www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/05/cornelius-kelly-fox-obamacare-baby/
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
December 7, 2013
FBI searches former Michele Bachmann campaign staffer’s home
www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/04/fbi-searches-former-michele-bachmann-campaign-staffers-home/
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
"Bachmann, a four-term incumbent in Congress, has insisted her decision not to seek another re-election is not related to her own ethics investigation, which landed her on the annual list of “most corrupt” lawmakers by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in September 2013."
Secretive Right-Wing Group Continues Its War On Clean Energy
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/05/3022271/alec-solar-clean-energy-freeriders/
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
"The next day, the paper explained how ALEC “is mobilizing to penalize homeowners who install their own solar panels — casting them as “freeriders” — in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy”."
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid, Himself To Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/06/santorum-obamacare-mandela-apartheid/
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
The Right Wing’s Campaign To Discredit And Undermine Mandela, In One Timeline
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2013/12/06/3029871/wing-timeline-mandela/
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
"After President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on South Africa Reagan reversed course, labeling the African National Congress a terrorist organization."
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
Remembering The Religious Right's Attacks On Nelson Mandela | Right Wing Watch
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
"Mandela faced criticism from Republican leaders including Dick Cheney, who described Mandela’s ANC as a “terrorist organization,” and Jesse Helms, who “turned his back during Mandela’s visit to the U.S. Capitol.” Even in 1998, Eagle Forum founder Phyllis Schlafly lumped Mandela together with notorious dictators.
The late Jerry Falwell urged [PDF] his supporters to write their congressmen and senators to tell them to oppose sanctions against the apartheid regime."
Will Local Media Cover ALEC Now That Its Agenda Has Been Exposed?
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/04/will-local-media-cover-alec-now-that-its-agenda/197145
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
"As legislative sessions begin next year, will state media outlets begin to question legislation offered by their state representatives, especially those who are known to be members of ALEC? Will state media outlets question their ALEC state chairmen about the loyalty oath and whether they are putting the interests of ALEC interests above those of their state and constituents?"
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/06/3030141/rick-santorum-obamacare-mandela/
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
"Comparing apartheid — the systematic, institutionalized segregation of the black population of South Africa — to Obamacare — the signature legislative achievement of the United States’ first black president — is among the worst reactions by conservatives to the news of Mandela’s passing. And implying that Mandela would have opposed legislation like the Affordable Care Act is to ignore the reality of the health care system that Mandela himself fought for.
After bringing an end to apartheid rule, Mandela enshrined in the new South African constitution a fundamental right to health care for all citizens, and introduced a government-funded public health care system to help cover those who could not afford the private system already in place."
Eric Cantor Calls the Police on Children Who Were Singing In His Office
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/05/eric-cantor-calls-police-children-singing-office.html
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
"Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s staff called the police on a group of children who were singing songs in support of immigration reform, and had them removed from their office."
Republicans feel a need to train their men to talk to women
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/05/1260319/-Republicans-feel-a-need-to-train-their-men-to-talk-to-women
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
"Republican incumbents facing challenges from Democratic women are being given lessons in messaging against women ... er, messaging against women opponents. The problem is that they're already too good at messaging against women, so now they need to learn to cover up some of the condescension and pretend their policies won't hurt, yes, women."
December 6, 2013
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
CIA’s Disastrous “Bourne” Strategy | Alternet
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
"The agency decided that there was no aspect of secret war which couldn’t be corporatized."
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
Cantor Office Calls Cops to Threaten Immigrant Children with Arrest
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
"A group of children calling for immigration reform were forced to leave House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-VA) office on Thursday after Capitol Police officers threatened to arrest them."
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
How the Christian Right Plays Victim While Imposing Its Ideology on America | Alternet
How the Christian Right Plays Victim While Imposing Its Ideology on America | Alternet
"Why does every religious-right publication and event echo the claim that right-wing Christians are somehow being stripped of the very right to religious freedom the right has worked tirelessly to take from everyone else for decades?
The simple answer is they’re lying. Claiming the mantle of victimhood is so politically potent that religious-right leaders are going to do it, no matter how untrue it is, because, to be blunt, they’re not held back by any moral interest in honesty. Getting Grandma to think she's going to lose her church is a great way to get her to sign her Social Security check over to your organization."
