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March 21, 2013
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
Michele Bachmann Turns Tail and Flees Interviewer
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
"God forbid conservatives should actually be held accountable for their lies. Michele Bachmann, who has a history of saying the most ridiculous, outrageous things about President Obama and who holds herself up as a high and mighty holy roller, has some real problems with the truth."
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year: One of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) favorite ways of defending the House Republicans’ budget is to claim the social safety net represents a moral threat to Americans’ character, as well as a fiscal threat to their country’s budget. He’s incessantly warned of luring “able-bodied people into lives of dependency and complacency” and [...]/p
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals
How Two Republican Senators Are Using A Bait-And-Switch To Scuttle Democrats’ Revenue Goals: Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and John Thune (R-SD) this afternoon offered an amendment to the Senate Democratic budget that they claim will protect the charitable tax deduction from elimination or restriction under the tax reform sought by Democrats. In reality, though, the amendment is a simple bait-and-switch attempt to reduce the budget’s overall revenue levels [...]/p
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em: Right after the House of Representatives approved a Senate bill to avert a government shutdown, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) set the stage for another down-to-the-wire crisis that will threaten the nation’s economic growth. At his weekly press conference, Boehner indicated that Republicans would again demand spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s debt [...]/p
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
It's time for our media to offer us – and the people of Iraq – an apology. And make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
'Falluja Babies' and Depleted Uranium -- America's Toxic Legacy in Iraq | Alternet
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
"Contamination from Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions and other military-related pollution is suspected of causing a sharp rises in congenital birth defects, cancer cases, and other illnesses throughout much of Iraq."
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase: Howard Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, has added another pro-worker notch to his belt: support for increasing the minimum wage. Schultz already has a relatively good reputation on workers’ issues; his company offers health care to all of its employees, and doesn’t mind spending more on health care than on coffee. Starbucks also [...]/p
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
10 Years Later: The Voices Of The Iraq War Debate
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House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net
House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net: The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the Republican budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) by a vote of 221-207, with 197 Democrats and 10 Republicans voting against it. Three Democrats and one Republican did not vote. For the third consecutive year, the House GOP has approved a budget that ends the traditional [...]/p
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs: As the health reform law approaches its third birthday, Obama Administration officials are noting that one of its provisions has already helped seniors on Medicare save $6.1 billion on their prescription drug costs. Obamacare ensures that more prescription drugs are covered under Medicare by closing the “donut hole” coverage gap, one of its most popular [...]/p
Bad Reviews For Republican Rebranding
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Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
Tomas Young and the End of the Body of War | Common Dreams
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
"Tomas Young was in the fifth day of his first deployment to Iraq when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad’s Sadr City. The single bullet paralyzed him from the chest down, and changed his life forever. Now, nine years later, at the age of 33, Tomas has decided to end his life. He announced recently that he will soon stop his nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube."
