http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/11/16/3722355/bernie-sanders-climate-change-national-security-paris-climate-talks/
"for over three years, leading security and climate experts — and Syrians themselves — have made the connection between climate change and the Syrian civil war. Indeed, when a major peer-reviewed study came out on in March making this very case, Retired Navy Rear Admiral David Titley said it identifies “a pretty convincing climate fingerprint” for the Syrian drought."
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Paul Krugman on What's Behind the Right's Ridiculous Tendency to Panic @alternet
Paul Krugman on What's Behind the Right's Ridiculous Tendency to Panic @alternet
"Think about it. From the day Mr. Obama took office, his political foes have warned about imminent catastrophe. Fiscal crisis! Hyperinflation! Economic collapse, brought on by the scourge of health insurance! And nobody on the right dares point out the failure of the promised disasters to materialize, or suggest a more nuanced approach.
"Think about it. From the day Mr. Obama took office, his political foes have warned about imminent catastrophe. Fiscal crisis! Hyperinflation! Economic collapse, brought on by the scourge of health insurance! And nobody on the right dares point out the failure of the promised disasters to materialize, or suggest a more nuanced approach.
Negativity, anxiety and fear: A neuroscientist explains conservatives’ fear-driven political attitudes
Negativity, anxiety and fear: A neuroscientist explains conservatives’ fear-driven political attitudes
"4. Conservatives’ brains are more reactive to fear Using MRI, scientists from University College London have found that students who identify themselves as conservatives have a larger amygdala than self-described liberals. This brain structure is involved in emotion processing, and is especially reactive to fearful stimuli. It is possible that an oversized amygdala could create a heightened sensitivity that may cause one to habitually overreact to anything that appears to be a potential threat, whether it actually is one or not. This disproportionate fear response could explain how, for example, Bush’s administration was able to gather wide public support amongst conservatives for invading Iraq. They knew if they said the phrase “weapons of mass destruction” enough times that it wouldn’t matter whether they really existed or not." (Reposted)
"4. Conservatives’ brains are more reactive to fear Using MRI, scientists from University College London have found that students who identify themselves as conservatives have a larger amygdala than self-described liberals. This brain structure is involved in emotion processing, and is especially reactive to fearful stimuli. It is possible that an oversized amygdala could create a heightened sensitivity that may cause one to habitually overreact to anything that appears to be a potential threat, whether it actually is one or not. This disproportionate fear response could explain how, for example, Bush’s administration was able to gather wide public support amongst conservatives for invading Iraq. They knew if they said the phrase “weapons of mass destruction” enough times that it wouldn’t matter whether they really existed or not." (Reposted)
Dear GOP, you really want to hurt ISIS? Get out of Big Oil's pocket
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/19/1452059/-Dear-GOP-you-really-want-to-hurt-ISIS-Get-out-of-Big-Oil-s-pocket
"Of course, none of this is particularly controversial. We’ve known for over a decade the insidious role of petroleum money in the funding of terror networks, including from supposed allies like Saudi Arabia. What is surprising about all of this is how resistant conservatives are to drying up this source of terrorist money. These are the people who have worked tirelessly to dry up liberal funding sources like labor unions and trial lawyers, yet when it comes to terrorism, they are working side-by-side to ensure the supremacy of Big Oil."
"Of course, none of this is particularly controversial. We’ve known for over a decade the insidious role of petroleum money in the funding of terror networks, including from supposed allies like Saudi Arabia. What is surprising about all of this is how resistant conservatives are to drying up this source of terrorist money. These are the people who have worked tirelessly to dry up liberal funding sources like labor unions and trial lawyers, yet when it comes to terrorism, they are working side-by-side to ensure the supremacy of Big Oil."
Republican Military Veteran Slams Conservatives On House Floor For Being Heartless Towards Refugees
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/19/republican-military-veteran-slams-conservatives-on-house-floor-for-being-heartless-towards-refugees/
"Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell is a conservative, but he knows all too well that hating Muslims and discriminating against them unfairly is only helping our enemies. He also knows it leads to innocent human beings being left to the slaughter as civil war rages and ISIS continues its reign of terror."
"Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell is a conservative, but he knows all too well that hating Muslims and discriminating against them unfairly is only helping our enemies. He also knows it leads to innocent human beings being left to the slaughter as civil war rages and ISIS continues its reign of terror."
This is why they hate us: The real American history neither Ted Cruz nor the New York Times will tell you
This is why they hate us: The real American history neither Ted Cruz nor the New York Times will tell you
"By not just acknowledging the bloody and ignominious history of U.S. regime change, but also condemning it, Sen. Sanders was intrepidly trekking into controversial political territory into which few of his peers would dare to tread. Others would do well to learn from Bernie’s example."
"By not just acknowledging the bloody and ignominious history of U.S. regime change, but also condemning it, Sen. Sanders was intrepidly trekking into controversial political territory into which few of his peers would dare to tread. Others would do well to learn from Bernie’s example."
