http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-elizabeth-warren-lists-the-six-changes-needed-to-bring-back-the-middle-class/
"Warren denounces Republican trickle-down economics for “cutting the heart out of the middle class”, and then delves into famed economist Joseph Stiglitz’s list of the six changes that our country needs to make in order to uplift the middle class and achieve shared prosperity for our nation, not just for those living at the top."
May 20, 2015
Where's The Media's Ebola Mea Culpa?
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/14/wheres-the-medias-ebola-mea-culpa/203649
"The recent look-away coverage from Ebola shouldn't come as a surprise. The American media lost complete interest in the story right after Republicans lost interest in the story, which is to say right after last November's midterm elections, when they brandished Ebola as a partisan weapon."
"The recent look-away coverage from Ebola shouldn't come as a surprise. The American media lost complete interest in the story right after Republicans lost interest in the story, which is to say right after last November's midterm elections, when they brandished Ebola as a partisan weapon."
Russ Feingold Announces He's Running For The Senate In 2016
Russ Feingold Announces He's Running For The Senate In 2016
"there are several factors working in Feingold's favor this time around: Democratic turnout tends to spike in presidential election years, and recent polls have underscored that Johnson is one of the most vulnerable sitting GOP senators."
"there are several factors working in Feingold's favor this time around: Democratic turnout tends to spike in presidential election years, and recent polls have underscored that Johnson is one of the most vulnerable sitting GOP senators."
May 17, 2015
37 ways to un-rig the U.S. economy so it no longer favors the rich
37 ways to un-rig the U.S. economy so it no longer favors the rich
"Skyrocketing incomes for the 1 percent and stagnating wages for everyone else are not independent phenomena, but rather two symptoms of an impaired economy that rewards gaming the system more than it does hard work and investment"
"Skyrocketing incomes for the 1 percent and stagnating wages for everyone else are not independent phenomena, but rather two symptoms of an impaired economy that rewards gaming the system more than it does hard work and investment"
How gerrymandering cost Democrats the House in 2012: Part 1: An interactive look at alternative maps
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/13/1382504/-How-gerrymandering-cost-Democrats-the-House-in-2012-Part-1-An-interactive-look-at-alternative-maps
"In November 2012, the American electorate voted to give Democrats unified control of government. President Obama won re-election with a majority of the vote, Senate Democrats increased their seat count, and Democratic candidates for the House won the popular vote. However, because of the way in which districts are drawn, Republicans easily maintained control of the House."
"In November 2012, the American electorate voted to give Democrats unified control of government. President Obama won re-election with a majority of the vote, Senate Democrats increased their seat count, and Democratic candidates for the House won the popular vote. However, because of the way in which districts are drawn, Republicans easily maintained control of the House."
Hillary Clinton Says She’ll Only Appoint SCOTUS Justices Who Will Overturn Citizens United
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/15/hillary-clinton-appoint-scotus-justices-overturn-citizens-united.html
"With Clinton and Sanders both insisting that they would only appoint Supreme Court nominees who oppose the Citizens United ruling, the Democratic Party has signaled its intent to fight to reduce the influence of big money in American politics."
"With Clinton and Sanders both insisting that they would only appoint Supreme Court nominees who oppose the Citizens United ruling, the Democratic Party has signaled its intent to fight to reduce the influence of big money in American politics."
Watch: Elizabeth Warren Lists the Six Changes Needed to Bring Back the Middle Class
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-elizabeth-warren-lists-the-six-changes-needed-to-bring-back-the-middle-class/
"Warren denounces Republican trickle-down economics for “cutting the heart out of the middle class”, and then delves into famed economist Joseph Stiglitz’s list of the six changes that our country needs to make in order to uplift the middle class and achieve shared prosperity for our nation, not just for those living at the top."
"Warren denounces Republican trickle-down economics for “cutting the heart out of the middle class”, and then delves into famed economist Joseph Stiglitz’s list of the six changes that our country needs to make in order to uplift the middle class and achieve shared prosperity for our nation, not just for those living at the top."
6 instances where Jeb Bush definitively supported the war in Iraq
6 instances where Jeb Bush definitively supported the war in Iraq
"Let’s go through a half-dozen statements that Jeb Bush has made, showing this foreign policy compass has long supported that war even if it’s an inconvenient truth in 2016."
