Bundy's Friends Have Become the Kochs' Useful Idiots
"Like those millions of Republican supporters, the militia groups occupying the land around the Bundy Ranch want real change in this country and are frustrated with an economy that doesn't work for them and a government that seems like it only cares about making things easier for the one percent.
They've just been duped by the wealthy right-wing media and the billionaires into believing that real change will only come about by destroying the federal government and handing federal lands - and pretty much everything else - over to the oligarchs."
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
How George W. Bush Screwed This Generation of College Students
How George W. Bush Screwed This Generation of College Students
"In fact, every hour, the war in Afghanistan is costing We the People another $10.17 million."
"In fact, every hour, the war in Afghanistan is costing We the People another $10.17 million."
Derailing the High-Speed Trading Bullet Train Before It Crashes Our Economy | Common Dreams
Derailing the High-Speed Trading Bullet Train Before It Crashes Our Economy | Common Dreams
"Four years after they caused the “Flash Crash,” those speed demons still rule our financial markets."
"Four years after they caused the “Flash Crash,” those speed demons still rule our financial markets."
Koch Brothers, Major Corporations Sponsor Pension Reform Seminar for Judges
Koch Brothers, Major Corporations Sponsor Pension Reform Seminar for Judges
"In all, about three dozen corporations — Ford Motor Co., General Electric Co., ConocoPhillips, drug maker Pfizer and the Dow Chemical Company also among them — are sponsoring the conference. Other funders include trade associations such as the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and conservative foundations such as the John William Pope Foundation and the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation."
"In all, about three dozen corporations — Ford Motor Co., General Electric Co., ConocoPhillips, drug maker Pfizer and the Dow Chemical Company also among them — are sponsoring the conference. Other funders include trade associations such as the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and conservative foundations such as the John William Pope Foundation and the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation."
With Unlimited Financial Campaign Contributions, One Robber Baron Can Control a State
With Unlimited Financial Campaign Contributions, One Robber Baron Can Control a State
"If you want to see how just one Wall Street robber baron can squash democracy for the sake of greed and privatization, just look to the Missouri legislature."
"If you want to see how just one Wall Street robber baron can squash democracy for the sake of greed and privatization, just look to the Missouri legislature."
Senate Republicans Show They Don’t Care About American Workers And Block A Minimum Wage Raise- Again
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/30/senate-republicans-show-they-dont-care-about-american-workers-and-block-a-minimum-wage-raise-again/
"Let’s take a step back and look at what we’ve got here: the same people who continuously complain that there are too many people on food stamps, too many people on welfare, too many people on unemployment, who haven’t passed a single jobs bill, and who think liberals are being too hard on Walmart just blocked a minimum wage raise – again.
The bill failed to pass because of a nearly party-line vote of 54-42. Even though the Democrats hold the majority in the Senate, supporters fell short of the 60 votes that would have been needed to end a procedural roadblock. Even though the Democrats have the majority, the Republican minority can say ‘no way, Jose’ and obstruct critical access that will help nearly 28 million Americans."
"Let’s take a step back and look at what we’ve got here: the same people who continuously complain that there are too many people on food stamps, too many people on welfare, too many people on unemployment, who haven’t passed a single jobs bill, and who think liberals are being too hard on Walmart just blocked a minimum wage raise – again.
The bill failed to pass because of a nearly party-line vote of 54-42. Even though the Democrats hold the majority in the Senate, supporters fell short of the 60 votes that would have been needed to end a procedural roadblock. Even though the Democrats have the majority, the Republican minority can say ‘no way, Jose’ and obstruct critical access that will help nearly 28 million Americans."
Why We Are Blocking the Office of Harvard's President | Common Dreams
Why We Are Blocking the Office of Harvard's President | Common Dreams
"On Wednesday morning we began blocking the main entrance to Massachusetts Hall, which houses the office of Harvard University President Drew Faust and other top administrators. We are here to demand an open and transparent dialogue with the Harvard Corporation--Harvard's main governing body--on fossil fuel divestment."
"On Wednesday morning we began blocking the main entrance to Massachusetts Hall, which houses the office of Harvard University President Drew Faust and other top administrators. We are here to demand an open and transparent dialogue with the Harvard Corporation--Harvard's main governing body--on fossil fuel divestment."
Today’s Senate Minimum Wage Vote Is A Moral Litmus Test | Common Dreams
Today’s Senate Minimum Wage Vote Is A Moral Litmus Test | Common Dreams
"By opposing increases in the minimum wage – including the minimum wage for tipped workers, which has not increased since the early 1990s – taxpayers spend about $7 billion a year in assistance payments to close the gap between what workers are paid and what they need to meet their most basic expenses. Taxpayers also subsidize the outsize salaries of the CEOs of low-wage employers – to the tune of $232 million in 2012 and 2013 for just the top 20 restaurant chains, Pizzigati wrote. These CEOs earn, on average, more than 1,000 times the salary of an average fast-food worker."
"By opposing increases in the minimum wage – including the minimum wage for tipped workers, which has not increased since the early 1990s – taxpayers spend about $7 billion a year in assistance payments to close the gap between what workers are paid and what they need to meet their most basic expenses. Taxpayers also subsidize the outsize salaries of the CEOs of low-wage employers – to the tune of $232 million in 2012 and 2013 for just the top 20 restaurant chains, Pizzigati wrote. These CEOs earn, on average, more than 1,000 times the salary of an average fast-food worker."
'Money is Not Speech': Retired Justice Stevens Slams Dark Money Rulings | Common Dreams
'Money is Not Speech': Retired Justice Stevens Slams Dark Money Rulings | Common Dreams
"The retired justice made a rare appearance before Congress to champion a proposed constitutional amendment, put forth by Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), that would grant Congress the authority to regulate campaign finance, limiting the ability of super PACs to impact elections."
"The retired justice made a rare appearance before Congress to champion a proposed constitutional amendment, put forth by Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), that would grant Congress the authority to regulate campaign finance, limiting the ability of super PACs to impact elections."
Ted Cruz Votes Against Minimum Wage To Help Young People, Huh?
Ted Cruz Votes Against Minimum Wage To Help Young People, Huh?
"One can usually hear some pretty silly reason politicians give for voting for or against a bill and in this case Senator Ted Cruz came out with a very laughable idea for voting down a minimum wage increase."
"One can usually hear some pretty silly reason politicians give for voting for or against a bill and in this case Senator Ted Cruz came out with a very laughable idea for voting down a minimum wage increase."
Fox News Tells Science Writer: Don't Talk About Climate Change
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/04/30/fox-news-tells-science-writer-dont-talk-about-c/199084
"This is not the first time we have gotten a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes mechanisms that lead Fox News to cover climate change inaccurately 72 percent of the time."
"This is not the first time we have gotten a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes mechanisms that lead Fox News to cover climate change inaccurately 72 percent of the time."
The Looming Threat To Modern Medicine That’s Alarming The World Health Organization
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/30/3432710/antibiotic-resistance-world-health-organization/
"Drug resistance, which is typically driven by the misuse of antibiotics and bacteria’s ability to mutate into new forms, has been on the rise for years."
"Drug resistance, which is typically driven by the misuse of antibiotics and bacteria’s ability to mutate into new forms, has been on the rise for years."
Senate Republicans Shoot Down Minimum Wage Hike
Senate Republicans Shoot Down Minimum Wage Hike
"US Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a hotly-contested measure to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, smothering President Barack Obama's priority effort to improve pay for working-class Americans."
"US Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a hotly-contested measure to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, smothering President Barack Obama's priority effort to improve pay for working-class Americans."
Bunkerville Held Hostage By Extremist Militia Members With Guns
Bunkerville Held Hostage By Extremist Militia Members With Guns
"In some areas, according to the letter, militiamen have set up checkpoints where drivers are stopped and asked to provide a proof of residency."
"In some areas, according to the letter, militiamen have set up checkpoints where drivers are stopped and asked to provide a proof of residency."
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Photos: Final Day Of Keystone XL ‘Reject And Protect’ Rally Draws Thousands
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3431942/photos-keystone-rally/
"On a weekend where some were expecting rain, the final day of the week-long ‘Reject and Protect‘ rally against the Keystone XL pipeline brought clear skies, warm sun and thousands of people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The protest was organized by the Sierra Club, 350.org, Bold Nebraska and the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, an organization of cowboys, ranchers, farmers, land owners, and Native Americans from the regions that will be affected by the construction of the pipeline."
"On a weekend where some were expecting rain, the final day of the week-long ‘Reject and Protect‘ rally against the Keystone XL pipeline brought clear skies, warm sun and thousands of people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The protest was organized by the Sierra Club, 350.org, Bold Nebraska and the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, an organization of cowboys, ranchers, farmers, land owners, and Native Americans from the regions that will be affected by the construction of the pipeline."
Photo Essay: "Cowboys and Indians" Against Keystone XL Bring Newfound Unity to DC
Photo Essay: "Cowboys and Indians" Against Keystone XL Bring Newfound Unity to DC
"Last week, members of the Cowboy Indian Alliance—a coalition of tribal members, ranchers, and landowners from the Great Plains—camped out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., united in one cause: opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline."
"Last week, members of the Cowboy Indian Alliance—a coalition of tribal members, ranchers, and landowners from the Great Plains—camped out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., united in one cause: opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline."
How Republican Obamacare Lies Nearly Killed A Man
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/29/republican-obamacare-lies-killed-man.html
"Angstadt would probably be dead if he didn’t have a friend who cared about him enough to fight and educate him about the ACA. Dean Angstadt got lucky. He had a friend who was willing to fight to get him to sign up, and he signed up during the open enrollment period.
His story is a reminder that the Republican lies about the ACA have real life and death consequences. Some of the people who believe the Republican misinformation campaign, and don’t get health insurance, will get sick and die before the next open enrollment period begins. It is twisted, but some opponents of the law view every person who doesn’t sign up and gets sick as proof that Obamacare doesn’t work.
The results of scaring people away from signing up for the ACA include crippling debt, people not going to see a doctor when they are sick, or even death."
"Angstadt would probably be dead if he didn’t have a friend who cared about him enough to fight and educate him about the ACA. Dean Angstadt got lucky. He had a friend who was willing to fight to get him to sign up, and he signed up during the open enrollment period.
His story is a reminder that the Republican lies about the ACA have real life and death consequences. Some of the people who believe the Republican misinformation campaign, and don’t get health insurance, will get sick and die before the next open enrollment period begins. It is twisted, but some opponents of the law view every person who doesn’t sign up and gets sick as proof that Obamacare doesn’t work.
The results of scaring people away from signing up for the ACA include crippling debt, people not going to see a doctor when they are sick, or even death."
Iowa Senate Candidates: Federal Judges Must Follow Biblical Law
www.thinkprogress.org/election/2014/04/29/3432089/iowa-senate-biblical-law/
"Despite the Republican Party’s efforts to reach out to a more moderate audience, this year’s crop of Republican primary candidates nationwide seem to be competing to hold the most extreme views."
