5 Things To Tell Your Republican Relatives At Thanksgiving Dinner
"5. The deficit is too low - and Republicans want it to be way higher. If you love cutting the deficit, Barack Obama must be your hero. Spending that exceeds revenues we take in as a nation is now lower than it has been since 2007. Given that we're still recovering from the Bush Recession and our infrastructure is tragically decaying, we should be borrowing at record low rates to rebuild roads and bridges while investing in high-speed trains and other prudent, necessary expenditures. Republicans won't do that now, however, because they know it would boost the economy. But the GOP candidates for president have proven they could not care less about fiscal discipline by proposing tax breaks mostly for the rich that are "basically insane"."
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Here are 10 Reasons Why I'm Thankful Barack Obama is Our Nation's President
Here are 10 Reasons Why I'm Thankful Barack Obama is Our Nation's President
"5. Despite all of the problems he faced entering office following the catastrophic Bush presidency, he’s still managed to reduce our deficits by over $1 trillion since he was elected. It’s the largest deficit reduction since WWII."
"5. Despite all of the problems he faced entering office following the catastrophic Bush presidency, he’s still managed to reduce our deficits by over $1 trillion since he was elected. It’s the largest deficit reduction since WWII."
If Republican Family Members Insist on Dinner Table Politics, Here are 10 Facts to Shut Them Up
If Republican Family Members Insist on Dinner Table Politics, Here are 10 Facts to Shut Them Up
"1. President Obama has presided over the longest streak of private-sector job growth in American history."
"1. President Obama has presided over the longest streak of private-sector job growth in American history."
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Elizabeth Warren's Warning About The Coming Corporate Tax Giveaway
Elizabeth Warren's Warning About The Coming Corporate Tax Giveaway
"Warren began by describing how lobbyists and corporate CEOs are swarming Congress and saturating the media with a pitch that says corporations are paying too much in taxes, that this is forcing corporations to flee abroad and the solution is to slash corporate tax rates. This story of overtaxation is told and retold. Warren says there is just one problem with this: "It’s not true." Actually, on average corporations only pay 20 percent of their income in taxes. Some pay zero. Boeing, GE, and Verizon paid nothing in 5 years while reporting $80 billion in combined profits."
"Warren began by describing how lobbyists and corporate CEOs are swarming Congress and saturating the media with a pitch that says corporations are paying too much in taxes, that this is forcing corporations to flee abroad and the solution is to slash corporate tax rates. This story of overtaxation is told and retold. Warren says there is just one problem with this: "It’s not true." Actually, on average corporations only pay 20 percent of their income in taxes. Some pay zero. Boeing, GE, and Verizon paid nothing in 5 years while reporting $80 billion in combined profits."
Kansas Republicans trying to eradicate judicial power
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/20/1452632/-Kansas-Republicans-trying-to-eradicate-judicial-power
"In other words, the Republicans: Passed a bill that said the Supreme Court couldn't appoint district judges. Passed a budget that would DEFUND the entire Kansas court system if the courts struck down the first bill. Now claim that the judiciary should not have the right to determine the legality of the bill or budget. And this is all because the legislature wants to intimidate and retaliate against the court because they had the nerve to insist on sufficient funding for education. The audacity, intimidation, and complete disregard of American constitutional values aside, this move is pathetically political. Just a few years ago, the Republican legislature gave power to the (currently Republican) governor to choose appellate court judges. So naturally, Schmidt says that neither the Supreme Court nor the District Court should be able to hear the case. It can only be the Kansas Court of Appeals. Shocking. The attorneys opposing the judicial administration bill find no merit in Schmidt's call for recusal. In a brief last week, they stated, "centuries of precedent make clear that it is the province and duty of this Court to decide cases that involve the scope of the Court’s authority, jurisdiction, and duties vis-à-vis the other branches of government." How can Kansas Republicans call themselves the party of small government and then attempt to give themselves essentially unlimited power? Why is the party so self-righteously tethered to values constantly working to destroy American values? Like, say, foundational elements of American government like checks and balances? Unbelievable what the Republicans are willing to sacrifice to make sure children don't get an education."
"In other words, the Republicans: Passed a bill that said the Supreme Court couldn't appoint district judges. Passed a budget that would DEFUND the entire Kansas court system if the courts struck down the first bill. Now claim that the judiciary should not have the right to determine the legality of the bill or budget. And this is all because the legislature wants to intimidate and retaliate against the court because they had the nerve to insist on sufficient funding for education. The audacity, intimidation, and complete disregard of American constitutional values aside, this move is pathetically political. Just a few years ago, the Republican legislature gave power to the (currently Republican) governor to choose appellate court judges. So naturally, Schmidt says that neither the Supreme Court nor the District Court should be able to hear the case. It can only be the Kansas Court of Appeals. Shocking. The attorneys opposing the judicial administration bill find no merit in Schmidt's call for recusal. In a brief last week, they stated, "centuries of precedent make clear that it is the province and duty of this Court to decide cases that involve the scope of the Court’s authority, jurisdiction, and duties vis-à-vis the other branches of government." How can Kansas Republicans call themselves the party of small government and then attempt to give themselves essentially unlimited power? Why is the party so self-righteously tethered to values constantly working to destroy American values? Like, say, foundational elements of American government like checks and balances? Unbelievable what the Republicans are willing to sacrifice to make sure children don't get an education."
America Has Become A Tyranny of the Few - But We Can Fight It
America Has Become A Tyranny of the Few - But We Can Fight It
"We’re in the thick of the second post-Citizens United presidential campaign, and it’s already clear that allowing unlimited funds to influence political elections was a terrible idea. Half of the funds supporting presidential candidates from both parties comes from a mere 158 families — a miniscule percentage of America’s 120 million households — as documented by a recent New York Times investigation. Largely white, older, male, and Republican, they are also unrepresentative of what our multicultural society looks like. As a result of this narrow group of donors controlling what’s on the political agenda, America has a fundamentally undemocratic system in which working class people and people of color are left on the margins, silenced in a political debate, they can’t gain access to — because they don’t have millions to share. America has become a tyranny of the few, and Americans are fed up with the broken system. Last week, voters in Maine elected to increase funding from $2 million to $3 million for the Clean Elections Fund, which provides government grants to candidates who agree to limit their spending and private fundraising. It might be a long time before Citizens United is overturned. In the interim, it’s important that other states introduce similar legislation challenging existing financing models."
"We’re in the thick of the second post-Citizens United presidential campaign, and it’s already clear that allowing unlimited funds to influence political elections was a terrible idea. Half of the funds supporting presidential candidates from both parties comes from a mere 158 families — a miniscule percentage of America’s 120 million households — as documented by a recent New York Times investigation. Largely white, older, male, and Republican, they are also unrepresentative of what our multicultural society looks like. As a result of this narrow group of donors controlling what’s on the political agenda, America has a fundamentally undemocratic system in which working class people and people of color are left on the margins, silenced in a political debate, they can’t gain access to — because they don’t have millions to share. America has become a tyranny of the few, and Americans are fed up with the broken system. Last week, voters in Maine elected to increase funding from $2 million to $3 million for the Clean Elections Fund, which provides government grants to candidates who agree to limit their spending and private fundraising. It might be a long time before Citizens United is overturned. In the interim, it’s important that other states introduce similar legislation challenging existing financing models."
U.S. Economy Increasingly Dominated by Monopolies as 2015 Corporate Mergers Continue @alternet
U.S. Economy Increasingly Dominated by Monopolies as 2015 Corporate Mergers Continue @alternet
"There’s more evidence that corporate America is becoming ever more monopolistic and that’s not good for small businesses or consumers."
"There’s more evidence that corporate America is becoming ever more monopolistic and that’s not good for small businesses or consumers."
GOP Candidates Really Don't Want To Talk About 'Kill The Gays' Conference | Right Wing Watch
GOP Candidates Really Don't Want To Talk About 'Kill The Gays' Conference | Right Wing Watch
"A couple of weeks ago, we reported extensively on a conference in Iowa organized by extremist pastor Kevin Swanson, at which three Republican presidential candidates joined Swanson on stage shortly before he went off on a series of rants about how the biblical punishment for homosexuality is death, Harry Potter is bringing God’s judgment on America, and how if your gay child gets married you should show up to the wedding covered in cow manure."
"A couple of weeks ago, we reported extensively on a conference in Iowa organized by extremist pastor Kevin Swanson, at which three Republican presidential candidates joined Swanson on stage shortly before he went off on a series of rants about how the biblical punishment for homosexuality is death, Harry Potter is bringing God’s judgment on America, and how if your gay child gets married you should show up to the wedding covered in cow manure."
I'm Ashamed Republicans Represent My Country
I'm Ashamed Republicans Represent My Country
"Then again, these are the same folks who thought Jade Helm was a plot by the Obama administration to seize guns. Sadly, these sorts of ridiculous conspiracy theories have become the norm among many Republicans. This is also the party that has Donald Trump and Ben Carson as its two leading presidential candidates: a 69-year-old infant who throws hissy fits on Twitter almost daily and a former brain surgeon who thinks the pyramids in Egypt were grain storages and clearly doesn’t know anything about the Middle East. Nowadays the Republican party is nothing more than our country’s largest hate group. Not only is hate-filled rhetoric allowed, but it’s encouraged. Hell, Trump’s “plan” is to get elected president then proceed to deport 12 million immigrants to who knows where. Apparently Trump believes every illegal immigrant in the U.S. is from Mexico as that’s the only nation he typically references. Despite the fact that this “plan” is completely unrealistic and flat-out inhumane, it’s embraced by the majority of conservatives. And let’s not forget about Trump’s latest suggestion that Muslims might need to be tagged and registered into a database to be tracked. You know, sort of like the Nazis did to the Jews before WWII. We have the Syrian refugee crisis where these so-called “Christians” are blatantly fear-mongering to their ignorant base – something that might actually be funny if it wasn’t for the fact that these scumbags are playing politics with the lives of thousands of desperate people fleeing almost certain death. Because that’s what this anti-refugee nonsense is – Republicans playing politics. They know we’ve allowed over 80k Iraqi refugees into the country since 2007, and several thousand from Syria already, but that doesn’t stop them from irrationally fear-mongering all for the sake of trying to galvanize the hate and ignorance that drives their party."
"Then again, these are the same folks who thought Jade Helm was a plot by the Obama administration to seize guns. Sadly, these sorts of ridiculous conspiracy theories have become the norm among many Republicans. This is also the party that has Donald Trump and Ben Carson as its two leading presidential candidates: a 69-year-old infant who throws hissy fits on Twitter almost daily and a former brain surgeon who thinks the pyramids in Egypt were grain storages and clearly doesn’t know anything about the Middle East. Nowadays the Republican party is nothing more than our country’s largest hate group. Not only is hate-filled rhetoric allowed, but it’s encouraged. Hell, Trump’s “plan” is to get elected president then proceed to deport 12 million immigrants to who knows where. Apparently Trump believes every illegal immigrant in the U.S. is from Mexico as that’s the only nation he typically references. Despite the fact that this “plan” is completely unrealistic and flat-out inhumane, it’s embraced by the majority of conservatives. And let’s not forget about Trump’s latest suggestion that Muslims might need to be tagged and registered into a database to be tracked. You know, sort of like the Nazis did to the Jews before WWII. We have the Syrian refugee crisis where these so-called “Christians” are blatantly fear-mongering to their ignorant base – something that might actually be funny if it wasn’t for the fact that these scumbags are playing politics with the lives of thousands of desperate people fleeing almost certain death. Because that’s what this anti-refugee nonsense is – Republicans playing politics. They know we’ve allowed over 80k Iraqi refugees into the country since 2007, and several thousand from Syria already, but that doesn’t stop them from irrationally fear-mongering all for the sake of trying to galvanize the hate and ignorance that drives their party."
The GOP’s mind-bending guide to government: What happens when you let carnival barkers run the free world
The GOP’s mind-bending guide to government: What happens when you let carnival barkers run the free world
"Since the ascendancy of Donald Trump and, to a lesser though not insignificant extent, Dr. Ben Carson, Republican policies continue to have roots in a xenophobic, nearsighted and regressive worldview, but more than anything else, they’re genuinely screwy. There are myriad reasons why it’s happened, ranging from Obama Derangement Syndrome to cynical pandering to badly uninformed, kneejerk yokels who don’t know any better. Or both."
"Since the ascendancy of Donald Trump and, to a lesser though not insignificant extent, Dr. Ben Carson, Republican policies continue to have roots in a xenophobic, nearsighted and regressive worldview, but more than anything else, they’re genuinely screwy. There are myriad reasons why it’s happened, ranging from Obama Derangement Syndrome to cynical pandering to badly uninformed, kneejerk yokels who don’t know any better. Or both."
