PERRspectives: Medicaid, ER Studies Make Strong Case for Obamacare
"This week, the New England Journal of Medicine published a major study of Medicaid in Oregonwhich has rapidly emerged of a Rorschach test of sorts. That is, partisans on either side of the political divide tend to see what they want to see in its results. While conservatives claim Medicaid expansion has been debunked by numbers showing little change in blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes over two years between those who did and did not gain access to Medicaid, liberals tout findings revealing "Medicaid improved rates of diagnosis of depression, increased the use of preventive services, and improved the financial outlook for enrollees"."
Thursday, May 2, 2013
‘Banana Republic’ In North Carolina: GOP Committee Chair ‘Approves’ Bill To Gut Clean Energy Without Counting Votes
‘Banana Republic’ In North Carolina: GOP Committee Chair ‘Approves’ Bill To Gut Clean Energy Without Counting Votes: The ALEC-sponsored bill to gut North Carolina’s clean energy standard failed last week in one House committee. But as the Charlotte Observer reports, last night it passed a Senate committee over shouted objections to do something most people take for granted in a democracy — counting votes to see which side has more. Over the [...]/p
Kochs Form New Dark Money Group To Hide Political Activities From Public | Alternet
Kochs Form New Dark Money Group To Hide Political Activities From Public | Alternet
"The right-wing network funded by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers is being revamped after the 2012 elections, starting with a new nonprofit called the "Association for American Innovation" that will act as a hub for funneling undisclosed spending towards the Kochs' political projects."
"The right-wing network funded by the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers is being revamped after the 2012 elections, starting with a new nonprofit called the "Association for American Innovation" that will act as a hub for funneling undisclosed spending towards the Kochs' political projects."
GOP Senator: I Voted Against Equal Pay For Women Because We Have Enough Laws
GOP Senator: I Voted Against Equal Pay For Women Because We Have Enough Laws: WARREN, NH — Women in full-time year-round jobs earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Yet, at a town hall earlier this week, Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) claimed that Congress has done enough to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work. Indeed, she justified her vote against legislation intended to [...]/p
New Hampshire Legislator Claims Boston Bombing Was An Inside Job Because Victim Looked Calm
New Hampshire Legislator Claims Boston Bombing Was An Inside Job Because Victim Looked Calm: Several days after suggesting the Boston Bombing was perpetrated by the U.S. government, New Hampshire State Rep. Stella Tremblay (R-NH) doubled down on the claim Tuesday. In an interview on the radio show of anti-government conspiracy theorist Pete Santilli, Tremblay opined that since photos of a victim who lost his legs did not appear to [...]/p
'Special Kind Of Propaganda' At Bush Library
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Illinois Ranks As Worst Rogue Coal State: Strip Mine Permit To Serial Violator Stuns Residents | Alternet
Illinois Ranks As Worst Rogue Coal State: Strip Mine Permit To Serial Violator Stuns Residents | Alternet
"With state coal production soaring against national trends, Illinois cemented its reputation as the worst rogue state for coal operations last Friday, when the rubber-stamping operations of the state's EPA issued a pollutant discharge permit to a company already cited by the state for over 600 toxic discharge violations at its central Illinois non-union strip mine.
"With state coal production soaring against national trends, Illinois cemented its reputation as the worst rogue state for coal operations last Friday, when the rubber-stamping operations of the state's EPA issued a pollutant discharge permit to a company already cited by the state for over 600 toxic discharge violations at its central Illinois non-union strip mine.
Translation: Imagine the Department of Motor Vehicles renewing the driver's license of a toxic-laden truck driver with 600 DUI's."
Bush Spins Iraq Decision In Library Exhibit
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6 Insidious Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off, and How to Fight Back | Alternet
6 Insidious Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off, and How to Fight Back | Alternet
"In the wake of the financial crisis, there was a moment of hope that predatory businesses would no longer be able to pick at our bones like vultures. Instead, we've seen Dodd-Frank weakened and stalled, and the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stymied at every turn. In the latest round, Republicans are thwarting the confirmation of Richard Cordray to lead the Bureau. Meanwhile, we continue to get fleeced. Here are a few egregious scams to watch out for, along with ways to protect yourself."
