www.alternet.org/economy/if-you-thought-oligarchy-and-aristocracy-were-bad-youll-really-hate-kochocracy
"The lords of a vast oil empire are buying up our entire democracy with a fraction of their fortune."
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Rand Paul Suddenly Unsure If Obamacare Should Be Completely Repealed
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/05/31/3443519/rand-paul-suddenly-unsure-if-obamacare-should-be-completely-repealed/
"Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has joined Mitch McConnell in suggesting that Kentucky could maintain its Obamacare exchange if health care reform is repealed, saying that he’s “not sure” if the new marketplace (Kynect) should be unraveled. Paul’s comments come as a growing number of Republicans aim to repackage the key tenets of President Obama’s health care law as unique state solutions, designed and built by state officials far away from Washington D.C."
"Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has joined Mitch McConnell in suggesting that Kentucky could maintain its Obamacare exchange if health care reform is repealed, saying that he’s “not sure” if the new marketplace (Kynect) should be unraveled. Paul’s comments come as a growing number of Republicans aim to repackage the key tenets of President Obama’s health care law as unique state solutions, designed and built by state officials far away from Washington D.C."
Republicans in Congress helping big telecom try to kill net neutrality
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/30/1303099/-Republicans-in-Congress-helping-big-telecom-try-to-kill-net-neutrality
"This does tell us one encouraging thing: the telecoms think the threat of reclassification is real. It is real because of the huge public outcry in the past month to save net neutrality through reclassification. We've pushed hard enough that the FCC is seriously considering it, and AT&T and Verizon and Comcast are scared. Let's keep it that way."
"This does tell us one encouraging thing: the telecoms think the threat of reclassification is real. It is real because of the huge public outcry in the past month to save net neutrality through reclassification. We've pushed hard enough that the FCC is seriously considering it, and AT&T and Verizon and Comcast are scared. Let's keep it that way."
There Are No More Honest Conservatives, So Stop Looking For One | The Nation
There Are No More Honest Conservatives, So Stop Looking For One | The Nation
"Sure, the right in previous decades was jam-packed with the same sorts of haters, hustlers, hacks and conspiratorial lunatics that are familiar to us now. But there were lively exceptions."
"Sure, the right in previous decades was jam-packed with the same sorts of haters, hustlers, hacks and conspiratorial lunatics that are familiar to us now. But there were lively exceptions."
Undue Influence: BP Has A Friend In Scalia
Undue Influence: BP Has A Friend In Scalia
"As if we needed further evidence that the right has largely succeeded in its campaign to politicize the American judiciary on behalf of corporate power"
"As if we needed further evidence that the right has largely succeeded in its campaign to politicize the American judiciary on behalf of corporate power"
House Republicans Vote Down Amendment Aimed At Curbing Wage Theft
House Republicans Vote Down Amendment Aimed At Curbing Wage Theft
"Once again House Republicans prove that they have absolutely no interest in even pretending that they're interested in looking out for the working class as opposed to the 1 percent that are lining their campaign coffers."
"Once again House Republicans prove that they have absolutely no interest in even pretending that they're interested in looking out for the working class as opposed to the 1 percent that are lining their campaign coffers."
Guess Who Tried to Prevent the VA Crisis -- and Who Stood in Their Way!
www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-w-orlando/va-scandal-funding_b_5414685.html?utm_hp_ref=politics
"Meanwhile, it ranked at the top of quality rankings, better than all its private competitors, year after year. It was the best medical care system in America.
That is, until the troops came home.
"Republicans beat back a Democratic attempt to provide almost $2 billion in additional health care funding for veterans," reported the Washington Post in 2005, "rejecting claims that Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals are in crisis"."
"Meanwhile, it ranked at the top of quality rankings, better than all its private competitors, year after year. It was the best medical care system in America.
That is, until the troops came home.
"Republicans beat back a Democratic attempt to provide almost $2 billion in additional health care funding for veterans," reported the Washington Post in 2005, "rejecting claims that Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals are in crisis"."
Friday, May 30, 2014
Why Do Republicans Always Say ‘I’m Not a Scientist’?
www.nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/05/why-republicans-always-say-im-not-a-scientist.html
“I’m not a scientist” allows Republicans to avoid conceding the legitimacy of climate science while also avoiding the political downside of openly branding themselves as haters of science. The beauty of the line is that it implicitly concedes that scientists possess real expertise, while simultaneously allowing you to ignore that expertise altogether.
“I’m not a scientist” allows Republicans to avoid conceding the legitimacy of climate science while also avoiding the political downside of openly branding themselves as haters of science. The beauty of the line is that it implicitly concedes that scientists possess real expertise, while simultaneously allowing you to ignore that expertise altogether.
Just Four Out Of 80 Candidates Endorsed By The Tea Party Are Women
www.thinkprogress.org/election/2014/05/30/3442043/red-glass-ceiling/
"Conservatives' trouble among women continues."
"Conservatives' trouble among women continues."
North Carolina Set To Legalize Fracking Without So Much As A Debate
North Carolina Set To Legalize Fracking Without So Much As A Debate
"Chris Hayes had Rep. Pricey Harrison on to talk about a law rammed through the legislature making it a crime to disclose fracking chemicals. What that law also does is legalize fracking."
"Chris Hayes had Rep. Pricey Harrison on to talk about a law rammed through the legislature making it a crime to disclose fracking chemicals. What that law also does is legalize fracking."
5 Craziest Laws Passed by GOP Legislators, Just This Month
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/5-craziest-laws-passed-gop-legislators-just-month
"Only in D.C. does the Republican Party drop like an anvil on any improvements to the country that could conceivably pass through our bicameral legislature. In our various state houses, the GOP is busy passing laws rather than squashing them."
"Only in D.C. does the Republican Party drop like an anvil on any improvements to the country that could conceivably pass through our bicameral legislature. In our various state houses, the GOP is busy passing laws rather than squashing them."
Scott Walker is falling apart: The little corruption problem he just can’t shake
Scott Walker is falling apart: The little corruption problem he just can’t shake
"Well, Walker has a little corruption problem that he just can’t seem to shake."
"Well, Walker has a little corruption problem that he just can’t seem to shake."
Former NRO's John Derbyshire Attacks Maya Angelou As 'Talentless,' 'Affirmative Action Mediocrity'
Former NRO's John Derbyshire Attacks Maya Angelou As 'Talentless,' 'Affirmative Action Mediocrity'
"He's a proud racist, a loud misogynist and overall whack job of the first degree. And the fact that the NRO employed this man for so long tells you a lot about them."
"He's a proud racist, a loud misogynist and overall whack job of the first degree. And the fact that the NRO employed this man for so long tells you a lot about them."
No, seriously: Why is Glenn Beck mocking women who have experienced sexual assault and violent harassment?
No, seriously: Why is Glenn Beck mocking women who have experienced sexual assault and violent harassment?
"What is going on in Glenn Beck’s baby man garbage brain this week? Beck is always very, very terrible, but he is on something of a tear right now trying to minimize violence against women and girls."
"What is going on in Glenn Beck’s baby man garbage brain this week? Beck is always very, very terrible, but he is on something of a tear right now trying to minimize violence against women and girls."
Thursday, May 29, 2014
GOP Hypocrites Call Vets Benefits Too Expensive But Want a $600 Billion Tax Cut for Business
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/29/gop-hypocrites-call-vets-benefits-expensive-600-billion-tax-cut-business.html
"Veterans didn’t risk their lives so that the Koch brothers could have another tax cut. Republicans would rather take from veterans and give to the business community. One year of the business tax cuts could pay for the veterans benefits nearly three times over. It’s a matter of priorities, and in the Republican mind, tax cuts are more important than veterans."
"Veterans didn’t risk their lives so that the Koch brothers could have another tax cut. Republicans would rather take from veterans and give to the business community. One year of the business tax cuts could pay for the veterans benefits nearly three times over. It’s a matter of priorities, and in the Republican mind, tax cuts are more important than veterans."
The right’s waste of money: Debunking Koch brothers’ lame, new, lie-filled ads
The right’s waste of money: Debunking Koch brothers’ lame, new, lie-filled ads
"Ads like the ones above, with their easily disproved lies and general lameness, don’t accomplish much beyond making AFP look silly."
"Ads like the ones above, with their easily disproved lies and general lameness, don’t accomplish much beyond making AFP look silly."
New Orleans Nearly Finished Killing Off Its Public Schools | Common Dreams
New Orleans Nearly Finished Killing Off Its Public Schools | Common Dreams
"The sabotage of New Orleans public schools included the mass-firing of 7,000 teachers, most of them African-American, and subsequent hiring of disproportionately white and young teachers, some of them hailing from Teach for America, the Post reports. While the teachers have since won a $1 billion lawsuit for wrongful termination, the privatization drive continues."
"The sabotage of New Orleans public schools included the mass-firing of 7,000 teachers, most of them African-American, and subsequent hiring of disproportionately white and young teachers, some of them hailing from Teach for America, the Post reports. While the teachers have since won a $1 billion lawsuit for wrongful termination, the privatization drive continues."
Koch-Bradley Charitable Complex Has At Least One Federal Judge In Their Pocket
Koch-Bradley Charitable Complex Has At Least One Federal Judge In Their Pocket
"Always handy to have a federal judge or two in your pocket, and there's certainly money in the Kochtopus budget to buy a couple, too. So now we know why Judge Randa not only ended the investigation but also ordered documents to be destroyed. It's all part of the paycheck."
"Always handy to have a federal judge or two in your pocket, and there's certainly money in the Kochtopus budget to buy a couple, too. So now we know why Judge Randa not only ended the investigation but also ordered documents to be destroyed. It's all part of the paycheck."
