Tea Party Republicans Publish Op/Ed Slamming Obamacare; Shocker, It’s Filled With Lies
"With a non-stop geyser of news hitting digital media every day, a lot of material tends to slip through the cracks. For example, we somehow missed an op/ed from several days ago that’s packed wall-to-wall with lies and misinformation about Obamacare."
April 9, 2014
Wisconsin Had Best-Run Elections in U.S., So Republicans Fixed 'Em
Wisconsin Had Best-Run Elections in U.S., So Republicans Fixed 'Em
"At the same time that Walker signed legislation to cut early voting, he approved a measure that allows poll watchers -- like True the Vote-trained voter vigilantes -- to effectively hover over voters, and stand just 36 inches from the registration table."
"At the same time that Walker signed legislation to cut early voting, he approved a measure that allows poll watchers -- like True the Vote-trained voter vigilantes -- to effectively hover over voters, and stand just 36 inches from the registration table."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Rep. Paul Ryan Take-Down | Common Dreams
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Rep. Paul Ryan Take-Down | Common Dreams
"The Massachusetts Democrat made the remarks as the keynote speaker at the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor's Humphrey-Mondale Dinner on March 29th, a fundraising event for the party of Paul Wellstone."
"The Massachusetts Democrat made the remarks as the keynote speaker at the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor's Humphrey-Mondale Dinner on March 29th, a fundraising event for the party of Paul Wellstone."
'This Is Not Over': Gulf Life Still Reeling From Toxic BP Spill | Common Dreams
'This Is Not Over': Gulf Life Still Reeling From Toxic BP Spill | Common Dreams
"Nearly four years after BP's Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe, plants, animals, and fish in the Gulf of Mexico are still reeling from the toxic spill, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Wildlife Federation."
"Nearly four years after BP's Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe, plants, animals, and fish in the Gulf of Mexico are still reeling from the toxic spill, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Wildlife Federation."
This 32-Year-Old Florida Woman Is Dead Because Her State Refused To Expand Medicaid
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/09/3424629/florida-medicaid-charlene-dill/
"A recent study conducted by Harvard researchers estimated that as many as 17,000 people will die directly as a result of their states refusing to expand Medicaid. In Florida, that translates to about six deaths like Dill’s every single day."
"A recent study conducted by Harvard researchers estimated that as many as 17,000 people will die directly as a result of their states refusing to expand Medicaid. In Florida, that translates to about six deaths like Dill’s every single day."
Why the Minimum Wage Should Really Be Raised to $15 an Hour | Common Dreams
Why the Minimum Wage Should Really Be Raised to $15 an Hour | Common Dreams
"Momentum is building to raise the minimum wage. Several states have already taken action — Connecticut has boosted it to $10.10 by 2017, the Maryland legislature just approved a similar measure, Minnesota lawmakers just reached a deal to hike it to $9.50. A few cities have been more ambitious — Washington, D.C. and its surrounding counties raised it to $11.50, Seattle is considering $15.00"
"Momentum is building to raise the minimum wage. Several states have already taken action — Connecticut has boosted it to $10.10 by 2017, the Maryland legislature just approved a similar measure, Minnesota lawmakers just reached a deal to hike it to $9.50. A few cities have been more ambitious — Washington, D.C. and its surrounding counties raised it to $11.50, Seattle is considering $15.00"
Kansas GOP Legislature Eliminates Due Process For Teachers In War On Public Education
Kansas GOP Legislature Eliminates Due Process For Teachers In War On Public Education
"Teachers in Kansas can now be fired from their jobs simply because a principal doesn’t like them — or because a student who received a C instead of an A has a vengeful parent on the school board. There will be no fair hearing, no appeal, no due process of any kind. That’s it, you’re out the door."
"Teachers in Kansas can now be fired from their jobs simply because a principal doesn’t like them — or because a student who received a C instead of an A has a vengeful parent on the school board. There will be no fair hearing, no appeal, no due process of any kind. That’s it, you’re out the door."
Lobbyists behind SOPA now wooing Silicon Valley companies
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/08/lobbyists-behind-sopa-now-wooing-silicon-valley-companies/
"The US Chamber was the main outside lobbying group (beyond the MPAA) that was behind SOPA and PIPA, and was a major voice pushing completely ridiculously bogus "facts" about the evils of "IP theft" and "rogue sites"."
"The US Chamber was the main outside lobbying group (beyond the MPAA) that was behind SOPA and PIPA, and was a major voice pushing completely ridiculously bogus "facts" about the evils of "IP theft" and "rogue sites"."
5 Theocrats in Congress Who Care More About the Bible Than the Constitution
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/5-most-theocratic-members-congress-0
"Yet 58 percent of the members of Congress received an F grade. That is 315 members who voted for or supported bills that granted special rights to religious organizations, discriminated against LGBT issues, women’s rights issues, contraception and sexual education and issues like prayer in federal environments."
"Yet 58 percent of the members of Congress received an F grade. That is 315 members who voted for or supported bills that granted special rights to religious organizations, discriminated against LGBT issues, women’s rights issues, contraception and sexual education and issues like prayer in federal environments."
ALEC and Paul Ryan Team Up to Convert Pensions Into Tax Cuts for Millionaires
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/08/alec-paul-ryan-team-convert-pensions-tax-cuts-millionaires.html
"Republicans will not rest until they have secured all the wealth in America for Wall Street, the rich, and the Koch brothers and with nothing left to steal from Americans except their retirement, Americans can look for ALEC and SPN legislation in their states to pillage pension accounts from public sector workers with the same tenacity that Paul Ryan is going after Veterans and federal employees’ pensions"
"Republicans will not rest until they have secured all the wealth in America for Wall Street, the rich, and the Koch brothers and with nothing left to steal from Americans except their retirement, Americans can look for ALEC and SPN legislation in their states to pillage pension accounts from public sector workers with the same tenacity that Paul Ryan is going after Veterans and federal employees’ pensions"
April 8, 2014
Outside Special Interests Lean on MO Legislators to Push ALEC’s Anti-Worker Agenda
Outside Special Interests Lean on MO Legislators to Push ALEC’s Anti-Worker Agenda
"The Missouri chapter of the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity has launched an online petition urging legislators to pass "right to work" legislation."