"Why does every religious-right publication and event echo the claim that right-wing Christians are somehow being stripped of the very right to religious freedom the right has worked tirelessly to take from everyone else for decades?
The simple answer is they’re lying. Claiming the mantle of victimhood is so politically potent that religious-right leaders are going to do it, no matter how untrue it is, because, to be blunt, they’re not held back by any moral interest in honesty. Getting Grandma to think she's going to lose her church is a great way to get her to sign her Social Security check over to your organization."
December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013: Anti-Apartheid Icon, 'Now at Rest' | Common Dreams
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013: Anti-Apartheid Icon, 'Now at Rest' | Common Dreams
"Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president who helped lead the country's revolution out of the brutal apartheid system, died Thursday at his home at the age of 95."
"Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president who helped lead the country's revolution out of the brutal apartheid system, died Thursday at his home at the age of 95."
Army of Rightwing Groups Plan Assault on State Laws in 2014 | Common Dreams
Army of Rightwing Groups Plan Assault on State Laws in 2014 | Common Dreams
"The documents also cast light on the nexus of funding arrangements behind radical rightwing campaigns. The State Policy Network (SPN) has members in each of the 50 states and an annual warchest of $83m drawn from major corporate donors that include the energy tycoons the Koch brothers, the tobacco company Philip Morris, food giant Kraft and the multinational drugs company GlaxoSmithKline."
"The documents also cast light on the nexus of funding arrangements behind radical rightwing campaigns. The State Policy Network (SPN) has members in each of the 50 states and an annual warchest of $83m drawn from major corporate donors that include the energy tycoons the Koch brothers, the tobacco company Philip Morris, food giant Kraft and the multinational drugs company GlaxoSmithKline."
Rep. Chaffetz Makes Excuses for Refusal to Raise Minimum Wage
Rep. Chaffetz Makes Excuses for Refusal to Raise Minimum Wage
"Never mind that the minimum wage would be $22.62 per hour today if it had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the one percent. Never mind that most minimum wage earners are adults. Never mind that most Americans favor raising the minimum wage. That wasn't going to stop Rep. Jason Chaffetz from defending the Republicans' skewed priorities in the House of Representatives to host Stephanie Cutter on this Wednesday's Crossfire, or pretending that raising it would keep companies from hiring teenagers."
"Never mind that the minimum wage would be $22.62 per hour today if it had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the one percent. Never mind that most minimum wage earners are adults. Never mind that most Americans favor raising the minimum wage. That wasn't going to stop Rep. Jason Chaffetz from defending the Republicans' skewed priorities in the House of Representatives to host Stephanie Cutter on this Wednesday's Crossfire, or pretending that raising it would keep companies from hiring teenagers."
Georgia School 'Terrorized' After Fox News False 'Christmas' Report
Georgia School 'Terrorized' After Fox News False 'Christmas' Report
"Last month, members of school board in South Dakota said that they received death threats after Fox News falsely reported that they had voted to drop the Pledge of Allegiance at schools."
"Last month, members of school board in South Dakota said that they received death threats after Fox News falsely reported that they had voted to drop the Pledge of Allegiance at schools."
Ohio GOP Resurrects Voter Suppression Efforts | The Nation
Ohio GOP Resurrects Voter Suppression Efforts | The Nation
"But now Ohio Republicans are once again resurrecting efforts to make it harder to vote. Last month, the GOP-controlled Ohio Senate, on a party-line vote, voted to cut early voting by a week, eliminating the “Golden Week” when Ohioans can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period (Senate Bill 238). The legislation was introduced and passed in one week, with almost no time for substantive debate."
"But now Ohio Republicans are once again resurrecting efforts to make it harder to vote. Last month, the GOP-controlled Ohio Senate, on a party-line vote, voted to cut early voting by a week, eliminating the “Golden Week” when Ohioans can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period (Senate Bill 238). The legislation was introduced and passed in one week, with almost no time for substantive debate."
Exposed: The Right Wing's National Plan To Crush Green Energy | Common Dreams
Exposed: The Right Wing's National Plan To Crush Green Energy | Common Dreams
"The American Legislative Exchange Council's war on green protections is poised to expand over the next year, taking aim at the Environmental Protection Agency, state regulations, and even solar panels installed in individual homes."
"The American Legislative Exchange Council's war on green protections is poised to expand over the next year, taking aim at the Environmental Protection Agency, state regulations, and even solar panels installed in individual homes."
