America’s Retirement Crisis Grows as Cities Raid Pension and Health Plans | Alternet
"Across America, states, counties and cities are taking steps that will make retirement for ex-public employees much harsher. Courts, politicans and corporations are all working together to chip away at deferred wages: reducing pensions or eliminating promised healthcare, or both. Said simply, they’re looting retirements and pushing people toward poverty."
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
U.S. Will Top Germany In Solar Installation For The First Time In 15 Years
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/10/3042001/us-solar-record-installation/
"By the end of the year, more than 400,000 solar projects will be operating across the U.S. and installations will have grown 27 percent over 2012, with a 52 percent growth rate in the residential sector alone, according to GTM’s forecast."
"By the end of the year, more than 400,000 solar projects will be operating across the U.S. and installations will have grown 27 percent over 2012, with a 52 percent growth rate in the residential sector alone, according to GTM’s forecast."
Sen. Bernie Sanders Continues Fight for Single Payer | Common Dreams
Sen. Bernie Sanders Continues Fight for Single Payer | Common Dreams
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) continued his push for a single-payer system healthcare system on Monday, introducing legislation that he says would allow for better care at lower costs."
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) continued his push for a single-payer system healthcare system on Monday, introducing legislation that he says would allow for better care at lower costs."
18 Cops At Abusive Sheriff’s Department Charged With Brutally Beating Inmates And Jail Visitors
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/10/3042261/lasd-indictment/
"More than a dozen officers at the nation’s largest sheriff’s department were indicted Monday for allegedly widespread abuse of inmates at Los Angeles County jails."
"More than a dozen officers at the nation’s largest sheriff’s department were indicted Monday for allegedly widespread abuse of inmates at Los Angeles County jails."
Robert Reich: American democracy is drowning in big money
Robert Reich: American democracy is drowning in big money
"The former Secretary of Labor on JPMorgan's bribery, and why the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act falls woefully short"
"The former Secretary of Labor on JPMorgan's bribery, and why the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act falls woefully short"
PERRspectives: GM Bailout Produced a Windfall for U.S. Taxpayers
PERRspectives: GM Bailout Produced a Windfall for U.S. Taxpayers
"But thanks to the Bush and Obama administrations, the Upper Midwest did not enter an economic death spiral leading to a permanent depression."
"But thanks to the Bush and Obama administrations, the Upper Midwest did not enter an economic death spiral leading to a permanent depression."
Republican nightmare begins: Obamacare is 'a godsend' for people getting coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/09/1256519/-Republican-nightmare-begins-Obamacare-is-a-godsend-for-people-getting-coverage
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
Monday, December 9, 2013
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Radioactive Fukushima Water Headed for US West Coast | Common Dreams
Radioactive Fukushima Water Headed for US West Coast | Common Dreams
"Radioactive water contaminated by Japan's ravaged Fukushima nuclear plant will soon reach the west coast of the United States, according to Chairwoman of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Allison Macfarlane, Bloomberg reports."
"Radioactive water contaminated by Japan's ravaged Fukushima nuclear plant will soon reach the west coast of the United States, according to Chairwoman of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Allison Macfarlane, Bloomberg reports."
Families Exposed to Camp Lejeune Water At Risk For Birth Defects
Families Exposed to Camp Lejeune Water At Risk For Birth Defects
"Remember this the next time you see a congress critter who "supports the troops" being feted by defense contractors, while the underpaid troops who have to use food stamps live in such hazardous conditions -- with their families"
"Remember this the next time you see a congress critter who "supports the troops" being feted by defense contractors, while the underpaid troops who have to use food stamps live in such hazardous conditions -- with their families"
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
Latest Phony Obamacare ‘Horror Story’ Destroyed By Chris Hayes
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/05/cornelius-kelly-fox-obamacare-baby/
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
FBI searches former Michele Bachmann campaign staffer’s home
www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/04/fbi-searches-former-michele-bachmann-campaign-staffers-home/
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
Secretive Right-Wing Group Continues Its War On Clean Energy
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/05/3022271/alec-solar-clean-energy-freeriders/
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid, Himself To Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/06/santorum-obamacare-mandela-apartheid/
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
The Right Wing’s Campaign To Discredit And Undermine Mandela, In One Timeline
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2013/12/06/3029871/wing-timeline-mandela/
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
Will Local Media Cover ALEC Now That Its Agenda Has Been Exposed?
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/04/will-local-media-cover-alec-now-that-its-agenda/197145
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/06/3030141/rick-santorum-obamacare-mandela/
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
Eric Cantor Calls the Police on Children Who Were Singing In His Office
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/05/eric-cantor-calls-police-children-singing-office.html
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
Republicans feel a need to train their men to talk to women
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/05/1260319/-Republicans-feel-a-need-to-train-their-men-to-talk-to-women
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
Friday, December 6, 2013
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
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