"The Missouri chapter of the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity has launched an online petition urging legislators to pass "right to work" legislation."
Equal Pay Day: A Reminder that Women (and Men!) Deserve More
Equal Pay Day: A Reminder that Women (and Men!) Deserve More
"We should be defining success in closing the gender wage gap by women catching up to men while both men and women share in overall growth. Congress has some great tools at their disposal to do this. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act would be a great first step. In addition to prohibiting wage discrimination among women and men, the Paycheck Fairness Act incentivizes greater transparency between employers and employees, by collecting pay information data and providing information on how to reduce pay disparities for employers and labor organizations."
"We should be defining success in closing the gender wage gap by women catching up to men while both men and women share in overall growth. Congress has some great tools at their disposal to do this. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act would be a great first step. In addition to prohibiting wage discrimination among women and men, the Paycheck Fairness Act incentivizes greater transparency between employers and employees, by collecting pay information data and providing information on how to reduce pay disparities for employers and labor organizations."
How to Make the Labor Market Work for Women
How to Make the Labor Market Work for Women
"Today is Equal Pay Day, which means that policymakers, including the president, are talking about how to close the gender wage gap. In 2013, the typical female worker made $15.10 an hour, while the typical male worker made $18.11 an hour. And the gap in wages between women and men extends beyond those at the middle; it affects earners at all wage levels. High-wage women make less than high-wage men, and low-wage women make less than low-wage men.
A key backdrop to any discussion of how gender wage gaps have evolved is the fact that since the 1970s, the country has seen dramatically rising wage inequality among both men and women."
"Today is Equal Pay Day, which means that policymakers, including the president, are talking about how to close the gender wage gap. In 2013, the typical female worker made $15.10 an hour, while the typical male worker made $18.11 an hour. And the gap in wages between women and men extends beyond those at the middle; it affects earners at all wage levels. High-wage women make less than high-wage men, and low-wage women make less than low-wage men.
A key backdrop to any discussion of how gender wage gaps have evolved is the fact that since the 1970s, the country has seen dramatically rising wage inequality among both men and women."
Here’s Why We Know The Gender Wage Gap Really Does Exist
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/08/3424043/gender-wage-gap-myth/
"Tuesday is Equal Pay Day, the symbolic day by which women supposedly have put in enough extra work to catch up to what men will make in a year. That’s because even when they work full-time, year-round, they still make 77 percent, on average, of what similar men make. But conservatives have recently argued that the pay gap is a myth because various factors like education, job choice, and career paths can explain some of that 23 percent gap. It’s true that the gap represents many factors. Yet even when they are all taken into consideration, here’s why we know there is still an unfair difference between what women and men make"
"Tuesday is Equal Pay Day, the symbolic day by which women supposedly have put in enough extra work to catch up to what men will make in a year. That’s because even when they work full-time, year-round, they still make 77 percent, on average, of what similar men make. But conservatives have recently argued that the pay gap is a myth because various factors like education, job choice, and career paths can explain some of that 23 percent gap. It’s true that the gap represents many factors. Yet even when they are all taken into consideration, here’s why we know there is still an unfair difference between what women and men make"
Kochs Took Big ACA Subsidies
Kochs Took Big ACA Subsidies
"Charles and David Koch are indirect beneficiaries of subsidies allowed under the Affordable Care Act.
Let that sink in for a moment. They've spent millions to kill it, while reaping the benefits for Koch Industries employees. When they take subsidies from the federal government, that impacts Koch Industries' bottom line. When that bottom line is impacted, their income goes up, because they own Koch Industries via a holding company that passes through the profits as personal income to shareholders."
"Charles and David Koch are indirect beneficiaries of subsidies allowed under the Affordable Care Act.
Let that sink in for a moment. They've spent millions to kill it, while reaping the benefits for Koch Industries employees. When they take subsidies from the federal government, that impacts Koch Industries' bottom line. When that bottom line is impacted, their income goes up, because they own Koch Industries via a holding company that passes through the profits as personal income to shareholders."
No, You Can't Vote: The GOP and Its "15 Percent Solution"
No, You Can't Vote: The GOP and Its "15 Percent Solution"
"Soon, however, the GOP wasn't satisfied with these tactics. They have now moved on to straight voter suppression, especially in the swing states like Ohio and Wisconsin where they can do this. The strategy, for which they give few excuses, is aimed at suppressing the vote in those population segments that are more likely to vote Democratic than Republican, like African-Americans, the poor, Latinos, the young, and so on and so forth. Well, you might ask, "is this a new idea?" Well, I would reply, "no it isn't. It goes back at least as far as an electoral strategy designed by a now-defunct organization called the "Christian Coalition," in the late 1980s. It was called "The 15% Solution"."
"Soon, however, the GOP wasn't satisfied with these tactics. They have now moved on to straight voter suppression, especially in the swing states like Ohio and Wisconsin where they can do this. The strategy, for which they give few excuses, is aimed at suppressing the vote in those population segments that are more likely to vote Democratic than Republican, like African-Americans, the poor, Latinos, the young, and so on and so forth. Well, you might ask, "is this a new idea?" Well, I would reply, "no it isn't. It goes back at least as far as an electoral strategy designed by a now-defunct organization called the "Christian Coalition," in the late 1980s. It was called "The 15% Solution"."