Award-Winning Vet Blasts Anti-Refugee Republicans Using Reagan’s Words (TWEETS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/20/award-winning-vet-blasts-anti-refugee-republicans-using-reagans-words-tweets/
"Klay’s words hit the nail on the head, as America has so far failed Syrian refugees and failed to live up to its values. Even recently attacked France, in the midst of all its chaos, has promised to accept tens of thousands of refugees, making America’s conservatives look like big wimpy babies. Klay’s feelings have been echoed by other military veterans as well. On Wednesday, Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK), who is also a combat vet, ripped Islamophobic conservatives apart on the House floor for their heartless attitude toward Syrian refugees."
"Klay’s words hit the nail on the head, as America has so far failed Syrian refugees and failed to live up to its values. Even recently attacked France, in the midst of all its chaos, has promised to accept tens of thousands of refugees, making America’s conservatives look like big wimpy babies. Klay’s feelings have been echoed by other military veterans as well. On Wednesday, Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK), who is also a combat vet, ripped Islamophobic conservatives apart on the House floor for their heartless attitude toward Syrian refugees."
Seth Meyers DESTROYS GOP Refugee Hatred, Bludgeons Cruz’s Hypocrisy (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/20/seth-meyers-destroys-gop-refugee-hatred-bludgeons-cruzs-hypocrisy-video/
"Truth is, if Cruz was part of those decided who were allowed to come to the nation back when his father was seeking asylum, by his own arguments, wouldn’t have allow his dad in the nation. In fact, his dad probably shouldn’t have been allowed in the nation if he was the one throwing the Molotov cocktails. All of these Republicans, to be blunt, are heartless and cruel. Most of those seeking refuge are the elderly, women and children, and there is a severe vetting process already."
"Truth is, if Cruz was part of those decided who were allowed to come to the nation back when his father was seeking asylum, by his own arguments, wouldn’t have allow his dad in the nation. In fact, his dad probably shouldn’t have been allowed in the nation if he was the one throwing the Molotov cocktails. All of these Republicans, to be blunt, are heartless and cruel. Most of those seeking refuge are the elderly, women and children, and there is a severe vetting process already."
Remembering That the US Terrorized Iraq to 'Liberate' It, and ISIS Was Born
Remembering That the US Terrorized Iraq to 'Liberate' It, and ISIS Was Born
"the war shattered Iraq and caused the death and displacement of millions more people and, ultimately, created the conditions in which ISIS was able to come to power."
"the war shattered Iraq and caused the death and displacement of millions more people and, ultimately, created the conditions in which ISIS was able to come to power."
Fox News brings back Obama birther lies: Donald Trump, Dennis Miller and the revolting post-Paris sliming of the president
Fox News brings back Obama birther lies: Donald Trump, Dennis Miller and the revolting post-Paris sliming of the president
"Lots of people just saying out there these days. It’s a mode of communicating conspiracy theories that has a couple of major benefits. First, it allows the conspiracy theorist to perpetuate the theory without coming right out and saying it, giving them a blanket of plausible deniability when they’re called out for it (which will likely happen in response to this article). Second of all, it perpetuates the idea that conservatives in this country are oppressed, that they are so unable to speak freely that they have to communicate their ideas in coded ways. It’s a paranoia twofer! The world is clearly out to get you guys, so better stay home and mainline more Fox News."
"Lots of people just saying out there these days. It’s a mode of communicating conspiracy theories that has a couple of major benefits. First, it allows the conspiracy theorist to perpetuate the theory without coming right out and saying it, giving them a blanket of plausible deniability when they’re called out for it (which will likely happen in response to this article). Second of all, it perpetuates the idea that conservatives in this country are oppressed, that they are so unable to speak freely that they have to communicate their ideas in coded ways. It’s a paranoia twofer! The world is clearly out to get you guys, so better stay home and mainline more Fox News."
Saturday, November 21, 2015
House Science Chair Lamar Smith Goes After NOAA's Climate Findings
House Science Chair Lamar Smith Goes After NOAA's Climate Findings
"When the findings of a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) become problematic for the Chair of the House Committee on Science, what better way to fight inconvenient facts than by personally attacking the scientists? October, 2015 was officially the warmest on record, and the findings of the NOAA point to the factors contributing to this phenomenon. Chairman and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) is retaliating in typical Republican fashion by spending exorbitant sums of taxpayer money to conduct a Benghazi-style witch hunt to stall any meaningful action to combat this dangerous environmental trend.
"When the findings of a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) become problematic for the Chair of the House Committee on Science, what better way to fight inconvenient facts than by personally attacking the scientists? October, 2015 was officially the warmest on record, and the findings of the NOAA point to the factors contributing to this phenomenon. Chairman and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) is retaliating in typical Republican fashion by spending exorbitant sums of taxpayer money to conduct a Benghazi-style witch hunt to stall any meaningful action to combat this dangerous environmental trend.