"Let’s go through a half-dozen statements that Jeb Bush has made, showing this foreign policy compass has long supported that war even if it’s an inconvenient truth in 2016."
The Phony ‘Bad Intel’ Defense on Iraq
https://consortiumnews.com/2015/05/15/the-phony-bad-intel-defense-on-iraq/
"Unable to get honest intelligence analysts to go along with the carefully nurtured “noble lie” that Iraq played a role in 9/11, or even that operational ties existed between Iraq and al-Qaeda, the administration ordered up a separate but related genre of faux intelligence – WMD. This PR offensive was something of a challenge, for in the months before 9/11, Condoleezza Rice and then-Secretary of State Colin Powell had insisted publicly that Saddam Hussein posed no security threat. You don’t remember?
On Feb. 24, 2001, Powell had said, “Saddam Hussein has not developed any significant capability with respect to weapons of mass destruction. He is unable to project conventional power against his neighbors.”
And just six weeks before 9/11, Condoleezza Rice told CNN: “let’s remember that his [Saddam’s] country is divided, in effect. He does not control the northern part of his country. We are able to keep his arms from him. His military forces have not been rebuilt.” Obligingly, the compliant U.S. media pressed the delete button on those telling statements."
"Unable to get honest intelligence analysts to go along with the carefully nurtured “noble lie” that Iraq played a role in 9/11, or even that operational ties existed between Iraq and al-Qaeda, the administration ordered up a separate but related genre of faux intelligence – WMD. This PR offensive was something of a challenge, for in the months before 9/11, Condoleezza Rice and then-Secretary of State Colin Powell had insisted publicly that Saddam Hussein posed no security threat. You don’t remember?
On Feb. 24, 2001, Powell had said, “Saddam Hussein has not developed any significant capability with respect to weapons of mass destruction. He is unable to project conventional power against his neighbors.”
And just six weeks before 9/11, Condoleezza Rice told CNN: “let’s remember that his [Saddam’s] country is divided, in effect. He does not control the northern part of his country. We are able to keep his arms from him. His military forces have not been rebuilt.” Obligingly, the compliant U.S. media pressed the delete button on those telling statements."
Pope Francis: Powerful People Don't Want Peace Because They Profit from War
Pope Francis: Powerful People Don't Want Peace Because They Profit from War
"While speaking at the Vatican yesterday, Pope Francis condemned both the arms industry and those who profit off war, the Catholic Herald reported."
"While speaking at the Vatican yesterday, Pope Francis condemned both the arms industry and those who profit off war, the Catholic Herald reported."
PERRspectives: Marco Rubio Regurgitates Romney's Foreign Policy Sound Bites
PERRspectives: Marco Rubio Regurgitates Romney's Foreign Policy Sound Bites
"For his part, Iran-Contra architect and Iraq war cheerleader Elliott Abrams seemed very satisfied with Rubio's speech. Of course, he isn't just advising Senator Rubio now; in 2012 he performed the same task for Governor Romney. Lanhee Chen, a senior fellow at Stanford's conservative Hoover Institution, loved it, calling "Rubio's robust foreign policy vision is 'a great fit for the policy and political environment we are in right now.'"
And the one we were in 2012, when she worked for Mitt Romney."
"For his part, Iran-Contra architect and Iraq war cheerleader Elliott Abrams seemed very satisfied with Rubio's speech. Of course, he isn't just advising Senator Rubio now; in 2012 he performed the same task for Governor Romney. Lanhee Chen, a senior fellow at Stanford's conservative Hoover Institution, loved it, calling "Rubio's robust foreign policy vision is 'a great fit for the policy and political environment we are in right now.'"
And the one we were in 2012, when she worked for Mitt Romney."
Marco Rubio's 'Doctrine': Lies, War, And More War
Marco Rubio's 'Doctrine': Lies, War, And More War
"Marco Rubio has released "The Rubio Doctrine," which outlines his approach to foreign policy and which also will disqualify him from the White House for ignorance if not warmongering."