Vice President Joe Biden Makes Passionate Case For Voting Rights
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/07/joe-biden-case-voting-rights.html
"Since the 1980′s Republicans’ efforts to rig the vote focused on gerrymandering and some relatively subtle efforts to make voting harder – like broken or flawed voting machines in certain districts, or robo-calls and fliers with false and misleading information. Some Republicans “joked” about doing whatever it takes to prevent Democrats from voting – like flattening the tires on their cars.
After Barack Obama won the election of 2008, Republicans have obsessed with questioning the legitimacy of his presidency with birtherism and increasingly overt racist messaging. Their campaign to suppress the vote, while always there, but the more desperate they get, the more suppressive their policies become.
Shortly after, the Koch brothers recycled Birchersim with the “populist” Tea Party. Judson Phillips gave us the first warnings that the Koch funded “movement” was coming after our voting rights. More Kochists talk about repealing the 17th Amendment, in favor of reverting to a system of patronage in which State legislatures appoint Senators.
Red States passed ALEC initiated “Voter ID” laws with the claim that these laws are needed to stop “rampant voter fraud.” Additional tactics included eliminating same day registration and reducing or eliminating early voting. Study after study pointed to the reality that these policies targeted the demographics of voters who are more likely to vote Democrat."
"Since the 1980′s Republicans’ efforts to rig the vote focused on gerrymandering and some relatively subtle efforts to make voting harder – like broken or flawed voting machines in certain districts, or robo-calls and fliers with false and misleading information. Some Republicans “joked” about doing whatever it takes to prevent Democrats from voting – like flattening the tires on their cars.
After Barack Obama won the election of 2008, Republicans have obsessed with questioning the legitimacy of his presidency with birtherism and increasingly overt racist messaging. Their campaign to suppress the vote, while always there, but the more desperate they get, the more suppressive their policies become.
Shortly after, the Koch brothers recycled Birchersim with the “populist” Tea Party. Judson Phillips gave us the first warnings that the Koch funded “movement” was coming after our voting rights. More Kochists talk about repealing the 17th Amendment, in favor of reverting to a system of patronage in which State legislatures appoint Senators.
Red States passed ALEC initiated “Voter ID” laws with the claim that these laws are needed to stop “rampant voter fraud.” Additional tactics included eliminating same day registration and reducing or eliminating early voting. Study after study pointed to the reality that these policies targeted the demographics of voters who are more likely to vote Democrat."
Watch this RNC spokesperson come up empty when asked for Republican solutions to the gender pay gap
Watch this RNC spokesperson come up empty when asked for Republican solutions to the gender pay gap
"Here’s the one thing Republican National Committee National Press Secretary Kirsten Kukowski has going for her: Unlike many of her colleagues in the GOP, she actually believes the gender pay gap exists."
"Here’s the one thing Republican National Committee National Press Secretary Kirsten Kukowski has going for her: Unlike many of her colleagues in the GOP, she actually believes the gender pay gap exists."
Neocons are back — and worse than ever! Debunking their unthinkable new defense
Neocons are back — and worse than ever! Debunking their unthinkable new defense
"You'd think disastrous failures would shame the Bush-loving neocons into hiding. Here's why they need to go -- now"
"You'd think disastrous failures would shame the Bush-loving neocons into hiding. Here's why they need to go -- now"
Mitch McConnell Compares ‘Obsession’ With Closing Gender Pay Gap To Blowing ‘A Few Kisses’
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2014/04/08/3424354/mcconnell-equal-pay-blowing-kisses/
"McConnell argued the fact that women still earn 77 percent of what men make should take a backseat to more serious Republican priorities. These priorities typically include building Keystone XL pipeline and repealing Obamacare (which Republicans have attempted more than 50 times)."
"McConnell argued the fact that women still earn 77 percent of what men make should take a backseat to more serious Republican priorities. These priorities typically include building Keystone XL pipeline and repealing Obamacare (which Republicans have attempted more than 50 times)."
Bernie Sanders Sends Republicans Into Cold Sweats With a Truth Bomb About Obamacare
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/07/bernie-sanders-sends-republicans-cold-sweats-truth-bomb-obamacare.html
"Sen Sanders (I-VT) nailed it. Republicans are terrified that more people are going to be able to see a doctor. They are scared that people will realize that the government can make positive things happen, and they hate the ACA because it is an example of the government doing something for someone other than wealthy billionaires.
Republicans believe that government should only serve the interests of the wealthy."
"Sen Sanders (I-VT) nailed it. Republicans are terrified that more people are going to be able to see a doctor. They are scared that people will realize that the government can make positive things happen, and they hate the ACA because it is an example of the government doing something for someone other than wealthy billionaires.
Republicans believe that government should only serve the interests of the wealthy."
David Wildstein Hammers Nails In Coffin Of Christie's 2016 Dreams
David Wildstein Hammers Nails In Coffin Of Christie's 2016 Dreams
"Bad news for Chris Christie -- and very good news for the citizens of New Jersey"
"Bad news for Chris Christie -- and very good news for the citizens of New Jersey"
NYC Parents vs. Wall Street-Backed Charter Schools | Common Dreams
NYC Parents vs. Wall Street-Backed Charter Schools | Common Dreams
"Parents and public school advocates staged a dramatic protest outside the New York City Department of Education on Tuesday against a bid, backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and financed by Wall Street lobbyists, to evict special needs students in order to make room for charter school expansion."
"Parents and public school advocates staged a dramatic protest outside the New York City Department of Education on Tuesday against a bid, backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and financed by Wall Street lobbyists, to evict special needs students in order to make room for charter school expansion."
Meet 5 Greedy Big Businesses Who Rip Off Taxpayers
www.alternet.org/economy/corporate-tax-dodgers
"Did you pay your taxes? Much of the corporate world tap-danced right around their obligations."
"Did you pay your taxes? Much of the corporate world tap-danced right around their obligations."