Why are media outlets downplaying Trump's lying and demagoguery?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/23/1453504/-Why-are-media-outlets-downplaying-Trump-s-lying-and-demagoguery
"On Saturday, a Black Lives Matter protester who interrupted a Donald Trump rally in Birmingham, Alabama, was assaulted by a group of Trump supporters and then forcefully escorted out while Trump egged the situation on. Multiple parties, including CNN’s Jeremy Diamond and attendee Cort Gatliff, released video of the assault, which shows a group of people tackling and kicking Mercutio Southall Jr., a local activist. According to Gatliff, “I saw a couple other people jump in and try to get their hit in. I was worried that since he was on the ground, he was going to get destroyed or something. Once it became clear that it was a protester and that there was some kind of brawl going on, Trump said ‘get him the hell out of here,’ or something similar and everyone started cheering for Trump. And then he started comparing how he was handling the situation versus how Bernie Sanders handled it. Trump was definitely stoking the fire, I thought.” This video and Gatliff’s recount of the story detail one thing and one thing only, a gang assault of a black protester, one which Trump not only endorsed but encouraged. So why then did several outlets such as CBS News and The Wrap refer to the event as a “clash” or “brawl,” or in Daily Mail’s case focus on the removal of the protester? These headlines and several others of the event downplay the truly disturbing nature of what actually happened at the rally and its aftermath. A candidate encouraged, and according to the Washington Post, still encourages the use of violence against peaceful protesters."
"On Saturday, a Black Lives Matter protester who interrupted a Donald Trump rally in Birmingham, Alabama, was assaulted by a group of Trump supporters and then forcefully escorted out while Trump egged the situation on. Multiple parties, including CNN’s Jeremy Diamond and attendee Cort Gatliff, released video of the assault, which shows a group of people tackling and kicking Mercutio Southall Jr., a local activist. According to Gatliff, “I saw a couple other people jump in and try to get their hit in. I was worried that since he was on the ground, he was going to get destroyed or something. Once it became clear that it was a protester and that there was some kind of brawl going on, Trump said ‘get him the hell out of here,’ or something similar and everyone started cheering for Trump. And then he started comparing how he was handling the situation versus how Bernie Sanders handled it. Trump was definitely stoking the fire, I thought.” This video and Gatliff’s recount of the story detail one thing and one thing only, a gang assault of a black protester, one which Trump not only endorsed but encouraged. So why then did several outlets such as CBS News and The Wrap refer to the event as a “clash” or “brawl,” or in Daily Mail’s case focus on the removal of the protester? These headlines and several others of the event downplay the truly disturbing nature of what actually happened at the rally and its aftermath. A candidate encouraged, and according to the Washington Post, still encourages the use of violence against peaceful protesters."
That racist Trump tweet about blacks killing whites isn’t just false — it’s neo-Nazi propaganda
That racist Trump tweet about blacks killing whites isn’t just false — it’s neo-Nazi propaganda
"The account’s avatar is a modified swastika used as the symbol of the neo-Nazi German Faith Movement, and the account profile expresses admiration for Adolf Hitler: “A detester of any kind of sick perverted dildo waving marxism and liberalism,we Should have listened to the Austrian chap with the little moustache.” The image was posted on the conservative Sexy Patriot account shortly before Trump shared it. There’s no indication Trump was aware the graphic seems to have originated with a neo-Nazi, but a quick Google search should have revealed the statistics as inaccurate — and its racist suggestions are plainly obvious. Trump supporters beat up a Black Lives Matter protester Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, and the GOP candidate said afterward that the man was “so obnoxious and so loud” that “maybe he should have been roughed up"."
"The account’s avatar is a modified swastika used as the symbol of the neo-Nazi German Faith Movement, and the account profile expresses admiration for Adolf Hitler: “A detester of any kind of sick perverted dildo waving marxism and liberalism,we Should have listened to the Austrian chap with the little moustache.” The image was posted on the conservative Sexy Patriot account shortly before Trump shared it. There’s no indication Trump was aware the graphic seems to have originated with a neo-Nazi, but a quick Google search should have revealed the statistics as inaccurate — and its racist suggestions are plainly obvious. Trump supporters beat up a Black Lives Matter protester Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, and the GOP candidate said afterward that the man was “so obnoxious and so loud” that “maybe he should have been roughed up"."
The poisonous fear of Donald Trump: A recent history of the most politically destructive emotion
The poisonous fear of Donald Trump: A recent history of the most politically destructive emotion
"Ultimately, this is what fascism was (is) all about: manufacturing and spreading fear."
"Ultimately, this is what fascism was (is) all about: manufacturing and spreading fear."
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease. “The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.” In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added: “They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection" (Reposted)
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease. “The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.” In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added: “They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection" (Reposted)
Donald Trump’s Racist Retweets Are Literally Neo-Nazi Propaganda
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/donald-trumps-racist-retweets-are-literally-neo-nazi-propaganda/
"It’s unsurprising that Trump would resort to Nazi propaganda to appease his base. The billionaire, who keeps a book of Adolf Hitler’s speeches in his bedside dresser, is quite popular with white supremacists, who he explained are “very receptive” to his message after a supporter yelled “white power” at a rally. In the past"
"It’s unsurprising that Trump would resort to Nazi propaganda to appease his base. The billionaire, who keeps a book of Adolf Hitler’s speeches in his bedside dresser, is quite popular with white supremacists, who he explained are “very receptive” to his message after a supporter yelled “white power” at a rally. In the past"
Donald Trump: My Fans Were Right To Beat Up Black Protester
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/11/22/3724879/donald-trump-black-lives-matter-protester-beating/
"The protester, a black man, reportedly started chanting Black Lives Matter at a rally in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday. In a video captured by CNN reporter Jeremy Diamond, rally attendees swarm around the man, kicking and punching him as he curls up on the ground."
"The protester, a black man, reportedly started chanting Black Lives Matter at a rally in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday. In a video captured by CNN reporter Jeremy Diamond, rally attendees swarm around the man, kicking and punching him as he curls up on the ground."
Trump’s Lying, Racist ‘Black On White Crime’ Tweet Is Actually Neo-Nazi Propaganda (IMAGES)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/23/trumps-lying-racist-black-on-white-crime-tweet-is-actually-neo-nazi-propaganda-images/
"that graphic came from a twitter account belonging to the neo-Nazi group the German Faith Movement."
"that graphic came from a twitter account belonging to the neo-Nazi group the German Faith Movement."
Paul Krugman Gets It Right: Republicans Are Panicked, Stupid And Cruel
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/22/krugman-nails-republicans-panicked-stupid-cruel.html
"There is a major election coming up and with nothing to run on Republicans are reverting to what they know works best; frightening Americans who are too cognitively challenged to know they are being manipulated yet again. It is not a testament to Republicans’ expertise at reading the people, just a revelation that a fair portion of the population is stupid enough to fall for the exact same fear tactics"
"There is a major election coming up and with nothing to run on Republicans are reverting to what they know works best; frightening Americans who are too cognitively challenged to know they are being manipulated yet again. It is not a testament to Republicans’ expertise at reading the people, just a revelation that a fair portion of the population is stupid enough to fall for the exact same fear tactics"
Jewish Group Slams Donald Trump For Spreading Untrue 9/11 Conspiracy Theory
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/22/jewish-group-slams-donald-trump-spreading-untrue-911-conspiracy-theory.html
"Donald Trump is trying to get himself elected president by appealing to the worst impulses in American society. It is telling that a racist, fact-challenged bigot is leading the Republican presidential polls. Trump’s standing atop the GOP speaks volumes about who the former Party of Lincoln are and what they have truly become."
"Donald Trump is trying to get himself elected president by appealing to the worst impulses in American society. It is telling that a racist, fact-challenged bigot is leading the Republican presidential polls. Trump’s standing atop the GOP speaks volumes about who the former Party of Lincoln are and what they have truly become."
Donald Trump tweets fake statistics, real racism
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/23/1453418/-Donald-Trump-tweets-fake-statistics-real-racism
"According to Trump, a Black Lives Matter protester who was assaulted by a group of Trump’s supporters at a Saturday campaign event basically had it coming (“maybe he should have been roughed up”), and then there was this charming and outlandishly inaccurate racist tweet"
"According to Trump, a Black Lives Matter protester who was assaulted by a group of Trump’s supporters at a Saturday campaign event basically had it coming (“maybe he should have been roughed up”), and then there was this charming and outlandishly inaccurate racist tweet"
Republicans Have Made Their Move Toward A Full-On Embrace Of Fascism
Republicans Have Made Their Move Toward A Full-On Embrace Of Fascism
"Bigotry, Racism and Prejudice are often used to unify their followers: This is a strategic tactic which does happen to be taken straight from Nazi Germany. At that time they used the Jewish people as a scapegoat for nearly all of their nation’s problems. When you use propaganda, exploit fear, push hate and repeat it over and over and over – it’s very possible to get large groups of people to act completely irrationally and against their own interests. Right now we’ve seen Trump rise to the top of the GOP presidential pack by mostly lying, pushing ridiculous propaganda and using racism and bigotry against Mexicans and Muslims to prey on the fears of some and unify his support. No matter what you show his followers to prove how unrealistic it is to build a wall, or deport 12 million people – or even point out stats showing that it’s nearly impossible for a terrorist to come to the United States via our refugee program – it doesn’t have the slightest impact on what they think. Right now in this country the Republican party has made racism, bigotry and prejudice acceptable mainstream political positions once again. Sadly, none of their supporters seem to believe that they’re racist, bigoted or prejudiced. That’s called indoctrination."
"Bigotry, Racism and Prejudice are often used to unify their followers: This is a strategic tactic which does happen to be taken straight from Nazi Germany. At that time they used the Jewish people as a scapegoat for nearly all of their nation’s problems. When you use propaganda, exploit fear, push hate and repeat it over and over and over – it’s very possible to get large groups of people to act completely irrationally and against their own interests. Right now we’ve seen Trump rise to the top of the GOP presidential pack by mostly lying, pushing ridiculous propaganda and using racism and bigotry against Mexicans and Muslims to prey on the fears of some and unify his support. No matter what you show his followers to prove how unrealistic it is to build a wall, or deport 12 million people – or even point out stats showing that it’s nearly impossible for a terrorist to come to the United States via our refugee program – it doesn’t have the slightest impact on what they think. Right now in this country the Republican party has made racism, bigotry and prejudice acceptable mainstream political positions once again. Sadly, none of their supporters seem to believe that they’re racist, bigoted or prejudiced. That’s called indoctrination."
Donald Trump’s white fascist brigade: His rallies are now a safe space for racism
Donald Trump’s white fascist brigade: His rallies are now a safe space for racism
"The rise of the Tea Party, the GOP’s extreme rightward shift, vicious and ugly racially driven animus and conspiracy theories towards Barack Obama, the efforts to destroy the gains of the civil rights movement, and now the Know-Nothing-like xenophobia and prejudice against non-white immigrants and Syrian refugees are current events as an example of the Republican Party’s white supremacist orientation and brand."
"The rise of the Tea Party, the GOP’s extreme rightward shift, vicious and ugly racially driven animus and conspiracy theories towards Barack Obama, the efforts to destroy the gains of the civil rights movement, and now the Know-Nothing-like xenophobia and prejudice against non-white immigrants and Syrian refugees are current events as an example of the Republican Party’s white supremacist orientation and brand."
Fact-Checkers Call Trump a Pants-on-Fire Liar for His Fearmongering Against Refugees
Fact-Checkers Call Trump a Pants-on-Fire Liar for His Fearmongering Against Refugees
"Nothing will stop Donald Trump from exploiting primal fears. However, what those seeking refuge fear is the real possibility of being killed in a civil war that the US had a major role in initiating. Their fear is real, not the opportunistic bellowing of an egoist devoid of scruples."
"Nothing will stop Donald Trump from exploiting primal fears. However, what those seeking refuge fear is the real possibility of being killed in a civil war that the US had a major role in initiating. Their fear is real, not the opportunistic bellowing of an egoist devoid of scruples."
Jeb Bush adviser just comes out and says it: Donald Trump looks like a fascist
Jeb Bush adviser just comes out and says it: Donald Trump looks like a fascist
"His campaign was also quick to go after Trump’s comments, with one national security adviser calling Trump’s suggestion fascist"
"His campaign was also quick to go after Trump’s comments, with one national security adviser calling Trump’s suggestion fascist"
The Republican Party: America's Largest Hate Group
The Republican Party: America's Largest Hate Group
"The truth is, the Republican party has become a machine fueled by hatred, driven by fear-mongering and propped up by those who exploit this ignorance within our society for political gain. They’ve built their coalition of voters by embracing some of the worst aspects of our society."
"The truth is, the Republican party has become a machine fueled by hatred, driven by fear-mongering and propped up by those who exploit this ignorance within our society for political gain. They’ve built their coalition of voters by embracing some of the worst aspects of our society."
