have admitted "we have no immediate debt crisis" and that "you can't not raise the debt limit" because that "would be a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Ryan on Sunday threatened to do just that."
"That was quick. Just two days after he joined House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in lashing out against right-wing extremists who threatened to trigger another government shutdown by blocking his compromise budget, Rep. Paul Ryan on Sunday promised to support the Tea Party's other favorite act of national economic blackmail. Despite the fact that both Ryan and Boehner have admitted "we have no immediate debt crisis" and that "you can't not raise the debt limit" because that "would be a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Ryan on Sunday threatened to do just that."
Is Your Chicken Dinner Making You Sick? | Common Dreams
Is Your Chicken Dinner Making You Sick? | Common Dreams
"Two new reports may have consumers thinking twice about having chicken for dinner."
"Two new reports may have consumers thinking twice about having chicken for dinner."
Study Shows Gulf Oil Spill Linked to Dolphin Disease and Death | Common Dreams
Study Shows Gulf Oil Spill Linked to Dolphin Disease and Death | Common Dreams
"In the year following the massive BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, dolphins in the area developed severe lung disease, hormonal abnormalities and other deadly health problems that are likely linked to the toxic oil contamination, according to a report published Wednesday."
"In the year following the massive BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, dolphins in the area developed severe lung disease, hormonal abnormalities and other deadly health problems that are likely linked to the toxic oil contamination, according to a report published Wednesday."
Majority of Americans: Invading Afghanistan Was 'Wrong Thing to Do' | Common Dreams
Majority of Americans: Invading Afghanistan Was 'Wrong Thing to Do' | Common Dreams
"More than twelve years after the initial invasion, U.S. public opinion of the so-called Good War in Afghanistan appears to be souring."
"More than twelve years after the initial invasion, U.S. public opinion of the so-called Good War in Afghanistan appears to be souring."
Breach at Target stores may have hit 40 mn accounts
Breach at Target stores may have hit 40 mn accounts
"US retail giant Target said Thursday some 40 million customers may have had bank card data compromised by hackers who broke into its database as holiday shopping got underway."
"US retail giant Target said Thursday some 40 million customers may have had bank card data compromised by hackers who broke into its database as holiday shopping got underway."
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Why Are Republicans Socking It to the Unemployed?
Why Are Republicans Socking It to the Unemployed?
"Paul and his colleagues think that by cutting off unemployment insurance to millions of Americans, they’re actually motivating them to get jobs.
And that’s fine if there are jobs to get. But there aren’t.
As of November, there were 10.9 million unemployed Americans. Yet, employers only added 203,000 jobs last month.
While those new jobs might help the economy, they’re obviously not enough to put all unemployed Americans back to work.
But Republicans don’t get that."
"Paul and his colleagues think that by cutting off unemployment insurance to millions of Americans, they’re actually motivating them to get jobs.
And that’s fine if there are jobs to get. But there aren’t.
As of November, there were 10.9 million unemployed Americans. Yet, employers only added 203,000 jobs last month.
While those new jobs might help the economy, they’re obviously not enough to put all unemployed Americans back to work.
But Republicans don’t get that."
Republican To Concede In VA Attorney General Race
Republican To Concede In VA Attorney General Race
"Obenshain's concession means all statewide offices in Virginia will be held by Democrats, a welcome change from the administration of Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli."
"Obenshain's concession means all statewide offices in Virginia will be held by Democrats, a welcome change from the administration of Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli."
Pope Francis: 'It's An Ugly Thing' When A Christian Won't Humble Himself
Pope Francis: 'It's An Ugly Thing' When A Christian Won't Humble Himself
"Pope Francis said a Christian who won't humble himself and serve others is no Christian at all."
"Pope Francis said a Christian who won't humble himself and serve others is no Christian at all."
Let the Sun Shine In: The Rightwing Attack on Our Solar Future | Common Dreams
Let the Sun Shine In: The Rightwing Attack on Our Solar Future | Common Dreams
"According to the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative network better known as ALEC, our solar panels make us “free riders.” What?
Yes, according to ALEC, an organization that specializes in getting the right-wing agenda written into state laws, people like me who invest in energy-efficiency and shrinking our carbon footprints ought to be penalized.
Why does ALEC want us punished? Since it’s bankrolled by, among others, the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, it’s hard not to surmise that they’re worried about a threat to fossil fuels businesses. Koch Industries’ operations include refineries, oil and natural gas pipelines, and petrochemicals"
"According to the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative network better known as ALEC, our solar panels make us “free riders.” What?