GOP is losing the Obamacare war: What a new lie reveals about the law’s success
GOP is losing the Obamacare war: What a new lie reveals about the law’s success
"Embattled Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell has an Obamacare problem, and not the one you think. His state’s version of the program, KyNect, is so popular and so successful, that if he tells voters outright that he wants to kill it, he might be killing his Senate career, too."
"Embattled Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell has an Obamacare problem, and not the one you think. His state’s version of the program, KyNect, is so popular and so successful, that if he tells voters outright that he wants to kill it, he might be killing his Senate career, too."
Beck Responds To Calif. Shooting With 'Rape’ Comedy Skit Mocking Sexual Assaults
Beck Responds To Calif. Shooting With 'Rape’ Comedy Skit Mocking Sexual Assaults
"Glenn Beck's The Blaze network recently created a comedy skit to illustrate a theory that women are not raped as often as studies have shown."
"Glenn Beck's The Blaze network recently created a comedy skit to illustrate a theory that women are not raped as often as studies have shown."
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Kentucky Newspaper, Gov. Blasts Mitch McConnell Over Attacks On ACA, Support For Kynect
Kentucky Newspaper, Gov. Blasts Mitch McConnell Over Attacks On ACA, Support For Kynect
"One of the biggest newspapers in Kentucky is taking Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to task for his bizarre new position on Obamacare"
"One of the biggest newspapers in Kentucky is taking Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to task for his bizarre new position on Obamacare"
NC Senator Picks Fight With Veterans' Groups, Loses Badly
NC Senator Picks Fight With Veterans' Groups, Loses Badly
"Perhaps Senator Richard Burr should have taken a step back and considered whether it was wise to write an "open letter to veterans" blasting the organizations that fight for their interests while assuming he wouldn't get any kind of blowback over it. In his arrogance, he forgot that they were actually testifying in a hearing he didn't bother to engage in."
"Perhaps Senator Richard Burr should have taken a step back and considered whether it was wise to write an "open letter to veterans" blasting the organizations that fight for their interests while assuming he wouldn't get any kind of blowback over it. In his arrogance, he forgot that they were actually testifying in a hearing he didn't bother to engage in."
Is David Koch Getting a Tax Writeoff for Dropping $900K on the Walker Race?
Is David Koch Getting a Tax Writeoff for Dropping $900K on the Walker Race?
"The "charitable" wing of David Koch's Americans for Prosperity has dropped nearly $900,000 on ads to boost Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's reelection campaign, just days after polls showed Walker tied with his Democratic challenger, Mary Burke.
Incredibly, whomever provided the funding for the ads -- whether it was David Koch himself or a collection of deep-pocketed donors -- can write-off the expenses as a charitable contribution, just like a donation to a neighborhood church or the American Red Cross."
"The "charitable" wing of David Koch's Americans for Prosperity has dropped nearly $900,000 on ads to boost Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's reelection campaign, just days after polls showed Walker tied with his Democratic challenger, Mary Burke.
Incredibly, whomever provided the funding for the ads -- whether it was David Koch himself or a collection of deep-pocketed donors -- can write-off the expenses as a charitable contribution, just like a donation to a neighborhood church or the American Red Cross."
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Michigan GOP Pushing Bill To Stop You From Suing Insurance Companies That Lie
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/27/michigan-gop-pushing-bill-stop-you-suing-insurance-companies-lie/
"On May 8, 2014, Michigan House Republicans introduced House Bill 5558, the purpose of which is to ban customers from being able to sue an insurance company for lying to them. The bill was introduced by state representatives Kevin Cotter of Michigan’s 99th house district, Tom Leonard of house district 93 and Andrea LaFontaine of house district 32."
"On May 8, 2014, Michigan House Republicans introduced House Bill 5558, the purpose of which is to ban customers from being able to sue an insurance company for lying to them. The bill was introduced by state representatives Kevin Cotter of Michigan’s 99th house district, Tom Leonard of house district 93 and Andrea LaFontaine of house district 32."
PERRspectives: Chickenhawks and Cheapskates
PERRspectives: Chickenhawks and Cheapskates
"To be sure, the Chickenhawks and Deficit Hawks who routinely boast they most "support the troops" have an appalling way of showing it. By 2020, the twin wars and twin Bush tax cuts they so ardently advocated will have drained roughly $10 trillion from the United States Treasury."
"To be sure, the Chickenhawks and Deficit Hawks who routinely boast they most "support the troops" have an appalling way of showing it. By 2020, the twin wars and twin Bush tax cuts they so ardently advocated will have drained roughly $10 trillion from the United States Treasury."
Republican Warmongers Should Be Held Accountable for VA Scandal
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/republican-warmongers-should-be-held-accountable-va-scandal
"Breaking down the voting record, year after year, the pattern along party lines is clear: Republicans regularly propose cuts in VA funding and oppose increases sponsored by Democrats -- a pattern that extends back to the first years of the Iraq and Afghan conflicts and continues to this day."
"Breaking down the voting record, year after year, the pattern along party lines is clear: Republicans regularly propose cuts in VA funding and oppose increases sponsored by Democrats -- a pattern that extends back to the first years of the Iraq and Afghan conflicts and continues to this day."
Monday, May 26, 2014
FLASHBACK: Mainstream Media Largely Ignored GOP's Obstruction Of Veterans Health Bill
www.mediamatters.org/research/2014/05/23/flashback-mainstream-media-largely-ignored-gops/199451
"While mainstream media coverage of the serious allegations of improper practices at certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health clinics has been extensive in recent weeks, a bill to expand health care for veterans that was blocked by Senate Republicans in February received little attention."
"While mainstream media coverage of the serious allegations of improper practices at certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health clinics has been extensive in recent weeks, a bill to expand health care for veterans that was blocked by Senate Republicans in February received little attention."
Sunday, May 25, 2014
The One Video Everyone Needs To Remember On Memorial Day (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/25/the-one-video-everyone-needs-to-remember-on-memorial-day-video/
"Last February Senator Bernie Sanders (I) Vermont, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veteran’s Affairs introduced a bill that would provide $21 Billion dollars in benefits to veterans. The Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 (S-1982) was supported by every major veteran’s organization. The bill was blocked 56-41 with all but two Republicans voting against it."
"Last February Senator Bernie Sanders (I) Vermont, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veteran’s Affairs introduced a bill that would provide $21 Billion dollars in benefits to veterans. The Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 (S-1982) was supported by every major veteran’s organization. The bill was blocked 56-41 with all but two Republicans voting against it."
Georgia declares all-out war on the poor
Georgia declares all-out war on the poor
"Two new bills show state officials have taken the lead in the mad dash to thwart the Affordable Care Act"
"Two new bills show state officials have taken the lead in the mad dash to thwart the Affordable Care Act"
How Republicans became the “stupid” party: Turning right, refusing to recognize facts and change
How Republicans became the “stupid” party: Turning right, refusing to recognize facts and change
"Here's the story of how the GOP fringes took over the mainstream"
"Here's the story of how the GOP fringes took over the mainstream"
The 10 Dumbest States In America Are Dominated By Republicans
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/24/10-dumbest-states-america-dominated-republicans.html
"Since the Republican dominated states are not as smart, it is isn’t a big shock that they send right wing ideologues to Congress. The lack of collective intelligence leads to an electorate that tends to base their policies on belief instead of facts. These states are the home of the climate change deniers. They contain the same people who believe that unemployment benefits make people lazy, and Obamacare is socialism.
A lot of the dysfunction in the Republican Party can be traced back to the fact that the Republican base has dumbed itself down. The majority of these states are bedrock Republican country. The reason why so little is getting done is because it is impossible to come to an agreement when one political party refuses to be guided by facts."
"Since the Republican dominated states are not as smart, it is isn’t a big shock that they send right wing ideologues to Congress. The lack of collective intelligence leads to an electorate that tends to base their policies on belief instead of facts. These states are the home of the climate change deniers. They contain the same people who believe that unemployment benefits make people lazy, and Obamacare is socialism.
A lot of the dysfunction in the Republican Party can be traced back to the fact that the Republican base has dumbed itself down. The majority of these states are bedrock Republican country. The reason why so little is getting done is because it is impossible to come to an agreement when one political party refuses to be guided by facts."
The Right-Wing's 5 Most Insane Conspiracy Theories This Week
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/right-wings-5-most-insane-conspiracy-theories-week
"this week in the land of right-wing conspiracies."
"this week in the land of right-wing conspiracies."
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Republicans Care About Vets So Much That They Blocked a Bill Expanding Veterans Benefits
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/24/republicans-care-vets-blocked-bill-expanding-veterans-benefits.html
"Senate Republicans love our veterans so much that they block a bill that would have built dozens of new VA clinics and facilities, blame President Obama for the VA scandal, then turn around and threaten to block a second attempt at building more facilities because they think it is too expensive.
Two billion dollars a year for ten years is too much money to spend on the people who risked their lives for their country. That is what Senate Republicans really think of veterans.
Every day, that construction gets delayed more vets are at risk of dying while stuck on waiting lists. That is a real world consequence of Senate Republican obstruction."
"Senate Republicans love our veterans so much that they block a bill that would have built dozens of new VA clinics and facilities, blame President Obama for the VA scandal, then turn around and threaten to block a second attempt at building more facilities because they think it is too expensive.
Two billion dollars a year for ten years is too much money to spend on the people who risked their lives for their country. That is what Senate Republicans really think of veterans.
Every day, that construction gets delayed more vets are at risk of dying while stuck on waiting lists. That is a real world consequence of Senate Republican obstruction."
