Occupy Charity Buys $15 Million Of Americans’ Medical Debt And Cancels It!
"Almost 4,000 indebted Americans have had their medical bills wiped out after a group of activists from Occupy Wall Street purchased and cancelled nearly $15 million of medical debt."
April 4, 2014
Fox News Says Overtime Pay Is Harmful To The American 'Work Ethic'
Fox News Says Overtime Pay Is Harmful To The American 'Work Ethic'
"Has anybody at Fox News actually had a job that real middle class Americans do? Because if you want to be paid for overtime, now you're a moocher destroying the American dream."
"Has anybody at Fox News actually had a job that real middle class Americans do? Because if you want to be paid for overtime, now you're a moocher destroying the American dream."
Cleanup Company Warns Parts Of North Dakota Could Soon Become Radioactive Waste Sites
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/02/3422092/north-dakota-superfund/
"An official at a national radioactive waste cleanup company has put out a warning for North Dakota oil producers: Clean up your act, or risk turning parts of the state into Superfund sites."
"An official at a national radioactive waste cleanup company has put out a warning for North Dakota oil producers: Clean up your act, or risk turning parts of the state into Superfund sites."
McCutcheon, and the Vicious Cycle of Concentrated Wealth and Political Power | Common Dreams
McCutcheon, and the Vicious Cycle of Concentrated Wealth and Political Power | Common Dreams
"the richest four hundred Americans now have more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans put together, the wealthiest 1 percent own over 35 percent of the nation’s private assets, and 95 percent of all the economic gains since the start of the recovery in 2009 have gone to the top 1 percent — all of this is cause for worry, and not just because it means the middle class lacks the purchasing power necessary to get the economy out of first gear.
It is also worrisome because such great concentrations of wealth so readily compound themselves through politics, rigging the game in their favor and against everyone else. “McCutcheon” merely accelerates this vicious cycle."
"the richest four hundred Americans now have more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans put together, the wealthiest 1 percent own over 35 percent of the nation’s private assets, and 95 percent of all the economic gains since the start of the recovery in 2009 have gone to the top 1 percent — all of this is cause for worry, and not just because it means the middle class lacks the purchasing power necessary to get the economy out of first gear.
It is also worrisome because such great concentrations of wealth so readily compound themselves through politics, rigging the game in their favor and against everyone else. “McCutcheon” merely accelerates this vicious cycle."
Wall Street's High-Tech Rip-Off
www.alternet.org/economy/wall-streets-high-tech-rip
"Dangerous and predatory high-frequency trading is bad for markets, bad for regular people and bad for society."
"Dangerous and predatory high-frequency trading is bad for markets, bad for regular people and bad for society."
April 3, 2014
Rand Paul's Political Pollster Is a Birther
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/rand-pauls-political-pollster-birther
"Paul's birther pollster is his latest connection to fringe conservative media. Last year Jack Hunter resigned from Paul's Senate office after his "neo-Confederate" and "pro-secessionist" punditry (including defenses of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth) surfaced."
"Paul's birther pollster is his latest connection to fringe conservative media. Last year Jack Hunter resigned from Paul's Senate office after his "neo-Confederate" and "pro-secessionist" punditry (including defenses of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth) surfaced."
Why Inequality Matters and What Can Be Done About It
Why Inequality Matters and What Can Be Done About It
"In the past, when our country reached these extremes of inequality, at the end of the 19th century, in the gilded age, or in the Roaring 20s, it pulled back from the brink. It enacted policies and programs that provided hope that the American dream could return to being a reality.
We are now at one of these pivotal points in history. I hope we once again will make the right decisions. You and your committee, in the budget decisions that you will be making, play a vital role in setting the country in the right direction."
"In the past, when our country reached these extremes of inequality, at the end of the 19th century, in the gilded age, or in the Roaring 20s, it pulled back from the brink. It enacted policies and programs that provided hope that the American dream could return to being a reality.
We are now at one of these pivotal points in history. I hope we once again will make the right decisions. You and your committee, in the budget decisions that you will be making, play a vital role in setting the country in the right direction."
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | Common Dreams
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | Common Dreams
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
Don Blankenship releases 'documentary' that absolves Don Blankenship in death of 29 miners
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/03/1289402/--Documentary-seeks-to-exculpate-lying-former-coal-exec-Don-Blankenship-for-2010-mining-deaths
"The notorious Don Blankenship, former CEO of A.T. Massey, the sixth largest coal operator in the United States, showed up Monday in the offices of Bloomberg/Businessweek to promote his new, self-funded documentary video. The video was timed for release to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the explosion in West Virginia's Upper Big Branch coal mine on April 5, 2010. Twenty-nine of the 31 miners were killed. According to reporters Paul M. Barrett and Justin Bachman, Blankenship's purpose in the 51-minute documentary—Upper Big Branch: Never Again—is "absolving himself of blame and spewing venom toward regulators and political enemies"."