Yes, according to ALEC, an organization that specializes in getting the right-wing agenda written into state laws, people like me who invest in energy-efficiency and shrinking our carbon footprints ought to be penalized.
Why does ALEC want us punished? Since it’s bankrolled by, among others, the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, it’s hard not to surmise that they’re worried about a threat to fossil fuels businesses. Koch Industries’ operations include refineries, oil and natural gas pipelines, and petrochemicals"
Sen. Warren Aims to Fix 'One More Way the System Is Rigged' | Common Dreams
Sen. Warren Aims to Fix 'One More Way the System Is Rigged' | Common Dreams
"Legislation introduced by Warren would prohibit employers from using prospective employees' credit scores as a basis for hiring"
"Legislation introduced by Warren would prohibit employers from using prospective employees' credit scores as a basis for hiring"
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Court Rules Gov. Nikki Haley Violated Civil Rights With Occupy Arrests
Court Rules Gov. Nikki Haley Violated Civil Rights With Occupy Arrests
"A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) could be sued for violating the civil rights of Occupy Columbia protesters who were removed from the Statehouse grounds and arrested in 2011."
"A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) could be sued for violating the civil rights of Occupy Columbia protesters who were removed from the Statehouse grounds and arrested in 2011."
Noam Chomsky Continues to Inspire | Common Dreams
Noam Chomsky Continues to Inspire | Common Dreams
"He’s one of the world’s best-known intellectuals and one of the least vain. Or elitist. Put him in a roomful of a thousand social activists (not uncommon surroundings for him) and you’ll see him attempt to meet each of them, one-by-one, until he’s physically removed to rush to the airport or next appointment."
"He’s one of the world’s best-known intellectuals and one of the least vain. Or elitist. Put him in a roomful of a thousand social activists (not uncommon surroundings for him) and you’ll see him attempt to meet each of them, one-by-one, until he’s physically removed to rush to the airport or next appointment."
Seven Ripoffs That Capitalists Would Like to Keep out of the Media | Common Dreams
Seven Ripoffs That Capitalists Would Like to Keep out of the Media | Common Dreams
"Tax-avoiding, consumer-exploiting big business leaders are largely responsible for these abuses. Congress just lets it happen. Corporate heads and members of Congress seem incapable of relating to the people that are being victimized, and the mainstream media seems to have lost the ability to express the views of lower-income Americans."
"Tax-avoiding, consumer-exploiting big business leaders are largely responsible for these abuses. Congress just lets it happen. Corporate heads and members of Congress seem incapable of relating to the people that are being victimized, and the mainstream media seems to have lost the ability to express the views of lower-income Americans."
Pope Sacks Conservative Cardinal
Pope Sacks Conservative Cardinal
"The removal of Cardinal Raymond L. Burke from the Congregation for Bishops is being seen as a move that means Francis is willing to go beyond just a change in rhetoric to make the church more inclusive."
"The removal of Cardinal Raymond L. Burke from the Congregation for Bishops is being seen as a move that means Francis is willing to go beyond just a change in rhetoric to make the church more inclusive."
10 Greediest People in America | Alternet
10 Greediest People in America | Alternet
"Butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. You won’t find any of them in this latest annual list of America’s most avaricious. You will find wheelers and dealers and even a candy store heiress."
"Butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. You won’t find any of them in this latest annual list of America’s most avaricious. You will find wheelers and dealers and even a candy store heiress."
US Sailors: Response to Fukushima Emergency Resulted in Cancer | Common Dreams
US Sailors: Response to Fukushima Emergency Resulted in Cancer | Common Dreams
"U.S. sailors who were part of the emergency response effort in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 are now reporting numerous forms of cancers they say are a direct result of being exposed to radiation fallout from the disaster."
"U.S. sailors who were part of the emergency response effort in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011 are now reporting numerous forms of cancers they say are a direct result of being exposed to radiation fallout from the disaster."
Goodies for the Rich, Pennies for the Poor
Goodies for the Rich, Pennies for the Poor
"Republicans don't give a rat's ass about working-class Americans, but they want you to think they do."
"Republicans don't give a rat's ass about working-class Americans, but they want you to think they do."
