New Report on the Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods | Common Dreams
"These questions are posed by Earth Open Source, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assuring the sustainability, security, and safety of the global food system. They answer their own questions in a new study “GMO Myths and Truths.” The myth, they say, is that GM foods have been proven safe. The truth is that there are hidden dangers which corporate-funded research has not yet adequately investigated."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Veteran's Story
A Veteran's Story
"Edward Meagher joined the United States Air Force in 1966. He volunteered to go to Vietnam and spent well over 2.5 years overseas."
"Edward Meagher joined the United States Air Force in 1966. He volunteered to go to Vietnam and spent well over 2.5 years overseas."
House Republicans Reject Food Stamp Compromise In Favor Of Reform They Admit Is ‘Out Of Date’
House Republicans Reject Food Stamp Compromise In Favor Of Reform They Admit Is ‘Out Of Date’: House Republicans have spent the years since the Great Recession clamoring for “reform” of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, cutting funding from the program in budget after budget. But now that a top House Republican has drafted a deal that would make the program’s basic requirements even more stringent [...]/p
Government-Sponsored Study Destroys DEA's Classification of Marijuana as 'Medically Useless' | Drugs | AlterNet
Government-Sponsored Study Destroys DEA's Classification of Marijuana as 'Medically Useless' | Drugs | AlterNet
The DEA classifies marijuana as having no medical uses, but a government-sponsored study concludes that the miracle drug is much needed for many patients.
The DEA classifies marijuana as having no medical uses, but a government-sponsored study concludes that the miracle drug is much needed for many patients.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Romney’s Quiet Rooms: Where All the Money’s Hidden?
Romney’s Quiet Rooms: Where All the Money’s Hidden?
"What Mitt, with his offshore accounts and his secretive business practices and his endorsement of the Ryan budget which gives even more advantages to Wall Street tycoons like himself, is trying to preserve is the ability to play by a different set of rules than the rest of us. He wants a world where the wealthy have all these advantages and loopholes and secret deals and lower tax rates, precisely because that was his entire business model at Bain Capital. He wants a world where he doesn’t have to pay taxes on his accounts in Bermuda and the Caymans and Luxembourg and Switzerland. He wants a world where he can recruit anysleazebag overseas investor to invest in Bain. As Alex Seitz-Wald at Salon.com puts it: “This pattern of elusiveness is hardly confined to Romney’s finances, but rather defines his public life"."
"What Mitt, with his offshore accounts and his secretive business practices and his endorsement of the Ryan budget which gives even more advantages to Wall Street tycoons like himself, is trying to preserve is the ability to play by a different set of rules than the rest of us. He wants a world where the wealthy have all these advantages and loopholes and secret deals and lower tax rates, precisely because that was his entire business model at Bain Capital. He wants a world where he doesn’t have to pay taxes on his accounts in Bermuda and the Caymans and Luxembourg and Switzerland. He wants a world where he can recruit anysleazebag overseas investor to invest in Bain. As Alex Seitz-Wald at Salon.com puts it: “This pattern of elusiveness is hardly confined to Romney’s finances, but rather defines his public life"."
One more reason for Latinos to vote for Barack Obama
One more reason for Latinos to vote for Barack Obama
"But it's true to form that even when Romney claims to be doing something in the best interest of immigrant kids and according to the desires of their parents, he campaigns on it, fails to make it work, then touts it in his book and in the Republican primary as if it was a success, only to stop talking about it quite so much in a general election where Latino voters could be decisive. And that's why, if Latino voters are decisive, Romney's cooked."
"But it's true to form that even when Romney claims to be doing something in the best interest of immigrant kids and according to the desires of their parents, he campaigns on it, fails to make it work, then touts it in his book and in the Republican primary as if it was a success, only to stop talking about it quite so much in a general election where Latino voters could be decisive. And that's why, if Latino voters are decisive, Romney's cooked."