"The notorious Don Blankenship, former CEO of A.T. Massey, the sixth largest coal operator in the United States, showed up Monday in the offices of Bloomberg/Businessweek to promote his new, self-funded documentary video. The video was timed for release to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the explosion in West Virginia's Upper Big Branch coal mine on April 5, 2010. Twenty-nine of the 31 miners were killed. According to reporters Paul M. Barrett and Justin Bachman, Blankenship's purpose in the 51-minute documentary—Upper Big Branch: Never Again—is "absolving himself of blame and spewing venom toward regulators and political enemies"."
McCutcheon, the Majority and the Challenge of Our Time | Common Dreams
McCutcheon, the Majority and the Challenge of Our Time | Common Dreams
"The immediate effect of this ruling is to give the wealthy even more political power than they have today. That’s diametrically opposed to the people’s will, since the public clearly wants money out of politics."
"The immediate effect of this ruling is to give the wealthy even more political power than they have today. That’s diametrically opposed to the people’s will, since the public clearly wants money out of politics."
What Corruption? McCutcheon Reveals Absurdity of Citizens United
What Corruption? McCutcheon Reveals Absurdity of Citizens United
"The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission may actually undermine the Court's reasoning in Citizens United that unlimited spending from Super PACs pose no risk of corruption."
"The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission may actually undermine the Court's reasoning in Citizens United that unlimited spending from Super PACs pose no risk of corruption."
Wisconsin GOP House Candidate Glenn Grothman's 10 Most Outrageous Moments | Right Wing Watch
Wisconsin GOP House Candidate Glenn Grothman's 10 Most Outrageous Moments | Right Wing Watch
"Wisconsin Republican state senator Glenn Grothman announced today that he is launching a primary challenge against US Rep. Tom Petri. Grothman has higher national name recognition than your typical state lawmaker because of his record of making outrageous statements and pushing extremist positions."
"Wisconsin Republican state senator Glenn Grothman announced today that he is launching a primary challenge against US Rep. Tom Petri. Grothman has higher national name recognition than your typical state lawmaker because of his record of making outrageous statements and pushing extremist positions."
West Virginia Just Gave Tens Of Thousands Of Workers A Raise
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/03/3422419/west-virginia-minimum-wage/
"Tens of thousands of West Virginia workers will get a raise next year thanks to the minimum wage hike that Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) signed into law Tuesday.
The state’s minimum wage will rise from the current federal rate of $7.25 an hour to $8 at the start of 2015 and then to $8.75 in 2016. West Virginia will be the 22nd state to have a higher minimum wage than what federal law requires. It is the third state to enact a pay hike this year, on the heels of increases in Delaware and Connecticut. Connecticut’s new minimum of $10.10 will be the highest in the nation."
"Tens of thousands of West Virginia workers will get a raise next year thanks to the minimum wage hike that Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) signed into law Tuesday.
The state’s minimum wage will rise from the current federal rate of $7.25 an hour to $8 at the start of 2015 and then to $8.75 in 2016. West Virginia will be the 22nd state to have a higher minimum wage than what federal law requires. It is the third state to enact a pay hike this year, on the heels of increases in Delaware and Connecticut. Connecticut’s new minimum of $10.10 will be the highest in the nation."
Sen. Sanders: Supreme Court Undermines Democracy By Allowing Billionaires To Buy Elections
Sen. Sanders: Supreme Court Undermines Democracy By Allowing Billionaires To Buy Elections
"Sen. Bernie Sanders discusses the latest disastrous ruling to come out of the Supreme Court, giving the likes of the Koch brothers even more power to buy our elections."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders discusses the latest disastrous ruling to come out of the Supreme Court, giving the likes of the Koch brothers even more power to buy our elections."
Billionaires’ crybaby club: Someone get these whiners a bottle!
Billionaires’ crybaby club: Someone get these whiners a bottle!
"An epidemic of self-pity among the wealthy raises questions about the mental health of the top of the top 1 percent"
"An epidemic of self-pity among the wealthy raises questions about the mental health of the top of the top 1 percent"
A Blistering Dissent In ‘McCutcheon’: Conservatives Substituted Opinion For Fact
A Blistering Dissent In ‘McCutcheon’: Conservatives Substituted Opinion For Fact
"Taken together with Citizens United, Breyer writes that McCutcheon “eviscerates our Nation’s campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve"."
