http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/10/gop-whistleblower-fired-refusing-target-clinton-benghazi-investigation.html
"He began working for the Benghazi committee in September 2014. He is no slouch. The Times details that he is “a lifelong Republican, holds a doctorate in political science from Texas A & M University.” According to the committee, he was “terminated for cause…in part, because he himself manifested improper partiality and animus in his investigative work.”
Of course we can expect Republicans to do their utmost to discredit Podliska. Their investigation is crumbling around them following the admission by Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) that the entire purpose of the investigation was to discredit Hillary Clinton in an effort to block her way to the presidency."
October 15, 2015
Republican Whistleblower Confirms Benghazi Investigation Is Illegally Targeting Clinton
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/10/republican-whistleblower-confirms-gop.html
"What Major Podliska described is an illegal use of taxpayer funds to conduct a partisan political investigation into the likely 2016 Democratic nominee."
"What Major Podliska described is an illegal use of taxpayer funds to conduct a partisan political investigation into the likely 2016 Democratic nominee."
House Freedom Caucus Document Explains Why the House Is Ungovernable
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/10/house-freedom-caucus-document-informs-house-ungovernable.html
"For most of President Barack Obama’s time in office, Republicans in Congress have used various means of obstruction as their “my way or the highway” policy, but the problem has increased substantially since the emergence of ultra-conservative sycophants adhering to the Ted Cruz ideology of burning down government if “their way” is not implemented. Speaker John Boehner has had to deal with about 40 Cruz acolytes in the House and because they are intransigent on everything, Boehner seemingly could not get out soon enough and threw in the proverbial towel.
Now that the House Republican caucus is in complete disarray and no-one in their right mind wants the dangerous Speaker’s job, some people asked what could be so difficult about corralling a few dozen “outliers” into the Republican fold and convince them to actually govern. Fortunately, the recent revelation of a House Freedom Caucus ‘questionnaire for prospective candidates for the Speakers’ position clears up why Republicans are terrified of being Speaker, and why there is no good outcome as long as Cruz’s House Freedom Caucus is allowed to exist."
"For most of President Barack Obama’s time in office, Republicans in Congress have used various means of obstruction as their “my way or the highway” policy, but the problem has increased substantially since the emergence of ultra-conservative sycophants adhering to the Ted Cruz ideology of burning down government if “their way” is not implemented. Speaker John Boehner has had to deal with about 40 Cruz acolytes in the House and because they are intransigent on everything, Boehner seemingly could not get out soon enough and threw in the proverbial towel.
Now that the House Republican caucus is in complete disarray and no-one in their right mind wants the dangerous Speaker’s job, some people asked what could be so difficult about corralling a few dozen “outliers” into the Republican fold and convince them to actually govern. Fortunately, the recent revelation of a House Freedom Caucus ‘questionnaire for prospective candidates for the Speakers’ position clears up why Republicans are terrified of being Speaker, and why there is no good outcome as long as Cruz’s House Freedom Caucus is allowed to exist."
Paul Ryan is No Savior, He’s a Hypocrite and a Scumbag
Paul Ryan is No Savior, He’s a Hypocrite and a Scumbag
"This man is the definition of a hypocrite. He’s someone who went to public school as a minor, used Social Security money to pay for his college degree where he went to a publicly funded university, has made a career as a government employee and voted for bills that have added trillions to our national debt – yet has the gall to champion himself as a small government, fiscally conservative hero. Then there’s the total disdain he seems to have for the poor. This is a man who refused to let poor people testify at a hearing about Americans living in poverty, and levied an attack on free lunch programs in schools by trying to pass off a story he plagiarized from a book. But even beyond all of that, however, lies the contradiction in his worship of both Ayn Rand (an atheist who preached selfishness and considered religious people to be fools) and his claims of being a devout follower of Jesus Christ. How Paul Ryan can say he models his life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, while supporting the social economic ideologies of a woman who preached the exact opposite, is a true testament to his ignorance and hypocrisy."
"This man is the definition of a hypocrite. He’s someone who went to public school as a minor, used Social Security money to pay for his college degree where he went to a publicly funded university, has made a career as a government employee and voted for bills that have added trillions to our national debt – yet has the gall to champion himself as a small government, fiscally conservative hero. Then there’s the total disdain he seems to have for the poor. This is a man who refused to let poor people testify at a hearing about Americans living in poverty, and levied an attack on free lunch programs in schools by trying to pass off a story he plagiarized from a book. But even beyond all of that, however, lies the contradiction in his worship of both Ayn Rand (an atheist who preached selfishness and considered religious people to be fools) and his claims of being a devout follower of Jesus Christ. How Paul Ryan can say he models his life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, while supporting the social economic ideologies of a woman who preached the exact opposite, is a true testament to his ignorance and hypocrisy."
October 11, 2015
Charles Koch To CBS: Dark Money? Me? Nahhhhh.
Charles Koch To CBS: Dark Money? Me? Nahhhhh.
"Charles Koch is continuing his public relations push to deflect attention away from what he does on a daily basis with regard to dark money. Watch him dodge and feint questions from CBS Correspondent Anthony Mason, particularly on whether dark money is a good thing for the electoral process."
"Charles Koch is continuing his public relations push to deflect attention away from what he does on a daily basis with regard to dark money. Watch him dodge and feint questions from CBS Correspondent Anthony Mason, particularly on whether dark money is a good thing for the electoral process."
October 10, 2015
Nearly 90 Percent Of Americans Think Political Candidates Should Understand Science
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/09/3711122/americans-want-politicians-to-understand-science-poll/
"Several current Republican presidential candidates have been known to trot out the “I’m not a scientist” trope to defend their contrarian views on climate change."
"Several current Republican presidential candidates have been known to trot out the “I’m not a scientist” trope to defend their contrarian views on climate change."
Why We Must End Trickle-Down Economics
http://quietmike.org/2015/10/09/why-we-must-end-trickle-down-economics/
"When Reagan took office in 1981, the wealthiest 1% of the population controlled 8% of the wealth, while the bottom 50% controlled 18%. Today, the top 1% controls 20% of the wealth and the bottom 50% only 13% of the country’s money.
This trend is continuing, and the gap between the elite rich and the rest of our struggling society is widening to a massively obscene chasm not seen since before the Great Depression. The middle class in America is looking for a candidate that will bring a fresh approach to the economic realities of the time in which we live. Harkening back to Ronald Reagan will no longer do.
The term “Trickle-Down Economics” refers to an economic theory that defined the Reagan presidency. It was such a ridiculous concept at the time that it was nicknamed “voodoo economics.” Trickle Down Economics is the theory where allowing the rich to have more economic benefits actually benefits a society as a whole. The theory postulates that upper-level income members of the society will invest that money into the general economy by spending more, investing in the creation of jobs, and so forth."
"When Reagan took office in 1981, the wealthiest 1% of the population controlled 8% of the wealth, while the bottom 50% controlled 18%. Today, the top 1% controls 20% of the wealth and the bottom 50% only 13% of the country’s money.
This trend is continuing, and the gap between the elite rich and the rest of our struggling society is widening to a massively obscene chasm not seen since before the Great Depression. The middle class in America is looking for a candidate that will bring a fresh approach to the economic realities of the time in which we live. Harkening back to Ronald Reagan will no longer do.
The term “Trickle-Down Economics” refers to an economic theory that defined the Reagan presidency. It was such a ridiculous concept at the time that it was nicknamed “voodoo economics.” Trickle Down Economics is the theory where allowing the rich to have more economic benefits actually benefits a society as a whole. The theory postulates that upper-level income members of the society will invest that money into the general economy by spending more, investing in the creation of jobs, and so forth."
Colbert Makes A Mockery Of Chaos Being Caused By House 'Freedom Caucus'
Colbert Makes A Mockery Of Chaos Being Caused By House 'Freedom Caucus'
"Finally, the absurdity of the whole situation was punctuated by listing the names that have been floated for the job, none being a current member of the House. Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and 92 year old Bob Dole were some of the choices that members of the Republican Party have suggested for the job. The details of the G.O.P. House quandary are so hilarious, there's no need to embellish the facts to create brilliant comedy, which Stephen does so well."
"Finally, the absurdity of the whole situation was punctuated by listing the names that have been floated for the job, none being a current member of the House. Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and 92 year old Bob Dole were some of the choices that members of the Republican Party have suggested for the job. The details of the G.O.P. House quandary are so hilarious, there's no need to embellish the facts to create brilliant comedy, which Stephen does so well."