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does: Thursday marks the three-year anniversary of Congress’ passage of the health care reform law. And although Obamacare has had a high profile throughout the past several years of political fights over health reform, that hasn’t ensured that Americans understand what the law actually does. Even after three years, many Americans are still confused about Obamacare’s [...]/p
March 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day: Earth Day is April 22, and today is the last day children in Utah can send in their submissions for the state-sponsored Earth Day poster contest lauding fossil fuel production. This year’s theme is “Where Would WE Be Without Oil, Gas & Mining?” Last year’s theme was “How Do YOU Use Oil, Gas, and Mining?” [...]/p
The Iraq War: Ten Years Later
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Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion: 20 days after automatic sequestration cuts went into effect, Congress is still trying to reconcile House Republicans’ and Senate Democrats’ budget proposals. On Wednesday, House Democrats introduced their own vision for the federal budget, promising to balance the budget by 2040 without the draconian spending cuts proposed by the GOP, while offering double the stimulus [...]/p
New RNC 'Outreach' Easier Said Than Done
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One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote
One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote: Monday morning, the Republican National Committee released a lengthy “autopsy” of their 2012 electoral loss, much of which was devoted to the GOP’s weak standing among people of color. “It is imperative that the RNC changes how it engages with Hispanic communities to welcome in new members of our Party” the autopsy proclaims, and “the [...]/p
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor: A collection of faith groups will today hold protest actions across the country calling on Congress to pass a budget that invests in programs to help low-income Americans instead of giving tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations. The coalition will hold 21 events in 13 states, according to a release from Faith in Public [...]/p
Senators Crib NRA Talking Points To Oppose Background Checks
Senators Crib NRA Talking Points To Oppose Background Checks: Three months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, a universal background check requirement is precariously close to being eliminated from the Senate’s gun violence prevention package. The measure is a centerpiece of the plan, as it closes the so-called gun show loophole that allows anyone to purchase guns through “private” sales without undergoing background [...]/p
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
The Plague of Wall Street Banking » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
The Plague of Wall Street Banking » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"The economic news this week highlights what happens when governments are unable to confront the root cause of the financial collapse – the risky speculation and securities fraud of the big banks. What happens? They blame the people, cut their benefits, tax their savings and demand they work harder for less money."
"The economic news this week highlights what happens when governments are unable to confront the root cause of the financial collapse – the risky speculation and securities fraud of the big banks. What happens? They blame the people, cut their benefits, tax their savings and demand they work harder for less money."
Ten Years Later, Remembering Those Who Said 'No' To The Iraq War
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Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It
Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It: One of the most outspoken advocates for the war in Iraq said on NPR on Wednesday that asking whether the war was worth fighting is an “unreasonable question.” During an interview with Richard Perle — who was chairman of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee during the run-up to the war — NPR host [...]/p
Gawker Publishes George W. Bush's E-mail Address So We Can Wish Him a "Happy Iraq War Day" | Alternet
Gawker Publishes George W. Bush's E-mail Address So We Can Wish Him a "Happy Iraq War Day" | Alternet
"On Tuesday, Gawker published George W. Bush's private email address and encouraged readers to "wish George W. Bush a Happy Iraq War Day." They stated that readers should email him and "let him know that you're thinking of him today"."
"On Tuesday, Gawker published George W. Bush's private email address and encouraged readers to "wish George W. Bush a Happy Iraq War Day." They stated that readers should email him and "let him know that you're thinking of him today"."
Massachusetts Senate Candidate Stands By Sheriff Who Joked About Killing Obama
Massachusetts Senate Candidate Stands By Sheriff Who Joked About Killing Obama: Throughout the early stages of his campaign for the Republican nomination for Secretary of State John Kerry’s open U.S. Senate seat, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan has enjoyed the strong support of Plymouth County, Massachusetts Sheriff Joe McDonald (R). After McDonald “joked” that the nation would be better off if President Obama were assassinated at [...]/p
March 19, 2013
The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Jamie Dimon, Wall Street’s Golden Boy | Alternet
The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Jamie Dimon, Wall Street’s Golden Boy | Alternet
"Now the truth is out, and Wall Street’s golden boy, Jamie Dimon, has fallen to earth with a thud."
"Now the truth is out, and Wall Street’s golden boy, Jamie Dimon, has fallen to earth with a thud."
Arizona versus the Right to Vote
Arizona versus the Right to Vote
"Supporters of the law claim we need it prevent voter fraud, but Proposition 200's true goal? Disenfranchising minorities."
"Supporters of the law claim we need it prevent voter fraud, but Proposition 200's true goal? Disenfranchising minorities."
The Last Letter From Iraq Veteran to George W Bush and Dick Cheney
The Last Letter From Iraq Veteran to George W Bush and Dick Cheney
"Young speaks for every one of us who knew at the beginning that there was no reason to be in Iraq, other than oil lust. All of those lives lost, those young men and women injured and forever changed, all of it to serve the never-ending thirst for blood, oil and money."