"Taken together with Citizens United, Breyer writes that McCutcheon “eviscerates our Nation’s campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve"."
Ft. Hood, PTSD, and the True Cost of US Wars of Choice | Common Dreams
Ft. Hood, PTSD, and the True Cost of US Wars of Choice | Common Dreams
"A staggering 1 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have sought treatment for physical or mental medical conditions either in the field or in Europe or back home at Veterans Administration Hospitals. Some 30% – 35% of Vets have been found in a Stanford study to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome."
"A staggering 1 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have sought treatment for physical or mental medical conditions either in the field or in Europe or back home at Veterans Administration Hospitals. Some 30% – 35% of Vets have been found in a Stanford study to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome."
Iraq War Veteran Kills Three, Wounds Sixteen at Fort Hood | Common Dreams
Iraq War Veteran Kills Three, Wounds Sixteen at Fort Hood | Common Dreams
"Four people are dead and sixteen people were left wounded, some critically, after a lone gunman opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas late Wednesday afternoon. The alleged shooter is among the dead, according to officials."
"Four people are dead and sixteen people were left wounded, some critically, after a lone gunman opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas late Wednesday afternoon. The alleged shooter is among the dead, according to officials."
10 Reasons Americans Should be Wary of Rand Paul's Libertarianism, Especially Young People
www.alternet.org/economy/10-reasons-americans-should-be-wary-rand-pauls-libertarianism-especially-young-people
"Rand Paul believes businesses have the right to discriminate against minorities, or against pretty much anybody, because he thinks that’s part of their First Amendment rights.
The First Amendment, as most of you may know, reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
There’s nothing in there about “businesses that want to force women like Rosa Parks to stand at the back of the bus when there are empty seats in the front of the bus,” or “lunch counters that won’t serve black folks.”
No, the First Amendment doesn’t say that. But Rand Paul thinks it does."
"Rand Paul believes businesses have the right to discriminate against minorities, or against pretty much anybody, because he thinks that’s part of their First Amendment rights.
The First Amendment, as most of you may know, reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
There’s nothing in there about “businesses that want to force women like Rosa Parks to stand at the back of the bus when there are empty seats in the front of the bus,” or “lunch counters that won’t serve black folks.”
No, the First Amendment doesn’t say that. But Rand Paul thinks it does."
Ryan vs. Progressive Caucus: Competing Visions on the Federal Budget | Common Dreams
Ryan vs. Progressive Caucus: Competing Visions on the Federal Budget | Common Dreams
"On Tuesday, we at the National Priorities Project released our fourth annual, one-of-a-kindCompeting Visions analysis, which compares the president’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to two significantly different visions – the House Republican budget resolution, introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan, and an alternative introduced by the House Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC)."
"On Tuesday, we at the National Priorities Project released our fourth annual, one-of-a-kindCompeting Visions analysis, which compares the president’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to two significantly different visions – the House Republican budget resolution, introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan, and an alternative introduced by the House Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC)."
Fort Hood Shooter Was Iraq Veteran Being Evaluated For PTSD
Fort Hood Shooter Was Iraq Veteran Being Evaluated For PTSD
"Ivan Lopez, the Fort Hood shooter who killed three people and injured more than a dozen others before taking his own life, was being evaluated for post traumatic stress disorder."
"Ivan Lopez, the Fort Hood shooter who killed three people and injured more than a dozen others before taking his own life, was being evaluated for post traumatic stress disorder."
The American Government Is Open for Corruption | Common Dreams
The American Government Is Open for Corruption | Common Dreams
"The remarkable story of how we have come to privatize political corruption in this country reached another milestone Wednesday as the Supreme Court"
"The remarkable story of how we have come to privatize political corruption in this country reached another milestone Wednesday as the Supreme Court"
April 2, 2014
Donald Rumsfeld Caught In Lie About Osama, Saddam And 9/11
Donald Rumsfeld Caught In Lie About Osama, Saddam And 9/11
"In a new documentary, former Defense Secretary says he doesn’t know of anyone in the Bush administration who tried to conflate Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. The fact that we invaded Iraq in the first place was, of course, because Americans were scared, and BushCo played on those fears to start a war that had nothing to do with 9/11."
"In a new documentary, former Defense Secretary says he doesn’t know of anyone in the Bush administration who tried to conflate Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. The fact that we invaded Iraq in the first place was, of course, because Americans were scared, and BushCo played on those fears to start a war that had nothing to do with 9/11."