Obama Rips Republicans While Calling Out Their Lies And Total Denial Of Reality
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/10/president-obama-asks-why-republicans-america.html
"A gander at the list of failed policies Republicans continue to run on, courtesy of the President, “More tax breaks for folks at the very top. Cutting investments in things like education. Repealing the Affordable Care Act and kicking millions off health insurance. Gutting Wall Street reform, risking another crisis by letting the biggest banks run wild. Denying that our planet is getting warmer, and thereby unraveling new rules on power plants to protect the air our kids breathe.”
Yep. Nothing to see here."
"A gander at the list of failed policies Republicans continue to run on, courtesy of the President, “More tax breaks for folks at the very top. Cutting investments in things like education. Repealing the Affordable Care Act and kicking millions off health insurance. Gutting Wall Street reform, risking another crisis by letting the biggest banks run wild. Denying that our planet is getting warmer, and thereby unraveling new rules on power plants to protect the air our kids breathe.”
Yep. Nothing to see here."
North Carolina Imposes New Taxes on Car and Appliance Repairs to Fund New Tax Cuts for the Rich
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33151-north-carolina-imposes-new-taxes-on-car-and-appliance-repairs-to-fund-new-tax-cuts-for-the-rich
"It's estimated that by the time the new corporate tax rate comes into effect, the state will have $350 million less in revenue to spend on necessary public services like education, healthcare, roads and social services.
So how will North Carolina pay for new tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich? By raising taxes on the poor, of course. The roughly $400 million in income tax cuts will be offset by increasing the sales tax on services that are primarily used by the poor. On March 1, new sales tax rates of 6.75 percent will go into effect across North Carolina, and will largely apply to car repairs as well as installation and repair of appliances. As this op-ed from the conservative-leaning Raleigh News & Observer noted, the wealthy can afford new cars and warranties for appliances, so this tax will fall disproportionately on the poor. The author also aptly noted that North Carolina Republicans chose not to increase taxes on services the rich use, like accountants, lawyers, architects and interior designers.
The class war in North Carolina has been raging since 2010 when Republicans took over control of the state legislature for the first time since reconstruction. After Pat McCrory was elected governor in 2012, North Carolina became another experimental lab for conservative policymakers to force through a number of extreme policies. In addition to cutting taxes for the rich and raising them on the poor, the state's GOP majority has demolished public education, disenfranchised Democratic-leaning voters (that law is currently on trial), attacked women's reproductive rights (that law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court), criminalized the disclosure the chemicals in fracking fluid, and passed numerous other pieces of draconian legislation."
"It's estimated that by the time the new corporate tax rate comes into effect, the state will have $350 million less in revenue to spend on necessary public services like education, healthcare, roads and social services.
So how will North Carolina pay for new tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich? By raising taxes on the poor, of course. The roughly $400 million in income tax cuts will be offset by increasing the sales tax on services that are primarily used by the poor. On March 1, new sales tax rates of 6.75 percent will go into effect across North Carolina, and will largely apply to car repairs as well as installation and repair of appliances. As this op-ed from the conservative-leaning Raleigh News & Observer noted, the wealthy can afford new cars and warranties for appliances, so this tax will fall disproportionately on the poor. The author also aptly noted that North Carolina Republicans chose not to increase taxes on services the rich use, like accountants, lawyers, architects and interior designers.
The class war in North Carolina has been raging since 2010 when Republicans took over control of the state legislature for the first time since reconstruction. After Pat McCrory was elected governor in 2012, North Carolina became another experimental lab for conservative policymakers to force through a number of extreme policies. In addition to cutting taxes for the rich and raising them on the poor, the state's GOP majority has demolished public education, disenfranchised Democratic-leaning voters (that law is currently on trial), attacked women's reproductive rights (that law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court), criminalized the disclosure the chemicals in fracking fluid, and passed numerous other pieces of draconian legislation."
Republican 2016 Candidate To Seniors: I’m Cutting Your Social Security, ‘Get Over It!’
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republican-2016-candidate-to-seniors-im-cutting-your-social-security-get-over-it-4/
"John Kasich, like the rest of his GOP comrades who live to serve the corporations and the billionaires of America, want to take away that basic dignity and security from Americans who have worked hard all their lives and sever one of our nation’s most sacred social covenants. He is also basing his ideas on the false belief that this program is in trouble and that it won’t be around much longer anyway, so it may as well be cutting now. The “get over it” remark shows just how much disregard this man shows for America’s seniors.
Of course, Kasich is lying; there’s no way the Governor of a state doesn’t know what the numbers are like"
"John Kasich, like the rest of his GOP comrades who live to serve the corporations and the billionaires of America, want to take away that basic dignity and security from Americans who have worked hard all their lives and sever one of our nation’s most sacred social covenants. He is also basing his ideas on the false belief that this program is in trouble and that it won’t be around much longer anyway, so it may as well be cutting now. The “get over it” remark shows just how much disregard this man shows for America’s seniors.
Of course, Kasich is lying; there’s no way the Governor of a state doesn’t know what the numbers are like"
5 Reasons Why Paul Ryan is One of the Most Despicable and Cowardly Members of Congress
5 Reasons Why Paul Ryan is One of the Most Despicable and Cowardly Members of Congress
"1. The seemingly proud way in which he shows off his disdain for the poor: Paul Ryan is a disciple of Ayn Rand, a woman who was basically a sociopath who believed in survival of the fittest. It’s fitting that Ryan chose her as a role model considering she was also a massive hypocrite. Ayn Rand rallied against government, despite heavily relying on government programs toward the end of her life. Just as Ayn Rand basically hated the poor, Paul Ryan shares that disdain for the poorest and weakest among us. Take for instance Ryan blocking poor people from testifying at a hearing about poverty in America, or when he attacked free school lunches by insinuating that parents who don’t make bag lunches for their children don’t care as much for them as the parents who do. Then let’s not forget that he’s someone who’s constantly pushing for major cuts to entitlement programs, frequently claiming the country can’t afford them – while also being someone who’s literally voted for trillions in spending to fund wars and bail out Wall Street."
"1. The seemingly proud way in which he shows off his disdain for the poor: Paul Ryan is a disciple of Ayn Rand, a woman who was basically a sociopath who believed in survival of the fittest. It’s fitting that Ryan chose her as a role model considering she was also a massive hypocrite. Ayn Rand rallied against government, despite heavily relying on government programs toward the end of her life. Just as Ayn Rand basically hated the poor, Paul Ryan shares that disdain for the poorest and weakest among us. Take for instance Ryan blocking poor people from testifying at a hearing about poverty in America, or when he attacked free school lunches by insinuating that parents who don’t make bag lunches for their children don’t care as much for them as the parents who do. Then let’s not forget that he’s someone who’s constantly pushing for major cuts to entitlement programs, frequently claiming the country can’t afford them – while also being someone who’s literally voted for trillions in spending to fund wars and bail out Wall Street."
Kasich Tells Social Security Recipients To 'Get Over' Potential Cuts In Benefits
Kasich Tells Social Security Recipients To 'Get Over' Potential Cuts In Benefits
"The reduction in benefits Kasich is referring to is the actuarial projection for how long Social Security can pay 100 percent of promised benefits before running short. No one "has" to get over anything. Congress needs to get up off its butt and fix the cap for Social Security to be more realistic in today's dollars.
Don't be fooled by Kasich's faux populism. He's just like the rest of them, except he's more skilled in how to sell you that sh*t sandwich sitting on the counter."
"The reduction in benefits Kasich is referring to is the actuarial projection for how long Social Security can pay 100 percent of promised benefits before running short. No one "has" to get over anything. Congress needs to get up off its butt and fix the cap for Social Security to be more realistic in today's dollars.
Don't be fooled by Kasich's faux populism. He's just like the rest of them, except he's more skilled in how to sell you that sh*t sandwich sitting on the counter."
Tea Party: We Will Wreck Economy Unless Next Speaker Agrees To Slash Social Security & Medicare
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/tea-party-we-will-wreck-economy-unless-next-speaker-agrees-to-slash-social-security-medicare/
"McCarthy realized that, even if he could get the votes needed without capitulating to demands that will effectively destroy America as we know it, he would still need to deal with the Freedom Caucus. Even someone as extreme as McCarthy realizes that he needs to step up his game on that front if he wants the Freedom Caucus to take him seriously. He needs to be ready to criminalize poverty, institute the death penalty for same-sex marriage, destroy women’s health, defund the public school system, and destroy our infrastructure to even begin to be someone these 40 extremists will deal with. No one wants that responsibility, even someone who is widely considered too stupid to become Speaker"
"McCarthy realized that, even if he could get the votes needed without capitulating to demands that will effectively destroy America as we know it, he would still need to deal with the Freedom Caucus. Even someone as extreme as McCarthy realizes that he needs to step up his game on that front if he wants the Freedom Caucus to take him seriously. He needs to be ready to criminalize poverty, institute the death penalty for same-sex marriage, destroy women’s health, defund the public school system, and destroy our infrastructure to even begin to be someone these 40 extremists will deal with. No one wants that responsibility, even someone who is widely considered too stupid to become Speaker"
Proving Commitment to Climate Chaos, GOP Votes to Lift Oil Export Ban
Proving Commitment to Climate Chaos, GOP Votes to Lift Oil Export Ban
"Despite warnings from environmental groups and President Barack Obama's explicit pledge to veto any such measure, the Republican-led House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill lifting the nation's 40-year oil export ban."
