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March 22, 2013
March 21, 2013
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year: One of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) favorite ways of defending the House Republicans’ budget is to claim the social safety net represents a moral threat to Americans’ character, as well as a fiscal threat to their country’s budget. He’s incessantly warned of luring “able-bodied people into lives of dependency and complacency” and [...]/p
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals: Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and John Thune (R-SD) this afternoon offered an amendment to the Senate Democratic budget that they claim will protect the charitable tax deduction from elimination or restriction under the tax reform sought by Democrats. In reality, though, the amendment is a simple bait-and-switch attempt to reduce the budget’s overall revenue levels [...]/p
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em: Right after the House of Representatives approved a Senate bill to avert a government shutdown, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) set the stage for another down-to-the-wire crisis that will threaten the nation’s economic growth. At his weekly press conference, Boehner indicated that Republicans would again demand spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s debt [...]/p
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
It's time for our media to offer us – and the people of Iraq – an apology. And make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase: Howard Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, has added another pro-worker notch to his belt: support for increasing the minimum wage. Schultz already has a relatively good reputation on workers’ issues; his company offers health care to all of its employees, and doesn’t mind spending more on health care than on coffee. Starbucks also [...]/p
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
10 Years Later: The Voices Of The Iraq War Debate
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House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net
House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net: The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the Republican budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) by a vote of 221-207, with 197 Democrats and 10 Republicans voting against it. Three Democrats and one Republican did not vote. For the third consecutive year, the House GOP has approved a budget that ends the traditional [...]/p
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs: As the health reform law approaches its third birthday, Obama Administration officials are noting that one of its provisions has already helped seniors on Medicare save $6.1 billion on their prescription drug costs. Obamacare ensures that more prescription drugs are covered under Medicare by closing the “donut hole” coverage gap, one of its most popular [...]/p
Bad Reviews For Republican Rebranding
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Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does: Thursday marks the three-year anniversary of Congress’ passage of the health care reform law. And although Obamacare has had a high profile throughout the past several years of political fights over health reform, that hasn’t ensured that Americans understand what the law actually does. Even after three years, many Americans are still confused about Obamacare’s [...]/p
March 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day: Earth Day is April 22, and today is the last day children in Utah can send in their submissions for the state-sponsored Earth Day poster contest lauding fossil fuel production. This year’s theme is “Where Would WE Be Without Oil, Gas & Mining?” Last year’s theme was “How Do YOU Use Oil, Gas, and Mining?” [...]/p
The Iraq War: Ten Years Later
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Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion: 20 days after automatic sequestration cuts went into effect, Congress is still trying to reconcile House Republicans’ and Senate Democrats’ budget proposals. On Wednesday, House Democrats introduced their own vision for the federal budget, promising to balance the budget by 2040 without the draconian spending cuts proposed by the GOP, while offering double the stimulus [...]/p
New RNC 'Outreach' Easier Said Than Done
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One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote
One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote: Monday morning, the Republican National Committee released a lengthy “autopsy” of their 2012 electoral loss, much of which was devoted to the GOP’s weak standing among people of color. “It is imperative that the RNC changes how it engages with Hispanic communities to welcome in new members of our Party” the autopsy proclaims, and “the [...]/p
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor: A collection of faith groups will today hold protest actions across the country calling on Congress to pass a budget that invests in programs to help low-income Americans instead of giving tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations. The coalition will hold 21 events in 13 states, according to a release from Faith in Public [...]/p
Senators Crib NRA Talking Points To Oppose Background Checks
Senators Crib NRA Talking Points To Oppose Background Checks: Three months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, a universal background check requirement is precariously close to being eliminated from the Senate’s gun violence prevention package. The measure is a centerpiece of the plan, as it closes the so-called gun show loophole that allows anyone to purchase guns through “private” sales without undergoing background [...]/p
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
The Plague of Wall Street Banking » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
The Plague of Wall Street Banking » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"The economic news this week highlights what happens when governments are unable to confront the root cause of the financial collapse – the risky speculation and securities fraud of the big banks. What happens? They blame the people, cut their benefits, tax their savings and demand they work harder for less money."
"The economic news this week highlights what happens when governments are unable to confront the root cause of the financial collapse – the risky speculation and securities fraud of the big banks. What happens? They blame the people, cut their benefits, tax their savings and demand they work harder for less money."
Ten Years Later, Remembering Those Who Said 'No' To The Iraq War
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Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It
Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It: One of the most outspoken advocates for the war in Iraq said on NPR on Wednesday that asking whether the war was worth fighting is an “unreasonable question.” During an interview with Richard Perle — who was chairman of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee during the run-up to the war — NPR host [...]/p
Gawker Publishes George W. Bush's E-mail Address So We Can Wish Him a "Happy Iraq War Day" | Alternet
Gawker Publishes George W. Bush's E-mail Address So We Can Wish Him a "Happy Iraq War Day" | Alternet
"On Tuesday, Gawker published George W. Bush's private email address and encouraged readers to "wish George W. Bush a Happy Iraq War Day." They stated that readers should email him and "let him know that you're thinking of him today"."
"On Tuesday, Gawker published George W. Bush's private email address and encouraged readers to "wish George W. Bush a Happy Iraq War Day." They stated that readers should email him and "let him know that you're thinking of him today"."
Massachusetts Senate Candidate Stands By Sheriff Who Joked About Killing Obama
Massachusetts Senate Candidate Stands By Sheriff Who Joked About Killing Obama: Throughout the early stages of his campaign for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State John Kerry’s open U.S. Senate seat, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan has enjoyed the strong support of Plymouth County, Massachusetts Sheriff Joe McDonald (R). After McDonald “joked” that the nation would be better off if President Obama were assassinated at [...]/p
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