January 10, 2015
House Democrats swiftly kill a quiet Republican plot to protect Wall Street
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/08/house-democrats-swiftly-kill-a-quiet-republican-plot-to-protect-wall-street
"On Wednesday, congressional Republicans tried to pull a fast one.
Just hours after being sworn in for the 114th Congress, House Republicans introduced a bill with an Orwellian title – The Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act – complete with its own social media campaign under the (as it turns out, ironic) hashtag “#FreeMainSt”.
The legislation was a mélange of 11 bills – all meant to weaken regulation of banks and the financial industry – that were written in the last session of Congress and never went anywhere. The new Frankenbill of loose ends was wrapped into a neat package and presented to a new Congress without debate."
"On Wednesday, congressional Republicans tried to pull a fast one.
Just hours after being sworn in for the 114th Congress, House Republicans introduced a bill with an Orwellian title – The Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act – complete with its own social media campaign under the (as it turns out, ironic) hashtag “#FreeMainSt”.
The legislation was a mélange of 11 bills – all meant to weaken regulation of banks and the financial industry – that were written in the last session of Congress and never went anywhere. The new Frankenbill of loose ends was wrapped into a neat package and presented to a new Congress without debate."
Obama Ends 2014 By Not Killing Jobs As Unemployment Falls To 5.6%
Obama Ends 2014 By Not Killing Jobs As Unemployment Falls To 5.6%
"December marks 58 consecutive months of job growth, including 11 straight months in which 200,000 or more jobs were created, and that 5.6% unemployment rate is the lowest since June of 2008. Obamacare continued to not kill jobs in December, as 32,000 health care jobs were added, and for the year, the economy added 2,952,000 jobs."
"December marks 58 consecutive months of job growth, including 11 straight months in which 200,000 or more jobs were created, and that 5.6% unemployment rate is the lowest since June of 2008. Obamacare continued to not kill jobs in December, as 32,000 health care jobs were added, and for the year, the economy added 2,952,000 jobs."
January 9, 2015
The Right Tries (and Fails) To Justify Its Assault On Social Security
The Right Tries (and Fails) To Justify Its Assault On Social Security
"Republicans moved to cut Social Security disability benefits by blocking a routine reallocation of funds. That’s bad enough, but their end game is even worse: broad Social Security cuts and the privatization of the entire program.
That would be bad for most Americans, but great for the people who finance the Republican Party – and think tanks like Heritage. There would be less pressure to increase taxes on billionaires. Wall Street would have more money under its control. And the far right’s antigovernment ideology would have claimed another scalp."
"Republicans moved to cut Social Security disability benefits by blocking a routine reallocation of funds. That’s bad enough, but their end game is even worse: broad Social Security cuts and the privatization of the entire program.
That would be bad for most Americans, but great for the people who finance the Republican Party – and think tanks like Heritage. There would be less pressure to increase taxes on billionaires. Wall Street would have more money under its control. And the far right’s antigovernment ideology would have claimed another scalp."
Mitch McConnell and the GOP Trying to Take Credit for the Economic Recovery
Mitch McConnell and the GOP Trying to Take Credit for the Economic Recovery
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stated quite clearly at the outset of the administration that his primary goal wasn’t to pitch in on the economy, but instead to make Obama a one-term president.
But now that the economy has improved in spite of those efforts, guess who’s revising history and demanding credit?"
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stated quite clearly at the outset of the administration that his primary goal wasn’t to pitch in on the economy, but instead to make Obama a one-term president.
But now that the economy has improved in spite of those efforts, guess who’s revising history and demanding credit?"
President Obama Proposes Free Community College For Students Maintaining 2.5 GPA
President Obama Proposes Free Community College For Students Maintaining 2.5 GPA
"Under President Obama's new proposal, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor's degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce -- all at no cost to them."
"Under President Obama's new proposal, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor's degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce -- all at no cost to them."
Mitch McConnell Embarrassed After Fact-Checking Site Debunks His Economic Growth Lie
Mitch McConnell Embarrassed After Fact-Checking Site Debunks His Economic Growth Lie
"Seriously? After all of the fear-mongering, misinformation, lies, deceit and propaganda Republicans have dished out against the Obama administration, the president himself, the Affordable Care Act and practically anything even remotely related to him – these jackasses are really going to sit there and try to claim that they’re responsible for our economic growth? Wow. Just when you think Republicans can’t be anymore ridiculous, you really do just need to give them a little more time. Because they definitely can."
"Seriously? After all of the fear-mongering, misinformation, lies, deceit and propaganda Republicans have dished out against the Obama administration, the president himself, the Affordable Care Act and practically anything even remotely related to him – these jackasses are really going to sit there and try to claim that they’re responsible for our economic growth? Wow. Just when you think Republicans can’t be anymore ridiculous, you really do just need to give them a little more time. Because they definitely can."
January 8, 2015
Kansas Is Totally Screwed
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/sam-brownback-kansas-tax-cuts-failing
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom." (Reposted)
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom." (Reposted)
California revenue soars, even as tax-cutting states feel the pinch
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/08/1356177/-California-revenue-soars-even-as-tax-cutting-states-feel-the-pinch
"Remember how Republicans used to mock California as a failed state? Greece on the Pacific? Well, a few years ago, voters kicked Republicans out of power and changed the absurd supermajority budget requirements that had given minority conservatives veto power over state government. The result? With voter approval, the state raised taxes on the highest income earners to fund education. It started to reinvest in water and transportation infrastructure and rebuild the social safety net. It completed the implementation of a robust cap-and-trade program to restrict carbon emissions and fund sustainability projects. And the result? A rapidly growing economy and surging tax revenue.
The results are in: one way of governing works. The other doesn't."
"Remember how Republicans used to mock California as a failed state? Greece on the Pacific? Well, a few years ago, voters kicked Republicans out of power and changed the absurd supermajority budget requirements that had given minority conservatives veto power over state government. The result? With voter approval, the state raised taxes on the highest income earners to fund education. It started to reinvest in water and transportation infrastructure and rebuild the social safety net. It completed the implementation of a robust cap-and-trade program to restrict carbon emissions and fund sustainability projects. And the result? A rapidly growing economy and surging tax revenue.
The results are in: one way of governing works. The other doesn't."
Senator Credits Day-Old Republican Congress With Last Year’s Economic Growth
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/01/07/3609140/mcconnell-gdp-republicans/
"There have been positive signs in the economy lately. The most recent GDP report showed 5 percent growth in the third quarter of last year and 4.6 percent growth in the second. That 5 percent growth rate was the fastest the economy had experienced since 2003. But it measured growth in July, August, and September, before the midterm elections in November that flipped the Senate to Republican control.
Meanwhile, GDP was boosted by something that may not be high on McConnell’s list of economic stimulus ideas: increased government spending. Federal spending rose 9.9 percent in the third quarter, one of the primary contributions to the increase in economic growth."
"There have been positive signs in the economy lately. The most recent GDP report showed 5 percent growth in the third quarter of last year and 4.6 percent growth in the second. That 5 percent growth rate was the fastest the economy had experienced since 2003. But it measured growth in July, August, and September, before the midterm elections in November that flipped the Senate to Republican control.
Meanwhile, GDP was boosted by something that may not be high on McConnell’s list of economic stimulus ideas: increased government spending. Federal spending rose 9.9 percent in the third quarter, one of the primary contributions to the increase in economic growth."
DNC’s Official Response To GOP Trying To Take Credit For Economy: ‘Hahahahahahahahahahaha’
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/07/dncs-official-response-to-gop-trying-to-take-credit-for-economy-hahahahahahahahahahaha/
"For six years Republicans have been doom-and-gloom about the American economy under Obama. Abstaining from making any efforts to help, they instead took potshots at Obama’s performance and criticized the White House for killing jobs with liberal policies — and then the economy got a whole lot better and their talking points were blown out of the water.
Now, a parade of Republicans are trying to hijack the narrative and take credit for the strengthening economy even though they have zero legitimate reasons to do so. We already reported on Michele Bachmann’s hilarious attempt to claim she was responsible for pushing gas prices down to $2 a gallon, even posing next to a gas station sign with a “V” for victory."