STUDY: Medicaid Expansion Saves States Billions
STUDY: Medicaid Expansion Saves States Billions: Republican politicians across the country claim that Obamacare’s expansion of Medicaid, the widely popular program which makes health insurance available for lower-income Americans, will increase costs for states. Ten Republican governors have pledged not to accept the Medicaid expansion funds and 22 other governors are considering turning down the money. Directly disproving Republican claims, an [...]/p
McConnell: I’m ‘Not Convinced’ Congress Should Prohibit Insurers From Discriminating Against The Sick
McConnell: I’m ‘Not Convinced’ Congress Should Prohibit Insurers From Discriminating Against The Sick: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reiterated the GOP’s commitment to taking away health care insurance from millions of Americans who are expected to receive coverage as part of the Affordable Care Act, if Republicans win Congressional majorities in November. The senior senator from Kentucky, who himself enjoyes government-subsidized insurance as a federal employee, told [...]/p
Vanity Fair Pulls Back Dark Curtain Hiding Mitt Romney's Offshore Bank Accounts
Vanity Fair Pulls Back Dark Curtain Hiding Mitt Romney's Offshore Bank Accounts
"Mitt Romney's got some 'splaining to do. Big time. Vanity Fair has a nice, long article out today on Mittens' offshore investments, and what we all should know but don't because he hasn't honored us with full disclosure."
"Mitt Romney's got some 'splaining to do. Big time. Vanity Fair has a nice, long article out today on Mittens' offshore investments, and what we all should know but don't because he hasn't honored us with full disclosure."
Rep. Joe Walsh Attacks Double Amputee Veteran Again, Says She Uses Her Service ‘As A Political Ploy’
Rep. Joe Walsh Attacks Double Amputee Veteran Again, Says She Uses Her Service ‘As A Political Ploy’: Despite earning widespread condemnation for dismissing the military service of a double amputee woman, Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) has decided his original comments didn’t go far enough. In a statement released this evening on his campaign website, Walsh again refused to apologize, instead attacking Tammy Duckworth — his Democratic opponent who lost both her legs [...]/p
Why is Nobody (in the US) Freaking Out About the LIBOR Banking Scandal? | Common Dreams
Why is Nobody (in the US) Freaking Out About the LIBOR Banking Scandal? | Common Dreams
"The LIBOR manipulation story has exploded into a major scandal overseas. The CEO of Barclays, Bob Diamond, has resigned in disgrace; his was the first of what will undoubtedly be many major banks to walk the regulatory plank for fixing the interbank exchange rate. The Labor party is demanding a sweeping criminal investigation. Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, responded the way a real public official should (i.e. not like Ben Bernanke), blasting the banks:"
"The LIBOR manipulation story has exploded into a major scandal overseas. The CEO of Barclays, Bob Diamond, has resigned in disgrace; his was the first of what will undoubtedly be many major banks to walk the regulatory plank for fixing the interbank exchange rate. The Labor party is demanding a sweeping criminal investigation. Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, responded the way a real public official should (i.e. not like Ben Bernanke), blasting the banks:"
Why Our Founding Fathers Would Disapprove of the Tea Party | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
Why Our Founding Fathers Would Disapprove of the Tea Party | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
"Not too long ago, Americans only dressed up in George Washington wigs and tri-corner hats on the Fourth of July. But then the tea party came along."
"Not too long ago, Americans only dressed up in George Washington wigs and tri-corner hats on the Fourth of July. But then the tea party came along."
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Veterans Flood Rep. Joe Walsh’s Facebook Page To Denounce His Attacks Against Double Amputee
Veterans Flood Rep. Joe Walsh’s Facebook Page To Denounce His Attacks Against Double Amputee: After ThinkProgress published video showing Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) denigrating his opponent’s — a double amputee — military service, veterans swarmed the Illinois Republican’s Facebook page to denounce his attacks. Many of these veterans described themselves as “dedicated conservatives”, “rock-ribbed Republicans”, and “Tea Party members.” Yet despite their ideological leanings, Walsh’s insult drove them to [...]/p
GOP Congressional Nominee Opposes Obamacare Because People ‘Don’t Die From Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer’
GOP Congressional Nominee Opposes Obamacare Because People ‘Don’t Die From Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer’: A Republican running for Congress in one of the nation’s most competitive districts claimed that Americans “don’t die from prostate cancer, breast cancer” in order to justify his opposition to health care reform. Chris Collins, the GOP nominee opposing Rep. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) in New York’s 27th congressional district, gave a wide-ranging interview to The [...]/p
As Drought Hits Key Crops, Fears of Food Crisis Loom | Common Dreams
As Drought Hits Key Crops, Fears of Food Crisis Loom | Common Dreams
"Fears of a continued heatwave and drought across the US midwest -- which many scientists credit to climate change associated with global warming -- are leading analysts to predict lower yields of corn, soybean, and wheat in the nation's agricultural belt this growing season."