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Dynamic Deception for 2016
PERRspectives: The Republicans' Dynamic Deception for 2016
"Unfortunately, that conservative claim--that tax cuts spur so much new economic activity that government revenue is at least as much as it would otherwise have been--has been repeatedly, thoroughly and demonstrably debunked ever since Arthur Laffer's Curve was first sketched on a cocktail napkin 40 years ago. So, Republicans have turned to a new term--"dynamic scoring"--to both magically erase the oceans of red ink their tax plans would necessarily produce and happily avoid having to explain the painful, draconian and politically unpopular spending cuts needed to offset the hemorrhaging from the U.S. Treasury. The inevitable result, now as under Presidents Reagan and Bush, will be a mushrooming national debt and, at a time of record high income inequality, a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
"Unfortunately, that conservative claim--that tax cuts spur so much new economic activity that government revenue is at least as much as it would otherwise have been--has been repeatedly, thoroughly and demonstrably debunked ever since Arthur Laffer's Curve was first sketched on a cocktail napkin 40 years ago. So, Republicans have turned to a new term--"dynamic scoring"--to both magically erase the oceans of red ink their tax plans would necessarily produce and happily avoid having to explain the painful, draconian and politically unpopular spending cuts needed to offset the hemorrhaging from the U.S. Treasury. The inevitable result, now as under Presidents Reagan and Bush, will be a mushrooming national debt and, at a time of record high income inequality, a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
Paul Krugman: The GOP Candidates' Crackpot, Ayn Rand-Inspired Economic Theories @alternet
Paul Krugman: The GOP Candidates' Crackpot, Ayn Rand-Inspired Economic Theories @alternet
"Republican economics is as impervious to evidence and reason as Republican science."
"Republican economics is as impervious to evidence and reason as Republican science."
So The Koch Boys Even Have Their Own Intelligence Operation
So The Koch Boys Even Have Their Own Intelligence Operation
"The Kochs are a couple of daddy's boys who have been thoroughly molded to follow in the paranoid Bircher footsteps of their late father Fred, and focus on using their wealth to spread the extremist ideology of dear dead Dad."
"The Kochs are a couple of daddy's boys who have been thoroughly molded to follow in the paranoid Bircher footsteps of their late father Fred, and focus on using their wealth to spread the extremist ideology of dear dead Dad."
Take a Wild Guess About Why Koch Brothers Got So Interested in 'Criminal Justice' Reform @alternet
Take a Wild Guess About Why Koch Brothers Got So Interested in 'Criminal Justice' Reform @alternet
"House Republicans are ensuring that corporate America also will get what it wants: tougher legal hurdles for prosecutors to go after white-collar crimes."
"House Republicans are ensuring that corporate America also will get what it wants: tougher legal hurdles for prosecutors to go after white-collar crimes."
10 Ridiculous Republican Facts That Are So Absurd They Seem Like They're Made Up
10 Ridiculous Republican Facts That Are So Absurd They Seem Like They're Made Up
"the GOP has officially become a really long, unfunny Saturday Night Live skit. The fact that there are literally millions of people who think Trump would be a good president is a testament to the idiocy that drives millions of conservatives. But the truth is, while Donald Trump’s name might be one of the most talked about, this level of lunacy is found all throughout the Republican party."
"the GOP has officially become a really long, unfunny Saturday Night Live skit. The fact that there are literally millions of people who think Trump would be a good president is a testament to the idiocy that drives millions of conservatives. But the truth is, while Donald Trump’s name might be one of the most talked about, this level of lunacy is found all throughout the Republican party."
Top Ben Carson Adviser Calls Him Clueless on Foreign Affairs, Laments Need to 'Make Him Smart'
Top Ben Carson Adviser Calls Him Clueless on Foreign Affairs, Laments Need to 'Make Him Smart'
"So, we’ve gone from Ben Carson suggesting that the Chinese military is on the ground in Syria; to the candidate mocking the Obama administration’s intelligence; to finally admitting that he has no intelligence confirming that China’s military is there; to his campaign attacking the mental competency of one of his foreign affairs advisers."
"So, we’ve gone from Ben Carson suggesting that the Chinese military is on the ground in Syria; to the candidate mocking the Obama administration’s intelligence; to finally admitting that he has no intelligence confirming that China’s military is there; to his campaign attacking the mental competency of one of his foreign affairs advisers."
Carson Advisor Irrationally Defends His Client's Inability To Understand Foreign Policy
Carson Advisor Irrationally Defends His Client's Inability To Understand Foreign Policy
"Armstrong Williams, Carson's top advisor, is now in spin mode to try and minimize the damage."
"Armstrong Williams, Carson's top advisor, is now in spin mode to try and minimize the damage."
Republicans Demand America’s 1920s Government Be Put Back In Place
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/16/republicans-demand-americas-1920s-government-place.html
"Apparently they want a government like that of the 1920s when the rich were given free rein to economically rape the people and send the world into another, more intense economic crash. A crash, by the way, that increased the wealth of the very richest industrialists beyond their wildest dream; not unlike today when the wealthiest Americans have taken the lion’s share of wealth in the current recovery. The Republican base wants a dictatorial president willing to challenge the Constitution and pledge that the system of government created by the Founders, the system with legislative checks and balances and regulations, is abolished and replaced with a theocratic libertarian “no government"."