"For six years Republicans have been doom-and-gloom about the American economy under Obama. Abstaining from making any efforts to help, they instead took potshots at Obama’s performance and criticized the White House for killing jobs with liberal policies — and then the economy got a whole lot better and their talking points were blown out of the water.
Now, a parade of Republicans are trying to hijack the narrative and take credit for the strengthening economy even though they have zero legitimate reasons to do so. We already reported on Michele Bachmann’s hilarious attempt to claim she was responsible for pushing gas prices down to $2 a gallon, even posing next to a gas station sign with a “V” for victory."
Obama’s #MadeInAmerica Speech Proves The Recovery And Beyond (TWEETS, GRAPHS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/07/obamas-madeinamerica-speech-proves-the-recovery-and-beyond-tweets-graphs/
"Naysayers have tried and tried again to get people to believe that the nation hasn’t comeback from the brink of another depression to a full-fledged recovery, but it has… it really, truly has. Can things get better? Of course, things can always get better, but let’s not look past what’s already happened, and let’s most definitely no go backwards with fiscal policy that dragged us to near collapse in the first place.
Everyone, in all legitimacy, should be saying, #ThanksObama."
"Naysayers have tried and tried again to get people to believe that the nation hasn’t comeback from the brink of another depression to a full-fledged recovery, but it has… it really, truly has. Can things get better? Of course, things can always get better, but let’s not look past what’s already happened, and let’s most definitely no go backwards with fiscal policy that dragged us to near collapse in the first place.
Everyone, in all legitimacy, should be saying, #ThanksObama."
Mitch McConnell Tries To Take Credit For The 11 Million Jobs That President Obama Created
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/07/mitch-mcconnell-credit-11-million-jobs-president-obama-created.html
"Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) tried to rewrite his history of obstruction and failure by taking credit for the economic growth that has occurred under President Obama."
"Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) tried to rewrite his history of obstruction and failure by taking credit for the economic growth that has occurred under President Obama."
Republican Congress Launches With Back-Door Attack On Social Security Benefits
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/01/07/3608887/social-security-disability-reallocation/
"Republicans are starting the new Congress by attacking Social Security funding through a subtle, obscure policy measure buried in the gigantic bill that establishes parliamentary rules for the new session."
"Republicans are starting the new Congress by attacking Social Security funding through a subtle, obscure policy measure buried in the gigantic bill that establishes parliamentary rules for the new session."
GOP’s new attack on Social Security: Yet another result of government for the 1 percent
GOP’s new attack on Social Security: Yet another result of government for the 1 percent
"So if you’re scratching your head over why Republicans are so eager to attack a program as beloved by voters as Social Security, don’t. Just keep in mind that so long as American politics is dominated by the hyper-wealthy, the hopes and fears of regular voters only matter until the final ballot is cast."
"So if you’re scratching your head over why Republicans are so eager to attack a program as beloved by voters as Social Security, don’t. Just keep in mind that so long as American politics is dominated by the hyper-wealthy, the hopes and fears of regular voters only matter until the final ballot is cast."
Corrupt John Boehner Conspires With Foreigners Against America’s Best Interests
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/07/corrupt-john-boehner-conspires-foreigners-americas-interests.html
"House Speaker John A. Boehner is a corrupt and unethical pathological liar and now he has a cabal of foreigners doing his and the Koch brothers bidding to the detriment of Americans health, the nation’s largest aquifer, private landowners, farmers and trucking industry, and the world’s climate. It is long past time to hold Boehner accountable for his preponderance of unethical behavior. He has already been referred to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for his KeystoneXL lies about jobs to manipulate tar sand stock prices, and MoveOn started a (still active) petition demanding the corrupt Republican resign and face House Ethics Committee charges. There is nothing anyone can do to the lying Canadians, although their recent campaign on behalf of the Kochs and John A. Boehner certainly are despicable."
"House Speaker John A. Boehner is a corrupt and unethical pathological liar and now he has a cabal of foreigners doing his and the Koch brothers bidding to the detriment of Americans health, the nation’s largest aquifer, private landowners, farmers and trucking industry, and the world’s climate. It is long past time to hold Boehner accountable for his preponderance of unethical behavior. He has already been referred to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for his KeystoneXL lies about jobs to manipulate tar sand stock prices, and MoveOn started a (still active) petition demanding the corrupt Republican resign and face House Ethics Committee charges. There is nothing anyone can do to the lying Canadians, although their recent campaign on behalf of the Kochs and John A. Boehner certainly are despicable."
Sen. Portman Lies About Keystone Economic Benefits On America's Newsroom
Sen. Portman Lies About Keystone Economic Benefits On America's Newsroom
"Martha MacCallum interviewed the one of the GOP's less-goofy Senators, Ohio's Rob Portman, who spewed the filthy, vile lies of his oil'igarch corporate masters. When you have a new class of crazy Senators like Joni Ernst and Ben Sasse, who are joining the Ted Cruz Dominionist caucus, Fox News, sometimes likes to balance out the crazy with a more mainstream Republican. Yet somehow, Portman touts the same lies about the oil industry as the far-right-crazy caucus.
The KXL Pipeline will not create 40,000 jobs and the end result is far more disastrous than these selfish, greedy bastards let on. Mercifully, this nightmare will likely be vetoed by President Obama and Portman is naturally displeased. His Koch overlords have commanded their bought and paid for Senators to fight as hard as they can to help them destroy the earth."
"Martha MacCallum interviewed the one of the GOP's less-goofy Senators, Ohio's Rob Portman, who spewed the filthy, vile lies of his oil'igarch corporate masters. When you have a new class of crazy Senators like Joni Ernst and Ben Sasse, who are joining the Ted Cruz Dominionist caucus, Fox News, sometimes likes to balance out the crazy with a more mainstream Republican. Yet somehow, Portman touts the same lies about the oil industry as the far-right-crazy caucus.
The KXL Pipeline will not create 40,000 jobs and the end result is far more disastrous than these selfish, greedy bastards let on. Mercifully, this nightmare will likely be vetoed by President Obama and Portman is naturally displeased. His Koch overlords have commanded their bought and paid for Senators to fight as hard as they can to help them destroy the earth."
Republicans On Defense Over Defunding Homeland Security After Paris Terrorist Attack
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/07/awkward-moment-republicans-defund-homeland-security-obama.html
"Just hours after Republicans filed their first action to defund parts of homeland security in order to stop President Obama’s executive action on immigration reform, a terrorist attack in Paris has them running away from themselves again."
"Just hours after Republicans filed their first action to defund parts of homeland security in order to stop President Obama’s executive action on immigration reform, a terrorist attack in Paris has them running away from themselves again."
The Right-Wing Terror Plot You Didn't Hear About This Week | Alternet
The Right-Wing Terror Plot You Didn't Hear About This Week | Alternet
"In other words, the men plotted to launch large-scale explosive attacks against local government and police that, if successfully carried out, would have been the largest terror attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11.
Only two news outlets, the Rome News-Tribune and Northwest Georgia News, have reported the charges."
"In other words, the men plotted to launch large-scale explosive attacks against local government and police that, if successfully carried out, would have been the largest terror attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11.
Only two news outlets, the Rome News-Tribune and Northwest Georgia News, have reported the charges."
Republicans Begin New Congress By Standing With Racist Sympathizer Steve Scalise
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/06/republicans-protect-scalise-neo-nazi-gathering-worry-trouble-fund-raising.html
"Being a white supremacist neo-Nazi sympathizer makes it hard to raise money, and this is where the Republican Party draws the line in the values sand."
"Being a white supremacist neo-Nazi sympathizer makes it hard to raise money, and this is where the Republican Party draws the line in the values sand."
Rush Limbaugh Says Fans Are Tired Of Him Being Called A Racist
Rush Limbaugh Says Fans Are Tired Of Him Being Called A Racist
"There's almost nothing that drives conservatives crazy like being called out for their racism and Rush is no different. Unfortunately for him, he has a long and lengthy record of racism that he proudly trumpets on his show almost daily and usually at the expense of the underprivileged.
If Rush wants people and the media to stop calling him a racist, he should stop being one. It's really that simple."
"There's almost nothing that drives conservatives crazy like being called out for their racism and Rush is no different. Unfortunately for him, he has a long and lengthy record of racism that he proudly trumpets on his show almost daily and usually at the expense of the underprivileged.