"Young speaks for every one of us who knew at the beginning that there was no reason to be in Iraq, other than oil lust. All of those lives lost, those young men and women injured and forever changed, all of it to serve the never-ending thirst for blood, oil and money."
'Simply Unacceptable': US Gets D for Infrastructure | Common Dreams
'Simply Unacceptable': US Gets D for Infrastructure | Common Dreams
"Curious how your state scored? The report includes an interactive map to see what grade each state received across the 16 categories."
"Curious how your state scored? The report includes an interactive map to see what grade each state received across the 16 categories."
CEOs To Begin Lobbying Campaign For Corporate Tax Cuts, Reforms To Make It Easier To Offshore Profits
CEOs To Begin Lobbying Campaign For Corporate Tax Cuts, Reforms To Make It Easier To Offshore Profits: A top lobbying group for major chief executives is set to begin a campaign calling on Congress to achieve corporate tax reform that lowers tax rates, shields offshore profits from taxation, and does not raise any new revenue. Business Roundtable, a collection of CEOs from top business groups, will spend at least hundreds of thousands [...]/p
PERRspectives: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure for Iraq War Architects
PERRspectives: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure for Iraq War Architects
"Ten years later, there is little question that the Iraq war was a disaster for the United States and its people. Over 4,400 Americans died and another 30,000 were wounded in the conflict. While U.S. forces were left to "muddle through" in Afghanistan, America's Mesopotamia misadventure significantly strengthened Iran's influence in the region. All told, the greatest foreign policy fiasco in modern American history mayultimately cost taxpayers $4 trillion."
"Ten years later, there is little question that the Iraq war was a disaster for the United States and its people. Over 4,400 Americans died and another 30,000 were wounded in the conflict. While U.S. forces were left to "muddle through" in Afghanistan, America's Mesopotamia misadventure significantly strengthened Iran's influence in the region. All told, the greatest foreign policy fiasco in modern American history mayultimately cost taxpayers $4 trillion."
The US Invasion of Iraq Was a Crime and Its Perpetrators Are Murderers | Common Dreams
The US Invasion of Iraq Was a Crime and Its Perpetrators Are Murderers | Common Dreams
"The whole litany of excuses for the catastrophe in Iraq has been recited in the language of mistake and misadventure, as if the war were a tragic accident, like a colossal train wreck caused by an act of God."
"The whole litany of excuses for the catastrophe in Iraq has been recited in the language of mistake and misadventure, as if the war were a tragic accident, like a colossal train wreck caused by an act of God."
No Regrets: Three Iraq War Architects Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary
No Regrets: Three Iraq War Architects Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary: “I’m waiting for the architects of those policies to get up and say it didn’t work, but it’s tough to expect that because they never articulated what the hell they were doing.” This is what conservative activist Grover Norquist told the Huffington Post in a piece published today on what the anniversary of the Iraq [...]/p
The Lies: No Doubt, No Question, Mountain of Evidence, We Know He Has Them, No Doubt | Common Dreams
The Lies: No Doubt, No Question, Mountain of Evidence, We Know He Has Them, No Doubt | Common Dreams
"Marking ten years of the unprecedented, ongoing debacle that was the Iraq War, acompilation by William Pitt of the flood of lies, told over and over, by an Adminstration that has yet to receive its just rewards. Chilling."
"Marking ten years of the unprecedented, ongoing debacle that was the Iraq War, acompilation by William Pitt of the flood of lies, told over and over, by an Adminstration that has yet to receive its just rewards. Chilling."
Matt Taibbi Explains JP Morgan Chase’s Crime Spree
Matt Taibbi Explains JP Morgan Chase’s Crime Spree
"Matt Taibbi explains the myth of JP Morgan Chase as the “one good bank”, why too big to fail is the problem, why Washington is finally getting fed up with Wall Street, how Wall Street miscalculated the 2012 election, how JP Morgan Chase hides losses and commits regular acts of financial fraud and is genuine Wall Street reform possible now?"