"Apparently they want a government like that of the 1920s when the rich were given free rein to economically rape the people and send the world into another, more intense economic crash. A crash, by the way, that increased the wealth of the very richest industrialists beyond their wildest dream; not unlike today when the wealthiest Americans have taken the lion’s share of wealth in the current recovery. The Republican base wants a dictatorial president willing to challenge the Constitution and pledge that the system of government created by the Founders, the system with legislative checks and balances and regulations, is abolished and replaced with a theocratic libertarian “no government"."
The GOP Has Become the Party of Adults Who Act Like Children
The GOP Has Become the Party of Adults Who Act Like Children
"It’s a joke how simplistic and immature the GOP has become. From the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower leading the party, to Donald Trump and Ben Carson being the overwhelming frontrunners for their presidential nomination. Things have gotten so bad for Republicans that apparently some within the party have recently been begging Mitt Romney to run – that’s how desperate some of these folks have become. No matter how hard I try, I still can’t understand how tens of millions of people actually take these fools seriously. The bottom line is, when Americans go to the polls next year it really has become a choice between wanting adults to run this country properly, or wanting spoiled immature children to run it into the ground."
"It’s a joke how simplistic and immature the GOP has become. From the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower leading the party, to Donald Trump and Ben Carson being the overwhelming frontrunners for their presidential nomination. Things have gotten so bad for Republicans that apparently some within the party have recently been begging Mitt Romney to run – that’s how desperate some of these folks have become. No matter how hard I try, I still can’t understand how tens of millions of people actually take these fools seriously. The bottom line is, when Americans go to the polls next year it really has become a choice between wanting adults to run this country properly, or wanting spoiled immature children to run it into the ground."
We Kicked the Koch Brothers' A**: How Denver Parents Beat Back Big Money, Charter Schools and Right-Wing Lies @alternet
We Kicked the Koch Brothers' A**: How Denver Parents Beat Back Big Money, Charter Schools and Right-Wing Lies @alternet
"Both news stories told of a national program bearing down on the school district, with “money pouring in from Americans for Prosperity, the national organization founded by the Koch brothers,” in an effort to impose an agenda from outside the community that included a new history curriculum, new restrictions on teachers’ job security, and more privately-operated charter schools. Students, teachers and parents were openly revolting against the school board, staging school walkouts, holding boisterous protest rallies and waging a petition campaign to demand an election to recall the school board majority. The national outlets consistently got the story of the election wrong, adopting a talking point from a libertarian think tank that the contest was a “proxy war” between the Koch Brothers and “teachers’ unions,” when, in fact, the recall effort was mostly led by parents."
"Both news stories told of a national program bearing down on the school district, with “money pouring in from Americans for Prosperity, the national organization founded by the Koch brothers,” in an effort to impose an agenda from outside the community that included a new history curriculum, new restrictions on teachers’ job security, and more privately-operated charter schools. Students, teachers and parents were openly revolting against the school board, staging school walkouts, holding boisterous protest rallies and waging a petition campaign to demand an election to recall the school board majority. The national outlets consistently got the story of the election wrong, adopting a talking point from a libertarian think tank that the contest was a “proxy war” between the Koch Brothers and “teachers’ unions,” when, in fact, the recall effort was mostly led by parents."
This is why Ben Carson lies: The dark, disturbing reality of race, religion and today’s right-wing
This is why Ben Carson lies: The dark, disturbing reality of race, religion and today’s right-wing
"Which is the purpose of anecdotes such as his story about a professor giving him $10 when he was flat broke for being “the most honest student in the class” of 150 students—a story that now appears was based on a humor magazine’s hoax. If such stories sound wildly implausible, well, they are—and that’s a feature, not a bug"
"Which is the purpose of anecdotes such as his story about a professor giving him $10 when he was flat broke for being “the most honest student in the class” of 150 students—a story that now appears was based on a humor magazine’s hoax. If such stories sound wildly implausible, well, they are—and that’s a feature, not a bug"
Five Ways Marco Rubio Is 'Not Much Different' From Ted Cruz
Five Ways Marco Rubio Is 'Not Much Different' From Ted Cruz
"Ted Cruz and the mainstream media are on the same mission. They want you to believe that Marco Rubio is moderate. In reality, he just puts a pretty face on the worst the GOP has to offer."
"Ted Cruz and the mainstream media are on the same mission. They want you to believe that Marco Rubio is moderate. In reality, he just puts a pretty face on the worst the GOP has to offer."
Now More Than Ever, Republicans Have Become The Party Of Hatred And Fear
Now More Than Ever, Republicans Have Become The Party Of Hatred And Fear
"Our younger, more progressive generation has realized that gay rights is not a threat to heterosexuals and that the separation of church and state isn’t a threat to religious freedom. We’ve rejected the idea that trickle-down economics works, or that immigrants are a mortal danger to the American Dream."
"Our younger, more progressive generation has realized that gay rights is not a threat to heterosexuals and that the separation of church and state isn’t a threat to religious freedom. We’ve rejected the idea that trickle-down economics works, or that immigrants are a mortal danger to the American Dream."