Bernie Sanders Slams Tea Party Idiot Marco Rubio For Voting Against Veterans Benefits (Video)
Bernie Sanders Slams Tea Party Idiot Marco Rubio For Voting Against Veterans Benefits (Video)
"Rubio, along with the rest of the GOP, have developed a rather stunning habit of pandering to veterans from one hole, and speaking out to block every effort to care for them with the other. Most recently, Rubio was one of 41 Senate Republicans to block the passage of a bill that would have improved veterans’ benefits."
"Rubio, along with the rest of the GOP, have developed a rather stunning habit of pandering to veterans from one hole, and speaking out to block every effort to care for them with the other. Most recently, Rubio was one of 41 Senate Republicans to block the passage of a bill that would have improved veterans’ benefits."
Mississippi: US Senate Challenger Chris McDaniel Channels John Bircher Conspiracy Theories
Mississippi: US Senate Challenger Chris McDaniel Channels John Bircher Conspiracy Theories
"McDaniel’s fringe associations have been a matter of public record for some time: his Twitter account has retweeted white supremacists, and he gave talks to neoconfederate groups for years only to distance himself from them when he decided to run for national office."
"McDaniel’s fringe associations have been a matter of public record for some time: his Twitter account has retweeted white supremacists, and he gave talks to neoconfederate groups for years only to distance himself from them when he decided to run for national office."
Desperate Liar Mitch McConnell Gets Caught In His Own Obamacare Trap
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/23/mcconnell-lies-kentucky-healthcare.html
"It looks like McConnell is caught in his own Obamacare trap. Too bad he and his party never tried to do anything to solve the healthcare crisis in this country — and have staked their entire party upon the public buying their smears about Obamacare — instead of realizing that once it was implemented, they would be running on kicking people off of insurance and that’s not as easy as telling Obamascare lies.
Kynect is Obamacare, and Senator McConnell knows it."
"It looks like McConnell is caught in his own Obamacare trap. Too bad he and his party never tried to do anything to solve the healthcare crisis in this country — and have staked their entire party upon the public buying their smears about Obamacare — instead of realizing that once it was implemented, they would be running on kicking people off of insurance and that’s not as easy as telling Obamascare lies.
Kynect is Obamacare, and Senator McConnell knows it."
Friday, May 23, 2014
One-And-Done: How a Judge’s Ruling Could End Scott Walker’s Governorship
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/23/one-and-done-judges-ruling-scott-walkers-governorship.html
"Unfortunately for Walker, you can only be a Koch stooge for so long before karma catches up with you."
"Unfortunately for Walker, you can only be a Koch stooge for so long before karma catches up with you."
Republicans Are Suing The FEC to Give The Koch Brothers More Power To Steal Your Vote
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/23/republicans-give-money-power-elections-suing-fec-operate-superpacs.html
"Republicans haven’t learned anything from their wasted money in 2012. They still think that if they mess around with the rules enough, they can find the magic formula to buy the White House. Instead of fighting the Koch brothers for control of the Republican Party, the RNC has decided to hang a for sale sign on the front door.
This all part of the Republican plot to equate democracy with dollars, and to make money more powerful than votes. As long as the people continue to vote, the Koch brothers and the Republican Party will fail."
"Republicans haven’t learned anything from their wasted money in 2012. They still think that if they mess around with the rules enough, they can find the magic formula to buy the White House. Instead of fighting the Koch brothers for control of the Republican Party, the RNC has decided to hang a for sale sign on the front door.
This all part of the Republican plot to equate democracy with dollars, and to make money more powerful than votes. As long as the people continue to vote, the Koch brothers and the Republican Party will fail."
Thursday, May 22, 2014
House Republicans Want to Limit School Lunch Program to Rural White Kids Only
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/22/house-republicans-limit-school-lunch-program-rural-white-kids.html
"The Republican Party’s geographical bias, and the not so subtle racism that lies beneath their demographic prejudices is indeed mean-spirited."
"The Republican Party’s geographical bias, and the not so subtle racism that lies beneath their demographic prejudices is indeed mean-spirited."
Oklahoma School Board Members Met Hobby Lobby President Privately To Avoid Public Meeting Rules
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/22/oklahoma-school-board-members-met-hobby-lobby-president-privately-to-avoid-public-meeting-rules/
"The Associated Press (AP) has obtained documents suggesting that Oklahoma school board officials and Hobby Lobby executives colluded in what was quite possibly an illegal scheme to ensure that the district would approve the teaching of Bible-based curriculum while also avoiding any input from the public in regards to that decision."
"The Associated Press (AP) has obtained documents suggesting that Oklahoma school board officials and Hobby Lobby executives colluded in what was quite possibly an illegal scheme to ensure that the district would approve the teaching of Bible-based curriculum while also avoiding any input from the public in regards to that decision."
Rand Paul and Marco Rubio’s worst nightmare: Trapped between crazy GOP base and actual reality
Rand Paul and Marco Rubio’s worst nightmare: Trapped between crazy GOP base and actual reality
"Eventually someone will win the GOP nomination. But the sorry state of the field today is not an accident. It’s a reflection of the party’s ideological exhaustion, and the extremist reaction that has followed."
"Eventually someone will win the GOP nomination. But the sorry state of the field today is not an accident. It’s a reflection of the party’s ideological exhaustion, and the extremist reaction that has followed."
How Right-Wingers Are Amping Up Their War on Science and Reality
www.alternet.org/belief/how-right-wingers-are-amping-their-war-science-and-reality
"Republicans are taking their science denialism to striking new levels."
"Republicans are taking their science denialism to striking new levels."
Americans Are More Likely to Be Killed by Right-Wing Terrorists Than Muslims—But the Media's Afraid to Say It
www.alternet.org/media/americans-are-more-likely-be-killed-right-wing-terrorists-muslims-medias-afraid-say-it
"Despite the far Right’s history of deadly violence, it is jihadist violence that continues to dominate media headlines and the attention of policy makers. The Southern Poverty Law Center calculates there are 939 far right-wing hate groups across the country today, including neo-Nazis, Klansmen, white nationalists, neo-Confederates, racist skinheads, border vigilantes and others."
"Despite the far Right’s history of deadly violence, it is jihadist violence that continues to dominate media headlines and the attention of policy makers. The Southern Poverty Law Center calculates there are 939 far right-wing hate groups across the country today, including neo-Nazis, Klansmen, white nationalists, neo-Confederates, racist skinheads, border vigilantes and others."
Fox News Finds A Way To Blame Obama For Conservative Filmmaker’s Confession To Breaking The Law
www.thinkprogress.org/media/2014/05/21/3440043/fox-dsouza/
"Fox News’ Megyn Kelly had conservative filmmaker and author Dinesh D’Souza on her show for his first interview after he pleaded guilty to breaking campaign finance law. Calling it a sympathetic interview would be an understatement, because Kelly used nearly the entire time to suggest that President Obama is the real person to blame."
"Fox News’ Megyn Kelly had conservative filmmaker and author Dinesh D’Souza on her show for his first interview after he pleaded guilty to breaking campaign finance law. Calling it a sympathetic interview would be an understatement, because Kelly used nearly the entire time to suggest that President Obama is the real person to blame."
Fox Can't Think Of One Republican Who Wants To Take Away The Right To Vote
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/05/21/fox-cant-think-of-one-republican-who-wants-to-t/199412
"Fox host Steve Doocy couldn't think of one Republican "who wants to take away the right to vote," despite the frenzy of GOP-led states passing voting restriction laws and the acknowledgement of a Republican politician that the efforts are aimed to win elections."
"Fox host Steve Doocy couldn't think of one Republican "who wants to take away the right to vote," despite the frenzy of GOP-led states passing voting restriction laws and the acknowledgement of a Republican politician that the efforts are aimed to win elections."
House Republican Calls Voting Rights A ‘Loaded Gun’ That Should Only Belong To Property Owners
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/21/only-rich-can-vote/
"Since young people and minorities are more likely to vote for Democrats, stripping them of their right to vote via property restrictions would literally steal elections for Republicans."
"Since young people and minorities are more likely to vote for Democrats, stripping them of their right to vote via property restrictions would literally steal elections for Republicans."
New poll finds “Tea Party” brand in deep trouble
New poll finds “Tea Party” brand in deep trouble
"Republicans are still electing far right candidates. But the Tea Party's reputation is another story entirely"
"Republicans are still electing far right candidates. But the Tea Party's reputation is another story entirely"
MS Tea Party Leader Arrested In Ted Cochran Photo Case
MS Tea Party Leader Arrested In Ted Cochran Photo Case
"The vice chairman of the Mississippi Tea Party and one other suspect have been arrested in connection with the photographing of the bedridden wife Rose Cochran of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran."
"The vice chairman of the Mississippi Tea Party and one other suspect have been arrested in connection with the photographing of the bedridden wife Rose Cochran of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran."
Bernie Sanders Smacks Down Marco Rubio For Betraying Veterans On The Senate Floor
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/22/bernie-sanders-smacks-marco-rubio-betraying-veterans-senate-floor.html
"In February, Rubio was one of forty-one Senate Republicans who blocked a bill that would have improved veterans’ benefits. It is amazing that he and his fellow Republicans have the nerve to stand up and suggest that they care about vets, when they have done nothing but obstruct bills for veterans for years."
"In February, Rubio was one of forty-one Senate Republicans who blocked a bill that would have improved veterans’ benefits. It is amazing that he and his fellow Republicans have the nerve to stand up and suggest that they care about vets, when they have done nothing but obstruct bills for veterans for years."
The GOP Death Panel
The GOP Death Panel
"In fact, according to a new study out of Harvard University, as many as 17,000 people will die in America just this year as a direct result of the GOP's refusal to expand Medicaid."