"Matt Taibbi explains the myth of JP Morgan Chase as the “one good bank”, why too big to fail is the problem, why Washington is finally getting fed up with Wall Street, how Wall Street miscalculated the 2012 election, how JP Morgan Chase hides losses and commits regular acts of financial fraud and is genuine Wall Street reform possible now?"
States Cut Higher Education Funding, Increase Tuition To Avoid Raising Taxes
States Cut Higher Education Funding, Increase Tuition To Avoid Raising Taxes: For five years since the Great Recession, states have drastically cut funding for public universities, with long-lasting consequences for the U.S. economy. A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that every state except North Dakota and Wyoming is spending less per student than before the recession. As a result, students [...]/p
Public Defenders Hit Up To Six Times Harder Than Prosecutors By Sequester
Public Defenders Hit Up To Six Times Harder Than Prosecutors By Sequester: Fifty years ago today, the Supreme Court decided Gideon v. Wainwright, which established the right of criminal defendants to be represented by an attorney in state or federal court. Yet, as Andrew Cohen explains in a must-read piece over at The Atlantic, Gideon‘s promise has become more and more illusory in the wake of budget [...]/p
House Democratic budget would also boost employment | Economic Policy Institute
House Democratic budget would also boost employment | Economic Policy Institute
"The Van Hollen budget would be a net positive for the labor market over the next two years, relative to current budget policy, current law, or the Ryan budget."
"The Van Hollen budget would be a net positive for the labor market over the next two years, relative to current budget policy, current law, or the Ryan budget."
Massachusetts Sheriff ‘Jokes’ That President Obama Should Be Shot
Massachusetts Sheriff ‘Jokes’ That President Obama Should Be Shot: At a Massachusetts Republican Party St. Patrick’s Day breakfast Sunday, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. (R) “joked” that the nation would be better off if President Obama were assassinated. Blue Mass Group reports that the Boston Globe noted the stunning comment Sunday: McDonald offered a joke about Barack Obama being visited in a [...]/p
16 Giant Corporations That Have Basically Stopped Paying Taxes -- While Also Cutting Jobs! | Alternet
16 Giant Corporations That Have Basically Stopped Paying Taxes -- While Also Cutting Jobs! | Alternet
"Corporations have simply stopped paying their taxes, perhaps using the 2008 recession as an excuse to plead hardship, but then never restoring their tax obligations when business got better. The facts are indisputable. For over 20 years, from 1987 to 2008, corporations paid an average of 22.5% in federal taxes. Since the recession, this has dropped to 10% -- even though their profits have doubled in less than ten years."
"Corporations have simply stopped paying their taxes, perhaps using the 2008 recession as an excuse to plead hardship, but then never restoring their tax obligations when business got better. The facts are indisputable. For over 20 years, from 1987 to 2008, corporations paid an average of 22.5% in federal taxes. Since the recession, this has dropped to 10% -- even though their profits have doubled in less than ten years."
Are We Learning From The Iraq War Mistake?
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5 Reasons The U.S. Is Worse Off Because Of The Iraq War
5 Reasons The U.S. Is Worse Off Because Of The Iraq War: Ten years after the first American bombs fell on Baghdad, the United States is still paying the costs for the invasion of Iraq — monetarily, strategically, psychologically and morally. The decision to launch the war is sure to be re-debated ad nauseum over the coming days, but the simple reality is that the United States, [...]/p
10 Years After Iraq Invasion: Continued Myths, Hundreds of Thousands Killed | Common Dreams
10 Years After Iraq Invasion: Continued Myths, Hundreds of Thousands Killed | Common Dreams
"The Iraq war, which most today in the U.S. see as a mistake, has cost the U.S. trillions of dollars, billions of which were "wasted."
But the devastation for the people of Iraq is incalculable: hundreds of thousands have been killed, over a million remain refugees and U.S. weapons used in the country, such as depleted uranium, have left a haunting legacy far past the drawdown of U.S. troops."