Global Rankings Study Depicts an America in Warp Speed Decline
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/global-rankings-study-depicts-america-warp-speed-decline
"While the U.S. enjoys the second highest per capita GDP of $45,336, it ranks in an underperforming 16th place overall. It gets worse. The U.S. ranks 70th in health, 69th in ecosystem sustainability, 39th in basic education, 34th in access to water and sanitation and 31st in personal safety.
More surprising is the fact that despite being the home country of global tech heavyweights Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Oracle, and so on, the U.S. ranks a disappointing 23rd in access to the Internet. “It’s astonishing that for a country that has Silicon Valley, lack of access to information is a red flag,” notes Michael Green, executive director of the Social Progress Imperative, which oversees the index.
If this index is an affront to your jingoistic sensibilities, the U.S. remains in first place for the number of incarcerated citizens per capita, adult onset diabetes and for believing in angels."
"While the U.S. enjoys the second highest per capita GDP of $45,336, it ranks in an underperforming 16th place overall. It gets worse. The U.S. ranks 70th in health, 69th in ecosystem sustainability, 39th in basic education, 34th in access to water and sanitation and 31st in personal safety.
More surprising is the fact that despite being the home country of global tech heavyweights Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Oracle, and so on, the U.S. ranks a disappointing 23rd in access to the Internet. “It’s astonishing that for a country that has Silicon Valley, lack of access to information is a red flag,” notes Michael Green, executive director of the Social Progress Imperative, which oversees the index.
If this index is an affront to your jingoistic sensibilities, the U.S. remains in first place for the number of incarcerated citizens per capita, adult onset diabetes and for believing in angels."
April 7, 2014
E.J. Dionne, Jr.: Party Loyalty: Why the Supreme Court Is Wrecking Our Democracy - Truthdig
E.J. Dionne, Jr.: Party Loyalty: Why the Supreme Court Is Wrecking Our Democracy - Truthdig
"An oligarchy, Webster’s dictionary tells us, is “a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons.” It’s a shame that the Republican majority on the Supreme Court doesn’t know the difference between an oligarchy and a democratic republic."
"An oligarchy, Webster’s dictionary tells us, is “a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons.” It’s a shame that the Republican majority on the Supreme Court doesn’t know the difference between an oligarchy and a democratic republic."
The Supreme Court Just Gave You One More Reason To Join the Clean Elections Movement
The Supreme Court Just Gave You One More Reason To Join the Clean Elections Movement
"Given the power of the Supreme Court, there are only two ways to fix the Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions: The first is to get justices on the Supreme Court who don't think allowing the rich to spend vast sums on elections is simply a form of free speech, and who are ready to reverse these decisions. Given their dissents, we likely already have four such justices. The second is to pass a constitutional amendment to overrule these two decisions."
"Given the power of the Supreme Court, there are only two ways to fix the Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions: The first is to get justices on the Supreme Court who don't think allowing the rich to spend vast sums on elections is simply a form of free speech, and who are ready to reverse these decisions. Given their dissents, we likely already have four such justices. The second is to pass a constitutional amendment to overrule these two decisions."
Documents from Open Records Lawsuit Further Undermine Claims that ALEC Is Legislator-Driven
Documents from Open Records Lawsuit Further Undermine Claims that ALEC Is Legislator-Driven
"New documents released as a result of the Center for Media and Democracy's open records lawsuit against American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) vice-chair Senator Leah Vukmir provide more evidence that lobbyists and special interest groups are calling the shots within ALEC, undermining that group's latest PR spin that it is a "legislator-driven" organization.
The previously-undisclosed records from ALEC's Spring 2013 meeting show a Florida-based State Policy Network lobbying group instructing Senator Vukmir and other legislators to introduce a "model" resolution for legislators to thwart Medicaid expansion in their state, and even writing an entire "script" for legislators to parrot in the ALEC task force meeting -- contradicting ALEC's claims to reporters last year that only legislators propose model policy, and demonstrating that such claims are merely a talking point."
"New documents released as a result of the Center for Media and Democracy's open records lawsuit against American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) vice-chair Senator Leah Vukmir provide more evidence that lobbyists and special interest groups are calling the shots within ALEC, undermining that group's latest PR spin that it is a "legislator-driven" organization.
The previously-undisclosed records from ALEC's Spring 2013 meeting show a Florida-based State Policy Network lobbying group instructing Senator Vukmir and other legislators to introduce a "model" resolution for legislators to thwart Medicaid expansion in their state, and even writing an entire "script" for legislators to parrot in the ALEC task force meeting -- contradicting ALEC's claims to reporters last year that only legislators propose model policy, and demonstrating that such claims are merely a talking point."
VOICES: Another lying Tennessee politician exposed in the UAW-VW vote in Chattanooga
www.southernstudies.org/2014/04/voices-another-lying-tennessee-politician-exposed-.html
"Another lying Tennessee politician has been exposed in the aftermath of the Valentine's Day 712-626 vote rejecting United Auto Workers representation at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn."
"Another lying Tennessee politician has been exposed in the aftermath of the Valentine's Day 712-626 vote rejecting United Auto Workers representation at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn."
Married Rep. Vance McAllister Caught Kissing Staffer
Married Rep. Vance McAllister Caught Kissing Staffer
"Rep. Vance McAllister won his seat by touting his marriage and Christian conservative values to the voters, but apparently those values don't include extramarital affairs."
"Rep. Vance McAllister won his seat by touting his marriage and Christian conservative values to the voters, but apparently those values don't include extramarital affairs."
Can't We Just Say the Roberts Court Is Corrupt?
Can't We Just Say the Roberts Court Is Corrupt?
"The Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was not about aggregate limits on individual campaign donations to candidates in federal elections. The case was about what constitutes a bribe, how big that bribe has to be, and whether an electoral system can be corrupt even in the absence of a legally demonstrable cash payment to an office holder or candidate for an explicitly specified favor."
"The Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was not about aggregate limits on individual campaign donations to candidates in federal elections. The case was about what constitutes a bribe, how big that bribe has to be, and whether an electoral system can be corrupt even in the absence of a legally demonstrable cash payment to an office holder or candidate for an explicitly specified favor."