"Fears of a continued heatwave and drought across the US midwest -- which many scientists credit to climate change associated with global warming -- are leading analysts to predict lower yields of corn, soybean, and wheat in the nation's agricultural belt this growing season."
Dozens Of GOP Lawmakers’ Children Eligible To Benefit From Obamacare
Dozens Of GOP Lawmakers’ Children Eligible To Benefit From Obamacare: House Republicans have already set the date for another symbolic vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, despite bipartisan support for some provisions of the law. Despite Republicans’ promises to eliminate Obamacare, the children of several congressional Republicans join the 6.6 million young adults up to age 26 covered through their parents’ health care. According [...]/p
Right Wing Blogosphere Revolts Against Romney Over Mandate
Right Wing Blogosphere Revolts Against Romney Over Mandate: ThinkProgress noted that the GOP leadership can’t seem to make up its mind about whether the individual mandate is a tax (as the Supreme Court says) or not (as lead Romney campaign adviser Eric Fehrnstrom suggested). While the leadership dithers, the base’s backlash against Romney putting down the “it’s a tax” club builds. In National [...]/p
Veterans Group Condemns Rep. Joe Walsh For Attacking Double Amputee’s Military Service, Calls For Resignation
Veterans Group Condemns Rep. Joe Walsh For Attacking Double Amputee’s Military Service, Calls For Resignation: A leading veterans group has denounced Rep. Joe Walsh’s (R-IL) attack on his opponent’s military service, first highlighted by ThinkProgress this morning, and called on the Illinois Republican to resign. At a town hall on Sunday, Walsh blasted his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth, for having the temerity to note that she’s spent two decades serving [...]/p Tea Party Coward, Joe Walsh.
8 Ways America's Headed Back to the Robber-Baron Era | | AlterNet
8 Ways America's Headed Back to the Robber-Baron Era | | AlterNet
"Over the past 40 years, corporations and politicians have rolled back many of the gains made by working and middle-class people over the previous century. We have the highest level of income inequality in 90 years, both private and public sector unions are under a concerted attack, and federal and state governments intend to cut deficits by slashing services to the poor.
"Over the past 40 years, corporations and politicians have rolled back many of the gains made by working and middle-class people over the previous century. We have the highest level of income inequality in 90 years, both private and public sector unions are under a concerted attack, and federal and state governments intend to cut deficits by slashing services to the poor.
We are recreating the Gilded Age, the period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when corporations ruled this nation, buying politicians, using violence against unions, and engaging in open corruption. During the Gilded Age, many Americans lived in stark poverty, in crowded tenement housing, without safe workplaces, and lacked any safety net to help lift them out of hard times."
5 Shady Financial Tactics Employed By Mitt Romney
5 Shady Financial Tactics Employed By Mitt Romney: After significant pressure, Mitt Romney released two years of his tax returns, which showed, among other things, that he pays a lower tax rate than many middle-class families and has employed a Swiss bank account to hold his investments. Today, Vanity Fair ran an expose on Romney’s investments, providing some new details regarding funds that [...]/p
Rep. Joe Walsh Blasts Double Amputee’s Military Service, Says She’s Not A ‘True Hero’
Rep. Joe Walsh Blasts Double Amputee’s Military Service, Says She’s Not A ‘True Hero’: Though he never joined the military himself, Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) disparaged his Democratic opponent’s military service at a town hall on Sunday, saying that she’s not a “true hero.” Walsh is running against Tammy Duckworth, a double amputee who lost both her legs in Iraq when insurgents hit her helicopter with an RPG in [...]/p
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Wall Street Gambling Tax: The Remedy to Inequality | Common Dreams
A Wall Street Gambling Tax: The Remedy to Inequality | Common Dreams
"In short, taxing Wall Street speculation is a great way to raise whatever money might be needed to meet deficit targets. However, because the folks in Washington are so dependent on Wall Street money, it is more likely that they will be looking to target the benefits of people struggling to get by on their $1,100 a month Social Security checks."
"In short, taxing Wall Street speculation is a great way to raise whatever money might be needed to meet deficit targets. However, because the folks in Washington are so dependent on Wall Street money, it is more likely that they will be looking to target the benefits of people struggling to get by on their $1,100 a month Social Security checks."
Will Obama Follow Latin America’s Lead And Decriminalize Petty Drug Possession?
