Thursday, August 20, 2015
Because Of GOP Budget Cuts, We Can Thank Canada For Putting Out California Wildfires (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/18/because-of-gop-budget-cuts-we-can-thank-canada-for-putting-out-california-wildfires-video/
"Equipment to put out fires isn’t something that helps giant corporations, big pharma, energy companies or massive campaign donors, therefore the GOP has decided there’s just no need for it in our budget. They’ve gutted so much funding that the Canadians have had to help put out wildfires in California, sending CL-415 water bombers to aid in the effort."
"Equipment to put out fires isn’t something that helps giant corporations, big pharma, energy companies or massive campaign donors, therefore the GOP has decided there’s just no need for it in our budget. They’ve gutted so much funding that the Canadians have had to help put out wildfires in California, sending CL-415 water bombers to aid in the effort."
Scott Walker Steals from Taxpayers and the Poor to Give Billionaire Basketball Team Owners a New Arena @alternet
Scott Walker Steals from Taxpayers and the Poor to Give Billionaire Basketball Team Owners a New Arena @alternet
"$250 million cut from state university, $250 million given to Milwaukee Bucks."
"$250 million cut from state university, $250 million given to Milwaukee Bucks."
Why Surprising Numbers of Republicans Have Been Voting for Bernie Sanders in Vermont @alternet
Why Surprising Numbers of Republicans Have Been Voting for Bernie Sanders in Vermont @alternet
"While Americans disagree on social issues like gay marriage and abortion, they're actually pretty unified on the bread and butter economic issues that Bernie has made the core of his campaign."
"While Americans disagree on social issues like gay marriage and abortion, they're actually pretty unified on the bread and butter economic issues that Bernie has made the core of his campaign."
Bernie Sanders Urges Unions To Stand Up And Use Their Power To Crush The Koch Brothers
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/18/bernie-sanders-urges-unions-stand-power-crush-koch-brothers.html
"Ordinary Americans can’t beat the Koch brothers in a dollar for dollar battle, but they can out vote the billionaires. The Kochs and other right-wing billionaires were routed in 2012 because regular Americans went to the polls and voted."
"Ordinary Americans can’t beat the Koch brothers in a dollar for dollar battle, but they can out vote the billionaires. The Kochs and other right-wing billionaires were routed in 2012 because regular Americans went to the polls and voted."
Bernie Sanders Proposes To Boost Worker-Ownership Of Companies
Bernie Sanders Proposes To Boost Worker-Ownership Of Companies
"Worker co-ops are businesses owned and operated by the people who work at the company. Instead of squeezing and draining the company, workers, customers and surrounding communities to provide an increasing return for investors, worker-owned companies have an incentive to be responsible, obviously to pay good wages, to respect surrounding communities and the environment (where the workers/owners live) and to make the business a viable long-term operation."
"Worker co-ops are businesses owned and operated by the people who work at the company. Instead of squeezing and draining the company, workers, customers and surrounding communities to provide an increasing return for investors, worker-owned companies have an incentive to be responsible, obviously to pay good wages, to respect surrounding communities and the environment (where the workers/owners live) and to make the business a viable long-term operation."
Fox News’ inner struggle with climate misinformation
Fox News’ inner struggle with climate misinformation
"Research has shown that Fox News is a major driving force behind climate denial , decreasing viewer trust in scientists and the existence of global warming. In 2013, only 28% of Fox News’ climate science segments were accurate , although that was an improvement over its 7% accuracy in 2012."
"Research has shown that Fox News is a major driving force behind climate denial , decreasing viewer trust in scientists and the existence of global warming. In 2013, only 28% of Fox News’ climate science segments were accurate , although that was an improvement over its 7% accuracy in 2012."
Barnstorming Iowa and 'Berning Up' the Internet as Sanders Surge Continues
Barnstorming Iowa and 'Berning Up' the Internet as Sanders Surge Continues
"In addition to well-attended weekend rallies in Iowa and record-breaking rallies in cities nationwide in recent weeks, the Sanders campaign last month reported that more the 100,000 people participated in an online "house party" forum hosted by his supporters in private homes and public spaces in every state."
"In addition to well-attended weekend rallies in Iowa and record-breaking rallies in cities nationwide in recent weeks, the Sanders campaign last month reported that more the 100,000 people participated in an online "house party" forum hosted by his supporters in private homes and public spaces in every state."
Republicans Can't Face the Truth About Iraq
Republicans Can't Face the Truth About Iraq
"Gov. Jeb Bush repeated one of the biggest falsehoods of our time during the recent presidential candidate debate: “we were misled (into the Iraq War) by faulty intelligence.”
US intelligence was not “misled.” It was ordered by the real, de facto president, Dick Cheney, to provide excuses for a war of aggression against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
PM Tony Blair, forced British intelligence services to “sex up” reports that Iraq had nuclear weapons; he purged the government and the venerable broadcaster BBC of journalists who failed to amplify Blair’s lies. Bush and Blair reportedly discussed painting a US Air Force plane in UN colors and getting it to buzz Iraqi anti-aircraft sites in hope the Iraqis would fire on it. Bush told Blair that after conquering Iraq, he intended to invade Iran, Syria, Libya and Pakistan."
"Gov. Jeb Bush repeated one of the biggest falsehoods of our time during the recent presidential candidate debate: “we were misled (into the Iraq War) by faulty intelligence.”
US intelligence was not “misled.” It was ordered by the real, de facto president, Dick Cheney, to provide excuses for a war of aggression against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
PM Tony Blair, forced British intelligence services to “sex up” reports that Iraq had nuclear weapons; he purged the government and the venerable broadcaster BBC of journalists who failed to amplify Blair’s lies. Bush and Blair reportedly discussed painting a US Air Force plane in UN colors and getting it to buzz Iraqi anti-aircraft sites in hope the Iraqis would fire on it. Bush told Blair that after conquering Iraq, he intended to invade Iran, Syria, Libya and Pakistan."
Paul Krugman: The Republican 2016 Candidates Are Competing to Be America's Top Servant of the 1% @alternet
Paul Krugman: The Republican 2016 Candidates Are Competing to Be America's Top Servant of the 1% @alternet
"that desire by almost the entire Republican field of potential presidential nominees to gut politically popular programs like Social Security is evidence that the party has essentially been sold to a select group of wealthy bidders.
Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz have all announced retrograde plans similar in scope and intent to George W. Bush’s attempt to privatize Social Security, not because it’s politically expedient — most pollsters believe these positions will hurt them in the general election — but because they’ll never make it through the primaries without the support of 130 families who fund the majority of Republican campaigns."
"that desire by almost the entire Republican field of potential presidential nominees to gut politically popular programs like Social Security is evidence that the party has essentially been sold to a select group of wealthy bidders.
Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz have all announced retrograde plans similar in scope and intent to George W. Bush’s attempt to privatize Social Security, not because it’s politically expedient — most pollsters believe these positions will hurt them in the general election — but because they’ll never make it through the primaries without the support of 130 families who fund the majority of Republican campaigns."
Bernie Sanders: The Kochs & the Billionaires ‘Hate My Guts, And I WELCOME Their Hatred’
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/bernie-sanders-the-kochs-the-billionaires-hate-my-guts-and-i-welcome-their-hatred/
"Bernie Sanders has been preaching a message of economic justice and electoral accountability for decades, and he has so far been the only candidate to openly call out the billionaire class- especially David and Charles Koch, the fossil fuel barons whose political funding network has more than 75 organizations working around the clock to turn America in a Ayn Randian dystopia."
"Bernie Sanders has been preaching a message of economic justice and electoral accountability for decades, and he has so far been the only candidate to openly call out the billionaire class- especially David and Charles Koch, the fossil fuel barons whose political funding network has more than 75 organizations working around the clock to turn America in a Ayn Randian dystopia."
How Dick Cheney Kicked off an Era of Cancer Clusters and Eco-Disasters from Fracking @alternet
How Dick Cheney Kicked off an Era of Cancer Clusters and Eco-Disasters from Fracking @alternet
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which holds the Halliburton Loophole, exempts oil and gas firms from environmental protection laws."
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which holds the Halliburton Loophole, exempts oil and gas firms from environmental protection laws."
John Kasich Doesn’t Belong Anywhere Near the U.S. Department Of Education
John Kasich Doesn’t Belong Anywhere Near the U.S. Department Of Education
"Under Kasich, Ohio charter schools have become a national embarrassment."
"Under Kasich, Ohio charter schools have become a national embarrassment."
It’s Time For Liberal Christians To Reclaim Christianity From Conservatives Who’ve Distorted the Faith
It’s Time For Liberal Christians To Reclaim Christianity From Conservatives Who’ve Distorted the Faith
"the right-wing takeover (and distortion) of Christianity has done nothing but drive people away from the faith in record numbers."
"the right-wing takeover (and distortion) of Christianity has done nothing but drive people away from the faith in record numbers."
Jeb Bush Keeps Forgetting
Jeb Bush Keeps Forgetting
"It is only by the grace of God and the collective clout of the Washington establishment that Jeb doesn't have to talk to his brother and his brother's regent through bulletproof glass on visitor's day at Fort Lewis, and that Paul Wolfowitz hasn't been black-bagged and hauled off to the Hague.
So the idea that Jeb(!) can construct a paragraph which dismisses his professional and familial relationships with traitors and war criminals as a "parlor game" -- in front of teevee cameras and not just cheering wingnuts at CPAC -- and not realize how deep in the sh*t he just stepped is more evidence that maybe Dubya was the smart one after all."
"It is only by the grace of God and the collective clout of the Washington establishment that Jeb doesn't have to talk to his brother and his brother's regent through bulletproof glass on visitor's day at Fort Lewis, and that Paul Wolfowitz hasn't been black-bagged and hauled off to the Hague.
So the idea that Jeb(!) can construct a paragraph which dismisses his professional and familial relationships with traitors and war criminals as a "parlor game" -- in front of teevee cameras and not just cheering wingnuts at CPAC -- and not realize how deep in the sh*t he just stepped is more evidence that maybe Dubya was the smart one after all."
Oliver Starts Church: "Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption": Pressures IRS to Stop Tax Exemption for Televangelist
Oliver Starts Church: "Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption": Pressures IRS to Stop Tax Exemption for Televangelist
"Televangelists preach the “prosperity gospel,” which means that God intended for everyone to be rich, as long as they give lots of money to the church. By giving money, these preachers say God will return the payment many times over and even cure their diseases. This is a bunch of hogwash that allows televangelists like Creflo Dollar to take advantage of vulnerable people.
False preachers have used this tactic to become multi-millionaires while taking advantage of poor people’s desperation. What’s worse, these coerced donations are tax free. The tax code written for churches is purposely vague. Any person who wants to start a church can enjoy tax free donations, regardless of their belief."
"Televangelists preach the “prosperity gospel,” which means that God intended for everyone to be rich, as long as they give lots of money to the church. By giving money, these preachers say God will return the payment many times over and even cure their diseases. This is a bunch of hogwash that allows televangelists like Creflo Dollar to take advantage of vulnerable people.
False preachers have used this tactic to become multi-millionaires while taking advantage of poor people’s desperation. What’s worse, these coerced donations are tax free. The tax code written for churches is purposely vague. Any person who wants to start a church can enjoy tax free donations, regardless of their belief."
WorldNetDaily Defends Pastor Who Defrauded Seniors In Life Insurance Scam | Right Wing Watch
WorldNetDaily Defends Pastor Who Defrauded Seniors In Life Insurance Scam | Right Wing Watch
"Jim Stanley, the Missouri pastor who recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges after swindling elderly investors with a life insurance scam, has found a friend in the right-wing website WorldNetDaily."
"Jim Stanley, the Missouri pastor who recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges after swindling elderly investors with a life insurance scam, has found a friend in the right-wing website WorldNetDaily."
The Duggars Are History After Josh Duggar Admits To Cheating On His Wife
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/20/duggars-history-josh-duggar-admits-cheating-wife.html
"Jim Bob Duggar is desperate to get back on television. Duggar was still pitching new show ideas in order get his celebrity back. “Conservative family values” were their reality television gimmick, but everything that the Duggars put on the screen was a lie.
It is not a surprise that a man who molested his sisters would also cheat on his wife. Josh Duggar is one example of the vein of hypocrisy in the Republican family values movement. Josh Duggar and his family oppose same-sex marriage, yet he can’t honor his own marriage vows.
The Duggars are finished. Any hope that TLC once had of putting them back on the air after the molestation scandal blows over, which it never will, is gone."
"Jim Bob Duggar is desperate to get back on television. Duggar was still pitching new show ideas in order get his celebrity back. “Conservative family values” were their reality television gimmick, but everything that the Duggars put on the screen was a lie.
It is not a surprise that a man who molested his sisters would also cheat on his wife. Josh Duggar is one example of the vein of hypocrisy in the Republican family values movement. Josh Duggar and his family oppose same-sex marriage, yet he can’t honor his own marriage vows.
The Duggars are finished. Any hope that TLC once had of putting them back on the air after the molestation scandal blows over, which it never will, is gone."
You'll Never Guess Who Had A Paid Account On An Adultery Website
You'll Never Guess Who Had A Paid Account On An Adultery Website
"The Ashley Madison hack has netted its first victim -- Josh Duggar."
"The Ashley Madison hack has netted its first victim -- Josh Duggar."