Bush and Cheney were warned. Bush and Cheney yawned. And then 9/11 happened
Bush and Cheney were warned. Bush and Cheney yawned. And then 9/11 happened
"Bombshell new interviews with CIA officials make clear what we've always suspected: Their negligence is horrifying"
"Bombshell new interviews with CIA officials make clear what we've always suspected: Their negligence is horrifying"
Jeb’s big Bush administration lie just got exploded (again) — but here’s why it won’t matter
Jeb’s big Bush administration lie just got exploded (again) — but here’s why it won’t matter
"The lie that George W. Bush “kept us safe” is no more or less egregious than the belief, still popular among Republicans, that Iraq was a war of necessity; that we “fought them over there so we wouldn’t have to fight them over here"."
"The lie that George W. Bush “kept us safe” is no more or less egregious than the belief, still popular among Republicans, that Iraq was a war of necessity; that we “fought them over there so we wouldn’t have to fight them over here"."
Marco Rubio’s American hellscape: The insane science denial that puts the planet in jeopardy
Marco Rubio’s American hellscape: The insane science denial that puts the planet in jeopardy
"In 2006, the Stern Review firmly developed the evidence that global warming will cost the world’s economy far more than the cost of taking mitigative actions, but almost a decade later, the entire GOP presidential field remains deep in denial."
"In 2006, the Stern Review firmly developed the evidence that global warming will cost the world’s economy far more than the cost of taking mitigative actions, but almost a decade later, the entire GOP presidential field remains deep in denial."
We’re repeating Bush’s failure: An Iraq veteran despairs over our deepening climate-change denial
We’re repeating Bush’s failure: An Iraq veteran despairs over our deepening climate-change denial
"The situations are different, of course, but also similar. At the heart of both, there’s oil. At the heart of both, there’s a denial of reality. At the heart of both, there are conflicting motives, miscommunication, greed, stupidity, and inertia. At the heart of both, there’s a refusal to face our failure."
"The situations are different, of course, but also similar. At the heart of both, there’s oil. At the heart of both, there’s a denial of reality. At the heart of both, there are conflicting motives, miscommunication, greed, stupidity, and inertia. At the heart of both, there’s a refusal to face our failure."
Friday, November 13, 2015
The secret history of GOP mythmaking: How the Republican Party abandoned facts in favor of propaganda
The secret history of GOP mythmaking: How the Republican Party abandoned facts in favor of propaganda
"Directed at the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo asked the following: “In seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you’ll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans?” Since the Reagan years, the notion that Republicans are somehow more fiscally responsible and better at creating jobs and economic growth than Democrats has proven to be as stubborn a myth as the idea that the founding fathers were Christian zealots like Ben Carson and Ted Cruz. (They certainly were not.) The economy is an extremely complicated subject, and there are countless variables that go into how it performs, but since the Second World War, the data is quite clear: The economy performs significantly better when a Democrat is president."
"Directed at the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, Carly Fiorina, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo asked the following: “In seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you’ll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans?” Since the Reagan years, the notion that Republicans are somehow more fiscally responsible and better at creating jobs and economic growth than Democrats has proven to be as stubborn a myth as the idea that the founding fathers were Christian zealots like Ben Carson and Ted Cruz. (They certainly were not.) The economy is an extremely complicated subject, and there are countless variables that go into how it performs, but since the Second World War, the data is quite clear: The economy performs significantly better when a Democrat is president."
PERRspectives: The 800 Pound Donkey in the GOP Debates
PERRspectives: The 800 Pound Donkey in the GOP Debates
"To their credit, the Fox Business moderators tried to recognize the 800-pound donkey in the room. As Gerard Baker of the Wall Street Journal asked Carly Fiorina: Now, in seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you'll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans? Fiorina didn't answer the question, because she couldn't. No matter how many unicorns the Republicans try to deploy, there's no escaping the demonstrably superior economic performance of Democratic presidents."
"To their credit, the Fox Business moderators tried to recognize the 800-pound donkey in the room. As Gerard Baker of the Wall Street Journal asked Carly Fiorina: Now, in seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs a month. Under President Clinton, the economy added about 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000 a month. If you win the nomination, you'll probably be facing a Democrat named Clinton. How are you going to respond to the claim that Democratic presidents are better at creating jobs than Republicans? Fiorina didn't answer the question, because she couldn't. No matter how many unicorns the Republicans try to deploy, there's no escaping the demonstrably superior economic performance of Democratic presidents."
Art Laffer Praises The Supply-Side Fantasy Of The 2016 GOP Field
Art Laffer Praises The Supply-Side Fantasy Of The 2016 GOP Field
"Unfortunately for Arthur Laffer, we have ample economic data that shows the complete opposite effect of what these right-wing tax-haters want to impose on the MAJORITY of Americans. Tell the poor that they have the chance to be rich by lowering taxes on the rich, because some day, the money will trickle down right into their bank accounts. Except, it won't."