Will Obama Follow Latin America’s Lead And Decriminalize Petty Drug Possession?: Today in GQ, Marc Ambinder reports on Obama’s second-term plans to tackle the War on Drugs. But Colombia may have already jump-started the process. On Friday, Colombia’s Constitutional Court approved a government proposal decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cocaine and marijuana. This reform has been in the works for at least a year, when [...]/p
John Boehner: Republicans won't cover people with pre-existing conditions
John Boehner: Republicans won't cover people with pre-existing conditions
"Remember, for Republicans covering the uninsured "is not the issue," whether that's people who can't afford insurance, or people who have been denied it. No, for Republicans the issue is taking this win away from President Obama. That, and putting insurance companies back in the driver's seat when it comes to your health care."
"Remember, for Republicans covering the uninsured "is not the issue," whether that's people who can't afford insurance, or people who have been denied it. No, for Republicans the issue is taking this win away from President Obama. That, and putting insurance companies back in the driver's seat when it comes to your health care."
Kaiser poll: Majority of voters says it's time to move on from Obamacare fight
Kaiser poll: Majority of voters says it's time to move on from Obamacare fight
"But, a good chunk of Republicans are not behind them. They can't win this election with only Republican votes. Half of independents are saying, "enough already, you lost." As we get further from the ruling and people refocus on the economy and jobs, expect to see growth in the numbers of both independents and Republicans who think it's time to move on."
"But, a good chunk of Republicans are not behind them. They can't win this election with only Republican votes. Half of independents are saying, "enough already, you lost." As we get further from the ruling and people refocus on the economy and jobs, expect to see growth in the numbers of both independents and Republicans who think it's time to move on."
GOP Governors May Turn Down $258 Billion In Obamacare Funds, Leave 9.2 Million Americans Uninsured
GOP Governors May Turn Down $258 Billion In Obamacare Funds, Leave 9.2 Million Americans Uninsured: Despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, Republican governors are considering refusing billions in Medicaid funds which promise to insure millions of lower-income Americans without health care. The Court found that while the Medicaid provision is constitutional, the federal government cannot take away federal funds from states that refuse to [...]/p
Three Controversial Bain Decisions That Happened Before Romney Left
Three Controversial Bain Decisions That Happened Before Romney Left: The Romney campaign has deflected criticism of the former governor’s business record as head of Bain Capital by insisting that he cannot be held responsible for its actions following his departure in February of 1999. However, SEC documents unearthed by Mother Jones directly contradict the campaign’s assertion that Romney broke all ties with Bain after [...]/p
PERRspectives: Mr. Hatch's Hilarious Health Care Hypocrisy
PERRspectives: Mr. Hatch's Hilarious Health Care Hypocrisy
"To put it another way, Republicans like Orrin Hatch aren't worried that Democratic health care reform might fail, but that it will succeed."
"To put it another way, Republicans like Orrin Hatch aren't worried that Democratic health care reform might fail, but that it will succeed."
PERRspectives: GOP Governors Fight to Preserve Dismal Red State Health Care
PERRspectives: GOP Governors Fight to Preserve Dismal Red State Health Care
"Sadly, the Republican governors' answer to the Roberts Court should have been simply, "thank you." After all, in keeping with the practice of red state socialism under which blue state taxpayers pick up the tab for their more conservative brethren, "the federal government would pick up all the costs in the first few years and at least 90 percent of the expenses after that." And as the data show, health care is worst where Republicans poll best."
"Sadly, the Republican governors' answer to the Roberts Court should have been simply, "thank you." After all, in keeping with the practice of red state socialism under which blue state taxpayers pick up the tab for their more conservative brethren, "the federal government would pick up all the costs in the first few years and at least 90 percent of the expenses after that." And as the data show, health care is worst where Republicans poll best."
Sea Level Rise Unstoppable, say Scientists | Common Dreams
Sea Level Rise Unstoppable, say Scientists | Common Dreams
"Even if nations across the globe can agree on effective schemes to mitigate their carbon emissions in significant ways the world's ocean levels will continue to rise far into the future, according to a new scientific study released on Sunday."
"Even if nations across the globe can agree on effective schemes to mitigate their carbon emissions in significant ways the world's ocean levels will continue to rise far into the future, according to a new scientific study released on Sunday."
