It's Time We Start Discussing the Real Issue with Donald Trump That's Too Often Ignored
"Not only is basically everything Trump says a lie – even most of his go-to talking points – but he’s utterly clueless about how our government works."
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
David Duke Hails Donald Trump For Thwarting The 'Jewish Supremacists Who Control Our Country'
David Duke Hails Donald Trump For Thwarting The 'Jewish Supremacists Who Control Our Country':
"Duke urged listeners to “make sure that Trump understands that we expect him to follow through on these things and we expect him to be our White Knight, our advocate and our person"."
"Duke urged listeners to “make sure that Trump understands that we expect him to follow through on these things and we expect him to be our White Knight, our advocate and our person"."
'King Of Debt' Trump Suggests He'd Default On National Debt
'King Of Debt' Trump Suggests He'd Default On National Debt
"Combine Trump's fecklessness on this question with the screaming masses of uneducated Tea Partiers who were ready to default on the national debt over the Affordable Care Act, tax cuts, and whether a Democrat said something mean to them. Does it take much to imagine a President Trump blowing up the entire global economy right alongside our own country? Not so much. He is a dangerous, feckless, man who has no business being within 10 miles of the White House, much less inside it."
"Combine Trump's fecklessness on this question with the screaming masses of uneducated Tea Partiers who were ready to default on the national debt over the Affordable Care Act, tax cuts, and whether a Democrat said something mean to them. Does it take much to imagine a President Trump blowing up the entire global economy right alongside our own country? Not so much. He is a dangerous, feckless, man who has no business being within 10 miles of the White House, much less inside it."
Donald Trump Is Just Asking The Question: How The GOP Presidential Candidate Spreads His Conspiracy Theories
Donald Trump Is Just Asking The Question: How The GOP Presidential Candidate Spreads His Conspiracy Theories:
"A favorite tool of Republican politicians and far-right pundits like Glenn Beck, Alex Jones, Michael Savage, Bryan Fischer and others is to float wild conspiracy theories with the qualifier that they are “just asking the question.” Take the outlet WorldNetDaily, which regularly runs stories with headlines like, “Is This A ‘Demon’ Racing In Front Of Obama?,” “Will Obama Build A Death Star Next?” and “‘Manchurian President’ Ushering In Islamic Caliphate?” At Fox News, anchors often push personal theories by prefacing their remarks with the line, “some people say,” in order not to take any responsibility for their outlandish claims. Fox host Andrea Tantaros, for example, said of Obama last month, “Some people are asking the question, is he covering for ISIS?” Donald Trump has taken to using the same lines in order to defend his own conspiracy theories."
"A favorite tool of Republican politicians and far-right pundits like Glenn Beck, Alex Jones, Michael Savage, Bryan Fischer and others is to float wild conspiracy theories with the qualifier that they are “just asking the question.” Take the outlet WorldNetDaily, which regularly runs stories with headlines like, “Is This A ‘Demon’ Racing In Front Of Obama?,” “Will Obama Build A Death Star Next?” and “‘Manchurian President’ Ushering In Islamic Caliphate?” At Fox News, anchors often push personal theories by prefacing their remarks with the line, “some people say,” in order not to take any responsibility for their outlandish claims. Fox host Andrea Tantaros, for example, said of Obama last month, “Some people are asking the question, is he covering for ISIS?” Donald Trump has taken to using the same lines in order to defend his own conspiracy theories."
Paul Ryan: Let's Bring Back Pre-Existing Conditions
Paul Ryan: Let's Bring Back Pre-Existing Conditions
"Paul Ryan is not working for his constituents, and neither are many of his cohorts in Congress. They are working to increase the profit margins of health insurance companies, period. Speaker Ryan wants to remove the provision of the president's signature health care legislation that prevents insurance companies from denying care to those with pre-existing conditions."
"Paul Ryan is not working for his constituents, and neither are many of his cohorts in Congress. They are working to increase the profit margins of health insurance companies, period. Speaker Ryan wants to remove the provision of the president's signature health care legislation that prevents insurance companies from denying care to those with pre-existing conditions."