Those who laugh off Sanders' linking climate change to terrorism are the ones who should be mocked
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/16/1450569/-Those-who-laugh-off-Sanders-linking-climate-change-to-terrorism-are-the-ones-who-should-be-mocked
"The Department of Defense says that climate change "poses immediate risks to US national security" and has the potential to exacerbate terrorism."
"The Department of Defense says that climate change "poses immediate risks to US national security" and has the potential to exacerbate terrorism."
Why Bernie Sanders Was Right To Link Climate Change To National Security
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/11/16/3722355/bernie-sanders-climate-change-national-security-paris-climate-talks/
"for over three years, leading security and climate experts — and Syrians themselves — have made the connection between climate change and the Syrian civil war. Indeed, when a major peer-reviewed study came out on in March making this very case, Retired Navy Rear Admiral David Titley said it identifies “a pretty convincing climate fingerprint” for the Syrian drought."
"for over three years, leading security and climate experts — and Syrians themselves — have made the connection between climate change and the Syrian civil war. Indeed, when a major peer-reviewed study came out on in March making this very case, Retired Navy Rear Admiral David Titley said it identifies “a pretty convincing climate fingerprint” for the Syrian drought."
Paul Krugman on What's Behind the Right's Ridiculous Tendency to Panic @alternet
Paul Krugman on What's Behind the Right's Ridiculous Tendency to Panic @alternet
"Think about it. From the day Mr. Obama took office, his political foes have warned about imminent catastrophe. Fiscal crisis! Hyperinflation! Economic collapse, brought on by the scourge of health insurance! And nobody on the right dares point out the failure of the promised disasters to materialize, or suggest a more nuanced approach.
"Think about it. From the day Mr. Obama took office, his political foes have warned about imminent catastrophe. Fiscal crisis! Hyperinflation! Economic collapse, brought on by the scourge of health insurance! And nobody on the right dares point out the failure of the promised disasters to materialize, or suggest a more nuanced approach.
Negativity, anxiety and fear: A neuroscientist explains conservatives’ fear-driven political attitudes
Negativity, anxiety and fear: A neuroscientist explains conservatives’ fear-driven political attitudes
"4. Conservatives’ brains are more reactive to fear Using MRI, scientists from University College London have found that students who identify themselves as conservatives have a larger amygdala than self-described liberals. This brain structure is involved in emotion processing, and is especially reactive to fearful stimuli. It is possible that an oversized amygdala could create a heightened sensitivity that may cause one to habitually overreact to anything that appears to be a potential threat, whether it actually is one or not. This disproportionate fear response could explain how, for example, Bush’s administration was able to gather wide public support amongst conservatives for invading Iraq. They knew if they said the phrase “weapons of mass destruction” enough times that it wouldn’t matter whether they really existed or not." (Reposted)
"4. Conservatives’ brains are more reactive to fear Using MRI, scientists from University College London have found that students who identify themselves as conservatives have a larger amygdala than self-described liberals. This brain structure is involved in emotion processing, and is especially reactive to fearful stimuli. It is possible that an oversized amygdala could create a heightened sensitivity that may cause one to habitually overreact to anything that appears to be a potential threat, whether it actually is one or not. This disproportionate fear response could explain how, for example, Bush’s administration was able to gather wide public support amongst conservatives for invading Iraq. They knew if they said the phrase “weapons of mass destruction” enough times that it wouldn’t matter whether they really existed or not." (Reposted)
Dear GOP, you really want to hurt ISIS? Get out of Big Oil's pocket
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/19/1452059/-Dear-GOP-you-really-want-to-hurt-ISIS-Get-out-of-Big-Oil-s-pocket
"Of course, none of this is particularly controversial. We’ve known for over a decade the insidious role of petroleum money in the funding of terror networks, including from supposed allies like Saudi Arabia. What is surprising about all of this is how resistant conservatives are to drying up this source of terrorist money. These are the people who have worked tirelessly to dry up liberal funding sources like labor unions and trial lawyers, yet when it comes to terrorism, they are working side-by-side to ensure the supremacy of Big Oil."
"Of course, none of this is particularly controversial. We’ve known for over a decade the insidious role of petroleum money in the funding of terror networks, including from supposed allies like Saudi Arabia. What is surprising about all of this is how resistant conservatives are to drying up this source of terrorist money. These are the people who have worked tirelessly to dry up liberal funding sources like labor unions and trial lawyers, yet when it comes to terrorism, they are working side-by-side to ensure the supremacy of Big Oil."
Republican Military Veteran Slams Conservatives On House Floor For Being Heartless Towards Refugees
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/19/republican-military-veteran-slams-conservatives-on-house-floor-for-being-heartless-towards-refugees/
"Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell is a conservative, but he knows all too well that hating Muslims and discriminating against them unfairly is only helping our enemies. He also knows it leads to innocent human beings being left to the slaughter as civil war rages and ISIS continues its reign of terror."
"Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell is a conservative, but he knows all too well that hating Muslims and discriminating against them unfairly is only helping our enemies. He also knows it leads to innocent human beings being left to the slaughter as civil war rages and ISIS continues its reign of terror."
This is why they hate us: The real American history neither Ted Cruz nor the New York Times will tell you
This is why they hate us: The real American history neither Ted Cruz nor the New York Times will tell you
"By not just acknowledging the bloody and ignominious history of U.S. regime change, but also condemning it, Sen. Sanders was intrepidly trekking into controversial political territory into which few of his peers would dare to tread. Others would do well to learn from Bernie’s example."
"By not just acknowledging the bloody and ignominious history of U.S. regime change, but also condemning it, Sen. Sanders was intrepidly trekking into controversial political territory into which few of his peers would dare to tread. Others would do well to learn from Bernie’s example."
Award-Winning Vet Blasts Anti-Refugee Republicans Using Reagan’s Words (TWEETS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/20/award-winning-vet-blasts-anti-refugee-republicans-using-reagans-words-tweets/
"Klay’s words hit the nail on the head, as America has so far failed Syrian refugees and failed to live up to its values. Even recently attacked France, in the midst of all its chaos, has promised to accept tens of thousands of refugees, making America’s conservatives look like big wimpy babies. Klay’s feelings have been echoed by other military veterans as well. On Wednesday, Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK), who is also a combat vet, ripped Islamophobic conservatives apart on the House floor for their heartless attitude toward Syrian refugees."
"Klay’s words hit the nail on the head, as America has so far failed Syrian refugees and failed to live up to its values. Even recently attacked France, in the midst of all its chaos, has promised to accept tens of thousands of refugees, making America’s conservatives look like big wimpy babies. Klay’s feelings have been echoed by other military veterans as well. On Wednesday, Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK), who is also a combat vet, ripped Islamophobic conservatives apart on the House floor for their heartless attitude toward Syrian refugees."
Seth Meyers DESTROYS GOP Refugee Hatred, Bludgeons Cruz’s Hypocrisy (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/20/seth-meyers-destroys-gop-refugee-hatred-bludgeons-cruzs-hypocrisy-video/
"Truth is, if Cruz was part of those decided who were allowed to come to the nation back when his father was seeking asylum, by his own arguments, wouldn’t have allow his dad in the nation. In fact, his dad probably shouldn’t have been allowed in the nation if he was the one throwing the Molotov cocktails. All of these Republicans, to be blunt, are heartless and cruel. Most of those seeking refuge are the elderly, women and children, and there is a severe vetting process already."
"Truth is, if Cruz was part of those decided who were allowed to come to the nation back when his father was seeking asylum, by his own arguments, wouldn’t have allow his dad in the nation. In fact, his dad probably shouldn’t have been allowed in the nation if he was the one throwing the Molotov cocktails. All of these Republicans, to be blunt, are heartless and cruel. Most of those seeking refuge are the elderly, women and children, and there is a severe vetting process already."
Remembering That the US Terrorized Iraq to 'Liberate' It, and ISIS Was Born
Remembering That the US Terrorized Iraq to 'Liberate' It, and ISIS Was Born
"the war shattered Iraq and caused the death and displacement of millions more people and, ultimately, created the conditions in which ISIS was able to come to power."
"the war shattered Iraq and caused the death and displacement of millions more people and, ultimately, created the conditions in which ISIS was able to come to power."
Fox News brings back Obama birther lies: Donald Trump, Dennis Miller and the revolting post-Paris sliming of the president
Fox News brings back Obama birther lies: Donald Trump, Dennis Miller and the revolting post-Paris sliming of the president
"Lots of people just saying out there these days. It’s a mode of communicating conspiracy theories that has a couple of major benefits. First, it allows the conspiracy theorist to perpetuate the theory without coming right out and saying it, giving them a blanket of plausible deniability when they’re called out for it (which will likely happen in response to this article). Second of all, it perpetuates the idea that conservatives in this country are oppressed, that they are so unable to speak freely that they have to communicate their ideas in coded ways. It’s a paranoia twofer! The world is clearly out to get you guys, so better stay home and mainline more Fox News."
"Lots of people just saying out there these days. It’s a mode of communicating conspiracy theories that has a couple of major benefits. First, it allows the conspiracy theorist to perpetuate the theory without coming right out and saying it, giving them a blanket of plausible deniability when they’re called out for it (which will likely happen in response to this article). Second of all, it perpetuates the idea that conservatives in this country are oppressed, that they are so unable to speak freely that they have to communicate their ideas in coded ways. It’s a paranoia twofer! The world is clearly out to get you guys, so better stay home and mainline more Fox News."
Saturday, November 21, 2015
House Science Chair Lamar Smith Goes After NOAA's Climate Findings
House Science Chair Lamar Smith Goes After NOAA's Climate Findings
"When the findings of a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) become problematic for the Chair of the House Committee on Science, what better way to fight inconvenient facts than by personally attacking the scientists? October, 2015 was officially the warmest on record, and the findings of the NOAA point to the factors contributing to this phenomenon. Chairman and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) is retaliating in typical Republican fashion by spending exorbitant sums of taxpayer money to conduct a Benghazi-style witch hunt to stall any meaningful action to combat this dangerous environmental trend.
"When the findings of a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) become problematic for the Chair of the House Committee on Science, what better way to fight inconvenient facts than by personally attacking the scientists? October, 2015 was officially the warmest on record, and the findings of the NOAA point to the factors contributing to this phenomenon. Chairman and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) is retaliating in typical Republican fashion by spending exorbitant sums of taxpayer money to conduct a Benghazi-style witch hunt to stall any meaningful action to combat this dangerous environmental trend.
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Dynamic Deception for 2016
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Dynamic Deception for 2016
"Unfortunately, that conservative claim--that tax cuts spur so much new economic activity that government revenue is at least as much as it would otherwise have been--has been repeatedly, thoroughly and demonstrably debunked ever since Arthur Laffer's Curve was first sketched on a cocktail napkin 40 years ago. So, Republicans have turned to a new term--"dynamic scoring"--to both magically erase the oceans of red ink their tax plans would necessarily produce and happily avoid having to explain the painful, draconian and politically unpopular spending cuts needed to offset the hemorrhaging from the U.S. Treasury. The inevitable result, now as under Presidents Reagan and Bush, will be a mushrooming national debt and, at a time of record high income inequality, a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
"Unfortunately, that conservative claim--that tax cuts spur so much new economic activity that government revenue is at least as much as it would otherwise have been--has been repeatedly, thoroughly and demonstrably debunked ever since Arthur Laffer's Curve was first sketched on a cocktail napkin 40 years ago. So, Republicans have turned to a new term--"dynamic scoring"--to both magically erase the oceans of red ink their tax plans would necessarily produce and happily avoid having to explain the painful, draconian and politically unpopular spending cuts needed to offset the hemorrhaging from the U.S. Treasury. The inevitable result, now as under Presidents Reagan and Bush, will be a mushrooming national debt and, at a time of record high income inequality, a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
Paul Krugman: The GOP Candidates' Crackpot, Ayn Rand-Inspired Economic Theories @alternet
Paul Krugman: The GOP Candidates' Crackpot, Ayn Rand-Inspired Economic Theories @alternet
"Republican economics is as impervious to evidence and reason as Republican science."
"Republican economics is as impervious to evidence and reason as Republican science."
So The Koch Boys Even Have Their Own Intelligence Operation
So The Koch Boys Even Have Their Own Intelligence Operation
"The Kochs are a couple of daddy's boys who have been thoroughly molded to follow in the paranoid Bircher footsteps of their late father Fred, and focus on using their wealth to spread the extremist ideology of dear dead Dad."
"The Kochs are a couple of daddy's boys who have been thoroughly molded to follow in the paranoid Bircher footsteps of their late father Fred, and focus on using their wealth to spread the extremist ideology of dear dead Dad."
Take a Wild Guess About Why Koch Brothers Got So Interested in 'Criminal Justice' Reform @alternet
Take a Wild Guess About Why Koch Brothers Got So Interested in 'Criminal Justice' Reform @alternet
"House Republicans are ensuring that corporate America also will get what it wants: tougher legal hurdles for prosecutors to go after white-collar crimes."