Movie Legend Mickey Rooney Dead At 93
Movie Legend Mickey Rooney Dead At 93
"Known as a huge draw in the 30′s and 40′s at the box office, and for his many wives, Mickey Rooney, born Joseph Yule, Jr., passed away Sunday at 93."
"Known as a huge draw in the 30′s and 40′s at the box office, and for his many wives, Mickey Rooney, born Joseph Yule, Jr., passed away Sunday at 93."
GOP leaders optimistic Paul Ryan's latest plan to repeal Medicare will pass
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/07/1290253/-GOP-leaders-optimistic-Paul-Ryan-s-latest-plan-to-repeal-Medicare-will-pass
"The good news is that it doesn't much matter what happens on this vote; for all practical purposes, it's just a symbolic document. But if you needed another reminder that the GOP is still every bit as crazy as it was when it shut down the government last fall, look no further than the fact that for the only question they have about a plan to repeal Medicare is whether the Steve King's of their party will think it's too liberal."
"The good news is that it doesn't much matter what happens on this vote; for all practical purposes, it's just a symbolic document. But if you needed another reminder that the GOP is still every bit as crazy as it was when it shut down the government last fall, look no further than the fact that for the only question they have about a plan to repeal Medicare is whether the Steve King's of their party will think it's too liberal."
Neutered Republicans Destroy Their Chances With Women With One Vile Poster
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/07/neutered-republicans-poster.html
"After their failed attempt to mansplain away women’s desire for equal pay, this is how conservatives plan to convince females that there is no GOP policy war on women. Apparently the folks at Breitbart think this is helping the Republican cause."
"After their failed attempt to mansplain away women’s desire for equal pay, this is how conservatives plan to convince females that there is no GOP policy war on women. Apparently the folks at Breitbart think this is helping the Republican cause."
Meet America’s most progressive Senate nominee: Shenna Bellows of Maine
Meet America’s most progressive Senate nominee: Shenna Bellows of Maine
"Bellows urged that the government legalize marijuana, break up big banks, institute “Medicare for All,” repeal the Patriot Act, halt mass surveillance, tax financial transactions, expand Social Security, reject the Keystone Pipeline, turn away from education privatization and extend Civil Rights Act protections to LGBT people. She hedged on whether she’d support the Assault Weapons Ban, and on whether heroin should ultimately be decriminalized. A condensed version of our conversation follows."
"Bellows urged that the government legalize marijuana, break up big banks, institute “Medicare for All,” repeal the Patriot Act, halt mass surveillance, tax financial transactions, expand Social Security, reject the Keystone Pipeline, turn away from education privatization and extend Civil Rights Act protections to LGBT people. She hedged on whether she’d support the Assault Weapons Ban, and on whether heroin should ultimately be decriminalized. A condensed version of our conversation follows."
CNN and Fox Can't Keep Their Climate Facts Straight: Study | Common Dreams
CNN and Fox Can't Keep Their Climate Facts Straight: Study | Common Dreams
"Of the three—not surprisingly—Fox News was the least accurate in its coverage of global warming and climate change issues during 2013, in which 72 percent of the segments contained misleading statements."
"Of the three—not surprisingly—Fox News was the least accurate in its coverage of global warming and climate change issues during 2013, in which 72 percent of the segments contained misleading statements."
Gallup: Uninsured Rate Falls To Lowest Level Since Obama Took Office
Gallup: Uninsured Rate Falls To Lowest Level Since Obama Took Office
"It's a crime that so many red states are refusing to expand Medicaid in their states and as the ACA succeeds, I hope the voters kick all the bums out."
"It's a crime that so many red states are refusing to expand Medicaid in their states and as the ACA succeeds, I hope the voters kick all the bums out."
Elizabeth Warren Rips Paul Ryan And Ted Cruz
Elizabeth Warren Rips Paul Ryan And Ted Cruz
"Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan in a speech at the Minnesota Humphrey-Mondale dinner for Al Franken"
"Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan in a speech at the Minnesota Humphrey-Mondale dinner for Al Franken"
GOP’s woman-haters club swells: Why their hatred is actually getting worse
GOP’s woman-haters club swells: Why their hatred is actually getting worse
"From Christie to Limbaugh the right's view of women is steeped in the 18th century. It may finally catch up to them"
"From Christie to Limbaugh the right's view of women is steeped in the 18th century. It may finally catch up to them"
Medical breakthrough: New blood test could be a quick accurate way to detect solid cancers
Medical breakthrough: New blood test could be a quick accurate way to detect solid cancers
"Researchers at Stanford University develop a method to detect small amounts of tumor DNA in blood"
"Researchers at Stanford University develop a method to detect small amounts of tumor DNA in blood"
McCutcheon Took Us Back In Time, But It Might Just Birth the Next Occupy | Common Dreams
McCutcheon Took Us Back In Time, But It Might Just Birth the Next Occupy | Common Dreams
"The supreme court is composed of five justices appointed by Republican presidents, and four appointed by Democratic ones. In the McCutcheon v FEC case decided on Wednesday, the five Republican appointees interpreted the first amendment to protect the right of individuals to pour as much as $3.6m into a political party or $800,000 into a political campaign.
The decision by those justices allows individual donors to buy – and federal officeholders to solicit – unparalleled personal influence in Washington. McCutcheon drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens."
"The supreme court is composed of five justices appointed by Republican presidents, and four appointed by Democratic ones. In the McCutcheon v FEC case decided on Wednesday, the five Republican appointees interpreted the first amendment to protect the right of individuals to pour as much as $3.6m into a political party or $800,000 into a political campaign.
The decision by those justices allows individual donors to buy – and federal officeholders to solicit – unparalleled personal influence in Washington. McCutcheon drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens."