President Trump Promises Debt, Default And Depression
President Trump Promises Debt, Default And Depression
"To put it another way, putting Donald Trump in the White House wouldn't "Make America Great Again." It would create a self-fulfilling economic cataclysm so horrific that Americans could only dream of a "major recession" under President Trump."
"To put it another way, putting Donald Trump in the White House wouldn't "Make America Great Again." It would create a self-fulfilling economic cataclysm so horrific that Americans could only dream of a "major recession" under President Trump."
Donald Trump’s bankruptcy dodge: This is how lawyers and regulators helped him fudge solvency and avoid collapse
Donald Trump’s bankruptcy dodge: This is how lawyers and regulators helped him fudge solvency and avoid collapse
"Today Trump shrugs off the four bankruptcies, saying it’s a standard business tactic to restructure debt. But back in 1990 he was as afraid of that word as he is today of taking another tough question from Hugh Hewitt or Megyn Kelly. And but for government saving Trump by taking his side against his bankers, his business would have been tied up in years of litigation and we almost certainly would not be imagining the prospect of Donald Trump living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Because Trump would have been sunk beneath a sea of red ink."
"Today Trump shrugs off the four bankruptcies, saying it’s a standard business tactic to restructure debt. But back in 1990 he was as afraid of that word as he is today of taking another tough question from Hugh Hewitt or Megyn Kelly. And but for government saving Trump by taking his side against his bankers, his business would have been tied up in years of litigation and we almost certainly would not be imagining the prospect of Donald Trump living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Because Trump would have been sunk beneath a sea of red ink."
Trump Makes Pals With European Politicians Who Flirt With Fascism @alternet
Trump Makes Pals With European Politicians Who Flirt With Fascism @alternet:
"With Trump likely to seize the Republican nomination, his endorsements from far-right groups in both Europe and the United States (Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke) will alienate him with voters in the general election."
"With Trump likely to seize the Republican nomination, his endorsements from far-right groups in both Europe and the United States (Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke) will alienate him with voters in the general election."
Longest-Serving GOP Speaker In History Is A Liar And Serial Child Molester, Federal Judge Says
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/04/27/3773192/judge-calls-hastert-liar-serial-molester/
"Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert was sentenced in federal court today to 15 months in prison and a $250,000 fine, in addition to two years of supervised release, on the condition that he get treatment as a sex offender."
"Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert was sentenced in federal court today to 15 months in prison and a $250,000 fine, in addition to two years of supervised release, on the condition that he get treatment as a sex offender."
Racist Trump Supporter Arrested For Threats Against Obama Had Pipe Bombs, Weapons
Racist Trump Supporter Arrested For Threats Against Obama Had Pipe Bombs, Weapons
"A racist, fed-hating Trump supporter was arrested by the FBI and charged in connection with threats he made on social media threatening President Obama. At the time of his arrest, John Martin Roos had several pipe bombs, an assault-style weapon, and a stockpile of various other weapons."
"A racist, fed-hating Trump supporter was arrested by the FBI and charged in connection with threats he made on social media threatening President Obama. At the time of his arrest, John Martin Roos had several pipe bombs, an assault-style weapon, and a stockpile of various other weapons."
Republicans rush to defend Dennis Hastert, plead court for leniency in alleged pedophile hush money case
Republicans rush to defend Dennis Hastert, plead court for leniency in alleged pedophile hush money case
"In addition to DeLay, Hastert’s former Republican colleagues Reps. Thomas Ewing, David Dreier, Porter Goss and John Doolittle also petitioned the court on his behalf."
"In addition to DeLay, Hastert’s former Republican colleagues Reps. Thomas Ewing, David Dreier, Porter Goss and John Doolittle also petitioned the court on his behalf."
They dumbed down conservatism: How extreme right-wing market fundamentalism captured the GOP — and endangered the environment
They dumbed down conservatism: How extreme right-wing market fundamentalism captured the GOP — and endangered the environment
"These three major planks of what many call “market fundamentalism” share the same essential flaw: they take old conservative ideas and dumb them down by stripping them of all subtlety and nuance, in the process perverting their meaning to something completely at odds with the traditions of principled conservatism."