"The Iraq war, which most today in the U.S. see as a mistake, has cost the U.S. trillions of dollars, billions of which were "wasted."
But the devastation for the people of Iraq is incalculable: hundreds of thousands have been killed, over a million remain refugees and U.S. weapons used in the country, such as depleted uranium, have left a haunting legacy far past the drawdown of U.S. troops."
History Shows War A Tool For Political Opportunists
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U.S. Supreme Court Considers ALEC Voting Bill; Could Have Broader Implications for Voting Rights
U.S. Supreme Court Considers ALEC Voting Bill; Could Have Broader Implications for Voting Rights
"The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on March 18 to decide whether an Arizona statute that imposes restrictions on voter registration conflicts with federal law. The case could potentially decide the balance between the state and federal governments when it comes to elections and voting rights. After becoming law in Arizona, the bill at issue was adopted as a "model" by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
"The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on March 18 to decide whether an Arizona statute that imposes restrictions on voter registration conflicts with federal law. The case could potentially decide the balance between the state and federal governments when it comes to elections and voting rights. After becoming law in Arizona, the bill at issue was adopted as a "model" by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
10 Crazy Things Heard at CPAC, the Giant Right-Wing Confab | Alternet
10 Crazy Things Heard at CPAC, the Giant Right-Wing Confab | Alternet
"When right-wingers from every corner of the movement gather in one place, you hear a lot of crazy stuff -- about slavery, booty calls and grocery bags, for starters."
"When right-wingers from every corner of the movement gather in one place, you hear a lot of crazy stuff -- about slavery, booty calls and grocery bags, for starters."
INFOGRAPHIC: House Republicans, Senate Democrats Offer Competing Visions For The Federal Budget
INFOGRAPHIC: House Republicans, Senate Democrats Offer Competing Visions For The Federal Budget: Last year, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and his radical House budget rode a wave of conservative popularity all the way to a spot on the Republican Party’s presidential ticket. Six months and one resounding electoral defeat later, Ryan’s popularity has collapsed and even his Republican allies are disavowing his ‘cut first, ask questions later’ approach [...]/p
The GOP 'Autopsy' And Slavery Talk At CPAC
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March 18, 2013
PERRspectives: How the GOP Gets It All Wrong on Medicare in 5 Charts
PERRspectives: How the GOP Gets It All Wrong on Medicare in 5 Charts
"Of course, the real culprit is the very private insurance market Republicans want to put in charge of Medicare. And as the five charts above show, that won't be a pretty picture."
"Of course, the real culprit is the very private insurance market Republicans want to put in charge of Medicare. And as the five charts above show, that won't be a pretty picture."
War For Oil, Ten Years Later
War For Oil, Ten Years Later
"Prior to the invasion of Iraq, nothing produced faster or more vicious attacks on war opponents than the claim that oil was playing a substantial role in the desire to invade. On February 23, 2003, then-Cogressman Dennis Kucinich appeared on Meet the Press and argued that oil was a primary reason for the US to want to invade Iraq, and in response, Richard Perle (Frum's co-author in their 2004 "An End to Evil") replied: "It is a lie, Congressman. It is an out and out lie"."
"Prior to the invasion of Iraq, nothing produced faster or more vicious attacks on war opponents than the claim that oil was playing a substantial role in the desire to invade. On February 23, 2003, then-Cogressman Dennis Kucinich appeared on Meet the Press and argued that oil was a primary reason for the US to want to invade Iraq, and in response, Richard Perle (Frum's co-author in their 2004 "An End to Evil") replied: "It is a lie, Congressman. It is an out and out lie"."