Study: Chemicals Linked to Cancer, Birth Defects in Water Near Fracking Hotspots | Common Dreams
Study: Chemicals Linked to Cancer, Birth Defects in Water Near Fracking Hotspots | Common Dreams
"The controversial oil and gas extraction process known as "fracking" employs dangerous chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, and infertility that then contaminate ground and surface water and may expose populations near sites to direct health risks."
"The controversial oil and gas extraction process known as "fracking" employs dangerous chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, and infertility that then contaminate ground and surface water and may expose populations near sites to direct health risks."
Senate GOP Meeting Tuesday to Figure Out How to Block More Nominees | Alternet
Senate GOP Meeting Tuesday to Figure Out How to Block More Nominees | Alternet
"Senate Republicans aren't sure yet how they're going to try to continue to block President Obama's nominees, now that they can't filibuster them on the floor. But what they do know is that they want to keep blocking the nominations."
"Senate Republicans aren't sure yet how they're going to try to continue to block President Obama's nominees, now that they can't filibuster them on the floor. But what they do know is that they want to keep blocking the nominations."
The Six Worst Attacks On Reproductive Freedom In 2013 | Alternet
The Six Worst Attacks On Reproductive Freedom In 2013 | Alternet
"GOP lawmakers certainly failed our women this year"
"GOP lawmakers certainly failed our women this year"
Monday, December 16, 2013
Experts: Japan 'Incapable' of Solo Decommissioning Effort | Common Dreams
Experts: Japan 'Incapable' of Solo Decommissioning Effort | Common Dreams
"Japan is "incapable" of safely decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant says a panel of experts who are calling for an international effort for the dangerous process, the Associated Press reported Sunday."
"Japan is "incapable" of safely decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant says a panel of experts who are calling for an international effort for the dangerous process, the Associated Press reported Sunday."
The Permanent Crisis at Fukushima | Common Dreams
The Permanent Crisis at Fukushima | Common Dreams
"Why isn’t the international community making more of a noise about Fukushima? Is it because the big voices on the international stage are all pro-nuclear power themselves?
Sooner or later, for all our sakes, our leaders are going to have to get their hands dirty at Fukushima."
"Why isn’t the international community making more of a noise about Fukushima? Is it because the big voices on the international stage are all pro-nuclear power themselves?
Sooner or later, for all our sakes, our leaders are going to have to get their hands dirty at Fukushima."
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Why Shopping at Walmart Is No Bargain | Alternet
Why Shopping at Walmart Is No Bargain | Alternet
"So that last great argument about Walmart being more affordable is dead in the water. Could a caring, sensible person continue to shop there, knowing all that we now know?"
"So that last great argument about Walmart being more affordable is dead in the water. Could a caring, sensible person continue to shop there, knowing all that we now know?"
America Is the Most Inhumane Developed Country on the Planet — Are We Going to Let It Stay That Way? | Alternet
America Is the Most Inhumane Developed Country on the Planet — Are We Going to Let It Stay That Way? | Alternet
"This week marked the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What would it be like if people in the U.S. knew they had these rights?"
"This week marked the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What would it be like if people in the U.S. knew they had these rights?"
Fox Panel Continues Push to Privatize the Post Office
Fox Panel Continues Push to Privatize the Post Office
"The more things change, the more they stay the same. It's been over seven years now since Congress voted do its best to destroy the United States Post Office by forcing the agency to over fund their pension plan and the right wing's been using it as an excuse to privatize them ever since."
"The more things change, the more they stay the same. It's been over seven years now since Congress voted do its best to destroy the United States Post Office by forcing the agency to over fund their pension plan and the right wing's been using it as an excuse to privatize them ever since."
When Will the Media Learn? Conservatives Are NOT “Centrists”! | Alternet
When Will the Media Learn? Conservatives Are NOT “Centrists”! | Alternet
"From Chris Christie to Third Way, the political class mislabels the political center. Here's why it's so dangerous."
"From Chris Christie to Third Way, the political class mislabels the political center. Here's why it's so dangerous."
10 Certifiably Insane Rants from the Right-Wing Fringe This Week: War on Santa Edition | Alternet
10 Certifiably Insane Rants from the Right-Wing Fringe This Week: War on Santa Edition | Alternet
"Megyn Kelly, Donald Trump and Pat Robertson vie for the craziest prize."
"Megyn Kelly, Donald Trump and Pat Robertson vie for the craziest prize."