"These three major planks of what many call “market fundamentalism” share the same essential flaw: they take old conservative ideas and dumb them down by stripping them of all subtlety and nuance, in the process perverting their meaning to something completely at odds with the traditions of principled conservatism."
A Comprehensive Guide To Trump Ally Roger Stone, A Racist, Sexist, Conspiracy Theorist
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/05/09/comprehensive-guide-trump-ally-roger-stone-racist-sexist-conspiracy-theorist/210303
"Stone has a decades-long history of political dirty tricks, and he regularly spouts violent, racist, and sexist rhetoric"
"Stone has a decades-long history of political dirty tricks, and he regularly spouts violent, racist, and sexist rhetoric"
Trump's Team: The Bigoted, Unhinged Conspiracy Theorists Benefiting From Donald Trump's Campaign
Trump's Team: The Bigoted, Unhinged Conspiracy Theorists Benefiting From Donald Trump's Campaign:
"Donald Trump’s obsession with conspiracy theories didn’t emerge from a vacuum. Before the GOP presidential frontrunner started winning the backing of Republican leaders, he assembled a team of ardent right-wing conspiracy theorists whose bigoted and bizarre beliefs once put them decidedly on the fringe of American politics."
"Donald Trump’s obsession with conspiracy theories didn’t emerge from a vacuum. Before the GOP presidential frontrunner started winning the backing of Republican leaders, he assembled a team of ardent right-wing conspiracy theorists whose bigoted and bizarre beliefs once put them decidedly on the fringe of American politics."
Kochs' Americans for Prosperity, Club for Growth, Shell out to Rescue Ron Johnson
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/04/13086/kochs-americans-prosperity-club-growth-wi-shell-save-ron-johnson
"With an empty seat at the U.S. Supreme Court and public pressure mounting to overturn the Court's Citizens United decision, which open the door to unlimited spending by nominally "independent" Super PACs and dark money nonprofits, the stakes could not be higher for the Kochs and their cronies who have worked for decades to undermine disclosure rules and limits on political spending."
"With an empty seat at the U.S. Supreme Court and public pressure mounting to overturn the Court's Citizens United decision, which open the door to unlimited spending by nominally "independent" Super PACs and dark money nonprofits, the stakes could not be higher for the Kochs and their cronies who have worked for decades to undermine disclosure rules and limits on political spending."
A Citizen’s Guide to Combating Election Propaganda: Debunking Minimum Wage Myths @alternet
A Citizen’s Guide to Combating Election Propaganda: Debunking Minimum Wage Myths @alternet:
"Fortunately, much research has been done in recent years suggesting that the standard reactionary arguments against the minimum wage are either exaggerated or wholly inaccurate."
"Fortunately, much research has been done in recent years suggesting that the standard reactionary arguments against the minimum wage are either exaggerated or wholly inaccurate."
Conservatives Were Stunningly Wrong About Obamacare, New Report Finds
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/04/18/conservatives-were-stunningly-wrong-about-obamacare-new-report-finds/209966
"A New York Times analysis found “historic increases” in those covered by the Affordable Care Act, destroying right-wing media predictions about health care reform including that it would “topple the stock market” and enslave Americans. The Times analysis is just one of many pieces of research that have highlighted the successes of the Affordable Care Act."
"A New York Times analysis found “historic increases” in those covered by the Affordable Care Act, destroying right-wing media predictions about health care reform including that it would “topple the stock market” and enslave Americans. The Times analysis is just one of many pieces of research that have highlighted the successes of the Affordable Care Act."
PERRspectives: 10 Things the GOP Doesn't Want You to Know for Tax Day
PERRspectives: 10 Things the GOP Doesn't Want You to Know for Tax Day
"The history of the Reagan and Bush years belie Arthur Laffer's supply-side fantasy."
"The history of the Reagan and Bush years belie Arthur Laffer's supply-side fantasy."