"Marco Rubio has released "The Rubio Doctrine," which outlines his approach to foreign policy and which also will disqualify him from the White House for ignorance if not warmongering."
Extreme Bill Would Override All Local Employment Laws, Including LGBT Protections
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/05/13/3658201/michigan-death-star-employment-bill/
"Not only does it have implications for any local ordinance that controls minimum wage, benefits, sick leave, union organizing and strikes, wage disputes, apprenticeship programs, and “ban the box” policies (blocking employers from asking about felony convictions), but it would also override the LGBT protections that exist in 38 Michigan municipalities."
"Not only does it have implications for any local ordinance that controls minimum wage, benefits, sick leave, union organizing and strikes, wage disputes, apprenticeship programs, and “ban the box” policies (blocking employers from asking about felony convictions), but it would also override the LGBT protections that exist in 38 Michigan municipalities."
How The Koch Brothers Aim To Create A Fascist Dystopia Through The Republican Party
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/how-the-koch-brothers-aim-to-create-a-fascist-dystopia-through-the-republican-party/
"In essence, the Kochs want to privatize every aspect of our nation so that the rich can sell each slice to the consumer piecemeal, leaving the American people entirely at the mercy of the oligarchs who control the corporations that would end up owning our entire nation. The environment is nothing but a commodity to sold and traded, extracted of all possible value and abandoned when it is no longer profitable, no matter the damage done or the damaging effects on public health.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because these are the policies of the modern Republican Party. Slash taxes, deregulate all industries, reduce the power of the federal government, disempower women and minorities, privatize public schools and institutions, is all a collective harbinger of what Koch America would look like in its early stages."
"In essence, the Kochs want to privatize every aspect of our nation so that the rich can sell each slice to the consumer piecemeal, leaving the American people entirely at the mercy of the oligarchs who control the corporations that would end up owning our entire nation. The environment is nothing but a commodity to sold and traded, extracted of all possible value and abandoned when it is no longer profitable, no matter the damage done or the damaging effects on public health.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because these are the policies of the modern Republican Party. Slash taxes, deregulate all industries, reduce the power of the federal government, disempower women and minorities, privatize public schools and institutions, is all a collective harbinger of what Koch America would look like in its early stages."
Taxpayer Subsidies for Fossil Fuels on a Warming Planet in One Word: 'Absurd'
Taxpayer Subsidies for Fossil Fuels on a Warming Planet in One Word: 'Absurd'
"Last month, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sanders introduced a bicameral bill in Congress that would effectively put an end to large-scale subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. Called the End Polluter Welfare Act, the measure would end tax breaks for fossil-fuel industries, recoup taxpayer-owed royalties for fossil-fuel related practices on public lands and waters, and prioritize federally-supported research for clean energy projects. Further, the measures would also prevent companies from escaping liability for spills or deducting clean-up costs from their taxes."
"Last month, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sanders introduced a bicameral bill in Congress that would effectively put an end to large-scale subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. Called the End Polluter Welfare Act, the measure would end tax breaks for fossil-fuel industries, recoup taxpayer-owed royalties for fossil-fuel related practices on public lands and waters, and prioritize federally-supported research for clean energy projects. Further, the measures would also prevent companies from escaping liability for spills or deducting clean-up costs from their taxes."
Koch Brothers Claim Another State in War on Renewables
http://ecowatch.com/2015/05/16/koch-brothers-war-on-renewables/?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=db4a3ecd78-Top_News_5_16_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-db4a3ecd78-85986361
"Throughout the last two decades state after state has passed renewable energy standards, often with big bipartisan majorities, as investment in technologies like wind and solar held great promise for economic growth and job creation in addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change and decreasing air pollution.
But in the last few years, pressed by fossil fuel businesses such as Koch Industries and advocacy groups funded by the Koch brothers, including Americans for Prosperity and the American Legislative Exchange Counsel (ALEC), bills have been introduced in state after state to repeal these standards. And in a few states, such as Ohio and West Virginia, they’ve succeeded."
"Throughout the last two decades state after state has passed renewable energy standards, often with big bipartisan majorities, as investment in technologies like wind and solar held great promise for economic growth and job creation in addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change and decreasing air pollution.