Swiss Bank May Have To Plead Guilty To Helping Americans Avoid Taxes
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/07/3423646/credit-suisse-tax-evasion-investigation/
"A giant Swiss bank that is already bracing for a billion-dollar legal bill for helping Americans cheat on their taxes may also have to plead guilty to criminal charges in order to resolve a Justice Department (DOJ) investigation. The news comes alongside reports of another investigation from a New York regulator with a reputation for playing hardball on white collar crime."
"A giant Swiss bank that is already bracing for a billion-dollar legal bill for helping Americans cheat on their taxes may also have to plead guilty to criminal charges in order to resolve a Justice Department (DOJ) investigation. The news comes alongside reports of another investigation from a New York regulator with a reputation for playing hardball on white collar crime."
Solartopia! Winning the Green Energy Revolution | Common Dreams
Solartopia! Winning the Green Energy Revolution | Common Dreams
"But it’s under extreme attack from the billionaire Koch Brothers, utilities like First Energy (FE), and a fossil/nuke industry that threatens our existence on this planet."
"But it’s under extreme attack from the billionaire Koch Brothers, utilities like First Energy (FE), and a fossil/nuke industry that threatens our existence on this planet."
Westmoreland Grocer Says Business Owners Should Have The Right Not To Serve Gays
Westmoreland Grocer Says Business Owners Should Have The Right Not To Serve Gays
"It's so sad that these views are shared by more people than will admit it and this push of hatred is being fostered by the religious right in this country."
"It's so sad that these views are shared by more people than will admit it and this push of hatred is being fostered by the religious right in this country."
8 Things Mainstream Media Doesn't Have the Courage to Tell You
www.alternet.org/media/8-things-mainstream-media-doesnt-have-courage-tell-you
"The following are all relevant, fact-based issues, the "hard news" stories that the media has a responsibility to report. But the business-oriented press generally avoids them."
"The following are all relevant, fact-based issues, the "hard news" stories that the media has a responsibility to report. But the business-oriented press generally avoids them."
Wall Street Targets GOP Critic of Big Money and Big Banks for Primary Defeat | The Nation
Wall Street Targets GOP Critic of Big Money and Big Banks for Primary Defeat | The Nation
"Now, however, Jones faces a Republican primary challenge from a classic Washington power player, Taylor Griffin, a former aide to the campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain who has been a consultant for big banks and trade groups and who put in a stint as the senior vice president for the Financial Services Forum, the DC voice of some of the biggest Wall Street banks."
"Now, however, Jones faces a Republican primary challenge from a classic Washington power player, Taylor Griffin, a former aide to the campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain who has been a consultant for big banks and trade groups and who put in a stint as the senior vice president for the Financial Services Forum, the DC voice of some of the biggest Wall Street banks."
Dear Humanity, Time Is Running Out | Common Dreams
Dear Humanity, Time Is Running Out | Common Dreams
"The next chapter of the UN climate panel's scientific report on global warming is due out next week in Berlin, but a draft of the document seen by the Reuters news agency reveals that the main message for humanity and society is simply this: time is running out."
"The next chapter of the UN climate panel's scientific report on global warming is due out next week in Berlin, but a draft of the document seen by the Reuters news agency reveals that the main message for humanity and society is simply this: time is running out."
NEW STUDY: Only 28 Percent of Fox News Climate Segments Are Accurate
www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/04/cable-news-fox-climate-science-accuracy
"The study found that last year, 30 percent of CNN's climate-related segments were misleading, compared with 72 percent for Fox News and just 8 percent for MSNBC. The study methodology was quite strict: segments that contained "any inaccurate or misleading representations of climate science" were classified as misleading."
"The study found that last year, 30 percent of CNN's climate-related segments were misleading, compared with 72 percent for Fox News and just 8 percent for MSNBC. The study methodology was quite strict: segments that contained "any inaccurate or misleading representations of climate science" were classified as misleading."
April 6, 2014
Food Stamps Don't Keep Walmart's Prices Low, They Keep Its Profits High
www.alternet.org/labor/food-stamps-dont-keep-walmarts-prices-low-they-keep-its-profits-high
"The truth is that Walmart and all the other large and profitable retailers, fast food companies, and other corporations that fatten their bottom line by letting the public feed their employees have made a business decision to shrink their payroll on the taxpayer's dime. It's up to us to decide whether to continue allowing them to do it."
"The truth is that Walmart and all the other large and profitable retailers, fast food companies, and other corporations that fatten their bottom line by letting the public feed their employees have made a business decision to shrink their payroll on the taxpayer's dime. It's up to us to decide whether to continue allowing them to do it."
Obama to take executive actions to boost equal pay for women
Obama to take executive actions to boost equal pay for women
"President Obama plans to sign two executive actions Tuesday — Equal Pay Day — aimed at closing the gender wage gap for federal contractors, and reinforcing equal pay as a critical issue in the midterm elections."
"President Obama plans to sign two executive actions Tuesday — Equal Pay Day — aimed at closing the gender wage gap for federal contractors, and reinforcing equal pay as a critical issue in the midterm elections."
Goldman Sachs’ sick con: How they made money off your misery
Goldman Sachs’ sick con: How they made money off your misery
"Documents and emails show manipulation was part of the game at Goldman -- and what led them to win big on the crash"
"Documents and emails show manipulation was part of the game at Goldman -- and what led them to win big on the crash"
PERRspectives: Rick Perry Leads GOP's "Let 'Em Die" Primary for 2016
PERRspectives: Rick Perry Leads GOP's "Let 'Em Die" Primary for 2016
"Thanks to his refusal to expand Medicaid coverage in the Lone Star State, Texas Governor Rick Perry has left two million of his constituents needlessly uninsured and sentenced up to 3,000 annually to needlessly die.
"Thanks to his refusal to expand Medicaid coverage in the Lone Star State, Texas Governor Rick Perry has left two million of his constituents needlessly uninsured and sentenced up to 3,000 annually to needlessly die.