"Despite the Republican Party’s efforts to reach out to a more moderate audience, this year’s crop of Republican primary candidates nationwide seem to be competing to hold the most extreme views."
Donald Sterling's View From The 1%
Donald Sterling's View From The 1%
"Not only did Donald Sterling's racism come out loud and clear on the audio tape, but it also gives us a bird's eye view of just how the wealthy view the workers in this country."
"Not only did Donald Sterling's racism come out loud and clear on the audio tape, but it also gives us a bird's eye view of just how the wealthy view the workers in this country."
Victory for Millions as High Court Rules Against Cross-State Pollution | Common Dreams
Victory for Millions as High Court Rules Against Cross-State Pollution | Common Dreams
"In what is being hailed as a major victory for public health, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate cross-state air emissions from polluting factories and power plants."
"In what is being hailed as a major victory for public health, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate cross-state air emissions from polluting factories and power plants."
NBA Bans Donald Sterling For Life, Fines Him $2.5 Million
www.thinkprogress.org/sports/2014/04/29/3432310/nba-fines-donald-sterling-banned-for-life-fined-25-million/
"The National Basketball Association has banned Los Angeles Clippers owner for life, fined him $2.5 million, and will urge the league’s Board of Governors to force a sale of the team, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced at a Monday news conference."
"The National Basketball Association has banned Los Angeles Clippers owner for life, fined him $2.5 million, and will urge the league’s Board of Governors to force a sale of the team, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced at a Monday news conference."
PERRspectives: GOP's Grimm is the Face of America's $500 Billion Tax Gap
PERRspectives: GOP's Grimm is the Face of America's $500 Billion Tax Gap
"As it turns out, Rep. Grimm's jihad against the IRS was ironic and personal. On Monday, the former FBI agent surrendered to federal authorities who charged him with defrauding the United States out of over $1 million owed by his small business called--wait for it--Healthalicious."
"As it turns out, Rep. Grimm's jihad against the IRS was ironic and personal. On Monday, the former FBI agent surrendered to federal authorities who charged him with defrauding the United States out of over $1 million owed by his small business called--wait for it--Healthalicious."
Dirty Money, Dirty Fuels: Why Money in Politics Matters to the Environment | Common Dreams
Dirty Money, Dirty Fuels: Why Money in Politics Matters to the Environment | Common Dreams
"From the perspective of the fossil fuel industry, political contributions are just another form of investment. The only difference is that, for the millions polluters spend on elections, they see billions in bonus profits."
"From the perspective of the fossil fuel industry, political contributions are just another form of investment. The only difference is that, for the millions polluters spend on elections, they see billions in bonus profits."
Unskew this! Desperate GOP Obamacare ploy fails, again
Unskew this! Desperate GOP Obamacare ploy fails, again
"Not only was it announced that Obamacare sign-ups hit 8 million, almost simultaneously, Gallup reported that states that fully embraced Obamacare — setting up exchanges and expanding Medicaid — reduced their percentage of uninsured residents by 2.5 percent, compared to just 0.8 percent for states that resisted on one or both counts. The success of the law and the failure of opposition to it came as a one-two punch. And now we’re even starting to see Democratic healthcare ads."
"Not only was it announced that Obamacare sign-ups hit 8 million, almost simultaneously, Gallup reported that states that fully embraced Obamacare — setting up exchanges and expanding Medicaid — reduced their percentage of uninsured residents by 2.5 percent, compared to just 0.8 percent for states that resisted on one or both counts. The success of the law and the failure of opposition to it came as a one-two punch. And now we’re even starting to see Democratic healthcare ads."
Rick Santorum Rebrands Himself As Working Class Populist, Promptly Announces Opposition To Minimum Wage Hike
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/29/3432020/rick-santorum-against-minimum-wage/
"Indeed, Santorum’s 2012 economic plan would have only widened the growing gap between the richest Americans and everybody else."
"Indeed, Santorum’s 2012 economic plan would have only widened the growing gap between the richest Americans and everybody else."
A Million Veterans Would Benefit from a Minimum Wage Increase
A Million Veterans Would Benefit from a Minimum Wage Increase
"We ask a lot of our armed forces. They serve our country in some of the most dangerous environments and difficult situations faced by any American. Yet having endured those experiences, too many veterans returning to civilian jobs find themselves in work that barely pays enough to live on. In fact, of the roughly 10 million veterans working in America today, 1 in 10—that’s one million veterans—is paid wages low enough that they would receive a raise if the federal minimum wage were increased to $10.10 per hour, as proposed in the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013."
"We ask a lot of our armed forces. They serve our country in some of the most dangerous environments and difficult situations faced by any American. Yet having endured those experiences, too many veterans returning to civilian jobs find themselves in work that barely pays enough to live on. In fact, of the roughly 10 million veterans working in America today, 1 in 10—that’s one million veterans—is paid wages low enough that they would receive a raise if the federal minimum wage were increased to $10.10 per hour, as proposed in the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013."
Show Me the Money: Meet the Multimillionaire Squeezing Missouri's Schools
Show Me the Money: Meet the Multimillionaire Squeezing Missouri's Schools
"You've probably heard of the billionaire Koch Brothers by now, and their sinister push to distort our democracy. But you may not have heard of Rex Sinquefield.
Unlike the Koch Brothers, who made their money the old-fashioned way, by inheriting it, Sinquefield is a self-made man, who earned a fortune in the stock market by investing in index funds.
He's a major funder of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and he has also bankrolled the Club for Growth.
Though he was born in Missouri, he didn't move back there until 2005, after being away nearly four decades.
Now he claims to know how to "fix" the state. To an astonishing degree, over the last few years, Missouri's political landscape has been dominated by the wish list of just this one man.
Sinquefield is doing to Missouri what the Koch Brothers are doing to the entire country. For the Koch Brothers and Sinquefield, a lot of the action these days is not at the national but at the state level.
By examining what Sinquefield is up to in Missouri, you get a sobering glimpse of how the wealthiest conservatives are conducting a low-profile campaign to destroy civil society."
"You've probably heard of the billionaire Koch Brothers by now, and their sinister push to distort our democracy. But you may not have heard of Rex Sinquefield.
Unlike the Koch Brothers, who made their money the old-fashioned way, by inheriting it, Sinquefield is a self-made man, who earned a fortune in the stock market by investing in index funds.
He's a major funder of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and he has also bankrolled the Club for Growth.
Though he was born in Missouri, he didn't move back there until 2005, after being away nearly four decades.
Now he claims to know how to "fix" the state. To an astonishing degree, over the last few years, Missouri's political landscape has been dominated by the wish list of just this one man.
Sinquefield is doing to Missouri what the Koch Brothers are doing to the entire country. For the Koch Brothers and Sinquefield, a lot of the action these days is not at the national but at the state level.
By examining what Sinquefield is up to in Missouri, you get a sobering glimpse of how the wealthiest conservatives are conducting a low-profile campaign to destroy civil society."
Rigging The Rules: Congress Moving Corporate Tax Breaks
Rigging The Rules: Congress Moving Corporate Tax Breaks
"Republicans in the House are getting ready to push permanent tax breaks largely for corporations. They don't intend to offset them by closing other loopholes or raising rates. This is a case study in how the game is fixed and the rules are rigged."
"Republicans in the House are getting ready to push permanent tax breaks largely for corporations. They don't intend to offset them by closing other loopholes or raising rates. This is a case study in how the game is fixed and the rules are rigged."
Monday, April 28, 2014
PERRspectives: The GOP Has Made the Red State Health Care Deficit Worse
PERRspectives: The GOP Has Made the Red State Health Care Deficit Worse
"To put those findings in terms Republicans can understand, up to 3,000 of Rick Perry's Texans will needlessly die each year. Those dead will joined by up to 671 from Scott Walker's Wisconsin, 1,176 in Nathan Deal's Georgia, 2,221 in Rick Scott's Florida and 1,145 in Pat McCrory's North Carolina."
"To put those findings in terms Republicans can understand, up to 3,000 of Rick Perry's Texans will needlessly die each year. Those dead will joined by up to 671 from Scott Walker's Wisconsin, 1,176 in Nathan Deal's Georgia, 2,221 in Rick Scott's Florida and 1,145 in Pat McCrory's North Carolina."
Demanding 'Just and Sustainable' Economy For All, Thousands March on Congress | Common Dreams
Demanding 'Just and Sustainable' Economy For All, Thousands March on Congress | Common Dreams
"Protesters rally at Capitol building to call for increase to minimum wage and an end to corporate giveaways"
"Protesters rally at Capitol building to call for increase to minimum wage and an end to corporate giveaways"
Surprise! Tea Party Groups Picking The Pockets of Their Base
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/27/tea-party-con-men/
"These are the people, the organizations, that advocate for smart spending, honest and open political discourse, and they spend near-to-nothing of their bases’ contributions on candidates. They spend it on retirements, lavish decorated offices, and 6-figure salaries for their leaders. Wake up Tea Partiers, you’re being manipulated out of your money!"
"These are the people, the organizations, that advocate for smart spending, honest and open political discourse, and they spend near-to-nothing of their bases’ contributions on candidates. They spend it on retirements, lavish decorated offices, and 6-figure salaries for their leaders. Wake up Tea Partiers, you’re being manipulated out of your money!"
Republican Senate Candidate Says Women Cause Divorce Because They Love Their Children (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/26/women-cause-divorce/
"According to Bowers, in 95 percent of failed marriages, the reason the husband ran off is not because he is a despicable human being incapable of honoring his commitment to his wife. No, in Bowers world, the reason the husband ran off to the arms of another woman is because his wife loves the children more than she loves him. He refers to that love of one’s children as “an abominable idolatry"."
"According to Bowers, in 95 percent of failed marriages, the reason the husband ran off is not because he is a despicable human being incapable of honoring his commitment to his wife. No, in Bowers world, the reason the husband ran off to the arms of another woman is because his wife loves the children more than she loves him. He refers to that love of one’s children as “an abominable idolatry"."
Now That Solar Capacity Is Soaring—Koch Brothers Demand Tax on the Sun
www.alternet.org/environment/now-solar-capacity-soaring-koch-brothers-demand-tax-sun?page=0%2C0
"The Kochs have been pushing, through AFP ads, the dishonest meme that rooftop solar owners aren't carrying their fare share of utility system costs. The dishonesty lies in the failure to mention how rooftop solar and distributed power helps reduce the demand for peak power in mid-summer allowing power producers to avoid costs for building new power plants to meet peak demand. Moreover, power distributors not in the generation business are able to avoid paying for the most expensive peak power. But that's not what the utilities are telling the politicians and public. They are lobbying that solar power generators are freeloaders."