"Despite warnings from environmental groups and President Barack Obama's explicit pledge to veto any such measure, the Republican-led House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill lifting the nation's 40-year oil export ban."
It’s Official: Drug Testing Welfare Applicants FAILS by Costing More Than Twice What It Saves @alternet
It’s Official: Drug Testing Welfare Applicants FAILS by Costing More Than Twice What It Saves @alternet
"If there were no other costs associated with implementing this legislation, meaning if they paid for the cost of the actual drug test items only, the program cost more than double what it saved.
However, the costs are far more than just the drug test items. The state does not take into account the cost of staff to conduct the testing, the paperwork, the cost to notify the people or any of the other external costs of looking into people’s urine for evil traces of drugs.
What the Tennessee program, and all the other states with similar programs exhibit is the ill-conceived and half-cocked plans of the state wreaking havoc on the tax-payer."
"If there were no other costs associated with implementing this legislation, meaning if they paid for the cost of the actual drug test items only, the program cost more than double what it saved.
However, the costs are far more than just the drug test items. The state does not take into account the cost of staff to conduct the testing, the paperwork, the cost to notify the people or any of the other external costs of looking into people’s urine for evil traces of drugs.
What the Tennessee program, and all the other states with similar programs exhibit is the ill-conceived and half-cocked plans of the state wreaking havoc on the tax-payer."
Boehner and McCarthy Reap What They Sowed
http://www.thenation.com/article/boehner-and-mccarthy-reap-what-they-sowed/
"Since Boehner came to power in 2011, his leadership team has encouraged the far right in its crusade against government, governing, and compromise. They’ve fostered the extremists’ delusions that they can do things they simply can’t, with a Democrat in the White House—repeal Obamacare, defund Planned Parenthood, hold the debt ceiling hostage to force huge budget cuts.
Boehner and McCarthy (and before him Eric Cantor, who was defeated by a far-right primary challenger last year) can do the math: time and again they turned to Democrats to pass measures to keep the government open and avoid disaster, but only after they tried and failed to mollify the far right. This only encouraged the “Freedom Caucus” members in their delusions of power—and enraged them that they were being kept from wielding it."
"Since Boehner came to power in 2011, his leadership team has encouraged the far right in its crusade against government, governing, and compromise. They’ve fostered the extremists’ delusions that they can do things they simply can’t, with a Democrat in the White House—repeal Obamacare, defund Planned Parenthood, hold the debt ceiling hostage to force huge budget cuts.
Boehner and McCarthy (and before him Eric Cantor, who was defeated by a far-right primary challenger last year) can do the math: time and again they turned to Democrats to pass measures to keep the government open and avoid disaster, but only after they tried and failed to mollify the far right. This only encouraged the “Freedom Caucus” members in their delusions of power—and enraged them that they were being kept from wielding it."
Chaffetz Forced To Admit No Wrongdoing By Planned Parenthood
Chaffetz Forced To Admit No Wrongdoing By Planned Parenthood
"Armed with this hefty store of knowledge about an utter lack of wrongdoing, the House will now appoint a Select Committee to investigate the organization Chaffetz just exonerated.
Another day in the House of Representatives."
"Armed with this hefty store of knowledge about an utter lack of wrongdoing, the House will now appoint a Select Committee to investigate the organization Chaffetz just exonerated.
Another day in the House of Representatives."
GOP’s case against Planned Parenthood collapses: Jason Chaffetz admits he uncovered no wrongdoing
GOP’s case against Planned Parenthood collapses: Jason Chaffetz admits he uncovered no wrongdoing
"As if truth-telling worked out so well for his colleague Kevin McCarthy, Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz has just admitted that the GOP’s investigation into Planned Parenthood’s misuse of federal funds turned out to be a dud."
"As if truth-telling worked out so well for his colleague Kevin McCarthy, Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz has just admitted that the GOP’s investigation into Planned Parenthood’s misuse of federal funds turned out to be a dud."
Republicans Resort To Using False Evidence Under Oath To Smear Planned Parenthood
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/10/republicans-use-false-evidence-oath-smear-planned-parenthood/
"More proof that Republicans use lies to make their pathetic, anti-choice arguments. Truth is not on their side."
"More proof that Republicans use lies to make their pathetic, anti-choice arguments. Truth is not on their side."
Republicans Finally Admit Planned Parenthood Did Nothing Wrong, Investigation Was A Sham
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republicans-finally-admit-planned-parenthood-did-nothing-wrong-investigation-was-a-sham/
"After months of hurling vile slander and gruesome accusations at Planned Parenthood, Rep. John Chaffetz (R-UT) announced that his investigation of the beleaguered healthcare provider has, predictably, turned up no wrongdoing of any sort."
"After months of hurling vile slander and gruesome accusations at Planned Parenthood, Rep. John Chaffetz (R-UT) announced that his investigation of the beleaguered healthcare provider has, predictably, turned up no wrongdoing of any sort."
Walker Adds Another Kangaroo To Wisconsin Supreme Court
Walker Adds Another Kangaroo To Wisconsin Supreme Court
"This is a blatantly political move to give Bradley the advantage in next year's elections by giving her the incumbent status. The only reasons for her meteoric rise over the past three years is that she has all the right right wing credentials - Federalist, John Bircher, and obedient puppet - and that Walker has to still kowtow to the special interests to get money to pay off his massive debts."
"This is a blatantly political move to give Bradley the advantage in next year's elections by giving her the incumbent status. The only reasons for her meteoric rise over the past three years is that she has all the right right wing credentials - Federalist, John Bircher, and obedient puppet - and that Walker has to still kowtow to the special interests to get money to pay off his massive debts."
Krugman: Our Silly Media Allow Politicians to Get Away With Most Absurd Lies @alternet
Krugman: Our Silly Media Allow Politicians to Get Away With Most Absurd Lies @alternet
"The media needs to stop giving politicians milking and pretending to care about issues a free pass"
"The media needs to stop giving politicians milking and pretending to care about issues a free pass"
The GOP is ungovernable: What happens when one major party is dysfunctional to the core
The GOP is ungovernable: What happens when one major party is dysfunctional to the core
"the “prove we could govern” test has been a colossal failure for the GOP."
"the “prove we could govern” test has been a colossal failure for the GOP."
The Republican suicide ballad: The party that can’t govern, and the country that hates its guts
The Republican suicide ballad: The party that can’t govern, and the country that hates its guts
"They appealed almost exclusively to their angriest, most zealous and most overtly racist base voters, a loud but relatively small minority of the general population"
"They appealed almost exclusively to their angriest, most zealous and most overtly racist base voters, a loud but relatively small minority of the general population"
Beltway media 'shocked' by implosion of GOP, the perpetual hostage taker of the U.S. government
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/09/1429896/-Beltway-media-shocked-by-implosion-of-GOP-the-perpetual-hostage-taker-of-the-U-S-government
"The GOP hasn't just gerrymandered its way out of the presidency, it's gerrymandered its way out of governance and the Beltway media has continually missed the story of just how extreme Republicans have become. Think about this, there's 435 seats in the House and some 30-40 GOP members of the secretive GOP "Freedom Caucus" (i.e. the crazy caucus) are demanding absolutism on their agenda. At best, that means lawmakers representing approximately nine percent of the population are demanding that lawmakers representing the other 90-plus percent of Americans bend to their will—on immigration, on abortion, on government funding priorities."
"The GOP hasn't just gerrymandered its way out of the presidency, it's gerrymandered its way out of governance and the Beltway media has continually missed the story of just how extreme Republicans have become. Think about this, there's 435 seats in the House and some 30-40 GOP members of the secretive GOP "Freedom Caucus" (i.e. the crazy caucus) are demanding absolutism on their agenda. At best, that means lawmakers representing approximately nine percent of the population are demanding that lawmakers representing the other 90-plus percent of Americans bend to their will—on immigration, on abortion, on government funding priorities."