"In fact, according to a new study out of Harvard University, as many as 17,000 people will die in America just this year as a direct result of the GOP's refusal to expand Medicaid."
New Chris Christie Scandal: NJ Gov Gave Pension Fund Billions to Wall Streeters Who Bankrolled His Campaigns
www.alternet.org/investigations/new-chris-christie-scandal-nj-gov-gave-pension-fund-billions-wall-streeters-who
"Christie appears to have broken state and federal anti-corruption laws with impunity."
"Christie appears to have broken state and federal anti-corruption laws with impunity."
House Republicans move to slash summer food aid to urban kids, but can’t explain why
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/21/house-republicans-move-to-slash-summer-food-aid-to-urban-kids-but-cant-explain-why/
"In a new draft of the House GOP Agriculture bill, Republicans have sought to save money by slashing summertime food aid to inner city children while continuing to assist children living in rural poverty."
"In a new draft of the House GOP Agriculture bill, Republicans have sought to save money by slashing summertime food aid to inner city children while continuing to assist children living in rural poverty."
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
New GOP Bill: Jail Time If You Reveal What Frackers Are Poisoning Your Drinking Water With
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/20/gop-fracking-secrets/
"Republicans in North Carolina are busy using the power of government to punish citizens protecting their right not to be poisoned for profit."
"Republicans in North Carolina are busy using the power of government to punish citizens protecting their right not to be poisoned for profit."
In Alaska Senate Race, A Fierce Competition To Prove Who Knows Less About Climate Science
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/19/3439028/alaska-denier-race/
"The tea party-affiliated candidate for Alaska’s open U.S. Senate seat is challenging his Republican primary opponents to “come clean” about their beliefs on man-made climate change, saying he’s the only true skeptic of the bunch."
"The tea party-affiliated candidate for Alaska’s open U.S. Senate seat is challenging his Republican primary opponents to “come clean” about their beliefs on man-made climate change, saying he’s the only true skeptic of the bunch."
GOP Senator Attacks Retired Military Brass for Saying Climate Change Threatens Security
www.alternet.org/inhofe-attacks-retired-generals-and-admirals-over-climate-change
"Republican Sen. James Inhofe is once again dismissing a report on climate change, attacking the integrity of the report's authors. While that's not news in itself, the targets of Inhofe's derision are 16 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals.
"Republican Sen. James Inhofe is once again dismissing a report on climate change, attacking the integrity of the report's authors. While that's not news in itself, the targets of Inhofe's derision are 16 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals.
Marco Rubio Defends His Climate Denialism With Unscientific Rant On Abortion
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/05/15/3438179/marco-rubio-abortion-climate-science/
"Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who has recently come under fire for failing to name a single source to justify his assertion that “there’s no scientific evidence” to prove humans are contributing to climate change, is defending his comments by claiming that at least he knows the science about abortion."
"Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who has recently come under fire for failing to name a single source to justify his assertion that “there’s no scientific evidence” to prove humans are contributing to climate change, is defending his comments by claiming that at least he knows the science about abortion."
This GOP Senate Candidate's Company Paid Millions to Women in Discrimination Cases
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/05/georgia-senate-david-perdue-gender-pay-discrimination-lawsuit
"And the GOP wonders why it has a woman problem."
"And the GOP wonders why it has a woman problem."
The Religious Right Is Using Hatred To Try To Fundamentally Transform America
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/20/religious-hatred-fundamentally-transform-america.html
"There is precious little any American can do to halt the march toward theocracy after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, or the impending decision in the Hobby Lobby case giving free rein to any evangelical to ignore any law or statute if they claim it violates their “free exercise of religion.” There is nothing as dangerous as religion left unchecked, and according to the Manhattan Declaration there is no aspect of American society or culture that evangelical Christians will not attack with the same religious fervor of Europe’s Inquisition, Salem witch trials, or Taliban’s religious tyranny. If any American thinks for a minute they will not be targeted by the Christian right, they only need peruse the Manhattan Declaration and shudder because it reveals they hate everything about American society and culture that is not steeped in Old Testament dogmata. Most Americans are aware of how non-compliance was dealt with in the bible and if they are not, look at how the Taliban dealt with violations of Islamic law and substitute Islamic with conservative Christian."
"There is precious little any American can do to halt the march toward theocracy after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, or the impending decision in the Hobby Lobby case giving free rein to any evangelical to ignore any law or statute if they claim it violates their “free exercise of religion.” There is nothing as dangerous as religion left unchecked, and according to the Manhattan Declaration there is no aspect of American society or culture that evangelical Christians will not attack with the same religious fervor of Europe’s Inquisition, Salem witch trials, or Taliban’s religious tyranny. If any American thinks for a minute they will not be targeted by the Christian right, they only need peruse the Manhattan Declaration and shudder because it reveals they hate everything about American society and culture that is not steeped in Old Testament dogmata. Most Americans are aware of how non-compliance was dealt with in the bible and if they are not, look at how the Taliban dealt with violations of Islamic law and substitute Islamic with conservative Christian."
Anti-Obama Activist Pleads Guilty To Charges Conservatives Widely Dismissed As Political Payback
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/05/20/3439576/dsouza-pleads-guilty/
"Dinesh D’Souza, the conservative filmmaker and author behind the widely-debunked and discredited film 2016: Obama’s America pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of illegally contributing to a New York Republican’s U.S. Senate campaign in the names of other donors."
"Dinesh D’Souza, the conservative filmmaker and author behind the widely-debunked and discredited film 2016: Obama’s America pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of illegally contributing to a New York Republican’s U.S. Senate campaign in the names of other donors."
New Study Proves Republicans Are Significantly More Likely To Lie Than Democrats
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/19/new-study-proves-republicans-are-significantly-more-likely-to-lie-than-democrats/
"the lying gap between Republicans and Democrats is widening as President Barack Obama spends more time in office."
"the lying gap between Republicans and Democrats is widening as President Barack Obama spends more time in office."
McConnell Ignores Impact Of Republican-Forced Austerity On VA Budget
McConnell Ignores Impact Of Republican-Forced Austerity On VA Budget
"Finally, the Arizona issues were a result of concealment on the part of the Arizona VA director, who was not meeting benchmarks and didn't want to be held accountable for that. General Shinseki was not the liar, but the one who was lied to.
If Republicans actually gave a rat's ass about veterans' health care, they would have done something before they dropped hundreds of thousands of troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. For them to concern troll over it now is offensive, cynical, and shameworthy.
Mitch McConnell's appearance on Faux News won't do a damned thing for those veterans still waiting for health care, but a little less publicity and a little more action on his part just might. Get to work, Senator McConnell."
"Finally, the Arizona issues were a result of concealment on the part of the Arizona VA director, who was not meeting benchmarks and didn't want to be held accountable for that. General Shinseki was not the liar, but the one who was lied to.
If Republicans actually gave a rat's ass about veterans' health care, they would have done something before they dropped hundreds of thousands of troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. For them to concern troll over it now is offensive, cynical, and shameworthy.
Mitch McConnell's appearance on Faux News won't do a damned thing for those veterans still waiting for health care, but a little less publicity and a little more action on his part just might. Get to work, Senator McConnell."
Former VA Governor Will Face Trial On Corruption Charges
Former VA Governor Will Face Trial On Corruption Charges
"U.S. District Judge James Spencer in Richmond, Virginia, ruled today that U.S. prosecutors sufficiently supported their charges in the McDonnells’ indictment."
"U.S. District Judge James Spencer in Richmond, Virginia, ruled today that U.S. prosecutors sufficiently supported their charges in the McDonnells’ indictment."
Thanks to the Roberts Court, Corporations Have More Constitutional Rights Than Actual People | The Nation
Thanks to the Roberts Court, Corporations Have More Constitutional Rights Than Actual People | The Nation
"While representative democracy is dysfunctional, the Supreme Court has taken over with its own reactionary power grab. In case after case, the court’s right-wing majority is making its own law—expanding the power of corporations and the very wealthy, while making it harder for ordinary citizens to fight back."
"While representative democracy is dysfunctional, the Supreme Court has taken over with its own reactionary power grab. In case after case, the court’s right-wing majority is making its own law—expanding the power of corporations and the very wealthy, while making it harder for ordinary citizens to fight back."
11 Things The Koch Brothers Don't Want You To Know, From Robert Greenwald's Newly Updated Documentary
www.alternet.org/election-2014/11-things-koch-brothers-dont-want-you-know-robert-greenwalds-newly-updated-documentary
"The Kochs have invested multi-millions in more than 85 right-wing organizations over the years to push an anti-government, libertarian agenda. Many local Tea Party chapters were fronts for Americans for Prosperity, one of their groups. Another big recipient, ALEC, or the American Legislative Exchange Council, drafts bills and talking points that Republican officials cite again and again. In the 2012 presidential election cycle, the Koch’s right-wing donor network spent $400 million on electioneering."
"The Kochs have invested multi-millions in more than 85 right-wing organizations over the years to push an anti-government, libertarian agenda. Many local Tea Party chapters were fronts for Americans for Prosperity, one of their groups. Another big recipient, ALEC, or the American Legislative Exchange Council, drafts bills and talking points that Republican officials cite again and again. In the 2012 presidential election cycle, the Koch’s right-wing donor network spent $400 million on electioneering."
Monday, May 19, 2014
In Georgia, Lawmakers Taking Pride in Policies That Hurt the Poor
In Georgia, Lawmakers Taking Pride in Policies That Hurt the Poor
"House Bill 990 moves the authority to expand Medicaid out of the Governor’s office and over to lawmakers. In a state where conservative politics run deep, HB 990 is Governor Deal’s clever way of way of ensuring Medicaid expansion will never get passed, and abdicating all responsibility for the health and economic consequences that will surely result. The second bill, HB 943, restricts state and local agencies and their employees from advocating for Medicaid expansion, bans the creation of a state health insurance exchange, and prohibits the University of Georgia from continuing its navigator program once its original federal grant expires in August."