"House Republicans are ensuring that corporate America also will get what it wants: tougher legal hurdles for prosecutors to go after white-collar crimes."
10 Ridiculous Republican Facts That Are So Absurd They Seem Like They're Made Up
10 Ridiculous Republican Facts That Are So Absurd They Seem Like They're Made Up
"the GOP has officially become a really long, unfunny Saturday Night Live skit. The fact that there are literally millions of people who think Trump would be a good president is a testament to the idiocy that drives millions of conservatives. But the truth is, while Donald Trump’s name might be one of the most talked about, this level of lunacy is found all throughout the Republican party."
"the GOP has officially become a really long, unfunny Saturday Night Live skit. The fact that there are literally millions of people who think Trump would be a good president is a testament to the idiocy that drives millions of conservatives. But the truth is, while Donald Trump’s name might be one of the most talked about, this level of lunacy is found all throughout the Republican party."
Top Ben Carson Adviser Calls Him Clueless on Foreign Affairs, Laments Need to 'Make Him Smart'
Top Ben Carson Adviser Calls Him Clueless on Foreign Affairs, Laments Need to 'Make Him Smart'
"So, we’ve gone from Ben Carson suggesting that the Chinese military is on the ground in Syria; to the candidate mocking the Obama administration’s intelligence; to finally admitting that he has no intelligence confirming that China’s military is there; to his campaign attacking the mental competency of one of his foreign affairs advisers."
"So, we’ve gone from Ben Carson suggesting that the Chinese military is on the ground in Syria; to the candidate mocking the Obama administration’s intelligence; to finally admitting that he has no intelligence confirming that China’s military is there; to his campaign attacking the mental competency of one of his foreign affairs advisers."
Carson Advisor Irrationally Defends His Client's Inability To Understand Foreign Policy
Carson Advisor Irrationally Defends His Client's Inability To Understand Foreign Policy
"Armstrong Williams, Carson's top advisor, is now in spin mode to try and minimize the damage."
"Armstrong Williams, Carson's top advisor, is now in spin mode to try and minimize the damage."
Republicans Demand America’s 1920s Government Be Put Back In Place
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/16/republicans-demand-americas-1920s-government-place.html
"Apparently they want a government like that of the 1920s when the rich were given free rein to economically rape the people and send the world into another, more intense economic crash. A crash, by the way, that increased the wealth of the very richest industrialists beyond their wildest dream; not unlike today when the wealthiest Americans have taken the lion’s share of wealth in the current recovery. The Republican base wants a dictatorial president willing to challenge the Constitution and pledge that the system of government created by the Founders, the system with legislative checks and balances and regulations, is abolished and replaced with a theocratic libertarian “no government"."
"Apparently they want a government like that of the 1920s when the rich were given free rein to economically rape the people and send the world into another, more intense economic crash. A crash, by the way, that increased the wealth of the very richest industrialists beyond their wildest dream; not unlike today when the wealthiest Americans have taken the lion’s share of wealth in the current recovery. The Republican base wants a dictatorial president willing to challenge the Constitution and pledge that the system of government created by the Founders, the system with legislative checks and balances and regulations, is abolished and replaced with a theocratic libertarian “no government"."
The GOP Has Become the Party of Adults Who Act Like Children
The GOP Has Become the Party of Adults Who Act Like Children
"It’s a joke how simplistic and immature the GOP has become. From the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower leading the party, to Donald Trump and Ben Carson being the overwhelming frontrunners for their presidential nomination. Things have gotten so bad for Republicans that apparently some within the party have recently been begging Mitt Romney to run – that’s how desperate some of these folks have become. No matter how hard I try, I still can’t understand how tens of millions of people actually take these fools seriously. The bottom line is, when Americans go to the polls next year it really has become a choice between wanting adults to run this country properly, or wanting spoiled immature children to run it into the ground."
"It’s a joke how simplistic and immature the GOP has become. From the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower leading the party, to Donald Trump and Ben Carson being the overwhelming frontrunners for their presidential nomination. Things have gotten so bad for Republicans that apparently some within the party have recently been begging Mitt Romney to run – that’s how desperate some of these folks have become. No matter how hard I try, I still can’t understand how tens of millions of people actually take these fools seriously. The bottom line is, when Americans go to the polls next year it really has become a choice between wanting adults to run this country properly, or wanting spoiled immature children to run it into the ground."
We Kicked the Koch Brothers' A**: How Denver Parents Beat Back Big Money, Charter Schools and Right-Wing Lies @alternet
We Kicked the Koch Brothers' A**: How Denver Parents Beat Back Big Money, Charter Schools and Right-Wing Lies @alternet
"Both news stories told of a national program bearing down on the school district, with “money pouring in from Americans for Prosperity, the national organization founded by the Koch brothers,” in an effort to impose an agenda from outside the community that included a new history curriculum, new restrictions on teachers’ job security, and more privately-operated charter schools. Students, teachers and parents were openly revolting against the school board, staging school walkouts, holding boisterous protest rallies and waging a petition campaign to demand an election to recall the school board majority. The national outlets consistently got the story of the election wrong, adopting a talking point from a libertarian think tank that the contest was a “proxy war” between the Koch Brothers and “teachers’ unions,” when, in fact, the recall effort was mostly led by parents."
"Both news stories told of a national program bearing down on the school district, with “money pouring in from Americans for Prosperity, the national organization founded by the Koch brothers,” in an effort to impose an agenda from outside the community that included a new history curriculum, new restrictions on teachers’ job security, and more privately-operated charter schools. Students, teachers and parents were openly revolting against the school board, staging school walkouts, holding boisterous protest rallies and waging a petition campaign to demand an election to recall the school board majority. The national outlets consistently got the story of the election wrong, adopting a talking point from a libertarian think tank that the contest was a “proxy war” between the Koch Brothers and “teachers’ unions,” when, in fact, the recall effort was mostly led by parents."
This is why Ben Carson lies: The dark, disturbing reality of race, religion and today’s right-wing
This is why Ben Carson lies: The dark, disturbing reality of race, religion and today’s right-wing
"Which is the purpose of anecdotes such as his story about a professor giving him $10 when he was flat broke for being “the most honest student in the class” of 150 students—a story that now appears was based on a humor magazine’s hoax. If such stories sound wildly implausible, well, they are—and that’s a feature, not a bug"
"Which is the purpose of anecdotes such as his story about a professor giving him $10 when he was flat broke for being “the most honest student in the class” of 150 students—a story that now appears was based on a humor magazine’s hoax. If such stories sound wildly implausible, well, they are—and that’s a feature, not a bug"
Five Ways Marco Rubio Is 'Not Much Different' From Ted Cruz
Five Ways Marco Rubio Is 'Not Much Different' From Ted Cruz
"Ted Cruz and the mainstream media are on the same mission. They want you to believe that Marco Rubio is moderate. In reality, he just puts a pretty face on the worst the GOP has to offer."
"Ted Cruz and the mainstream media are on the same mission. They want you to believe that Marco Rubio is moderate. In reality, he just puts a pretty face on the worst the GOP has to offer."
Now More Than Ever, Republicans Have Become The Party Of Hatred And Fear
Now More Than Ever, Republicans Have Become The Party Of Hatred And Fear
"Our younger, more progressive generation has realized that gay rights is not a threat to heterosexuals and that the separation of church and state isn’t a threat to religious freedom. We’ve rejected the idea that trickle-down economics works, or that immigrants are a mortal danger to the American Dream."
"Our younger, more progressive generation has realized that gay rights is not a threat to heterosexuals and that the separation of church and state isn’t a threat to religious freedom. We’ve rejected the idea that trickle-down economics works, or that immigrants are a mortal danger to the American Dream."
Bush and Cheney were warned. Bush and Cheney yawned. And then 9/11 happened
Bush and Cheney were warned. Bush and Cheney yawned. And then 9/11 happened
"Bombshell new interviews with CIA officials make clear what we've always suspected: Their negligence is horrifying"
"Bombshell new interviews with CIA officials make clear what we've always suspected: Their negligence is horrifying"
Jeb’s big Bush administration lie just got exploded (again) — but here’s why it won’t matter
Jeb’s big Bush administration lie just got exploded (again) — but here’s why it won’t matter
"The lie that George W. Bush “kept us safe” is no more or less egregious than the belief, still popular among Republicans, that Iraq was a war of necessity; that we “fought them over there so we wouldn’t have to fight them over here"."
"The lie that George W. Bush “kept us safe” is no more or less egregious than the belief, still popular among Republicans, that Iraq was a war of necessity; that we “fought them over there so we wouldn’t have to fight them over here"."
Marco Rubio’s American hellscape: The insane science denial that puts the planet in jeopardy
Marco Rubio’s American hellscape: The insane science denial that puts the planet in jeopardy
"In 2006, the Stern Review firmly developed the evidence that global warming will cost the world’s economy far more than the cost of taking mitigative actions, but almost a decade later, the entire GOP presidential field remains deep in denial."
"In 2006, the Stern Review firmly developed the evidence that global warming will cost the world’s economy far more than the cost of taking mitigative actions, but almost a decade later, the entire GOP presidential field remains deep in denial."
We’re repeating Bush’s failure: An Iraq veteran despairs over our deepening climate-change denial
We’re repeating Bush’s failure: An Iraq veteran despairs over our deepening climate-change denial
"The situations are different, of course, but also similar. At the heart of both, there’s oil. At the heart of both, there’s a denial of reality. At the heart of both, there are conflicting motives, miscommunication, greed, stupidity, and inertia. At the heart of both, there’s a refusal to face our failure."
"The situations are different, of course, but also similar. At the heart of both, there’s oil. At the heart of both, there’s a denial of reality. At the heart of both, there are conflicting motives, miscommunication, greed, stupidity, and inertia. At the heart of both, there’s a refusal to face our failure."
Friday, November 13, 2015
The secret history of GOP mythmaking: How the Republican Party abandoned facts in favor of propaganda
The secret history of GOP mythmaking: How the Republican Party abandoned facts in favor of propaganda
"Directed at the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo asked the following: “In seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you’ll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans?” Since the Reagan years, the notion that Republicans are somehow more fiscally responsible and better at creating jobs and economic growth than Democrats has proven to be as stubborn a myth as the idea that the founding fathers were Christian zealots like Ben Carson and Ted Cruz. (They certainly were not.) The economy is an extremely complicated subject, and there are countless variables that go into how it performs, but since the Second World War, the data is quite clear: The economy performs significantly better when a Democrat is president."
"Directed at the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo asked the following: “In seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you’ll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans?” Since the Reagan years, the notion that Republicans are somehow more fiscally responsible and better at creating jobs and economic growth than Democrats has proven to be as stubborn a myth as the idea that the founding fathers were Christian zealots like Ben Carson and Ted Cruz. (They certainly were not.) The economy is an extremely complicated subject, and there are countless variables that go into how it performs, but since the Second World War, the data is quite clear: The economy performs significantly better when a Democrat is president."
PERRspectives: The 800 Pound Donkey in the GOP Debates
PERRspectives: The 800 Pound Donkey in the GOP Debates
"To their credit, the Fox Business moderators tried to recognize the 800-pound donkey in the room. As Gerard Baker of the Wall Street Journal asked Carly Fiorina: Now, in seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you'll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans? Fiorina didn't answer the question, because she couldn't. No matter how many unicorns the Republicans try to deploy, there's no escaping the demonstrably superior economic performance of Democratic presidents."
"To their credit, the Fox Business moderators tried to recognize the 800-pound donkey in the room. As Gerard Baker of the Wall Street Journal asked Carly Fiorina: Now, in seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you'll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans? Fiorina didn't answer the question, because she couldn't. No matter how many unicorns the Republicans try to deploy, there's no escaping the demonstrably superior economic performance of Democratic presidents."
Art Laffer Praises The Supply-Side Fantasy Of The 2016 GOP Field
Art Laffer Praises The Supply-Side Fantasy Of The 2016 GOP Field
"Unfortunately for Arthur Laffer, we have ample economic data that shows the complete opposite effect of what these right-wing tax-haters want to impose on the MAJORITY of Americans. Tell the poor that they have the chance to be rich by lowering taxes on the rich, because some day, the money will trickle down right into their bank accounts. Except, it won't."
"Unfortunately for Arthur Laffer, we have ample economic data that shows the complete opposite effect of what these right-wing tax-haters want to impose on the MAJORITY of Americans. Tell the poor that they have the chance to be rich by lowering taxes on the rich, because some day, the money will trickle down right into their bank accounts. Except, it won't."
Elizabeth Warren fights back against her “commie dictator” portrayal in new GOP debate attack ad
Elizabeth Warren fights back against her “commie dictator” portrayal in new GOP debate attack ad
"Of course, no mention was made of the more than $10 billion dollars recuperated by the CFPB and returned to 17 million Americans because who needs context in ads, right?"
"Of course, no mention was made of the more than $10 billion dollars recuperated by the CFPB and returned to 17 million Americans because who needs context in ads, right?"
