Friday, March 22, 2013
GOP Hijacks Budget Process To Dismantle Obamacare
GOP Hijacks Budget Process To Dismantle Obamacare: The Senate plans to begin considering the Democratic-sponsored budget resolution on Friday or Saturday, including the slew of amendments that Republican senators have tacked onto the legislation. Since budget amendments only need a simple majority to pass, GOP lawmakers have seized the opportunity to push their agenda by rushing to file hundreds of them — [...]/p
Does Irrationality Doom America? | Alternet
Does Irrationality Doom America? | Alternet
"The United States is on the verge of committing suicide. Slow suicide, perhaps, which may take decades to fully play out, but suicide nonetheless. The proximate event is the sequester - deep across-the-board cuts to military and discretionary domestic spending, originally conceived as a Sword of Damocles, but which Tea Party-dominated Republicans now see as just the perfect budget axe. And that's just one of several successive and mostly recurring crisis points at which Republicans are obstinantly demanding deep budget cuts that will inevitably slow, if not cripple the already weak economy - as well as debilitating or destroying vital government functions in the long run."
"The United States is on the verge of committing suicide. Slow suicide, perhaps, which may take decades to fully play out, but suicide nonetheless. The proximate event is the sequester - deep across-the-board cuts to military and discretionary domestic spending, originally conceived as a Sword of Damocles, but which Tea Party-dominated Republicans now see as just the perfect budget axe. And that's just one of several successive and mostly recurring crisis points at which Republicans are obstinantly demanding deep budget cuts that will inevitably slow, if not cripple the already weak economy - as well as debilitating or destroying vital government functions in the long run."
Congress Is Strong-Arming The Postal Service Into Bankruptcy Even Faster
Congress Is Strong-Arming The Postal Service Into Bankruptcy Even Faster: On Thursday, Congress voted against allowing the U.S. Postal Service to cut its delivery down to five days a week, forcing the organization to keep delivering mail on Saturdays. This will drive the USPS into looming bankruptcy — already foisted upon the USPS by Congress itself — even faster. In 2006, Congress passed the Postal [...]/p
Economists Disagree With Paul Ryan’s Claim That ‘Debt Is Crushing Our Economy’
Economists Disagree With Paul Ryan’s Claim That ‘Debt Is Crushing Our Economy’: Over the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has repeatedly introduced budget resolutions that contain draconian spending cuts in an effort to stave off the debt crisis he says is right around the corner if it isn’t addressed immediately. Ryan’s plans, all three of which have passed the House of Representatives, [...]/p
Glenn Greenwald: Meet the Journalist Rotting in Prison for Crossing the FBI | Alternet
Glenn Greenwald: Meet the Journalist Rotting in Prison for Crossing the FBI | Alternet
"Prosecutorial abuse is becoming the preeminent weapon used by the US government to destroy online activism and journalism."
"Prosecutorial abuse is becoming the preeminent weapon used by the US government to destroy online activism and journalism."
Misstated Positions Betray Republican Lack Of Seriousness On Policy
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year: One of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) favorite ways of defending the House Republicans’ budget is to claim the social safety net represents a moral threat to Americans’ character, as well as a fiscal threat to their country’s budget. He’s incessantly warned of luring “able-bodied people into lives of dependency and complacency” and [...]/p
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals: Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and John Thune (R-SD) this afternoon offered an amendment to the Senate Democratic budget that they claim will protect the charitable tax deduction from elimination or restriction under the tax reform sought by Democrats. In reality, though, the amendment is a simple bait-and-switch attempt to reduce the budget’s overall revenue levels [...]/p
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
GOP Congressman: ‘The Best Thing About The Earth Is If You Poke Holes In It Oil And Gas Come Out’
GOP Congressman: ‘The Best Thing About The Earth Is If You Poke Holes In It Oil And Gas Come Out’: The planet we live on is valuable only as a repository for natural resources, according to Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX). Stockman, a lawmaker best known for bringing Ted Nugent to the State of the Union and opposing the Violence Against Women Act because it protected “change-gender” individuals, went on an extended Twitter rant Thursday afternoon [...]/p
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage Again
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em: Right after the House of Representatives approved a Senate bill to avert a government shutdown, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) set the stage for another down-to-the-wire crisis that will threaten the nation’s economic growth. At his weekly press conference, Boehner indicated that Republicans would again demand spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s debt [...]/p
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
It's time for our media to offer us – and the people of Iraq – an apology. And make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
Chris Christie Undecided on Pseudo-'Therapy' Practices that Electrocute Gay Children | Alternet
Chris Christie Undecided on Pseudo-'Therapy' Practices that Electrocute Gay Children | Alternet
"New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he’s undecided on legislation that would ban the pseudo-science known as “gay conversion therapy” in his state."
"New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he’s undecided on legislation that would ban the pseudo-science known as “gay conversion therapy” in his state."
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase: Howard Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, has added another pro-worker notch to his belt: support for increasing the minimum wage. Schultz already has a relatively good reputation on workers’ issues; his company offers health care to all of its employees, and doesn’t mind spending more on health care than on coffee. Starbucks also [...]/p
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
10 Years Later: The Voices Of The Iraq War Debate
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House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net
House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net: The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the Republican budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) by a vote of 221-207, with 197 Democrats and 10 Republicans voting against it. Three Democrats and one Republican did not vote. For the third consecutive year, the House GOP has approved a budget that ends the traditional [...]/p
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs: As the health reform law approaches its third birthday, Obama Administration officials are noting that one of its provisions has already helped seniors on Medicare save $6.1 billion on their prescription drug costs. Obamacare ensures that more prescription drugs are covered under Medicare by closing the “donut hole” coverage gap, one of its most popular [...]/p
Bad Reviews For Republican Rebranding
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Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does: Thursday marks the three-year anniversary of Congress’ passage of the health care reform law. And although Obamacare has had a high profile throughout the past several years of political fights over health reform, that hasn’t ensured that Americans understand what the law actually does. Even after three years, many Americans are still confused about Obamacare’s [...]/p
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
Four Former Pennsylvania Governors Want To End Judicial Elections
Four Former Pennsylvania Governors Want To End Judicial Elections: The corrosive influence of increased spending and politicking surrounding judicial elections has manifested itself around the country, most recently in the conviction of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice for corruption linked to her own judicial campaign. But moves to change the process for selecting judges face an uphill battle. This month, four former Pennsylvania governors – two [...]/p
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day: Earth Day is April 22, and today is the last day children in Utah can send in their submissions for the state-sponsored Earth Day poster contest lauding fossil fuel production. This year’s theme is “Where Would WE Be Without Oil, Gas & Mining?” Last year’s theme was “How Do YOU Use Oil, Gas, and Mining?” [...]/p
The Iraq War: Ten Years Later
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Search and Destroy: The Rape of Iraq
Search and Destroy: The Rape of Iraq
"It's essential to keep in mind this was a direct consequence of Washington smashing international law to pieces; after Iraq, any freak anywhere can unleash preemptive war, and quote Bush/Cheney 2003 as precedent."
"It's essential to keep in mind this was a direct consequence of Washington smashing international law to pieces; after Iraq, any freak anywhere can unleash preemptive war, and quote Bush/Cheney 2003 as precedent."
Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
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