If Rush wants people and the media to stop calling him a racist, he should stop being one. It's really that simple."
Scalise must go, already: Seriously, why does he still have a GOP leadership job?
Scalise must go, already: Seriously, why does he still have a GOP leadership job?
"Last summer, RNC chair Reince Priebus told the National Committee of Black Journalists he had a dream.
“If we work like dogs day in, day out — instead of getting 6% of black votes across the country … we can do a lot better,” Priebus told the group. “That’s our goal.”
It turns out he actually used that odd term – “work like dogs” – more than once in pitching his plan to expand black support for the GOP. “If we work like dogs…instead of 5% in the black community, can we get to 9 percent?” he asked NBC’s Chuck Todd. On the whole issue of the GOP’s demographic problems – with young, Latino, Black, gay and single women voters — Priebus pledged last year: “We’ll work like dogs to try to figure it out.”
Ironically, Republican leaders worked like dogs over the holiday season, but not to win black support. Instead they’re trying to hold on to a leadership role for Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, after it came out that he addressed former KKK grand wizard David Duke’s European-American Unity and Rights Organization (EURO), a white nationalist organization"
"Last summer, RNC chair Reince Priebus told the National Committee of Black Journalists he had a dream.
“If we work like dogs day in, day out — instead of getting 6% of black votes across the country … we can do a lot better,” Priebus told the group. “That’s our goal.”
It turns out he actually used that odd term – “work like dogs” – more than once in pitching his plan to expand black support for the GOP. “If we work like dogs…instead of 5% in the black community, can we get to 9 percent?” he asked NBC’s Chuck Todd. On the whole issue of the GOP’s demographic problems – with young, Latino, Black, gay and single women voters — Priebus pledged last year: “We’ll work like dogs to try to figure it out.”
Ironically, Republican leaders worked like dogs over the holiday season, but not to win black support. Instead they’re trying to hold on to a leadership role for Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, after it came out that he addressed former KKK grand wizard David Duke’s European-American Unity and Rights Organization (EURO), a white nationalist organization"
Religious Freedom = Discrimination
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/06/1355906/-Religious-Freedom-Discrimination
"Discrimination never goes down without a fight. Now social conservatives and Republican lawmakers are steeling to protect the right to discriminate under the guise of passing "religious liberty" or "religious freedom" bills and they're admitting it.
A whole new crop of these "religious liberty" bills (similar Arizona's fateful SB 1062) are on the horizon now with the pervasive GOP majorities in state legislature across the nation."
"Discrimination never goes down without a fight. Now social conservatives and Republican lawmakers are steeling to protect the right to discriminate under the guise of passing "religious liberty" or "religious freedom" bills and they're admitting it.
A whole new crop of these "religious liberty" bills (similar Arizona's fateful SB 1062) are on the horizon now with the pervasive GOP majorities in state legislature across the nation."
January 7, 2015
The right’s new war on truth: Math, reality, and the real reason Fox News economics can’t be trusted
The right’s new war on truth: Math, reality, and the real reason Fox News economics can’t be trusted
"So now that the GOP has got control of both houses of Congress, what can we expect in the way of economic thinking? Hear’s a hint: You know how they just love to say, “I’m not a scientist?” as a way to explain ignoring climate science? Well, they aren’t economists, either. And the consequences won’t just be seen in the form of ludicrous economic proposals—that would be too easy. Besides, they’ve already been doing that for years—decades, actually. Instead, they’re looking to use their ideological fairytale to skew all the official government calculations that Congress uses to guide its deliberations. So it’s not just the content of their economic proposals that are headed even more deeply into cloud cukooland, it’s the entire context in which Congress thinks about economics that’s about to exit, stage right, from reality-land."
"So now that the GOP has got control of both houses of Congress, what can we expect in the way of economic thinking? Hear’s a hint: You know how they just love to say, “I’m not a scientist?” as a way to explain ignoring climate science? Well, they aren’t economists, either. And the consequences won’t just be seen in the form of ludicrous economic proposals—that would be too easy. Besides, they’ve already been doing that for years—decades, actually. Instead, they’re looking to use their ideological fairytale to skew all the official government calculations that Congress uses to guide its deliberations. So it’s not just the content of their economic proposals that are headed even more deeply into cloud cukooland, it’s the entire context in which Congress thinks about economics that’s about to exit, stage right, from reality-land."
'Hostage-Takers': Republicans Go After Social Security on Very First Day
'Hostage-Takers': Republicans Go After Social Security on Very First Day
"Advocacy groups like AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare expressed outrage."
"Advocacy groups like AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare expressed outrage."
Warren: Trickle-down 'cut the legs out from under America's middle class'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/07/1356123/-Warren-Trickle-down-cut-the-legs-out-from-under-America-s-middle-class
"This isn't an accident, and Warren pointed a finger at the economic theory and policies that have rigged the game against 90 percent of Americans:
Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists, but it never really made much sense. George Bush Sr. called it voodoo economics. He was right, and let’s call it out for what it is: Trickle-down was nothing more than the politics of helping the rich-and-powerful get richer and more powerful, and it cut the legs out from under America’s middle class"."
"This isn't an accident, and Warren pointed a finger at the economic theory and policies that have rigged the game against 90 percent of Americans:
Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists, but it never really made much sense. George Bush Sr. called it voodoo economics. He was right, and let’s call it out for what it is: Trickle-down was nothing more than the politics of helping the rich-and-powerful get richer and more powerful, and it cut the legs out from under America’s middle class"."
GOP Rule Change in Congress Signals New Dawn for 'Voodoo Economics'
GOP Rule Change in Congress Signals New Dawn for 'Voodoo Economics'
"They call it ‘dynamic scoring.’ In fact, it’s a gimmick to help justify more tax cuts for the wealthy and profitable corporations."
"They call it ‘dynamic scoring.’ In fact, it’s a gimmick to help justify more tax cuts for the wealthy and profitable corporations."
Elizabeth Warren: "America's Middle Class Is In Deep Trouble."
Elizabeth Warren: "America's Middle Class Is In Deep Trouble."
"The spirit of trickle-down politics is to blame, according to Warren. It's just "magical accounting scams that pretend to cut taxes and raise revenue." In the 1980s, President Reagan and his economic swami Arthur Laffer pushed the concept that slashing taxes on the rich will actually benefit the poor; the top 1 percent would have more money to spend and would end up revving the entire economy. "Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists," Warren said, "but it never really made much sense." This theory has generally been debunked by economists but is still loved by Republicans. The new House majority has already changed the way Congress does math in order to align with trickle-down theories, and Republican governors have tanked state budgets by lowering taxes on the rich—all while promising those tax cuts will help state economies.
Add in Wall Street deregulation, and you've built a powder keg to keep the middle class down. "Pretty much the whole Republican Party—and, if we're going to be honest, too many Democrats—talked about the evils of 'big government' and called for deregulation," Warren said. "It sounded good, but it was really about tying the hands of regulators and turning loose big banks and giant international corporations to do whatever they wanted to do"."
"The spirit of trickle-down politics is to blame, according to Warren. It's just "magical accounting scams that pretend to cut taxes and raise revenue." In the 1980s, President Reagan and his economic swami Arthur Laffer pushed the concept that slashing taxes on the rich will actually benefit the poor; the top 1 percent would have more money to spend and would end up revving the entire economy. "Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists," Warren said, "but it never really made much sense." This theory has generally been debunked by economists but is still loved by Republicans. The new House majority has already changed the way Congress does math in order to align with trickle-down theories, and Republican governors have tanked state budgets by lowering taxes on the rich—all while promising those tax cuts will help state economies.
Add in Wall Street deregulation, and you've built a powder keg to keep the middle class down. "Pretty much the whole Republican Party—and, if we're going to be honest, too many Democrats—talked about the evils of 'big government' and called for deregulation," Warren said. "It sounded good, but it was really about tying the hands of regulators and turning loose big banks and giant international corporations to do whatever they wanted to do"."
New GOP Congress Launches First Missile At Social Security
New GOP Congress Launches First Missile At Social Security
"Here we go, folks! First stop, gutting Social Security. You knew it was coming, and Republicans just set out the carving knives."
"Here we go, folks! First stop, gutting Social Security. You knew it was coming, and Republicans just set out the carving knives."