That's the conclusion a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School recently published inHealth Affairs. The authors of "Opting Out Of Medicaid Expansion: The Health And Financial Impacts" tallied up the coming body count in the Republican states that rejected the ACA's extension of Medicaid to millions of their residents"
7 Craziest Right-Wing Rants This Week: Satan's Role in Graham Crackers?
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/7-craziest-right-wing-rants-week-satans-role-graham-crackers
"Isn't it ftting that greedy-ass billionaire Charles Koch published his op-ed claiming he is against “cronyism and political favors” — knowing full well that he and his equally evil brother David spend hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase those favors — the same week the Supreme Court ruled that the Kochs don’t even need the cover of an organization to outright buy politicians anymore?"
"Isn't it ftting that greedy-ass billionaire Charles Koch published his op-ed claiming he is against “cronyism and political favors” — knowing full well that he and his equally evil brother David spend hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase those favors — the same week the Supreme Court ruled that the Kochs don’t even need the cover of an organization to outright buy politicians anymore?"
April 5, 2014
Dan Backer’s Revealing Victory Lap After McCutcheon v FEC Decision
Dan Backer’s Revealing Victory Lap After McCutcheon v FEC Decision
"In his world, money is speech, and must therefore be free — but anyone who disagrees should not be free to speak to their elected legislators about remedies, because freedom. Backer might as well declare himself the chief apologist for oligarchy."
"In his world, money is speech, and must therefore be free — but anyone who disagrees should not be free to speak to their elected legislators about remedies, because freedom. Backer might as well declare himself the chief apologist for oligarchy."
Remember When Republicans Said Social Security And Medicare Would Destroy Freedom Too?
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/gop-social-security-medicare-freedom
"The intense conservative ire for Obamacare may seem like an anomaly in American history. But it's eerily reminiscent of two other large -- and now widely popular -- expansions of the safety net: Social Security and Medicare.
The two programs are now a staple of American political culture. But a backward glance at the political environment during their inception reveals equally fierce, ugly antipathy from conservatives -- including screaming warnings that they'd be ruinous to freedom."
"The intense conservative ire for Obamacare may seem like an anomaly in American history. But it's eerily reminiscent of two other large -- and now widely popular -- expansions of the safety net: Social Security and Medicare.
The two programs are now a staple of American political culture. But a backward glance at the political environment during their inception reveals equally fierce, ugly antipathy from conservatives -- including screaming warnings that they'd be ruinous to freedom."
GOP Senator Reads Entire Koch WSJ Op-Ed
GOP Senator Reads Entire Koch WSJ Op-Ed
"Eric Dolan over at Raw Story noted via Searchlight that Koch Industries are the #1 sponsor of Senator Jerry Moran. Imagine that."
"Eric Dolan over at Raw Story noted via Searchlight that Koch Industries are the #1 sponsor of Senator Jerry Moran. Imagine that."
Solar, Hydrogen, And Aluminum: A Guide To The Latest In Advanced Vehicle Technology
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/05/3422885/cars-of-the-future-solar-hydrogen-aluminum/
"Here is a look at some of the highlights of what’s coming next in the world of efficient vehicles"
"Here is a look at some of the highlights of what’s coming next in the world of efficient vehicles"
Today’s New and ‘Improved’ Tea Party Candidate Must Prove That He Is Worse Than Todd Akin
www.politicususa.com/2014/04/04/meet-glenn-grothman-improved-tea-party-candidate.html
"Well, he doesn’t like weekends for workers because it gets in the way of “voluntarily” working seven days a week. You know, like the way all those workers at Walmart, Target and other freedom loving corporations, have the “freedom” to work on Thanksgiving or lose their job.
But the crown jewel of Grothman’s appeal to those freedom loving water carriers for the Koch brothers is his attitude toward women, who he refers to as “gals”. Doesn’t that just make your heart go pitter patter, ladies?
During a 2010 speech at a Tea Party rally, Grothman claimed “gals” get unfairly promoted ahead of men because we all know that in the long run women just want to stay home and have their husbands be the primary breadwinner. Grothman also claimed there’s a “war” on white men."
"Well, he doesn’t like weekends for workers because it gets in the way of “voluntarily” working seven days a week. You know, like the way all those workers at Walmart, Target and other freedom loving corporations, have the “freedom” to work on Thanksgiving or lose their job.
But the crown jewel of Grothman’s appeal to those freedom loving water carriers for the Koch brothers is his attitude toward women, who he refers to as “gals”. Doesn’t that just make your heart go pitter patter, ladies?
During a 2010 speech at a Tea Party rally, Grothman claimed “gals” get unfairly promoted ahead of men because we all know that in the long run women just want to stay home and have their husbands be the primary breadwinner. Grothman also claimed there’s a “war” on white men."
Mississippi's Sex Education In Schools: Teaching Teen Girls They Become Dirty Peppermint Patties
Mississippi's Sex Education In Schools: Teaching Teen Girls They Become Dirty Peppermint Patties
"Mississippi must be still living in the Age of the Inquisition since they think teaching sex education means telling teenage girls they will become dirty, filthy, stinking, used up, unclean pieces of candy if they have sex."
"Mississippi must be still living in the Age of the Inquisition since they think teaching sex education means telling teenage girls they will become dirty, filthy, stinking, used up, unclean pieces of candy if they have sex."
Boehner Happily Applauds Supreme Court Decision, Calls Unlimited Campaign Donations ‘Freedom’
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/05/boehner-happily-applauds-supreme-court-decision-calls-unlimited-campaign-donations-freedom/
"The Constitution and all its amendments are supposed to apply to everyone equally. What’s happened now, and what Boehner is cheering, is the idea that money equals speech. That makes the rich more equal than everyone else under the First Amendment, and they have freer speech than us little people now. Boehner just proved beyond doubt that he doesn’t care about anybody but the rich."