"The Kochs have been pushing, through AFP ads, the dishonest meme that rooftop solar owners aren't carrying their fare share of utility system costs. The dishonesty lies in the failure to mention how rooftop solar and distributed power helps reduce the demand for peak power in mid-summer allowing power producers to avoid costs for building new power plants to meet peak demand. Moreover, power distributors not in the generation business are able to avoid paying for the most expensive peak power. But that's not what the utilities are telling the politicians and public. They are lobbying that solar power generators are freeloaders."
PERRspectives: Memo to Republicans: Comparing Everything to Slavery Won't End Well for You
PERRspectives: Memo to Republicans: Comparing Everything to Slavery Won't End Well for You
"It seems that everything these Republicans oppose is as bad or worse than slavery. Except, apparently, slavery itself."
"It seems that everything these Republicans oppose is as bad or worse than slavery. Except, apparently, slavery itself."
Rand Paul Risks Wrath of Conservatives by Exposing the Truth About Their God, Ronald Reagan
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/many-gops-modern-day-hypocrisies-start-ronald-reagan-just-ask-rand-paul
"It’s hard to overstate how severe this self-inflicting blow is to both his political ambitions and the legitimacy of movement conservative’s ideology. It’s a blow because Paul’s recollection of the Reagan presidency is consistent with reality."
"It’s hard to overstate how severe this self-inflicting blow is to both his political ambitions and the legitimacy of movement conservative’s ideology. It’s a blow because Paul’s recollection of the Reagan presidency is consistent with reality."
7 Absurd Right-Wing Follies This Week: Bundy/Hannity Breakup Edition
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/7-absurd-right-wing-follies-week-bundyhannity-breakup-edition
"If there is a more perfect example of Fox and the right being exposed as the utterly backward haters they are, we cannot imagine it."
"If there is a more perfect example of Fox and the right being exposed as the utterly backward haters they are, we cannot imagine it."
How Maryland's Domestic Violence Laws Became A Right Wing Weapon Of Personal Destruction
How Maryland's Domestic Violence Laws Became A Right Wing Weapon Of Personal Destruction
"When a group of right-wing bloggers discovered a convenient legal loophole gave them a way to harass and bully a disabled man, they used it with all their might."
"When a group of right-wing bloggers discovered a convenient legal loophole gave them a way to harass and bully a disabled man, they used it with all their might."
Youth Are Taking the Government to Court Over Its Failure to Address Climate Change | The Nation
Youth Are Taking the Government to Court Over Its Failure to Address Climate Change | The Nation
"In an unprecedented federal court case that has made it to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, young people from California are suing the EPA and Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Defense under the historic public trust doctrine for failing to devise a climate change recovery plan. In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts"."
"In an unprecedented federal court case that has made it to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, young people from California are suing the EPA and Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Defense under the historic public trust doctrine for failing to devise a climate change recovery plan. In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts"."
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Verizon Knows You're A Sucker: Takes Taxpayer Subsidies For Broadband, Doesn't Deliver, Lobbies To Drop Requirements
Verizon Knows You're A Sucker: Takes Taxpayer Subsidies For Broadband, Doesn't Deliver, Lobbies To Drop Requirements
"Remember all this as we continue to discuss this new "anti-net neutrality" offering today. Because the telcos have a long history of insisting that if you just give them the regulatory regime they want (which always involves giving them ways to get a lot more money), then they'll deliver the kind of broadband found throughout the rest of the world. Then, they never deliver. Though, they do keep the money."
"Remember all this as we continue to discuss this new "anti-net neutrality" offering today. Because the telcos have a long history of insisting that if you just give them the regulatory regime they want (which always involves giving them ways to get a lot more money), then they'll deliver the kind of broadband found throughout the rest of the world. Then, they never deliver. Though, they do keep the money."
Republican Senate Candidate Blames Women for Divorce Even When Males Were Unfaithful
www.forwardprogressives.com/republican-senate-candidate-blames-women-divorce-even-males-unfaithful/
"Yes, that’s a male Republican Senate candidate saying that women are often the reason why men cheat because they love their children more than they do their husbands, and that women should love their husbands more than their children because he chose them, whereas their children didn’t."
"Yes, that’s a male Republican Senate candidate saying that women are often the reason why men cheat because they love their children more than they do their husbands, and that women should love their husbands more than their children because he chose them, whereas their children didn’t."
Koch Brothers Group Caught Blatantly Lying To Voters About Voter Registration In West Virginia
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/25/koch-brothers-voter-fraud/
"AFP is notorious for distributing this type of misinformation. During the Scott Walker recall election, the Koch backed organization sent mailings to democrats with bogus instructions for filling out absentee ballots.
While AFP remains a tax exempt organization, and one which is supposed to be barred from direct lobbying in support of candidates or issues, they spend billions of dollars across the country, doing exactly that. They’ve come under fire consistently for publishing misleading and dishonest ads and engaging in all kinds of illegal lobbying activities. In 2011, the organization even posted fake eviction notices on the homes of Detroit residents.
It’s important to get the message about the dishonest tactics used by AFP out to those who may not be aware. Literature mailed to voters, such as the leaflets sent to West Virginia residents, can have a negative effect on voter turnout. Let people know that republicans are up to their usual dirty tricks, trying to suppress the vote by keeping democrats home. The only trustworthy source for election and voting information is your state office or your county election commission."
"AFP is notorious for distributing this type of misinformation. During the Scott Walker recall election, the Koch backed organization sent mailings to democrats with bogus instructions for filling out absentee ballots.
While AFP remains a tax exempt organization, and one which is supposed to be barred from direct lobbying in support of candidates or issues, they spend billions of dollars across the country, doing exactly that. They’ve come under fire consistently for publishing misleading and dishonest ads and engaging in all kinds of illegal lobbying activities. In 2011, the organization even posted fake eviction notices on the homes of Detroit residents.
It’s important to get the message about the dishonest tactics used by AFP out to those who may not be aware. Literature mailed to voters, such as the leaflets sent to West Virginia residents, can have a negative effect on voter turnout. Let people know that republicans are up to their usual dirty tricks, trying to suppress the vote by keeping democrats home. The only trustworthy source for election and voting information is your state office or your county election commission."
Friday, April 25, 2014
Conservative Christians Don’t Want You To See This Clip Of Porky Pig Reciting The Pledge (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/23/porky-pig-pledge-of-allegiance/
"Written by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance has been part of our nation for well over 100 years. But what most Americans don’t realize is that for half of that time, the words “under God” were never part of it. Not at all."
"Written by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance has been part of our nation for well over 100 years. But what most Americans don’t realize is that for half of that time, the words “under God” were never part of it. Not at all."
'Drop Everything and Take Action': Activists Issue Clarion Call to Save the Internet | Common Dreams
'Drop Everything and Take Action': Activists Issue Clarion Call to Save the Internet | Common Dreams
"That's the message from the nation's largest and most active organizations focused on the issue of online freedom and net neutrality."
"That's the message from the nation's largest and most active organizations focused on the issue of online freedom and net neutrality."
SC GOP candidate: Women cause ’95 percent’ of divorces by loving their kids too much
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/25/sc-gop-candidate-women-cause-95-percent-of-divorces-by-loving-their-kids-too-much/
"One of the six Republican primary challengers to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) once blamed women for causing most divorces – even when their husbands are unfaithful.
Det Bowers made the remarks during a sermon at the Christ Church of the Carolinas, where he served for more than a decade as pastor. The sermon was available for download until the podcast was removed recently ahead of the June 10 primary."
"One of the six Republican primary challengers to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) once blamed women for causing most divorces – even when their husbands are unfaithful.
Det Bowers made the remarks during a sermon at the Christ Church of the Carolinas, where he served for more than a decade as pastor. The sermon was available for download until the podcast was removed recently ahead of the June 10 primary."
The Post Office Was Targeted By Bain Capital Vultures All Along
The Post Office Was Targeted By Bain Capital Vultures All Along
"The 109th United States Congress held a vote back in 2006 that did irreparable harm to one of the largest unions in the country and one of the most functional institutes of our government. A Republican Congress—acting at the behest of the Bush-Cheney administration—enacted a law that required the postal service to “pre-fund” retiree health benefits seventy-five years into the future. NO corporation has ever been asked to shoulder such insane financial burdens and Americans had no idea this was even happening. The US Post Office is one of the top employers of veterans. Yet the GOP has repeatedly slashed any means of assistance for the “troops” they claim to support. Not only did those brave men and women fight a senseless war without being properly equipped with safe gear, but their means of livelihood when they return to civilian life has been systematically eradicated by Republicans."
"The 109th United States Congress held a vote back in 2006 that did irreparable harm to one of the largest unions in the country and one of the most functional institutes of our government. A Republican Congress—acting at the behest of the Bush-Cheney administration—enacted a law that required the postal service to “pre-fund” retiree health benefits seventy-five years into the future. NO corporation has ever been asked to shoulder such insane financial burdens and Americans had no idea this was even happening. The US Post Office is one of the top employers of veterans. Yet the GOP has repeatedly slashed any means of assistance for the “troops” they claim to support. Not only did those brave men and women fight a senseless war without being properly equipped with safe gear, but their means of livelihood when they return to civilian life has been systematically eradicated by Republicans."
Karl Rove and Americans for Prosperity Join Forces to Aid ALEC Stalwart in NC Race
Karl Rove and Americans for Prosperity Join Forces to Aid ALEC Stalwart in NC Race
"Tillis is a longtime member of ALEC, but has gone beyond the normal duties of copying and pasting corporate-approved legislation in North Carolina's state house. Tillis has become an important leader in ALEC.
He is one of just 21 state legislators from across the country on ALEC's national board. The legislative board meets jointly with the corporate lobbyists on ALEC "private enterprise" board, which includes top political givers like Koch Industries, Exxon Mobil, AT&T, and PhRMA."
"Tillis is a longtime member of ALEC, but has gone beyond the normal duties of copying and pasting corporate-approved legislation in North Carolina's state house. Tillis has become an important leader in ALEC.
He is one of just 21 state legislators from across the country on ALEC's national board. The legislative board meets jointly with the corporate lobbyists on ALEC "private enterprise" board, which includes top political givers like Koch Industries, Exxon Mobil, AT&T, and PhRMA."
Safety Failures Pervasive at Site of Mysterious Nuclear Leak | Common Dreams
Safety Failures Pervasive at Site of Mysterious Nuclear Leak | Common Dreams
"The airborne radiation leak at a federally-owned New Mexico nuclear waste dump that "was never supposed to leak" was caused by poor management, a dismal safety culture, and structural failures, according to the U.S. government's own investigation released Thursday."
"The airborne radiation leak at a federally-owned New Mexico nuclear waste dump that "was never supposed to leak" was caused by poor management, a dismal safety culture, and structural failures, according to the U.S. government's own investigation released Thursday."