GOP's New House Rules Set Stage For Social Security Cuts | Alternet
GOP's New House Rules Set Stage For Social Security Cuts | Alternet
"Republican opponents of Social Security have not wasted even a single day in their plan to dismantle Social Security brick by brick. What should be a dry, mundane exercise -- the adoption of new rules by the newly convening House of Representatives -- has turned into a stealth attack on America's working families."
"Republican opponents of Social Security have not wasted even a single day in their plan to dismantle Social Security brick by brick. What should be a dry, mundane exercise -- the adoption of new rules by the newly convening House of Representatives -- has turned into a stealth attack on America's working families."
Republicans Work To Ensure Affordable Gas Prices Are Short-Lived
Republicans Work To Ensure Affordable Gas Prices Are Short-Lived
"Gas prices are at their lowest point since the Clinton administration, and Republicans are wasting no time thinking up new ways to increase the burden on consumers."
"Gas prices are at their lowest point since the Clinton administration, and Republicans are wasting no time thinking up new ways to increase the burden on consumers."
Kansas Is Totally Screwed
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/sam-brownback-kansas-tax-cuts-failing
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom."
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom."
Senator Bernie Sanders To Introduce Roads And Jobs Bill
Senator Bernie Sanders To Introduce Roads And Jobs Bill
"While Republicans have dragged their feet and stalled any attempts to do anything to help our economy over the last 6 years, they don’t have any excuses now that they control both the House and the Senate. The legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders will be putting before Congress would be a welcome stimulation to our economy for a couple of reasons, and here’s why.
First, it would tilt the job market back in favor of workers. As I said previously, employers aren’t willing to pay anything more than the absolute minimum they have to in order to retain employees. Wall Street is doing great, corporations are making big profits, but the promised “trickledown” has yet to happen. Corporations will only pay people more if they have to do so to keep workers from going elsewhere, and the possibility of hundreds of thousands of well-paying construction jobs would certainly create some competition and incentive for employers to raise wages. Second, these jobs wouldn’t be a short-term boost to the economy. Fixing over 100,000 bridges and hundreds of thousands of miles of roads isn’t something done in a short amount of time. The money paid to these workers won’t be sat on like corporations are doing with their profits either."
"While Republicans have dragged their feet and stalled any attempts to do anything to help our economy over the last 6 years, they don’t have any excuses now that they control both the House and the Senate. The legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders will be putting before Congress would be a welcome stimulation to our economy for a couple of reasons, and here’s why.
First, it would tilt the job market back in favor of workers. As I said previously, employers aren’t willing to pay anything more than the absolute minimum they have to in order to retain employees. Wall Street is doing great, corporations are making big profits, but the promised “trickledown” has yet to happen. Corporations will only pay people more if they have to do so to keep workers from going elsewhere, and the possibility of hundreds of thousands of well-paying construction jobs would certainly create some competition and incentive for employers to raise wages. Second, these jobs wouldn’t be a short-term boost to the economy. Fixing over 100,000 bridges and hundreds of thousands of miles of roads isn’t something done in a short amount of time. The money paid to these workers won’t be sat on like corporations are doing with their profits either."
Obama Just Made An Incredible Decision, And Bankers Really Aren’t Going To Like It
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/06/obama-just-made-an-incredible-decision-and-bankers-really-arent-going-to-like-it/
"President Obama has made a surprise selection to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board. Instead of picking a Wall Street favorite, he picked the former head of a community bank in Hawaii.
The President will nominate Allan R. Landon, the former chief executive of the Bank of Hawaii, to fill one of two vacancies on the seven-member board. It will then be up to the Senate to confirm his choice.
The decision is a major success for community bankers, who have for a long time been out-gunned by their colleagues in the more mercenary sections of the Banking sector. The likes of Goldman Sachs and friends often end up staffing the Fed and the Treasury, which inevitably pulls the focus of legislation towards their casino banking interests.
But in a determined campaign, the community banks argued that the central bank, which regulates banks, should have at least one community banker on its board. They succeeded."
"President Obama has made a surprise selection to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board. Instead of picking a Wall Street favorite, he picked the former head of a community bank in Hawaii.
The President will nominate Allan R. Landon, the former chief executive of the Bank of Hawaii, to fill one of two vacancies on the seven-member board. It will then be up to the Senate to confirm his choice.
The decision is a major success for community bankers, who have for a long time been out-gunned by their colleagues in the more mercenary sections of the Banking sector. The likes of Goldman Sachs and friends often end up staffing the Fed and the Treasury, which inevitably pulls the focus of legislation towards their casino banking interests.
But in a determined campaign, the community banks argued that the central bank, which regulates banks, should have at least one community banker on its board. They succeeded."
10 Things Republicans Should Stop Doing In 2015
10 Things Republicans Should Stop Doing In 2015
"10) Present another Paul Ryan budget
Sure, it’s an annual tradition. But the running gag that is the Paul Ryan budget has gotten really stale at this point. We get it, Republicans. You want to slash taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You want to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the equally effective Shake-It-Off-Care, while boosting defense spending so the U.S. can finally muster a challenge to Al Qaeda’s nonexistent air force and navy. Every year it’s virtually the same budget, with its outrageous projections for employment and reality in general. If this is the “path to prosperity,” I can only hope a few of the bridges are out along the way."
"10) Present another Paul Ryan budget
Sure, it’s an annual tradition. But the running gag that is the Paul Ryan budget has gotten really stale at this point. We get it, Republicans. You want to slash taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You want to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the equally effective Shake-It-Off-Care, while boosting defense spending so the U.S. can finally muster a challenge to Al Qaeda’s nonexistent air force and navy. Every year it’s virtually the same budget, with its outrageous projections for employment and reality in general. If this is the “path to prosperity,” I can only hope a few of the bridges are out along the way."
PERRspectives: State and Local Governments Finally End Years of Anti-Stimulus
PERRspectives: State and Local Governments Finally End Years of Anti-Stimulus
"As 2015 opens, the American economy seems poised for robust economic expansion. Strong GDP growth and job creation, falling first-time jobless claims, surging stocks and (finally) rising wages show the Obama recovery from the Bush recession which began in late 2007 is starting to hit on all cylinders.
And to be sure, it is the Obama recovery. After all, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the overwhelming consensus of economists agree, it was the $800 billion stimulus program along with action by the Fed that fueled the economic rebound which prevented "Great Depression 2.0." But America's bounce-back could have bigger and happened much faster but for the draconian austerity programs embraced by state and local governments. Their steep spending cuts and painful lay-offs constituted an "anti-stimulus" that has significantly slowed America's recovery since 2008."
"As 2015 opens, the American economy seems poised for robust economic expansion. Strong GDP growth and job creation, falling first-time jobless claims, surging stocks and (finally) rising wages show the Obama recovery from the Bush recession which began in late 2007 is starting to hit on all cylinders.
And to be sure, it is the Obama recovery. After all, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the overwhelming consensus of economists agree, it was the $800 billion stimulus program along with action by the Fed that fueled the economic rebound which prevented "Great Depression 2.0." But America's bounce-back could have bigger and happened much faster but for the draconian austerity programs embraced by state and local governments. Their steep spending cuts and painful lay-offs constituted an "anti-stimulus" that has significantly slowed America's recovery since 2008."
Robert Reich: Republican economics is “magical-mystery math”
Robert Reich: Republican economics is “magical-mystery math”
"According to reports, one of the first acts of the Republican congress will be to fire Doug Elmendorf, current director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, because he won’t use “dynamic scoring” for his economic projections.
Dynamic scoring is the magical-mystery math Republicans have been pushing since they came up with supply-side “trickle-down” economics."
"According to reports, one of the first acts of the Republican congress will be to fire Doug Elmendorf, current director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, because he won’t use “dynamic scoring” for his economic projections.
Dynamic scoring is the magical-mystery math Republicans have been pushing since they came up with supply-side “trickle-down” economics."
Karl Rove Runs Interference For Chris Christie Amid NFL Playoff Scandal
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/06/karl-rove-runs-interference-for-chris-christie/202029
"Chris Christie reportedly helped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones obtain a $875 million contract with the Port Authority before Jones flew Christie to an NFL playoff game. On Tuesday, Karl Rove tried his best to distract from the scandal."