But in the last few years, pressed by fossil fuel businesses such as Koch Industries and advocacy groups funded by the Koch brothers, including Americans for Prosperity and the American Legislative Exchange Counsel (ALEC), bills have been introduced in state after state to repeal these standards. And in a few states, such as Ohio and West Virginia, they’ve succeeded."
Carbon Pollution’s Harm To Sea Life Coming Faster Than Expected
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/12/3657571/carbon-pollution-sea-life/
"as carbon dioxide is absorbed in water it causes chemical reactions that reduce “saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate [CaCO3] minerals,” which “are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms,” as NOAA explains. In the parts of the ocean teeming with life, the seawater has an overabundance (supersaturation) of these calcium carbonate minerals used by so-called “calcifying organisms,” which include corals and algae and mollusks and some plankton.
As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, more and more places are becoming undersaturated with these minerals, thereby threatening calcifying organisms. Besides a decline in calcification, the World Meteorological Organization explained in 2014, “Other impacts of acidification on marine biota include reduced survival, development and growth rates, as well as changes in physiological functions and reduced biodiversity"."
"as carbon dioxide is absorbed in water it causes chemical reactions that reduce “saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate [CaCO3] minerals,” which “are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms,” as NOAA explains. In the parts of the ocean teeming with life, the seawater has an overabundance (supersaturation) of these calcium carbonate minerals used by so-called “calcifying organisms,” which include corals and algae and mollusks and some plankton.
As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, more and more places are becoming undersaturated with these minerals, thereby threatening calcifying organisms. Besides a decline in calcification, the World Meteorological Organization explained in 2014, “Other impacts of acidification on marine biota include reduced survival, development and growth rates, as well as changes in physiological functions and reduced biodiversity"."
Fox's Stephen Moore Preemptively Debunked On Clean Energy By Video Affixed To His Column
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/12/foxs-stephen-moore-preemptively-debunked-on-cle/203626
"Moore has a long history of misinforming on energy and the environment, along with a whole host of other issues."
"Moore has a long history of misinforming on energy and the environment, along with a whole host of other issues."
Pope Francis Warns The Rich And Powerful To Protect The Planet Or Suffer God’s Wrath
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/12/pope-francis-warns-the-rich-and-powerful-to-protect-the-planet-or-suffer-gods-wrath/
"And it’s not the first time Pope Francis has knocked conservatives. Since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has slammed conservatives for waging a vicious war against the poor and their support of vulture capitalism as the driving force of the economy. He has also referred to ideologically obsessed Christians as an “illness.” As we all know, conservative “Christians” are completely obsessed with religious fundamentalism, but often ignore the parts of the Bible that go against their philosophy of hating poor people and being good planetary stewards."
"And it’s not the first time Pope Francis has knocked conservatives. Since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has slammed conservatives for waging a vicious war against the poor and their support of vulture capitalism as the driving force of the economy. He has also referred to ideologically obsessed Christians as an “illness.” As we all know, conservative “Christians” are completely obsessed with religious fundamentalism, but often ignore the parts of the Bible that go against their philosophy of hating poor people and being good planetary stewards."
This Billionaire Tried To Get University Scientists Fired For Doing Their Job
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/16/3659750/oil-billionaire-fracking-earthquakes/
"Despite a growing body of scientific research connecting oil and gas activity to a dramatic spike in earthquakes across several U.S. states, some industry leaders are fighting this characterization. Harold Hamm, billionaire CEO of Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources, told a dean at the University of Oklahoma last year that he was so displeased by the university’s research on the topic that he wanted certain scientists dismissed, Bloomberg News reported."
"Despite a growing body of scientific research connecting oil and gas activity to a dramatic spike in earthquakes across several U.S. states, some industry leaders are fighting this characterization. Harold Hamm, billionaire CEO of Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources, told a dean at the University of Oklahoma last year that he was so displeased by the university’s research on the topic that he wanted certain scientists dismissed, Bloomberg News reported."