Right Scrambles over Red-Hot Indictment of Inequality and Capitalism | Common Dreams
Right Scrambles over Red-Hot Indictment of Inequality and Capitalism | Common Dreams
"As a book by French economist Thomas Piketty has soared to the top of U.S. best seller lists and the public discourse surrounding inequality has popularized the once rare term "oligarchy" in recent weeks, the American rightwing appears flabbergasted about how to respond to the seemingly red-hot rise of the idea that modern capitalism has become a failure by creating a permanent ultra-rich ruling class to the detriment of the overall economy and everyone else."
"As a book by French economist Thomas Piketty has soared to the top of U.S. best seller lists and the public discourse surrounding inequality has popularized the once rare term "oligarchy" in recent weeks, the American rightwing appears flabbergasted about how to respond to the seemingly red-hot rise of the idea that modern capitalism has become a failure by creating a permanent ultra-rich ruling class to the detriment of the overall economy and everyone else."
22 Crazy Right-Wing Delusions about the Absurd Cliven Bundy Stand-Off
www.alternet.org/22-crazy-right-wing-delusions-about-absurd-cliven-bundy-stand
"A good deal of them, alas, come from Sean Hannity."
"A good deal of them, alas, come from Sean Hannity."
Colbert Salutes Hannity For Bravely Standing Up For Cliven Bundy
Colbert Salutes Hannity For Bravely Standing Up For Cliven Bundy
"Colbert: Hannity and Bundy go together like Ku And Klux"
"Colbert: Hannity and Bundy go together like Ku And Klux"
Jon Stewart’s Takedown Of Sean Hannity Has To Be Seen To Be Appreciated (VIDEOS)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/24/stewart-hannity-feud/
"All-in-all, this was one of the best skewerings in The Daily Show‘s history"
"All-in-all, this was one of the best skewerings in The Daily Show‘s history"
NH Republican Will Infanite: Women Don't Deserve Same Pay As Men
NH Republican Will Infanite: Women Don't Deserve Same Pay As Men
"New Hampshire State Representative Will Infantine infuriated many of his colleagues when he publicly stated that men deserve more money than the ladies."
"New Hampshire State Representative Will Infantine infuriated many of his colleagues when he publicly stated that men deserve more money than the ladies."
After Championing Cliven Bundy, Fox News Studiously Ignores His Racist Meltdown
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2014/04/24/3430708/cliven-bundy-fox-news/
"The blackout is not unusual for Fox News. The network has ignored a number of major news stories that are bad for conservatives. For instance, Fox was virtually silent during the firestorm surrounding Rep. Todd Akin’s (R-MO) claim that women could not become pregnant from “legitimate rape,” as well as failed Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s claim that rape pregnancies were “a gift from God"."
"The blackout is not unusual for Fox News. The network has ignored a number of major news stories that are bad for conservatives. For instance, Fox was virtually silent during the firestorm surrounding Rep. Todd Akin’s (R-MO) claim that women could not become pregnant from “legitimate rape,” as well as failed Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s claim that rape pregnancies were “a gift from God"."
“Patriot” Rancher Cliven Bundy Says “Negroes” Were More Free During Slavery
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/24/bundy-says-negroes-better-slaves/
"Just a little “FYI” for any “patriot” or “militiaman,” especially those from the Bundy ranch, who happen to be reading this: If president Obama were the tyrant that you and Fox News continuously make him out to be, you and all of your friends who thought it’d be fun to point guns at federal agents to circumvent and overthrow the law of the United States of America… wouldn’t even be around to annoy us anymore."
"Just a little “FYI” for any “patriot” or “militiaman,” especially those from the Bundy ranch, who happen to be reading this: If president Obama were the tyrant that you and Fox News continuously make him out to be, you and all of your friends who thought it’d be fun to point guns at federal agents to circumvent and overthrow the law of the United States of America… wouldn’t even be around to annoy us anymore."
Fox News’ new laughing stock: Cliven Bundy — and Stephen Colbert — will destroy Sean Hannity
Fox News’ new laughing stock: Cliven Bundy — and Stephen Colbert — will destroy Sean Hannity
"Sean Hannity's done. Roger Ailes booted Glenn Beck when he became a liability. A Colbert clip might make it so"
"Sean Hannity's done. Roger Ailes booted Glenn Beck when he became a liability. A Colbert clip might make it so"
Fox News’ worst Cliven Bundy lies: 22 right-wing delusions about the absurd standoff
Fox News’ worst Cliven Bundy lies: 22 right-wing delusions about the absurd standoff
"Why do so many lunatics defend this racist? The crazy tales they're hearing. We explain why their claims are wrong"
"Why do so many lunatics defend this racist? The crazy tales they're hearing. We explain why their claims are wrong"
Sean Hannity Denounces Cliven Bundy's Racism, Then Stands By Him
Sean Hannity Denounces Cliven Bundy's Racism, Then Stands By Him
"Sean Hannity was forced to respond to the bigoted and racist statements made by his militia hero, Cliven Bundy, Thursday night."
"Sean Hannity was forced to respond to the bigoted and racist statements made by his militia hero, Cliven Bundy, Thursday night."
Dana Loesch: Cliven Bundy Just Needs A Little Media Training
Dana Loesch: Cliven Bundy Just Needs A Little Media Training
"To Cliven, being a slave and learning to pick cotton is the best life for blacks in America, Nuff, said right there. So Dana, the fact that he's a racist doesn't weaken his case because he already has no case to begin with. He's wrong about his personal gripes with the BLM and he's also a racist."
"To Cliven, being a slave and learning to pick cotton is the best life for blacks in America, Nuff, said right there. So Dana, the fact that he's a racist doesn't weaken his case because he already has no case to begin with. He's wrong about his personal gripes with the BLM and he's also a racist."
UPDATED: Cliven Bundy Muses On What He Knows 'About The Negro'
UPDATED: Cliven Bundy Muses On What He Knows 'About The Negro'
"Rand Paul (predictably) distanced himself from Bundy's remarks, saying "he completely disagrees with Mr. Bundy's appalling and racist statements, and condemns them in the most strenuous way."
However, let's not forget that Rand Paul's former social media director and book co-author Jack Hunter would be quite in agreement with Mr. Bundy. Senator Paul also supported doing away with the Civil Rights Act, and his former spokesperson Chris Hightower also posted racist remarks on Facebook. Sometimes actions speak louder than the strongest condemnation of someone else's opinion."
"Rand Paul (predictably) distanced himself from Bundy's remarks, saying "he completely disagrees with Mr. Bundy's appalling and racist statements, and condemns them in the most strenuous way."
However, let's not forget that Rand Paul's former social media director and book co-author Jack Hunter would be quite in agreement with Mr. Bundy. Senator Paul also supported doing away with the Civil Rights Act, and his former spokesperson Chris Hightower also posted racist remarks on Facebook. Sometimes actions speak louder than the strongest condemnation of someone else's opinion."
Roger Ailes owns Cliven Bundy now: How dumb opportunism became a right-wing nightmare
Roger Ailes owns Cliven Bundy now: How dumb opportunism became a right-wing nightmare
"Sean Hannity has been the racist rancher’s top backer, and Fox and the GOP made him a cause. Now he's their problem"
"Sean Hannity has been the racist rancher’s top backer, and Fox and the GOP made him a cause. Now he's their problem"
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Fast Food Companies Pay CEOs 1,200 Times What They Pay Workers (And You’re Helping Them Do It)
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/24/3430538/fast-food-workers-ceos-taxpayers/
"Fast food CEOs now earn about 1,200 times more than their workers and taxpayers are helping to make that possible, according to a pair of new reports on the industry’s pay practices."
"Fast food CEOs now earn about 1,200 times more than their workers and taxpayers are helping to make that possible, according to a pair of new reports on the industry’s pay practices."
Vermont to pass country’s strictest anti-GMO law
Vermont to pass country’s strictest anti-GMO law
"Gov. Shumlin says he will sign the bill, making Vermont the first state to require the labeling of GM foods"
"Gov. Shumlin says he will sign the bill, making Vermont the first state to require the labeling of GM foods"
Which U.S. Universities Are The Greenest?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/23/3429622/universities-green-princeton-review/
"In a recently released free book by the Princeton Review, three-hundred and thirty universities in the United States and two in Canada are profiled as green four-year higher education institutions."
"In a recently released free book by the Princeton Review, three-hundred and thirty universities in the United States and two in Canada are profiled as green four-year higher education institutions."
We're NOT Number 1: Guess Which Country Now Has a More Affluent Middle Class Than America?
www.alternet.org/economy/were-not-number-1-guess-which-country-now-has-more-affluent-middle-class-america
"Conservatives will try to come up with all kinds of nonsense to explain what’s happening to the middle class, and we’ll probably be hearing the old magic mantras about small businesses and regulation. But it’s obvious looking at the historical data that regulation loosened under Bush, but the middle class fared worse. Right now, U.S. states that have pushed deregulation hard, such as those in the South, have been hit particularly hard by the recession. In the big picture, we have been cutting red tape and regulations for three decades now in America. Funny how that coincides with the bad news for the middle class."
"Conservatives will try to come up with all kinds of nonsense to explain what’s happening to the middle class, and we’ll probably be hearing the old magic mantras about small businesses and regulation. But it’s obvious looking at the historical data that regulation loosened under Bush, but the middle class fared worse. Right now, U.S. states that have pushed deregulation hard, such as those in the South, have been hit particularly hard by the recession. In the big picture, we have been cutting red tape and regulations for three decades now in America. Funny how that coincides with the bad news for the middle class."
Baby Lobsters Are Disappearing, And Warming Oceans May Be To Blame
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/24/3430134/bye-bye-baby-lobsters/
"Lobsters may be tough to come by in the coming years, according to a Tuesday report from the Associated Press. That report cited a University of Maine study showing that the number of baby lobsters settling off the state’s coast has declined by more than half from their 2007 levels."
"Lobsters may be tough to come by in the coming years, according to a Tuesday report from the Associated Press. That report cited a University of Maine study showing that the number of baby lobsters settling off the state’s coast has declined by more than half from their 2007 levels."
Six Major Cities Add Their Support To Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/24/3430261/six-cities-add-their-support-to-the-chesapeake-bay-cleanup-plan/
"Six major U.S. cities — New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco — filed an amicus brief this week in support of the EPA-led Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, which imposes limits on the level of nutrients that can enter the bay each day."
"Six major U.S. cities — New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco — filed an amicus brief this week in support of the EPA-led Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, which imposes limits on the level of nutrients that can enter the bay each day."
Wall Street's Newest Scam To Skim Profits
Wall Street's Newest Scam To Skim Profits
"I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that Wall Street has hatched yet another scheme to shave off some profits for themselves and their billionaires while leaving the rest of us with the dregs, aren't you?
This scam is called "high frequency trading" (HFT)."
"I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that Wall Street has hatched yet another scheme to shave off some profits for themselves and their billionaires while leaving the rest of us with the dregs, aren't you?
This scam is called "high frequency trading" (HFT)."