The GOP Congress is a raging dumpster fire with no end in sight
The GOP Congress is a raging dumpster fire with no end in sight
"it could be a shuttered government and a new global recession. As McCarthy reminded us, this Congress is capable of anything, with the notable exception of competent governance."
"it could be a shuttered government and a new global recession. As McCarthy reminded us, this Congress is capable of anything, with the notable exception of competent governance."
Reminder: Paul Ryan is a wild-eyed, right-wing nut. He’s acceptable to the insane caucus because he is one of them
Reminder: Paul Ryan is a wild-eyed, right-wing nut. He’s acceptable to the insane caucus because he is one of them
"Ryan justifies taking food from babies, pills from seniors, and money out of your wallet to give to rich people by simply assuming that if you’re not of the elite, it’s because you’re a lazy, no-good waste of space."
"Ryan justifies taking food from babies, pills from seniors, and money out of your wallet to give to rich people by simply assuming that if you’re not of the elite, it’s because you’re a lazy, no-good waste of space."
Federal Ethics Complaint Filed Against 23 House Republicans Who Used Taxpayer Money For Campaigning
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/federal-ethics-complaint-filed-against-23-house-republicans-who-used-taxpayer-money-for-campaigning/
"Colluding with the NRCC is not only a violation of House ethics rules, but it is a violation of federal law and, as the ADLF notes in the complaint, a “flagrant” abuse “of taxpayer resources for partisan gain"."
"Colluding with the NRCC is not only a violation of House ethics rules, but it is a violation of federal law and, as the ADLF notes in the complaint, a “flagrant” abuse “of taxpayer resources for partisan gain"."
Dem mocks GOP speaker chaos with hilarious Craigslist ad seeking ‘babysitter for irrational people’
Dem mocks GOP speaker chaos with hilarious Craigslist ad seeking ‘babysitter for irrational people’
"Following GOP House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s decision to not run for Speaker of the House, a Democratic House lawmaker mocked the complete disarray the Republicans find themselves in by running a Craigslist ad seeking a babysitter with experience dealing with “irrational people” to lead the party."
"Following GOP House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s decision to not run for Speaker of the House, a Democratic House lawmaker mocked the complete disarray the Republicans find themselves in by running a Craigslist ad seeking a babysitter with experience dealing with “irrational people” to lead the party."
Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead: The GOP Witch, that is
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/10/09/ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead-the-gop-witch-that-i/
"Fox News and the Republican Party can try to blame a small segment of the GOP for causing all of this, but the truth is that the Republican Party started a trend in 1994 of becoming a party of hate and obstruction. It worked for them in the short-run, but they couldn’t stop the train, and it has become an out-of-control missile that is losing moderate support and even some conservative support. Those remaining will not be enough to maintain a competitive power structure, which is a very good thing for America."
"Fox News and the Republican Party can try to blame a small segment of the GOP for causing all of this, but the truth is that the Republican Party started a trend in 1994 of becoming a party of hate and obstruction. It worked for them in the short-run, but they couldn’t stop the train, and it has become an out-of-control missile that is losing moderate support and even some conservative support. Those remaining will not be enough to maintain a competitive power structure, which is a very good thing for America."
Mike Pence still hoping to preserve the right to discriminate against LGBT Americans
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/07/1428998/-Mike-Pence-still-hoping-to-preserve-the-right-to-discriminate-against-LGBT-Americans#
"Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and basically everyone in the state knows that something has to be done next legislative session in order to repair the state's image after Hoosier lawmakers passed legislation guaranteeing the right to discriminate against LGBT Americans.
So now Pence and his cronies are considering legislation—similar to what Utah passed earlier this year—that would still ensure the right to discriminate in public accommodations."
"Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and basically everyone in the state knows that something has to be done next legislative session in order to repair the state's image after Hoosier lawmakers passed legislation guaranteeing the right to discriminate against LGBT Americans.
So now Pence and his cronies are considering legislation—similar to what Utah passed earlier this year—that would still ensure the right to discriminate in public accommodations."
Sick Of Ignorance: 87% Of Americans Demand Politicians Understand Basic Science
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/sick-of-ignorance-87-of-americans-demand-politicians-understand-basic-science/
"The poll also revealed that Americans want the presidential candidates to participate in debates where science-based problems are discussed, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy."
"The poll also revealed that Americans want the presidential candidates to participate in debates where science-based problems are discussed, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy."
October 9, 2015
GOP Governor Finally Admits His Hand-Picked Emergency Manager Poisoned Children (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/10/09/emergency-manager-lead-poisoning-flint-water-rick-snyder-video/
"Governor Snyder’s emergency managers are hand-selected by the governor himself. Once any town, city or school is targeted for a Snyder emergency manager, all elected officials are rendered powerless. Since Snyder’s emergency managers are not elected but appointed, they do not answer to the public. They cannot be recalled or voted out. The state’s appointed emergency managers are not even subject to oversight by the state legislature. The only person a Michigan emergency manager answers to is the Rick Snyder."
"Governor Snyder’s emergency managers are hand-selected by the governor himself. Once any town, city or school is targeted for a Snyder emergency manager, all elected officials are rendered powerless. Since Snyder’s emergency managers are not elected but appointed, they do not answer to the public. They cannot be recalled or voted out. The state’s appointed emergency managers are not even subject to oversight by the state legislature. The only person a Michigan emergency manager answers to is the Rick Snyder."
WI GOP Begins Retroactive Decriminalization of Scott Walker Fundraising
WI GOP Begins Retroactive Decriminalization of Scott Walker Fundraising
"The far-right Wisconsin Supreme Court already handed Governor Scott Walker a "get out of jail free card" when it called a halt to the John Doe criminal probe into campaign finance violations by Walker and his team of advisors during the 2011-2012 recall elections.
Now, the Wisconsin legislature is going the extra mile with three separate bills to retroactively decriminalize the behavior at the heart of the investigation and to defang the nonpartisan elections agency that aided it."
"The far-right Wisconsin Supreme Court already handed Governor Scott Walker a "get out of jail free card" when it called a halt to the John Doe criminal probe into campaign finance violations by Walker and his team of advisors during the 2011-2012 recall elections.
Now, the Wisconsin legislature is going the extra mile with three separate bills to retroactively decriminalize the behavior at the heart of the investigation and to defang the nonpartisan elections agency that aided it."
It’s Time Sane Republicans Realize That They No Longer Have a Political Party
It’s Time Sane Republicans Realize That They No Longer Have a Political Party
"What’s happened since the Republican party embraced the tea party is the crazies have now taken over. These are folks who quite literally buy into their own propaganda. They are the conspiracy theorists who don’t live in the same reality as most people. These are the folks who, despite the fact that there was absolutely no way to defund the Affordable Care Act or Planned Parenthood, still believe that the government should have been shut down and remained closed until both demands were met. And I must emphasize the word “demands” – because these tea party conservatives act more like they’re trying to hold our government hostage rather than actually trying to govern. Even in 2013, when polls overwhelming showed the majority of the American people opposed the shutdown and blamed the GOP for our government being closed, Republicans like Sen. Ted Cruz continued to fight against reopening the government. Again, this was despite the fact that there was literally no chance at all that closing the government was going to culminate in the defunding of the ACA. That reality didn’t matter. To this day, tea party conservatives will insist that the sane Republicans who eventually voted to reopen the government two years ago “sold out to the Obama agenda.” Remember, reality tells us there was no way they were going to win so the shutdown was absolutely pointless – and the American people were blaming Republicans for it. Fast forward to today where House Speaker Boehner has basically been pushed out by these right-wing lunatics who call themselves the “freedom caucus.” Then following Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (the individual who had been seen as the overwhelming favorite to replace Boehner) rather shocking decision to remove himself from the race – right as the GOP was conferencing to essentially make it “official” that McCarthy would be the next speaker – the entire party is in shambles. This is an absolute joke. The GOP has become so dysfunctional that they can’t even seem to find one Republican (remember the House Speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the House) who they feel can get the 218 votes needed to win."