May 16, 2015
Sanders and Warren Sign Letter Urging Obama to Get Behind 'Fight for $15' Movement
Sanders and Warren Sign Letter Urging Obama to Get Behind 'Fight for $15' Movement
"In a letter sent to the White House on Friday, Sen. Bernie Sanders joined Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other Senate Democrats in urging President Obama to escalate his support for struggling Americans and get behind the 'Fight for $15' movement, which has galvanized low-paid workers across the nation in a collective call for better treatment by employers, the right to unionize, and a living wage.
Asking Obama to go further than his previous endorsement of raising the federal minimum wage from its current $7.25 to $10.10— and praising a previous executive order issued by the president which raised the hourly pay for federal contract workers—the letter said the ongoing plight of workers and their families across the country demands even more bold action."
"In a letter sent to the White House on Friday, Sen. Bernie Sanders joined Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other Senate Democrats in urging President Obama to escalate his support for struggling Americans and get behind the 'Fight for $15' movement, which has galvanized low-paid workers across the nation in a collective call for better treatment by employers, the right to unionize, and a living wage.
Asking Obama to go further than his previous endorsement of raising the federal minimum wage from its current $7.25 to $10.10— and praising a previous executive order issued by the president which raised the hourly pay for federal contract workers—the letter said the ongoing plight of workers and their families across the country demands even more bold action."
Ohio Students Push Back Against Latest Attempts To Keep Them From The Polls
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/14/3658561/ohio-college-voting/
"Since the last presidential election, Republicans in Ohio have made repeated efforts to make it harder for students in the state to vote, including eliminating early voting and registration periods and enacting others barriers that keep young people, African Americans and Latinos away from the polls."
"Since the last presidential election, Republicans in Ohio have made repeated efforts to make it harder for students in the state to vote, including eliminating early voting and registration periods and enacting others barriers that keep young people, African Americans and Latinos away from the polls."
UPDATED: Board of Elections data reveal voter registration irregularities under NC Gov. Pat McCrory
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/07/1382846/-BREAKING-Board-of-Elections-data-reveal-voter-registration-irregularities-under-NC-Gov-Pat-McCrory
"Today, North Carolina's voter registration rolls are missing some 40,000 or more poverty-level citizens (and still counting), due to what may prove to be systematic actions by the McCrory administration, in possible violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993."
"Today, North Carolina's voter registration rolls are missing some 40,000 or more poverty-level citizens (and still counting), due to what may prove to be systematic actions by the McCrory administration, in possible violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993."
Rick Scott Caught Red-Handed Lying About Health Care Again While Poor Floridians Suffer
Rick Scott Caught Red-Handed Lying About Health Care Again While Poor Floridians Suffer
"This is a man who was once so incompetent that he signed a bill that essentially banned all computers in his state."
"This is a man who was once so incompetent that he signed a bill that essentially banned all computers in his state."
A Fraternity of Failure: Paul Krugman On How Neocon Ideology Rewards Being Wrong | Alternet
A Fraternity of Failure: Paul Krugman On How Neocon Ideology Rewards Being Wrong | Alternet
"Take a moment to savor the cowardice and vileness of that last remark. And, no, that’s not hyperbole. Mr. Bush is trying to hide behind the troops, pretending that any criticism of political leaders — especially, of course, his brother, the commander in chief — is an attack on the courage and patriotism of those who paid the price for their superiors’ mistakes. That’s sinking very low, and it tells us a lot more about the candidate’s character than any number of up-close-and-personal interviews."
"Take a moment to savor the cowardice and vileness of that last remark. And, no, that’s not hyperbole. Mr. Bush is trying to hide behind the troops, pretending that any criticism of political leaders — especially, of course, his brother, the commander in chief — is an attack on the courage and patriotism of those who paid the price for their superiors’ mistakes. That’s sinking very low, and it tells us a lot more about the candidate’s character than any number of up-close-and-personal interviews."
The Bush dynasty is crushing Jeb: How the GOP identity crisis is ruining this frontrunner’s chances
The Bush dynasty is crushing Jeb: How the GOP identity crisis is ruining this frontrunner’s chances
"The fact that it was his brother who negotiated the total exit from Iraq, which the Iraqi government insisted on keeping even though the Obama administration desperately tried to get them to renegotiate, is a little detail none of the Republicans want to own up to either."