How Three Top Republicans Are Already Blowing Up The RNC’s Minority Outreach Strategy
How Three Top Republicans Are Already Blowing Up The RNC’s Minority Outreach Strategy: Well, that didn’t take long. This morning, the biggest political story in Washington was a Republican National Committee “autopsy” of the GOP’s 2012 election loss. In it, the RNC proclaimed that “[i]t is imperative that the RNC changes how it engages with Hispanic communities to welcome in new members of our Party” and that “the [...]/p
The Shame of America’s Gulag | Common Dreams
The Shame of America’s Gulag | Common Dreams
"As long as profit remains an incentive to incarcerate human beings and our corporate state abounds in surplus, redundant labor, there is little chance that the prison system will be reformed. It is making our corporate overlords wealthy. Our prisons serve the engine of corporate capitalism, transferring state money to private corporations. These corporations will continue to stymie rational prison reform because the system, however inhumane and unjust, feeds corporate bank accounts. At its bottom the problem is not race—although race plays a huge part in incarceration rates—nor is it finally poverty; it is the predatory nature of corporate capitalism itself. And until we slay the beast of corporate capitalism, until we wrest power back from corporations, until we build social institutions and a system of governance designed not to profit the few but foster the common good, our prison industry and the horror it perpetuates will only expand."
"As long as profit remains an incentive to incarcerate human beings and our corporate state abounds in surplus, redundant labor, there is little chance that the prison system will be reformed. It is making our corporate overlords wealthy. Our prisons serve the engine of corporate capitalism, transferring state money to private corporations. These corporations will continue to stymie rational prison reform because the system, however inhumane and unjust, feeds corporate bank accounts. At its bottom the problem is not race—although race plays a huge part in incarceration rates—nor is it finally poverty; it is the predatory nature of corporate capitalism itself. And until we slay the beast of corporate capitalism, until we wrest power back from corporations, until we build social institutions and a system of governance designed not to profit the few but foster the common good, our prison industry and the horror it perpetuates will only expand."
Republican National Committee Plan: More Money In Politics, More Influence For Rich People
Republican National Committee Plan: More Money In Politics, More Influence For Rich People: The Republican National Committee’s investigation into its 2012 electoral defeat, dubbed their “Growth & Opportunity Project,” aims to provide a blueprint for how to “grow the Party and improve Republican campaigns.” Among their top proposals for how the GOP can win: dismantling the nation’s already weak campaign finance laws to allow rich people even more [...]/p
PERRspectives: 10 Signs Paul Ryan is Dropping Acid
PERRspectives: 10 Signs Paul Ryan is Dropping Acid
- Two Million Jobs Lost in 2014 Alone
- $4.4 Trillion Tax Cut, Mostly for the Wealthy
- Zero Tax Breaks Ended
- Tax Hikes for the Middle Class
- Medicare Rationing Boosts Annual Premiums for Seniors by $2,200 in 2030
- 38 Million More Uninsured
- Slashing Medicare and Medicaid Benefits, But Keeping the Tax Revenue
- Non-Defense Discretionary Spending at Lowest Level in Decades
- Two Trillion Dollar Flip-Flop on Defense Spending
- Cutting Historically Small Federal Workforce by 10 Percent
House GOP Budget Would Give Millionaires A $200,000 Tax Cut
House GOP Budget Would Give Millionaires A $200,000 Tax Cut: The latest House Republican budget would grant taxpayers with incomes above $1 million at least $200,000 in tax cuts even if the GOP closes tax loopholes to help pay for the plan, according to an analysis from Citizens for Tax Justice. The GOP plan, authored by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), aims to reduce [...]/p
Stop Freaking Out About the Debt! 5 Reasons There Is No Debt Crisis | Alternet
Stop Freaking Out About the Debt! 5 Reasons There Is No Debt Crisis | Alternet
"In conclusion: the “debt crisis” is a mere phantom — only one of many possible futures, and far from a certainty. The interest America is paying on its debt is currently lowerthan it was in the 1990s, despite a lower debt-to-GDP ratio then. When inflation is factored in, current real interest rates on our debt are negative. Financial markets are willing to pay us to borrow from them.