Anti-LGBT pro-creationist rich guy eyes Montana governorship
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/20/1413530/-Anti-LGBT-pro-creationist-rich-guy-eyes-Montana-governorship
"And why, pray tell, does a creationist museum need or want a T. rex or Acrocanthosaurus exhibit? Because this is one of those creationist museums that posits—nay, asserts outright—that The Flintstones Were Real."
"And why, pray tell, does a creationist museum need or want a T. rex or Acrocanthosaurus exhibit? Because this is one of those creationist museums that posits—nay, asserts outright—that The Flintstones Were Real."
Mike Huckabee Embarasses Himself In Jerusalem
Mike Huckabee Embarasses Himself In Jerusalem
"Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee delivered a confused and garbled press conference in Jerusalem during a brief campaign stop"
"Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee delivered a confused and garbled press conference in Jerusalem during a brief campaign stop"
RNC endorses anti-LGBT discrimination under guise of 'religious liberty'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/18/1413314/-RNC-endorses-anti-LGBT-discrimination-under-guise-of-religious-liberty
"Much was made of the fact that the Republican National Committee "quietly" shelved two anti-gay platform resolutions earlier this month, likely because they were just too overt.
Now we get a real taste of the new and improved RNC—wrapping anti-LGBT discrimination in the cloak of "religious liberty"."
"Much was made of the fact that the Republican National Committee "quietly" shelved two anti-gay platform resolutions earlier this month, likely because they were just too overt.
Now we get a real taste of the new and improved RNC—wrapping anti-LGBT discrimination in the cloak of "religious liberty"."
Facepalm Alert – Fake Historian David Barton Says Declaration Of Independence Came Directly From Bible (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/11/facepalm-alert-fake-historian-david-barton-says-declaration-of-independence-came-directly-from-bible-video/
"David Barton is so keen to spin the Founding Fathers and their documents to serve the evangelical conservative cause that he is now simply lying."
"David Barton is so keen to spin the Founding Fathers and their documents to serve the evangelical conservative cause that he is now simply lying."
The Appalling Evil of the Religious Right and All its Works
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/18/appalling-evil-religious-works.html
"They want our country. They want, like the creepy old men of Duck Dynasty, to marry our 15-year-old daughters, to rape our 10-year-old daughters and force them to give birth to their rapist’s children. They want to probe the vaginas of our wives and sisters and daughters, and they want you to pay them for doing it.
Then they’ll teach our kids that a bunch of Bronze Age patriarchs who didn’t know where the sun went at night, know more science than actual scientists, that once you get pregnant, what you eat can change the sex of your fetus, and that God is causing global warming to punish us not because they molest their daughters, but because same sex couples want to get married.
There are no words in the English language suitable to describe the appalling things they say and do. I won’t even try here. If you look at the worst the Old Testament has to offer in intolerance, you will see just a tithe of the horrors being offered by our own Religious Right.
They are utterly, unrepentantly evil."
"They want our country. They want, like the creepy old men of Duck Dynasty, to marry our 15-year-old daughters, to rape our 10-year-old daughters and force them to give birth to their rapist’s children. They want to probe the vaginas of our wives and sisters and daughters, and they want you to pay them for doing it.
Then they’ll teach our kids that a bunch of Bronze Age patriarchs who didn’t know where the sun went at night, know more science than actual scientists, that once you get pregnant, what you eat can change the sex of your fetus, and that God is causing global warming to punish us not because they molest their daughters, but because same sex couples want to get married.
There are no words in the English language suitable to describe the appalling things they say and do. I won’t even try here. If you look at the worst the Old Testament has to offer in intolerance, you will see just a tithe of the horrors being offered by our own Religious Right.
They are utterly, unrepentantly evil."
Michigan State Rep Todd Courser takes to Facebook to Jesus-splain away his disgusting actions
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/17/1412848/-Michigan-State-Rep-Todd-Courser-takes-to-Facebook-to-Jesus-splain-away-his-disgusting-actions
"Michigan tea-party lawmaker Todd Courser recently tried to cover up an affair with fellow representative Cindy Gamrat by attempting to solicit one of his aides to distribute an email that fictitiously claimed the lawmaker had a gay fling with a male prostitute. Hoping to "innoculate the herd" before the real scandal of his affair came to light, the scheme blew up in his face like Wile E. Coyote handling Acme dynamite in a Road Runner cartoon.
Rather than resign, tuck his tail between his legs and keep his mouth shut, Courser took to Facebook over the weekend. In a lengthy, rambling and largely incoherent screed he attempted to garner sympathy while explaining away his actions without really owning them."
"Michigan tea-party lawmaker Todd Courser recently tried to cover up an affair with fellow representative Cindy Gamrat by attempting to solicit one of his aides to distribute an email that fictitiously claimed the lawmaker had a gay fling with a male prostitute. Hoping to "innoculate the herd" before the real scandal of his affair came to light, the scheme blew up in his face like Wile E. Coyote handling Acme dynamite in a Road Runner cartoon.
Rather than resign, tuck his tail between his legs and keep his mouth shut, Courser took to Facebook over the weekend. In a lengthy, rambling and largely incoherent screed he attempted to garner sympathy while explaining away his actions without really owning them."
John Oliver opens a can of whoop-ass on ‘prosperity gospel’ Christian TV preachers — and it’s beautiful
John Oliver opens a can of whoop-ass on ‘prosperity gospel’ Christian TV preachers — and it’s beautiful
"Describing the call for funds “predatory,” Oliver shared a clip of evangelist Mike Murdock encouraging followers with burdensome credit card debt to use those same cards to send him $1,000 with the promise that, in doing so, God will step in to make that debt disappear."
"Describing the call for funds “predatory,” Oliver shared a clip of evangelist Mike Murdock encouraging followers with burdensome credit card debt to use those same cards to send him $1,000 with the promise that, in doing so, God will step in to make that debt disappear."
Facebook trolls rain holy hell on Michigan Tea Partier’s 1,900-word Bible-thumping excuse for affair
Facebook trolls rain holy hell on Michigan Tea Partier’s 1,900-word Bible-thumping excuse for affair
"Having tried blaming the “Lansing mafia” and unnamed blackmailers for exposing his adulterous affair with a fellow lawmaker, Michigan Tea Party Republican Todd Courser turned to Facebook over the weekend to write a rambling Bible-quoting post invoking Jesus and Original Sin — and his commenters weren’t having it.
State Rep. Courser is under investigation for possible misuse of his office after attempting to get a top aide to distribute an email smear saying the lawmaker had a gay fling with a male prostitute behind a nightclub. Courser’s plan was to use the anonymous smear to “inoculate the herd” — voters and his followers — before word got out that he was having an affair with fellow social conservative lawmaker, Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R), a mother of three."
"Having tried blaming the “Lansing mafia” and unnamed blackmailers for exposing his adulterous affair with a fellow lawmaker, Michigan Tea Party Republican Todd Courser turned to Facebook over the weekend to write a rambling Bible-quoting post invoking Jesus and Original Sin — and his commenters weren’t having it.
State Rep. Courser is under investigation for possible misuse of his office after attempting to get a top aide to distribute an email smear saying the lawmaker had a gay fling with a male prostitute behind a nightclub. Courser’s plan was to use the anonymous smear to “inoculate the herd” — voters and his followers — before word got out that he was having an affair with fellow social conservative lawmaker, Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R), a mother of three."
Republicans want 10-year-old girls to give birth to ‘rape’ babies — here’s what the Bible says about that
Republicans want 10-year-old girls to give birth to ‘rape’ babies — here’s what the Bible says about that
"In the lead-up to the 2012 election, Christians of many stripes scrambled to distance themselves, their religion, or their God from offensive Republican comments about rape. The comments swelled to fill a four column “Rape Advisory Chart.” Some of the most damning were explicitly driven by religious belief. Consider Indiana candidate Richard Mourdock, who said, “I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.” Mourdock echoed Rick Santorum: “the right approach is to accept this horribly created — in the sense of rape — but nevertheless a gift in a very broken way, the gift of human life, and accept what God has given to you.” Then there were thinly veiled attempts by Christian conservatives to rationalize their religiously-driven opposition to abortion. In this category we have Todd Akin’s statement that a woman’s body can prevent pregnancy in “legitimate rape” and John Koster’s comment that “incest is so rare, I mean it’s so rare"."
"In the lead-up to the 2012 election, Christians of many stripes scrambled to distance themselves, their religion, or their God from offensive Republican comments about rape. The comments swelled to fill a four column “Rape Advisory Chart.” Some of the most damning were explicitly driven by religious belief. Consider Indiana candidate Richard Mourdock, who said, “I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.” Mourdock echoed Rick Santorum: “the right approach is to accept this horribly created — in the sense of rape — but nevertheless a gift in a very broken way, the gift of human life, and accept what God has given to you.” Then there were thinly veiled attempts by Christian conservatives to rationalize their religiously-driven opposition to abortion. In this category we have Todd Akin’s statement that a woman’s body can prevent pregnancy in “legitimate rape” and John Koster’s comment that “incest is so rare, I mean it’s so rare"."
Mike Huckabee says he supports Paraguay's denial of abortion for raped 11-year-old girl
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/17/1412828/-Mike-Huckabee-says-he-supports-Paraguay-s-denial-of-abortion-for-raped-11-year-old-girl
"Huckabee was at one point in his career considered serious presidential material; we should thank our stars that this time around there are a dozen other equally extreme-in-their-own-ways candidates to split the vote and make him an also-ran."
"Huckabee was at one point in his career considered serious presidential material; we should thank our stars that this time around there are a dozen other equally extreme-in-their-own-ways candidates to split the vote and make him an also-ran."
John Oliver Tackles Terrifying Televangelists, Brilliantly Exposes the Scam of Tax-Exempt Churches (Video)
John Oliver Tackles Terrifying Televangelists, Brilliantly Exposes the Scam of Tax-Exempt Churches (Video)
"It is a magnificently scathing takedown of the entire nature of these very for-profit “non-profit churches” and how they’re exploiting our tax system to get rich because for some reason there are still millions of people who are sheepish enough to continue giving these frauds money."
"It is a magnificently scathing takedown of the entire nature of these very for-profit “non-profit churches” and how they’re exploiting our tax system to get rich because for some reason there are still millions of people who are sheepish enough to continue giving these frauds money."
John Oliver exposes the disturbing world of Christian televangelists: “This is about the churches that exploit people’s faith for monetary gain”
John Oliver exposes the disturbing world of Christian televangelists: “This is about the churches that exploit people’s faith for monetary gain”
"John Oliver took on the fraudulent behind-the-scenes (and occasionally, not so behind-the-scenes) practices of America’s megachurches — specifically, those that have exploited people’s faith for monetary gain with the promise that “donations will result in wealth coming back to you.” It’s called “The Prosperity Gospel,” and is built on the idea that every donation a congregant gives its pastor is a “seed” that will one day be harvested. “Wealth is a sign of God’s favor,” after all."
"John Oliver took on the fraudulent behind-the-scenes (and occasionally, not so behind-the-scenes) practices of America’s megachurches — specifically, those that have exploited people’s faith for monetary gain with the promise that “donations will result in wealth coming back to you.” It’s called “The Prosperity Gospel,” and is built on the idea that every donation a congregant gives its pastor is a “seed” that will one day be harvested. “Wealth is a sign of God’s favor,” after all."
Mike Huckabee Has Milked Almost $3 Million From Christian Organizations in the Past Two Years @alternet
Mike Huckabee Has Milked Almost $3 Million From Christian Organizations in the Past Two Years @alternet
"Not all of Huckabee's paid gigs were for right-wing Christian organizations. Some were with the right's other religion, Big Money."
"Not all of Huckabee's paid gigs were for right-wing Christian organizations. Some were with the right's other religion, Big Money."
Jeb!'s super PAC preps to drop $10M on ads to improve his image
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/17/1412795/-Jeb-s-super-PAC-preps-to-drop-10M-on-ads-to-improve-his-image
"Jeb!'s flush super PAC is finally going to start burnishing his image by dropping $10 million in ads on early voting states. He's gonna need it—he's pretty much failed to take control of this race or distinguish himself on anything other than gaffes about Iraq."
"Jeb!'s flush super PAC is finally going to start burnishing his image by dropping $10 million in ads on early voting states. He's gonna need it—he's pretty much failed to take control of this race or distinguish himself on anything other than gaffes about Iraq."
Criminal Rick Scott Just Stole $1.3 Million From Taxpayers And Got Away With It
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/criminal-rick-scott-just-stole-1-3-million-from-taxpayers-and-got-away-with-it/
"When the people of the state of Florida elected Governor Rick Scott in 2010, they literally elected a criminal. A criminal who was never sent to jail for overseeing the largest case of Medicare fraud in the nation’s history. His company, Columbia/ HCA Healthcare Corporation, was fined $1.7 billion for overbilling Medicare patients. In spite of this, Rick Scott was never arrested and Republicans in the state of Florida elected him not once, but twice, to govern the Sunshine State. So, it should come as no surprise, that Governor Scott is up to his old tricks and is getting away with stealing from taxpayers AGAIN."
"When the people of the state of Florida elected Governor Rick Scott in 2010, they literally elected a criminal. A criminal who was never sent to jail for overseeing the largest case of Medicare fraud in the nation’s history. His company, Columbia/ HCA Healthcare Corporation, was fined $1.7 billion for overbilling Medicare patients. In spite of this, Rick Scott was never arrested and Republicans in the state of Florida elected him not once, but twice, to govern the Sunshine State. So, it should come as no surprise, that Governor Scott is up to his old tricks and is getting away with stealing from taxpayers AGAIN."