"The fact that it was his brother who negotiated the total exit from Iraq, which the Iraqi government insisted on keeping even though the Obama administration desperately tried to get them to renegotiate, is a little detail none of the Republicans want to own up to either."
GOP’s alarming Iraq amnesia: Jeb Bush, WMDs & the lies neocons want us to forget
GOP’s alarming Iraq amnesia: Jeb Bush, WMDs & the lies neocons want us to forget
"The Cheney-Wolfowitz-Rumsfeld faction saw an Iraq invasion as a brilliant stage on which to enact all of their geopolitical goals: It was a chance to replace a Middle East adversary with an ally; to ease our reliance on Saudi Arabia for defense and for oil, and to develop a strategic counterweight to Iran. It was also an opportunity to declare the U.S. would wage pre-emptive war, to showcase our military might in the aftermath of 9/11, and to shore up Cheney’s doctrine of vast, presidential power. The WMD argument was either just one of many concerns, or an outright fabrication."
"The Cheney-Wolfowitz-Rumsfeld faction saw an Iraq invasion as a brilliant stage on which to enact all of their geopolitical goals: It was a chance to replace a Middle East adversary with an ally; to ease our reliance on Saudi Arabia for defense and for oil, and to develop a strategic counterweight to Iran. It was also an opportunity to declare the U.S. would wage pre-emptive war, to showcase our military might in the aftermath of 9/11, and to shore up Cheney’s doctrine of vast, presidential power. The WMD argument was either just one of many concerns, or an outright fabrication."
May 15, 2015
Jon Stewart Rips Jeb Bush’s Stupidity: Stop ‘Playing Deaf and Hiding Behind the Troops’ (Video)
Jon Stewart Rips Jeb Bush’s Stupidity: Stop ‘Playing Deaf and Hiding Behind the Troops’ (Video)
"Aside from the fact that he seems to be surrounding himself with many of the same people his brother did during his catastrophic eight years in the White House, Jeb also seems to possess the inability to avoid making an absolute fool out of himself whenever the national spotlight is on him."
"Aside from the fact that he seems to be surrounding himself with many of the same people his brother did during his catastrophic eight years in the White House, Jeb also seems to possess the inability to avoid making an absolute fool out of himself whenever the national spotlight is on him."
College Student Contradicts Jeb Bush And Ruins His Day
College Student Contradicts Jeb Bush And Ruins His Day
"A 19-year old college student armed with facts undid him, and it will happen again, and again, and again."
"A 19-year old college student armed with facts undid him, and it will happen again, and again, and again."
Fact Bomb Obliterates Republicans: Obamacare Helps 137 Million Americans Save Money
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/14/fact-bomb-obliterates-republicans-obamacare-helps-137-million-americans-save-money.html
"New data released today blew the Republican anti-Obamacare argument to smithereens as 137 million Americans are saving money due to the ACA’s free preventative services.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services:
Nationwide, about 137 million individuals, including 55 million women and 28 million children, have private health insurance that covers recommended preventive services without cost sharing, according to a new ASPE Data Point from the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to provide coverage for recommended preventive health care services without copays. Increased access to preventive services can reduce and prevent costly chronic diseases and help Americans live healthier lives. These services include but are not limited to:
* Blood pressure screening *Well-baby and well-child visits
* Obesity screening and counseling * Flu vaccination and other immunizations
* Well-woman visits *Tobacco cessation interventions
* Domestic violence screening and counseling * Vision screening for children
* Breastfeeding support and supplies *HIV screening
* FDA-approved contraceptive methods *Depression screening"
"New data released today blew the Republican anti-Obamacare argument to smithereens as 137 million Americans are saving money due to the ACA’s free preventative services.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services:
Nationwide, about 137 million individuals, including 55 million women and 28 million children, have private health insurance that covers recommended preventive services without cost sharing, according to a new ASPE Data Point from the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to provide coverage for recommended preventive health care services without copays. Increased access to preventive services can reduce and prevent costly chronic diseases and help Americans live healthier lives. These services include but are not limited to:
* Blood pressure screening *Well-baby and well-child visits
* Obesity screening and counseling * Flu vaccination and other immunizations
* Well-woman visits *Tobacco cessation interventions
* Domestic violence screening and counseling * Vision screening for children
* Breastfeeding support and supplies *HIV screening
* FDA-approved contraceptive methods *Depression screening"
CEO-to-Worker Pay Rises to a Ratio of 373-1, AFL-CIO Finds
CEO-to-Worker Pay Rises to a Ratio of 373-1, AFL-CIO Finds
"The pay disparity between the top corporate earners and the workers is shameless. And the US taxpayer is actually subsidizing the profits of large corporations such as Walmart; we're paying for the survival programs that underpaid employees must turn to for support. Without these crucial programs, many employees would not have enough money to put food on the table.