"In the wake of the financial crisis, there was a moment of hope that predatory businesses would no longer be able to pick at our bones like vultures. Instead, we've seen Dodd-Frank weakened and stalled, and the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stymied at every turn. In the latest round, Republicans are thwarting the confirmation of Richard Cordray to lead the Bureau. Meanwhile, we continue to get fleeced. Here are a few egregious scams to watch out for, along with ways to protect yourself."
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sequester Forces Clinics To Turn Away Cancer Patients
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'Devout Christian' Army Officer and His Wife Charged With Horrific Child Abuse
'Devout Christian' Army Officer and His Wife Charged With Horrific Child Abuse
"Federal authorities have charged an Army major and his wife with abusing their adopted and foster children through beatings, breaking their bones, failing to get them medical help, depriving them of drinking water and training their biological kids to take part in the mistreatment."
"Federal authorities have charged an Army major and his wife with abusing their adopted and foster children through beatings, breaking their bones, failing to get them medical help, depriving them of drinking water and training their biological kids to take part in the mistreatment."
Banks on the Run and the Homeowners Underwater | Common Dreams
Banks on the Run and the Homeowners Underwater | Common Dreams
"Wells Fargo made $19 billion in profits last year and record profits last quarter. None of this would have been possible without the bank bailout and continued borrowing of taxpayer money at zero percent interest from the Federal Reserve (which Wells Fargo and the other big banks then turn around and loan to state and local governments at much higher rates)."
"Wells Fargo made $19 billion in profits last year and record profits last quarter. None of this would have been possible without the bank bailout and continued borrowing of taxpayer money at zero percent interest from the Federal Reserve (which Wells Fargo and the other big banks then turn around and loan to state and local governments at much higher rates)."
STUDY: Medicaid Provides Better Insurance Than Private Coverage And Medicare
STUDY: Medicaid Provides Better Insurance Than Private Coverage And Medicare: Medicaid gets a bad rap from a lot of conservatives for poor access to health care and poor health outcomes. It’s one of the main arguments in favor of schemes to cut Medicaid funding and block grant it to the states, on the grounds it will promote efficiency and innovation in the program. But a [...]/p
GOP Uses Picture Of Obama Consoling A Newtown Victim To Gloat About Obama’s ‘Defeats’
GOP Uses Picture Of Obama Consoling A Newtown Victim To Gloat About Obama’s ‘Defeats’: Earlier today, the Republican National Committee released a one minute video gloating that President Obama has experienced a “string of defeats” during the first 100 days of his second term. Of course, the reason for these “defeats” is that the GOP retains the power to unilaterally block progress in the Senate through filibusters, and they [...]/p
Man Angry Over Boston Bombings Breaks Jaw of 'F*cking Muslim' Iraq War Veteran
Man Angry Over Boston Bombings Breaks Jaw of 'F*cking Muslim' Iraq War Veteran
"Salim is a naturalized U.S. citizen and is an Army Reserve sergeant who has worked in intelligence and as a linguist. He served in Iraq and at the Guantanamo Bay detention center."
"Salim is a naturalized U.S. citizen and is an Army Reserve sergeant who has worked in intelligence and as a linguist. He served in Iraq and at the Guantanamo Bay detention center."
On May Day, Four Ways Immigrants Are Changing The American Workforce
On May Day, Four Ways Immigrants Are Changing The American Workforce: May Day has become synonymous with the international labor movement, and on Wednesday, immigrants gathered across the country to push for immigration reform and celebrate their participation in the economy. Tens of thousands of people came out to celebrate in cities like San Francisco, New York, and even Bozeman, Montana. Here’s a look at how [...]/p
Another Government Is Necessary: The People Can Rule Better Than the Elites
Another Government Is Necessary: The People Can Rule Better Than the Elites
"More people are taking action in their communities to meet their basic needs because of government corruption at all levels that protects the status quo when urgent change is needed. People are moving on many fronts to challenge the system and create the world they want to see."
"More people are taking action in their communities to meet their basic needs because of government corruption at all levels that protects the status quo when urgent change is needed. People are moving on many fronts to challenge the system and create the world they want to see."
GOP Rep Justifies U.S. Military Intervention In Syria: ‘So Much Of Christianity Is There’
GOP Rep Justifies U.S. Military Intervention In Syria: ‘So Much Of Christianity Is There’: A Republican congressman said last week that any potential U.S. military intervention in the Syrian civil war would be justified, in part, to protect Syria’s Christian population and preserve the region’s Christian roots. According to Defense News, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) told reporters after a classified briefing on Syria that he favors military intervention in [...]/p
Report: Toxic Chemicals Found in Thousands of Children's Products | Common Dreams
Report: Toxic Chemicals Found in Thousands of Children's Products | Common Dreams
"Walmart alone reported a total of 459 instances of products containing chemicals including arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and mercury."