"What’s happened since the Republican party embraced the tea party is the crazies have now taken over. These are folks who quite literally buy into their own propaganda. They are the conspiracy theorists who don’t live in the same reality as most people. These are the folks who, despite the fact that there was absolutely no way to defund the Affordable Care Act or Planned Parenthood, still believe that the government should have been shut down and remained closed until both demands were met. And I must emphasize the word “demands” – because these tea party conservatives act more like they’re trying to hold our government hostage rather than actually trying to govern. Even in 2013, when polls overwhelming showed the majority of the American people opposed the shutdown and blamed the GOP for our government being closed, Republicans like Sen. Ted Cruz continued to fight against reopening the government. Again, this was despite the fact that there was literally no chance at all that closing the government was going to culminate in the defunding of the ACA. That reality didn’t matter. To this day, tea party conservatives will insist that the sane Republicans who eventually voted to reopen the government two years ago “sold out to the Obama agenda.” Remember, reality tells us there was no way they were going to win so the shutdown was absolutely pointless – and the American people were blaming Republicans for it. Fast forward to today where House Speaker Boehner has basically been pushed out by these right-wing lunatics who call themselves the “freedom caucus.” Then following Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (the individual who had been seen as the overwhelming favorite to replace Boehner) rather shocking decision to remove himself from the race – right as the GOP was conferencing to essentially make it “official” that McCarthy would be the next speaker – the entire party is in shambles. This is an absolute joke. The GOP has become so dysfunctional that they can’t even seem to find one Republican (remember the House Speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the House) who they feel can get the 218 votes needed to win."
The GOP Congress is a raging dumpster fire with no end in sight
The GOP Congress is a raging dumpster fire with no end in sight
"it could be a shuttered government and a new global recession. As McCarthy reminded us, this Congress is capable of anything, with the notable exception of competent governance."
"it could be a shuttered government and a new global recession. As McCarthy reminded us, this Congress is capable of anything, with the notable exception of competent governance."
Colorado Marijuana Tax Revenues Are Soaring
Colorado Marijuana Tax Revenues Are Soaring
"Through the first seven months of this year, Colorado has brought in nearly $73.5m, putting the state on pace to collect over $125m for the year."
"Through the first seven months of this year, Colorado has brought in nearly $73.5m, putting the state on pace to collect over $125m for the year."
Were They Ready for Weed, or What? Oregon Pot Sales Set Historic Record in First Legal Week @alternet
Were They Ready for Weed, or What? Oregon Pot Sales Set Historic Record in First Legal Week @alternet
"After finally legalizing recreational marijuana last week, Oregon dispensaries have accrued an estimated $11 million in sales."
"After finally legalizing recreational marijuana last week, Oregon dispensaries have accrued an estimated $11 million in sales."
Congress Lets Sun Set on Land and Water Conservation Fund
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33109-congress-lets-sun-set-on-land-and-water-conservation-fund
"In July, Montanans celebrated the addition of 8,200 acres, known as Tenderfoot Creek, to the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most of the $10.7 million cost was paid for by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses oil and gas royalties for conservation and recreation projects.
But last month, the 50-year-old fund, widely viewed as one of the nation's most popular and most successful land conservation programs, was allowed to expire completely. Despite broad bipartisan support, and despite a deadline that was no surprise to anyone, Congress failed to take action to reauthorize it. That means that offshore oil and gas producers will no longer be paying into the chest that funds the program - and now that the funding connection has been broken, reinstating it will be very difficult, especially given the tone of this Congress."
"In July, Montanans celebrated the addition of 8,200 acres, known as Tenderfoot Creek, to the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most of the $10.7 million cost was paid for by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses oil and gas royalties for conservation and recreation projects.
But last month, the 50-year-old fund, widely viewed as one of the nation's most popular and most successful land conservation programs, was allowed to expire completely. Despite broad bipartisan support, and despite a deadline that was no surprise to anyone, Congress failed to take action to reauthorize it. That means that offshore oil and gas producers will no longer be paying into the chest that funds the program - and now that the funding connection has been broken, reinstating it will be very difficult, especially given the tone of this Congress."
Kevin McCarthy’s Exit Proves What We Already Know—the GOP Is Completely Dysfunctional
http://www.thenation.com/article/kevin-mccarthys-exit-proves-what-we-already-know-the-gop-is-completely-dysfunctional/
"House majority leader Kevin McCarthy’s abrupt exit from the race for the House speakership, coming shortly after John Boehner’s only slightly less abrupt decision to quit the job, confirms that the Speaker’s post as defined by the House Republican Caucus is no longer meaningful and that this Republican-led House of Representatives is no longer functional.
These two realities, even if they are rarely acknowledged by political and media elites, tell us more about the sorry state of the Republican Party than anything that is happening in an admittedly awkward and unsettling race for the party’s presidential nomination.
A party that once engaged in the hard work of governing—with a sense of responsibility, and often with success—is now so at odds with the very idea of functional governance that it struggles to contribute anything more than the word “no.”
Boehner’s plan to exit at the end of October, and McCarthy’s inability even to pick up the outgoing Speaker’s broken baton, represents another triumph for an extremist inclination that has redefined the party’s congressional and presidential politics. This inclination is more anarchical than traditional, more cutthroat than conservative.
It does not really matter who wins what Congressman Tim Huelskamp, R-Kansas, calls a “brand new race for speaker.” The Republican Party’s mayhem has become so debilitating that the mayhem now defines the position more than the occupant.
The Grand Old Party has become the Party of Chaos."
"House majority leader Kevin McCarthy’s abrupt exit from the race for the House speakership, coming shortly after John Boehner’s only slightly less abrupt decision to quit the job, confirms that the Speaker’s post as defined by the House Republican Caucus is no longer meaningful and that this Republican-led House of Representatives is no longer functional.
These two realities, even if they are rarely acknowledged by political and media elites, tell us more about the sorry state of the Republican Party than anything that is happening in an admittedly awkward and unsettling race for the party’s presidential nomination.
A party that once engaged in the hard work of governing—with a sense of responsibility, and often with success—is now so at odds with the very idea of functional governance that it struggles to contribute anything more than the word “no.”
Boehner’s plan to exit at the end of October, and McCarthy’s inability even to pick up the outgoing Speaker’s broken baton, represents another triumph for an extremist inclination that has redefined the party’s congressional and presidential politics. This inclination is more anarchical than traditional, more cutthroat than conservative.
It does not really matter who wins what Congressman Tim Huelskamp, R-Kansas, calls a “brand new race for speaker.” The Republican Party’s mayhem has become so debilitating that the mayhem now defines the position more than the occupant.
The Grand Old Party has become the Party of Chaos."
October 8, 2015
Kevin McCarthy Suggests House Republicans Are Ungovernable, May Need To ‘Hit Rock Bottom’
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/10/08/3710662/mccarthy-uncogovernable-house-rock-bottom/
"In a phone interview with the National Review’s Rich Lowry, McCarthy said that he would not have “enjoyed being speaker this way” and speculated the House may need to hit “rock bottom” before it can become governable."
"In a phone interview with the National Review’s Rich Lowry, McCarthy said that he would not have “enjoyed being speaker this way” and speculated the House may need to hit “rock bottom” before it can become governable."
Jeb Bush Is Completely Wrong About the Voting Rights Act
http://www.thenation.com/article/jeb-bush-is-completely-wrong-about-the-voting-rights-act/
"In 2011, Bush’s home state of Florida passed a severe law shutting down voter-registration drives—which was later blocked in court—and cutting early-voting days, which led to seven-hour lines during the 2012 election."
"In 2011, Bush’s home state of Florida passed a severe law shutting down voter-registration drives—which was later blocked in court—and cutting early-voting days, which led to seven-hour lines during the 2012 election."
Republican Legislators Were Wrong in South Carolina Flood Disaster and 17 People Died
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/08/republican-legislators-dead-wrong-south-carolina-flood-disaster.html
"In a recent session, the state general assembly voted down a request of $400 million (Georgia just passed a similar bill at $900 million) for desperately needed infrastructure that had largely gone ignored for decades. Could Governor Haley’s promised veto of any bill that didn’t include a reduction in the state income tax been an influence to vote no?
Then the torrential rains started falling, the 400 million looked like a bargain. Infrastructures began collapsing like proverbial dominoes. Just like the Democrats predicted it would in such a circumstance.
Republican legislators refused to approve the expenditures out of fear of a Haley veto and because they didn’t want to raise taxes. Their reasoning was especially ironic since the business community was pushing the hardest for the upgrades and new construction. They’d figure their way around a tax increase, later. An oil company cited the extensive travel by their trucks on potholed highways. Yes, I realize a bill passed this year would not have had much, if any, impact on the flooding, but it’s still an imperative for the safety of the population.
Nobody can deny that the state was pitifully ill-prepared for Mother Nature’s tantrum of rainfall. Time ran out before adjournment, as the house and senate even failed to reach a compromise on respective gas tax increase bills that were two cents apart. South Carolina roads are basically funded by the state’s gas tax. It hasn’t been raised since 1987. My abacus calculates that’s 28 years.
About the amount of time it’ll take to clean this mess up."
"In a recent session, the state general assembly voted down a request of $400 million (Georgia just passed a similar bill at $900 million) for desperately needed infrastructure that had largely gone ignored for decades. Could Governor Haley’s promised veto of any bill that didn’t include a reduction in the state income tax been an influence to vote no?