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Trickle-Down Economics Must Die, Long Live Grow-Up Economics
https://medium.com/basic-income/trickle-down-economics-must-die-long-live-grow-up-economics-5b8334a0db76
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses." (Reposted)
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses." (Reposted)
CBO to Bernie Sanders: Ending sequester could create 1.4 million jobs
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/12/1411368/-CBO-to-Bernie-Sanders-Ending-sequester-could-create-1-4-million-jobs
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) just gave Democratic Leader Harry Reid an extremely useful gift: he asked the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the effects of ending the sequester"
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) just gave Democratic Leader Harry Reid an extremely useful gift: he asked the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the effects of ending the sequester"
Charles Koch Equates Himself With Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/08/charles-koch-equates-himself-with-martin-luther-king-jr/
"Charles Koch is talking about things like regulations that keep polluters in check. He’s talking about completely eliminating unions and, thus, the right of workers to have a say in how they will be compensated and treated on the job. He’s talking about selling the American people on the idea that corporations are people, just like you and me. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a few million in my back pocket to buy me influence in Washington. Nor am I acquainted with anyone who does. Koch, and those like him, like to conflate the power of what’s left of the American union movement as having the same clout as Koch Industries, or Citibank, or Exxon. If you are among those who believe that nonsense to be true, just ask yourself: Do you really think that the 185,000 member National Nurses United Union that just endorsed Bernie Sanders has anywhere near the money and influence that the Koch brothers billions can exert on lawmakers in Washington? Do you really believe that union could cough up $889 million on advocacy issues like the Kochs are planning to do in the upcoming election?"
"Charles Koch is talking about things like regulations that keep polluters in check. He’s talking about completely eliminating unions and, thus, the right of workers to have a say in how they will be compensated and treated on the job. He’s talking about selling the American people on the idea that corporations are people, just like you and me. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a few million in my back pocket to buy me influence in Washington. Nor am I acquainted with anyone who does. Koch, and those like him, like to conflate the power of what’s left of the American union movement as having the same clout as Koch Industries, or Citibank, or Exxon. If you are among those who believe that nonsense to be true, just ask yourself: Do you really think that the 185,000 member National Nurses United Union that just endorsed Bernie Sanders has anywhere near the money and influence that the Koch brothers billions can exert on lawmakers in Washington? Do you really believe that union could cough up $889 million on advocacy issues like the Kochs are planning to do in the upcoming election?"
PERRspectives: Wage Theft. Dishonest Franchises. Papa John's.
PERRspectives: Wage Theft. Dishonest Franchises. Papa John's.
"That Papa John's and its franchisees are in trouble for pumping up profits at employees' expense is unsurprising. Like a fish, the rot starts with the head."
"That Papa John's and its franchisees are in trouble for pumping up profits at employees' expense is unsurprising. Like a fish, the rot starts with the head."
Ten Years Later, the “Halliburton Loophole” and America’s Dirty Fracking Boom
Ten Years Later, the “Halliburton Loophole” and America’s Dirty Fracking Boom
"For this we can thank the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the law that holds the Halliburton Loophole. Named after Dick Cheney and the notorious corporation he led before becoming vice president, the law (championed by Cheney and disgraced Enron founder Kenneth Lay, among others) explicitly exempted fracking operations from key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These exemptions from one of America’s most fundamental environmental protection laws provided the oil and gas industry the immunity it required to develop a highly polluting process on a grand national scale."
"For this we can thank the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the law that holds the Halliburton Loophole. Named after Dick Cheney and the notorious corporation he led before becoming vice president, the law (championed by Cheney and disgraced Enron founder Kenneth Lay, among others) explicitly exempted fracking operations from key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These exemptions from one of America’s most fundamental environmental protection laws provided the oil and gas industry the immunity it required to develop a highly polluting process on a grand national scale."
Jeb’s foreign policy con: Giving new life to discredited neocon fantasies
Jeb’s foreign policy con: Giving new life to discredited neocon fantasies
"Jeb Bush has a plan to reshape the Middle East with a whole new series of quagmires and bloody disasters"
"Jeb Bush has a plan to reshape the Middle East with a whole new series of quagmires and bloody disasters"
Jeb Bush Is Rewriting The Iraq War To Cover Up His Brother’s War Crimes
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/jeb-bush-is-rewriting-the-iraq-war-to-cover-up-his-brothers-war-crimes-2/
"He has then embarked on a misinformation campaign to rewrite the narrative and gloss over his brother’s war crimes that were committed during the Iraq War- the countless civilians that lost their lives to American contractors, the widespread use of torture and abuse of prisoners of war, the American soldiers that were knowingly sent into contaminated and toxic sites."
"He has then embarked on a misinformation campaign to rewrite the narrative and gloss over his brother’s war crimes that were committed during the Iraq War- the countless civilians that lost their lives to American contractors, the widespread use of torture and abuse of prisoners of war, the American soldiers that were knowingly sent into contaminated and toxic sites."
36 Retired U.S. Generals Reject GOP’s Call For War, Heap Praise On Iran Deal
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/36-retired-u-s-generals-reject-gops-call-for-war-heap-praise-on-iran-deal/
"Combine the support of retired generals with that of a group of international scientists, and the Obama Administration appears to be on the right track to getting the leverage it needs in dealing with Iran."
"Combine the support of retired generals with that of a group of international scientists, and the Obama Administration appears to be on the right track to getting the leverage it needs in dealing with Iran."
Watch: Top Army General Drops Truth Bomb On Jeb Bush’s Iraq Lies
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-top-army-general-drops-truth-bomb-on-jeb-bushs-iraq-lies/
"At his official retirement ceremony, he states that “I remind everybody that us leaving at the end of 2011 was negotiated in 2008 by the Bush administration"."
"At his official retirement ceremony, he states that “I remind everybody that us leaving at the end of 2011 was negotiated in 2008 by the Bush administration"."
PERRspectives: Sorry, Jeb: Your Brother Lost Iraq--Twice
PERRspectives: Sorry, Jeb: Your Brother Lost Iraq--Twice
"The men and women of the American military learned the hard way that Bush, Kristol and McCain were tragically wrong. And in 2006, months before the "Surge" that brought 30,000 more U.S. troops into the country, President Bush made that Faustian bargain that sowed the seeds for the Islamic State to sweep through northwest Iraq in 2014. As his commander General David Petraeus described it, in the summer of 2006 the United States put the Sunni insurgency on its payroll and promised Sunni tribal leaders a role in the Iraq government. But when Dubya tapped Shiite strongman Nouri al-Maliki as his man in Baghdad, it was only a matter of time until that promise was broken."
"The men and women of the American military learned the hard way that Bush, Kristol and McCain were tragically wrong. And in 2006, months before the "Surge" that brought 30,000 more U.S. troops into the country, President Bush made that Faustian bargain that sowed the seeds for the Islamic State to sweep through northwest Iraq in 2014. As his commander General David Petraeus described it, in the summer of 2006 the United States put the Sunni insurgency on its payroll and promised Sunni tribal leaders a role in the Iraq government. But when Dubya tapped Shiite strongman Nouri al-Maliki as his man in Baghdad, it was only a matter of time until that promise was broken."
Bernie's Recipe for Beating Hillary: Sanders Drawing Historic Crowds in Dem Primary History @alternet
Bernie's Recipe for Beating Hillary: Sanders Drawing Historic Crowds in Dem Primary History @alternet
"His ability to mobilize voters at these political rallies is historic, with the only other Democrat in recent memory who was able to match or exceed these crowd sizes being Barack Obama."
"His ability to mobilize voters at these political rallies is historic, with the only other Democrat in recent memory who was able to match or exceed these crowd sizes being Barack Obama."
New Gallup Poll Proves Just How Terrible Republicans are at Doing Their Job
New Gallup Poll Proves Just How Terrible Republicans are at Doing Their Job
"it seems Americans have noticed that Republicans have been completely incompetent at running Congress. Currently, only 14 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing."
"it seems Americans have noticed that Republicans have been completely incompetent at running Congress. Currently, only 14 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing."
Why the Nation’s Nurses are Supporting Bernie Sanders for President
Why the Nation’s Nurses are Supporting Bernie Sanders for President
"The more than 100,000 people who have jammed into arenas in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Madison, and other cities should be a wake up call for anyone still on the sidelines in the critical 2016 election campaign."
"The more than 100,000 people who have jammed into arenas in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Madison, and other cities should be a wake up call for anyone still on the sidelines in the critical 2016 election campaign."
President Obama Writes A Powerful Letter Defending Voting Rights Act
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/12/president-obama-writes-powerful-letter-editor-defending-voting-rights-act.html
"The Voting Rights Act became a law 50 years ago, but unfortunately the battle to uphold the spirit and the letter of that law rages on today."
"The Voting Rights Act became a law 50 years ago, but unfortunately the battle to uphold the spirit and the letter of that law rages on today."
Protecting Democracy in an Era of Voter Suppression
Protecting Democracy in an Era of Voter Suppression
"the absence of Section 5’s protection has created a severe disadvantage for voters challenging state’s vote denial measures."
"the absence of Section 5’s protection has created a severe disadvantage for voters challenging state’s vote denial measures."
Congress Pits its 14 Percent Approval Against Obama’s 46 Percent
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/12/congress-approval-against-obamas.html
"Congress just isn’t interested in accomplishing anything, that their sole purpose is to prevent President Obama from doing anything.
The only thing we agree on, apparently, is, as Rasmussen puts it, “Voters think most members of Congress do a lousy job and probably have sold their vote for cash or to a contributor.” Since most members of Congress are Republicans, this has the virtue of actually being true.
Surprise, surprise, Republicans. Ya’ll jumped for joy at Citizens United. What did you think the result would be? Your legislators laughing at corporations handing them fistfuls of cash? Those who haven’t reaped the financial benefits never will, but you’ve let yourself be convinced that making the rich richer and the poor poorer is a good economic plan. You’ll never figure out why it’s not, and the only surprise now is that you’re surprised at all, and can’t put 2 and 2 together.
But that’s okay. Your voucher programs will make sure your kids can’t either, and that’s just the way all those rich folks passing cash around want it."
"Congress just isn’t interested in accomplishing anything, that their sole purpose is to prevent President Obama from doing anything.
The only thing we agree on, apparently, is, as Rasmussen puts it, “Voters think most members of Congress do a lousy job and probably have sold their vote for cash or to a contributor.” Since most members of Congress are Republicans, this has the virtue of actually being true.
Surprise, surprise, Republicans. Ya’ll jumped for joy at Citizens United. What did you think the result would be? Your legislators laughing at corporations handing them fistfuls of cash? Those who haven’t reaped the financial benefits never will, but you’ve let yourself be convinced that making the rich richer and the poor poorer is a good economic plan. You’ll never figure out why it’s not, and the only surprise now is that you’re surprised at all, and can’t put 2 and 2 together.
But that’s okay. Your voucher programs will make sure your kids can’t either, and that’s just the way all those rich folks passing cash around want it."
Republicans Panic As Bernie Sanders Files Bill To Make Election Day A National Holiday
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republicans-panic-as-bernie-sanders-files-bill-to-make-election-day-a-national-holiday/
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the presidential candidate who has been drawing mega crowds- 70,000 over three days- aims to change that. He has introduced a bill in Congress to make Election Day a national holiday, giving Americans from all walks of life time to go to the polls and cast their ballots. He has also introduced a bill which would automatically register 18-year-olds to vote unless they specifically request not to, and a bill to return financing of presidential campaigns to public funds."
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the presidential candidate who has been drawing mega crowds- 70,000 over three days- aims to change that. He has introduced a bill in Congress to make Election Day a national holiday, giving Americans from all walks of life time to go to the polls and cast their ballots. He has also introduced a bill which would automatically register 18-year-olds to vote unless they specifically request not to, and a bill to return financing of presidential campaigns to public funds."
Social Security at 80: Defending a Program Which Has Defended All of Us
Social Security at 80: Defending a Program Which Has Defended All of Us
"from the moment of Social Security's enactment onward, ideological opponents, backed by wealthy donors, railed against Social Security. But they were vastly outnumbered. Indeed, President Dwight Eisenhower, in a private letter to his brother, wrote, "There is a tiny splinter group...that believes you can [abolish Social Security.]...Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
The tiny splinter group tried to end Social Security in the 1930s and failed. They tried in the 1940's and failed. The 1950's and failed. The 1960's and again failed. So they changed their tactics. They started asserting that Social Security was a wonderful program but unaffordable and would bankrupt the country, crowding out spending for children and other important national priorities.
Though they have not been successful so far in actually cutting Social Security's cash benefits, they have stripped away an intangible benefit. As Social Security's name suggests, it is intended to provide security, peace of mind that if wages are lost, Social Security will always be there to partly replace those earnings. Eisenhower's small splinter group has effectively convinced too many Americans that Social Security is in danger of disappearing. That successful crusade to undermine confidence in the future has stripped away that peace of mind. But the reality is that it would take an act of Congress to end Social Security.
As the richest country in the world at the wealthiest moment in its history, the United States can afford a greatly expanded Social Security, while also greatly increasing spending on children, infrastructure, and other pressing needs. The issue is one of values and priorities. The choice is ours."