Friday, December 13, 2013
$2.75 an Hour?! The Shocking Secret of Goodwill | Alternet
$2.75 an Hour?! The Shocking Secret of Goodwill | Alternet
"Goodwill CEOs make over $400,000 a year. But some of its disabled employees are paid less than $3 an hour."
"Goodwill CEOs make over $400,000 a year. But some of its disabled employees are paid less than $3 an hour."
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Japan's Deadly New 'Fukushima Fascism' | Common Dreams
Japan's Deadly New 'Fukushima Fascism' | Common Dreams
"Fukushima continues to spew out radiation. The quantities seem to be rising, as do the impacts.
"Fukushima continues to spew out radiation. The quantities seem to be rising, as do the impacts.
The site has been infiltrated by organized crime.
There are horrifying signs of ecological disaster in the Pacific and human health impacts in the U.S.
But within Japan, a new State Secrets Act makes such talk punishable by up to ten years in prison."
Bill Moyers: 'We Are This Close to Losing Our Democracy to the Mercenary Class' | Alternet
Bill Moyers: 'We Are This Close to Losing Our Democracy to the Mercenary Class' | Alternet
"The historian Plutarch warned us long ago of what happens when there is no brake on the power of great wealth to subvert the electorate."
"The historian Plutarch warned us long ago of what happens when there is no brake on the power of great wealth to subvert the electorate."
As It Turns Out, There Still Is a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - The Many Friends of ALEC
As It Turns Out, There Still Is a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - The Many Friends of ALEC
"Meanwhile, newly revealed documents show that legislators who co-chair ALEC committees must sign a State Chair Job Description and Agreement. Among other things, state legislator chairs agree to "act with care and loyalty and put the interests of the organization [ALEC] first." Another provision says: "Legislators must inform ALEC of any public records / FOIA requests that include ALEC documents"."
"Meanwhile, newly revealed documents show that legislators who co-chair ALEC committees must sign a State Chair Job Description and Agreement. Among other things, state legislator chairs agree to "act with care and loyalty and put the interests of the organization [ALEC] first." Another provision says: "Legislators must inform ALEC of any public records / FOIA requests that include ALEC documents"."
Teen DUI Killer Gets Off After Defense Claims 'Affluenza'
Teen DUI Killer Gets Off After Defense Claims 'Affluenza'
"A Texas teenager who killed four in a drunken driving accident was sentenced to probation after defense lawyers argued his wealthy parents never taught him right from wrong."
"A Texas teenager who killed four in a drunken driving accident was sentenced to probation after defense lawyers argued his wealthy parents never taught him right from wrong."
Boeing is a Greedy, Freeloading Corporation That Screws American Taxpayers and Workers | Alternet
Boeing is a Greedy, Freeloading Corporation That Screws American Taxpayers and Workers | Alternet
"The aerospace company makes out like a bandit while sucking the lifeblood from the real economy."
"The aerospace company makes out like a bandit while sucking the lifeblood from the real economy."
6 Reasons There's No Such Thing As Compassionate Conservatism | Alternet
6 Reasons There's No Such Thing As Compassionate Conservatism | Alternet
"Conservatives worship Ayn Rand, who said it was morally wrong to help people. How's that for compassionate?"
"Conservatives worship Ayn Rand, who said it was morally wrong to help people. How's that for compassionate?"
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
There's A Federal Pension Grab In The Details Of New Budget
There's A Federal Pension Grab In The Details Of New Budget
"It's always about protecting the rich at the expense of the workers."
"It's always about protecting the rich at the expense of the workers."
America’s Retirement Crisis Grows as Cities Raid Pension and Health Plans | Alternet
America’s Retirement Crisis Grows as Cities Raid Pension and Health Plans | Alternet
"Across America, states, counties and cities are taking steps that will make retirement for ex-public employees much harsher. Courts, politicans and corporations are all working together to chip away at deferred wages: reducing pensions or eliminating promised healthcare, or both. Said simply, they’re looting retirements and pushing people toward poverty."
"Across America, states, counties and cities are taking steps that will make retirement for ex-public employees much harsher. Courts, politicans and corporations are all working together to chip away at deferred wages: reducing pensions or eliminating promised healthcare, or both. Said simply, they’re looting retirements and pushing people toward poverty."