"The Constitution and all its amendments are supposed to apply to everyone equally. What’s happened now, and what Boehner is cheering, is the idea that money equals speech. That makes the rich more equal than everyone else under the First Amendment, and they have freer speech than us little people now. Boehner just proved beyond doubt that he doesn’t care about anybody but the rich."
This Is Ridiculous: Freedom Of Speech Has Nothing To Do With Money
www.forwardprogressives.com/ridiculous-freedom-speech-nothing-money/
"If money is speech that instantly means that speech is no longer free. It also means that “liberty” and “freedom” are now on the auction block for those who have the most money to buy it. Because that’s exactly what happens when you say that money equals speech. By doing that you’re giving those with the most money the loudest voices."
"If money is speech that instantly means that speech is no longer free. It also means that “liberty” and “freedom” are now on the auction block for those who have the most money to buy it. Because that’s exactly what happens when you say that money equals speech. By doing that you’re giving those with the most money the loudest voices."
Megyn Kelly and Dana Loesch dismiss gender pay gap as ‘myth’ and ‘meme’
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/05/megyn-kelly-and-dana-loesch-dismiss-gender-pay-gap-as-myth-and-meme/
"Conservatives have tried various misinformation tacks to pretend that the wage gap doesn’t exist, but analysis of the 2012 census plainly showed that women still make an average of 77 cents for every U.S. dollar earned by men."
"Conservatives have tried various misinformation tacks to pretend that the wage gap doesn’t exist, but analysis of the 2012 census plainly showed that women still make an average of 77 cents for every U.S. dollar earned by men."
Majority Report: Koch Brother Whines About The Oppressed Rich
Majority Report: Koch Brother Whines About The Oppressed Rich
"The Majority Report's Sam Seder gives his take on Charles Koch's Wall Street Journal op-ed, whining about how those evil "collectivists" are oppressing his freedom of speech."
"The Majority Report's Sam Seder gives his take on Charles Koch's Wall Street Journal op-ed, whining about how those evil "collectivists" are oppressing his freedom of speech."
Oklahoma Republican Rips Into His Own Party For Effort To Restrict Women’s Access To Contraception
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/05/ok-politician-against-war-on-women/
"Despite losing spectacularly in 2012, thanks in part to female voters, the GOP is still waging war on women. Republicans are on the attack in red states across the nation, including Oklahoma. But one Republican is slamming his own party in defense of women’s rights."
"Despite losing spectacularly in 2012, thanks in part to female voters, the GOP is still waging war on women. Republicans are on the attack in red states across the nation, including Oklahoma. But one Republican is slamming his own party in defense of women’s rights."
Paul Ryan Admits Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusions Would Come Back After GOP Repeals ACA
Paul Ryan Admits Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusions Would Come Back After GOP Repeals ACA
"And this is reason number umpty-zillion why it's imperative that we toss these jerks out of office forever. He really believes this, and saying it aloud should be political suicide. It should be as disastrous as saying he wants to cut Medicare. But those "shoulds" only become reality if people show up to vote."
"And this is reason number umpty-zillion why it's imperative that we toss these jerks out of office forever. He really believes this, and saying it aloud should be political suicide. It should be as disastrous as saying he wants to cut Medicare. But those "shoulds" only become reality if people show up to vote."
Bush crew’s deplorable return: How their reemergence sends a deadly message
Bush crew’s deplorable return: How their reemergence sends a deadly message
"Enough with puff pieces about painting, and platforms for their self-defense. It only damns us to repeat the past"
"Enough with puff pieces about painting, and platforms for their self-defense. It only damns us to repeat the past"
Rand Paul's Fox News Obamacare Rant: All False, All The Time
Rand Paul's Fox News Obamacare Rant: All False, All The Time
"This confirms everything we know about Senator Paul's TeaBircher ways: He truly does believe that poor people should die, because then there would be more for everyone else."
"This confirms everything we know about Senator Paul's TeaBircher ways: He truly does believe that poor people should die, because then there would be more for everyone else."
April 4, 2014
Rep. Steve King Warns Patriotic DREAMers: 'We Have A Bus For You To Tijuana'
Rep. Steve King Warns Patriotic DREAMers: 'We Have A Bus For You To Tijuana'
"Rep. Steve King's solution for children of illegal immigrants born outside of the US who want to volunteer for military service is horrifying, but expected."
"Rep. Steve King's solution for children of illegal immigrants born outside of the US who want to volunteer for military service is horrifying, but expected."
'Stand Up, Fight Back!': Newark Students Protest Charter Schools | Common Dreams
'Stand Up, Fight Back!': Newark Students Protest Charter Schools | Common Dreams
"Following moves by the state of New Jersey to defund public schools in exchange for a flood of privately run charter schools, hundreds of students in Newark walked out of classes in protest on Thursday."
"Following moves by the state of New Jersey to defund public schools in exchange for a flood of privately run charter schools, hundreds of students in Newark walked out of classes in protest on Thursday."
State-Sanctioned Homophobic Hate Comes To Mississippi: Signed Into Law By Governor
State-Sanctioned Homophobic Hate Comes To Mississippi: Signed Into Law By Governor
"Battling against discrimination has been ongoing for centuries, and just when we think we’re finally getting somewhere, a GOP’er has to go and rain on our parade. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill on Thursday that legalizes discrimination against gay people."
"Battling against discrimination has been ongoing for centuries, and just when we think we’re finally getting somewhere, a GOP’er has to go and rain on our parade. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill on Thursday that legalizes discrimination against gay people."
Christie’s bullying ways return: Protestors ejected for daring to question bridge flap
Christie’s bullying ways return: Protestors ejected for daring to question bridge flap
"Christie critics handing out flyers at town hall get screened by police and kicked out. This is accountability?"
"Christie critics handing out flyers at town hall get screened by police and kicked out. This is accountability?"
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