"from the moment of Social Security's enactment onward, ideological opponents, backed by wealthy donors, railed against Social Security. But they were vastly outnumbered. Indeed, President Dwight Eisenhower, in a private letter to his brother, wrote, "There is a tiny splinter group...that believes you can [abolish Social Security.]...Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
The tiny splinter group tried to end Social Security in the 1930s and failed. They tried in the 1940's and failed. The 1950's and failed. The 1960's and again failed. So they changed their tactics. They started asserting that Social Security was a wonderful program but unaffordable and would bankrupt the country, crowding out spending for children and other important national priorities.
Though they have not been successful so far in actually cutting Social Security's cash benefits, they have stripped away an intangible benefit. As Social Security's name suggests, it is intended to provide security, peace of mind that if wages are lost, Social Security will always be there to partly replace those earnings. Eisenhower's small splinter group has effectively convinced too many Americans that Social Security is in danger of disappearing. That successful crusade to undermine confidence in the future has stripped away that peace of mind. But the reality is that it would take an act of Congress to end Social Security.
As the richest country in the world at the wealthiest moment in its history, the United States can afford a greatly expanded Social Security, while also greatly increasing spending on children, infrastructure, and other pressing needs. The issue is one of values and priorities. The choice is ours."
Republicans' big plan for 2017: Privatizing Medicare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/11/1410991/-Republicans-big-plan-for-2017-Privatizing-Medicare#
"according to the most recent polling on it, done last month by the Kaiser Family Foundation just 26 percent of voters support the idea of vouchers. It's universally hated. Only 31 percent of Republicans support it! And guess who votes? People who love their Medicare the way it is."
"according to the most recent polling on it, done last month by the Kaiser Family Foundation just 26 percent of voters support the idea of vouchers. It's universally hated. Only 31 percent of Republicans support it! And guess who votes? People who love their Medicare the way it is."
Friday, August 14, 2015
Trickle-Down Economics Must Die, Long Live Grow-Up Economics
https://medium.com/basic-income/trickle-down-economics-must-die-long-live-grow-up-economics-5b8334a0db76
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses."
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses."
80 Years Later, Republicans Are Still Fighting Social Security
80 Years Later, Republicans Are Still Fighting Social Security
"To campaign against Social Security is to court political suicide. (It certainly didn’t help Alf Landon; he was trounced.) It therefore becomes imperative to convince voters instead that the program is unreliable. That’s the Republican strategy.
Elements of the strategy include:
Insist that the program’s $2.8 trillion trust fund isn’t real, that it consists of “only IOUs” – a description that could just as easily be applied to the Treasury bonds held by billionaires and Wall Street banks, or any other legally executed instrument of debt.
Exaggerate minor imbalances between the retirement and disability funds – funds which many experts believe should have been merged long ago – in order to convince voters that one or both of them is “running out of money,” despite its $2.8 trillion size. This gamesmanship extracts a very real human cost.)
Repeatedly describe Social Security as “going broke,” despite its massive cash flow. Exaggerate relatively minor future shortfalls, without mentioning that they could easily be fixed – and benefits expanded – if millionaires and billionaires were willing to pay into the program at the same rates as middle-class Americans.
Starve Social Security’s administrative budget, even though that budget comes out of Social Security funds and not general revenues, just as millions of baby boomers claim retirement benefits for the first time. Use any resulting delays or difficulties to claim that “government isn’t as efficient as the private sector,” despite the fact that Social Security is run much more cost-effectively than any private corporation in the same general line of business.
The Social Security Act was signed on August 14, 1935. Eighty years later, that’s a heck of a way to wish it a happy birthday.
Why do they do it? Part of the objection is clearly ideological. They don’t want to admit that there are some things that government simply does better than the private sector. That helps explain the overheated rhetoric from the Fox set. To that extent, at least, Social Security’s detractors are sincere (if wrongheaded)."
"To campaign against Social Security is to court political suicide. (It certainly didn’t help Alf Landon; he was trounced.) It therefore becomes imperative to convince voters instead that the program is unreliable. That’s the Republican strategy.
Elements of the strategy include:
Insist that the program’s $2.8 trillion trust fund isn’t real, that it consists of “only IOUs” – a description that could just as easily be applied to the Treasury bonds held by billionaires and Wall Street banks, or any other legally executed instrument of debt.
Exaggerate minor imbalances between the retirement and disability funds – funds which many experts believe should have been merged long ago – in order to convince voters that one or both of them is “running out of money,” despite its $2.8 trillion size. This gamesmanship extracts a very real human cost.)
Repeatedly describe Social Security as “going broke,” despite its massive cash flow. Exaggerate relatively minor future shortfalls, without mentioning that they could easily be fixed – and benefits expanded – if millionaires and billionaires were willing to pay into the program at the same rates as middle-class Americans.
Starve Social Security’s administrative budget, even though that budget comes out of Social Security funds and not general revenues, just as millions of baby boomers claim retirement benefits for the first time. Use any resulting delays or difficulties to claim that “government isn’t as efficient as the private sector,” despite the fact that Social Security is run much more cost-effectively than any private corporation in the same general line of business.
The Social Security Act was signed on August 14, 1935. Eighty years later, that’s a heck of a way to wish it a happy birthday.
Why do they do it? Part of the objection is clearly ideological. They don’t want to admit that there are some things that government simply does better than the private sector. That helps explain the overheated rhetoric from the Fox set. To that extent, at least, Social Security’s detractors are sincere (if wrongheaded)."
Social Security Still Strong at 80
Social Security Still Strong at 80
"Despite such a strong record, Social Security is under attack from profiteers and their political allies who claim it will not be around when people retire and is in need of drastic reform. A myth, says the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) since “Social Security is fully funded through 2033. Even if nothing is done to shore up the system, Social Security can continue to pay three-fourths of promised benefits after the trust fund runs out. Though this would be far from ideal, it’s certainly no reason to preemptively cut benefits.” A decrease in Social Security benefits would leave over half of elderly Americans in poverty, hitting African Americans, Latinos and women the hardest.
Because Social Security is such a large public sector program, with almost $3 trillion in reserves, Wall Street has long wanted to get its hands on it. Various proposals to privatize or partially privatize the program would allow investment firms to run up fees for every transaction, profiting off of retirees and making the program vulnerable to economic crashes."
"Despite such a strong record, Social Security is under attack from profiteers and their political allies who claim it will not be around when people retire and is in need of drastic reform. A myth, says the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) since “Social Security is fully funded through 2033. Even if nothing is done to shore up the system, Social Security can continue to pay three-fourths of promised benefits after the trust fund runs out. Though this would be far from ideal, it’s certainly no reason to preemptively cut benefits.” A decrease in Social Security benefits would leave over half of elderly Americans in poverty, hitting African Americans, Latinos and women the hardest.
Because Social Security is such a large public sector program, with almost $3 trillion in reserves, Wall Street has long wanted to get its hands on it. Various proposals to privatize or partially privatize the program would allow investment firms to run up fees for every transaction, profiting off of retirees and making the program vulnerable to economic crashes."
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Game of Groans: How focus on Trump Taunts Hides GOP War on Middle Class, Workers
Game of Groans: How focus on Trump Taunts Hides GOP War on Middle Class, Workers
"Last Thursday we had 10 rich white males on a debate stage seeking to represent the billionaire class (some 536 individuals in US, who have more wealth than the bottom half of the US population).
US billionaires are getting richer at a time when wages for working and middle class people have not kept pace with increases in productivity. Working and middle class Americans, unlike the stock market (80% of which is owned by the top 20% of the population), have never recovered from the bust of 2008. And no, it was not caused by ordinary people trying to live above their means. It was caused by bankers who were venal and corrupt and stole enormous sums from the public.
So what did the would-be representatives of the super-wealthy want? They wanted to take away health care from tens of millions of Americans. Why would you want to do that? Having to contribute to health care for the US public is an inconvenience to the business classes, many of whom don’t want Obamacare.
They want to take away your medicaid and social security. Again, this step is in the interest of the super-wealthy who don’t want the government to run such large entitlement programs for fear that Washington will end up taxing them for the operation. (In fact, social security would be healthier if the wealthy had to pay into it according to full income; at the moment, there is a cut-off for payments, which saves the billionaires a lot of money.)
So folks this is an amazing tableau. We had 10 persons up there who openly announce that they want to ruin the lives of the majority of Americans."
"Last Thursday we had 10 rich white males on a debate stage seeking to represent the billionaire class (some 536 individuals in US, who have more wealth than the bottom half of the US population).
US billionaires are getting richer at a time when wages for working and middle class people have not kept pace with increases in productivity. Working and middle class Americans, unlike the stock market (80% of which is owned by the top 20% of the population), have never recovered from the bust of 2008. And no, it was not caused by ordinary people trying to live above their means. It was caused by bankers who were venal and corrupt and stole enormous sums from the public.
So what did the would-be representatives of the super-wealthy want? They wanted to take away health care from tens of millions of Americans. Why would you want to do that? Having to contribute to health care for the US public is an inconvenience to the business classes, many of whom don’t want Obamacare.
They want to take away your medicaid and social security. Again, this step is in the interest of the super-wealthy who don’t want the government to run such large entitlement programs for fear that Washington will end up taxing them for the operation. (In fact, social security would be healthier if the wealthy had to pay into it according to full income; at the moment, there is a cut-off for payments, which saves the billionaires a lot of money.)
So folks this is an amazing tableau. We had 10 persons up there who openly announce that they want to ruin the lives of the majority of Americans."
The 1 percent’s sinister inequality lie: How cold-blooded billionaires are pretending to care about the American dream
The 1 percent’s sinister inequality lie: How cold-blooded billionaires are pretending to care about the American dream
"They cannot talk about it because they have no plan to raise wages. They have a plan to lower taxes and Americans are finally seeing through that trickle-down promise. They also hope to roll back regulations, particularly Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which will undoubtedly have their rich benefactors breathing easier but won’t do anything for the millions of people they are trying to persuade that they really, really care about them.
That’s the problem with Charles Koch’s great plan: it’s not new. Republicans have been selling free-market, low tax, no regulation snake oil for everything that ails you for many years. A whole lot of Americans bought it and it made them sick. After the last decade they are not likely to fall for it again even if it’s rolled out with a snappy marketing campaign in a brand new package. The new Koch tastes just like the old Koch. And that’s not a good thing."
"They cannot talk about it because they have no plan to raise wages. They have a plan to lower taxes and Americans are finally seeing through that trickle-down promise. They also hope to roll back regulations, particularly Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which will undoubtedly have their rich benefactors breathing easier but won’t do anything for the millions of people they are trying to persuade that they really, really care about them.
That’s the problem with Charles Koch’s great plan: it’s not new. Republicans have been selling free-market, low tax, no regulation snake oil for everything that ails you for many years. A whole lot of Americans bought it and it made them sick. After the last decade they are not likely to fall for it again even if it’s rolled out with a snappy marketing campaign in a brand new package. The new Koch tastes just like the old Koch. And that’s not a good thing."
Jeb’s Iraq revisionism: His idiot brother wrecked the place, but it’s all Obama’s fault
Jeb’s Iraq revisionism: His idiot brother wrecked the place, but it’s all Obama’s fault
"by rewriting a bit of history and retroactively shifting a few goalposts, he can once again preach the virtues of the Bush Doctrine"
"by rewriting a bit of history and retroactively shifting a few goalposts, he can once again preach the virtues of the Bush Doctrine"
29 Top U.S. Scientists Wholeheartedly Endorse Iran Nuclear Deal
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410127/-29-Top-U-S-Scientists-Wholeheartedly-Endorse-Iran-Nuclear-Deal
"It won't be easy for the neocons to rebut 30 of the world's foremost experts on nuclear weapons and arms control."
"It won't be easy for the neocons to rebut 30 of the world's foremost experts on nuclear weapons and arms control."
Retired generals and admirals voice support for Iran nuclear deal
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/11/1411067/-Retired-generals-and-admirals-voice-support-for-Iran-nuclear-deal
"First it was the scientists, now it's retired military members—three dozen retired generals and admirals—who are voicing strong support for the Iran nuclear deal."
"First it was the scientists, now it's retired military members—three dozen retired generals and admirals—who are voicing strong support for the Iran nuclear deal."
Netanyahu Busted Covering Up Intelligence That Disagrees With His Opposition To Obama Iran Deal
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/10/netanyahu-busted-covering-intelligence-disagrees-opposition-obama-iran-deal.html
"Netanyahu’s behavior sounds very similar to that of the Bush administration before the United States invaded Iraq. At the time, the administration officials pushing for war in Iraq ignored, suppressed, or discredited any intelligence that disagreed with the Bush/Cheney assessment of Iraq as a fast and easy war to win.
The result was a mismanaged disaster of a war in Iraq that neither the American or the Iraqi people have yet to recover fully from. Netanyahu is trying to woo Senate Democrats into opposing the deal. Israeli intelligence reports that disagree with his opposition to the deal would be fatal to his plan of getting enough votes in the Senate to kill the deal."
"Netanyahu’s behavior sounds very similar to that of the Bush administration before the United States invaded Iraq. At the time, the administration officials pushing for war in Iraq ignored, suppressed, or discredited any intelligence that disagreed with the Bush/Cheney assessment of Iraq as a fast and easy war to win.