Then the torrential rains started falling, the 400 million looked like a bargain. Infrastructures began collapsing like proverbial dominoes. Just like the Democrats predicted it would in such a circumstance.
Republican legislators refused to approve the expenditures out of fear of a Haley veto and because they didn’t want to raise taxes. Their reasoning was especially ironic since the business community was pushing the hardest for the upgrades and new construction. They’d figure their way around a tax increase, later. An oil company cited the extensive travel by their trucks on potholed highways. Yes, I realize a bill passed this year would not have had much, if any, impact on the flooding, but it’s still an imperative for the safety of the population.
Nobody can deny that the state was pitifully ill-prepared for Mother Nature’s tantrum of rainfall. Time ran out before adjournment, as the house and senate even failed to reach a compromise on respective gas tax increase bills that were two cents apart. South Carolina roads are basically funded by the state’s gas tax. It hasn’t been raised since 1987. My abacus calculates that’s 28 years.
About the amount of time it’ll take to clean this mess up."
A Union Leader Who Always Knew Which Side He Was On
http://www.thenation.com/article/a-union-leader-who-always-knew-which-side-he-was-on/
"When the true principles of Wisconsin (and all the other states that have been battered by austerity) are restored—and they will be—Scott Walker will be recalled merely as another errand boy for distant billionaires."
"When the true principles of Wisconsin (and all the other states that have been battered by austerity) are restored—and they will be—Scott Walker will be recalled merely as another errand boy for distant billionaires."
Gerrymandering made the House ungovernable. Here's how we fix it
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/08/1429504/-Gerrymandering-made-the-House-ungovernable-Here-s-how-we-fix-it
"It's been an amazing two weeks. The forces of conservative nihilism pushed House Speaker John Boehner into an unexpected early retirement, and there's a good chance they also played a role in Kevin McCarthy's equally shocking demise as Boehner's heir apparent. To say the House is an ungovernable tire-fire is an extreme understatement.
But there's an even deeper reason for this state of affairs, one that goes beyond the GOP's endless civil war: gerrymandering. Yep, that's absolutely right. In 2012, candidates who ran for the House as Democrats won 1.4 million more votes nationwide than those on the Republican ticket, yet Republicans still managed to retain control of the House. That was only possible because they drew a majority of the country's congressional districts."
"It's been an amazing two weeks. The forces of conservative nihilism pushed House Speaker John Boehner into an unexpected early retirement, and there's a good chance they also played a role in Kevin McCarthy's equally shocking demise as Boehner's heir apparent. To say the House is an ungovernable tire-fire is an extreme understatement.
But there's an even deeper reason for this state of affairs, one that goes beyond the GOP's endless civil war: gerrymandering. Yep, that's absolutely right. In 2012, candidates who ran for the House as Democrats won 1.4 million more votes nationwide than those on the Republican ticket, yet Republicans still managed to retain control of the House. That was only possible because they drew a majority of the country's congressional districts."
The Many Ways Women Are Still Mistreated in a Patriarchal US Society
The Many Ways Women Are Still Mistreated in a Patriarchal US Society
"The US has one of the fastest-increasing rates of maternal mortality in the world, putting us in the company of war-torn and impoverished nations. The US, Oman, and Papua New Guinea are the only countries that don't provide paid maternity leave."
"The US has one of the fastest-increasing rates of maternal mortality in the world, putting us in the company of war-torn and impoverished nations. The US, Oman, and Papua New Guinea are the only countries that don't provide paid maternity leave."
Congress Is Trying To Lift The Oil Export Ban. This Is Why They Will Fail.
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/06/3709456/oil-export-ban-considered/
"A poll from last year found that more than 80 percent of Americans thought we should use our oil here, not export it"
"A poll from last year found that more than 80 percent of Americans thought we should use our oil here, not export it"
BREAKING: Kevin McCarthy Abruptly Withdraws From House Speaker Race, GOP in Shambles
BREAKING: Kevin McCarthy Abruptly Withdraws From House Speaker Race, GOP in Shambles
"What this all boils down to is that the Republican party is being held hostage by the so-called “freedom caucus.” It’s a group of around 40 or so far-right House members who are the folks who’ve supported such issues like shutting down the government over the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. They’re also the same people who continue to believe raising the debt ceiling is about new spending when it’s just a procedural movement that allows the government to pay out money it’s already agreed to spend. In other words, this “freedom caucus” is comprised of the members of our government who have absolutely no idea how our government works."
"What this all boils down to is that the Republican party is being held hostage by the so-called “freedom caucus.” It’s a group of around 40 or so far-right House members who are the folks who’ve supported such issues like shutting down the government over the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. They’re also the same people who continue to believe raising the debt ceiling is about new spending when it’s just a procedural movement that allows the government to pay out money it’s already agreed to spend. In other words, this “freedom caucus” is comprised of the members of our government who have absolutely no idea how our government works."
Thanks, Republicans! Your insane war on Planned Parenthood keeps making reproductive rights more popular
Thanks, Republicans! Your insane war on Planned Parenthood keeps making reproductive rights more popular
"As with the endless and pointless Benghazi hearings that have similarly produced no actual scandal, the endless attacks on Planned Parenthood clearly have nothing to do with fact-finding, and are just about creating endless political theater so that Republican congressmen don’t have to do their actual jobs."
"As with the endless and pointless Benghazi hearings that have similarly produced no actual scandal, the endless attacks on Planned Parenthood clearly have nothing to do with fact-finding, and are just about creating endless political theater so that Republican congressmen don’t have to do their actual jobs."
Republicans Caught Red-Handed Hiding Unedited Planned Parenthood Videos From Democrats
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republicans-caught-red-handed-hiding-unedited-planned-parenthood-videos-from-democrats/
"the videos were obviously heavily edited, and now that the Republicans have obtained the full versions, they are reluctant to allow anyone to see them."
"the videos were obviously heavily edited, and now that the Republicans have obtained the full versions, they are reluctant to allow anyone to see them."
BREAKING: Kevin McCarthy Withdraws From Race To Be Speaker, Leaving Republicans In Total Disarray
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/10/08/3710590/breaking-kevin-mccarthy-withdraws/
"Congressman Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Majority Leader who was widely expected to be the next Speaker of the House, abruptly withdrew his candidacy on Thursday."
"Congressman Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Majority Leader who was widely expected to be the next Speaker of the House, abruptly withdrew his candidacy on Thursday."
Complaint Filed Against 23 House Republicans For Illegal Agreement To Misuse Taxpayer Funds
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/08/complaint-filed-23-house-republicans.html
"What House Republicans are doing is not only against ethics rules, it is a violation of federal law.
Corruption is running rampant in the Republican-controlled House. Republicans are wasting millions of dollars on bogus investigations for partisan political purposes while trying to protect their incumbency by misusing public resources for the purposes of illegal coordination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the House was rocked by a series of ethics scandals. It seems that the combination of Citizens United and the biggest Republican House majority since before the New Deal have created a climate that is ripe for illegal behavior."
"What House Republicans are doing is not only against ethics rules, it is a violation of federal law.
Corruption is running rampant in the Republican-controlled House. Republicans are wasting millions of dollars on bogus investigations for partisan political purposes while trying to protect their incumbency by misusing public resources for the purposes of illegal coordination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the House was rocked by a series of ethics scandals. It seems that the combination of Citizens United and the biggest Republican House majority since before the New Deal have created a climate that is ripe for illegal behavior."
October 7, 2015
The Right Wing's Assault on the Post Office — Smashing the Myth That It's in Financial Trouble @alternet
The Right Wing's Assault on the Post Office — Smashing the Myth That It's in Financial Trouble @alternet
"The truth is that almost all of the postal service's losses can be traced back to a single change in the law made by the Republican Congress in 2006.
That year, the Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA). Under the terms of PAEA, the USPS was forced to “prefund its future health care benefit payments to retirees for the next 75 years in an astonishing ten-year time span” – meaning that it had to put aside billions of dollars to pay for the health benefits of employees it hasn't even hired yet, something that “no other government or private corporation is required to do"."
"The truth is that almost all of the postal service's losses can be traced back to a single change in the law made by the Republican Congress in 2006.
That year, the Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA). Under the terms of PAEA, the USPS was forced to “prefund its future health care benefit payments to retirees for the next 75 years in an astonishing ten-year time span” – meaning that it had to put aside billions of dollars to pay for the health benefits of employees it hasn't even hired yet, something that “no other government or private corporation is required to do"."