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is under attack by lobbyists
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/11/1448637/-The-student-loan-company-lobbyists-behind-that-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau-attack-ad
"What the CFPB has actually done in its five years of existence is recover more than $10 billion for consumers who have been cheated by financial services companies. You know, Consumer Protection, just like it says in the title."
"What the CFPB has actually done in its five years of existence is recover more than $10 billion for consumers who have been cheated by financial services companies. You know, Consumer Protection, just like it says in the title."
5 Reasons Barack Obama Isn’t George W. Bush
http://www.nationalmemo.com/5-reasons-barack-obama-isnt-george-w-bush/
"1. Job Growth under Obama has come entirely from the private sector. Job growth under W. came entirely from the public sector."
"1. Job Growth under Obama has come entirely from the private sector. Job growth under W. came entirely from the public sector."
Senator Named ‘Most Corrupt’ Now Campaigning On Ethics Reform
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/11/09/3720646/david-vitter-ethics-reform/
"Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter is promising to “root out corruption and cronyism.” But his own record does not align with his current rhetoric."
"Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter is promising to “root out corruption and cronyism.” But his own record does not align with his current rhetoric."
10 Conspiracy Theories from the Right-Wing Fringe That Have Invaded American Political Life @alternet
10 Conspiracy Theories from the Right-Wing Fringe That Have Invaded American Political Life @alternet
"But what may be even more important in the highly polarized political environment of the United States in recent years has been the willingness of large numbers of politicians — either because they really believe or because they are willing to pander shamelessly to the extremists in their bases — to legitimize the fairy tales. Whether or not Texas Gov. Greg Abbott truly believes that a military exercise this summer was a prelude to martial law, he acted as if he might. These kinds of words have consequences. When Sarah Palin accused the president of organizing “death panels” as part of his health care plan, the debate veered from the serious to the ridiculous. When hundreds of thousands of Americans swallowed the claim that Mexican, U.S. and Canadian elites were secretly planning to merge the three countries, it helped to derail any hope for enacting comprehensive immigration reform. When politicians allege a global conspiracy behind a United Nations sustainability plan, preserving the planet becomes even harder. Conspiracy theories, in other words, are destructive to democracy; they substitute ignorance and suspicion for knowledge and reason, and make it that much harder to deal with the many problems before us. As Francis Bacon suggested almost four centuries ago, conspiracy theories are a way for weak minds to deal with a complex world — and to wreck any chance for finding real solutions."
"But what may be even more important in the highly polarized political environment of the United States in recent years has been the willingness of large numbers of politicians — either because they really believe or because they are willing to pander shamelessly to the extremists in their bases — to legitimize the fairy tales. Whether or not Texas Gov. Greg Abbott truly believes that a military exercise this summer was a prelude to martial law, he acted as if he might. These kinds of words have consequences. When Sarah Palin accused the president of organizing “death panels” as part of his health care plan, the debate veered from the serious to the ridiculous. When hundreds of thousands of Americans swallowed the claim that Mexican, U.S. and Canadian elites were secretly planning to merge the three countries, it helped to derail any hope for enacting comprehensive immigration reform. When politicians allege a global conspiracy behind a United Nations sustainability plan, preserving the planet becomes even harder. Conspiracy theories, in other words, are destructive to democracy; they substitute ignorance and suspicion for knowledge and reason, and make it that much harder to deal with the many problems before us. As Francis Bacon suggested almost four centuries ago, conspiracy theories are a way for weak minds to deal with a complex world — and to wreck any chance for finding real solutions."
Hypocrite Ben Carson Caught Lying About Receiving Award For “Honesty”
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/hypocrite-ben-carson-caught-lying-about-receiving-award-for-honesty/
"The Yale Library confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that no such class was taught, and no record of the photo for the Yale Daily News exists."
"The Yale Library confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that no such class was taught, and no record of the photo for the Yale Daily News exists."
As Jobs Flee WI, Legislators Lock-Down Their Own With Unlimited Dark Money
As Jobs Flee WI, Legislators Lock-Down Their Own With Unlimited Dark Money
"The state senate is calling an extraordinary session, not to address jobs or the economy, but instead to vote on two bills that make it easier for politicians to secretly raise money from out-of-state billionaires."
"The state senate is calling an extraordinary session, not to address jobs or the economy, but instead to vote on two bills that make it easier for politicians to secretly raise money from out-of-state billionaires."
Ben Carson Is Lying Again, This Time About Our Founding Fathers
Ben Carson Is Lying Again, This Time About Our Founding Fathers
"Though this isn’t the first time Carson displayed complete ignorance about our Founding Fathers. A few weeks ago he gave a speech where he tried to “prove” that this nation was founded on Christianity – by citing a whole lot of stuff that our Founding Fathers had nothing to do with. And let’s not forget about his ridiculous “theory” about the Egyptian pyramids. The bottom line is, this man has no business being our next president. The fact he’s become one of the two GOP frontrunners is an absolute joke and a statement on how absurd Republicans have become."
"Though this isn’t the first time Carson displayed complete ignorance about our Founding Fathers. A few weeks ago he gave a speech where he tried to “prove” that this nation was founded on Christianity – by citing a whole lot of stuff that our Founding Fathers had nothing to do with. And let’s not forget about his ridiculous “theory” about the Egyptian pyramids. The bottom line is, this man has no business being our next president. The fact he’s become one of the two GOP frontrunners is an absolute joke and a statement on how absurd Republicans have become."
Ted Cruz will never “Let It Go”: The right-wing’s insane new fear of “Frozen”
Ted Cruz will never “Let It Go”: The right-wing’s insane new fear of “Frozen”
"Two separate news items are a reminder of how little conservatives trust women and how much they think women have to be held under firm, preferably male control—and how much this attitude influences the politics of the Republican candidates for President. Over the weekend, candidates Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee attended the National Religious Liberties Conference, held by a group of hardline fundamentalists. Prior to the conference, I highlighted how the main organizer and many of the speakers have spoken approvingly of the death penalty for gay people, but the event itself was a reminder that they don’t like women, particularly independent women, any better. This was epitomized by a session at the conference run by Geoff Botkin of the Western Conservatory of the Arts and Sciences, about the perennial right-wing belief that civilization is on the verge of collapse. Botkin relied heavily on the Disney movie Frozen as evidence that modern America is in the thrall of Satan."
"Two separate news items are a reminder of how little conservatives trust women and how much they think women have to be held under firm, preferably male control—and how much this attitude influences the politics of the Republican candidates for President. Over the weekend, candidates Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee attended the National Religious Liberties Conference, held by a group of hardline fundamentalists. Prior to the conference, I highlighted how the main organizer and many of the speakers have spoken approvingly of the death penalty for gay people, but the event itself was a reminder that they don’t like women, particularly independent women, any better. This was epitomized by a session at the conference run by Geoff Botkin of the Western Conservatory of the Arts and Sciences, about the perennial right-wing belief that civilization is on the verge of collapse. Botkin relied heavily on the Disney movie Frozen as evidence that modern America is in the thrall of Satan."
“Repent that Dumbledore emerged as a homosexual mentor for Harry Potter”: Inside the bizarre anti-gay conference featuring Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee & Bobby Jindal
“Repent that Dumbledore emerged as a homosexual mentor for Harry Potter”: Inside the bizarre anti-gay conference featuring Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee & Bobby Jindal
"attendees were not only treated to speeches from three GOP presidential candidates, but with pamphlets that called for the “death penalty for gays” and a rant about Harry Potter turning America’s youth gay."
"attendees were not only treated to speeches from three GOP presidential candidates, but with pamphlets that called for the “death penalty for gays” and a rant about Harry Potter turning America’s youth gay."
These 3 GOP Candidates Can Never Be President
These 3 GOP Candidates Can Never Be President
"Republicans are so far off the reservation they're heading toward the edge of the world. But these three Republicans in particular should be excluded from national politics forever. Ted Cruz in particular probably has a place holding tent revivals with poisonous snakes."
"Republicans are so far off the reservation they're heading toward the edge of the world. But these three Republicans in particular should be excluded from national politics forever. Ted Cruz in particular probably has a place holding tent revivals with poisonous snakes."
Right-Wing Summit: God To Punish Fans Of Frozen's 'Let It Go' As It's 'Satan's Rebellion Anthem' | Right Wing Watch
Right-Wing Summit: God To Punish Fans Of Frozen's 'Let It Go' As It's 'Satan's Rebellion Anthem' | Right Wing Watch
"Given that the chief organizer of last week’s “Freedom 2015: National Religious Liberties Conference” — which was attended by three Republican presidential candidates — has said that the movie “Frozen” turns young girls into lesbians, it was not much of a surprise to learn that Queen Elsa would be a focal point of the summit."
"Given that the chief organizer of last week’s “Freedom 2015: National Religious Liberties Conference” — which was attended by three Republican presidential candidates — has said that the movie “Frozen” turns young girls into lesbians, it was not much of a surprise to learn that Queen Elsa would be a focal point of the summit."
Vets For Bernie: Why the Most Anti-War Candidate Has Many Military Supporters @alternet
Vets For Bernie: Why the Most Anti-War Candidate Has Many Military Supporters @alternet
"The VFW award joins numerous other awards Sanders has received for his work for veterans, including the 2014 American Legion Patriot Award and the Military Officers Association of America Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award, given to Sanders in April 2014."
"The VFW award joins numerous other awards Sanders has received for his work for veterans, including the 2014 American Legion Patriot Award and the Military Officers Association of America Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award, given to Sanders in April 2014."
Republicans In Congress Still Dishonor America’s Veterans
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/11/republicans-congress-dishonoring-americas-veterans.html
"It is difficult to conclude anything other than Republicans dishonor Veterans as a matter of course. First by happily sending them off to war and then doing every and anything to cut their benefits after they served."
"It is difficult to conclude anything other than Republicans dishonor Veterans as a matter of course. First by happily sending them off to war and then doing every and anything to cut their benefits after they served."
7 Examples Of Republican Presidential Candidates Screwing Over Veterans
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/11/7-examples-of-republican-presidential-candidates-screwing-over-veterans/
"These are the candidates the Republican Party has put forth to run for President of the United States of America. These candidates want to be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces that would send men and women to fight and die for their country. The fact that they have little interest in repaying them with an allegiance to their health, well-being and opportunity to prosper is appalling. They should be ashamed."
"These are the candidates the Republican Party has put forth to run for President of the United States of America. These candidates want to be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces that would send men and women to fight and die for their country. The fact that they have little interest in repaying them with an allegiance to their health, well-being and opportunity to prosper is appalling. They should be ashamed."
Proof Positive That Ben Carson Did Say He Received Full Scholarship To West Point
Proof Positive That Ben Carson Did Say He Received Full Scholarship To West Point
"We won't haggle over the fact that West Point doesn't offer scholarships because his words are good as gold. Nobody cares if he says he never applied to the military school since he never bothered to make that distinction when he was trying to prop up his life story. And no matter how the Conservative media tries to salvage Ben Carson's lying words, only his most ardent supports will stick by him when the primaries get tighter. And that's not counting the new allegations that he ever met Gen. Westmoreland either"
"We won't haggle over the fact that West Point doesn't offer scholarships because his words are good as gold. Nobody cares if he says he never applied to the military school since he never bothered to make that distinction when he was trying to prop up his life story. And no matter how the Conservative media tries to salvage Ben Carson's lying words, only his most ardent supports will stick by him when the primaries get tighter. And that's not counting the new allegations that he ever met Gen. Westmoreland either"
Dear Republicans: Your Constant Whining About the Media Makes Me Sick
Dear Republicans: Your Constant Whining About the Media Makes Me Sick
"What Republicans mean when they complain about “liberal bias” or “gotcha” questions is that they’re very upset that their lies are being called out publicly. That’s why these GOP presidential candidates threw such a fit during the third debate. It wasn’t because the questions were bad (only a couple were), it was because they weren’t being allowed to stand there on live television and blatantly lie. Someone like Ben Carson, much like fellow fool Sarah Palin, has become a huge critic of the media and “gotcha questions.” Ben Carson seems to think that any question or comment that exposes his idiocy, or mentions something crazy he’s said in the past, is a “gotcha” moment. In fact, to listen to Carson talk, every time the media confronts him about one of his ridiculous quotes they’re always taking it out of context – even when they quote him verbatim. Ted Cruz has probably been the biggest cry baby about the media. Cruz is nothing more than an opportunist, constantly pandering to the ignorance of the far-right voter. I’m not joking, he actually said that he believes GOP debates should be hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other members of the conservative media. It’s clear he doesn’t want a debate, he wants a 2-3 hour GOP propaganda event. But this is how conspiracy theorists work. If you’re trying to sell some sort of propaganda, the most effective way to get people to never doubt you is by insisting that anyone who exposes your nonsense is all a part of the conspiracy (aka the liberal media)."