The result was a mismanaged disaster of a war in Iraq that neither the American or the Iraqi people have yet to recover fully from. Netanyahu is trying to woo Senate Democrats into opposing the deal. Israeli intelligence reports that disagree with his opposition to the deal would be fatal to his plan of getting enough votes in the Senate to kill the deal."
Obama Triumphs: Nobel-Laureate U.S. Scientists Applaud Iran Nuclear Deal
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/obama-triumphs-nobel-laureate-u-s-scientists-applaud-iran-nuclear-deal/
"A group of twenty-nine U.S. scientists have spoken out with high praise for the Iranian nuclear deal- including five Nobel laureates- calling it “stringent” and “innovative.” As Congressional Republicans with no knowledge of Middle Eastern politics or nuclear science denounce the deal with a virulent, ignorant fury, it is very comforting to see some people who actually know what they’re talking about give their opinion on the deal."
"A group of twenty-nine U.S. scientists have spoken out with high praise for the Iranian nuclear deal- including five Nobel laureates- calling it “stringent” and “innovative.” As Congressional Republicans with no knowledge of Middle Eastern politics or nuclear science denounce the deal with a virulent, ignorant fury, it is very comforting to see some people who actually know what they’re talking about give their opinion on the deal."
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
The Outrageous Ascent of CEO Pay
The Outrageous Ascent of CEO Pay
"Consider that in 1965, CEOs of America’s largest corporations were paid, on average, 20 times the pay of average workers.
Now, the ratio is over 300 to 1.
Not only has CEO pay exploded, so has the pay of top executives just below them.
The share of corporate income devoted to compensating the five highest-paid executives of large corporations ballooned from an average of 5 percent in 1993 to more than 15 percent by 2005 (the latest data available).
Corporations might otherwise have devoted this sizable sum to research and development, additional jobs, higher wages for average workers, or dividends to shareholders – who, not incidentally, are supposed to be the owners of the firm.
Corporate apologists say CEOs and other top executives are worth these amounts because their corporations have performed so well over the last three decades that CEOs are like star baseball players or movie stars.
Baloney. Most CEOs haven’t done anything special. The entire stock market surged over this time.
Even if a company’s CEO simply played online solitaire for thirty years, the company’s stock would have ridden the wave."
"Consider that in 1965, CEOs of America’s largest corporations were paid, on average, 20 times the pay of average workers.
Now, the ratio is over 300 to 1.
Not only has CEO pay exploded, so has the pay of top executives just below them.
The share of corporate income devoted to compensating the five highest-paid executives of large corporations ballooned from an average of 5 percent in 1993 to more than 15 percent by 2005 (the latest data available).
Corporations might otherwise have devoted this sizable sum to research and development, additional jobs, higher wages for average workers, or dividends to shareholders – who, not incidentally, are supposed to be the owners of the firm.
Corporate apologists say CEOs and other top executives are worth these amounts because their corporations have performed so well over the last three decades that CEOs are like star baseball players or movie stars.
Baloney. Most CEOs haven’t done anything special. The entire stock market surged over this time.
Even if a company’s CEO simply played online solitaire for thirty years, the company’s stock would have ridden the wave."
Hillary Clinton Shreds Scott Walker For Delighting In Harming College Students
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/11/hillary-clinton-shreds-scott-walker-delighting-harming-college-students.html
"Republicans believe that the doors of opportunity should be nailed shut on the vast majority of Americans. This belief is good for getting billionaires to open their checkbooks, but it a big reason younger voters continue to support the Democratic Party."
"Republicans believe that the doors of opportunity should be nailed shut on the vast majority of Americans. This belief is good for getting billionaires to open their checkbooks, but it a big reason younger voters continue to support the Democratic Party."
Hillary Clinton Joins Debt-Free College Push With a Big Plan
http://www.thenation.com/article/hillary-clinton-joins-debt-free-college-push-with-a-big-plan/
"All three major Democratic candidates embrace the idea of free public higher education."
"All three major Democratic candidates embrace the idea of free public higher education."
Clinton Will Unveil College Affordability Plan To Give States Incentives To Lower Tuition
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/08/10/3689782/clinton-will-unveil-college-affordability-plan-to-give-states-incentives-to-lower-tuition/
"College affordability has been a hot topic recently after Corinthian College students’ debt strike and the movement’s subsequent talks with the U.S. Department of Education, along with reports of misrepresentation of job placements for for-profit colleges, which can have higher tuition than comparable colleges. Total student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion."
"College affordability has been a hot topic recently after Corinthian College students’ debt strike and the movement’s subsequent talks with the U.S. Department of Education, along with reports of misrepresentation of job placements for for-profit colleges, which can have higher tuition than comparable colleges. Total student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion."
The Proof That Obamacare Is Working Is Getting Really Hard To Ignore
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/08/10/3689845/obamacare-working-research/
"the states that embraced Obamacare have seen the largest drops in the number of residents going without health care."
"the states that embraced Obamacare have seen the largest drops in the number of residents going without health care."
Melissa Gilbert Will Run For Congress
Melissa Gilbert Will Run For Congress
"some good news from Michigan. TV Star Melissa Gilbert has announced her intentions to send current Republican representative Mike Bishop home for good."
"some good news from Michigan. TV Star Melissa Gilbert has announced her intentions to send current Republican representative Mike Bishop home for good."
'Bringing People Together' Big Time as Sanders Attracts Tens of Thousands
'Bringing People Together' Big Time as Sanders Attracts Tens of Thousands
"It was by far the largest turnout for any presidential candidate this year, as nearly 30,000 people rallied in Portland, Oregon on Sunday evening for Bernie Sanders, filling the city's Moda Center to capacity with thousands more directed to overflow areas to watch the event on large screens."
"It was by far the largest turnout for any presidential candidate this year, as nearly 30,000 people rallied in Portland, Oregon on Sunday evening for Bernie Sanders, filling the city's Moda Center to capacity with thousands more directed to overflow areas to watch the event on large screens."
Championing a 'President for All People,' Nurses Back Bernie
Championing a 'President for All People,' Nurses Back Bernie
"Championing "a president for all people," the National Nurses Union on Monday announced that it is throwing the full weight of its 185,000-member organization behind Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid for president."
"Championing "a president for all people," the National Nurses Union on Monday announced that it is throwing the full weight of its 185,000-member organization behind Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid for president."
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
Marco Rubio Pretends Those Billionaire Bucks Don't Buy Any Influence
Marco Rubio Pretends Those Billionaire Bucks Don't Buy Any Influence
"Marco Rubio wants us to believe that all of that money flowing his way from the millionaires and billionaires funding his super pacs and political campaign don't have a bit of influence on his agenda."
"Marco Rubio wants us to believe that all of that money flowing his way from the millionaires and billionaires funding his super pacs and political campaign don't have a bit of influence on his agenda."
If There's Nothing To Hide...
If There's Nothing To Hide...
"Professor Clarkson is asking to see the paper tapes from the voting machines. They do not tell how someone voted, but “merely timestamped votes with associated metadata.”No can do, says Kansas. The reason?
Because the software is proprietary, even elections officials can’t examine it and postelection audits can’t be done, according to Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting Foundation, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to safeguard elections in the digital age.
Okay, so we privatize elections and end up with private elections."
"Professor Clarkson is asking to see the paper tapes from the voting machines. They do not tell how someone voted, but “merely timestamped votes with associated metadata.”No can do, says Kansas. The reason?
Because the software is proprietary, even elections officials can’t examine it and postelection audits can’t be done, according to Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting Foundation, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to safeguard elections in the digital age.
Okay, so we privatize elections and end up with private elections."
Planned Parenthood Can No Longer Offer Cancer Screenings To Poor Women In Texas. Thanks, GOP
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/10/planned-parenthood-can-no-longer-offer-cancer-screenings-to-poor-women-in-texas-thanks-gop/
"Texas women are the victims today, but you can rest assured that there will be more victims in other states before too long. Wherever Republicans are in charge, women are vulnerable."
"Texas women are the victims today, but you can rest assured that there will be more victims in other states before too long. Wherever Republicans are in charge, women are vulnerable."
Most 2016 GOP Presidential Candidates Would Push Seniors Into Poverty By Cutting Social Security @alternet
Most 2016 GOP Presidential Candidates Would Push Seniors Into Poverty By Cutting Social Security @alternet
"It sounds like everyone but Huckabee and Trump are taking their Social Security advice from their billionaire donors."
"It sounds like everyone but Huckabee and Trump are taking their Social Security advice from their billionaire donors."
Scott Walker to Women: Drop Dead
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/08/scott-walker-to-women-drop-dead/
"Scott Walker believes that the law should have prevented doctors from saving that woman’s life, or any woman’s life, if her pregnancy threatens to or is certain to kill her. That Scott Walker believes this should disqualify him from any position of authority, and while the media is unconscionably giving him a pass on this, it should hurt him in the long term."
"Scott Walker believes that the law should have prevented doctors from saving that woman’s life, or any woman’s life, if her pregnancy threatens to or is certain to kill her. That Scott Walker believes this should disqualify him from any position of authority, and while the media is unconscionably giving him a pass on this, it should hurt him in the long term."
Fox Stacked The Deck For Walker In Debate, Walker Still Lost
Fox Stacked The Deck For Walker In Debate, Walker Still Lost
"Yet, despite Walker not complying with their own rules, Faux Newz gave Walker the third seat at the debate. Other candidates who followed the rules were demoted to the little kids debate table."
"Yet, despite Walker not complying with their own rules, Faux Newz gave Walker the third seat at the debate. Other candidates who followed the rules were demoted to the little kids debate table."
Fox News Fails To Disclose Its Pro-Walker Debate Analyst Is A Walker Adviser And Co-Author
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/08/07/fox-news-fails-to-disclose-its-pro-walker-debat/204826
"Fox News repeatedly failed to disclose that its debate analyst Marc Thiessen has worked for debate participant Scott Walker. During his Fox appearances, Thiessen praised Walker as one of the "obvious winners" and singled him out as having a "great" debate moment."
"Fox News repeatedly failed to disclose that its debate analyst Marc Thiessen has worked for debate participant Scott Walker. During his Fox appearances, Thiessen praised Walker as one of the "obvious winners" and singled him out as having a "great" debate moment."
Why Did Chris Christie Say He Was Appointed U.S. Attorney The Day Before 9/11 When He Wasn’t?
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/07/3689230/chris-christie-september-10/
"Reports from the time suggest that Christie’s nomination to the vacant U.S. Attorney slot in New Jersey was widely anticipated prior to the attacks. But Bush didn’t actually nominate him until December 7 of that year, and he did not assume office until early 2002."
"Reports from the time suggest that Christie’s nomination to the vacant U.S. Attorney slot in New Jersey was widely anticipated prior to the attacks. But Bush didn’t actually nominate him until December 7 of that year, and he did not assume office until early 2002."
Fox News Had Time To Ask The Candidates If They’ve ‘Received Word From God,’ But Not These 7 Topics
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/07/3689171/things-the-gop-cant-talk-about/
"Corporate Welfare
Though former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee mentioned that, “Most of the income in this country is made by people at the top who get dividends and — and capital gains,” there was little mention of the idea that corporations are getting huge benefits from the current system. Even the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers have come around on corporate welfare, saying that “Business leaders (must) recognize that their behavior is suicide.” This is perhaps because candidates are increasingly beholden to donors who have contributed at least a million dollars to their campaigns."
"Corporate Welfare
Though former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee mentioned that, “Most of the income in this country is made by people at the top who get dividends and — and capital gains,” there was little mention of the idea that corporations are getting huge benefits from the current system. Even the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers have come around on corporate welfare, saying that “Business leaders (must) recognize that their behavior is suicide.” This is perhaps because candidates are increasingly beholden to donors who have contributed at least a million dollars to their campaigns."
FactChecking the GOP Debate, Late Edition
FactChecking the GOP Debate, Late Edition
"The first prime-time Republican presidential debate featured the top 10 candidates, according to polling, and they twisted some facts."
"The first prime-time Republican presidential debate featured the top 10 candidates, according to polling, and they twisted some facts."
The First Republican Debate Was a Mess and the GOP Should be Embarrassed
The First Republican Debate Was a Mess and the GOP Should be Embarrassed
"If this first debate was any indication of what the next 12-15 months is going to be like, all I can say is – wow. We have a government education grant program called “Race to the Top,” well the GOP presidential primary seems to be a “Race to the Bottom.” The fight for the Republican nomination really does seem to be a battle to see who can pander to ignorance and bigotry the best. Outside of Kasich, every other candidate was filled with more of the same anti-immigrant, anti-women, anti-helping the poor rhetoric to which we’ve all become accustomed from the GOP. Because that’s what we saw tonight. Ten candidates, standing on a stage pandering to some of the worst parts of our society."
"If this first debate was any indication of what the next 12-15 months is going to be like, all I can say is – wow. We have a government education grant program called “Race to the Top,” well the GOP presidential primary seems to be a “Race to the Bottom.” The fight for the Republican nomination really does seem to be a battle to see who can pander to ignorance and bigotry the best. Outside of Kasich, every other candidate was filled with more of the same anti-immigrant, anti-women, anti-helping the poor rhetoric to which we’ve all become accustomed from the GOP. Because that’s what we saw tonight. Ten candidates, standing on a stage pandering to some of the worst parts of our society."