Unless Defeated, New FCC Rules Will Put 'Stake in Internet's Heart' | Common Dreams
Unless Defeated, New FCC Rules Will Put 'Stake in Internet's Heart' | Common Dreams
"Defenders of an open, innovative and fair internet are up in arms Thursday after learning the Federal Communications Commission is about to issue new rule proposals that will kill the online principle known as "net neutrality"."
"Defenders of an open, innovative and fair internet are up in arms Thursday after learning the Federal Communications Commission is about to issue new rule proposals that will kill the online principle known as "net neutrality"."
Bernie Sanders Lays The Smack-Down : GOP Freedom Is ‘The Freedom To Die’ (Video)
Bernie Sanders Lays The Smack-Down : GOP Freedom Is ‘The Freedom To Die’ (Video)
"Sanders went on to say that he doesn’t believe that the majority of the people are in favor of the things that the Republicans want to do, things like eliminating Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid and eliminating the minimum wage. They want to strengthen those programs and raise the minimum wage."
"Sanders went on to say that he doesn’t believe that the majority of the people are in favor of the things that the Republicans want to do, things like eliminating Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid and eliminating the minimum wage. They want to strengthen those programs and raise the minimum wage."
Rand Paul Distancing Himself From Bundy After Racially-Charged Comments
Rand Paul Distancing Himself From Bundy After Racially-Charged Comments
"Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is moving away from his support of Cliven Bundy after comments Bundy made about “Negros” came to light."
"Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is moving away from his support of Cliven Bundy after comments Bundy made about “Negros” came to light."
Vermont Law Makes It Official: GMO Food Must Be Labeled | Common Dreams
Vermont Law Makes It Official: GMO Food Must Be Labeled | Common Dreams
"Vermont is being hailed as a national leader following its passage of a law requiring foods that contain genetically-modified food to be labeled, the first "no-strings-attached" legislation passed in the United States.
The bill, passed by both bodies of the state legislature, was signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin late Wednesday."
"Vermont is being hailed as a national leader following its passage of a law requiring foods that contain genetically-modified food to be labeled, the first "no-strings-attached" legislation passed in the United States.
The bill, passed by both bodies of the state legislature, was signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin late Wednesday."
Backlash Against Privatization Is Growing In States And Cities Across The US
Backlash Against Privatization Is Growing In States And Cities Across The US
"the real-world track record of privatization is causing a backlash within state and local governments."
"the real-world track record of privatization is causing a backlash within state and local governments."
Revealed: ALEC’s 2014 Attacks on the Environment
Revealed: ALEC’s 2014 Attacks on the Environment
"The boom in solar generation is increasingly becoming a threat to the high polluting industries, like the coal companies and oil processors that underwrite ALEC. Longtime ALEC funders includes behemoths like Peabody Energy, Koch Industries (controlled by the infamous Koch Brothers), ExxonMobil, BP, and other global multi-billion dollar corporations."
"The boom in solar generation is increasingly becoming a threat to the high polluting industries, like the coal companies and oil processors that underwrite ALEC. Longtime ALEC funders includes behemoths like Peabody Energy, Koch Industries (controlled by the infamous Koch Brothers), ExxonMobil, BP, and other global multi-billion dollar corporations."
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Family Wins Fracking Suit in Legal Blow to Industry | Common Dreams
Family Wins Fracking Suit in Legal Blow to Industry | Common Dreams
"In what is being called a legal blow to the fracking industry, on Tuesday a Texas family was awarded $3 million in the first ever verdict to be handed down over the negative health impacts of fracking."
"In what is being called a legal blow to the fracking industry, on Tuesday a Texas family was awarded $3 million in the first ever verdict to be handed down over the negative health impacts of fracking."
'Straight from the Horse's Mouth': Former Oil Exec Says Fracking Not Safe | Common Dreams
'Straight from the Horse's Mouth': Former Oil Exec Says Fracking Not Safe | Common Dreams
"In a message "straight from the horse's mouth," a former oil executive on Tuesday urged New York state to pass a ban on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, saying, 'it is not safe'."
"In a message "straight from the horse's mouth," a former oil executive on Tuesday urged New York state to pass a ban on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, saying, 'it is not safe'."
All Four Of North Carolina’s GOP Senate Candidates Are Climate Deniers
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/23/3429756/north-carolina-gop-senate-candidates-climate-deniers/
"North Carolina’s political culture specifically has long had problems with climate and environmental issues. In 2012, the state legislature banned officials from using sea level rise predictions in designing rules for coastal development. Meanwhile, Governor Pat McCrory worked 28 years for Duke Energy and received hefty financial support from the company during his campaign. Duke runs seven coal-fired power plants in the state, along with over 30 coal ash slurry ponds. Those ponds have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, with environmental groups charging that poor safeguards and lax oversight have allowed the coal ash slurry to pollute North Carolina’s drinking water."
"North Carolina’s political culture specifically has long had problems with climate and environmental issues. In 2012, the state legislature banned officials from using sea level rise predictions in designing rules for coastal development. Meanwhile, Governor Pat McCrory worked 28 years for Duke Energy and received hefty financial support from the company during his campaign. Duke runs seven coal-fired power plants in the state, along with over 30 coal ash slurry ponds. Those ponds have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, with environmental groups charging that poor safeguards and lax oversight have allowed the coal ash slurry to pollute North Carolina’s drinking water."
Ryan's latest Medicare plan proves it's not about the deficit
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/21/1293612/-Ryan-s-latest-Medicare-plan-proves-it-s-not-about-the-deficit
"But it's never been about the deficit, as Brian Beutler details, chronicling the evolution of Ryan's proposals for one program: Medicare. It's all about privatization."
"But it's never been about the deficit, as Brian Beutler details, chronicling the evolution of Ryan's proposals for one program: Medicare. It's all about privatization."
The 1% in America Are Turning into a Ruling Oligarchy at an Astonishing Pace
www.alternet.org/economy/1-america-are-turning-ruling-oligarchy-astonishing-pace
"At state and local levels, while the poorest fifth of Americans pay an average tax rate of over 11 percent, the richest 1% pay half that rate."
"At state and local levels, while the poorest fifth of Americans pay an average tax rate of over 11 percent, the richest 1% pay half that rate."
GOP War On Education: 600 Teachers Quit In Wake County NC This Year Alone! (Video)
GOP War On Education: 600 Teachers Quit In Wake County NC This Year Alone! (Video)
"Our country does not value education. We might say that we do, but our actions speak louder than our words. And when our actions result in 600 teachers quitting in the Wake County school district this year alone — up 41% from the previous year — we’re doing something horribly wrong."
"Our country does not value education. We might say that we do, but our actions speak louder than our words. And when our actions result in 600 teachers quitting in the Wake County school district this year alone — up 41% from the previous year — we’re doing something horribly wrong."
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Analysis: America's Middle Class Falters As Nation's Richest Rise | Common Dreams
Analysis: America's Middle Class Falters As Nation's Richest Rise | Common Dreams
"Growth in lower- and middle-income tiers in the U.S. is quickly falling behind other economically "advanced" countries, as average residents in comparable countries have received "considerably larger raises over the last three decades"."
"Growth in lower- and middle-income tiers in the U.S. is quickly falling behind other economically "advanced" countries, as average residents in comparable countries have received "considerably larger raises over the last three decades"."
Elizabeth Warren’s Needed Call for Student Loan Reform | Common Dreams
Elizabeth Warren’s Needed Call for Student Loan Reform | Common Dreams
"Warren first came to Washington to battle a system that has long been rigged against the middle class, where working families’ voices get overpowered by well-funded lobbyists who hold elected officials by the pocket."
"Warren first came to Washington to battle a system that has long been rigged against the middle class, where working families’ voices get overpowered by well-funded lobbyists who hold elected officials by the pocket."
GOP’s super-secret actual road map for winning more races (Hint: It’s not the one released to the public)
GOP’s super-secret actual road map for winning more races (Hint: It’s not the one released to the public)
"It should come as no surprise, then, that rather than adapting their policy positions to a changing nation, Republicans have simply adopted cynical tactics that work to minimize the electoral power of these demographic groups at every turn. If the GOP can’t convince minorities and young people to vote against their own interests, perhaps they can prevent the poor, the young, and minorities from voting in the first place."
"It should come as no surprise, then, that rather than adapting their policy positions to a changing nation, Republicans have simply adopted cynical tactics that work to minimize the electoral power of these demographic groups at every turn. If the GOP can’t convince minorities and young people to vote against their own interests, perhaps they can prevent the poor, the young, and minorities from voting in the first place."
Koch Brothers, ALEC, Grover Norquist Target Solar Energy
Koch Brothers, ALEC, Grover Norquist Target Solar Energy
"The Koch brothers, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist and some of the nation's largest power companies have backed efforts in recent months to roll back state policies that favor green energy. The conservative luminaries have pushed campaigns in Kansas, North Carolina and Arizona, with the battle rapidly spreading to other states."
"The Koch brothers, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist and some of the nation's largest power companies have backed efforts in recent months to roll back state policies that favor green energy. The conservative luminaries have pushed campaigns in Kansas, North Carolina and Arizona, with the battle rapidly spreading to other states."
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monsanto’s Dream Bill is a Nightmare for State GMO Labeling Efforts | Common Dreams
Monsanto’s Dream Bill is a Nightmare for State GMO Labeling Efforts | Common Dreams
"Last week, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014” (HR 4432), a brainchild of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) that would serve as a real road block to the thousands of people who have been fighting for the right to know what’s in their food. This piece of legislation would make voluntary (not mandatory) labeling for genetically engineered foods the national standard, ensure that GMOs can be ambiguously labeled as “natural,” create its own rules for non-GMO labeling and, most heinously, preempt all state efforts to require labeling of GMO foods."
"Last week, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014” (HR 4432), a brainchild of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) that would serve as a real road block to the thousands of people who have been fighting for the right to know what’s in their food. This piece of legislation would make voluntary (not mandatory) labeling for genetically engineered foods the national standard, ensure that GMOs can be ambiguously labeled as “natural,” create its own rules for non-GMO labeling and, most heinously, preempt all state efforts to require labeling of GMO foods."
Justice John Paul Stevens Rips The Roberts Court For Protecting The Rich
Justice John Paul Stevens Rips The Roberts Court For Protecting The Rich
"Retired Justice John Paul Stevens ripped John Roberts and his Supreme Court's campaign finance law decisions which he says have given way too much influence for those holding all the money in this country. Who can argue with that?"
"Retired Justice John Paul Stevens ripped John Roberts and his Supreme Court's campaign finance law decisions which he says have given way too much influence for those holding all the money in this country. Who can argue with that?"
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Oklahoma Governor Sides With John Birchers On Minimum Wage
Oklahoma Governor Sides With John Birchers On Minimum Wage
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed a ban on minimum wage increases this Monday. Defending her remarkable decision, Fallin issued a press release that indulges all the usual thoroughly-debunked talking points, including the long-discredited notion that only teenagers have minimum wage jobs."