"What Republicans mean when they complain about “liberal bias” or “gotcha” questions is that they’re very upset that their lies are being called out publicly. That’s why these GOP presidential candidates threw such a fit during the third debate. It wasn’t because the questions were bad (only a couple were), it was because they weren’t being allowed to stand there on live television and blatantly lie. Someone like Ben Carson, much like fellow fool Sarah Palin, has become a huge critic of the media and “gotcha questions.” Ben Carson seems to think that any question or comment that exposes his idiocy, or mentions something crazy he’s said in the past, is a “gotcha” moment. In fact, to listen to Carson talk, every time the media confronts him about one of his ridiculous quotes they’re always taking it out of context – even when they quote him verbatim. Ted Cruz has probably been the biggest cry baby about the media. Cruz is nothing more than an opportunist, constantly pandering to the ignorance of the far-right voter. I’m not joking, he actually said that he believes GOP debates should be hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other members of the conservative media. It’s clear he doesn’t want a debate, he wants a 2-3 hour GOP propaganda event. But this is how conspiracy theorists work. If you’re trying to sell some sort of propaganda, the most effective way to get people to never doubt you is by insisting that anyone who exposes your nonsense is all a part of the conspiracy (aka the liberal media)."
Egyptians and Twitter Mock Ben Carson for Dumb Pyramids Theory @alternet
Egyptians and Twitter Mock Ben Carson for Dumb Pyramids Theory @alternet
"There were the stories of him being a rageaholic, homicidal neighborhood menace that, oddly, none of his neighbors remember; there was the Incredible Disappearing West Point Full Scholarship. And there was – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – the one about the pyramids being gigantic grain storage silos for the Old Testament’s Joseph. Never mind that the pyramids are solid, the story of Joseph took place 500 years before the pyramids were built, and the fact that the Egyptians wrote down the reasons they built the pyramids. Ben Carson still believes his cockamamie theory because crazy is impressively stubborn."
"There were the stories of him being a rageaholic, homicidal neighborhood menace that, oddly, none of his neighbors remember; there was the Incredible Disappearing West Point Full Scholarship. And there was – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – the one about the pyramids being gigantic grain storage silos for the Old Testament’s Joseph. Never mind that the pyramids are solid, the story of Joseph took place 500 years before the pyramids were built, and the fact that the Egyptians wrote down the reasons they built the pyramids. Ben Carson still believes his cockamamie theory because crazy is impressively stubborn."
Ben Carson’s hilarious, ridiculous, completely broken history: A rare window into the extreme right’s fact-challenged worldview
Ben Carson’s hilarious, ridiculous, completely broken history: A rare window into the extreme right’s fact-challenged worldview
"Carson is revealing himself to be a bit dense when it comes to American history, as the Wall Street Journal (which is hardly a “secular progressive” publication) pointed out last week after Carson wrote on Facebook: “Every signer of the Declaration of Independence had no elected office experience…What they had was a deep belief that freedom is a gift from God.” This is, of course, completely false."
"Carson is revealing himself to be a bit dense when it comes to American history, as the Wall Street Journal (which is hardly a “secular progressive” publication) pointed out last week after Carson wrote on Facebook: “Every signer of the Declaration of Independence had no elected office experience…What they had was a deep belief that freedom is a gift from God.” This is, of course, completely false."
Donald Trump wants the U.S. to 'compete with other countries' on minimum wage. But which countries?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/12/1449083/-Donald-Trump-wants-the-U-S-to-compete-with-other-countries-on-minimum-wage-But-which-countries
"Exactly which other countries does Trump think we need to compete with by keeping the minimum wage low? Because if you’re looking at other advanced countries, the United States lags behind Australia, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Austria. But I doubt Trump is even talking about Israel, Slovenia, Spain, and Greece, which are just behind the U.S. when it comes to minimum wage."
"Exactly which other countries does Trump think we need to compete with by keeping the minimum wage low? Because if you’re looking at other advanced countries, the United States lags behind Australia, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Austria. But I doubt Trump is even talking about Israel, Slovenia, Spain, and Greece, which are just behind the U.S. when it comes to minimum wage."
Million Dollar Baby Donald Trump Once Again Says Wages Are Too High
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/11/million-dollar-baby-donald-trump-wages-high.html
"Trump’s message is that in order to make America great again, the working class will have to take another hit. This doesn’t fit well with his populist tone or the need of the Republican Party to pretend they care about working Americans."
"Trump’s message is that in order to make America great again, the working class will have to take another hit. This doesn’t fit well with his populist tone or the need of the Republican Party to pretend they care about working Americans."
The BING BING Theory: GOP Debate IV
http://quietmike.org/2015/11/11/the-bing-bing-theory-gop-debate-iv/
"None of them said anything new, only re-wording ways to implement a failed Trickle Down Theory of economics, as Republicans always do."
"None of them said anything new, only re-wording ways to implement a failed Trickle Down Theory of economics, as Republicans always do."
Republicans must hate the middle class: The most startling revelation of the GOP debate
Republicans must hate the middle class: The most startling revelation of the GOP debate
"this was a rehash of the trickle-down theory of economic prosperity that was popularized by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, when his tax cuts greatly expanded the federal debt — a historical fact not mentioned on the GOP debate stage Tuesday night."
"this was a rehash of the trickle-down theory of economic prosperity that was popularized by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, when his tax cuts greatly expanded the federal debt — a historical fact not mentioned on the GOP debate stage Tuesday night."
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The Daily Show Fact-Checks The GOP Fox Business Debate
The Daily Show Fact-Checks The GOP Fox Business Debate
"Sadly there was no desire whatsoever to do the same with the candidates the night of the actual "debate" (and I use that term lightly) by the three right wing corporate suck-ups they had for moderators."
"Sadly there was no desire whatsoever to do the same with the candidates the night of the actual "debate" (and I use that term lightly) by the three right wing corporate suck-ups they had for moderators."
GOP’s Obamacare lie-fest: “Post-truth” politics dominated the Republican debate
GOP’s Obamacare lie-fest: “Post-truth” politics dominated the Republican debate
"The lying even extended down into the undercard debate."
"The lying even extended down into the undercard debate."
We Must Put an End to the Biggest Republican Lie About Taxes
We Must Put an End to the Biggest Republican Lie About Taxes
"you’re nuts if you trust a group of rich people who tell you that the path to economic prosperity is based upon giving the rich more massive tax cuts."
"you’re nuts if you trust a group of rich people who tell you that the path to economic prosperity is based upon giving the rich more massive tax cuts."
The GOP is living in a fantasy world: Every single Republican’s economic plan is made of wishes and fairy dust
The GOP is living in a fantasy world: Every single Republican’s economic plan is made of wishes and fairy dust
"The reality is that every single candidate on stage has a tax plan meant to screw over the entire country so that the already wealthy can buy bigger yachts, just as it was under Bush and every Republican before him."
"The reality is that every single candidate on stage has a tax plan meant to screw over the entire country so that the already wealthy can buy bigger yachts, just as it was under Bush and every Republican before him."
35 of the Worst Moments From Fox Business, GOP Presidential Debate Host @alternet
35 of the Worst Moments From Fox Business, GOP Presidential Debate Host @alternet
"1. Fox Business Promoted Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy Theory"
"1. Fox Business Promoted Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy Theory"
Fact-checking the debate: Sorry, Republicans, but welfare spending is not tanking our economy
Fact-checking the debate: Sorry, Republicans, but welfare spending is not tanking our economy
"A full two-thirds of SNAP recipients can’t work, because they are children, elderly or disabled. Far from being some kind of program redirecting money from hard-working people to the indolent poor, it’s a program that allows hard-working people to have a safety net in case they lose a job or someone in the house becomes disabled. Would cutting all these people loose save us a fortune, though? Nope!"
"A full two-thirds of SNAP recipients can’t work, because they are children, elderly or disabled. Far from being some kind of program redirecting money from hard-working people to the indolent poor, it’s a program that allows hard-working people to have a safety net in case they lose a job or someone in the house becomes disabled. Would cutting all these people loose save us a fortune, though? Nope!"
Carly Fiorina Comes Unglued Over The CFPB
Carly Fiorina Comes Unglued Over The CFPB
"Enforcement actions have already returned more than $10 billion to consumers."
"Enforcement actions have already returned more than $10 billion to consumers."
10 Distortions, Misrepresentations and Outright Lies in the 4th GOP Debate @alternet
10 Distortions, Misrepresentations and Outright Lies in the 4th GOP Debate @alternet
"Both debates offered a window into an entirely different world, completely unrelated to the world we actually live in. Candidates made statement after statement that contained distortions, misstatements, untruths, and outright lies. Here are the biggest whoppers"
"Both debates offered a window into an entirely different world, completely unrelated to the world we actually live in. Candidates made statement after statement that contained distortions, misstatements, untruths, and outright lies. Here are the biggest whoppers"
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Every Single Republican Candidate Opposes Raising the Minimum Wage
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/10/single-republican-candidate-opposes-raising-minimum-wage.html
"They are basically handing this election to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Senator Bernie Sanders. In fact, the Clinton campaign immediately sent out a memo reminding everyone what the Republican presidential candidates said and have said in the past on the issue of raising the minimum wage"
"They are basically handing this election to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Senator Bernie Sanders. In fact, the Clinton campaign immediately sent out a memo reminding everyone what the Republican presidential candidates said and have said in the past on the issue of raising the minimum wage"
While Conservative Christians Cry About Cups, Starbucks Extends Amazing Benefit to Veterans
While Conservative Christians Cry About Cups, Starbucks Extends Amazing Benefit to Veterans
"If you’re so insecure about your beliefs as a Christian, or your faith in general, that the design of a disposable coffee cup upsets you – you really need to reassess your priorities. And if it does bother you that much, then don’t drink Starbucks. You’ll only be boycotting a company that just announced it will now extend a completely tuition-free four-year college benefit to the spouse or child of every veteran or active military reservist employed 20 or more hours a week. Yes, Starbucks just did that. Please, tell me again how you’re going to boycott the company over the design of a disposable cup. We all really care. This is what I mean when I say most conservatives aren’t Christians. While these clowns obsess over the design of a cup, they’re now bashing a company that just gave a remarkable benefit to every single veteran or active member of our military."
"If you’re so insecure about your beliefs as a Christian, or your faith in general, that the design of a disposable coffee cup upsets you – you really need to reassess your priorities. And if it does bother you that much, then don’t drink Starbucks. You’ll only be boycotting a company that just announced it will now extend a completely tuition-free four-year college benefit to the spouse or child of every veteran or active military reservist employed 20 or more hours a week. Yes, Starbucks just did that. Please, tell me again how you’re going to boycott the company over the design of a disposable cup. We all really care. This is what I mean when I say most conservatives aren’t Christians. While these clowns obsess over the design of a cup, they’re now bashing a company that just gave a remarkable benefit to every single veteran or active member of our military."
Here are 5 Republican governors who trashed their states in the name of conservatism
Here are 5 Republican governors who trashed their states in the name of conservatism
"1. Gov. Sam Brownback: The Kansas City Star described the former U.S. congressman’s tenure as governor as a “full-time disaster,” economically. Brownback has clung to his Tea Party principles as governor, slashing taxes and gutting state programs on the promise that he would create new jobs and boost the state’s lagging economy. Sadly for Kansans, tax cuts for the rich and trickle-down economics have worked as well there as they’ve worked anywhere else — which is to say, not at all. And even as the state’s economy has nose-dived, Brownback has clung more tightly to the conservative orthodoxy, that the only way to create jobs is to lavish money on the rich and force the poor to pull themselves up by their increasingly frayed bootstraps. In September, the Star said, “(T)he state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July. Here’s even more dire news: The Sunflower State in the past 12 months gained a total of a puny 1,000 new jobs. That’s the fourth worst record in the entire United States, at .1 percent employment growth for the entire last year.” Last month, only 18 percent of Kansas voters said they approve of Brownback’s performance as governor. Ironically, 28 percent of voters in the deep red state approved of President Barack Obama’s performance as president, ten points higher than the governor. “This could be some of the lowest approval ratings of any Kansas governor in history,” said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University to the Topeka Capital-Journal. “It’s epic"."
"1. Gov. Sam Brownback: The Kansas City Star described the former U.S. congressman’s tenure as governor as a “full-time disaster,” economically. Brownback has clung to his Tea Party principles as governor, slashing taxes and gutting state programs on the promise that he would create new jobs and boost the state’s lagging economy. Sadly for Kansans, tax cuts for the rich and trickle-down economics have worked as well there as they’ve worked anywhere else — which is to say, not at all. And even as the state’s economy has nose-dived, Brownback has clung more tightly to the conservative orthodoxy, that the only way to create jobs is to lavish money on the rich and force the poor to pull themselves up by their increasingly frayed bootstraps. In September, the Star said, “(T)he state announced it had lost 3,000 total jobs in August. That’s on top of the 5,100 jobs lost in July. Here’s even more dire news: The Sunflower State in the past 12 months gained a total of a puny 1,000 new jobs. That’s the fourth worst record in the entire United States, at .1 percent employment growth for the entire last year.” Last month, only 18 percent of Kansas voters said they approve of Brownback’s performance as governor. Ironically, 28 percent of voters in the deep red state approved of President Barack Obama’s performance as president, ten points higher than the governor. “This could be some of the lowest approval ratings of any Kansas governor in history,” said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University to the Topeka Capital-Journal. “It’s epic"."