"House Bill 990 moves the authority to expand Medicaid out of the Governor’s office and over to lawmakers. In a state where conservative politics run deep, HB 990 is Governor Deal’s clever way of way of ensuring Medicaid expansion will never get passed, and abdicating all responsibility for the health and economic consequences that will surely result. The second bill, HB 943, restricts state and local agencies and their employees from advocating for Medicaid expansion, bans the creation of a state health insurance exchange, and prohibits the University of Georgia from continuing its navigator program once its original federal grant expires in August."
North Carolina GOP Pushes Unprecedented Bill to Jail Anyone Who Discloses Fracking Chemicals
www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2014/05/north-carolina-felony-fracking-chemicals-disclosure
"As hydraulic fracturing ramps up around the country, so do concerns about its health impacts. These concerns have led 20 states to require the disclosure of industrial chemicals used in the fracking process.
North Carolina isn't on that list of states yet—and it may be hurtling in the opposite direction.
On Thursday, three Republican state senators introduced a bill that would slap a felony charge on individuals who disclosed confidential information about fracking chemicals."
"As hydraulic fracturing ramps up around the country, so do concerns about its health impacts. These concerns have led 20 states to require the disclosure of industrial chemicals used in the fracking process.
North Carolina isn't on that list of states yet—and it may be hurtling in the opposite direction.
On Thursday, three Republican state senators introduced a bill that would slap a felony charge on individuals who disclosed confidential information about fracking chemicals."
Ask This State Whether A Higher Minimum Wage Kills Jobs
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/05/16/3438723/minimum-wage-small-business-jobs/
"Washington state has the country's highest minimum wage and also tops the chart for small business job growth."
"Washington state has the country's highest minimum wage and also tops the chart for small business job growth."
How You'll Get Screwed If Conservatives Kill the U.S. Postal Service
www.alternet.org/economy/how-youll-get-screwed-if-conservatives-kill-us-postal-service
"In 2006, a Republican-dominated Congress passed a bill forcing USPS to pre-fund future health benefits for retirees for the next 75 years (which Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has characterized as an “onerous financial burden”). To make matters worse, USPS has been facing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. And a combination of Republicans, Libertarians and neoliberal Blue Dog Democrats have been calling for drastic service cuts and privatization schemes. Ted DeHaven, budget analyst for the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, has repeatedly called for the total privatization of the U.S. Postal Service."
"In 2006, a Republican-dominated Congress passed a bill forcing USPS to pre-fund future health benefits for retirees for the next 75 years (which Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has characterized as an “onerous financial burden”). To make matters worse, USPS has been facing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. And a combination of Republicans, Libertarians and neoliberal Blue Dog Democrats have been calling for drastic service cuts and privatization schemes. Ted DeHaven, budget analyst for the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, has repeatedly called for the total privatization of the U.S. Postal Service."
Senate Republicans Hit an All Time Low Blocking Bill They Unanimously Supported
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/17/senate-republicans-hit-time-blocking-bill-unanimously-supported.html
"obstructing legislation that Republicans helped write and supported has everything to do with the Republican Party’s policy of bringing governance to an end because the American people elected an African American man as President, and it is also a message Republicans began sending in 2009 within days of President Obama’s inauguration. What Hatch meant to say is Republican obstruction had nothing to do with the content of the legislation, only that they were unable to attach amendments to benefit their campaign donors."
"obstructing legislation that Republicans helped write and supported has everything to do with the Republican Party’s policy of bringing governance to an end because the American people elected an African American man as President, and it is also a message Republicans began sending in 2009 within days of President Obama’s inauguration. What Hatch meant to say is Republican obstruction had nothing to do with the content of the legislation, only that they were unable to attach amendments to benefit their campaign donors."
Meet The Republican Judge Fighting To Bail Scott Walker Out Of A Criminal Investigation
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/05/11/3436347/meet-the-republican-judge-fighting-to-bail-scott-walker-out-of-a-criminal-investigation/
"One day after Randa ordered this investigation halted, even requiring prosecutors to return or destroy documents that provided evidence that illegal coordination took place, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a brief order holding that Randa had no business deciding this case in the first place — as the case was already on appeal."
"One day after Randa ordered this investigation halted, even requiring prosecutors to return or destroy documents that provided evidence that illegal coordination took place, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a brief order holding that Randa had no business deciding this case in the first place — as the case was already on appeal."
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Moral Mondays Shames NC Lawmakers, So They're Restricting Statehouse Access
Moral Mondays Shames NC Lawmakers, So They're Restricting Statehouse Access
"Conservatives in North Carolina really do not like the weekly protests in the state capitol intended to shine light on their shenanigans and shame them for their war on the working class there. But that won't stop protesters from gathering."
"Conservatives in North Carolina really do not like the weekly protests in the state capitol intended to shine light on their shenanigans and shame them for their war on the working class there. But that won't stop protesters from gathering."
Fox News’ divisive race strategy: How O’Reilly, Hannity and Coulter intentionally tore America apart
Fox News’ divisive race strategy: How O’Reilly, Hannity and Coulter intentionally tore America apart
"False claims go unchallenged, racial fears are stoked -- and political scientists discover it helps GOP at polls"
"False claims go unchallenged, racial fears are stoked -- and political scientists discover it helps GOP at polls"
Idaho’s GOP Gubernatorial Primary Debate Reveals Deep Streak Of Extremism
Idaho’s GOP Gubernatorial Primary Debate Reveals Deep Streak Of Extremism
"This week's debate among the candidates in the GOP primary for the governor's race in Idaho raised more questions than it answered, especially: What kind of extremists won't Republicans accept as viable candidates?"
"This week's debate among the candidates in the GOP primary for the governor's race in Idaho raised more questions than it answered, especially: What kind of extremists won't Republicans accept as viable candidates?"
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Republicans' Insane Political Strategy: Ruining Our Country Hurts the Democratic Party
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/republicans-deadly-political-strategy-damage-country-and-you-damage-democratic
"The GOP knows that if it can damage the economy, the average voter might blame it on the president"
"The GOP knows that if it can damage the economy, the average voter might blame it on the president"
Koch Brothers Learn How to Fake Concern for the Poor, an Expensive Lesson
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/koch-brothers-learn-how-fake-concern-poor-expensive-lesson
"Having figured out voters are compassionate, the right makes odd plan to act on it."
"Having figured out voters are compassionate, the right makes odd plan to act on it."
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Offsetting Penalties
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Offsetting Penalties
"Arthur Laffer's supply side snake oil--that "tax cuts pay for themselves" because the additional economic activity they incentivize will produce revenues higher than they otherwise would have been--is as rotten now as it was when Jude Wanniski first sketched Laffer's Curve on a cocktail napkin for Ronald Reagan."
"Arthur Laffer's supply side snake oil--that "tax cuts pay for themselves" because the additional economic activity they incentivize will produce revenues higher than they otherwise would have been--is as rotten now as it was when Jude Wanniski first sketched Laffer's Curve on a cocktail napkin for Ronald Reagan."
Crazy Rafael Cruz Cozies Up With Ginni Thomas For Some Obama-Bashing
Crazy Rafael Cruz Cozies Up With Ginni Thomas For Some Obama-Bashing
"These pathological, deluded idiots think that Obama sits up at night rubbing his hands together trying to figure out ways to keep people dependent on government. It's always so much better to just die in the streets, after all."
"These pathological, deluded idiots think that Obama sits up at night rubbing his hands together trying to figure out ways to keep people dependent on government. It's always so much better to just die in the streets, after all."
How the Right Wing is Killing Women | Common Dreams
How the Right Wing is Killing Women | Common Dreams
"According to a report released last week in the widely-respected health research journal, The Lancet, the United States now ranks 60th out of 180 countries on maternal deaths occurring during pregnancy and childbirth."
"According to a report released last week in the widely-respected health research journal, The Lancet, the United States now ranks 60th out of 180 countries on maternal deaths occurring during pregnancy and childbirth."
Sunday, May 11, 2014
8 of the Worst Right-Wing Wackos This Week: War on Science Edition
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/8-worst-right-wing-wackos-week-war-science-edition
"Remember when we all used to agree that science and knowledge were good things? When scholarship was respected? When we looked to educated people to do research and inform us what was actually going on with the world?"
"Remember when we all used to agree that science and knowledge were good things? When scholarship was respected? When we looked to educated people to do research and inform us what was actually going on with the world?"
Friday, May 9, 2014
Republicans Have Blocked 500 Bills
Republicans Have Blocked 500 Bills
"since 2007, they have filibustered about 500 pieces of legislation that would help the middle class"
"since 2007, they have filibustered about 500 pieces of legislation that would help the middle class"
Meet the Right-Wing Tycoon of Missouri, One of Conservatives' Biggest Money Men
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/meet-right-wing-tycoon-missouri-one-conservatives-biggest-money-men
"Sinquefield’s contributions have not always brought successful outcomes. He backed Todd Akin’s candidacy for the Senate, even after Akin said that women who are victims of what he called "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant."
"Sinquefield’s contributions have not always brought successful outcomes. He backed Todd Akin’s candidacy for the Senate, even after Akin said that women who are victims of what he called "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant."
Koch Bros. Group Readies 'Endless Millions' for Rightwing Takeover | Common Dreams
Koch Bros. Group Readies 'Endless Millions' for Rightwing Takeover | Common Dreams
"In addition to the well-known work of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)—which perfected the model of crafting and pushing state-level legislation through its network of convservative lawmakers and groups, billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, as the Washington Post reported earlier this week, is also "deploying a state-level political network" to do his political bidding."