Wealthy Americans created the conditions that gave rise to 2016’s rage-filled campaigns
Wealthy Americans created the conditions that gave rise to 2016’s rage-filled campaigns
"Republicans routinely condemn such rhetoric as the reckless promotion of “class warfare” by irresponsible populists, but the reality is class conflict is a two-way street.."
"Republicans routinely condemn such rhetoric as the reckless promotion of “class warfare” by irresponsible populists, but the reality is class conflict is a two-way street.."
Trump’s Adviser Lobbied For Pakistani Group That Killed 7 CIA Officers In Afghanistan Attack
http://occupydemocrats.com/2016/04/18/trumps-adviser-lobbied-pakistani-group-killed-7-cia-officers-afghanistan-attack/
"Their clients included the Kashmiri American Council, a US-based “nonprofit” purportedly advocating for peace in the contested area between India and Pakistan but was actually a front for the notorious Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the military’s secret service and spy agency that created the Taliban and al-Qaeda during the 1980s and is deeply connected to them still to this day – even as their Western “allies” spend billions of dollars and thousands of lives fighting the group on the ground."
"Their clients included the Kashmiri American Council, a US-based “nonprofit” purportedly advocating for peace in the contested area between India and Pakistan but was actually a front for the notorious Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the military’s secret service and spy agency that created the Taliban and al-Qaeda during the 1980s and is deeply connected to them still to this day – even as their Western “allies” spend billions of dollars and thousands of lives fighting the group on the ground."
FDIC, Fed Rulings Could See Five "Too-Big-to-Fail" Wall Street Firms Broken Up by 2018
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35620-fdic-fed-rulings-could-see-five-too-big-to-fail-wall-street-firms-broken-up-by-2018
"When Dodd-Frank financial reform was passed in 2010, Congress created an inter-agency body called the Federal Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and gave it the power to declare certain banks, investment firms and insurance companies "SIFI" -- systemically-important financial institutions. The law concurrently forced outfits slapped with the SIFI-label to formulate living wills; to minimize the possibility of 2008-style market failure and publicly-funded bailouts, in the event of financial instability. "Each plan ... must describe the company's strategy for rapid and orderly resolution under bankruptcy in the event of material financial distress or failure of the company," the Fed noted Wednesday. The eight banks whose living wills were assessed on Monday are the only SIFIs based in the United States. The Fed and FDIC are still assessing plans being written by four foreign SIFIs: Barclays PLC, Credit Suisse Group, Deutsche Bank AG, and UBS."
"When Dodd-Frank financial reform was passed in 2010, Congress created an inter-agency body called the Federal Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and gave it the power to declare certain banks, investment firms and insurance companies "SIFI" -- systemically-important financial institutions. The law concurrently forced outfits slapped with the SIFI-label to formulate living wills; to minimize the possibility of 2008-style market failure and publicly-funded bailouts, in the event of financial instability. "Each plan ... must describe the company's strategy for rapid and orderly resolution under bankruptcy in the event of material financial distress or failure of the company," the Fed noted Wednesday. The eight banks whose living wills were assessed on Monday are the only SIFIs based in the United States. The Fed and FDIC are still assessing plans being written by four foreign SIFIs: Barclays PLC, Credit Suisse Group, Deutsche Bank AG, and UBS."
Dear Republicans: Like it or Not, George W. Bush is the Reason Your Party is Destroying Itself
Dear Republicans: Like it or Not, George W. Bush is the Reason Your Party is Destroying Itself
"The moment Bush left office, the GOP instantly embraced the tea party “movement” as a way to try to repair its image from the damage the previous eight years had done. It was their way to try to “reinvent” themselves as a “true conservative party for the people.” Though the tea party was never a “new” movement. The only thing the tea party has ever been is a voice for the racists, the bigots and the crazies who’ve been slowly gaining control over the GOP for decades. With the emergence of the tea party, these bottom-feeders finally had a voice in Washington. And because Republicans were so desperate to do anything to cleanse themselves of the horrible eight years of George W. Bush, they blindly embraced the very monster that was always destined to destroy them."