Thursday, November 5, 2015
To Help Hard-Hit Seniors, Warren/Sanders Bill Would Boost Social Security
To Help Hard-Hit Seniors, Warren/Sanders Bill Would Boost Social Security
"Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation on Thursday that would provide tens of millions of Americans with an emergency payment while tackling a corporate loophole that boosts CEO pay."
"Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation on Thursday that would provide tens of millions of Americans with an emergency payment while tackling a corporate loophole that boosts CEO pay."
Matt Bevin Vows To Dismantle Kentucky Health Care Exchange
Matt Bevin Vows To Dismantle Kentucky Health Care Exchange
"Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin took a victory lap Thursday on Fox & Friends, vowing to dismantle Kynect in the name of "hope." No, really. He told Fox hosts that his election was because he brought hope to Kentuckians who must really hate having access to health care."
"Kentucky Governor-Elect Matt Bevin took a victory lap Thursday on Fox & Friends, vowing to dismantle Kynect in the name of "hope." No, really. He told Fox hosts that his election was because he brought hope to Kentuckians who must really hate having access to health care."
The Mega-Rich Families Who Own Our Politicians @alternet
The Mega-Rich Families Who Own Our Politicians @alternet
"Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts -- but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech.
"Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts -- but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech.
Historic: Ohio Voters Just Banned Gerrymandering, Restoring Faith In Democracy
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/historic-ohio-voters-just-banned-gerrymandering-restoring-faith-in-democracy/
"Winners to be determined by the voters – what a novel idea! Redistricting in order to gain a partisan advantage is known as gerrymandering, and has become one of the key tools in the Republican war chest to repress voters and entrench their stolen gains."
"Winners to be determined by the voters – what a novel idea! Redistricting in order to gain a partisan advantage is known as gerrymandering, and has become one of the key tools in the Republican war chest to repress voters and entrench their stolen gains."
HISTORIC: Koch Brothers Lose Big, Seattle Votes Big Money Out of Politics
http://usuncut.com/politics/seattle-wins-publicly-financed-elections-i-122/
"The I-122 initiative — also known as “Honest Elections Seattle” — passed with 60 percent of votes cast"
"The I-122 initiative — also known as “Honest Elections Seattle” — passed with 60 percent of votes cast"
Colorado Votes To Fire Education Board Conservatives Who Tried To Mess With History Books
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/04/colorado-votes-to-fire-education-board-conservatives-who-tried-to-mess-with-history-books/
"Here’s a history lesson three Colorado Board of Education members learned the hard way: Don’t try to change public school history books to better suit your conservative ideology. If you do, you’ll be out of a job."
"Here’s a history lesson three Colorado Board of Education members learned the hard way: Don’t try to change public school history books to better suit your conservative ideology. If you do, you’ll be out of a job."
Paul Ryan vs. the People
Paul Ryan vs. the People
"Paul Ryan paints himself as a champion of “the people” over “Washington.” But the “people” the new House speaker defends are corporations. And the “Washington” he attacks is the one that does deliver for real people."
"Paul Ryan paints himself as a champion of “the people” over “Washington.” But the “people” the new House speaker defends are corporations. And the “Washington” he attacks is the one that does deliver for real people."
Republicans To Rally With Pastor Who Says God Is About To Destroy America Due To Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
Republicans To Rally With Pastor Who Says God Is About To Destroy America Due To Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
"It would be an understatement to call Swanson an extremist. He wants the government to apply Old Testament law in all matters, thinks birth control turns women’s uteruses into “graveyards for lots and lots of little babies,” spoke up for Uganda’s “kill-the-gays” bill, sees constant threats to recruit his daughter to become a lesbian from Disney movies and Girl Scout cookies, and describes homosexuality as a satanic “disease” that causes natural disasters."
"It would be an understatement to call Swanson an extremist. He wants the government to apply Old Testament law in all matters, thinks birth control turns women’s uteruses into “graveyards for lots and lots of little babies,” spoke up for Uganda’s “kill-the-gays” bill, sees constant threats to recruit his daughter to become a lesbian from Disney movies and Girl Scout cookies, and describes homosexuality as a satanic “disease” that causes natural disasters."
Rupert Murdoch Takes Over at National Geographic, Immediately Starts Laying off Award-Winning Staff @alternet
Rupert Murdoch Takes Over at National Geographic, Immediately Starts Laying off Award-Winning Staff @alternet
"The management of National Geographic sent out an email telling its staff, all of its staff, all to report to their headquarters, and wait by their phones. This pulled back every person who was in the field, every photographer, every reporter, even those on vacation had to show up on this fateful day. As these phones rang, one by one National Geographic let go the award-winning staff, and the venerable institution was no more. The name now belongs to Rupert Murdoch, and he has plans for it."
"The management of National Geographic sent out an email telling its staff, all of its staff, all to report to their headquarters, and wait by their phones. This pulled back every person who was in the field, every photographer, every reporter, even those on vacation had to show up on this fateful day. As these phones rang, one by one National Geographic let go the award-winning staff, and the venerable institution was no more. The name now belongs to Rupert Murdoch, and he has plans for it."
Seattle Voters Approve First-in-the-Nation 'Democracy Vouchers'
Seattle Voters Approve First-in-the-Nation 'Democracy Vouchers'
"Maine voters also approved a clean elections ballot initiative on Tuesday."
"Maine voters also approved a clean elections ballot initiative on Tuesday."
Let's recap hilariously wrong Republican predictions about Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/11/03/1443846/-Let-s-recap-hilariously-wrong-Republican-predictions-about-Obamacare
"There are definitely two sides to our politics today, and they are "right" and "wrong." In a sane world, that whole "wrong" crowd would never have a platform or be treated seriously again."
"There are definitely two sides to our politics today, and they are "right" and "wrong." In a sane world, that whole "wrong" crowd would never have a platform or be treated seriously again."
Republicans don’t want a debate at all: The real reason for their endless bellyaching
Republicans don’t want a debate at all: The real reason for their endless bellyaching
"GOP candidates don't like being called out on their BS. Their solution? Change the rules of the game, mid-contest"
"GOP candidates don't like being called out on their BS. Their solution? Change the rules of the game, mid-contest"
National Geographic Readies Itself For Murdoch Takeover With Layoffs
National Geographic Readies Itself For Murdoch Takeover With Layoffs
"Welcome to Murdoch-land, National Geographic. What a colossal waste of a fine publication."
"Welcome to Murdoch-land, National Geographic. What a colossal waste of a fine publication."
The GOP is digging its own grave: How their debate tantrum hastens the party’s demise
The GOP is digging its own grave: How their debate tantrum hastens the party’s demise
"Ted Cruz wants sycophants to ask loaded questions that allow candidates to deliver rehearsed soliloquies"
"Ted Cruz wants sycophants to ask loaded questions that allow candidates to deliver rehearsed soliloquies"
Kris Kobach just got busted: Leader of GOP’s voter suppression crusade spoke before white nationalist group
Kris Kobach just got busted: Leader of GOP’s voter suppression crusade spoke before white nationalist group
"Kansas Secretary of State and the right-wing’s most prominent anti-immigration activist Kris Kobach was recently outed for speaking at the annual Writers’ Workshop of the The Social Contract Press (TSCP), a group classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a white nationalist publishing house."
"Kansas Secretary of State and the right-wing’s most prominent anti-immigration activist Kris Kobach was recently outed for speaking at the annual Writers’ Workshop of the The Social Contract Press (TSCP), a group classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a white nationalist publishing house."
Wisconsin Poised to Gut Its Campaign Finance and Anti-Corruption Laws
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/10/scott-walker-guts-wisconsin-corruption-campaign-finance-laws
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
Paul Ryan Tells Fox News That Only He Is Entitled To Have Paid Family Time (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/01/paul-ryan-tells-fox-news-that-only-he-is-entitled-to-have-paid-family-time-video/
"In fact, Paul Ryan makes even more money now as House Speaker, getting a whopping paycheck of $223,500 while doing less work than his predecessor and while presiding over a Congress that will likely be one of the least productive in American history as it takes a vote every day to repeal Obamacare while doing little for the people they are supposed to serve. The good news is that Americans don’t have to continue taking this kind of sh*t from Republicans. The 2016 Election is just a year away and they can change this. The bottom line is that if Americans want paid family time like Paul Ryan receives, all they have to do is give the Senate and House back to the Democratic Party, which supports paid leave for every American worker."
"In fact, Paul Ryan makes even more money now as House Speaker, getting a whopping paycheck of $223,500 while doing less work than his predecessor and while presiding over a Congress that will likely be one of the least productive in American history as it takes a vote every day to repeal Obamacare while doing little for the people they are supposed to serve. The good news is that Americans don’t have to continue taking this kind of sh*t from Republicans. The 2016 Election is just a year away and they can change this. The bottom line is that if Americans want paid family time like Paul Ryan receives, all they have to do is give the Senate and House back to the Democratic Party, which supports paid leave for every American worker."
You Won’t Believe What Financial Advisers Are Getting In Return For Giving Seniors Bad Advice (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/10/31/bonuses-bad-financial-advise-wall-street-retirement-pensions-rewards-video/
"The revelations detailed in Senator Warren’s report support the Obama administration’s call for changes to existing laws, that don’t prohibit financial advisers, brokers and agents from putting their own financial interests above those of their client. A proposed rule change would allow the Department of Labor to “impose a fiduciary duty on fund managers, requiring them to make investment decisions in the best interests of their clients and making it illegal for investment professionals to push clients into under-performing investments in order to score vacations or other benefits.” Not surprisingly, Wall Street and Congressional Republicans are adamantly opposed to the change which would put the interest of working class families above the interests of those who exploit them."
"The revelations detailed in Senator Warren’s report support the Obama administration’s call for changes to existing laws, that don’t prohibit financial advisers, brokers and agents from putting their own financial interests above those of their client. A proposed rule change would allow the Department of Labor to “impose a fiduciary duty on fund managers, requiring them to make investment decisions in the best interests of their clients and making it illegal for investment professionals to push clients into under-performing investments in order to score vacations or other benefits.” Not surprisingly, Wall Street and Congressional Republicans are adamantly opposed to the change which would put the interest of working class families above the interests of those who exploit them."
The Kochs Keep America Behind The Developed World In Using Free Energy
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/02/kochs-america-falling-developed-world-free-energy.html
"Leading the charge against expanding solar power in the Sunshine State are none other than the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The Koch group has repeated the same tactics in Florida that it has in myriad other states and has openly, and viciously, attacked the ballot initiative to open solar markets in Florida."
"Leading the charge against expanding solar power in the Sunshine State are none other than the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The Koch group has repeated the same tactics in Florida that it has in myriad other states and has openly, and viciously, attacked the ballot initiative to open solar markets in Florida."
Paul Ryan’s Stance On Paid Family Leave Shows Exactly Why I Called Him a Scumbag
Paul Ryan’s Stance On Paid Family Leave Shows Exactly Why I Called Him a Scumbag
"He’s someone who constantly complains about entitlements, government programs and public spending despite the fact that practically his entire life has been supported by government programs and/or the taxpayers. He even used Social Security benefits he received following his father’s tragic death to help him pay for school. Yes, the guy who’s built his career out of opposing entitlement programs used benefits from an entitlement program to help pay for his education. The hypocrisy is astounding. Ryan recently took his ridiculousness up a notch when he included as part of his requirements to replace John Boehner as House Speaker that he be given adequate time to spend with his family. This is the sort of thing that Fox News and the conservative media would be losing their minds over had a Democrat made such a request – yet because it was Paul Ryan, the right pretty much completely ignored it. Well, during an interview Sunday morning on Fox News, Ryan was asked whether or not he would support legislation that provided paid “family time” to Americans who want the exact same thing he demanded before becoming Speaker of the House. His answer was absolutely appalling"
"He’s someone who constantly complains about entitlements, government programs and public spending despite the fact that practically his entire life has been supported by government programs and/or the taxpayers. He even used Social Security benefits he received following his father’s tragic death to help him pay for school. Yes, the guy who’s built his career out of opposing entitlement programs used benefits from an entitlement program to help pay for his education. The hypocrisy is astounding. Ryan recently took his ridiculousness up a notch when he included as part of his requirements to replace John Boehner as House Speaker that he be given adequate time to spend with his family. This is the sort of thing that Fox News and the conservative media would be losing their minds over had a Democrat made such a request – yet because it was Paul Ryan, the right pretty much completely ignored it. Well, during an interview Sunday morning on Fox News, Ryan was asked whether or not he would support legislation that provided paid “family time” to Americans who want the exact same thing he demanded before becoming Speaker of the House. His answer was absolutely appalling"
Paul Ryan: Paid Leave Doesn't 'Make Any Sense' For Workers, But I Deserve More Family Time
Paul Ryan: Paid Leave Doesn't 'Make Any Sense' For Workers, But I Deserve More Family Time
"The new Speaker said that he would reserve at least two days a week for his family. However, legislation to guarantee paid leave for workers was out of the question."