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed a ban on minimum wage increases this Monday. Defending her remarkable decision, Fallin issued a press release that indulges all the usual thoroughly-debunked talking points, including the long-discredited notion that only teenagers have minimum wage jobs."
Oligarchy Defined: Koch Brothers Worth $100 Billion, Buy GOP For Just $412 Million
Oligarchy Defined: Koch Brothers Worth $100 Billion, Buy GOP For Just $412 Million
"This is the opposite of democracy: the richest people in the world essentially own an entire political party, and the movement which animates it, at a cost of approximately 0.04% of their fortune. That spending includes all the weird and misleading advertisements driving a wedge between common people and their own interests. It all works to the self-interest of the Kochs, who see themselves as the rightful owners of America, if not the world."
"This is the opposite of democracy: the richest people in the world essentially own an entire political party, and the movement which animates it, at a cost of approximately 0.04% of their fortune. That spending includes all the weird and misleading advertisements driving a wedge between common people and their own interests. It all works to the self-interest of the Kochs, who see themselves as the rightful owners of America, if not the world."
Oklahoma Will Charge Customers Who Install Their Own Solar Panels
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/16/3427392/oklahoma-fee-solar-wind/
"Oklahoma residents who produce their own energy through solar panels or small wind turbines on their property will now be charged an additional fee, the result of a new bill passed by the state legislature and expected to be signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin (R)."
"Oklahoma residents who produce their own energy through solar panels or small wind turbines on their property will now be charged an additional fee, the result of a new bill passed by the state legislature and expected to be signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin (R)."
Oklahoma Provides A Win For ALEC’s 50-State Campaign Against Democracy
Oklahoma Provides A Win For ALEC’s 50-State Campaign Against Democracy
"All of this illustrates that with even the most popular laws, the influence of money in politics creates roadblocks that can be difficult to overcome. As Gordon Lafer put it, “You can buy a state legislative race for $50,000 in a lot of places. Most people don’t know who their state legislator is. And so we’ve seen a lot of laws passed that are unpopular with the public, but are being passed by legislators who are backed by corporate lobbies"."
"All of this illustrates that with even the most popular laws, the influence of money in politics creates roadblocks that can be difficult to overcome. As Gordon Lafer put it, “You can buy a state legislative race for $50,000 in a lot of places. Most people don’t know who their state legislator is. And so we’ve seen a lot of laws passed that are unpopular with the public, but are being passed by legislators who are backed by corporate lobbies"."
Friday, April 18, 2014
Could an Unknown Civil Libertarian Unseat Susan Collins? | Common Dreams
Could an Unknown Civil Libertarian Unseat Susan Collins? | Common Dreams
"Bellows is calling the people: nurses and teachers, lobster-boat captains and farmers, students and union activists. And she’s asking them to counter not just big money but a broken politics that values party labels and personalities more than ideals and movements."
"Bellows is calling the people: nurses and teachers, lobster-boat captains and farmers, students and union activists. And she’s asking them to counter not just big money but a broken politics that values party labels and personalities more than ideals and movements."
Mitch McConnell Says He Stood Up for Women in a Senate Sexual-Harassment Scandal. The Real Story Is Damning.
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/mitch-mcconnell-bob-packwood-sexual-harassment
"McConnell claims he led a 1995 investigation against a GOP senator accused of sexual misconduct. Actually, he took steps to keep it quiet."
"McConnell claims he led a 1995 investigation against a GOP senator accused of sexual misconduct. Actually, he took steps to keep it quiet."
Krugman: Worried About Oligarchy? You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet | Common Dreams
Krugman: Worried About Oligarchy? You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet | Common Dreams
"And as Krugman explains to Moyers, the implications of a world dominated by the super-wealthy for regular working people is profound."
"And as Krugman explains to Moyers, the implications of a world dominated by the super-wealthy for regular working people is profound."
Bernie Sanders Continues To Hammer Kochs For Extreme Libertarian Agenda
Bernie Sanders Continues To Hammer Kochs For Extreme Libertarian Agenda
"Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to expose the Koch brothers' extreme right wing agenda for America."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to expose the Koch brothers' extreme right wing agenda for America."
Yet Another Legal Transgression For Gov. Chris Christie?
Yet Another Legal Transgression For Gov. Chris Christie?
"New Jersey state pay-to-play statutes prohibit state contractors from directly or indirectly financially supporting the election campaigns of state officials. Yoo hoo, grand jury!"
"New Jersey state pay-to-play statutes prohibit state contractors from directly or indirectly financially supporting the election campaigns of state officials. Yoo hoo, grand jury!"
The Ryan Budget Is a Broken Record of Failed Trickle-Down Economics
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/01/86873/the-ryan-budget-is-a-broken-record-of-failed-trickle-down-economics/
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
JP Morgan Admits Trickle Down Economics Has Completely Failed
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/18/jp-morgan-admits-trickle-down-economics-has-completely-failed/
"That example is very simple, but it illustrates the buying power of the middle class — IF they have the money to spend. That buying power has been steadily eroded over the past 30 plus years of Reagan’s trickle down economics. Add to the mix the offshoring of jobs, a move from a manufacturing economy to a service economy, and a tax structure that favors the wealthy. The middle class has watched the failure of trickle down from the time it started. Now at least some in the financial sector are starting to see it as a failure as well. When will Republican politicians stop worshiping at the alter of trickle down? Don’t hold your breath while waiting."
"That example is very simple, but it illustrates the buying power of the middle class — IF they have the money to spend. That buying power has been steadily eroded over the past 30 plus years of Reagan’s trickle down economics. Add to the mix the offshoring of jobs, a move from a manufacturing economy to a service economy, and a tax structure that favors the wealthy. The middle class has watched the failure of trickle down from the time it started. Now at least some in the financial sector are starting to see it as a failure as well. When will Republican politicians stop worshiping at the alter of trickle down? Don’t hold your breath while waiting."
Possibility of GOP taking over Senate has Republican immigration reform supporters scared
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/18/1292972/-Possibility-of-GOP-taking-over-Senate-has-Republican-immigration-reform-supporters-scared
"In other words, Republicans who support immigration reform want to act now because they're afraid of what would happen if Republicans were to take full control of Congress. In a way, that makes sense, but it's also a damning indictment that the possibility of winning the next election is one of the biggest fears of the GOP's immigration reform supporters."
"In other words, Republicans who support immigration reform want to act now because they're afraid of what would happen if Republicans were to take full control of Congress. In a way, that makes sense, but it's also a damning indictment that the possibility of winning the next election is one of the biggest fears of the GOP's immigration reform supporters."
Monsanto and Big Food Losing the GMO and "Natural" Food Fight
Monsanto and Big Food Losing the GMO and "Natural" Food Fight
"After 20 years of battling Monsanto and corporate agribusiness, food and farm activists in Vermont, backed by a growing Movement across the country, are on the verge of a monumental victory—mandatory labels on genetically engineered foods and a ban on the routine industry practice of labeling GMO-tainted foods as “natural.”
On April 16, 2014, the Vermont Senate passed H.112 by a vote of 28-2, following up on the passage of a similar bill in the Vermont House last year. The legislation, which requires all GMO foods sold in Vermont to be labeled by July 1, 2016, will now pass through a House/Senate conference committee before landing on Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk, for final approval."
"After 20 years of battling Monsanto and corporate agribusiness, food and farm activists in Vermont, backed by a growing Movement across the country, are on the verge of a monumental victory—mandatory labels on genetically engineered foods and a ban on the routine industry practice of labeling GMO-tainted foods as “natural.”
On April 16, 2014, the Vermont Senate passed H.112 by a vote of 28-2, following up on the passage of a similar bill in the Vermont House last year. The legislation, which requires all GMO foods sold in Vermont to be labeled by July 1, 2016, will now pass through a House/Senate conference committee before landing on Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk, for final approval."
Why Are 20 Far-Away States Trying To Block The Cleanup Of The Chesapeake Bay?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/16/3363281/states-block-chesapeake-cleanup/
"To understand why the 21 state AGs care about a cleanup plan that is, for the most part, outside of their boundaries, you first have to understand why outside groups are suing to strike down the cleanup plan in the first place. That comes down to the interests of one powerful entity: the U.S. agriculture industry.
When the EPA enacted its latest cleanup plan, the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, in December 2010, major agriculture groups were quick to sue, arguing the agency didn’t have the power to restrict the amount of pollutants that enter the bay. Their response came as no surprise, considering agriculture is the largest contributor of nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay, accounting for 42 percent of the nitrogen, 58 percent of the phosphorous and 58 percent of the sediment that entered the bay in 2012. The EPA’s new cleanup plan established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can enter the bay each year, potentially cutting pollution by 20-25 percent."
"To understand why the 21 state AGs care about a cleanup plan that is, for the most part, outside of their boundaries, you first have to understand why outside groups are suing to strike down the cleanup plan in the first place. That comes down to the interests of one powerful entity: the U.S. agriculture industry.
When the EPA enacted its latest cleanup plan, the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, in December 2010, major agriculture groups were quick to sue, arguing the agency didn’t have the power to restrict the amount of pollutants that enter the bay. Their response came as no surprise, considering agriculture is the largest contributor of nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay, accounting for 42 percent of the nitrogen, 58 percent of the phosphorous and 58 percent of the sediment that entered the bay in 2012. The EPA’s new cleanup plan established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can enter the bay each year, potentially cutting pollution by 20-25 percent."
High Levels Of Mercury Found In Fish In Remote National Parks
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/18/3428394/mercury-fish-remote-national-parks/
"Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service released a report Thursday that found 5 percent of the freshwater fish sampled in 21 western national parks had levels of mercury that were high enough to trigger toxic responses from the fish themselves, potentially endangering their health and lives. In addition, 35 percent of the fish sampled had enough mercury in them to impact the health of some predatory birds, and 68 percent of fish had mercury levels above the recommended amount for “unlimited consumption” by humans."
"Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service released a report Thursday that found 5 percent of the freshwater fish sampled in 21 western national parks had levels of mercury that were high enough to trigger toxic responses from the fish themselves, potentially endangering their health and lives. In addition, 35 percent of the fish sampled had enough mercury in them to impact the health of some predatory birds, and 68 percent of fish had mercury levels above the recommended amount for “unlimited consumption” by humans."
Each One of Us Is a Toxic Superfund Site
Each One of Us Is a Toxic Superfund Site
"Countries all over the world follow the precautionary principle, to ensure that their citizens are safe and that dangerous products don't make it to market.
In fact, the precautionary principle is so important in the European Union that it's been made a law, and even has its own website.
But here in America, when giant corporations hear "precautionary principle," they think about money, and the millions of dollars they would have to "waste" on testing products before throwing them into our food, putting them into our homes, or pouring them over our bodies.
And, since corporations are running things these days in Washington thanks to the Roberts Supreme Court, our lawmakers are afraid of the precautionary principle too."
"Countries all over the world follow the precautionary principle, to ensure that their citizens are safe and that dangerous products don't make it to market.