Forbes Reporter: Lax AZ Gun Laws Prevented ATF From Going After 18 Year Old Who Made $300,000 in Weaponry Purchases
Forbes Reporter: Lax AZ Gun Laws Prevented ATF From Going After 18 Year Old Who Made $300,000 in Weaponry Purchases
"e've had an awful lot of really terrible reporting on the so-called Fast and Furious "scandal," primarily from the right, Fox "News" and right wing hate talk and in the mean time, we also were lucky enough to have some good reporting on the issue, like Cenk here from this week, or Rachel Maddow from this week as well. This Saturday on Chris Hayes' show on MSNBC, we were treated to even more in depth coverage of the issue with this really great interview of Forbes reporter Katherine Eban."
"e've had an awful lot of really terrible reporting on the so-called Fast and Furious "scandal," primarily from the right, Fox "News" and right wing hate talk and in the mean time, we also were lucky enough to have some good reporting on the issue, like Cenk here from this week, or Rachel Maddow from this week as well. This Saturday on Chris Hayes' show on MSNBC, we were treated to even more in depth coverage of the issue with this really great interview of Forbes reporter Katherine Eban."
Top Former Tax Code Enforcer Files Letter Asking IRS To Strip ALEC’s Non-Profit Status
Top Former Tax Code Enforcer Files Letter Asking IRS To Strip ALEC’s Non-Profit Status: The American Legislative Exchange Council, a right-wing group responsible for state voter suppression laws, “stand your ground” laws and other, far right initiatives, is a 501(c)(3) organization — meaning that it does not pay tax and that its donors can deduct any donations they make to the organization from their taxable income. Thus, we the [...]/p
Romney Advisers Reveal Strategy: Ignore Journalists, Pander To Right-Wing Conspriacy Websites
Romney Advisers Reveal Strategy: Ignore Journalists, Pander To Right-Wing Conspriacy Websites: In a stunning interview with Breitbart.com, two top advisers to Mitt Romney revealed the campaign’s plan to largely ignore journalists in favor of right-wing conspiracy websites. From the beginning of the campaign, Romney has pointedly avoided news outlets who might pose tough questions. The press dubbed it “the Mittness Protection Program.” As the campaign wore [...]/p
Death Race 2012 Death Race 2012: GQ on Politics: GQ.com
Death Race 2012 Death Race 2012: GQ on Politics: GQ.com
According to ongoing discussions with Obama aides and associates, if the president wins a second term, he plans to tackle another American war that has so far been successful only in perpetuating more misery: the four decades of The Drug War.
Read More http://www.gq.com/news-politics/blogs/death-race/2012/07/exclusive-in-his-second-term-obama-will-pivot-to-the-drug-war.html#ixzz1zTpiS6y2
According to ongoing discussions with Obama aides and associates, if the president wins a second term, he plans to tackle another American war that has so far been successful only in perpetuating more misery: the four decades of The Drug War.
Read More http://www.gq.com/news-politics/blogs/death-race/2012/07/exclusive-in-his-second-term-obama-will-pivot-to-the-drug-war.html#ixzz1zTpiS6y2
Some Outrageous Facts about Inequality | Common Dreams
Some Outrageous Facts about Inequality | Common Dreams
"Studying inequality in America reveals some facts that are truly hard to believe. Amidst all the absurdity a few stand out."
"Studying inequality in America reveals some facts that are truly hard to believe. Amidst all the absurdity a few stand out."
Top Romney Adviser Breaks With Entire Republican Party: The Individual Mandate Is Not A Tax
Top Romney Adviser Breaks With Entire Republican Party: The Individual Mandate Is Not A Tax: Mitt Romney campaign adviser Eric Fehrnstrom said the governor disagrees with Republicans’ claim that the individual mandate is a “tax,” contradicting the party message since the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had authority to mandate people purchase insurance under the taxing power. “The governor disagreed with the ruling of the Court,” Fehrnstrom said, “he agreed [...]/p
Sunday, July 1, 2012
McConnell Can’t Answer How GOP Will Insure Americans After Repealing ObamaCare: ‘That Is Not The Issue’
McConnell Can’t Answer How GOP Will Insure Americans After Repealing ObamaCare: ‘That Is Not The Issue’: Since the Supreme Court last week upheld the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have been scrambling for a response. Without much to say now that the law has been ruled constitutional, the GOP has fallen back on its pledge to repeal ObamaCare. However, the new health care law provides 30 million Americans with access to health [...]/p
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