"The moment Bush left office, the GOP instantly embraced the tea party “movement” as a way to try to repair its image from the damage the previous eight years had done. It was their way to try to “reinvent” themselves as a “true conservative party for the people.” Though the tea party was never a “new” movement. The only thing the tea party has ever been is a voice for the racists, the bigots and the crazies who’ve been slowly gaining control over the GOP for decades. With the emergence of the tea party, these bottom-feeders finally had a voice in Washington. And because Republicans were so desperate to do anything to cleanse themselves of the horrible eight years of George W. Bush, they blindly embraced the very monster that was always destined to destroy them."
Trump Effect: Here are 9 utterly depressing stories teachers tell about Trump’s horrible effect on kids
Trump Effect: Here are 9 utterly depressing stories teachers tell about Trump’s horrible effect on kids
"At the same time, “Teachers have noted an increase in bullying, harassment and intimidation of students whose races, religions or nationalities have been the verbal targets of candidates on the campaign trail"."
"At the same time, “Teachers have noted an increase in bullying, harassment and intimidation of students whose races, religions or nationalities have been the verbal targets of candidates on the campaign trail"."
Tennessee tourism parody ad hilariously exposes the absurdity of state’s new anti-gay stance
Tennessee tourism parody ad hilariously exposes the absurdity of state’s new anti-gay stance
"It’s one of a number of anti-gay bills that have been sweeping the South recently, in states including North Carolina and Mississippi."
"It’s one of a number of anti-gay bills that have been sweeping the South recently, in states including North Carolina and Mississippi."
The South’s new re-segregation plan: The Koch brothers, ALEC and the sneaky scheme to undo Brown v Board of Education
The South’s new re-segregation plan: The Koch brothers, ALEC and the sneaky scheme to undo Brown v Board of Education
"Other states, such as Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, Louisiana, Florida and Maryland, have endorsed voucher plans (which are never called vouchers but some euphemism, like “opportunity scholarships.) The irony is that their state constitutions explicitly prohibits the diversion of public school funds to religious schools, yet legislators proclaim their fealty to constitutional principles even as they pass laws to send public money to religious schools. Vouchers for children with disabilities is the camel’s nose under the tent, to get the movement started. It is a measure supported by ALEC (the American Legislative Exchange Council), the Koch-funded advocacy group for privatization and deregulation. The rise of vouchers is not a response to popular demand. Vouchers have been put to voters in several states, and every time they have been soundly defeated, even in red state Utah. The revival of the voucher movement is nothing more than ideology and politics taking charge of schooling. School choice is not the “civil rights issue of our time,” as its proponents claim; it is the predictable way to roll back civil rights in our time. After 25 years of experimentation with charters and vouchers, we know that they do not get better results than public schools unless they choose their students and kick out the ones who don’t have high test scores and don’t adhere to strict requirements for obedience. Charters and vouchers drain money from public schools, which still educate the vast majority of children. Once school choice gets rooted in a state, the subject consumes all the energy of legislators. It is as if the 90 percent who attend real public schools became invisible. Despite the absence of any advantages and the presence of scandals, frauds, and discrimination, more and more states are falling victim to the false promise of “school choice"."
"Other states, such as Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, Louisiana, Florida and Maryland, have endorsed voucher plans (which are never called vouchers but some euphemism, like “opportunity scholarships.) The irony is that their state constitutions explicitly prohibits the diversion of public school funds to religious schools, yet legislators proclaim their fealty to constitutional principles even as they pass laws to send public money to religious schools. Vouchers for children with disabilities is the camel’s nose under the tent, to get the movement started. It is a measure supported by ALEC (the American Legislative Exchange Council), the Koch-funded advocacy group for privatization and deregulation. The rise of vouchers is not a response to popular demand. Vouchers have been put to voters in several states, and every time they have been soundly defeated, even in red state Utah. The revival of the voucher movement is nothing more than ideology and politics taking charge of schooling. School choice is not the “civil rights issue of our time,” as its proponents claim; it is the predictable way to roll back civil rights in our time. After 25 years of experimentation with charters and vouchers, we know that they do not get better results than public schools unless they choose their students and kick out the ones who don’t have high test scores and don’t adhere to strict requirements for obedience. Charters and vouchers drain money from public schools, which still educate the vast majority of children. Once school choice gets rooted in a state, the subject consumes all the energy of legislators. It is as if the 90 percent who attend real public schools became invisible. Despite the absence of any advantages and the presence of scandals, frauds, and discrimination, more and more states are falling victim to the false promise of “school choice"."