"In addition to the well-known work of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)—which perfected the model of crafting and pushing state-level legislation through its network of convservative lawmakers and groups, billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, as the Washington Post reported earlier this week, is also "deploying a state-level political network" to do his political bidding."
Fox News devolves from climate denial to rejecting all science
Fox News devolves from climate denial to rejecting all science
"To watch Will and Krauthammer grasp for rationales to cast doubt on an established scientific field merely because its findings pose a challenge to their ideological priors is a depressing, and even harrowing, study in the poisonous effects of dogma upon a once-healthy brain."
"To watch Will and Krauthammer grasp for rationales to cast doubt on an established scientific field merely because its findings pose a challenge to their ideological priors is a depressing, and even harrowing, study in the poisonous effects of dogma upon a once-healthy brain."
How Fox News Dresses Up Extreme Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories as News
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-fox-news-dresses-extreme-right-wing-conspiracy-theories-news
"Now, Fox acts as a crucial bridge between the radical and the everyday. Fox gives a voice and a national platform to the same type of deranged, hard-core haters who hounded the new, young Democratic president in the early 1990s. Fox embraces and helps legitimize the kind of conspiratorial talk that flourished back then but mostly on the sidelines. The Murdoch channel has moved derangement into the mainstream of Republican politics."
"Now, Fox acts as a crucial bridge between the radical and the everyday. Fox gives a voice and a national platform to the same type of deranged, hard-core haters who hounded the new, young Democratic president in the early 1990s. Fox embraces and helps legitimize the kind of conspiratorial talk that flourished back then but mostly on the sidelines. The Murdoch channel has moved derangement into the mainstream of Republican politics."
Led by Darrell Issa, House Republicans Are Taking America Back to McCarthyism
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/09/led-darrell-issa-house-republicans-america-mccarthyism.html
"For the past five years conservatives have openly expressed their greatest desire is to take the nation back to the 1950s they claim was a special period in American history because Black people knew their place, women were submissive, and Ozzie and Harriet most accurately represented the population. Most of what conservatives think was awesome about the 50s are precisely what they oppose today whether it was robust union representation for labor, adequate funding for education, and government investment in infrastructure. Even though it is impossible to go back in time, House Republicans are taking the nation back to a dark period in the nation’s history when a demagogic, reckless, and mean-spirited Republican inspired fear in politicians and entertainers alike with unsubstantiated accusations and very public attacks on the character and patriotism of political opponents under color of authority of the United States Congress."
"For the past five years conservatives have openly expressed their greatest desire is to take the nation back to the 1950s they claim was a special period in American history because Black people knew their place, women were submissive, and Ozzie and Harriet most accurately represented the population. Most of what conservatives think was awesome about the 50s are precisely what they oppose today whether it was robust union representation for labor, adequate funding for education, and government investment in infrastructure. Even though it is impossible to go back in time, House Republicans are taking the nation back to a dark period in the nation’s history when a demagogic, reckless, and mean-spirited Republican inspired fear in politicians and entertainers alike with unsubstantiated accusations and very public attacks on the character and patriotism of political opponents under color of authority of the United States Congress."
Top 10 Reasons GOP Benghazi Witch Hunt Is Just a Campaign Fundraising Ploy | Common Dreams
Top 10 Reasons GOP Benghazi Witch Hunt Is Just a Campaign Fundraising Ploy | Common Dreams
"Since Obamacare is increasingly a wildly popular success, the GOP is flailing around looking for an issue, any issue to help fundraising for the fall congressional campaigns."
"Since Obamacare is increasingly a wildly popular success, the GOP is flailing around looking for an issue, any issue to help fundraising for the fall congressional campaigns."
Want to Fight the Corporate Lobbyists like the Koch Bros.? Meet the People's Lobby
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/want-fight-corporate-lobbyists-koch-bros-meet-peoples-lobby
"Congress members were not the only ones this feisty coalition had a message for that day. The gabillionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, feel entitled to occupy the people's elections, even local school board races, barging in with sacks full of corporate cash. So, how would the brothers feel if the people barged into their political affairs?
To find out, a few of these good citizens paid a visit to "Koch Companies Public Sector," the grandiose name the brothers give to their Washington, DC, lobbying headquarters strategically located just one block from the White House. From there, a covey of high-dollar, Koch-headed, sapsucker lobbyists flits all around town trying to get lawmakers to take away our Social Security, Medicare, minimum wage, etc. -- while also making sure that the two, "free-enterprise" proselytizers keep getting their billion-dollar-a-year package of government subsidies.
So, some "commoners" whose tax dollars subsidize the Koch industries empire came calling on the Kochs. OK, it was more than some -- more like 600."
"Congress members were not the only ones this feisty coalition had a message for that day. The gabillionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, feel entitled to occupy the people's elections, even local school board races, barging in with sacks full of corporate cash. So, how would the brothers feel if the people barged into their political affairs?
To find out, a few of these good citizens paid a visit to "Koch Companies Public Sector," the grandiose name the brothers give to their Washington, DC, lobbying headquarters strategically located just one block from the White House. From there, a covey of high-dollar, Koch-headed, sapsucker lobbyists flits all around town trying to get lawmakers to take away our Social Security, Medicare, minimum wage, etc. -- while also making sure that the two, "free-enterprise" proselytizers keep getting their billion-dollar-a-year package of government subsidies.
So, some "commoners" whose tax dollars subsidize the Koch industries empire came calling on the Kochs. OK, it was more than some -- more like 600."
The Koch Brothers Are Going to Try To Buy Congress By Spending $125 Million
www.politicususa.com/2014/05/09/koch-brothers-buy-congress-spending-125-million.html
"The Koch brothers are going to try to buy Congress this year by outspending both the Republican and the Democratic parties combined."
"The Koch brothers are going to try to buy Congress this year by outspending both the Republican and the Democratic parties combined."
Thursday, May 8, 2014
'Relentless' Boycott Planned Against Any Team That Drafts Michael Sam | Right Wing Watch
'Relentless' Boycott Planned Against Any Team That Drafts Michael Sam | Right Wing Watch
"If Sam does get drafted, the team that picks him will get to look forward to dealing with Washington, DC lobbyist Jack Burkman who, as part of his campaign to pass legislation that would ban openly gay players from playing in the NFL, is vowing to unleash a "relentness" boycott against the team that drafts him.
Burkman says that he has a "coalition of Evangelical Christian leaders from across the nation" ready to go as soon as Sam is drafted who will teach the NFL that "when you trample the Christian community and Christian values, there will be a terrible financial price to pay"."
"If Sam does get drafted, the team that picks him will get to look forward to dealing with Washington, DC lobbyist Jack Burkman who, as part of his campaign to pass legislation that would ban openly gay players from playing in the NFL, is vowing to unleash a "relentness" boycott against the team that drafts him.
Burkman says that he has a "coalition of Evangelical Christian leaders from across the nation" ready to go as soon as Sam is drafted who will teach the NFL that "when you trample the Christian community and Christian values, there will be a terrible financial price to pay"."
Infographic: How Many Women Are Benefiting from the Affordable Care Act?
www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/news/2014/05/07/85389/infographic-how-many-women-are-benefiting-from-the-affordable-care-act/
"27 million women can receive life saving preventive health care without copays, 8.7 million women will gain maternity coverage in 2014 with the Affordable Care Act's individual insurance coverage, 39.5 million adult women in the United States no longer have lifetime limits on their health insurance plans thanks to the Affordable Care Act"
"27 million women can receive life saving preventive health care without copays, 8.7 million women will gain maternity coverage in 2014 with the Affordable Care Act's individual insurance coverage, 39.5 million adult women in the United States no longer have lifetime limits on their health insurance plans thanks to the Affordable Care Act"
Interactive Map: Check Out How Your State Ranks for Healthcare!
www.alternet.org/interactive-map-check-out-how-your-state-ranks-healthcare
"They used a ranking system of "42 different metrics that gauged everything from insurance coverage to avoidable hospital stays to vaccination rates, at the systemic level; and from obesity rates to how many adults have lost six or more teeth, at the individual level." The states at the top: Minnesota comes in at Number 1, and Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire are tied for second. At the bottom: Mississippi is worst, with Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas not much better."
"They used a ranking system of "42 different metrics that gauged everything from insurance coverage to avoidable hospital stays to vaccination rates, at the systemic level; and from obesity rates to how many adults have lost six or more teeth, at the individual level." The states at the top: Minnesota comes in at Number 1, and Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire are tied for second. At the bottom: Mississippi is worst, with Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas not much better."
Scalia’s delusional hackery: From “originalism” to shilling for the Tea Party
Scalia’s delusional hackery: From “originalism” to shilling for the Tea Party
"Yes, he interpreted his own decision wrong last week. But the real embarrassment: his incoherent philosophy"
"Yes, he interpreted his own decision wrong last week. But the real embarrassment: his incoherent philosophy"
The right’s sad Obamacare transition: As good news rolls in, what to do?
The right’s sad Obamacare transition: As good news rolls in, what to do?
"What you’re seeing here is the conservative media struggling to adapt to the changing narrative regarding the Affordable Care Act."
"What you’re seeing here is the conservative media struggling to adapt to the changing narrative regarding the Affordable Care Act."
Insurance Companies Testify And Prove Republicans Are Lying About Obamacare Enrollment Numbers
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/08/insurance-companies-testify-and-prove-republicans-are-lying-about-obamacare-enrollment-numbers/
"It’s actually getting a little tiring writing about the Republican Obamacare lies. When political pundits and and Comedy Central aren’t busy proving Republicans wrong, leave it to the health insurance executives to stick it to them."