In fact, the precautionary principle is so important in the European Union that it's been made a law, and even has its own website.
But here in America, when giant corporations hear "precautionary principle," they think about money, and the millions of dollars they would have to "waste" on testing products before throwing them into our food, putting them into our homes, or pouring them over our bodies.
And, since corporations are running things these days in Washington thanks to the Roberts Supreme Court, our lawmakers are afraid of the precautionary principle too."
Meet The Surprising Star Of Showtime’s New Climate Change Series
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/14/3425256/meet-star-showtime-series/
"An evangelical Christian, married to a pastor, living in conservative West Texas, and widely regarded as a top-notch climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a rare breed on paper — in person, she’s even rarer. Deftly moving between topics like science, religion, and gender with equal parts insight and levity, Hayhoe is an unassuming force of nature."
"An evangelical Christian, married to a pastor, living in conservative West Texas, and widely regarded as a top-notch climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a rare breed on paper — in person, she’s even rarer. Deftly moving between topics like science, religion, and gender with equal parts insight and levity, Hayhoe is an unassuming force of nature."
The Pay's the Thing: How America's CEOs Are Getting Rich Off Taxpayers
The Pay's the Thing: How America's CEOs Are Getting Rich Off Taxpayers
"Thanks to Citizens United and now the McCutcheon decision, the same CEOs who are benefitting from the loophole are much freer to draw upon the corporate coffers to donate big money to politicians to maintain these loopholes."
"Thanks to Citizens United and now the McCutcheon decision, the same CEOs who are benefitting from the loophole are much freer to draw upon the corporate coffers to donate big money to politicians to maintain these loopholes."
Cliven Bundy, John Birch Society, And Koch Industries
Cliven Bundy, John Birch Society, And Koch Industries
"It may be true that the Koch family left the John Birch Society back in the 50s, but you can't take the John Birch Society out of them. Americans for Prosperity wasn't created to compete with the JBS. It was intended to expand its capacity. In fact, I would argue that the sons rejoined the ranks of the Birchers, given the tribute on the JBS website to Fred and Koch Industries.
What we have here, folks, is yet another push toward culmination of the Birch Society's ultimate goals, which they will continue to use in pursuit of fascistic policies that do grave harm to everyone but their oligarch founders."
"It may be true that the Koch family left the John Birch Society back in the 50s, but you can't take the John Birch Society out of them. Americans for Prosperity wasn't created to compete with the JBS. It was intended to expand its capacity. In fact, I would argue that the sons rejoined the ranks of the Birchers, given the tribute on the JBS website to Fred and Koch Industries.
What we have here, folks, is yet another push toward culmination of the Birch Society's ultimate goals, which they will continue to use in pursuit of fascistic policies that do grave harm to everyone but their oligarch founders."
GMO Labeling Update: State Efforts Pick Up Momentum, Big Ag Doubles Down | Common Dreams
GMO Labeling Update: State Efforts Pick Up Momentum, Big Ag Doubles Down | Common Dreams
"Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) just introduced a bill titled the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014,” which would block the state-level initiatives. Not surprisingly, the Congressman and his co-signers are sympathetic to the Coalition’s goals. After all, Pompeo is the political candidate who has received the most funding from the Koch Brothers this year and the Koch Brothers own Georgia-Pacific, a member of the GMA."
"Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) just introduced a bill titled the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014,” which would block the state-level initiatives. Not surprisingly, the Congressman and his co-signers are sympathetic to the Coalition’s goals. After all, Pompeo is the political candidate who has received the most funding from the Koch Brothers this year and the Koch Brothers own Georgia-Pacific, a member of the GMA."
The Middle Class Is Not ''Normal''
The Middle Class Is Not ''Normal''
"Creating a middle class is always a choice, and by embracing Reaganomics and cutting taxes on the rich, we decided back in 1980 not to have a middle class within a generation or two. George H.W. Bush saw this, and correctly called it "Voodoo Economics." And we're still in the era of Reaganomics - as President Obama recently pointed out, Reagan was a successful revolutionary."
"Creating a middle class is always a choice, and by embracing Reaganomics and cutting taxes on the rich, we decided back in 1980 not to have a middle class within a generation or two. George H.W. Bush saw this, and correctly called it "Voodoo Economics." And we're still in the era of Reaganomics - as President Obama recently pointed out, Reagan was a successful revolutionary."
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Conservative crybabies lose again: The right’s laughable new Obamacare conspiracies, officially debunked
Conservative crybabies lose again: The right’s laughable new Obamacare conspiracies, officially debunked
"As all the GOP's Obamacare attacks are proven wrong, one by one, a new phony conspiracy emerges. It's bunk, too"
"As all the GOP's Obamacare attacks are proven wrong, one by one, a new phony conspiracy emerges. It's bunk, too"
GOP's Obamacare Chickens Are Coming Home To Roost
GOP's Obamacare Chickens Are Coming Home To Roost
"This year's town hall meetings are nothing like they were in 2009, as Rep. Dennis Ross discovered. He can kiss that Tea Party money goodbye too, after his answer."
"This year's town hall meetings are nothing like they were in 2009, as Rep. Dennis Ross discovered. He can kiss that Tea Party money goodbye too, after his answer."
The Disinvestment Budget: Government Investments to Improve Our Economic Future Would be Crushed Under the Recently Passed House Budget
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/16/88090/the-disinvestment-budget-government-investments-to-improve-our-economic-future-would-be-crushed-under-the-recently-passed-house-budget/
"A United States that undergoes the dramatic erosion of regulatory structure, services, and government investments required by this budget would be a United States plagued by anarchy and deprived of the basic infrastructure necessary for growth and prosperity. The 1 percent will do well, but the rest of us will be forced into lives far harsher than those we now have. Let’s hope there are enough people ready to say no."
"A United States that undergoes the dramatic erosion of regulatory structure, services, and government investments required by this budget would be a United States plagued by anarchy and deprived of the basic infrastructure necessary for growth and prosperity. The 1 percent will do well, but the rest of us will be forced into lives far harsher than those we now have. Let’s hope there are enough people ready to say no."
Paul Ryan’s phony existential drama: How a P.R. stunt took on a life of its own
Paul Ryan’s phony existential drama: How a P.R. stunt took on a life of its own
"Ryan is basically running this same con again. After decades of supply-side economics, upper-income tax cuts, and anti-estate tax activism, the Republican Party is widely and rightly viewed as the party of the rich. Ryan has been an enthusiastic supporter of each of those policies, but in the post-Romney, post-“47 percent” political world, a Republican who can convincingly demonstrate concern for the poor would be a rare animal. That’s the space Ryan wants to inhabit."
"Ryan is basically running this same con again. After decades of supply-side economics, upper-income tax cuts, and anti-estate tax activism, the Republican Party is widely and rightly viewed as the party of the rich. Ryan has been an enthusiastic supporter of each of those policies, but in the post-Romney, post-“47 percent” political world, a Republican who can convincingly demonstrate concern for the poor would be a rare animal. That’s the space Ryan wants to inhabit."
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
CEO Pay Soars As Worker Pay Stagnates | Common Dreams
CEO Pay Soars As Worker Pay Stagnates | Common Dreams
"How’s your job going – if you even have one? The odds are very, very high that you haven’t seen a raise in a long time. Or maybe you were laid off and found a new job at half your old pay. They say this is the “new normal.”
Meanwhile, CEO pay just keeps climbing and climbing and climbing (and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing). This inequality is destabilizing our economy."
"How’s your job going – if you even have one? The odds are very, very high that you haven’t seen a raise in a long time. Or maybe you were laid off and found a new job at half your old pay. They say this is the “new normal.”
Meanwhile, CEO pay just keeps climbing and climbing and climbing (and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing). This inequality is destabilizing our economy."
US Fracking Boom Creating Crisis of Illegal Toxic Dumping | Common Dreams
US Fracking Boom Creating Crisis of Illegal Toxic Dumping | Common Dreams
"Industrial waste from fracking sites is leaving a "legacy of radioactivity" across the country as the drilling boom churns out more and more toxic byproducts with little to no oversight of the disposal process, critics warn."
"Industrial waste from fracking sites is leaving a "legacy of radioactivity" across the country as the drilling boom churns out more and more toxic byproducts with little to no oversight of the disposal process, critics warn."
In Preemptive Strike, Oklahoma Bans Efforts to Increase Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
In Preemptive Strike, Oklahoma Bans Efforts to Increase Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"In a preemptive strike against local efforts to strengthen workers' rights, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure that forbids all cities and counties in the state from raising the minimum wage any higher than the current federal requirement of $7.25 an hour."
"In a preemptive strike against local efforts to strengthen workers' rights, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure that forbids all cities and counties in the state from raising the minimum wage any higher than the current federal requirement of $7.25 an hour."
Nation's Boldest GMO Label Law Nears Passage in Vermont | Common Dreams
Nation's Boldest GMO Label Law Nears Passage in Vermont | Common Dreams
"After a groundswell of support from state residents fueled by grassroots activism, Vermont is on track to become the first state to require the labeling of food that contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs)."
"After a groundswell of support from state residents fueled by grassroots activism, Vermont is on track to become the first state to require the labeling of food that contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs)."
“You’re leaving? Are you effing kidding?” An anti-gay bigot gets humiliated
“You’re leaving? Are you effing kidding?” An anti-gay bigot gets humiliated
"Peter LaBarbera came to my college to "expose" the "gay agenda." He wasn't expecting what would happen instead"
"Peter LaBarbera came to my college to "expose" the "gay agenda." He wasn't expecting what would happen instead"
Nevada Journalists: Conservative Media Darling Rancher Is Clearly "Breaking The Law"
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/04/16/nevada-journalists-conservative-media-darling-r/198910
"Local journalists covering Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's case stress he is no victim and is breaking the law, regardless of conservative media's sympathy for his defiance of government orders to remove cattle from federal land."
"Local journalists covering Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's case stress he is no victim and is breaking the law, regardless of conservative media's sympathy for his defiance of government orders to remove cattle from federal land."
Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Banning Mandatory Minimum Wage, Vacation & Sick Leave
Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Banning Mandatory Minimum Wage, Vacation & Sick Leave
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin took extraordinary measures to thwart the will of her voters and any progress for her constituents by banning a mandatory minimum wage."
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin took extraordinary measures to thwart the will of her voters and any progress for her constituents by banning a mandatory minimum wage."
Minister Told Girls That 'God's Word' Made It Normal To Rape Them For Years
Minister Told Girls That 'God's Word' Made It Normal To Rape Them For Years
"Authorities in Minnesota have launched a manhunt for a minister who is facing 59 counts of first-degree sexual assault in cases against girls -- called "Maidens" -- as young as 13."
"Authorities in Minnesota have launched a manhunt for a minister who is facing 59 counts of first-degree sexual assault in cases against girls -- called "Maidens" -- as young as 13."