"Chris Christie reportedly helped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones obtain a $875 million contract with the Port Authority before Jones flew Christie to an NFL playoff game. On Tuesday, Karl Rove tried his best to distract from the scandal."
What The Media Should Know About Net Neutrality
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/01/06/what-the-media-should-know-about-net-neutrality/202026
"net neutrality has broad bipartisan support, promotes competition, and has been the guiding principle behind Internet innovation since its inception."
"net neutrality has broad bipartisan support, promotes competition, and has been the guiding principle behind Internet innovation since its inception."
Fox News host: Requiring CEOs to disclose pay is like “trying to slut-shame companies”
Fox News host: Requiring CEOs to disclose pay is like “trying to slut-shame companies”
"The hosts of "Outnumbered" mistake a proposed rule for publicly traded companies for policing women's choices"
"The hosts of "Outnumbered" mistake a proposed rule for publicly traded companies for policing women's choices"
How Corporations Are Cheating Millions of School Children Out of Billions in Education Funds | Alternet
How Corporations Are Cheating Millions of School Children Out of Billions in Education Funds | Alternet
"Most of the attention to corporate tax avoidance is directed at the nonpayment of federal taxes. But state taxes, which to a much greater extent fund K-12 education, are avoided at a stunning rate by America's biggest companies. As a result, public school funding continues to be cut, and the worsening performance of neglected schools adds fuel to the reckless demands for privatization."
"Most of the attention to corporate tax avoidance is directed at the nonpayment of federal taxes. But state taxes, which to a much greater extent fund K-12 education, are avoided at a stunning rate by America's biggest companies. As a result, public school funding continues to be cut, and the worsening performance of neglected schools adds fuel to the reckless demands for privatization."
The right’s “niceness” trick: How Huckabee, McConnell & GOP hide their radicalism
The right’s “niceness” trick: How Huckabee, McConnell & GOP hide their radicalism
"GOP leader and likely future presidential candidates hope voters — and the media — will mistake style for substance"
"GOP leader and likely future presidential candidates hope voters — and the media — will mistake style for substance"
The Republicans Didn't Really Win the Senate
http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/28375-the-republicans-didn-t-really-win-the-senate
"They've been saying for years now that voters were angry about President Obama and his policies, and the fact that Republicans will now control the Senate and the House is about as good a sign as you can get that the US public wanted a change.
At least what Republicans want you to think.
The good people over at FairVote crunched some numbers and it turns out that the GOP's takeover of Congress isn't as much of a victory as the media says it was - far from it, actually.
If you take the states out of the equation and just look at the nationwide totals, Democratic Senators actually got more votes than Republican Senators, and it's not even close.
According to FairVote, the 44 Democratic Senators and their two independent allies received 67.8 million votes over the course of the 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections. The 54 Republican Senators, on the other hand, received only 47.1 million votes during that same time period. That's a difference of more than 20 million votes!
If you think this is insane that the party that got the fewest votes - by more than 20 million - now controls the Senate, well, then, you're right. As it's put together right now, the Senate is incredibly anti-(small "d") democratic."
"They've been saying for years now that voters were angry about President Obama and his policies, and the fact that Republicans will now control the Senate and the House is about as good a sign as you can get that the US public wanted a change.
At least what Republicans want you to think.
The good people over at FairVote crunched some numbers and it turns out that the GOP's takeover of Congress isn't as much of a victory as the media says it was - far from it, actually.
If you take the states out of the equation and just look at the nationwide totals, Democratic Senators actually got more votes than Republican Senators, and it's not even close.
According to FairVote, the 44 Democratic Senators and their two independent allies received 67.8 million votes over the course of the 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections. The 54 Republican Senators, on the other hand, received only 47.1 million votes during that same time period. That's a difference of more than 20 million votes!
If you think this is insane that the party that got the fewest votes - by more than 20 million - now controls the Senate, well, then, you're right. As it's put together right now, the Senate is incredibly anti-(small "d") democratic."
Americans Saved $14 on Gas this Year; Wall Street Cries to ‘Stop the Bleeding!’
http://aattp.org/americans-saved-14-on-gas-this-year-wall-street-cries-to-stop-the-bleeding/
"To hear some of the folks on Wall Street tell it, especially those in the energy industry, the recent plummet in the price of oil is the most horrifying thing to happen since the Great Depression. Which, let’s face it, wasn’t all that depressing for some people. Energy czars and oil states use phrase like “stop the bleeding,” “hemorrhage” and “panic.” But, as we’ve seen time and time again (and somehow have yet to actually learn), the interests of the American people have kind of an inverse relationship with the vices of Big Energy and Wall Street. When we bleed, they profit; and finally, it seems, vice has become versa."
"To hear some of the folks on Wall Street tell it, especially those in the energy industry, the recent plummet in the price of oil is the most horrifying thing to happen since the Great Depression. Which, let’s face it, wasn’t all that depressing for some people. Energy czars and oil states use phrase like “stop the bleeding,” “hemorrhage” and “panic.” But, as we’ve seen time and time again (and somehow have yet to actually learn), the interests of the American people have kind of an inverse relationship with the vices of Big Energy and Wall Street. When we bleed, they profit; and finally, it seems, vice has become versa."
America’s most ambitious infrastructure project of the century: Why today’s high-speed rail launch is miraculous
America’s most ambitious infrastructure project of the century: Why today’s high-speed rail launch is miraculous
"The most important kickoff in America today will not happen in Washington, where the 114th Congress begins its work. No, a far more consequential beginning takes place on the other side of the country, in modest Fresno, California, at an invitation-only ceremony on the corner of Tulare and G Streets. There, officials will break ground on America’s biggest and most ambitious infrastructure project of the century, a high-speed rail line linking San Francisco and Los Angeles that, when completed, will run at speeds of 220 miles an hour and move people between those metropolises in around two and a half hours, half the time it takes by car."
"The most important kickoff in America today will not happen in Washington, where the 114th Congress begins its work. No, a far more consequential beginning takes place on the other side of the country, in modest Fresno, California, at an invitation-only ceremony on the corner of Tulare and G Streets. There, officials will break ground on America’s biggest and most ambitious infrastructure project of the century, a high-speed rail line linking San Francisco and Los Angeles that, when completed, will run at speeds of 220 miles an hour and move people between those metropolises in around two and a half hours, half the time it takes by car."
2014 Was The Hottest Year On Record Globally By Far
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/01/05/3607735/2014-hottest-year-by-far/
"What makes setting the record for hottest year in 2014 doubly impressive is that it occurred despite the fact we’re still waiting for the start of El Niño. But this is what happens when a species keeps spewing record amounts of heat-trapping carbon pollution into the air, driving CO2 to levels in the air not seen for millions of years, when the planet was far hotter and sea levels tens of feet higher."
"What makes setting the record for hottest year in 2014 doubly impressive is that it occurred despite the fact we’re still waiting for the start of El Niño. But this is what happens when a species keeps spewing record amounts of heat-trapping carbon pollution into the air, driving CO2 to levels in the air not seen for millions of years, when the planet was far hotter and sea levels tens of feet higher."
For The First Time, Scientists Prove Fracking Caused An Earthquake Strong Enough To Be Felt By Humans
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/01/06/3608591/77-earthquakes-linked-to-fracking/
"The scientists, from the University of Miami, identified 77 earthquakes of varying size in the Poland Township of Ohio, all occurring between March 4 and March 12 and all located near a group of oil and gas wells. The quakes ranged between magnitudes of 1.0 and 3.0, but the local community reportedly only felt one, a magnitude 3.0 on March 10."
"The scientists, from the University of Miami, identified 77 earthquakes of varying size in the Poland Township of Ohio, all occurring between March 4 and March 12 and all located near a group of oil and gas wells. The quakes ranged between magnitudes of 1.0 and 3.0, but the local community reportedly only felt one, a magnitude 3.0 on March 10."
Climate Deniers Employ Predatory Tactics in Fight Against Facts: Scientist
Climate Deniers Employ Predatory Tactics in Fight Against Facts: Scientist
"a concerted effort on the part of fossil fuel interests who find themselves facing overwhelming scientific consensus about the threat of human-caused climate change—and, by implication, the necessity to reduce global carbon emissions."