In fact, Walmart depends on government programs in multiple ways."
"The pay disparity between the top corporate earners and the workers is shameless. And the US taxpayer is actually subsidizing the profits of large corporations such as Walmart; we're paying for the survival programs that underpaid employees must turn to for support. Without these crucial programs, many employees would not have enough money to put food on the table.
In fact, Walmart depends on government programs in multiple ways."
Bernie Sanders Schools Foolish Rand Paul For Supporting Elder Abuse And Neglect
http://www.liberalamerica.org/2015/05/13/bernie-sanders-schools-foolish-rand-paul-supporting-elder-abuse-neglect/
"When you listen to Sanders’ arguments for this program and Paul’s “counter points,” it’s almost comedic how cold-hearted and ideological Paul is. It was like watching a movie with a republican caricature rather than a real person."
"When you listen to Sanders’ arguments for this program and Paul’s “counter points,” it’s almost comedic how cold-hearted and ideological Paul is. It was like watching a movie with a republican caricature rather than a real person."
Cuba's Lung Cancer Vaccine On Its Way To U.S. -- Thanks, Obama!
Cuba's Lung Cancer Vaccine On Its Way To U.S. -- Thanks, Obama!
"USA Today
Closer American ties with one of the world's major cigar exporters could actually be good news in the fight against lung cancer. Cuba has developed Cimavax, an effective lung cancer vaccine, and American researchers can now finally get their hands on it, reports Wired.
After New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited Cuba for a trade mission last month, the Buffalo-based Roswell Park Cancer Institute struck a deal with Havana's Center of Molecular Immunology to develop a vaccine, allowing clinical trials involving Cimavax to begin in the US, Bloomberg reports."
"USA Today
Closer American ties with one of the world's major cigar exporters could actually be good news in the fight against lung cancer. Cuba has developed Cimavax, an effective lung cancer vaccine, and American researchers can now finally get their hands on it, reports Wired.
After New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited Cuba for a trade mission last month, the Buffalo-based Roswell Park Cancer Institute struck a deal with Havana's Center of Molecular Immunology to develop a vaccine, allowing clinical trials involving Cimavax to begin in the US, Bloomberg reports."
House Republicans pass $612 billion defense funding bill that skirts budget caps for war
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/15/1385001/-House-Republicans-pass-612-billion-defense-funding-bill-that-skirts-budget-caps-for-war
"House Republicans found a way to bypass the budget caps of sequestration by adding an extra $89 billion in "emergency war-fighting" to their $612 billion bill to fund the Department of Defense. The legislation passed 269-151 with most Democrats opposing it, and the White House has threatened to veto it over the funding gimmick."
"House Republicans found a way to bypass the budget caps of sequestration by adding an extra $89 billion in "emergency war-fighting" to their $612 billion bill to fund the Department of Defense. The legislation passed 269-151 with most Democrats opposing it, and the White House has threatened to veto it over the funding gimmick."
Paul Ryan Lies About Amtrak Funding With A Straight Face
Paul Ryan Lies About Amtrak Funding With A Straight Face
"Ryan said,
"We need to find out what went wrong with Amtrak."
THAT IS COMPLETELY FALSE! We know exactly what happened: the very same Positive Train Control (PTC) measure that was necessary to prevent such accidents from happening was NOT INSTALLED because Republicans like YOU made sure it died in Congress. Signed into law in October , the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 required PTC technology on all of the nation’s rails by Dec. 15, 2015. Obviously, it was not a priority to get that implemented immediately because the previous accidents didn't have a high enough body count necessary for the GOP to act responsibly."