Meet the NC officials who promoted a far-right conspiracy theory to discredit environmental sustainability
www.southernstudies.org/2014/04/meet-the-nc-officials-who-promoted-a-far-right-con.html
"The state of North Carolina has no shortage of serious environmental problems to worry about, from coal ash contaminating rivers, to massive sewage spills, to rising seas caused by manmade global warming.
But in recent years, some of the state's elected officials have devoted time and energy to fighting a fictional problem cooked up by far-right conspiracy theorists aiming to discredit environmental sustainability initiatives."
"The state of North Carolina has no shortage of serious environmental problems to worry about, from coal ash contaminating rivers, to massive sewage spills, to rising seas caused by manmade global warming.
But in recent years, some of the state's elected officials have devoted time and energy to fighting a fictional problem cooked up by far-right conspiracy theorists aiming to discredit environmental sustainability initiatives."
Bundy Ranch Supporters Eating Glenn Beck ALIVE For Not Supporting Armed Insurrection (Screenshots)
Bundy Ranch Supporters Eating Glenn Beck ALIVE For Not Supporting Armed Insurrection (Screenshots)
"Glenn Beck probably regrets all of that time that he has spent fearmongering and whipping his followers into a frenzy–because he is now experiencing the results of simply saying that armed confrontation is not the appropriate response to a rancher facing the consequences of twenty years of evading fees and defying multiple court orders to remove his cattle from land he does not own, on which they have been grazing."
"Glenn Beck probably regrets all of that time that he has spent fearmongering and whipping his followers into a frenzy–because he is now experiencing the results of simply saying that armed confrontation is not the appropriate response to a rancher facing the consequences of twenty years of evading fees and defying multiple court orders to remove his cattle from land he does not own, on which they have been grazing."
It’s Time to be Honest: The Tea Party Has Become a Terrorist Group
www.forwardprogressives.com/time-honest-tea-party-become-terrorist-group/
"They’ve done everything possible to hold our country back economically, threatened to force our country to default on our debt for the first time in history, shut down the government and have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars blatantly trying to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. But as time goes on, more of these tea party politicians are speaking out against civil rights (even suggesting the Civil Rights Act is unconstitutional), pushing for laws that allow for religious discrimination and the anti-government rhetoric continues to expand within the Republican party."
"They’ve done everything possible to hold our country back economically, threatened to force our country to default on our debt for the first time in history, shut down the government and have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars blatantly trying to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. But as time goes on, more of these tea party politicians are speaking out against civil rights (even suggesting the Civil Rights Act is unconstitutional), pushing for laws that allow for religious discrimination and the anti-government rhetoric continues to expand within the Republican party."
Is Sean Hannity Trying To Provoke A Bloody Conflict With Nevada Rancher Cliven Bundy And Feds?
Is Sean Hannity Trying To Provoke A Bloody Conflict With Nevada Rancher Cliven Bundy And Feds?
"I can't believe Hannity is ratcheting this situation up. Here we have commando militia freaks joining in with anti-federal government types. just waiting to see if they can make this into the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
If there is gunfire, I'll put a lot of blame on Hannity's shoulders. He's acting like a demented instigator. I truly believe he's hoping for an armed conflict to happen so he can make cash from the suffering and boost his ratings."
"I can't believe Hannity is ratcheting this situation up. Here we have commando militia freaks joining in with anti-federal government types. just waiting to see if they can make this into the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
If there is gunfire, I'll put a lot of blame on Hannity's shoulders. He's acting like a demented instigator. I truly believe he's hoping for an armed conflict to happen so he can make cash from the suffering and boost his ratings."
Bonkers Texas Preacher Says Blood Moon is a Sign the World is Coming to an End, Another Blames it on Obama
www.forwardprogressives.com/bonkers-texas-preacher-says-blood-moon-sign-world-coming-end/
"It’s just amazing to me that here we are, in 2014, and we still have people living in such an ignorant delusional world that they choose to pretend our understanding of science hasn’t advanced at all in hundreds of years. You really have to be insane or just plain willfully ignorant to believe this nonsense."
"It’s just amazing to me that here we are, in 2014, and we still have people living in such an ignorant delusional world that they choose to pretend our understanding of science hasn’t advanced at all in hundreds of years. You really have to be insane or just plain willfully ignorant to believe this nonsense."
Rick Perry Dismantled Texas' Public Integrity Unit. Now He's Facing a Grand Jury
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/rick-perry-texas-grand-jury-investigation-public-integrity
"Rick Perry Dismantled Texas' Public Integrity Unit. Now He's Facing a Grand Jury."
"Rick Perry Dismantled Texas' Public Integrity Unit. Now He's Facing a Grand Jury."
Paul Ryan and the GOP's Anti-Robin Hood Spending Plan—Less Money for Poor Kids, More for the Rich
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/paul-ryan-and-gops-anti-robin-hood-spending-plan-less-money-starving-kids-more
"Ryan and his right-wing crew focus on the demands of the wealthy and ignore the values of the vast majority of Americans."
"Ryan and his right-wing crew focus on the demands of the wealthy and ignore the values of the vast majority of Americans."
American Democracy No Longer Works
American Democracy No Longer Works
"Thomas Jefferson once said that, "Those seeking profits, were they given total freedom, would not be the ones to trust to keep government pure and our rights secure. Indeed, it has always been those seeking wealth who were the source of corruption in government..."
The only other time in American history when the influences of money and corruption were as rampant as they are today was during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, and that period of corruption directly led to the crash of 1896, the worst crash we have ever seen."
"Thomas Jefferson once said that, "Those seeking profits, were they given total freedom, would not be the ones to trust to keep government pure and our rights secure. Indeed, it has always been those seeking wealth who were the source of corruption in government..."
The only other time in American history when the influences of money and corruption were as rampant as they are today was during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, and that period of corruption directly led to the crash of 1896, the worst crash we have ever seen."
The Prophet Glenn Beck Says Everything God Warned Him About Is Now Happening | Right Wing Watch
The Prophet Glenn Beck Says Everything God Warned Him About Is Now Happening | Right Wing Watch
"Glenn Beck's transformation from a one-time "rodeo clown" into a quasi-prophetic religious leader of a doomsday cult continues to pick up steam"
"Glenn Beck's transformation from a one-time "rodeo clown" into a quasi-prophetic religious leader of a doomsday cult continues to pick up steam"
Sen. Jeff Sessions Goes Full John Bircher
Sen. Jeff Sessions Goes Full John Bircher
"This notional plot to undo America has a long pedigree. In 1960, it was visible in the uprising against water Fluoridation and billboards calling for the impeachment of Earl Warren over the Supreme Court’s decision to integrate public schools. Diminished during the Reagan Years, it came back to prominence on talk radio and within the militia movement. Finally, with the arrival of tea parties in 2009, the John Birch Society returned from its years in the wilderness to become the soul of a movement. Right wing political activism today has an agenda that is almost indistinguishable from the JBS agenda, and that probably has something to do with the fact that the sons of Fred Koch, the organization’s founder, have been funding the tea party movement since before anyone heard of it."
"This notional plot to undo America has a long pedigree. In 1960, it was visible in the uprising against water Fluoridation and billboards calling for the impeachment of Earl Warren over the Supreme Court’s decision to integrate public schools. Diminished during the Reagan Years, it came back to prominence on talk radio and within the militia movement. Finally, with the arrival of tea parties in 2009, the John Birch Society returned from its years in the wilderness to become the soul of a movement. Right wing political activism today has an agenda that is almost indistinguishable from the JBS agenda, and that probably has something to do with the fact that the sons of Fred Koch, the organization’s founder, have been funding the tea party movement since before anyone heard of it."
SCOTUS To Hear Case About Political Ads Spouting Lies
SCOTUS To Hear Case About Political Ads Spouting Lies
"I would assume that if the Supreme Court were to rule that lying is fine in campaign ads, it's also fine for corporations, so truth in advertising laws would be as dead as our democracy. But never underestimate the Roberts court. I'm sure they can come up with some way to corrupt elections even more than they already are."
"I would assume that if the Supreme Court were to rule that lying is fine in campaign ads, it's also fine for corporations, so truth in advertising laws would be as dead as our democracy. But never underestimate the Roberts court. I'm sure they can come up with some way to corrupt elections even more than they already are."
Tea Party Rep. Ted Yoho 'Isn't Sure' Civil Rights Act Is Constitutional
Tea Party Rep. Ted Yoho 'Isn't Sure' Civil Rights Act Is Constitutional
"Tea Party Congressman Ted Yoho joined a growing number of Conservatives who are questioning if the Civil Right's Act is even constitutional."
"Tea Party Congressman Ted Yoho joined a growing number of Conservatives who are questioning if the Civil Right's Act is even constitutional."
Tea Party Terrorists To Use Women As Human Shields In Nevada Ranch Stand-Off (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/16/gun-toting-tea-partier-want-use-women-human-shields-nevada-stand-video/
"No, it’s not radical Islamic terrorists who are wanting to use women as human shields. It’s just your typical gun toting, government hating conservative."
"No, it’s not radical Islamic terrorists who are wanting to use women as human shields. It’s just your typical gun toting, government hating conservative."
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Prominent Republican: Women Need To Be Paid Less So They Can Find Husbands
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/15/3426856/prominent-republican-women-need-to-be-paid-less-than-men-so-they-can-find-good-husbands/
"Schlafly has long been crusader for “traditional values” within conservative movement and the Republican party, serving as a member of the National GOP Platform Committee as recently as 2012 and as a delegate to the National Convention. Her Eagle Forum PAC has also donated thousands to prominent Republicans like Eric Cantor, Michele Bachmann, Steve King, and Ted Cruz."
"Schlafly has long been crusader for “traditional values” within conservative movement and the Republican party, serving as a member of the National GOP Platform Committee as recently as 2012 and as a delegate to the National Convention. Her Eagle Forum PAC has also donated thousands to prominent Republicans like Eric Cantor, Michele Bachmann, Steve King, and Ted Cruz."
Oklahoma Governor Sucker Punches Workers, Bans Cities from Raising Minimum Wage
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/15/oklahoma-governor-sucker-punches-workers-bans-cities-raising-minimum-wage.html
"Mary Fallin had a consistently anti-union record as a member of Congress, including opposition to allowing collective bargaining rights even for police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical services personnel. Now as the chief executive of the state of Oklahoma she continues to demonstrate her hostility towards improving pay or working conditions for ordinary workers. Fallin joins other GOP Governor’s like Wisconsin’s Scott Walker and Michigan’s Rick Snyder, in fighting to keep workers from getting paid what their labor is worth."
"Mary Fallin had a consistently anti-union record as a member of Congress, including opposition to allowing collective bargaining rights even for police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical services personnel. Now as the chief executive of the state of Oklahoma she continues to demonstrate her hostility towards improving pay or working conditions for ordinary workers. Fallin joins other GOP Governor’s like Wisconsin’s Scott Walker and Michigan’s Rick Snyder, in fighting to keep workers from getting paid what their labor is worth."
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