Duke Energy Attempts to Block Citizens' Groups in Coal Ash Case | Common Dreams
Duke Energy Attempts to Block Citizens' Groups in Coal Ash Case | Common Dreams
"Duke Energy is attempting to block citizens' groups from taking part in regulatory action against the company's 14 polluting coal ash dumps across North Carolina."
"Duke Energy is attempting to block citizens' groups from taking part in regulatory action against the company's 14 polluting coal ash dumps across North Carolina."
How Paul Ryan's Budget Paves the Way for Another Financial Crisis | The Nation
How Paul Ryan's Budget Paves the Way for Another Financial Crisis | The Nation
"Ryan's budget not only gives Wall Street more leeway to act recklessly, but makes it more likely that average Americans face the consequences."
"Ryan's budget not only gives Wall Street more leeway to act recklessly, but makes it more likely that average Americans face the consequences."
Charles Keating and the Lessons of the Savings and Loan Crisis
Charles Keating and the Lessons of the Savings and Loan Crisis
"After Reagan deregulated the savings and loans in the early 1980s, Charles Keating made millions of dollars through risky investments that ripped off the people who invested in two of the companies he ran, American Continental Corporation and Lincoln Savings and Loan.
Tens of thousands of everyday Americans, many of them senior citizens, lost millions of dollars on the junk bonds Keating sold to them.
Keating was protected from federal regulators for a while by a group of senators, including John McCain, but by 1989 the gig was up. American Continental went bankrupt and Lincoln Continental was seized by the government. This was the largest bank failure of the savings and loan (S&L) crisis of the 1980s and 1990s
Ethically and logistically, there's very little difference between what Keating did 25 years ago during the savings and loans debacle and what Wall Street banksters did in the lead-up to the 2008 financial meltdown."
"After Reagan deregulated the savings and loans in the early 1980s, Charles Keating made millions of dollars through risky investments that ripped off the people who invested in two of the companies he ran, American Continental Corporation and Lincoln Savings and Loan.
Tens of thousands of everyday Americans, many of them senior citizens, lost millions of dollars on the junk bonds Keating sold to them.
Keating was protected from federal regulators for a while by a group of senators, including John McCain, but by 1989 the gig was up. American Continental went bankrupt and Lincoln Continental was seized by the government. This was the largest bank failure of the savings and loan (S&L) crisis of the 1980s and 1990s
Ethically and logistically, there's very little difference between what Keating did 25 years ago during the savings and loans debacle and what Wall Street banksters did in the lead-up to the 2008 financial meltdown."
VA Tea Party Delegate Calls Elderly Woman 'Intellectually Lazy' Over Medicaid Expansion
VA Tea Party Delegate Calls Elderly Woman 'Intellectually Lazy' Over Medicaid Expansion
"If you're an elderly citizen concerned about your healthcare and you don't understand why your own state legislatures refuse to expand Medicaid because of a Conservative ideological hatred of the government, then be careful when you question or email that representative."
"If you're an elderly citizen concerned about your healthcare and you don't understand why your own state legislatures refuse to expand Medicaid because of a Conservative ideological hatred of the government, then be careful when you question or email that representative."
PERRspectives: Mitch McConnell's Diskynect
PERRspectives: Mitch McConnell's Diskynect
"Already facing a tough reelection fight, Mitch McConnell is going have to explain to those 370,000 people--1 in 12 of all Kentuckians and equal to about 27 percent of the entire 2010 midterm electorate--why he wants to take away their health insurance."
"Already facing a tough reelection fight, Mitch McConnell is going have to explain to those 370,000 people--1 in 12 of all Kentuckians and equal to about 27 percent of the entire 2010 midterm electorate--why he wants to take away their health insurance."
What Happens When An Oil Company Launches Its Own Local "News" Website
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/04/02/what-happens-when-an-oil-company-launches-its-o/198723
"Chevron is now running a local "news" website in a California city where it caused a massive, toxic fire in 2012, continuing a disturbing history of using propaganda disguised as news to promote its corporate efforts."
"Chevron is now running a local "news" website in a California city where it caused a massive, toxic fire in 2012, continuing a disturbing history of using propaganda disguised as news to promote its corporate efforts."
With McCutcheon Ruling, An Activist Court Opts for Full-On Plutocracy | Common Dreams
With McCutcheon Ruling, An Activist Court Opts for Full-On Plutocracy | Common Dreams
"Any doubts about the determination of an activist United States Supreme Court to rewrite election rules so that the dollar matters more than the vote were removed Wednesday, when McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was decided in favor of the dollar.