Jon Stewart Blessed Us All With One Last Final Rant on ‘The Daily Show’ – and It Was Perfect (Video)
Jon Stewart Blessed Us All With One Last Final Rant on ‘The Daily Show’ – and It Was Perfect (Video)
"Trust me, if you have a few minutes, watch this segment. Reading parts of it just doesn’t do it justice."
"Trust me, if you have a few minutes, watch this segment. Reading parts of it just doesn’t do it justice."
As Jon Stewart Exits The Daily Show, Here’s a Look at Some of His Best Moments
As Jon Stewart Exits The Daily Show, Here’s a Look at Some of His Best Moments
"After several personalities from Fox News accused him of lying, Stewart absolutely hammered the network’s dishonesty by playing a short six-second clip of 50 lies that have been told on the conservative entertainment network."
"After several personalities from Fox News accused him of lying, Stewart absolutely hammered the network’s dishonesty by playing a short six-second clip of 50 lies that have been told on the conservative entertainment network."
This Study Shows How Hard It Will Be For A Republican To Win The White House
This Study Shows How Hard It Will Be For A Republican To Win The White House
"Now, a study by Latino Decisions shows that in order for the GOP to win the White House in 2016, they will need at least 47% of Latino voters to vote for the Republican candidate – and it is only going to get harder with every election cycle in the future. The study specifically points out how candidates like Donald Trump are driving away Latinos, at the expense of the GOP in the long-term.
The future doesn’t look good for the Republican Party when it comes to Latino voters, and they have only themselves to blame. While Democrats are welcoming voters across the demographic board, Republican candidates are doubling down on extreme rhetoric in order to win primaries and bring out the base. That approach presents a political Catch-22 situation for candidates in many states since they need the angry white vote to win the primaries, but by appealing to these voters, they have created hours and hours of video which can then be used against the party in the general election.
In 2012, Mitt Romney only got 23% of the Latino vote as his campaign lost in an electoral college blowout to President Obama. He may have had more of a chance if he hadn’t run so far to the right in the primaries and made comments about getting undocumented immigrants to “self deport,” a statement that RNC chairman Reince Priebus called “horrific.” This time around, Donald Trump is making it extremely difficult for the GOP to get to 23%, let alone 47%."
"Now, a study by Latino Decisions shows that in order for the GOP to win the White House in 2016, they will need at least 47% of Latino voters to vote for the Republican candidate – and it is only going to get harder with every election cycle in the future. The study specifically points out how candidates like Donald Trump are driving away Latinos, at the expense of the GOP in the long-term.
The future doesn’t look good for the Republican Party when it comes to Latino voters, and they have only themselves to blame. While Democrats are welcoming voters across the demographic board, Republican candidates are doubling down on extreme rhetoric in order to win primaries and bring out the base. That approach presents a political Catch-22 situation for candidates in many states since they need the angry white vote to win the primaries, but by appealing to these voters, they have created hours and hours of video which can then be used against the party in the general election.
In 2012, Mitt Romney only got 23% of the Latino vote as his campaign lost in an electoral college blowout to President Obama. He may have had more of a chance if he hadn’t run so far to the right in the primaries and made comments about getting undocumented immigrants to “self deport,” a statement that RNC chairman Reince Priebus called “horrific.” This time around, Donald Trump is making it extremely difficult for the GOP to get to 23%, let alone 47%."
Senate Republicans try to gut Wall Street reform, Obama administration strikes back
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/06/1409282/-Senate-Republicans-try-to-gut-Wall-Street-reform-Obama-administration-strikes-back
"The bill would gut Wall Street reform for big banks and would completely restructure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stripping its independence by creating a politicized board of directors and making its funding subject to congressional approval. Another provision would prevent the FCC from fully implementing net neutrality rules. Yet another would block funding for enforcing new clean air rules. And that's just a sliver of what it would do."
"The bill would gut Wall Street reform for big banks and would completely restructure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stripping its independence by creating a politicized board of directors and making its funding subject to congressional approval. Another provision would prevent the FCC from fully implementing net neutrality rules. Yet another would block funding for enforcing new clean air rules. And that's just a sliver of what it would do."
THANKS, WARREN – New Rule Requires Companies To Reveal What Their CEOs Are Earning
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/05/thanks-warren-new-rule-requires-companies-to-reveal-what-their-ceos-are-earning/
"Of course the panel’s two GOP members opposed it. Why on earth would they give a damn about exposing income inequality? Their donors have made it clear that they don’t want average Americans knowing how badly they are being scammed by those they work for."
"Of course the panel’s two GOP members opposed it. Why on earth would they give a damn about exposing income inequality? Their donors have made it clear that they don’t want average Americans knowing how badly they are being scammed by those they work for."
Why Jeb Bush's Pitch to the Koch Brothers Should Scare You @alternet
Why Jeb Bush's Pitch to the Koch Brothers Should Scare You @alternet
"The appointment of Supreme Court justices by a president who holds the shrouded workings of private capital in such high esteem promises future decisions that will make Citizens United look like a ray of sunlight.
In his bid to become the third in his family’s dynasty of mediocrity to occupy the White House, Jeb Bush is ready to sell the nation to the most secretive corner of the 1 percent."
"The appointment of Supreme Court justices by a president who holds the shrouded workings of private capital in such high esteem promises future decisions that will make Citizens United look like a ray of sunlight.
In his bid to become the third in his family’s dynasty of mediocrity to occupy the White House, Jeb Bush is ready to sell the nation to the most secretive corner of the 1 percent."
Saturday, August 8, 2015
These guys want to gut America: 6 ways the GOP has obliterated American opportunity—and how we can start fighting back
These guys want to gut America: 6 ways the GOP has obliterated American opportunity—and how we can start fighting back
"A quick note about those two broad Republican lies: In reality, Democrats are much better than Republicans for the economy, as shown by more than a dozen studies discussed by Eric Zeusse in his 2012 book, “They’re Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010.” (The less said specifically about the Bush family record, particularly on job creation —less than 4 million in 12 years—the better.) As for the second lie, overall growth stopped helping most Americans back in the 1970s, when the GOP’s neoliberal “trickle down” economics began replacing the social democratic policies, from the New Deal to the Great Society, which had produced decades of shared prosperity."
"A quick note about those two broad Republican lies: In reality, Democrats are much better than Republicans for the economy, as shown by more than a dozen studies discussed by Eric Zeusse in his 2012 book, “They’re Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010.” (The less said specifically about the Bush family record, particularly on job creation —less than 4 million in 12 years—the better.) As for the second lie, overall growth stopped helping most Americans back in the 1970s, when the GOP’s neoliberal “trickle down” economics began replacing the social democratic policies, from the New Deal to the Great Society, which had produced decades of shared prosperity."
10 Ways to Make The U.S. Economy Work for Everyone, By Bernie Sanders @alternet
10 Ways to Make The U.S. Economy Work for Everyone, By Bernie Sanders @alternet
"1. Stop corporations from using offshore tax havens to avoid U.S. taxes. Each and every year, the United States loses an estimated $100 billion in tax revenues due to offshore tax abuses by the wealthy and large corporations. The situation has become so absurd that one five-story office building in the Cayman Islands is now the “home” to more than 18,000 corporations.
The wealthy and large corporations should not be allowed to avoid paying taxes by setting up tax shelters in Panama, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas or other tax haven countries. The first bill that I introduced in the Senate (the Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act) would raise more than $580 billion over the next decade by eliminating the most egregious corporate offshore tax haven abuses."
"1. Stop corporations from using offshore tax havens to avoid U.S. taxes. Each and every year, the United States loses an estimated $100 billion in tax revenues due to offshore tax abuses by the wealthy and large corporations. The situation has become so absurd that one five-story office building in the Cayman Islands is now the “home” to more than 18,000 corporations.
The wealthy and large corporations should not be allowed to avoid paying taxes by setting up tax shelters in Panama, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas or other tax haven countries. The first bill that I introduced in the Senate (the Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act) would raise more than $580 billion over the next decade by eliminating the most egregious corporate offshore tax haven abuses."
Scott Walker Wins Koch Straw Poll, $900 Million in the Offing
Scott Walker Wins Koch Straw Poll, $900 Million in the Offing
"As the Koch network of funders gets ready to unleash an unimaginable $900 million on the 2016 campaign, they are busily trying to remake their public image and spin undisclosed dark money as a plus in political campaigns."
"As the Koch network of funders gets ready to unleash an unimaginable $900 million on the 2016 campaign, they are busily trying to remake their public image and spin undisclosed dark money as a plus in political campaigns."
What’s The Matter With Kansas? They’re Losing All Their Teachers
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/08/04/3687915/kansas-teachers-gone/
"Kansas embarked on an experiment with radical right-wing policies since Governor Sam Brownback (R) was elected in 2010, and it failed miserably. The centerpiece of the project, led by Governor Sam Brownback, was huge tax cuts, largely for wealthy individuals and businesses, based on the Republican orthodoxy that tax cuts create jobs.
Now, a teacher shortage appears to be the latest consequence of Kansas’ abject failure to manage its economy. It’s not hard to see why teachers don’t want to work in Kansas.
While the tax cut experiment didn’t create jobs, it did destroy the Kansas budget, and one major consequence of that has been massive funding cuts for Kansas schools. Several districts ended the school year early for lack of funds. Education funding levels are so low, and unequal across school districts, that judges have ruled them unconstitutional and the case is currently pending at the state Supreme Court.
Kansas’ teacher pay is among the lowest in the nation."
"Kansas embarked on an experiment with radical right-wing policies since Governor Sam Brownback (R) was elected in 2010, and it failed miserably. The centerpiece of the project, led by Governor Sam Brownback, was huge tax cuts, largely for wealthy individuals and businesses, based on the Republican orthodoxy that tax cuts create jobs.
Now, a teacher shortage appears to be the latest consequence of Kansas’ abject failure to manage its economy. It’s not hard to see why teachers don’t want to work in Kansas.
While the tax cut experiment didn’t create jobs, it did destroy the Kansas budget, and one major consequence of that has been massive funding cuts for Kansas schools. Several districts ended the school year early for lack of funds. Education funding levels are so low, and unequal across school districts, that judges have ruled them unconstitutional and the case is currently pending at the state Supreme Court.
Kansas’ teacher pay is among the lowest in the nation."
5 Scary Ways the Right-Wing Is Trying to Subvert How Kids Are Taught US History @alternet
5 Scary Ways the Right-Wing Is Trying to Subvert How Kids Are Taught US History @alternet
"Koch-Approved Education: In North Carolina, a Koch-backed group is developing a curriculum for K-12 students, even using grant money from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, meaning that a politicized right-wing organization is essentially being paid by taxpayers to help indoctrinate kids."
"Koch-Approved Education: In North Carolina, a Koch-backed group is developing a curriculum for K-12 students, even using grant money from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, meaning that a politicized right-wing organization is essentially being paid by taxpayers to help indoctrinate kids."
GOP Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act With Coded Call For More Voter Suppression
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/08/06/3688771/gop-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-voting-rights-act-with-coded-call-for-more-voter-suppression/
"The Republican National Committee issued a statement on Thursday praising a law that Republican appointees to the Supreme Court have hobbled and that Republican officials have actively sought to undermine through state laws that disenfranchise racial minorities. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus’s statement on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act even contains a coded call for more laws making it harder to Americans to cast a ballot."
"The Republican National Committee issued a statement on Thursday praising a law that Republican appointees to the Supreme Court have hobbled and that Republican officials have actively sought to undermine through state laws that disenfranchise racial minorities. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus’s statement on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act even contains a coded call for more laws making it harder to Americans to cast a ballot."
How Right-Wingers Are Suppressing the Minority Vote in Georgia - and the Pushback to Expand Democracy @alternet
How Right-Wingers Are Suppressing the Minority Vote in Georgia - and the Pushback to Expand Democracy @alternet
"This is part of a fight against a larger trend, accelerated by the Roberts Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act"
"This is part of a fight against a larger trend, accelerated by the Roberts Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act"
Planned Parenthood Is Way More Popular Than All The Republican Candidates For President
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/07/3689330/planned-parenthood-popular/
"The GOP is counting on anti-Planned Parenthood rhetoric to paper over their support for policies that would hurt lower and middle-class Americans for the benefit of the wealthy. But even if that works in Republican primaries, polling shows they’d be wise to back off if they want to have any hope of winning the general election."
"The GOP is counting on anti-Planned Parenthood rhetoric to paper over their support for policies that would hurt lower and middle-class Americans for the benefit of the wealthy. But even if that works in Republican primaries, polling shows they’d be wise to back off if they want to have any hope of winning the general election."
The Answer That Will Sink Marco Rubio In A General Election
The Answer That Will Sink Marco Rubio In A General Election
"Scott Walker also said the life of a mother had no bearing on his views of abortion. Good luck with that in the general."
"Scott Walker also said the life of a mother had no bearing on his views of abortion. Good luck with that in the general."
Jeb Bush Defunded Planned Parenthood…Here’s What Happened
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/07/jeb-bush-defunded-planned-parenthood-here-what-happened/
"Jeb Bush defunded Planned Parenthood as governor of Florida, and all hell broke loose.
In 2001, just two years into his governorship, Bush cut over $300,000 from women’s health services through PP. That money he cut had been provided each year to Planned Parenthood for more than a decade. Here’s what the state got in return for $300k:
By 2014, the Center for Reproductive Rights released an evaluation that showed Florida tied with Arkansas and Oklahoma for the worst state for a women’s well-being.