"Ryan said,
"We need to find out what went wrong with Amtrak."
THAT IS COMPLETELY FALSE! We know exactly what happened: the very same Positive Train Control (PTC) measure that was necessary to prevent such accidents from happening was NOT INSTALLED because Republicans like YOU made sure it died in Congress. Signed into law in October , the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 required PTC technology on all of the nation’s rails by Dec. 15, 2015. Obviously, it was not a priority to get that implemented immediately because the previous accidents didn't have a high enough body count necessary for the GOP to act responsibly."
Eight Amtrak Deaths Reveal How US Transportation Policy Has Derailed
Eight Amtrak Deaths Reveal How US Transportation Policy Has Derailed
"Most media and policy makers continue to overlook that US transportation policy, in general, has been derailed for years. As The Guardian points out, technology exists that might have prevented the Amtrak accident by automatically slowing the train down before the curve. In fact, The Guardian article charges that the US "lags behind rest of developed world on train safety." However, that is really only a small detail within the larger picture of mass transportation neglect in the US.
The implications of a nation whose politicians - backed by the fossil fuel industry and, literally, an auto-driven economy - disdain mass transportation (except for the for-profit airlines industry) are profound."
"Most media and policy makers continue to overlook that US transportation policy, in general, has been derailed for years. As The Guardian points out, technology exists that might have prevented the Amtrak accident by automatically slowing the train down before the curve. In fact, The Guardian article charges that the US "lags behind rest of developed world on train safety." However, that is really only a small detail within the larger picture of mass transportation neglect in the US.
The implications of a nation whose politicians - backed by the fossil fuel industry and, literally, an auto-driven economy - disdain mass transportation (except for the for-profit airlines industry) are profound."
John Boehner is stupid to claim that Amtrak crash had nothing to do with funding
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/15/1384978/-John-Boehner-is-stupid-to-claim-that-Amtrak-crash-had-nothing-to-do-with-funding
"PTC is expensive, and when the Federal Railroad Administration asked Congress for extra funding to install it, guess what happened. That's right, they didn't get it"
"PTC is expensive, and when the Federal Railroad Administration asked Congress for extra funding to install it, guess what happened. That's right, they didn't get it"
John Boehner Melts Down When Asked If Republican Cuts Played A Role In Amtrak Accident
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/14/john-boehner-melts-asked-republicans-cuts-played-role-amtrak-accident.html
"The NTSB disagrees with Speaker Boehner. CNN reported that the train that derailed did not have the latest safety technology, “A system known as positive train control likely would have stopped the train — which had been hurtling around the curve at more than 100 mph — from derailing, National Transportation Safety Board Member Robert Sumwalt told reporters.”
Amtrak doesn’t have the latest safety technology on all trains because they lack the funds to pay for such an expense. Amtrak lacks the funds because Republicans have been trying for years to kill and privatize Amtrak. Boehner only gave half of the answer while leaving out the part about Republican budget making the nation’s railway system less safe.
As usual with Boehner when the Speaker lacks facts, he flips out on the reporter who asked the question. There was nothing stupid about the question. The reality is that Republican budget cuts literally kill people.
No amount of yelling and theatrics from Speaker Boehner can hide the fact that the Republican refusal to properly fund infrastructure has life and death consequences for the nation’s travelers."
"The NTSB disagrees with Speaker Boehner. CNN reported that the train that derailed did not have the latest safety technology, “A system known as positive train control likely would have stopped the train — which had been hurtling around the curve at more than 100 mph — from derailing, National Transportation Safety Board Member Robert Sumwalt told reporters.”
Amtrak doesn’t have the latest safety technology on all trains because they lack the funds to pay for such an expense. Amtrak lacks the funds because Republicans have been trying for years to kill and privatize Amtrak. Boehner only gave half of the answer while leaving out the part about Republican budget making the nation’s railway system less safe.
As usual with Boehner when the Speaker lacks facts, he flips out on the reporter who asked the question. There was nothing stupid about the question. The reality is that Republican budget cuts literally kill people.
No amount of yelling and theatrics from Speaker Boehner can hide the fact that the Republican refusal to properly fund infrastructure has life and death consequences for the nation’s travelers."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)