The court that in 2010, with its Citizens United v. FEC decision, cleared the way for corporations to spend as freely as they choose to buy elections has now effectively eliminated the ability of the American people and their elected representatives to establish meaningful limits on direct donations by millionaires and billionaires to campaigns."
"Any doubts about the determination of an activist United States Supreme Court to rewrite election rules so that the dollar matters more than the vote were removed Wednesday, when McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was decided in favor of the dollar.
The court that in 2010, with its Citizens United v. FEC decision, cleared the way for corporations to spend as freely as they choose to buy elections has now effectively eliminated the ability of the American people and their elected representatives to establish meaningful limits on direct donations by millionaires and billionaires to campaigns."
Mississippi sends Arizona-style LGBT discrimination bill to governor's desk
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/02/1289173/-Mississippi-sends-Arizona-style-LGBT-discrimination-bill-to-governor-s-desk
"Mississippi officials have put themselves on record as supportive of those private segregation efforts, and has issued a direct challenge to the courts to stop them."
"Mississippi officials have put themselves on record as supportive of those private segregation efforts, and has issued a direct challenge to the courts to stop them."
Wage Theft is a Bigger Problem Than Other Theft—But Not Enough is Done to Protect Workers | Economic Policy Institute
Wage Theft is a Bigger Problem Than Other Theft—But Not Enough is Done to Protect Workers | Economic Policy Institute
"Wage theft is a far bigger problem than bank robberies, convenience store robberies, street and highway robberies, and gas station robberies combined. Employers steal billions of dollars from their employees each year by working them off the clock, by failing to pay the minimum wage, or by cheating them of overtime pay they have a right to receive."
"Wage theft is a far bigger problem than bank robberies, convenience store robberies, street and highway robberies, and gas station robberies combined. Employers steal billions of dollars from their employees each year by working them off the clock, by failing to pay the minimum wage, or by cheating them of overtime pay they have a right to receive."
Paul Ryan's Budget: Double Down On Failure
Paul Ryan's Budget: Double Down On Failure
"This is the Ryan vision: pursue more of the same policies that got us in the mess we are in. More trickle down tax cuts. More austerity. More subsidies for global corporations, private insurance, big oil. More money for the Pentagon. More severity for the vulnerable. More insecurity for seniors and the disabled.
We suffer slow growth and an economy that does not work for working people. The richest 1% is capturing virtually all the rewards of growth. The middle class is sinking, even as the cost of necessities like education and health care continue to rise. We’re policing the world, while ignoring vital investments at home, building baroque weapons while climate change exacts increasingly catastrophic costs.
For Paul Ryan and Republicans, once you get past the soft shoe routine, ignore the slights of hand, and decode the doublespeak, the remedy is clear: double down on the very policies that got us where we are. It is lucky for Republicans that most Americans will never figure out about just how callous and wrong-headed they are."
"This is the Ryan vision: pursue more of the same policies that got us in the mess we are in. More trickle down tax cuts. More austerity. More subsidies for global corporations, private insurance, big oil. More money for the Pentagon. More severity for the vulnerable. More insecurity for seniors and the disabled.
We suffer slow growth and an economy that does not work for working people. The richest 1% is capturing virtually all the rewards of growth. The middle class is sinking, even as the cost of necessities like education and health care continue to rise. We’re policing the world, while ignoring vital investments at home, building baroque weapons while climate change exacts increasingly catastrophic costs.
For Paul Ryan and Republicans, once you get past the soft shoe routine, ignore the slights of hand, and decode the doublespeak, the remedy is clear: double down on the very policies that got us where we are. It is lucky for Republicans that most Americans will never figure out about just how callous and wrong-headed they are."
Mississippi Passes Anti-Gay Religious Freedom Bill
Mississippi Passes Anti-Gay Religious Freedom Bill
"Religious freedom is the new code word for "hate on the gays" and Mississippi is among the first to adopt a Religious freedom legislation."
"Religious freedom is the new code word for "hate on the gays" and Mississippi is among the first to adopt a Religious freedom legislation."
The Supreme Court Just Put America Up For Sale
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/02/supreme-court-just-put-america-sale/
"This court decision is just the status quo for the Roberts Court. He has overseen the largest dismantling of voting rights in US history with his support of the fledgling American Plutocracy
and their fight to eliminate the rights of “lesser” citizens to have a voice in their governance.
America is now directly up for sale to the highest bidder. Money is the only voice which matters in Robert’s America."
"This court decision is just the status quo for the Roberts Court. He has overseen the largest dismantling of voting rights in US history with his support of the fledgling American Plutocracy
and their fight to eliminate the rights of “lesser” citizens to have a voice in their governance.