"In conclusion: the “debt crisis” is a mere phantom — only one of many possible futures, and far from a certainty. The interest America is paying on its debt is currently lowerthan it was in the 1990s, despite a lower debt-to-GDP ratio then. When inflation is factored in, current real interest rates on our debt are negative. Financial markets are willing to pay us to borrow from them.
Meanwhile, every dollar we cut — nay, every dollar we fail to borrow — is a dollar that isn’t going to shore up the safety net, to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, or to support struggling Americans while their livelihoods remain on the line. That we’re passing on this opportunity to repair our country, much less even considering the monstrosity that is the Ryan budget, really is absurd."
Social Security for the Next Generation? If You're Under 40, You Should Be in the Streets | Common Dreams
Social Security for the Next Generation? If You're Under 40, You Should Be in the Streets | Common Dreams
"The secret sauce of my generation was that when I was young, prosperity was widely shared, ladders were plentiful, and tax rates were progressive. If gazillionaires pay their fair share, and we invest adequately in the young, there's no reason why Generations Y and Z can't enjoy the same economic tailwind that my generation did.
"The secret sauce of my generation was that when I was young, prosperity was widely shared, ladders were plentiful, and tax rates were progressive. If gazillionaires pay their fair share, and we invest adequately in the young, there's no reason why Generations Y and Z can't enjoy the same economic tailwind that my generation did.
That, however, will not just happen. It requires a politics -- and not the politics of young versus old, much less the politics of austerity."
Republicans: There's No Debt Crisis, We Just Want to Screw the Poor | Alternet
Republicans: There's No Debt Crisis, We Just Want to Screw the Poor | Alternet
"Admitting that there’s no immediate crisis illustrates that the GOP’s proposed monstrous cuts to social welfare programs are more an attempt to push through their ideology than save the country from collapse. As the media continues to hyperbolize the deficit, the need for compromise and the instantaneous dangers that will occur if we don’t impose austerity cuts, Republicans are happily using the spin to quickly demand these absurd cuts. But now, especially with both parties acknowledging that there’s no immediate debt crisis, we must demand an honest, smart budget from Congress."
"Admitting that there’s no immediate crisis illustrates that the GOP’s proposed monstrous cuts to social welfare programs are more an attempt to push through their ideology than save the country from collapse. As the media continues to hyperbolize the deficit, the need for compromise and the instantaneous dangers that will occur if we don’t impose austerity cuts, Republicans are happily using the spin to quickly demand these absurd cuts. But now, especially with both parties acknowledging that there’s no immediate debt crisis, we must demand an honest, smart budget from Congress."
With Inequality Spiraling Out of Control It's Insane to Consider Cutting Social Security | Alternet
With Inequality Spiraling Out of Control It's Insane to Consider Cutting Social Security | Alternet
"The United States already has a poverty rate among the elderly of 24 percent."
"The United States already has a poverty rate among the elderly of 24 percent."
7 Things You Need to Know About the Shocking Cyprus Bailout Crisis That Has Everyone Freaked Out | Alternet
7 Things You Need to Know About the Shocking Cyprus Bailout Crisis That Has Everyone Freaked Out | Alternet
"Fears of bank runs, a Lehman-like collapse, and widespread panic are building."
"Fears of bank runs, a Lehman-like collapse, and widespread panic are building."
You Wouldn't Believe How Fast Americans Are Losing Their Religion -- But the Fundamentalists Have a Plan | Alternet
You Wouldn't Believe How Fast Americans Are Losing Their Religion -- But the Fundamentalists Have a Plan | Alternet
"As their power declines in America, fundamentalists are moving to developing countries not as far along the secularization curve. And they're causing massive damage."
"As their power declines in America, fundamentalists are moving to developing countries not as far along the secularization curve. And they're causing massive damage."