The Secret Origins of the Tea Party
http://time.com/secret-origins-of-the-tea-party/
"They proposed an unholy alliance—Philip Morris money commingled with Koch money to create anti-tax front groups in a handful of states that would battle any tax that moved. It would make no difference what kind of tax—the front groups could battle cigarette excise taxes in the Northeast and refined-oil fees at the coasts. Any tax, for any purpose, was bad—and these front groups would tackle them all, with Philip Morris and the Kochs behind them."
"They proposed an unholy alliance—Philip Morris money commingled with Koch money to create anti-tax front groups in a handful of states that would battle any tax that moved. It would make no difference what kind of tax—the front groups could battle cigarette excise taxes in the Northeast and refined-oil fees at the coasts. Any tax, for any purpose, was bad—and these front groups would tackle them all, with Philip Morris and the Kochs behind them."
Sam Brownback declares war on Kansas: This is how extremists gut a state — and democracy
Sam Brownback declares war on Kansas: This is how extremists gut a state — and democracy
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s march to zero income taxes, combined with legislation designed to weaken public services and wrest control away from local government, are hollowing out the very aspects of government these committees focus on. Public education certainly seems targeted to be greatly supplemented by, if not outright replaced by, private education. We see this in other states as well. For some time now, model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Americans For Prosperity (AFP) and other libertarian / ultraconservative organizations has been used as the template for bills in states with varying levels of ultraconservative control. Such templates have been developed on everything from taxation and fiscal policy, to energy and the environment, to health and human services. Looking just at education, in 2015 there were 172 measures introduced in 42 states based on ALEC model legislation, according to the Center for Media and Democracy. The general goal being to “… transform public education from a public and accountable institution that serves the public into one that serves private, for-profit interests.” With public education commonly comprising a significant portion of state budgets, this dovetails nicely with ultraconservative legislation focused on drastically shrinking government and reducing taxes. In Kansas, one of the latest bills taking inspiration from such model legislation is HB 2741, intended to provide the state with a new public school funding formula. The Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) provides a good summary of the bill here. The need for a new formula began during the 2014-2015 legislative session with the repeal of the previous school funding formula and implementation of the temporary two-year block grant funding mechanism, intended to fill the gap while the legislature works on a new formula. I should note that the block grant has also effectively reduced the dollars available to school districts for day to day operations."
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s march to zero income taxes, combined with legislation designed to weaken public services and wrest control away from local government, are hollowing out the very aspects of government these committees focus on. Public education certainly seems targeted to be greatly supplemented by, if not outright replaced by, private education. We see this in other states as well. For some time now, model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Americans For Prosperity (AFP) and other libertarian / ultraconservative organizations has been used as the template for bills in states with varying levels of ultraconservative control. Such templates have been developed on everything from taxation and fiscal policy, to energy and the environment, to health and human services. Looking just at education, in 2015 there were 172 measures introduced in 42 states based on ALEC model legislation, according to the Center for Media and Democracy. The general goal being to “… transform public education from a public and accountable institution that serves the public into one that serves private, for-profit interests.” With public education commonly comprising a significant portion of state budgets, this dovetails nicely with ultraconservative legislation focused on drastically shrinking government and reducing taxes. In Kansas, one of the latest bills taking inspiration from such model legislation is HB 2741, intended to provide the state with a new public school funding formula. The Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) provides a good summary of the bill here. The need for a new formula began during the 2014-2015 legislative session with the repeal of the previous school funding formula and implementation of the temporary two-year block grant funding mechanism, intended to fill the gap while the legislature works on a new formula. I should note that the block grant has also effectively reduced the dollars available to school districts for day to day operations."