America is now directly up for sale to the highest bidder. Money is the only voice which matters in Robert’s America."
A Supreme Court out of control! How McCutcheon will spur corruption and inequality
A Supreme Court out of control! How McCutcheon will spur corruption and inequality
"That clanging sound you hear is the Supreme Court, hammering the final nails into democracy’s casket. With Wednesday’s decision in McCutcheon v. FEC, the court has crossed the line protecting the last vestige of campaign finance reform, and making it official: Rule by the rich is now unfettered. Plutocracy’s moment has arrived."
"That clanging sound you hear is the Supreme Court, hammering the final nails into democracy’s casket. With Wednesday’s decision in McCutcheon v. FEC, the court has crossed the line protecting the last vestige of campaign finance reform, and making it official: Rule by the rich is now unfettered. Plutocracy’s moment has arrived."
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | The Nation
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | The Nation
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
RNC's Priebus Lauds SCOTUS Decision On Spending Limits
RNC's Priebus Lauds SCOTUS Decision On Spending Limits
"RNC Chair Reince Priebus pretended not to have an opinion about whether or not it's a problem that we've got too much money in politics, but he was more than happy to continue with is praise of the Supreme Court's ruling this Wednesday, striking down aggregate limits on campaign donations, and claiming they violate the First Amendment."
"RNC Chair Reince Priebus pretended not to have an opinion about whether or not it's a problem that we've got too much money in politics, but he was more than happy to continue with is praise of the Supreme Court's ruling this Wednesday, striking down aggregate limits on campaign donations, and claiming they violate the First Amendment."
How The Supreme Court Just Legalized Money Laundering By Rich Campaign Donors
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/04/02/3422036/how-the-supreme-court-just-legalized-money-laundering-by-rich-campaign-donors/
"Chief Justice John Roberts begins his opinion in McCutcheon v. FEC with a flourish: “[t]here is no right more basic in our democracy than the right to participate in electing our political leaders.” He then spends the next forty pages explaining why that participation includes the right of rich people to attempt to buy elections."
"Chief Justice John Roberts begins his opinion in McCutcheon v. FEC with a flourish: “[t]here is no right more basic in our democracy than the right to participate in electing our political leaders.” He then spends the next forty pages explaining why that participation includes the right of rich people to attempt to buy elections."
Hobby Lobby Investments In Birth Control And Abortion Drugs Exposed
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/01/hobby-lobby-invests-abortion/
"The company’s retirement fund is invested heavily in the companies that make the very drugs they claim to oppose."
"The company’s retirement fund is invested heavily in the companies that make the very drugs they claim to oppose."
Supreme Court’s abomination: How McCutcheon decision will destroy American politics
Supreme Court’s abomination: How McCutcheon decision will destroy American politics
"Thanks to Scalia and co., the rich will now be able to buy politicians as effortlessly as they buy anything else"
"Thanks to Scalia and co., the rich will now be able to buy politicians as effortlessly as they buy anything else"
Appeals Court: Rick Scott’s Voter Purge Was Illegal
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/04/01/3421701/florida-voter-purge-illegal-appeal/
"Gov. Rick Scott’s (R-FL) 2012 voter purge was so error-riddled that 30 Republican local elections officials refused to carry it out and his hand-picked Secretary of State had to apologize for it."
"Gov. Rick Scott’s (R-FL) 2012 voter purge was so error-riddled that 30 Republican local elections officials refused to carry it out and his hand-picked Secretary of State had to apologize for it."
April 1, 2014
The Ryan Budget Is a Broken Record of Failed Trickle-Down Economics
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/01/86873/the-ryan-budget-is-a-broken-record-of-failed-trickle-down-economics/
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
After 7 Million Americans Sign Up For Obamacare, Fox News Insists ‘No One’ Opposed Some Of Its Provisions
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/01/3421871/obama-fox/
"Moments after President Obama announced that 7.1 million Americans have signed up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health care exchanges and criticized Republicans for seeking to repeal the law, Fox News host Neil Cavuto jumped in to defend the party — and the most popular parts of Obamacare."
"Moments after President Obama announced that 7.1 million Americans have signed up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health care exchanges and criticized Republicans for seeking to repeal the law, Fox News host Neil Cavuto jumped in to defend the party — and the most popular parts of Obamacare."
Tax Dodging Companies Hoarding Nearly One Trillion Overseas | Common Dreams
Tax Dodging Companies Hoarding Nearly One Trillion Overseas | Common Dreams
"Profits for U.S. companies are at a record high, yet companies have hoarded nearly one trillion overseas to dodge U.S. taxes, a new Moody's analysis shows."