"The new Speaker said that he would reserve at least two days a week for his family. However, legislation to guarantee paid leave for workers was out of the question."
Rubio is so Hate Filled, He Now is Blocking his Own Nominee from Becoming a Judge
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/10/30/rubio-is-so-hate-filled-he-now-is-blocking-his-own-nominee-from-becoming-a-judge/
"Presidential candidate Marco Rubio has been busy blocking one of President Obama’s judicial nominees. The strange part of it is that the nominee in question, Mary Barzee Flores, was recommended to the President by Senator Rubio himself."
"Presidential candidate Marco Rubio has been busy blocking one of President Obama’s judicial nominees. The strange part of it is that the nominee in question, Mary Barzee Flores, was recommended to the President by Senator Rubio himself."
GOP leader of House anti-immigrant wing says immigration reform is never gonna happen: 'No way'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/30/1442828/-GOP-leader-of-House-anti-immigrant-wing-says-immigration-reform-is-never-gonna-happen-No-way#
"Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio promised right-wing radio host Laura Ingraham that immigration reform would never happen."
"Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio promised right-wing radio host Laura Ingraham that immigration reform would never happen."
Cruz, Jindal And Huckabee To Join Multiple Speakers Who Want Gays Put To Death | Right Wing Watch
Cruz, Jindal And Huckabee To Join Multiple Speakers Who Want Gays Put To Death | Right Wing Watch
"So let us reiterate once again that, in 2015, three Republican presidential hopefuls — including a sitting senator, a sitting governor, and one former governor — are all scheduled to speak at an event organized by and featuring several speakers who openly advocate putting gay people to death."
"So let us reiterate once again that, in 2015, three Republican presidential hopefuls — including a sitting senator, a sitting governor, and one former governor — are all scheduled to speak at an event organized by and featuring several speakers who openly advocate putting gay people to death."
What the GOP Got Wrong About Women During Their Latest Debate
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33463-what-the-gop-got-wrong-about-women-during-their-lastest-debate
"A debate hosted by CNBC, the business side of NBC News, should have been a prime opportunity to focus on economics, and, as such, women. After all, women make up a larger portion of the workforce, they often receive lower wages, they live longer and subsequently need more options in retirement, they make most of the household purchases, and until the passage of Obamacare they paid more for their healthcare just because they were in fact women."
"A debate hosted by CNBC, the business side of NBC News, should have been a prime opportunity to focus on economics, and, as such, women. After all, women make up a larger portion of the workforce, they often receive lower wages, they live longer and subsequently need more options in retirement, they make most of the household purchases, and until the passage of Obamacare they paid more for their healthcare just because they were in fact women."
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
If Ohio Bans Gerrymandering Today, There Could be Hope for American Democracy
http://www.thenation.com/article/if-ohio-bans-gerrymandering-today-there-could-be-hope-for-american-democracy/
"What makes Ohio’s Issue 1 test stand out is the fact that voters are being given a chance to address a key source of the political dysfunction that influences so many other issues. Nothing does more to deny democracy than gerrymandering—the process by which legislators draw districts that are so heavily weighted toward one party that election results are preordained. When whole states are gerrymandered, the will of the voters can and is thwarted—so that even if most voters cast their ballots for Democrats, Republicans might retain control of legislative chambers."
"What makes Ohio’s Issue 1 test stand out is the fact that voters are being given a chance to address a key source of the political dysfunction that influences so many other issues. Nothing does more to deny democracy than gerrymandering—the process by which legislators draw districts that are so heavily weighted toward one party that election results are preordained. When whole states are gerrymandered, the will of the voters can and is thwarted—so that even if most voters cast their ballots for Democrats, Republicans might retain control of legislative chambers."
Forget 2016. Here Are 9 Huge Issues Americans Are Voting On In Today’s Elections.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/11/03/3718302/ballot-initiatives-november-3/
"voters across the country will go to the polls on Tuesday to elect various state legislators and governors, and the outcomes of those races could have wide-ranging policy implications.
"voters across the country will go to the polls on Tuesday to elect various state legislators and governors, and the outcomes of those races could have wide-ranging policy implications.
From Pot to 'Democracy Vouchers,' Election Day 2015 Races to Watch
From Pot to 'Democracy Vouchers,' Election Day 2015 Races to Watch
"voters in Ohio will also be asked to weigh in on Issue 1 (pdf), which would create a new, bipartisan commission to draw legislative districts that are compact and do not favor one political party or another."
"voters in Ohio will also be asked to weigh in on Issue 1 (pdf), which would create a new, bipartisan commission to draw legislative districts that are compact and do not favor one political party or another."
Monday, November 2, 2015
Wisconsin Poised to Gut Its Campaign Finance and Anti-Corruption Laws
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/10/scott-walker-guts-wisconsin-corruption-campaign-finance-laws
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
"Scott Walker's presidential bid may have failed, but the Wisconsin governor and his Republican allies are making a massive push to transform the way the state conducts elections and investigates illegal campaign activity. If they're successful—and by all indications, they will be—by the end of this week, they will have uprooted Wisconsin's anti-public corruption laws and lifted restrictions on the money pouring into state elections."
'Absolute Crap' But Brilliant: Corporate America's Plan to 'Misbehave Without Reproach
'Absolute Crap' But Brilliant: Corporate America's Plan to 'Misbehave Without Reproach
"What the Times found was a pattern of legal dead ends for consumers seeking to find redress for perceived injustices due to various forms of corporate fraud and malpractice. Often buried deep within lengthy and difficult-to-read contracts that purchasers of products or services are forced to sign, legal experts say the injection of these arbitration clauses "have essentially disabled consumer challenges to practices like predatory lending, wage theft and discrimination"."
"What the Times found was a pattern of legal dead ends for consumers seeking to find redress for perceived injustices due to various forms of corporate fraud and malpractice. Often buried deep within lengthy and difficult-to-read contracts that purchasers of products or services are forced to sign, legal experts say the injection of these arbitration clauses "have essentially disabled consumer challenges to practices like predatory lending, wage theft and discrimination"."
Krugman: Why Republicans Are Ferocious Liars About What Makes the Economy Work @alternet
Krugman: Why Republicans Are Ferocious Liars About What Makes the Economy Work @alternet
"Why does the economy do better under Democrats, and why do Republicans tend to lie about that fact? Despite Carly Fiorina's fallacious claims to the contrary, Hillary Clinton was right to say that the the country has had better economic times with a Democrat in the White House.
It's an ironic and inconvenient truth. All Republican candidates do is talk about economic growth. And then they pursue and peddle policies that have been demonstrated not to produce it, with tax cuts for the wealthy front and center. Krugman digs deep into the facts of matter:
The arithmetic on partisan differences is actually stunning. Last year the economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson circulated a paper comparing economic performance under Democratic and Republican presidents since 1947. Under Democrats, the economy grew, on average, 4.35 percent per year; under Republicans, only 2.54 percent. Over the whole period, the economy was in recession for 49 quarters; Democrats held the White House during only eight of those quarters.
But isn’t the story different for the Obama years? Not as much as you think. Yes, the recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2009 has been sluggish. Even so, the Obama record compares favorably on a number of indicators with that of George W. Bush. In particular, despite all the talk about job-killing policies, private-sector employment is eight million higher than it was when Barack Obama took office, twice the job gains achieved under his predecessor before the recession struck."
"Why does the economy do better under Democrats, and why do Republicans tend to lie about that fact? Despite Carly Fiorina's fallacious claims to the contrary, Hillary Clinton was right to say that the the country has had better economic times with a Democrat in the White House.
It's an ironic and inconvenient truth. All Republican candidates do is talk about economic growth. And then they pursue and peddle policies that have been demonstrated not to produce it, with tax cuts for the wealthy front and center. Krugman digs deep into the facts of matter:
The arithmetic on partisan differences is actually stunning. Last year the economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson circulated a paper comparing economic performance under Democratic and Republican presidents since 1947. Under Democrats, the economy grew, on average, 4.35 percent per year; under Republicans, only 2.54 percent. Over the whole period, the economy was in recession for 49 quarters; Democrats held the White House during only eight of those quarters.
But isn’t the story different for the Obama years? Not as much as you think. Yes, the recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2009 has been sluggish. Even so, the Obama record compares favorably on a number of indicators with that of George W. Bush. In particular, despite all the talk about job-killing policies, private-sector employment is eight million higher than it was when Barack Obama took office, twice the job gains achieved under his predecessor before the recession struck."
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
The Sad Truth of Our Politics: It's Basically Turned into a Competition Among Oligarchs to Own Everything @alternet
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease.
“The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.”
In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added:
“They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection"."
"Wallace noted, American fascists would have to lie to the people in order to gain power. And, because they were in bed with the nation's largest corporations - who could gain control of newspapers and broadcast media—they could promote their lies with ease.
“The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact,” Wallace wrote. “Their newspapers and propaganda carefully cultivate every fissure of disunity, every crack in the common front against fascism. They use every opportunity to impugn democracy.”
In his strongest indictment of the tide of fascism, the vice-president of the United States saw rising in America, he added:
“They claim to be super-patriots, but they would destroy every liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. They demand free enterprise, but are the spokesmen for monopoly and vested interest. Their final objective toward which all their deceit is directed is to capture political power so that, using the power of the state and the power of the market simultaneously, they may keep the common man in eternal subjection"."
Robert Reich: Everywhere You Look Huge Cartels Are Jacking Up Prices, Gouging You However They Can @alternet
Robert Reich: Everywhere You Look Huge Cartels Are Jacking Up Prices, Gouging You However They Can @alternet
"The only way to stop them is to prevent big corporations and Wall Street banks from rigging the market."
"The only way to stop them is to prevent big corporations and Wall Street banks from rigging the market."
Sunday, November 1, 2015
This is the media’s real bias — pro-business, pro-corporate, pro-CEO
This is the media’s real bias — pro-business, pro-corporate, pro-CEO
"the extraordinary thing is not that powerful financial interests have the ability to determine what topics dominate news media which they, for the most part, own. The really notable fact is that so many people believe that this is natural, reasonable, and the result of some democratic consensus."
"the extraordinary thing is not that powerful financial interests have the ability to determine what topics dominate news media which they, for the most part, own. The really notable fact is that so many people believe that this is natural, reasonable, and the result of some democratic consensus."
GOP hates the media because they are liars: The damning, evil history of the right’s war on a free press
GOP hates the media because they are liars: The damning, evil history of the right’s war on a free press
"These lies are symptoms of the real problem: that the rigid ideology of Movement Conservatives concentrates power in a very few wealthy men. When asked to justify with actual math the regressive economic policies that underlie all of their candidacies, the candidates obfuscated. Their numbers do not add up, as they have not added up since President Reagan’s budget director David Stockman notoriously made supply-side tax policy work with a “magic asterisk” that represented cuts and loophole closures to be made later."
"These lies are symptoms of the real problem: that the rigid ideology of Movement Conservatives concentrates power in a very few wealthy men. When asked to justify with actual math the regressive economic policies that underlie all of their candidacies, the candidates obfuscated. Their numbers do not add up, as they have not added up since President Reagan’s budget director David Stockman notoriously made supply-side tax policy work with a “magic asterisk” that represented cuts and loophole closures to be made later."
Jim Hightower: How Much 'Free Speech' Can You Buy?
Jim Hightower: How Much 'Free Speech' Can You Buy?
"Sure enough, in the first six months of this presidential election cycle, more than half of the record-setting $300 million given to the various candidates came from only 358 mega-rich families and the corporations they control. The top 158 of them totaled $176 million in political spending, meaning that, on average, each one of them bought more than a million dollars' worth of "free" speech.
Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts — but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech."
"Sure enough, in the first six months of this presidential election cycle, more than half of the record-setting $300 million given to the various candidates came from only 358 mega-rich families and the corporations they control. The top 158 of them totaled $176 million in political spending, meaning that, on average, each one of them bought more than a million dollars' worth of "free" speech.
Nearly all of their money is backing Republican presidential hopefuls who promise: (1) to cut taxes on the rich; (2) cut regulations that protect us from corporate pollution and other abuses of the common good; and (3) to cut Social Security, food stamps and other safety-net programs that we un-rich people need. The great majority of Americans adamantly oppose all of those cuts — but none of us has a million bucks to buy an equivalent amount of political "free" speech."
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