The uninsured rate for women ballooned to 25%, coming in second to Texas.
Approximately 20% of women are found to be in fair, poor or ill health. Florida ranks 13th in that category out of all states and territories.
Approximately 20% of women do not have access to a personal doctor, physician, or general healthcare provider, three percentage points higher than the national average.
Florida ranks 46th in the number of women who have had a pap smear in the last 3 years.
Twenty-three of Florida’s 67 counties lack an OB-GYN, based on a 2014 survey
By 2030, demand for women’s healthcare providers will fall 18% short while the female population will increase by 50%
In most parts of Florida, women must travel more than an hour just to see a doctor"
"Jeb Bush defunded Planned Parenthood as governor of Florida, and all hell broke loose.
In 2001, just two years into his governorship, Bush cut over $300,000 from women’s health services through PP. That money he cut had been provided each year to Planned Parenthood for more than a decade. Here’s what the state got in return for $300k:
By 2014, the Center for Reproductive Rights released an evaluation that showed Florida tied with Arkansas and Oklahoma for the worst state for a women’s well-being.
The uninsured rate for women ballooned to 25%, coming in second to Texas.
Approximately 20% of women are found to be in fair, poor or ill health. Florida ranks 13th in that category out of all states and territories.
Approximately 20% of women do not have access to a personal doctor, physician, or general healthcare provider, three percentage points higher than the national average.
Florida ranks 46th in the number of women who have had a pap smear in the last 3 years.
Twenty-three of Florida’s 67 counties lack an OB-GYN, based on a 2014 survey
By 2030, demand for women’s healthcare providers will fall 18% short while the female population will increase by 50%
In most parts of Florida, women must travel more than an hour just to see a doctor"
The Pill Has Prevented 400,000 Cases Of Cancer, But The GOP Wants To Ban Birth Control
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/05/the-pill-has-prevented-400000-cases-of-cancer-but-the-gop-wants-to-ban-birth-control/
"According to a study published Tuesday on The Lancet Oncology, some contraceptives do more than help the 88 percent of women who will use birth control at some point in their lifetimes reduce the risk of bringing an unwanted child into the world — they also assist in preventing cancer. As oral contraceptives “trick” the body into thinking it is pregnant, the amount of natural estrogen circulating in the body drops, which lowers the risk of developing uterine (endometrial) cancer."
"According to a study published Tuesday on The Lancet Oncology, some contraceptives do more than help the 88 percent of women who will use birth control at some point in their lifetimes reduce the risk of bringing an unwanted child into the world — they also assist in preventing cancer. As oral contraceptives “trick” the body into thinking it is pregnant, the amount of natural estrogen circulating in the body drops, which lowers the risk of developing uterine (endometrial) cancer."
New Proof That Birth Control Pills Can Help Save Women’s Lives
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/08/06/3688609/birth-control-cancer-study/
"The birth control pill has prevented hundreds of thousands of cases of endometrial cancer, and can help reduce women’s risk of developing cancer even long after they stop using it, according to a new research that analyzes data collected between 1965 to 2014.
Endometrial cancer — sometimes also called “cancer of the womb” — begins in the inner lining of the uterus. Mainly affecting older women who have gone through menopause, it’s the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. An estimated 10,000 American women will die from this condition in 2015.
But the statistics would be much worse without the pill, according to research published this week in the prestigious Lancet journal. After examining data from 36 different studies conducted in several high-income countries around the world, researchers from the University of Oxford concluded that taking birth control pills for just five years can reduce a woman’s risk of developing this type of cancer by 25 percent. They estimate oral contraceptives have prevented about 400,000 cases of endometrial cancer since 1965 — including 200,000 cases in the last decade alone."
"The birth control pill has prevented hundreds of thousands of cases of endometrial cancer, and can help reduce women’s risk of developing cancer even long after they stop using it, according to a new research that analyzes data collected between 1965 to 2014.
Endometrial cancer — sometimes also called “cancer of the womb” — begins in the inner lining of the uterus. Mainly affecting older women who have gone through menopause, it’s the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. An estimated 10,000 American women will die from this condition in 2015.
But the statistics would be much worse without the pill, according to research published this week in the prestigious Lancet journal. After examining data from 36 different studies conducted in several high-income countries around the world, researchers from the University of Oxford concluded that taking birth control pills for just five years can reduce a woman’s risk of developing this type of cancer by 25 percent. They estimate oral contraceptives have prevented about 400,000 cases of endometrial cancer since 1965 — including 200,000 cases in the last decade alone."
Elizabeth Warren Destroys GOPers Trying To Defund Planned Parenthood
Elizabeth Warren Destroys GOPers Trying To Defund Planned Parenthood
"For decades now, piece by piece, the Republican party has turned themselves over to their right-wing fringe radicals because they needed the votes. After they infused the party with the televangelist voters beginning in 1980, and continued this trend up until they turned over the rest of the party apparatus to the Tea Party of 2009."
"For decades now, piece by piece, the Republican party has turned themselves over to their right-wing fringe radicals because they needed the votes. After they infused the party with the televangelist voters beginning in 1980, and continued this trend up until they turned over the rest of the party apparatus to the Tea Party of 2009."
Elizabeth Warren humiliates Senate GOP: “Did you fall down, hit your head, and think you woke up in the 1950s or 1890s?”
Elizabeth Warren humiliates Senate GOP: “Did you fall down, hit your head, and think you woke up in the 1950s or 1890s?”
"Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was none too pleased with Republican’s attempt to grandstand on the issue of women’s health as the first GOP primary debate approaches, and she voiced her displeasure to her senate colleagues in no uncertain terms on Monday."
"Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was none too pleased with Republican’s attempt to grandstand on the issue of women’s health as the first GOP primary debate approaches, and she voiced her displeasure to her senate colleagues in no uncertain terms on Monday."
Liars Behind Planned Parenthood Videos Linked To Antiabortionist Terror Group (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/04/liars-behind-planned-parenthood-videos-linked-to-antiabortionist-terror-group-video/
"David Daleiden, founder of the anti-choice group Center for Medial Progress, appeared on CNN in an interview with Alisyn Camerota to defend the group’s overly edited, extremely misleading video series about Planned Parenthood."
"David Daleiden, founder of the anti-choice group Center for Medial Progress, appeared on CNN in an interview with Alisyn Camerota to defend the group’s overly edited, extremely misleading video series about Planned Parenthood."
This Is The New MSNBC: Joe Scarborough Uses Edited Videos To Attack Elizabeth Warren
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/04/msnbc-joe-scarborough-edited-video-attack-elizabeth-warren.html
"Welcome to the “new” MSNBC. Joe Scarborough can smear a sitting United States Senator with no consequences, but there is no room for liberals who discuss the plight of working Americans."
"Welcome to the “new” MSNBC. Joe Scarborough can smear a sitting United States Senator with no consequences, but there is no room for liberals who discuss the plight of working Americans."
Watch: Elizabeth Warren Shreds Republicans During Senate Floor Speech (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/04/watch-elizabeth-warren-shreds-republicans-during-senate-floor-speech-video/
"Republicans seem to think that voters actually believe the latest attempt to defund Planned Parenthood is just an unplanned response to deceptively edited videos released by the front-group Center For Medical Progress."
"Republicans seem to think that voters actually believe the latest attempt to defund Planned Parenthood is just an unplanned response to deceptively edited videos released by the front-group Center For Medical Progress."
Anti-Public School Evangelicals Now Control Alabama and Texas Education Boards
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/02/anti-public-school-evangelicals-control-alabama-texas-education-boards.html
"Both Abbott’s and Bentley’s appointments of highly unqualified religious fanatics with no experience in public education is founded on their desire to abolish public schools and replace them with a taxpayer-funded evangelical madrassa system; a two-fold assault on America. First, misappropriating taxpayer dollars for biblical instruction is patently unconstitutional, and second, it is another tactic to wipe out America’s public education system as part of their crusade toward government by theocracy."
"Both Abbott’s and Bentley’s appointments of highly unqualified religious fanatics with no experience in public education is founded on their desire to abolish public schools and replace them with a taxpayer-funded evangelical madrassa system; a two-fold assault on America. First, misappropriating taxpayer dollars for biblical instruction is patently unconstitutional, and second, it is another tactic to wipe out America’s public education system as part of their crusade toward government by theocracy."
Fundamentalist Public School Hater To Oversee Public Education In State Of Alabama
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/07/30/fundamentalist-public-school-hater-to-oversee-public-education-in-state-of-alabama/
"It’s no secret that Republicans have been working to destroy the public school system to justify their need to privatize it"
"It’s no secret that Republicans have been working to destroy the public school system to justify their need to privatize it"
The Secret Plan Behind Ted Cruz And His 'Defund Planned Parenthood' Vote
The Secret Plan Behind Ted Cruz And His 'Defund Planned Parenthood' Vote
"everyone should wonder why Clarence Thomas has not been recused from hearing them."
"everyone should wonder why Clarence Thomas has not been recused from hearing them."
Here’s how we beat the billionaires: The simple campaign reform Sheldon Adelson & the Koch brothers fear
Here’s how we beat the billionaires: The simple campaign reform Sheldon Adelson & the Koch brothers fear
"Super PACs have given plutocratic ideologues unprecedented power -- but there's a remarkably easy way to curb them"
"Super PACs have given plutocratic ideologues unprecedented power -- but there's a remarkably easy way to curb them"
Jon Stewart Hilariously Mocks Republicans Cozying Up to Koch Brothers at Weekend Event (Video)
Jon Stewart Hilariously Mocks Republicans Cozying Up to Koch Brothers at Weekend Event (Video)
"over the weekend five Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker and Carly Fiorina) were invited to a “business conference” in California that was essentially nothing more than an event setup to have these candidates audition for the nearly $1 billion the Koch brothers have said they plan to spend on the 2016 elections."
"over the weekend five Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker and Carly Fiorina) were invited to a “business conference” in California that was essentially nothing more than an event setup to have these candidates audition for the nearly $1 billion the Koch brothers have said they plan to spend on the 2016 elections."
Classic! Scott Walker Tricked into Posing in Front of $900 Million Check Signed by Kochs @alternet
Classic! Scott Walker Tricked into Posing in Front of $900 Million Check Signed by Kochs @alternet
"Student dupes Walker into posing with check illustrating he's bought and paid for by the Koch brothers."
"Student dupes Walker into posing with check illustrating he's bought and paid for by the Koch brothers."
Jon Stewart Shreds Fox News’ Hypocrisy After They Call Him a ‘Tool’: ‘This One Is Gonna Blow your Motherf**king Mind!’ (Video)
Jon Stewart Shreds Fox News’ Hypocrisy After They Call Him a ‘Tool’: ‘This One Is Gonna Blow your Motherf**king Mind!’ (Video)
"The conservative media, in particular Fox News, has masterminded this scheme where they perpetuate the idea that they’re the only sources for “truth,” and any other media entity or public figure that might call out their nonsense is all a part of a conspiracy against that “truth.” It’s textbook cult-like indoctrination; you get people to believe you’re the only beacon for honesty, then attack anyone who calls you out for being full of crap."
"The conservative media, in particular Fox News, has masterminded this scheme where they perpetuate the idea that they’re the only sources for “truth,” and any other media entity or public figure that might call out their nonsense is all a part of a conspiracy against that “truth.” It’s textbook cult-like indoctrination; you get people to believe you’re the only beacon for honesty, then attack anyone who calls you out for being full of crap."
Hillary Clinton is becoming the oligarchy’s Public Enemy #1
Hillary Clinton is becoming the oligarchy’s Public Enemy #1
"It isn't just rich conservatives looking to take Hillary down a peg. Rich Dems are getting in on the action now too"
"It isn't just rich conservatives looking to take Hillary down a peg. Rich Dems are getting in on the action now too"
EXCLUSIVE: The Restrictions Journalists Agreed To In Order To Attend The Koch Brothers’ Conference
http://thinkprogress.org/media/2015/08/03/3687249/koch-freedom-partners-media-restrictions/
"This weekend, Charles and David Koch’s Freedom Partners hosted five Republican presidential hopefuls and hundreds of top conservative donors at the St. Regis Monarch Beach luxury resort in California. The tax-exempt organization, which has been dubbed the Koch Brothers’ “secret bank,” allowed nine news organizations to cover parts of the conference.
The New York Times highlighted these invitations last week as evidence of the Kochs’ attempt to change their image as a “secretive” network with a “culture deeply allergic to the spotlight.” But in reality, those reporters who covered the event were subject to numerous restrictions — restrictions one media ethics expert called “outrageous"."
"This weekend, Charles and David Koch’s Freedom Partners hosted five Republican presidential hopefuls and hundreds of top conservative donors at the St. Regis Monarch Beach luxury resort in California. The tax-exempt organization, which has been dubbed the Koch Brothers’ “secret bank,” allowed nine news organizations to cover parts of the conference.
The New York Times highlighted these invitations last week as evidence of the Kochs’ attempt to change their image as a “secretive” network with a “culture deeply allergic to the spotlight.” But in reality, those reporters who covered the event were subject to numerous restrictions — restrictions one media ethics expert called “outrageous"."