"Profits for U.S. companies are at a record high, yet companies have hoarded nearly one trillion overseas to dodge U.S. taxes, a new Moody's analysis shows."
Contamination Even More Widespread After Nuclear Dump Site Leak | Common Dreams
Contamination Even More Widespread After Nuclear Dump Site Leak | Common Dreams
"Four more workers have now tested positive for radiation after being exposed to a February leak from an underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad, New Mexico, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday, bringing the total number of contaminated workers to 21."
"Four more workers have now tested positive for radiation after being exposed to a February leak from an underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad, New Mexico, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday, bringing the total number of contaminated workers to 21."
Koch brothers vs. a bus: Why two billionaires hate a transit project in Nashville
Koch brothers vs. a bus: Why two billionaires hate a transit project in Nashville
"A bus rapid transit project is imperiled because a couple of rich guys love meddling"
"A bus rapid transit project is imperiled because a couple of rich guys love meddling"
Obamacare Cuts Kentucky's Uninsured Rate By 40 Percent
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/obamacare-cuts-kentucky-uninsured-rate-by-40-percent
"Obamacare has cut Kentucky's uninsured population by more than 40 percent, signing up roughly 360,000 residents since enrollment opened up on Oct. 1, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal."
"Obamacare has cut Kentucky's uninsured population by more than 40 percent, signing up roughly 360,000 residents since enrollment opened up on Oct. 1, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal."
'Unprecedented' Ocean Temperatures on Track to Bring Death to Coral Ecosystems | Common Dreams
'Unprecedented' Ocean Temperatures on Track to Bring Death to Coral Ecosystems | Common Dreams
"An effect of this warming is an event known as coral bleaching, which often leads to the death of coral ecosystems."
"An effect of this warming is an event known as coral bleaching, which often leads to the death of coral ecosystems."
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan Aptly Releases GOP Budget on April Fool's Day
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan Aptly Releases GOP Budget on April Fool's Day
"Paul Ryan's vision for America--more debt, a tax cut bonanza for the mega-rich, Medicare rationing and millions more uninsured--is hardly the stuff of Republican talking points for November's midterms."
"Paul Ryan's vision for America--more debt, a tax cut bonanza for the mega-rich, Medicare rationing and millions more uninsured--is hardly the stuff of Republican talking points for November's midterms."
Take heart Republicans. You've kept millions of kids from getting health coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/03/31/1288657/-Take-heart-Republicans-You-ve-kept-millions-of-kids-from-getting-health-coverage
"Republicans can take heart on this sad Obamacare enrollment good news day because they've achieved something in their relentless war on health insurance: They've kept millions of children off of the health care coverage rolls."
"Republicans can take heart on this sad Obamacare enrollment good news day because they've achieved something in their relentless war on health insurance: They've kept millions of children off of the health care coverage rolls."
Unfortunately, Paul Ryan’s Cruel New Budget Proposal Is Not An April Fool’s Day Joke
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/01/unfortunately-paul-ryans-cruel-budget-proposal-april-fools-day-joke.html
"Ryan also fulfills another fantasy in his budget by pushing for Medicare to be a voucher program. This is something that he proposed during the 2012 campaign and turned out to be troubling for him and Mitt Romney. Essentially, he is calling for the death of Medicare. Instead of Medicare being a government-run insurance program, it will in essence just be a subsidy that senior citizens get to buy insurance from private companies. If the insurance is more than the voucher, then the senior citizen will have to pay the remainder of their premium out of pocket."
"Ryan also fulfills another fantasy in his budget by pushing for Medicare to be a voucher program. This is something that he proposed during the 2012 campaign and turned out to be troubling for him and Mitt Romney. Essentially, he is calling for the death of Medicare. Instead of Medicare being a government-run insurance program, it will in essence just be a subsidy that senior citizens get to buy insurance from private companies. If the insurance is more than the voucher, then the senior citizen will have to pay the remainder of their premium out of pocket."
Gov. Scott Walker Ends Early Weekend Absentee Voting In Wisconsin
Gov. Scott Walker Ends Early Weekend Absentee Voting In Wisconsin
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a measure into law that eliminates absentee voting on weekends ahead of elections."
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a measure into law that eliminates absentee voting on weekends ahead of elections."
Student #WalkOut4Climate Demands Ban on Fossil Fuels | Common Dreams
Student #WalkOut4Climate Demands Ban on Fossil Fuels | Common Dreams
"Roughly 200 students from universities across Massachusetts walked out of class on Monday before rallying in front of the State House to demand that the governor commit to a "clean energy future"."