"It’s actually getting a little tiring writing about the Republican Obamacare lies. When political pundits and and Comedy Central aren’t busy proving Republicans wrong, leave it to the health insurance executives to stick it to them."
USA: The World's Newest Third World Nation
USA: The World's Newest Third World Nation
"And that starts by saying enough is enough to 33 years of failed Reaganomics, and putting in place the economic policies that will allow the middle-class to grow and thrive.
From our trade policies to our tax policies to our labor policies and to the way that we handle big business and banksters, we need to roll back the Reagan Revolution."
"And that starts by saying enough is enough to 33 years of failed Reaganomics, and putting in place the economic policies that will allow the middle-class to grow and thrive.
From our trade policies to our tax policies to our labor policies and to the way that we handle big business and banksters, we need to roll back the Reagan Revolution."
Fox News declares war on its own children: Inside its bizarre new crusade
Fox News declares war on its own children: Inside its bizarre new crusade
"Enemies are the bread and butter of Fox News. The network is notorious for churning out an endless stream of people its viewers are instructed to fear and loathe: feminists, gay people, immigrants, atheists and the Bureau of Land Management. This constant stream of enemies helps keep viewers tuning in to see who they need to hate this week and keeps them in a state of perpetual anger and fear so that they’re easy to manipulate politically."
"Enemies are the bread and butter of Fox News. The network is notorious for churning out an endless stream of people its viewers are instructed to fear and loathe: feminists, gay people, immigrants, atheists and the Bureau of Land Management. This constant stream of enemies helps keep viewers tuning in to see who they need to hate this week and keeps them in a state of perpetual anger and fear so that they’re easy to manipulate politically."
State Judicial Ethics Rules Fail to Address Flood of Campaign Cash from Lawyers and Litigants
www.americanprogress.org/issues/civil-liberties/report/2014/05/07/89068/state-judicial-ethics-rules-fail-to-address-flood-of-campaign-cash-from-lawyers-and-litigants-2/
"The results of this study should alarm anyone who cares about impartial justice. Given the exponential increase in campaign cash in recent decades, justices in state supreme courts across America are hearing more and more cases that involve their campaign contributors. Polls show that this is causing the public to doubt judicial impartiality.
States have failed to heed the American Bar Association’s call for mandatory recusal. If Americans insist on electing their judges, they must also pressure elected judges and legislators to ensure that campaign cash does not sway judges or cause the public to think that it does. Voters must demand that their representatives ensure that litigants who have contributed money to judges cannot buy favorable treatment."
"The results of this study should alarm anyone who cares about impartial justice. Given the exponential increase in campaign cash in recent decades, justices in state supreme courts across America are hearing more and more cases that involve their campaign contributors. Polls show that this is causing the public to doubt judicial impartiality.
States have failed to heed the American Bar Association’s call for mandatory recusal. If Americans insist on electing their judges, they must also pressure elected judges and legislators to ensure that campaign cash does not sway judges or cause the public to think that it does. Voters must demand that their representatives ensure that litigants who have contributed money to judges cannot buy favorable treatment."
Judicial Hijinks in Effort to Kill Walker Criminal Probe and Destroy Evidence
Judicial Hijinks in Effort to Kill Walker Criminal Probe and Destroy Evidence
"That’s like saying bribery is not illegal if the politician and the contractor that wants a favor agree, so long as the contractor's gift comes in the form of money spent on an election season issue ad rather than in a paper bag."
"That’s like saying bribery is not illegal if the politician and the contractor that wants a favor agree, so long as the contractor's gift comes in the form of money spent on an election season issue ad rather than in a paper bag."
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Scott Walker Investigation Killed By Federal Judge Echoing Scalia's 'Money Is Speech' Ruling
Scott Walker Investigation Killed By Federal Judge Echoing Scalia's 'Money Is Speech' Ruling
"Thanks, SCOTUS! Several associates of Walker's have gone to jail or been convicted in connection with Walker's campaign, but it's just all free speech now. Gotcha."
"Thanks, SCOTUS! Several associates of Walker's have gone to jail or been convicted in connection with Walker's campaign, but it's just all free speech now. Gotcha."
The GOP’s Anti-Obamacare Propaganda Campaign Is Getting More Desperate Than Ever Before
www.forwardprogressives.com/the-gops-anti-obamacare-propaganda-campaign-is-getting-more-desperate-than-ever-before/
"The uninsured rate has dropped to its lowest level in all the time that Gallup has been tracking it. Most of those who remain uninsured are not left so by the design of Obamacare, but instead by the action of the Supreme Court (and the aforementioned Justice Roberts) and the choices of the red-state legislatures and governors that chose not to expand Medicaid to their poorest citizens. Because the facts are so against their purposes, the GOP and their allies at Fox, Heritage, and Americans for Prosperity must resort to distortions and lies."
"The uninsured rate has dropped to its lowest level in all the time that Gallup has been tracking it. Most of those who remain uninsured are not left so by the design of Obamacare, but instead by the action of the Supreme Court (and the aforementioned Justice Roberts) and the choices of the red-state legislatures and governors that chose not to expand Medicaid to their poorest citizens. Because the facts are so against their purposes, the GOP and their allies at Fox, Heritage, and Americans for Prosperity must resort to distortions and lies."
Insurers Say Most Of The People Who Signed Up For Obamacare Paid Their First Premium
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/05/07/3435066/insurers-first-premium/
"Executives from WellPoint, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday to report on the progress in Obamacare enrollment."
"Executives from WellPoint, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday to report on the progress in Obamacare enrollment."
North Carolina Republican: 'We Have To Divide And Conquer' Those On Public Assistance
North Carolina Republican: 'We Have To Divide And Conquer' Those On Public Assistance
"Thom Tillis won his primary last night, and will take on Senator Kay Hagan in November. As this video from 2011 shows, though, he intends to wage more war on the poor, if elected."
"Thom Tillis won his primary last night, and will take on Senator Kay Hagan in November. As this video from 2011 shows, though, he intends to wage more war on the poor, if elected."
PERRspectives: Republicans Compare Obamacare--and All They Hate--to the Holocaust
PERRspectives: Republicans Compare Obamacare--and All They Hate--to the Holocaust
"Here's a friendly suggestion for the Holocaust peddlers of the GOP and its allies in the gilded class and the religious right. The next time you feel compelled to compare, say, Head Start, a carbon tax, food stamps or just about any other Democratic policy to Nazi Germany's extermination of six million Jews, just repeat this helpful phrase silently to yourself.
Never again.
That done, conservatives can get back to what they do best: comparing everything to slavery."
"Here's a friendly suggestion for the Holocaust peddlers of the GOP and its allies in the gilded class and the religious right. The next time you feel compelled to compare, say, Head Start, a carbon tax, food stamps or just about any other Democratic policy to Nazi Germany's extermination of six million Jews, just repeat this helpful phrase silently to yourself.
Never again.
That done, conservatives can get back to what they do best: comparing everything to slavery."
GOP Senate Candidate: Raising The Min Wage Is A 'Defeatist Mentality'
GOP Senate Candidate: Raising The Min Wage Is A 'Defeatist Mentality'
"North Carolina's Thom Tillis wasted no time attacking the idea of a national minimum wage in his first national tv appearance."
"North Carolina's Thom Tillis wasted no time attacking the idea of a national minimum wage in his first national tv appearance."
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
How Quickly Is America Declining? The Same Warp Speed That's Minting Billionaires and Destroying the Middle Class
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-quickly-america-declining-same-warp-speed-thats-minting-billiionaires-and
"America has the most billionaires in the world, but not a single U.S. city ranks among the world’s most livable cities."
"America has the most billionaires in the world, but not a single U.S. city ranks among the world’s most livable cities."
Monday, May 5, 2014
Fox News Host Clayton Morris Wants To Know: 'Are Female Breadwinners A Problem?'
Fox News Host Clayton Morris Wants To Know: 'Are Female Breadwinners A Problem?'
"Fox News host Clayton Morris argued over the weekend that women "breadwinners" could be emasculating men by violating their "innate" biology."
"Fox News host Clayton Morris argued over the weekend that women "breadwinners" could be emasculating men by violating their "innate" biology."
The Four Biggest Right-Wing Lies About Inequality | Common Dreams
The Four Biggest Right-Wing Lies About Inequality | Common Dreams
"Even though French economist Thomas Piketty has made an air-tight case that we’re heading toward levels of inequality not seen since the days of the nineteenth-century robber barons, right-wing conservatives haven’t stopped lying about what’s happening and what to do about it."
"Even though French economist Thomas Piketty has made an air-tight case that we’re heading toward levels of inequality not seen since the days of the nineteenth-century robber barons, right-wing conservatives haven’t stopped lying about what’s happening and what to do about it."
Tennessee State Senator Compares Obamacare To The Holocaust
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/gop-lawmaker-obamacare-holocaust
"On Monday, a Tennessee state senator apparently likened Obamacare's individual mandate to Nazi Germany's slaughter of Jews."
"On Monday, a Tennessee state senator apparently likened Obamacare's individual mandate to Nazi Germany's slaughter of Jews."