"Unfortunately for Arthur Laffer, we have ample economic data that shows the complete opposite effect of what these right-wing tax-haters want to impose on the MAJORITY of Americans. Tell the poor that they have the chance to be rich by lowering taxes on the rich, because some day, the money will trickle down right into their bank accounts. Except, it won't."
Elizabeth Warren fights back against her “commie dictator” portrayal in new GOP debate attack ad
Elizabeth Warren fights back against her “commie dictator” portrayal in new GOP debate attack ad
"Of course, no mention was made of the more than $10 billion dollars recuperated by the CFPB and returned to 17 million Americans because who needs context in ads, right?"
"Of course, no mention was made of the more than $10 billion dollars recuperated by the CFPB and returned to 17 million Americans because who needs context in ads, right?"
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is under attack by lobbyists
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/11/11/1448637/-The-student-loan-company-lobbyists-behind-that-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau-attack-ad
"What the CFPB has actually done in its five years of existence is recover more than $10 billion for consumers who have been cheated by financial services companies. You know, Consumer Protection, just like it says in the title."
"What the CFPB has actually done in its five years of existence is recover more than $10 billion for consumers who have been cheated by financial services companies. You know, Consumer Protection, just like it says in the title."
5 Reasons Barack Obama Isn’t George W. Bush
http://www.nationalmemo.com/5-reasons-barack-obama-isnt-george-w-bush/
"1. Job Growth under Obama has come entirely from the private sector. Job growth under W. came entirely from the public sector."
"1. Job Growth under Obama has come entirely from the private sector. Job growth under W. came entirely from the public sector."
Senator Named ‘Most Corrupt’ Now Campaigning On Ethics Reform
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/11/09/3720646/david-vitter-ethics-reform/
"Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter is promising to “root out corruption and cronyism.” But his own record does not align with his current rhetoric."
"Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter is promising to “root out corruption and cronyism.” But his own record does not align with his current rhetoric."
10 Conspiracy Theories from the Right-Wing Fringe That Have Invaded American Political Life @alternet
10 Conspiracy Theories from the Right-Wing Fringe That Have Invaded American Political Life @alternet
"But what may be even more important in the highly polarized political environment of the United States in recent years has been the willingness of large numbers of politicians — either because they really believe or because they are willing to pander shamelessly to the extremists in their bases — to legitimize the fairy tales. Whether or not Texas Gov. Greg Abbott truly believes that a military exercise this summer was a prelude to martial law, he acted as if he might. These kinds of words have consequences. When Sarah Palin accused the president of organizing “death panels” as part of his health care plan, the debate veered from the serious to the ridiculous. When hundreds of thousands of Americans swallowed the claim that Mexican, U.S. and Canadian elites were secretly planning to merge the three countries, it helped to derail any hope for enacting comprehensive immigration reform. When politicians allege a global conspiracy behind a United Nations sustainability plan, preserving the planet becomes even harder. Conspiracy theories, in other words, are destructive to democracy; they substitute ignorance and suspicion for knowledge and reason, and make it that much harder to deal with the many problems before us. As Francis Bacon suggested almost four centuries ago, conspiracy theories are a way for weak minds to deal with a complex world — and to wreck any chance for finding real solutions."
"But what may be even more important in the highly polarized political environment of the United States in recent years has been the willingness of large numbers of politicians — either because they really believe or because they are willing to pander shamelessly to the extremists in their bases — to legitimize the fairy tales. Whether or not Texas Gov. Greg Abbott truly believes that a military exercise this summer was a prelude to martial law, he acted as if he might. These kinds of words have consequences. When Sarah Palin accused the president of organizing “death panels” as part of his health care plan, the debate veered from the serious to the ridiculous. When hundreds of thousands of Americans swallowed the claim that Mexican, U.S. and Canadian elites were secretly planning to merge the three countries, it helped to derail any hope for enacting comprehensive immigration reform. When politicians allege a global conspiracy behind a United Nations sustainability plan, preserving the planet becomes even harder. Conspiracy theories, in other words, are destructive to democracy; they substitute ignorance and suspicion for knowledge and reason, and make it that much harder to deal with the many problems before us. As Francis Bacon suggested almost four centuries ago, conspiracy theories are a way for weak minds to deal with a complex world — and to wreck any chance for finding real solutions."
Hypocrite Ben Carson Caught Lying About Receiving Award For “Honesty”
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/hypocrite-ben-carson-caught-lying-about-receiving-award-for-honesty/
"The Yale Library confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that no such class was taught, and no record of the photo for the Yale Daily News exists."
"The Yale Library confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that no such class was taught, and no record of the photo for the Yale Daily News exists."
As Jobs Flee WI, Legislators Lock-Down Their Own With Unlimited Dark Money
As Jobs Flee WI, Legislators Lock-Down Their Own With Unlimited Dark Money
"The state senate is calling an extraordinary session, not to address jobs or the economy, but instead to vote on two bills that make it easier for politicians to secretly raise money from out-of-state billionaires."