Feds Charge Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton With Fraud
Feds Charge Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton With Fraud
"The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday charged Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton with civil securities fraud for promoting a North Texas tech firm, adding to the first-term Republican's growing legal woes."
"The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday charged Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton with civil securities fraud for promoting a North Texas tech firm, adding to the first-term Republican's growing legal woes."
Kentucky’s Governor Dramatically Cut Education Funding. Now He’s Getting Sued.
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/04/12/3768423/kentucky-attorney-general-budget-cuts/
"This spring, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) bypassed the state legislature to unilaterally cut $41 million in education funding. Now, he’s getting hit with a lawsuit."
"This spring, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) bypassed the state legislature to unilaterally cut $41 million in education funding. Now, he’s getting hit with a lawsuit."
How Private Prison Companies Use Big Tax Breaks and Low Wages to Maximize Profit
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35564-how-private-prison-companies-use-big-tax-breaks-and-low-wages-to-maximize-profit
"Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and GEO Group avoided a combined $113 million in federal income taxes in 2015 alone, according to an analysis of federal financial filings by the racial and economic justice group Enlace. The prison business is booming despite efforts to reduce the nation's prison population, which has exploded in recent decades and forced the government to contract with private prison companies to meet demand. Last year, CCA reported $222 million in net profits, and GEO Group reported $139 million. CCA and GEO Group have enjoyed increased profits per prisoner housed in their facilities since 2012, when both companies began converting themselves into special real estate trusts that are exempt from the federal corporate income tax, at least in the eyes of the IRS."
"Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and GEO Group avoided a combined $113 million in federal income taxes in 2015 alone, according to an analysis of federal financial filings by the racial and economic justice group Enlace. The prison business is booming despite efforts to reduce the nation's prison population, which has exploded in recent decades and forced the government to contract with private prison companies to meet demand. Last year, CCA reported $222 million in net profits, and GEO Group reported $139 million. CCA and GEO Group have enjoyed increased profits per prisoner housed in their facilities since 2012, when both companies began converting themselves into special real estate trusts that are exempt from the federal corporate income tax, at least in the eyes of the IRS."
Tammy Duckworth thinks your financial adviser should be looking out for you. Mark Kirk does not.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/4/7/1512067/-Tammy-Duckworth-believes-your-financial-adviser-should-be-looking-out-for-you-Mark-Kirk-does-not
"On Wednesday, President Obama announced a remarkably simple and remarkable great new federal rule that simply says retirement financial advisers have to follow a fiduciary standard, which means they have to be guided by what's in their clients' best interests. Which is pretty much how it always should have been, right? But it hasn't until now. Which is pretty unbelievable, but it's Wall Street, so there you go. Now that it is a rule, a lot of Republicans don't like it, and one of those Republicans is Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL). But you know who really, really likes it? Rep. Tammy Duckworth, and she's perfectly willing to make an issue out of it."
"On Wednesday, President Obama announced a remarkably simple and remarkable great new federal rule that simply says retirement financial advisers have to follow a fiduciary standard, which means they have to be guided by what's in their clients' best interests. Which is pretty much how it always should have been, right? But it hasn't until now. Which is pretty unbelievable, but it's Wall Street, so there you go. Now that it is a rule, a lot of Republicans don't like it, and one of those Republicans is Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL). But you know who really, really likes it? Rep. Tammy Duckworth, and she's perfectly willing to make an issue out of it."
Watch: Elizabeth Warren Pulls No Punches Calling GOP out on 2008 Crash @alternet
Watch: Elizabeth Warren Pulls No Punches Calling GOP out on 2008 Crash @alternet:
"She wondered why Republicans chose Chanin as their witness, saying, “of all the people who might be called on to advise Congress about how to weigh the costs and benefits of consumer regulations, I am surprised that my Republican colleagues would choose a witness who might have one of the worst track records in history on this issue"."
"She wondered why Republicans chose Chanin as their witness, saying, “of all the people who might be called on to advise Congress about how to weigh the costs and benefits of consumer regulations, I am surprised that my Republican colleagues would choose a witness who might have one of the worst track records in history on this issue"."
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