"Walmart alone reported a total of 459 instances of products containing chemicals including arsenic, cadmium, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and mercury."
As Obama Nominates Key Regulator, Misinformation About Cause Of Housing Crisis Spreads
As Obama Nominates Key Regulator, Misinformation About Cause Of Housing Crisis Spreads: Today, President Obama announced that he will nominate Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) to be the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the agency that regulates housing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As a veteran of the House Financial Services committee, Watt is qualified to lead the agency. Among his accomplishments on the [...]/p
ALEC Covering Tracks in Advance of Oklahoma Meeting
ALEC Covering Tracks in Advance of Oklahoma Meeting
"Despite ALEC trying to spin itself as a "transparent" organization, ALEC records have miraculously been disappearing from legislative offices and the organization is engaged in a box drop dodge to avoid disclosure. But while ALEC legislators are meeting behind closed doors with corporate lobbyists, citizens will be rallying in the streets raising awareness about how ALEC’s agenda favors large corporations at the expense of average Americans."
"Despite ALEC trying to spin itself as a "transparent" organization, ALEC records have miraculously been disappearing from legislative offices and the organization is engaged in a box drop dodge to avoid disclosure. But while ALEC legislators are meeting behind closed doors with corporate lobbyists, citizens will be rallying in the streets raising awareness about how ALEC’s agenda favors large corporations at the expense of average Americans."
House Finance Chair Goes on Ski Vacation with Wall Street
House Finance Chair Goes on Ski Vacation with Wall Street
"Donors working in various financial industries are Hensarling's biggest supporters, giving him over $1 million in the last election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The congressman's office did not respond to requests for comment."
"Donors working in various financial industries are Hensarling's biggest supporters, giving him over $1 million in the last election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. The congressman's office did not respond to requests for comment."
May 1 News: North Carolina Legislators Still Trying To Gut Clean Energy Laws
May 1 News: North Carolina Legislators Still Trying To Gut Clean Energy Laws: The North Carolina bill trying to repeal the state’s successful clean energy standard that died in the sponsor’s committee is back from the dead. [News & Observer] Meet the bill with nine lives – and twice as many votes cast against it. Lawmakers on Wednesday could once again attempt to end a state renewables policy [...]/p
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled | Alternet
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled | Alternet
"One such service that may be cut is transporting seniors to the community center, as Meals on Wheels takes precedence. Without it, elderly clients “will go without food,” she said. “This will impact their health. It will impact their quality of life"."
"One such service that may be cut is transporting seniors to the community center, as Meals on Wheels takes precedence. Without it, elderly clients “will go without food,” she said. “This will impact their health. It will impact their quality of life"."
Republican Claims People ‘Want To See More Sequestration, Not Less’
Republican Claims People ‘Want To See More Sequestration, Not Less’: While Congress scrambled to undo sequestration cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration last week after receiving complaints from frustrated travelers, one Republican is shrugging off the impact of the across-the-board cuts in his state: Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) said this week that most people that he’s spoken with in his district support the sequester and [...]/p
Rand Paul Rewrites Himself And His Father
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PERRspectives: Republican Bills Declare Numbers, Science Enemy Combatants
PERRspectives: Republican Bills Declare Numbers, Science Enemy Combatants
"But while climate change denier Lamar Smith wants the GOP to intervene in scientific research, his Republican colleague from South Carolina wants the U.S. Census Business out of the business of measuring the American economy"
"But while climate change denier Lamar Smith wants the GOP to intervene in scientific research, his Republican colleague from South Carolina wants the U.S. Census Business out of the business of measuring the American economy"
Pope Francis Condemns Austerity And Calls For Job Creation
Pope Francis Condemns Austerity And Calls For Job Creation: In his weekly general address in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday — which is also the labor holiday May Day — Pope Francis condemned putting profits ahead of human suffering and called for job creation: “And here I think of the difficulties that, in various countries, today afflict the world of work and [...]/p
Five Conspiracy Theories 2016 Hopeful Ted Cruz Actually Believes
Five Conspiracy Theories 2016 Hopeful Ted Cruz Actually Believes: This morning, the National Review broke the news that tea party Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is considering a presidential run, a scoop that should surprise no one who’s paid attention to his short Senate career. As Jonathan Bernstein explains, Cruz has spent his few months in the Senate alienating his colleagues by constantly trying to [...]/p
Ohio Republicans Want To Punish Colleges That Enable Students To Vote
Ohio Republicans Want To Punish Colleges That Enable Students To Vote: In 1979, the Supreme Court affirmed a decision holding that state cannot place unique burdens on college student votes that do not apply to other members of the electorate. Nevertheless, Ohio Republicans now want to punish state universities that encourage students to cast a ballot. Under a budget amendment filed by Republicans in the Ohio [...]/p
'The Gilded Age' Statistics Corporations Don't Want Workers, or Anyone, to See | Common Dreams
'The Gilded Age' Statistics Corporations Don't Want Workers, or Anyone, to See | Common Dreams
"If there's one thing about what many are calling the "The New Gilded Age," it's that well-known corporations—not to mention less well-known, but extremely powerful ones—will fight extremely hard to keep secret just how lopsided the economic disparities have become in recent decades between low-paid workers in the society and the executive and ruling class that have reaped the words of a globalized, top-heavy economy."