March Madness: The 5th Straight Year of Extreme Corporate Tax Avoidance | Common Dreams
March Madness: The 5th Straight Year of Extreme Corporate Tax Avoidance | Common Dreams
"Corporations have simply stopped paying their taxes, perhaps using the 2008 recession as an excuse to plead hardship, but then never restoring their tax obligations when business got better. The facts are indisputable. For over 20 years, from 1987 to 2008, corporations paid an average of 22.5% in federal taxes. Since the recession, this has dropped to 10% -- even though their profits have doubled in less than ten years."
"Corporations have simply stopped paying their taxes, perhaps using the 2008 recession as an excuse to plead hardship, but then never restoring their tax obligations when business got better. The facts are indisputable. For over 20 years, from 1987 to 2008, corporations paid an average of 22.5% in federal taxes. Since the recession, this has dropped to 10% -- even though their profits have doubled in less than ten years."
It’s The Policy, Stupid: 4 Policies That Undermine The GOP’s New Voter Outreach Strategy
It’s The Policy, Stupid: 4 Policies That Undermine The GOP’s New Voter Outreach Strategy: On Monday, following its loss in the 2012 presidential election, the Republican National Committee (RNC) released an autopsy report that aims to “grow the Party and improve Republican campaigns.” The so-called “Growth and Opportunity Project” spoke with “more than 2,600 people, both outside Washington and inside the Beltway” about how the party can appeal to [...]/p
March 17, 2013
The Brutal and Secretive Trade of American Horses Killed For Their Meat | Alternet
The Brutal and Secretive Trade of American Horses Killed For Their Meat | Alternet
"Few Americans are aware that our country's horses are being exported and slaughtered abroad to supply other nations' taste for a meat that's shunned at home."
"Few Americans are aware that our country's horses are being exported and slaughtered abroad to supply other nations' taste for a meat that's shunned at home."
March 16, 2013
Why Does Anyone Still Take Paul Ryan Seriously? | Alternet
Why Does Anyone Still Take Paul Ryan Seriously? | Alternet
"His failed V.P. bid may have made him a national figure, but his budget plan is hopelessly out of touch."
"His failed V.P. bid may have made him a national figure, but his budget plan is hopelessly out of touch."
Ten Years on I Want Answers for my Daughter Rachel Corrie | Common Dreams
Ten Years on I Want Answers for my Daughter Rachel Corrie | Common Dreams
"On March 16, 2003, my daughter Rachel Corrie was crushed to death under a bulldozer driven by an Israel Defense Forces soldier. The bulldozer was manufactured in the United States by Caterpillar, Inc. and paid for by U.S. foreign military financing aid."
"On March 16, 2003, my daughter Rachel Corrie was crushed to death under a bulldozer driven by an Israel Defense Forces soldier. The bulldozer was manufactured in the United States by Caterpillar, Inc. and paid for by U.S. foreign military financing aid."
Fox News Virtually Ignores Portman’s Evolution On Marriage Equality
Fox News Virtually Ignores Portman’s Evolution On Marriage Equality: Fox News has a habit of ignoring pro-LGBT news that does not appeal to the conservative base. For instance, the network offered slim coverage to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the passage of New York’s historic same-sex marriage law, and failed to report that former RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman — who had orchestrated President Bush’s gay-bashing 2004 re-election campaign — had come out as gay.
Five Reasons Washington Shouldn’t Panic About The Debt
Five Reasons Washington Shouldn’t Panic About The Debt: Once again, the March budget season has arrived, and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) has engineered another draconian fiscal vision for the House Republicans. The plan would radically remake Medicare, decimate Medicaid, grant a huge tax cut to the wealthy, and slash support for the poor, investments, and civic infrastructure. Ryan and his cohorts justify these [...]/p
Wall Street Execs Should Face Criminal Consequences | Common Dreams
Wall Street Execs Should Face Criminal Consequences | Common Dreams
"Another day, another Wall Street scandal—and yet another instance where the perpetrators will quite certainly get little more than a slap on the wrist."
"Another day, another Wall Street scandal—and yet another instance where the perpetrators will quite certainly get little more than a slap on the wrist."
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