Conservative Christians Don’t Want You To See This Clip Of Porky Pig Reciting The Pledge (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/23/porky-pig-pledge-of-allegiance/
"Written by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance has been part of our nation for well over 100 years. But what most Americans don’t realize is that for half of that time, the words “under God” were never part of it. Not at all." (Reposted)
"Written by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance has been part of our nation for well over 100 years. But what most Americans don’t realize is that for half of that time, the words “under God” were never part of it. Not at all." (Reposted)
Dear Conservatives: If You Want to Live in a Theocracy, Get the Hell Out of the United States
www.forwardprogressives.com/dear-conservatives-want-live-theocracy-get-hell-united-states/
"But the truth of the matter is, conservatives don’t want to live in a nation based on liberty and freedom – they want to live in a theocracy. They want a nation and government based on religion. And if that’s what they want then they need to get the hell out of the United States, because this isn’t a nation based on theocracy. Our Founding Fathers made that perfectly clear when they wrote our First Amendment. If they want to practice whatever religion they want, in the privacy of their own homes (or churches), by all means go right ahead. But that doesn’t give them the right to force their narrow-minded religious beliefs on those who don’t agree with them." (Reposted)
"But the truth of the matter is, conservatives don’t want to live in a nation based on liberty and freedom – they want to live in a theocracy. They want a nation and government based on religion. And if that’s what they want then they need to get the hell out of the United States, because this isn’t a nation based on theocracy. Our Founding Fathers made that perfectly clear when they wrote our First Amendment. If they want to practice whatever religion they want, in the privacy of their own homes (or churches), by all means go right ahead. But that doesn’t give them the right to force their narrow-minded religious beliefs on those who don’t agree with them." (Reposted)
Alabama chief justice wants new constitution to protect the original from gays, Ruth Ginsburg
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/05/alabama-chief-justice-wants-new-constitution-to-protect-the-original-from-gays-ruth-ginsburg/
"The ultra-conservative judge, who recently suggested the First Amendment applied only to Christians, spoke Saturday at the 28th District Republican Club."
"The ultra-conservative judge, who recently suggested the First Amendment applied only to Christians, spoke Saturday at the 28th District Republican Club."
The Supreme Court Just Blew A Gaping Hole In The Wall Of Separation Between Church And State
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/05/05/3434141/the-supreme-court-just-blew-a-gaping-hole-in-the-wall-of-separation-between-church-and-state/
"Justice O’Connor was the Court’s leading supporter of the view that government may not endorse a particular religious belief or take any action that could convey such a “message of endorsement to the reasonable observer.” This view placed her sharply at odds with the four other conservatives on the Rehnquist Court. Thus, when O’Connor was replaced with the much more conservative Justice Samuel Alito, most Court watchers expected this prohibition on government endorsements of religion to fall in short order."
"Justice O’Connor was the Court’s leading supporter of the view that government may not endorse a particular religious belief or take any action that could convey such a “message of endorsement to the reasonable observer.” This view placed her sharply at odds with the four other conservatives on the Rehnquist Court. Thus, when O’Connor was replaced with the much more conservative Justice Samuel Alito, most Court watchers expected this prohibition on government endorsements of religion to fall in short order."
Diagnosing Paul Ryan’s psychopathy: Arrogant, manipulative, deceitful, remorseless
Diagnosing Paul Ryan’s psychopathy: Arrogant, manipulative, deceitful, remorseless
"If the GOP as a whole has pretty much given up on the whole “rebranding” thing, their 2012 vice presidential nominee, Congressman Paul Ryan, most definitely has not. In fact, rebranding is pretty much his thing, regardless of how credible — or incredible, actually — his efforts may be.
For years, Ryan touted himself as an avid Ayn Rand disciple, until he didn’t in early 2012, even calling it “an urban legend” that he had anything serious to do with Rand at all. He then tried to present the latest iteration of his draconian soak-the-poor/shower the rich budget proposal as grounded in Catholic social teaching, rather than Rand’s fiercely anti-Christian philosophy, a claim that the conservative U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops soundly rejected, writing that his proposed budget failed to meet certain “moral criteria” by disproportionately cutting programs that “serve poor and vulnerable people.”
Now, seeking to put all memory of the “47 percent” campaign behind him, Ryan’s trying to take that reinvention to a whole new level."
"If the GOP as a whole has pretty much given up on the whole “rebranding” thing, their 2012 vice presidential nominee, Congressman Paul Ryan, most definitely has not. In fact, rebranding is pretty much his thing, regardless of how credible — or incredible, actually — his efforts may be.
For years, Ryan touted himself as an avid Ayn Rand disciple, until he didn’t in early 2012, even calling it “an urban legend” that he had anything serious to do with Rand at all. He then tried to present the latest iteration of his draconian soak-the-poor/shower the rich budget proposal as grounded in Catholic social teaching, rather than Rand’s fiercely anti-Christian philosophy, a claim that the conservative U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops soundly rejected, writing that his proposed budget failed to meet certain “moral criteria” by disproportionately cutting programs that “serve poor and vulnerable people.”
Now, seeking to put all memory of the “47 percent” campaign behind him, Ryan’s trying to take that reinvention to a whole new level."
US Supreme Court Ruling Greenlights Government Prayer | Common Dreams
US Supreme Court Ruling Greenlights Government Prayer | Common Dreams
"In a potentially far-reaching case, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that an upstate New York town's practice of opening government meetings with sectarian prayers does notviolate the constitutional protection that separates church and state."
"In a potentially far-reaching case, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that an upstate New York town's practice of opening government meetings with sectarian prayers does notviolate the constitutional protection that separates church and state."
A Chief Justice in Alabama Won't Tolerate Non-Christian Lifestyles
A Chief Justice in Alabama Won't Tolerate Non-Christian Lifestyles
"Alabama residents who don’t prescribe to a strict Christian lifestyle best hope they don’t find themselves in front of the Supreme Court because Moore is admittedly biased. It’s a wonder how such a high-ranking judge could mistake Freedom of Religion for forcing everyone to live by the rules of his own religion."
"Alabama residents who don’t prescribe to a strict Christian lifestyle best hope they don’t find themselves in front of the Supreme Court because Moore is admittedly biased. It’s a wonder how such a high-ranking judge could mistake Freedom of Religion for forcing everyone to live by the rules of his own religion."
Exclusive: Ohio GOP’s secret voting scheme deliberations
Exclusive: Ohio GOP’s secret voting scheme deliberations
"This is not the first time Husted has been accused of attempting to suppress minority voting."
"This is not the first time Husted has been accused of attempting to suppress minority voting."
Sunday, May 4, 2014
INSTITUTE INDEX: Outside corporate interests spend big on NC high court race
www.southernstudies.org/2014/05/institute-index-outside-corporate-interests-spend-.html
"Year in which North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature killed the state's popular public financing program for judicial races, giving corporate interests greater influence over the state's courts: 2013"
"Year in which North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature killed the state's popular public financing program for judicial races, giving corporate interests greater influence over the state's courts: 2013"
Rick Scott Fails At Anti-Obamacare PR Stunt
Rick Scott Fails At Anti-Obamacare PR Stunt
"Some food for thought, Scott’s company, Columbia/HCA, before he became Florida’s governor, was found guilty of inflating Medicare prices and had to pay a $1.7 billion fine."
"Some food for thought, Scott’s company, Columbia/HCA, before he became Florida’s governor, was found guilty of inflating Medicare prices and had to pay a $1.7 billion fine."
GOP’s Plan To Make Teaching Creationism Mandatory In South Carolina Almost A Reality
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/02/creationism-south-carolina/
"Indeed, religious conservatives have relentlessly pushed to force creationism in schools in states across the nation. Year after year, they introduce legislation in an effort to indoctrinate students with biblical doctrine. GOP lawmakers have pushed such bills in pretty much every state. And that war on concrete scientific fact has harmed America’s standing in the world. Four years ago, American teens placed 17th in the world in science scores. Today, we rank 21st. This is the damage caused by the Republican anti-science campaign."
"Indeed, religious conservatives have relentlessly pushed to force creationism in schools in states across the nation. Year after year, they introduce legislation in an effort to indoctrinate students with biblical doctrine. GOP lawmakers have pushed such bills in pretty much every state. And that war on concrete scientific fact has harmed America’s standing in the world. Four years ago, American teens placed 17th in the world in science scores. Today, we rank 21st. This is the damage caused by the Republican anti-science campaign."
Saturday, May 3, 2014
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve Brings Red Ink to Red States
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve Brings Red Ink to Red States
"For over 30 years, it has been the Republican Party's uber lie. Ever since Jude Wanniski first sketched Arthur Laffer's curve on the back of a napkin, conservatives have claimed that "tax cuts pay for themselves" because the extra economic activity they incentivize will produce tax revenues at least as great as they otherwise would have been. Sadly, the GOP's faith-based economics has been disproven by three decades of experience. President Ronald Reagantripled the national debt. During his tenure, George W. Bush nearly doubled it again. Even now, the nonpartisan CBO explained when most of them were made permanent in 2013, the Bush tax cuts are still the largest driver of America's long term debt."
"For over 30 years, it has been the Republican Party's uber lie. Ever since Jude Wanniski first sketched Arthur Laffer's curve on the back of a napkin, conservatives have claimed that "tax cuts pay for themselves" because the extra economic activity they incentivize will produce tax revenues at least as great as they otherwise would have been. Sadly, the GOP's faith-based economics has been disproven by three decades of experience. President Ronald Reagantripled the national debt. During his tenure, George W. Bush nearly doubled it again. Even now, the nonpartisan CBO explained when most of them were made permanent in 2013, the Bush tax cuts are still the largest driver of America's long term debt."
Friday, May 2, 2014
ALEC Has A New Tactic It’s Using To Take Down The EPA
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/05/02/3433615/alec-campaign-push/
"ALEC, an influential right-wing lobbying group funded in part by petrochemical billionaires Charles and David Koch, has been working to undermine anti-pollution and pro-clean energy policies for years."
"ALEC, an influential right-wing lobbying group funded in part by petrochemical billionaires Charles and David Koch, has been working to undermine anti-pollution and pro-clean energy policies for years."
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