"a concerted effort on the part of fossil fuel interests who find themselves facing overwhelming scientific consensus about the threat of human-caused climate change—and, by implication, the necessity to reduce global carbon emissions."
January 6, 2015
Dominionist 'Passion' Cult Seeks More Publicity On Fox News
Dominionist 'Passion' Cult Seeks More Publicity On Fox News
"When you unite an intimidation-based religious cult with a 'conservative' political agenda, you indoctrinate a whole new generation of misinformed Republican voters."
"When you unite an intimidation-based religious cult with a 'conservative' political agenda, you indoctrinate a whole new generation of misinformed Republican voters."
Michele Bachmann’s 6 most insane moments
Michele Bachmann’s 6 most insane moments
"over the course of her eight years in the House, Bachmann established herself as one of the most incendiary and demagogic Republicans on the national stage."
"over the course of her eight years in the House, Bachmann established herself as one of the most incendiary and demagogic Republicans on the national stage."
5 Demented Right-Wing Moments This Week: Michele Bachmann's Hilarious Delusion | Alternet
5 Demented Right-Wing Moments This Week: Michele Bachmann's Hilarious Delusion | Alternet
"Drivers enjoying the cheapest gasoline in years may not know this, but they have retired Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to thank for the low prices at the pump. During her awe-inspiring run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, Bachmann promised voters that if elected, she would bring them $2-a-gallon gasoline, and dang if she did not deliver on that campaign pledge this week.
The, how shall we say, not entirely reality-based, Bible-thumping former presidential candidate touted her accomplishment on Twitter this week, just to remind everyone.
You might wonder, did the fact that this miracle occurred under Democratic President Barack Obama cause any cognitive dissonance for Bachmann? No, it did not. Because for that, you would have to have cognition to begin with."
"Drivers enjoying the cheapest gasoline in years may not know this, but they have retired Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to thank for the low prices at the pump. During her awe-inspiring run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, Bachmann promised voters that if elected, she would bring them $2-a-gallon gasoline, and dang if she did not deliver on that campaign pledge this week.
The, how shall we say, not entirely reality-based, Bible-thumping former presidential candidate touted her accomplishment on Twitter this week, just to remind everyone.
You might wonder, did the fact that this miracle occurred under Democratic President Barack Obama cause any cognitive dissonance for Bachmann? No, it did not. Because for that, you would have to have cognition to begin with."
Koch-Funded News Outlet Defends Dark-Money Organizations
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/02/koch-funded-news-outlet-defends-dark-money-orga/201996
"Watchdog.org, is funded largely in part by one of the biggest conservative dark money spenders, Donors Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that pools large donations for support of conservative causes while protecting the identity of the donors."
"Watchdog.org, is funded largely in part by one of the biggest conservative dark money spenders, Donors Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that pools large donations for support of conservative causes while protecting the identity of the donors."
10 Things Republicans Should Stop Doing In 2015
10 Things Republicans Should Stop Doing In 2015
"10) Present another Paul Ryan budget
Sure, it’s an annual tradition. But the running gag that is the Paul Ryan budget has gotten really stale at this point. We get it, Republicans. You want to slash taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You want to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the equally effective Shake-It-Off-Care, while boosting defense spending so the U.S. can finally muster a challenge to Al Qaeda’s nonexistent air force and navy. Every year it’s virtually the same budget, with its outrageous projections for employment and reality in general. If this is the “path to prosperity,” I can only hope a few of the bridges are out along the way."
"10) Present another Paul Ryan budget
Sure, it’s an annual tradition. But the running gag that is the Paul Ryan budget has gotten really stale at this point. We get it, Republicans. You want to slash taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You want to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the equally effective Shake-It-Off-Care, while boosting defense spending so the U.S. can finally muster a challenge to Al Qaeda’s nonexistent air force and navy. Every year it’s virtually the same budget, with its outrageous projections for employment and reality in general. If this is the “path to prosperity,” I can only hope a few of the bridges are out along the way."
Speaker John Boehner Confirms Republicans Will Target Obamacare Once Again
Speaker John Boehner Confirms Republicans Will Target Obamacare Once Again
"You’d think that after more than 50 times trying to repeal or defund the Affordable Care Act, perhaps Republicans would focus on doing something else. You know, maybe something like coming up with their own version of the road and jobs bill that Sen. Bernie Sanders intends to introduce in the new session of Congress – but no, it looks like we are going to see more fruitless attempts to take down Obamacare in any way possible."
"You’d think that after more than 50 times trying to repeal or defund the Affordable Care Act, perhaps Republicans would focus on doing something else. You know, maybe something like coming up with their own version of the road and jobs bill that Sen. Bernie Sanders intends to introduce in the new session of Congress – but no, it looks like we are going to see more fruitless attempts to take down Obamacare in any way possible."
Kochs and Walmart Clan Wage Dirty War to Stop You From Putting Solar Panels on Your Home | Alternet
Kochs and Walmart Clan Wage Dirty War to Stop You From Putting Solar Panels on Your Home | Alternet
"ALEC, which has long been an opponent of renewable energy and the Obama administration’s effort to reduce carbon emissions, is working with conservative activists and corporate interests to fight homeowners who are installing solar panels on their roofs."
"ALEC, which has long been an opponent of renewable energy and the Obama administration’s effort to reduce carbon emissions, is working with conservative activists and corporate interests to fight homeowners who are installing solar panels on their roofs."
The Finance Industry Is Gorging Itself on Your Future—The Trend Lines Will Blow You Away | Alternet
The Finance Industry Is Gorging Itself on Your Future—The Trend Lines Will Blow You Away | Alternet
"For nearly a half century between the New Deal and the 1970s, Wall Street was tightly controlled. Taxes on the wealthy were high, worker wages were rising, and debt levels on consumers, companies and government were low. After finance was deregulated (circa 1980) private and public debt exploded, wages stalled, taxes on the rich fell and inequality soared."
"For nearly a half century between the New Deal and the 1970s, Wall Street was tightly controlled. Taxes on the wealthy were high, worker wages were rising, and debt levels on consumers, companies and government were low. After finance was deregulated (circa 1980) private and public debt exploded, wages stalled, taxes on the rich fell and inequality soared."
January 4, 2015
Sam Brownback’s Destruction of the Kansas Budget
http://quietmike.org/2015/01/02/sam-brownbacks-destruction-kansas-budget/
"How trickle down economics and Republican tax cuts are ruining the State's economic future"
"How trickle down economics and Republican tax cuts are ruining the State's economic future"
Sam Brownback’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad 31 hours
http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/yael-t-abouhalkah/article5332056.html
"Gov. Sam Brownback promised Kansans that his deep income tax cuts favoring the wealthy would bring lots of great new things to the state.
Instead, Brownback — and residents — have been enduring a steady drumbeat of bad news after the cuts took effect.
This week, a 31-hour stretch brought three different body blows to Brownback’s administration.
At 9 a.m. Tuesday, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report showing how jobs had grown in metropolitan areas across America.
Unfortunately for Brownback, the report showed that the Missouri side of the state line had gained jobs at four times the rate of the Kansas side. And yes, that’s after including new employment in Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
So much for Brownback’s promise that jobs would be fleeing Missouri-side cities for Kansas after the tax cuts."
"Gov. Sam Brownback promised Kansans that his deep income tax cuts favoring the wealthy would bring lots of great new things to the state.
Instead, Brownback — and residents — have been enduring a steady drumbeat of bad news after the cuts took effect.
This week, a 31-hour stretch brought three different body blows to Brownback’s administration.
At 9 a.m. Tuesday, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report showing how jobs had grown in metropolitan areas across America.
Unfortunately for Brownback, the report showed that the Missouri side of the state line had gained jobs at four times the rate of the Kansas side. And yes, that’s after including new employment in Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
So much for Brownback’s promise that jobs would be fleeing Missouri-side cities for Kansas after the tax cuts."
2nd Court Slams Brownback For Underfunding Education To Expedite Kochs’ Tax Cuts
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/12/31/court-slams-brownback-underfunding-education-expedite-kochs-tax-cuts.html
"It is important to note that Republicans, including Brownback, held up Kansas and its unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy-elite and corporations as the idealized Republican economic plan for all America to follow. One Kansas Republican even admitted that one of the primary goals of the Koch-Brownback economic plan was cutting government down to size and they have been successful in slashing the state public education system to unconstitutional levels as well as cutting public retirement accounts to pay for the tax cuts.