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
U.S. Will Top Germany In Solar Installation For The First Time In 15 Years
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/10/3042001/us-solar-record-installation/
"By the end of the year, more than 400,000 solar projects will be operating across the U.S. and installations will have grown 27 percent over 2012, with a 52 percent growth rate in the residential sector alone, according to GTM’s forecast."
"By the end of the year, more than 400,000 solar projects will be operating across the U.S. and installations will have grown 27 percent over 2012, with a 52 percent growth rate in the residential sector alone, according to GTM’s forecast."
Sen. Bernie Sanders Continues Fight for Single Payer | Common Dreams
Sen. Bernie Sanders Continues Fight for Single Payer | Common Dreams
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) continued his push for a single-payer system healthcare system on Monday, introducing legislation that he says would allow for better care at lower costs."
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) continued his push for a single-payer system healthcare system on Monday, introducing legislation that he says would allow for better care at lower costs."
18 Cops At Abusive Sheriff’s Department Charged With Brutally Beating Inmates And Jail Visitors
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/10/3042261/lasd-indictment/
"More than a dozen officers at the nation’s largest sheriff’s department were indicted Monday for allegedly widespread abuse of inmates at Los Angeles County jails."
"More than a dozen officers at the nation’s largest sheriff’s department were indicted Monday for allegedly widespread abuse of inmates at Los Angeles County jails."
Robert Reich: American democracy is drowning in big money
Robert Reich: American democracy is drowning in big money
"The former Secretary of Labor on JPMorgan's bribery, and why the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act falls woefully short"
"The former Secretary of Labor on JPMorgan's bribery, and why the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act falls woefully short"
PERRspectives: GM Bailout Produced a Windfall for U.S. Taxpayers
PERRspectives: GM Bailout Produced a Windfall for U.S. Taxpayers
"But thanks to the Bush and Obama administrations, the Upper Midwest did not enter an economic death spiral leading to a permanent depression."
"But thanks to the Bush and Obama administrations, the Upper Midwest did not enter an economic death spiral leading to a permanent depression."
Republican nightmare begins: Obamacare is 'a godsend' for people getting coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/09/1256519/-Republican-nightmare-begins-Obamacare-is-a-godsend-for-people-getting-coverage
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
Monday, December 9, 2013
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Radioactive Fukushima Water Headed for US West Coast | Common Dreams
Radioactive Fukushima Water Headed for US West Coast | Common Dreams
"Radioactive water contaminated by Japan's ravaged Fukushima nuclear plant will soon reach the west coast of the United States, according to Chairwoman of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Allison Macfarlane, Bloomberg reports."
"Radioactive water contaminated by Japan's ravaged Fukushima nuclear plant will soon reach the west coast of the United States, according to Chairwoman of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Allison Macfarlane, Bloomberg reports."
Families Exposed to Camp Lejeune Water At Risk For Birth Defects
Families Exposed to Camp Lejeune Water At Risk For Birth Defects
"Remember this the next time you see a congress critter who "supports the troops" being feted by defense contractors, while the underpaid troops who have to use food stamps live in such hazardous conditions -- with their families"
"Remember this the next time you see a congress critter who "supports the troops" being feted by defense contractors, while the underpaid troops who have to use food stamps live in such hazardous conditions -- with their families"
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
Latest Phony Obamacare ‘Horror Story’ Destroyed By Chris Hayes
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/05/cornelius-kelly-fox-obamacare-baby/
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
FBI searches former Michele Bachmann campaign staffer’s home
www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/04/fbi-searches-former-michele-bachmann-campaign-staffers-home/
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
Secretive Right-Wing Group Continues Its War On Clean Energy
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/05/3022271/alec-solar-clean-energy-freeriders/
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid, Himself To Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/06/santorum-obamacare-mandela-apartheid/
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
The Right Wing’s Campaign To Discredit And Undermine Mandela, In One Timeline
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2013/12/06/3029871/wing-timeline-mandela/
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
Will Local Media Cover ALEC Now That Its Agenda Has Been Exposed?
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/04/will-local-media-cover-alec-now-that-its-agenda/197145
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/06/3030141/rick-santorum-obamacare-mandela/
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
Eric Cantor Calls the Police on Children Who Were Singing In His Office
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/05/eric-cantor-calls-police-children-singing-office.html
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
Republicans feel a need to train their men to talk to women
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/05/1260319/-Republicans-feel-a-need-to-train-their-men-to-talk-to-women
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
Friday, December 6, 2013
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
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