"If there's one thing about what many are calling the "The New Gilded Age," it's that well-known corporations—not to mention less well-known, but extremely powerful ones—will fight extremely hard to keep secret just how lopsided the economic disparities have become in recent decades between low-paid workers in the society and the executive and ruling class that have reaped the words of a globalized, top-heavy economy."
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled
Budget Cuts Devastate Meals On Wheels: Enrollment Slashed, Services Cancelled: Congress recently passed a bill to undo furloughs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) caused by sequestration, but it left cuts to many other programs intact, including Meals on Wheels. The program brings hot meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities, thus providing them with nutrition and helping many of them live independently. Directors [...]/p
Dangerous targets: Why setting a specific deficit reduction target would worsen the economic and fiscal situation | Economic Policy Institute
Dangerous targets: Why setting a specific deficit reduction target would worsen the economic and fiscal situation | Economic Policy Institute
"In the near term, we should at least stop harming the economic recovery through fiscal contraction; more concretely, the sequester should be repealed, even if no offsets can be found. In the long term we should preserve public investment and concentrate efforts on the real driver of deficits: too-fast growth of per capita health costs driven by our private health care system."
"In the near term, we should at least stop harming the economic recovery through fiscal contraction; more concretely, the sequester should be repealed, even if no offsets can be found. In the long term we should preserve public investment and concentrate efforts on the real driver of deficits: too-fast growth of per capita health costs driven by our private health care system."
North Carolina Turning Into A Right-Wing Dystopia
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Irish Banks Were Bailed Out To Make Bill Gates Whole
Irish Banks Were Bailed Out To Make Bill Gates Whole
"The math goes like this: Bank bailouts = billionaires made whole at the expense of working people. Corporate profit increases = billionaires made richer at the expense of working people.
"The math goes like this: Bank bailouts = billionaires made whole at the expense of working people. Corporate profit increases = billionaires made richer at the expense of working people.
The next time you hear something about the Gates Foundation's benevolence, remember that math."
Conspiracy Theories Reach The Halls Of Congress
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Theft is Legal for Big Banks- and Your Money Will Never Be Safe | Alternet
Theft is Legal for Big Banks- and Your Money Will Never Be Safe | Alternet
"The new rules for keeping the too-big-to-fail banks alive: use creditor funds, including uninsured deposits, to recapitalize failing banks.
"The new rules for keeping the too-big-to-fail banks alive: use creditor funds, including uninsured deposits, to recapitalize failing banks.
But isn’t that theft? Perhaps, but it’s legal theft."
Top GOP Congressman Takes Wall Streeters On Ski Vacation
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6 Horrifying Facts Every American Should Know About Guantanamo Bay and the Ongoing Hunger Strike | Alternet
6 Horrifying Facts Every American Should Know About Guantanamo Bay and the Ongoing Hunger Strike | Alternet
"As the hunger strike grows, the U.S. is sending more medical personnel to help force-feed the prisoners. Here are some of the facts you should know about the protest and the prison camp."
"As the hunger strike grows, the U.S. is sending more medical personnel to help force-feed the prisoners. Here are some of the facts you should know about the protest and the prison camp."
Obama Blasts Congressional Inaction On Guantanamo Hunger Strike
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