Don’t Put Privatizer And Payday Lender Lobbyist On The USPS Board
Don’t Put Privatizer And Payday Lender Lobbyist On The USPS Board
"With corporate-conservative calls for full or partial privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS) escalating, groups are sounding the alarm about new nominees to the USPS Board of Governors."
"With corporate-conservative calls for full or partial privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS) escalating, groups are sounding the alarm about new nominees to the USPS Board of Governors."
Cruz SuperPac Under Investigation for Giving Fiorina $500,000
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/10/02/cruz-superpac-under-investigation-for-giving-fiorina-50000/
"Cruz paid Fiorina $500,000 to attack Hillary, because Fiorina is a woman and can do it better than Cruz."
"Cruz paid Fiorina $500,000 to attack Hillary, because Fiorina is a woman and can do it better than Cruz."
Boston Goes Bananas For Bernie Sanders As 20,000+ Show Up For Bay State Rally
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/03/boston-bananas-bernie-sanders-20000-show-bay-state-rally.html
"Sen. Bernie Sanders reminded the media of why he is the real phenom of the 2016 presidential campaign by drawing a crowd of 20,000+ to a rally in Boston, MA."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders reminded the media of why he is the real phenom of the 2016 presidential campaign by drawing a crowd of 20,000+ to a rally in Boston, MA."
With Call for 'Political Revolution,' Bernie Sanders Goes Big in Boston
With Call for 'Political Revolution,' Bernie Sanders Goes Big in Boston
"According to campaign staffers, an additional 4,000 people joined an overflow room at the convention center after the main venue filled to its 25,000-person capacity"
"According to campaign staffers, an additional 4,000 people joined an overflow room at the convention center after the main venue filled to its 25,000-person capacity"
Republicans Panic As Dems Drop A Truth Bomb On Trey Gowdy’s Benghazi ‘Investigation’
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republicans-panic-as-dems-drop-a-truth-bomb-on-trey-gowdys-benghazi-investigation/
"It is time for this committee to be shut down, and for a new one to be instituted in its place- to investigate House committee members for their gross ethics violations and misuse of public funds."
"It is time for this committee to be shut down, and for a new one to be instituted in its place- to investigate House committee members for their gross ethics violations and misuse of public funds."
South Carolinians Paying The Price Of Republicans Letting Their Infrastructure Crumble
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/south-carolinians-paying-the-price-of-republicans-letting-their-infrastructure-crumble-2/
"According the the 2013 South Carolina Infrastructure overview report, there are 1,048 structurally deficient bridges, and the funds to do spot repairs did not come from the state; no, $47.10 million came from the federal government. In addition to that atrocity, the real kicker is the dams, which were breached,causing these deadly floods.
Ninety percent of the dams regulated by the state are in such terrible shape that they qualify for an emergency action plan, and there are 162 high hazard dams. Further, there needs to be $1.6 billion in drinking water infrastructure repairs within the next two decades.
Why is South Carolina in such bad shape? Well, because it’s run by the Republican Party. South Carolina has been solid red for as far back in history as the eye can see, and the GOP hates investing in infrastructure.There are many reasons for this, but, at the top of that list is the fact that they are bound to their corporate masters, working tirelessly to secure tax cuts for the rich and tax breaks for corporations, without any plan to make up the lost income that should have gone to pay for infrastructure improvements.
This is a way for them to cut deep corners, because the ultimate goal for the GOP and the corporate puppet masters they serve is to privatize America’s infrastructure. So, to that end, the infrastructure in red states deteriorates into the realm of being dangerously hazardous. Therefore, when a disaster like this happens, they beg the federal government for money because the crumbling infrastructure can’t handle it. They point to the crisis that they are responsible for and offer privatization as the quick-fix."
"According the the 2013 South Carolina Infrastructure overview report, there are 1,048 structurally deficient bridges, and the funds to do spot repairs did not come from the state; no, $47.10 million came from the federal government. In addition to that atrocity, the real kicker is the dams, which were breached,causing these deadly floods.
Ninety percent of the dams regulated by the state are in such terrible shape that they qualify for an emergency action plan, and there are 162 high hazard dams. Further, there needs to be $1.6 billion in drinking water infrastructure repairs within the next two decades.
Why is South Carolina in such bad shape? Well, because it’s run by the Republican Party. South Carolina has been solid red for as far back in history as the eye can see, and the GOP hates investing in infrastructure.There are many reasons for this, but, at the top of that list is the fact that they are bound to their corporate masters, working tirelessly to secure tax cuts for the rich and tax breaks for corporations, without any plan to make up the lost income that should have gone to pay for infrastructure improvements.
This is a way for them to cut deep corners, because the ultimate goal for the GOP and the corporate puppet masters they serve is to privatize America’s infrastructure. So, to that end, the infrastructure in red states deteriorates into the realm of being dangerously hazardous. Therefore, when a disaster like this happens, they beg the federal government for money because the crumbling infrastructure can’t handle it. They point to the crisis that they are responsible for and offer privatization as the quick-fix."
How McCarthy's Benghazi 'Gaffe' Became Game Changer For GOP -- And Should Be For The Press
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/10/07/how-mccarthys-benghazi-gaffe-became-game-change/206011
"Of less interest to much of the political press was the fact that there had already been seven government inquiries into Benghazi and that none had uncovered any administration wrongdoing. In fact, several had completely debunked favorite Republican conspiracy theories. ("Stand down" orders were definitely not given.)"
"Of less interest to much of the political press was the fact that there had already been seven government inquiries into Benghazi and that none had uncovered any administration wrongdoing. In fact, several had completely debunked favorite Republican conspiracy theories. ("Stand down" orders were definitely not given.)"
Democrats Attack Republican Corruption With Ethics Complaint Against Kevin McCarthy
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/07/democrats-attack-republican-corruption-filing-ethics-complaint-kevin-mccarthy.html
"Republicans have misused taxpayer funds for partisan political purposes.
Instead of funding the needs of the American people, or giving the money back to the taxpayers, Republicans have wasted tens of millions of dollars on partisan political investigations. The IRS investigation cost taxpayers $14 million. Previous Benghazi investigations in the House have cost tens of millions of dollars.
Wasting taxpayer money on partisan investigations is part of a pattern of abuse of power within the House Republican majority."
"Republicans have misused taxpayer funds for partisan political purposes.
Instead of funding the needs of the American people, or giving the money back to the taxpayers, Republicans have wasted tens of millions of dollars on partisan political investigations. The IRS investigation cost taxpayers $14 million. Previous Benghazi investigations in the House have cost tens of millions of dollars.
Wasting taxpayer money on partisan investigations is part of a pattern of abuse of power within the House Republican majority."
New York Times Editorial Board Calls On Republicans To "Shut Down The Benghazi Committee"
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/10/07/new-york-times-editorial-board-calls-on-republi/206007
"House Republicans may be disinclined to disband the Select Committee on Benghazi with the presidential race heating up. But at the very least they should rename their laughable crusade, which has cost taxpayers $4.6 million, "the Inquisition of Hillary Rodham Clinton"."
"House Republicans may be disinclined to disband the Select Committee on Benghazi with the presidential race heating up. But at the very least they should rename their laughable crusade, which has cost taxpayers $4.6 million, "the Inquisition of Hillary Rodham Clinton"."
As Outrage Grows, Group Calls For Investigation Into Republican Benghazi Committee
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/05/outrage-grows-group-calls-investigation-republican-benghazi-committee.html
"Republicans have wasted $4.6 million in taxpayer money on the eighth investigation into Benghazi."
"Republicans have wasted $4.6 million in taxpayer money on the eighth investigation into Benghazi."
Audience Boos And Heckles Republican As She Tries To Justify Endless Benghazi Investigation (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/10/04/audience-boos-and-heckles-republican-as-she-tries-to-justify-endless-benghazi-investigation-video/
"When GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers attempted to defend her party’s never-ending political witch hunt known as the Benghazi investigation, the crowd didn’t let her get away with it."
"When GOP Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers attempted to defend her party’s never-ending political witch hunt known as the Benghazi investigation, the crowd didn’t let her get away with it."
Fortune 500 Companies Stash $2.1 Trillion Offshore as US Taxpayers Foot the Bill
Fortune 500 Companies Stash $2.1 Trillion Offshore as US Taxpayers Foot the Bill
"America's Fortune 500 companies are "playing by different rules" when it comes to the federal tax system and, according to a new report out Tuesday, are stashing $2.1 trillion in offshore tax havens—with as much as $620 billion owed to the U.S. taxpayers who are left footing the bill."
"America's Fortune 500 companies are "playing by different rules" when it comes to the federal tax system and, according to a new report out Tuesday, are stashing $2.1 trillion in offshore tax havens—with as much as $620 billion owed to the U.S. taxpayers who are left footing the bill."