Despite the abject failure in Kansas, incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Brownback “It’s exactly what we want to do in Washington,” and now that they control both chambers of Congress, it is certainly what they will attempt. The only thing standing between the entire nation, the federal government, and public education going the way of Kansas is President Obama’s veto pen. Because without him as a firewall, the entire nation will become the Koch brothers’ vision of America and will look exactly like Kansas."
"It is important to note that Republicans, including Brownback, held up Kansas and its unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy-elite and corporations as the idealized Republican economic plan for all America to follow. One Kansas Republican even admitted that one of the primary goals of the Koch-Brownback economic plan was cutting government down to size and they have been successful in slashing the state public education system to unconstitutional levels as well as cutting public retirement accounts to pay for the tax cuts.
Despite the abject failure in Kansas, incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Brownback “It’s exactly what we want to do in Washington,” and now that they control both chambers of Congress, it is certainly what they will attempt. The only thing standing between the entire nation, the federal government, and public education going the way of Kansas is President Obama’s veto pen. Because without him as a firewall, the entire nation will become the Koch brothers’ vision of America and will look exactly like Kansas."
Dish Network Exposes Fox News as Nothing More than a Conservative Entertainment Channel
Dish Network Exposes Fox News as Nothing More than a Conservative Entertainment Channel
"Yes, Dish Network replaced the supposedly “fair and balanced” Fox News with the channel founded by radical right-wing conspiracy pushing propagandist Glenn Beck. Now, why would they replace a supposed “news” network with a channel that’s nothing more than right-wing propaganda? That doesn’t make any sense. Unless, of course, they know that Fox News is nothing more than conservative entertainment and instead of replacing it with some kind of legitimate news channel, they chose to replace the network with a channel that panders to conservatives."
"Yes, Dish Network replaced the supposedly “fair and balanced” Fox News with the channel founded by radical right-wing conspiracy pushing propagandist Glenn Beck. Now, why would they replace a supposed “news” network with a channel that’s nothing more than right-wing propaganda? That doesn’t make any sense. Unless, of course, they know that Fox News is nothing more than conservative entertainment and instead of replacing it with some kind of legitimate news channel, they chose to replace the network with a channel that panders to conservatives."
Sen. Mitch McConnell's first goal: saving the super-rich from campaign finance restrictions
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/02/1350574/-Sen-Mitch-McConnell-s-first-goal-saving-the-super-rich-from-campaign-finance-restrictions#
"These were the things McConnell started making noise about first. Of all the issues currently facing America, of all the changes that the Republican Senate wants to make upon regaining control of the institution, carving out further exceptions to the rules that govern who can give money to Mitch McConnell was the most urgent thing on the stack."
"These were the things McConnell started making noise about first. Of all the issues currently facing America, of all the changes that the Republican Senate wants to make upon regaining control of the institution, carving out further exceptions to the rules that govern who can give money to Mitch McConnell was the most urgent thing on the stack."
Our scary new Congress: Meet 5 Tea Party extremists taking office this month
Our scary new Congress: Meet 5 Tea Party extremists taking office this month
"Come next week, a few of Congress’ most notorious Tea Partyers will no longer be in office. Rep. Paul Broun, a Georgia Republican who once declared evolution and the Big Bang Theory “lies straight from the pit of hell,” lost a U.S. Senate primary this year and won’t be returning to the House. Neither will Michele Bachmann, who needs no introduction.
But the departure of such inflammatory conservatives hardly means that the 114th Congress will be a more sober one. Indeed, the crop of Republicans taking power next month is even further to the right than the current House GOP conference. The newly Republican Senate, too, will feature more than its fair share of ultraconservative hard-liners."
"Come next week, a few of Congress’ most notorious Tea Partyers will no longer be in office. Rep. Paul Broun, a Georgia Republican who once declared evolution and the Big Bang Theory “lies straight from the pit of hell,” lost a U.S. Senate primary this year and won’t be returning to the House. Neither will Michele Bachmann, who needs no introduction.
But the departure of such inflammatory conservatives hardly means that the 114th Congress will be a more sober one. Indeed, the crop of Republicans taking power next month is even further to the right than the current House GOP conference. The newly Republican Senate, too, will feature more than its fair share of ultraconservative hard-liners."
Bad News For The GOP: Pope Francis Calls For Ending Modern Slavery And Exploitation Of Workers
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/02/bad-news-for-the-gop-pope-francis-calls-for-ending-modern-slavery-and-exploitation-of-workers/
"And just in case conservative folks in the GOP, on Fox News, and around the world choose to misunderstand Pope Francis’ message and apply a very narrow definition of the word “slavery,” His Holiness makes it abundantly clear that he objects to any exploitation of workers and our fellow human beings."
"And just in case conservative folks in the GOP, on Fox News, and around the world choose to misunderstand Pope Francis’ message and apply a very narrow definition of the word “slavery,” His Holiness makes it abundantly clear that he objects to any exploitation of workers and our fellow human beings."
The 11 Dumbest Things Conservative Media Said About Climate Change in 2014
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/12/30/the-11-dumbest-things-conservative-media-said-a/201964
"Yet despite the fact that more Americans than ever support action on climate change, conservative media went to ridiculous lengths to cast doubt on the scientific consensus behind global warming, citing everything from free market economics to witchcraft, touting conspiracy theories and predictions of an "ice age," and even fulfilling Godwin's law."
"Yet despite the fact that more Americans than ever support action on climate change, conservative media went to ridiculous lengths to cast doubt on the scientific consensus behind global warming, citing everything from free market economics to witchcraft, touting conspiracy theories and predictions of an "ice age," and even fulfilling Godwin's law."
Fox host: We don’t need smog rules because ‘whatever happened with acid rain?’ (Spoiler: Laws worked)
Fox host: We don’t need smog rules because ‘whatever happened with acid rain?’ (Spoiler: Laws worked)
"the reason Morris can’t remember “whatever happened to acid rain” is because regulations worked.
Beginning in 1980, Congress began passing laws like the Acid Deposition Act, President George H. W. Bush amended the Clean Air Act during his term, and the EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) under President George W. Bush.
More than 20 years after the government began regulating acid rain, the EPA estimated that 2009 sulfur dioxide levels were cut to about one-third of what they were in 1990. But the EPA has also said that further reductions are still needed to recover from the effects of acid rain."
"the reason Morris can’t remember “whatever happened to acid rain” is because regulations worked.
Beginning in 1980, Congress began passing laws like the Acid Deposition Act, President George H. W. Bush amended the Clean Air Act during his term, and the EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) under President George W. Bush.
More than 20 years after the government began regulating acid rain, the EPA estimated that 2009 sulfur dioxide levels were cut to about one-third of what they were in 1990. But the EPA has also said that further reductions are still needed to recover from the effects of acid rain."
How Fox News Covered Pope Francis' Action On Climate Change
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/02/how-fox-news-covered-pope-francis-action-on-cli/201994
"acting on climate change already has widespread support among Catholics. The pope's move comes after senior bishops from around the globe called on the world's governments to phase out fossil fuels completely"
"acting on climate change already has widespread support among Catholics. The pope's move comes after senior bishops from around the globe called on the world's governments to phase out fossil fuels completely"
The Koch Brothers Launch A Surrogate War Against Pope Francis
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/02/koch-brothers-surrogate-war-pope-francis.html
"The Cornwall Alliance was quick to lash out at the Pope this week when he announced he would be issuing a “rare encyclical on the environment and climate change” early this year, as well as convene a summit of the world’s religious leaders to address climate change. Pope Francis will also address the United Nations General Assembly with a view toward influencing the upcoming U.N. meeting on climate change in Paris this year.
The Pope’s announcement drew a harsh rebuke from the religious right’s Cornwall Alliance, whose spokesman, Calvin Beisner, said that regardless of his position as Pope, or intent to help mankind, “Francis will be opposed by the powerful US evangelical movement.” The Koch-funded “Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation” had previously issued a biblical declaration labeling the American environmental movement a dirty false religion and “unbiblical.” There is nothing whatsoever in any version of the Christian bible that refers to the American environmental movement as a religion, false or otherwise, or contrary to biblical principles. But American evangelicals cannot be expected to know the contents of an alleged holy book they refuse to read much less follow."