Kochs Rebrand Themselves As Champions Of Poor, Fight To Slash Wages And Eliminate Their Health Care
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/03/3687152/kochs-rebrand-themselves-as-champions-of-the-poor-rightful-heirs-to-civil-rights-movement/
"This isn’t the first time the Koch empire has attempted to re-brand itself. Earlier this year, the brothers launched a media charm offensive in which they described themselves as economically conservative and socially liberal — despite spending tens of millions of dollars on campaigns to ban abortion and gay marriage, among other socially conservative causes."
"This isn’t the first time the Koch empire has attempted to re-brand itself. Earlier this year, the brothers launched a media charm offensive in which they described themselves as economically conservative and socially liberal — despite spending tens of millions of dollars on campaigns to ban abortion and gay marriage, among other socially conservative causes."
Meet the Hedge Funders and Billionaires Who Pillage Under the Shield of Philanthropy @alternet
Meet the Hedge Funders and Billionaires Who Pillage Under the Shield of Philanthropy @alternet
"America’s parasitical oligarchs are masters of public relations. One of their favorite tactics is to masquerade as defenders of the common folk while neatly arranging things behind the scenes so that they can continue to plunder unimpeded."
"America’s parasitical oligarchs are masters of public relations. One of their favorite tactics is to masquerade as defenders of the common folk while neatly arranging things behind the scenes so that they can continue to plunder unimpeded."
Walker Wants To Lift People Up Through The Education System He Broke
Walker Wants To Lift People Up Through The Education System He Broke
"If anyone is the staunch enemy of funding education, Scott Walker takes all the (cheese) cake that garnished this segment on Fox."
"If anyone is the staunch enemy of funding education, Scott Walker takes all the (cheese) cake that garnished this segment on Fox."
Walker Appoints Political Crony To Appellate Court Seat
Walker Appoints Political Crony To Appellate Court Seat
"In case you missed it, Hagedorn was appointed to be an appellate court judge even though he has never been a judge.
In fact, Hagedorn has precious little in the way of experience. Before he was Walker's legal mouthpiece, he worked at a right wing law firm and a member of the Federalist Society.
Perhaps Walker felt that Hagedorn was qualified for the things he did while Walker's counsel, such as fighting open records requests or keeping Walker from being held accountable for a death he caused by negligence as Milwaukee County Executive
Then again, in Walker's eyes, Hagedorn's greatest achievement probably was sabotaging the John Doe investigation into Walker and his illegal collaboration with dark money groups."
"In case you missed it, Hagedorn was appointed to be an appellate court judge even though he has never been a judge.
In fact, Hagedorn has precious little in the way of experience. Before he was Walker's legal mouthpiece, he worked at a right wing law firm and a member of the Federalist Society.
Perhaps Walker felt that Hagedorn was qualified for the things he did while Walker's counsel, such as fighting open records requests or keeping Walker from being held accountable for a death he caused by negligence as Milwaukee County Executive
Then again, in Walker's eyes, Hagedorn's greatest achievement probably was sabotaging the John Doe investigation into Walker and his illegal collaboration with dark money groups."
Grand Jury Indicts Conservative Texas Attorney General On Felony Charges
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/02/grand-jury-indicts-conservative-texas-attorney-general-on-felony-charges/
"a Grand Jury formally indicted the Tea Party-supported Texas conservative on Saturday on felony fraud charges stemming from Paxton’s time as a puppet of investment firm Mowery Capital Management while he was a member of the Texas state legislature."
"a Grand Jury formally indicted the Tea Party-supported Texas conservative on Saturday on felony fraud charges stemming from Paxton’s time as a puppet of investment firm Mowery Capital Management while he was a member of the Texas state legislature."
Scott Walker Stresses Importance Of Education Days After Cutting Education Funding By $250 Million
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/07/31/3686604/governor-who-cut-universities-by-300-million-says-key-to-boosting-wages-is-education/
"Walker proposed a state budget that would slash $300 million from the University of Wisconsin over two years and cut $127 million from public primary schools. The state budget also continues a freeze on state special education aid for the eighth year in a row and erodes teacher licensing standards by requiring the state department of education to give permits to teachers who haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree, according to The Washington Post.
A U.S. Census Bureau report, issued in May 2014, which covers the fiscal year of 2011-12, shows that Wisconsin’s decrease in per pupil spending from the 2010-11 year was the highest of all 50 states. There was a 3.6 percent rise in per pupil spending in 2010-11, a 2.6 percent rise in 2009-10 and 3.6 percent rise in 2008-09 before Walker was sworn in as governor."
"Walker proposed a state budget that would slash $300 million from the University of Wisconsin over two years and cut $127 million from public primary schools. The state budget also continues a freeze on state special education aid for the eighth year in a row and erodes teacher licensing standards by requiring the state department of education to give permits to teachers who haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree, according to The Washington Post.
A U.S. Census Bureau report, issued in May 2014, which covers the fiscal year of 2011-12, shows that Wisconsin’s decrease in per pupil spending from the 2010-11 year was the highest of all 50 states. There was a 3.6 percent rise in per pupil spending in 2010-11, a 2.6 percent rise in 2009-10 and 3.6 percent rise in 2008-09 before Walker was sworn in as governor."
Ted Cruz Super-PAC Has Just One Donor
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/cruzs-super-pac-super-easy-understand
"A super-PAC backing Ted Cruz called Keep the Promise II just filed its campaign disclosure, and it stands rather in contrast with the filing this morning from Jeb Bush's super-PAC. Right to Rise, the Bush-backing super-PAC, revealed a list of donors that included anonymous shell corporations, 28 former ambassadors, and hundreds of wealthy and moneyed elite from around the country, requiring this reporter to do plenty of math to determine how much came from big donors and how much came from very big donors. Keep the Promise II's disclosure is much simpler.
One guy gave $10 million.
That's it.
Although the super-PAC raised more money than the actual campaigns of 14 of the 20 declared major candidates, there were no other donors.
The guy's name is Toby Neugebauer. He is the billionaire founder of a private-equity firm, and his father is Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)."
"A super-PAC backing Ted Cruz called Keep the Promise II just filed its campaign disclosure, and it stands rather in contrast with the filing this morning from Jeb Bush's super-PAC. Right to Rise, the Bush-backing super-PAC, revealed a list of donors that included anonymous shell corporations, 28 former ambassadors, and hundreds of wealthy and moneyed elite from around the country, requiring this reporter to do plenty of math to determine how much came from big donors and how much came from very big donors. Keep the Promise II's disclosure is much simpler.
One guy gave $10 million.
That's it.
Although the super-PAC raised more money than the actual campaigns of 14 of the 20 declared major candidates, there were no other donors.
The guy's name is Toby Neugebauer. He is the billionaire founder of a private-equity firm, and his father is Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)."
Scott Walker destroyed his state: Wisconsin’s economic cautionary tale
Scott Walker destroyed his state: Wisconsin’s economic cautionary tale
"In 2011, Walker created the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to give businesses taxpayer loans and grants. Within a few years, state auditors published reports spotlighting “concerns with WEDC’s administration and oversight of its economic development programs and its financial management.” Specifically, auditors said “WEDC did not require grant and loan recipients to submit information showing that contractually required jobs were actually created or retained” and also noted that money was handed out “in ways that did not consistently comply” with state law.
Much of the cash flowed to Walker’s political allies."
"In 2011, Walker created the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to give businesses taxpayer loans and grants. Within a few years, state auditors published reports spotlighting “concerns with WEDC’s administration and oversight of its economic development programs and its financial management.” Specifically, auditors said “WEDC did not require grant and loan recipients to submit information showing that contractually required jobs were actually created or retained” and also noted that money was handed out “in ways that did not consistently comply” with state law.
Much of the cash flowed to Walker’s political allies."
Meet the Megadonors Bankrolling Jeb Bush's Campaign
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/right-rise-donors-revealed
"Jeb Bush knows it doesn't look good if a candidate appears to get most of his financial support from a small group of wealthy donors. Earlier this spring, he asked donors to try not to give checks of more than $1 million to his super-PAC, and when the group announced its total haul for the first six months of the year, it took pains to emphasize that 9,400 of its more than 9,900 contributors had donated less than $25,000.
But now it's going to be a lot harder for anyone to think of the Bush super-PAC—which completely dwarfs his campaign in terms of financial resources—as anything but driven by extremely wealthy donors.
This morning, the Right to Rise super-PAC filed its first disclosure reports, confirming that it had indeed raised $103 million in the first six months of the year. That is an unprecedented amount, but what's really news is the distribution of the donations. It does appear that only about 500 donors gave more than $25,000 to the super-PAC, but donations of less than $25,000 accounted for just $21.7 million of the total. On the other end of the spectrum, 23 people gave more than $1 million to the super-PAC, contributing a total of $27.3 million.
The size of the donations is shocking. Despite the growing public perception that super-PACs are playgrounds for millionaires, the number of people who have ever given $1 million to political causes in their lifetimes is small."
"Jeb Bush knows it doesn't look good if a candidate appears to get most of his financial support from a small group of wealthy donors. Earlier this spring, he asked donors to try not to give checks of more than $1 million to his super-PAC, and when the group announced its total haul for the first six months of the year, it took pains to emphasize that 9,400 of its more than 9,900 contributors had donated less than $25,000.
But now it's going to be a lot harder for anyone to think of the Bush super-PAC—which completely dwarfs his campaign in terms of financial resources—as anything but driven by extremely wealthy donors.
This morning, the Right to Rise super-PAC filed its first disclosure reports, confirming that it had indeed raised $103 million in the first six months of the year. That is an unprecedented amount, but what's really news is the distribution of the donations. It does appear that only about 500 donors gave more than $25,000 to the super-PAC, but donations of less than $25,000 accounted for just $21.7 million of the total. On the other end of the spectrum, 23 people gave more than $1 million to the super-PAC, contributing a total of $27.3 million.
The size of the donations is shocking. Despite the growing public perception that super-PACs are playgrounds for millionaires, the number of people who have ever given $1 million to political causes in their lifetimes is small."
Right-Wing Shutdown Of Export-Import Bank Already Threatens Jobs
Right-Wing Shutdown Of Export-Import Bank Already Threatens Jobs
"Workers and business owners need to stand up against this attack on the Ex-Im Bank and on our country's ability to compete in world markets."
"Workers and business owners need to stand up against this attack on the Ex-Im Bank and on our country's ability to compete in world markets."
Chris Christie didn't just kill the tunnels, he did it out of partisan spite
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/31/1407618/-Chris-Christie-didn-t-just-kill-the-tunnels-he-did-it-out-of-partisan-spite
"As governor, he didn't just kill the tunnels so that he could divert the money to other New Jersey projects, thus sparing him from having to raise New Jersey's among-the-lowest-in-the-nation gas tax, he did so as part of the organized Republican effort to sabotage America's economic stimulus program and blunt the employment effects of those projects."
"As governor, he didn't just kill the tunnels so that he could divert the money to other New Jersey projects, thus sparing him from having to raise New Jersey's among-the-lowest-in-the-nation gas tax, he did so as part of the organized Republican effort to sabotage America's economic stimulus program and blunt the employment effects of those projects."
Republicans Tell Their Own Media: You’re Destroying Our Chance To Govern With Your Idiocy
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/01/republicans-tell-their-own-media-youre-destroying-our-chance-to-govern-with-your-idiocy/
"It’s no secret that Fox News is by far the worst perpetrator when it comes to spreading rhetoric and lies. Within minutes of the shootings in Charleston they were blaming mental illness and “Christian persecution.” They’ve spent more time covering Benghazi than they have real issues at home. They are so obsessed with Hillary Clinton’s email server that one has to wonder how often it will come up in the upcoming Republican presidential debate they’re hosting.
Between Fox, Glenn Beck’s ridiculous hate-fest The Blaze and the plethora of right-wing blogs willing to print every bit of hate they can find, no matter how ridiculous the source, there seems to be only one logical conclusion: The GOP has zero chance of being an effective governing body."
"It’s no secret that Fox News is by far the worst perpetrator when it comes to spreading rhetoric and lies. Within minutes of the shootings in Charleston they were blaming mental illness and “Christian persecution.” They’ve spent more time covering Benghazi than they have real issues at home. They are so obsessed with Hillary Clinton’s email server that one has to wonder how often it will come up in the upcoming Republican presidential debate they’re hosting.
Between Fox, Glenn Beck’s ridiculous hate-fest The Blaze and the plethora of right-wing blogs willing to print every bit of hate they can find, no matter how ridiculous the source, there seems to be only one logical conclusion: The GOP has zero chance of being an effective governing body."
Fox News Says Don’t Worry if Times’ Clinton Email Story Wrong, Keep Talking About it
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/07/31/fox-news-worry-times-clinton-email-story-wrong-talking.html
"They just have to keep doubt alive, just as they’ve tried to do with global warming, and before that, smoking. Throw enough dirt, and some will stick. And after all, where they’ve invented one lie, they can invent another, and keep inventing them."
"They just have to keep doubt alive, just as they’ve tried to do with global warming, and before that, smoking. Throw enough dirt, and some will stick. And after all, where they’ve invented one lie, they can invent another, and keep inventing them."
Secrets of the extreme religious right: Inside the frightening world of Christian Reconstructionism
Secrets of the extreme religious right: Inside the frightening world of Christian Reconstructionism
"the end result would be a social order based on biblical law—including all those Old Testament goodies like stoning gay people to death, while at the same time justifying “biblical slavery"."
"the end result would be a social order based on biblical law—including all those Old Testament goodies like stoning gay people to death, while at the same time justifying “biblical slavery"."
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