Elizabeth Warren torches Big Oil in a signature Elizabeth Warren moment: “We weren’t sent here to work for them”
Elizabeth Warren torches Big Oil in a signature Elizabeth Warren moment: “We weren’t sent here to work for them”
"Big Oil would like to export unlimited amounts of crude oil outside of the U.S. to increase their profits, but there is a longstanding ban on crude oil exports standing in the way. What’s a Big Oil executive to do? Spend millions to lobby Congress to change the rules, of course."
"Big Oil would like to export unlimited amounts of crude oil outside of the U.S. to increase their profits, but there is a longstanding ban on crude oil exports standing in the way. What’s a Big Oil executive to do? Spend millions to lobby Congress to change the rules, of course."
Krugman: Today's GOP Is Further to the Right than Cheney—Yikes! @alternet
Krugman: Today's GOP Is Further to the Right than Cheney—Yikes! @alternet
"Today's GOP is further to the right than Dick Cheney. That cannot be good."
"Today's GOP is further to the right than Dick Cheney. That cannot be good."
Demanding Medicare-for-All, Medical Students Rise Up Nationwide
Demanding Medicare-for-All, Medical Students Rise Up Nationwide
"Taking a stand for the future of their profession and the healthcare needs of the nation, medical students across the U.S. are holding rallies and demonstrations on Thursday demanding the creation of a non-profit, publicly financed, single-payer system—a solution, they say, that is long overdue."
"Taking a stand for the future of their profession and the healthcare needs of the nation, medical students across the U.S. are holding rallies and demonstrations on Thursday demanding the creation of a non-profit, publicly financed, single-payer system—a solution, they say, that is long overdue."
Explaining the Republican Crazy Talk: You Don't Need the Truth to Win in the GOP Primaries @alternet
Explaining the Republican Crazy Talk: You Don't Need the Truth to Win in the GOP Primaries @alternet
"In the post-Reagan era, the grand narrative of the Republican Party is unfettered capitalism. Government is the villain. Business is the hero. In this epic there is no place for the misery caused by the deregulated financial sector, or for people who falter through no fault of their own. Tax cuts for the captains of capitalism and spending cuts for public goods like education and infrastructure have made the United States one of the most unequal countries in the world, but that fact gets no narrative traction. No matter how much money the fossil fuel industry spends on a sham counter-narrative that denies climate change, no matter how many thousands of percentage points some hedge fund bro jacks up the price of a life-saving drug, no matter how cravenly General Motors covered up defective and sometimes deadly ignition switches in 2 million vehicles, the story remains the same: Overreach by government regulators is the root of all evil."
"In the post-Reagan era, the grand narrative of the Republican Party is unfettered capitalism. Government is the villain. Business is the hero. In this epic there is no place for the misery caused by the deregulated financial sector, or for people who falter through no fault of their own. Tax cuts for the captains of capitalism and spending cuts for public goods like education and infrastructure have made the United States one of the most unequal countries in the world, but that fact gets no narrative traction. No matter how much money the fossil fuel industry spends on a sham counter-narrative that denies climate change, no matter how many thousands of percentage points some hedge fund bro jacks up the price of a life-saving drug, no matter how cravenly General Motors covered up defective and sometimes deadly ignition switches in 2 million vehicles, the story remains the same: Overreach by government regulators is the root of all evil."
This is how batsh*t the GOP has become: Climate change denialism perfectly sums up why it’s the party of stupid
This is how batsh*t the GOP has become: Climate change denialism perfectly sums up why it’s the party of stupid
"The Republican Party, as Bobby Jindal (ironically) warned in 2013, is the “stupid party.” GOP candidates have to pretend not to be smart in order to appease the stupid people who dominate their party. This is a terrible problem, for the Republican Party and the country. There isn’t another mainstream party in the western world that’s even remotely comparable to the GOP."
"The Republican Party, as Bobby Jindal (ironically) warned in 2013, is the “stupid party.” GOP candidates have to pretend not to be smart in order to appease the stupid people who dominate their party. This is a terrible problem, for the Republican Party and the country. There isn’t another mainstream party in the western world that’s even remotely comparable to the GOP."
4 Ways the Insane GOP Primary Has Made America's Discourse Dumber Than Ever @alternet
4 Ways the Insane GOP Primary Has Made America's Discourse Dumber Than Ever @alternet
"Over a dozen major candidates are jockeying for attention from primary voters, which means you’re going to see stranger and stranger pandering to right-wing elements that prefer their fantasy world to empirical reality.
Unsurprisingly, science itself is a major target, with various candidates launching flatly false statements contradicting facts established long ago by scientific research. It’s an all-out rhetorical war on science itself."
"Over a dozen major candidates are jockeying for attention from primary voters, which means you’re going to see stranger and stranger pandering to right-wing elements that prefer their fantasy world to empirical reality.
Unsurprisingly, science itself is a major target, with various candidates launching flatly false statements contradicting facts established long ago by scientific research. It’s an all-out rhetorical war on science itself."
Paul Krugman: Never forget what the GOP’s really about — “top-down class warfare”
Paul Krugman: Never forget what the GOP’s really about — “top-down class warfare”
"Republicans support big tax cuts for the wealthy because that’s what wealthy donors want."
"Republicans support big tax cuts for the wealthy because that’s what wealthy donors want."
Republicans Fail To Extend 9-11 Responders' Medical Care
Republicans Fail To Extend 9-11 Responders' Medical Care
"Congress recessed without reauthorizing the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act, which covers medical care for those who became sick after working at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001."
"Congress recessed without reauthorizing the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act, which covers medical care for those who became sick after working at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001."
Paul Ryan's Plan To Kill Obamacare By 1000 Cuts
Paul Ryan's Plan To Kill Obamacare By 1000 Cuts
"They do not want people to have health care. They have no intention of doing anything other than rolling back what we've already gained."
"They do not want people to have health care. They have no intention of doing anything other than rolling back what we've already gained."
Why The Most Urgent Civil Rights Cause Of Our Time Is The Supreme Court Itself
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/supreme-court-greatest-civil-rights-cause
"The future composition of the Supreme Court is the most important civil rights cause of our time. It is more important than racial justice, marriage equality, voting rights, money in politics, abortion rights, gun rights, or managing climate change. It matters more because the ability to move forward in these other civil rights struggles depends first and foremost upon control of the Court. And control for the next generation is about to be up for grabs, likely in the next presidential election, a point many on the right but few on the left seem to have recognized."
"The future composition of the Supreme Court is the most important civil rights cause of our time. It is more important than racial justice, marriage equality, voting rights, money in politics, abortion rights, gun rights, or managing climate change. It matters more because the ability to move forward in these other civil rights struggles depends first and foremost upon control of the Court. And control for the next generation is about to be up for grabs, likely in the next presidential election, a point many on the right but few on the left seem to have recognized."
Lindsey Graham, seeking aid for home state, says he can't remember why he voted against Sandy relief
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/06/1428176/-Lindsey-Graham-seeking-aid-for-home-state-says-he-can-t-remember-why-he-voted-against-Sandy-relief#
"There is something about disasters that brings out the absolute worst—or really, the absolute truth—about Republican ideology. If it happens to their own state or district, they run straight to Washington to ask for help. If it happens somewhere else, though, f*ck 'em—they're on they're own.
Republicans should be embarrassed both by their inhumanity toward their fellow citizens and the shameless reversals they readily make whenever their own constituents are in need, but they never will be. This is all part of a long tradition of naked hypocrisy that's coded deep into the GOP DNA."
"There is something about disasters that brings out the absolute worst—or really, the absolute truth—about Republican ideology. If it happens to their own state or district, they run straight to Washington to ask for help. If it happens somewhere else, though, f*ck 'em—they're on they're own.
Republicans should be embarrassed both by their inhumanity toward their fellow citizens and the shameless reversals they readily make whenever their own constituents are in need, but they never will be. This is all part of a long tradition of naked hypocrisy that's coded deep into the GOP DNA."
Guy Who Said No On Sandy Aid Wants Blank Check For SC Floods
Guy Who Said No On Sandy Aid Wants Blank Check For SC Floods
"let's not forget that the entire South Carolina congressional delegation, along with most Republicans, voted against aid for their fellow citizens after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. It took 10 days to approve aid for Hurricane Katrina victims, but two months for Sandy."
"let's not forget that the entire South Carolina congressional delegation, along with most Republicans, voted against aid for their fellow citizens after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. It took 10 days to approve aid for Hurricane Katrina victims, but two months for Sandy."
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