"Roughly 200 students from universities across Massachusetts walked out of class on Monday before rallying in front of the State House to demand that the governor commit to a "clean energy future"."
Ohio Senate Republicans Launch Attack On State’s Renewable Energy Law
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/31/3420880/ohio-republicans-attack-renewable-law/
"After multiple failed attempts to roll back Ohio’s clean energy and energy efficiency standards, Republicans in the state senate aren’t giving up, releasing another bill on Friday that takes aim at the law. The measure stems from a previous bill pushed by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), member of the corporate-funded, anti-clean energy group the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
"After multiple failed attempts to roll back Ohio’s clean energy and energy efficiency standards, Republicans in the state senate aren’t giving up, releasing another bill on Friday that takes aim at the law. The measure stems from a previous bill pushed by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), member of the corporate-funded, anti-clean energy group the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
Why Are The Koch Brothers Getting Involved In Tennessee’s Bus Lines?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/01/3421088/koch-brothers-tennessee/
"The Tennessee Senate passed a bill last week that, if approved, would broadly ban mass transit projects in the region, an anti-transit effort that’s gotten some help in the state from Charles and David Koch."
"The Tennessee Senate passed a bill last week that, if approved, would broadly ban mass transit projects in the region, an anti-transit effort that’s gotten some help in the state from Charles and David Koch."
Democracy vs. Oligarchy | Common Dreams
Democracy vs. Oligarchy | Common Dreams
"The disastrous 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United threw out campaign funding laws that limited what wealthy individuals and corporations could spend on elections. Since that ruling, campaign spending by Adelson, the Koch brothers and a handful of other billionaire families has fundamentally undermined American democracy. If present trends continue, elections will not be decided by one-person, one-vote, but by a small number of very wealthy families who spend huge amounts of money supporting right-wing candidates who protect their interests.
This process – a handful of the wealthiest people in our country controlling the political process – is called "oligarchy"."
"The disastrous 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United threw out campaign funding laws that limited what wealthy individuals and corporations could spend on elections. Since that ruling, campaign spending by Adelson, the Koch brothers and a handful of other billionaire families has fundamentally undermined American democracy. If present trends continue, elections will not be decided by one-person, one-vote, but by a small number of very wealthy families who spend huge amounts of money supporting right-wing candidates who protect their interests.
This process – a handful of the wealthiest people in our country controlling the political process – is called "oligarchy"."
The “Billionaire’s Primary”: Meet America’s New Political Bosses | Common Dreams
The “Billionaire’s Primary”: Meet America’s New Political Bosses | Common Dreams
"The Republican 2016 presidential primary season opened with the “Sheldon Adelson Primary.” The eight wealthiest person in the country, worth an estimated $40 billion, doesn’t have to wait for the official GOP primary season to start. He holds his own primary."
"The Republican 2016 presidential primary season opened with the “Sheldon Adelson Primary.” The eight wealthiest person in the country, worth an estimated $40 billion, doesn’t have to wait for the official GOP primary season to start. He holds his own primary."
Torture Report: CIA Lying to US Public and Government | Common Dreams
Torture Report: CIA Lying to US Public and Government | Common Dreams
"A classified Senate Intelligence Committee report charges that the Central Intelligence Agency lied to the U.S. public and government for years about its brutal interrogation techniques by hiding the extent of abuse and misleading about the lives this interrogation saves."
"A classified Senate Intelligence Committee report charges that the Central Intelligence Agency lied to the U.S. public and government for years about its brutal interrogation techniques by hiding the extent of abuse and misleading about the lives this interrogation saves."
Gov. Pence Lets Indiana Energy Efficiency Program Die
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/31/3420960/end-indiana-energy-efficiency-program/
"Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has refused to either sign or veto a bill that would end Indiana’s state-wide energy efficiency program which will now, by default, become law. By Indiana law if the governor does not sign or veto a bill, it becomes law on its own."
"Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has refused to either sign or veto a bill that would end Indiana’s state-wide energy efficiency program which will now, by default, become law. By Indiana law if the governor does not sign or veto a bill, it becomes law on its own."
Bribery, Money-Laundering, And Islamaphobia: The Sheldon Adelson Story The Media Forgot
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/03/31/bribery-money-laundering-and-islamaphobia-the-s/198684
"Billionaire Sheldon Adelson has a history of illegal behavior and controversial comments -- facts that were left out of mainstream print reporting on GOP candidates trying to win his favor last week."
"Billionaire Sheldon Adelson has a history of illegal behavior and controversial comments -- facts that were left out of mainstream print reporting on GOP candidates trying to win his favor last week."
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