"The state senate is calling an extraordinary session, not to address jobs or the economy, but instead to vote on two bills that make it easier for politicians to secretly raise money from out-of-state billionaires."
Ben Carson Is Lying Again, This Time About Our Founding Fathers
Ben Carson Is Lying Again, This Time About Our Founding Fathers
"Though this isn’t the first time Carson displayed complete ignorance about our Founding Fathers. A few weeks ago he gave a speech where he tried to “prove” that this nation was founded on Christianity – by citing a whole lot of stuff that our Founding Fathers had nothing to do with. And let’s not forget about his ridiculous “theory” about the Egyptian pyramids. The bottom line is, this man has no business being our next president. The fact he’s become one of the two GOP frontrunners is an absolute joke and a statement on how absurd Republicans have become."
"Though this isn’t the first time Carson displayed complete ignorance about our Founding Fathers. A few weeks ago he gave a speech where he tried to “prove” that this nation was founded on Christianity – by citing a whole lot of stuff that our Founding Fathers had nothing to do with. And let’s not forget about his ridiculous “theory” about the Egyptian pyramids. The bottom line is, this man has no business being our next president. The fact he’s become one of the two GOP frontrunners is an absolute joke and a statement on how absurd Republicans have become."
Ted Cruz will never “Let It Go”: The right-wing’s insane new fear of “Frozen”
Ted Cruz will never “Let It Go”: The right-wing’s insane new fear of “Frozen”
"Two separate news items are a reminder of how little conservatives trust women and how much they think women have to be held under firm, preferably male control—and how much this attitude influences the politics of the Republican candidates for President. Over the weekend, candidates Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee attended the National Religious Liberties Conference, held by a group of hardline fundamentalists. Prior to the conference, I highlighted how the main organizer and many of the speakers have spoken approvingly of the death penalty for gay people, but the event itself was a reminder that they don’t like women, particularly independent women, any better. This was epitomized by a session at the conference run by Geoff Botkin of the Western Conservatory of the Arts and Sciences, about the perennial right-wing belief that civilization is on the verge of collapse. Botkin relied heavily on the Disney movie Frozen as evidence that modern America is in the thrall of Satan."
"Two separate news items are a reminder of how little conservatives trust women and how much they think women have to be held under firm, preferably male control—and how much this attitude influences the politics of the Republican candidates for President. Over the weekend, candidates Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee attended the National Religious Liberties Conference, held by a group of hardline fundamentalists. Prior to the conference, I highlighted how the main organizer and many of the speakers have spoken approvingly of the death penalty for gay people, but the event itself was a reminder that they don’t like women, particularly independent women, any better. This was epitomized by a session at the conference run by Geoff Botkin of the Western Conservatory of the Arts and Sciences, about the perennial right-wing belief that civilization is on the verge of collapse. Botkin relied heavily on the Disney movie Frozen as evidence that modern America is in the thrall of Satan."
“Repent that Dumbledore emerged as a homosexual mentor for Harry Potter”: Inside the bizarre anti-gay conference featuring Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee & Bobby Jindal
“Repent that Dumbledore emerged as a homosexual mentor for Harry Potter”: Inside the bizarre anti-gay conference featuring Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee & Bobby Jindal
"attendees were not only treated to speeches from three GOP presidential candidates, but with pamphlets that called for the “death penalty for gays” and a rant about Harry Potter turning America’s youth gay."
"attendees were not only treated to speeches from three GOP presidential candidates, but with pamphlets that called for the “death penalty for gays” and a rant about Harry Potter turning America’s youth gay."
These 3 GOP Candidates Can Never Be President
These 3 GOP Candidates Can Never Be President
"Republicans are so far off the reservation they're heading toward the edge of the world. But these three Republicans in particular should be excluded from national politics forever. Ted Cruz in particular probably has a place holding tent revivals with poisonous snakes."
"Republicans are so far off the reservation they're heading toward the edge of the world. But these three Republicans in particular should be excluded from national politics forever. Ted Cruz in particular probably has a place holding tent revivals with poisonous snakes."
Right-Wing Summit: God To Punish Fans Of Frozen's 'Let It Go' As It's 'Satan's Rebellion Anthem' | Right Wing Watch
Right-Wing Summit: God To Punish Fans Of Frozen's 'Let It Go' As It's 'Satan's Rebellion Anthem' | Right Wing Watch
"Given that the chief organizer of last week’s “Freedom 2015: National Religious Liberties Conference” — which was attended by three Republican presidential candidates — has said that the movie “Frozen” turns young girls into lesbians, it was not much of a surprise to learn that Queen Elsa would be a focal point of the summit."
"Given that the chief organizer of last week’s “Freedom 2015: National Religious Liberties Conference” — which was attended by three Republican presidential candidates — has said that the movie “Frozen” turns young girls into lesbians, it was not much of a surprise to learn that Queen Elsa would be a focal point of the summit."
Vets For Bernie: Why the Most Anti-War Candidate Has Many Military Supporters @alternet
Vets For Bernie: Why the Most Anti-War Candidate Has Many Military Supporters @alternet
"The VFW award joins numerous other awards Sanders has received for his work for veterans, including the 2014 American Legion Patriot Award and the Military Officers Association of America Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award, given to Sanders in April 2014."