"The Cornwall Alliance was quick to lash out at the Pope this week when he announced he would be issuing a “rare encyclical on the environment and climate change” early this year, as well as convene a summit of the world’s religious leaders to address climate change. Pope Francis will also address the United Nations General Assembly with a view toward influencing the upcoming U.N. meeting on climate change in Paris this year.
The Pope’s announcement drew a harsh rebuke from the religious right’s Cornwall Alliance, whose spokesman, Calvin Beisner, said that regardless of his position as Pope, or intent to help mankind, “Francis will be opposed by the powerful US evangelical movement.” The Koch-funded “Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation” had previously issued a biblical declaration labeling the American environmental movement a dirty false religion and “unbiblical.” There is nothing whatsoever in any version of the Christian bible that refers to the American environmental movement as a religion, false or otherwise, or contrary to biblical principles. But American evangelicals cannot be expected to know the contents of an alleged holy book they refuse to read much less follow."
Radical Right Are Losing Their Sh** Over Pope’s Encyclical On Climate Change (TWEETS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/12/30/radical-right-are-losing-their-sht-over-popes-encyclical-on-climate-change-tweets/
"In 2015, Pope Francis will publish an encyclical on climate change. An encyclical is a rarely issued edict addressing matters the Pope deems serious. The Pontiff will urge all 1.2 billion Catholics, on both moral and scientific grounds, to take action on climate change."
"In 2015, Pope Francis will publish an encyclical on climate change. An encyclical is a rarely issued edict addressing matters the Pope deems serious. The Pontiff will urge all 1.2 billion Catholics, on both moral and scientific grounds, to take action on climate change."
The Pope Thinks Climate Change Is a Major Threat. So Do American Catholics.
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/pope-francis-climate-change
"The pope's climate plans follow a call by prominent Catholic bishops to end the use of fossil fuels and secure a global agreement to fight climate change."
"The pope's climate plans follow a call by prominent Catholic bishops to end the use of fossil fuels and secure a global agreement to fight climate change."
January 3, 2015
13 Species We Might Have To Say Goodbye To In 2015
13 Species We Might Have To Say Goodbye To In 2015
"In fact, the world is losing dozens of species every day in what experts are calling the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history. As many as 30 to 50 percent of all species are moving toward extinction by mid-century — and the blame sits squarely on our shoulders."
"In fact, the world is losing dozens of species every day in what experts are calling the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history. As many as 30 to 50 percent of all species are moving toward extinction by mid-century — and the blame sits squarely on our shoulders."
January 2, 2015
PERRspectives: Three Ways the GOP Will Sabotage the Government and the Economy in 2015
PERRspectives: Three Ways the GOP Will Sabotage the Government and the Economy in 2015
"After simple math showed that his tax-cut windfall for the wealthy would add trillions to the national debt, Ryan among other conservatives decided to change the way the CBO does math."
"After simple math showed that his tax-cut windfall for the wealthy would add trillions to the national debt, Ryan among other conservatives decided to change the way the CBO does math."
January 1, 2015
Right-Wing Media's Catastrophic ACA Predictions Still Haven't Materialized
http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/12/27/right-wing-medias-catastrophic-aca-predictions/201959
"Conservative media issued catastrophic predictions and myths about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, despite ample evidence that the health care law is working."
"Conservative media issued catastrophic predictions and myths about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, despite ample evidence that the health care law is working."
Murdoch, Scaife and CIA Propaganda
https://consortiumnews.com/2014/12/31/murdoch-scaife-and-cia-propaganda/
"The Reagan administration pulled right-wing media executives Rupert Murdoch and Richard Mellon Scaife into a CIA-organized “perception management” operation which aimed Cold War-style propaganda at the American people in the 1980s, according to declassified U.S. government records."
"The Reagan administration pulled right-wing media executives Rupert Murdoch and Richard Mellon Scaife into a CIA-organized “perception management” operation which aimed Cold War-style propaganda at the American people in the 1980s, according to declassified U.S. government records."
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve: The GOP's Favorite Fiscal Fraud Turns 40
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve: The GOP's Favorite Fiscal Fraud Turns 40
"But Arthur Laffer's supply-side snake oil didn't produce increased revenue, but instead red ink as far as the eye can see. And that's not the only by-product of Reagan and Bush's tax cut windfalls for the wealthy: they fueled the highest levels of income inequality since 1929. And despite all of the GOP mythology about "job creators," the U.S. economy grew faster, generated more jobs and produced better income gains when taxes were higher--even much higher."
"But Arthur Laffer's supply-side snake oil didn't produce increased revenue, but instead red ink as far as the eye can see. And that's not the only by-product of Reagan and Bush's tax cut windfalls for the wealthy: they fueled the highest levels of income inequality since 1929. And despite all of the GOP mythology about "job creators," the U.S. economy grew faster, generated more jobs and produced better income gains when taxes were higher--even much higher."
Fox News Pundit Claims The Minimum Wage Increase Will Ruin Us
Fox News Pundit Claims The Minimum Wage Increase Will Ruin Us
"Fortunately for us, we have factual data we can reference that shows that Morici is just plain wrong. During the supply side years of Reagan and Bush 1 and 2, we can clearly see that economic growth is not greater than the growth during the Clinton years. Morici, who advocates for tax cuts to wealthy Americans, forgets to mention that this supply side nightmare also causes the deficit to double, triple or worse.
Not satisfied enough with parroting false economic theory, Morici had to dip into the "Obama won't let us drill for oil" lie, because that's as false as his economic genius."
"Fortunately for us, we have factual data we can reference that shows that Morici is just plain wrong. During the supply side years of Reagan and Bush 1 and 2, we can clearly see that economic growth is not greater than the growth during the Clinton years. Morici, who advocates for tax cuts to wealthy Americans, forgets to mention that this supply side nightmare also causes the deficit to double, triple or worse.
Not satisfied enough with parroting false economic theory, Morici had to dip into the "Obama won't let us drill for oil" lie, because that's as false as his economic genius."
Millions Of Workers Will Get A Raise On New Years Day
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/12/31/3607346/new-years-minimum-wage/
"And while opponents of a higher wage often claim that it will kill jobs, that hasn’t played out in reality. The states that raised their wages on January 1 of 2014 had experienced faster job growth than those that didn’t as of midyear. Washington has had the highest minimum wage for 15 years and has seen steady, above-average job growth. Overall, economists who studied state-level wage increases over two decades didn’t find any evidence that they impacted jobs."
"And while opponents of a higher wage often claim that it will kill jobs, that hasn’t played out in reality. The states that raised their wages on January 1 of 2014 had experienced faster job growth than those that didn’t as of midyear. Washington has had the highest minimum wage for 15 years and has seen steady, above-average job growth. Overall, economists who studied state-level wage increases over two decades didn’t find any evidence that they impacted jobs."
"Boobs on the Ground?"10 Dumbest Things Fox News Did Last Year
http://www.alternet.org/media/boobs-ground10-dumbest-things-fox-news-did-last-year
"It was another banner year for Fox News, which spent its past twelve months mocking female soldiers, advising women not to vote, making light of domestic abuse victims, wishing ebola on workers, and, of course, standing up for America’s awesomeness, no matter what a non sequitur it might be."
"It was another banner year for Fox News, which spent its past twelve months mocking female soldiers, advising women not to vote, making light of domestic abuse victims, wishing ebola on workers, and, of course, standing up for America’s awesomeness, no matter what a non sequitur it might be."
2014 Politician Liar Of The Year - The Winner Is...
2014 Politician Liar Of The Year - The Winner Is...
"This one was a really hard call, but in the end, Issa won the prize for his propensity to release partially edited emails and testimony to mislead the public as well as his behind-the-scenes narrative building for the sole purpose of electing more Republicans rather than governing the country."
"This one was a really hard call, but in the end, Issa won the prize for his propensity to release partially edited emails and testimony to mislead the public as well as his behind-the-scenes narrative building for the sole purpose of electing more Republicans rather than governing the country."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)