"The VFW award joins numerous other awards Sanders has received for his work for veterans, including the 2014 American Legion Patriot Award and the Military Officers Association of America Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award, given to Sanders in April 2014."
Republicans In Congress Still Dishonor America’s Veterans
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/11/11/republicans-congress-dishonoring-americas-veterans.html
"It is difficult to conclude anything other than Republicans dishonor Veterans as a matter of course. First by happily sending them off to war and then doing every and anything to cut their benefits after they served."
"It is difficult to conclude anything other than Republicans dishonor Veterans as a matter of course. First by happily sending them off to war and then doing every and anything to cut their benefits after they served."
7 Examples Of Republican Presidential Candidates Screwing Over Veterans
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/11/11/7-examples-of-republican-presidential-candidates-screwing-over-veterans/
"These are the candidates the Republican Party has put forth to run for President of the United States of America. These candidates want to be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces that would send men and women to fight and die for their country. The fact that they have little interest in repaying them with an allegiance to their health, well-being and opportunity to prosper is appalling. They should be ashamed."
"These are the candidates the Republican Party has put forth to run for President of the United States of America. These candidates want to be the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces that would send men and women to fight and die for their country. The fact that they have little interest in repaying them with an allegiance to their health, well-being and opportunity to prosper is appalling. They should be ashamed."
Proof Positive That Ben Carson Did Say He Received Full Scholarship To West Point
Proof Positive That Ben Carson Did Say He Received Full Scholarship To West Point
"We won't haggle over the fact that West Point doesn't offer scholarships because his words are good as gold. Nobody cares if he says he never applied to the military school since he never bothered to make that distinction when he was trying to prop up his life story. And no matter how the Conservative media tries to salvage Ben Carson's lying words, only his most ardent supports will stick by him when the primaries get tighter. And that's not counting the new allegations that he ever met Gen. Westmoreland either"
"We won't haggle over the fact that West Point doesn't offer scholarships because his words are good as gold. Nobody cares if he says he never applied to the military school since he never bothered to make that distinction when he was trying to prop up his life story. And no matter how the Conservative media tries to salvage Ben Carson's lying words, only his most ardent supports will stick by him when the primaries get tighter. And that's not counting the new allegations that he ever met Gen. Westmoreland either"
Dear Republicans: Your Constant Whining About the Media Makes Me Sick
Dear Republicans: Your Constant Whining About the Media Makes Me Sick
"What Republicans mean when they complain about “liberal bias” or “gotcha” questions is that they’re very upset that their lies are being called out publicly. That’s why these GOP presidential candidates threw such a fit during the third debate. It wasn’t because the questions were bad (only a couple were), it was because they weren’t being allowed to stand there on live television and blatantly lie. Someone like Ben Carson, much like fellow fool Sarah Palin, has become a huge critic of the media and “gotcha questions.” Ben Carson seems to think that any question or comment that exposes his idiocy, or mentions something crazy he’s said in the past, is a “gotcha” moment. In fact, to listen to Carson talk, every time the media confronts him about one of his ridiculous quotes they’re always taking it out of context – even when they quote him verbatim. Ted Cruz has probably been the biggest cry baby about the media. Cruz is nothing more than an opportunist, constantly pandering to the ignorance of the far-right voter. I’m not joking, he actually said that he believes GOP debates should be hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other members of the conservative media. It’s clear he doesn’t want a debate, he wants a 2-3 hour GOP propaganda event. But this is how conspiracy theorists work. If you’re trying to sell some sort of propaganda, the most effective way to get people to never doubt you is by insisting that anyone who exposes your nonsense is all a part of the conspiracy (aka the liberal media)."
"What Republicans mean when they complain about “liberal bias” or “gotcha” questions is that they’re very upset that their lies are being called out publicly. That’s why these GOP presidential candidates threw such a fit during the third debate. It wasn’t because the questions were bad (only a couple were), it was because they weren’t being allowed to stand there on live television and blatantly lie. Someone like Ben Carson, much like fellow fool Sarah Palin, has become a huge critic of the media and “gotcha questions.” Ben Carson seems to think that any question or comment that exposes his idiocy, or mentions something crazy he’s said in the past, is a “gotcha” moment. In fact, to listen to Carson talk, every time the media confronts him about one of his ridiculous quotes they’re always taking it out of context – even when they quote him verbatim. Ted Cruz has probably been the biggest cry baby about the media. Cruz is nothing more than an opportunist, constantly pandering to the ignorance of the far-right voter. I’m not joking, he actually said that he believes GOP debates should be hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other members of the conservative media. It’s clear he doesn’t want a debate, he wants a 2-3 hour GOP propaganda event. But this is how conspiracy theorists work. If you’re trying to sell some sort of propaganda, the most effective way to get people to never doubt you is by insisting that anyone who exposes your nonsense is all a part of the conspiracy (aka the liberal media)."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)