Trickle-Down Economics and Broken Promises
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/report/2013/12/04/80381/trickle-down-economics-and-broken-promises/
"Yet empirical economic data show that these misguided policies did not deliver on their promises, as our nation’s economy after the tax increases of 1993 significantly outperformed the periods after tax cuts in the 1980s and 2000s. Investment growth, productivity growth, employment growth, middle-class income growth, national fiscal health, and overall economic growth were weaker or declined under trickle-down policies."
"Yet empirical economic data show that these misguided policies did not deliver on their promises, as our nation’s economy after the tax increases of 1993 significantly outperformed the periods after tax cuts in the 1980s and 2000s. Investment growth, productivity growth, employment growth, middle-class income growth, national fiscal health, and overall economic growth were weaker or declined under trickle-down policies."
Republicans Vote Against Their Own Survival as the Top 14 Child Poverty States Are Red
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/04/republicans-vote-survival-top-14-child-poverty-states-red.html
"The top fourteen states with the highest percentage of children living in dire poverty are deeply-held red states and far exceed the humiliating national child poverty rate of nearly 24%."
"The top fourteen states with the highest percentage of children living in dire poverty are deeply-held red states and far exceed the humiliating national child poverty rate of nearly 24%."
'Low Pay Is Not OK': Fast Food Workers Rise Up with Nationwide Protests | Common Dreams
'Low Pay Is Not OK': Fast Food Workers Rise Up with Nationwide Protests | Common Dreams
"Actions expected in over 100 cities demanding end to poverty wages"
"Actions expected in over 100 cities demanding end to poverty wages"
How Wall Street Power Brokers Are Designing the Future of Public Education as a Money-Making Machine | Alternet
How Wall Street Power Brokers Are Designing the Future of Public Education as a Money-Making Machine | Alternet
"Why are Wall Street types investing in local school board elections? Just follow the money."
"Why are Wall Street types investing in local school board elections? Just follow the money."
Facebook's Future Plans for Data Collection Beyond All Imagination | Alternet
Facebook's Future Plans for Data Collection Beyond All Imagination | Alternet
"Facebook's dark plans for the future are given away in its patent applications."
"Facebook's dark plans for the future are given away in its patent applications."
New Guardian Docs Show ALEC Misled Press, Public
New Guardian Docs Show ALEC Misled Press, Public
"Internal documents from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) published by The Guardian provide stunning insight into the inner workings of the "corporate bill mill" -- and offer new evidence about how the group has continually misled reporters, the public, and even its own members."
"Internal documents from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) published by The Guardian provide stunning insight into the inner workings of the "corporate bill mill" -- and offer new evidence about how the group has continually misled reporters, the public, and even its own members."
December 4, 2013
Elizabeth Warren wants to know what think tanks are owned by Wall Street
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/04/1260164/-Elizabeth-Warren-wants-to-know-what-think-tanks-are-owned-by-Wall-Street
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren apparently doesn't give a fig about what the corporatist Third Way thinks about her and her economic populism. But she does care about who is funding the research from think tanks like Third Way that argues against economic populism. So she is demanding some transparency there. She just sent this letter [pdf] to the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley."
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren apparently doesn't give a fig about what the corporatist Third Way thinks about her and her economic populism. But she does care about who is funding the research from think tanks like Third Way that argues against economic populism. So she is demanding some transparency there. She just sent this letter [pdf] to the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley."
113th Congress Set To Be Least Productive In History; GOP Proud Of Their Do Nothing Record
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/04/113th-congress-set-least-productive-history-gop-sees-bragging-point/
"It’s no secret that republicans in the House and Senate view the government as the enemy. We should make no mistakes about it. They are there to prevent the government from functioning, not to help it function better. They don’t want to streamline government functions, they want to do whatever they can to keep the government from functioning at all. The fact that they see the complete failure of the 113th Congress to carry out its duties as bragging points, just proves that they don’t belong in government at all."
"It’s no secret that republicans in the House and Senate view the government as the enemy. We should make no mistakes about it. They are there to prevent the government from functioning, not to help it function better. They don’t want to streamline government functions, they want to do whatever they can to keep the government from functioning at all. The fact that they see the complete failure of the 113th Congress to carry out its duties as bragging points, just proves that they don’t belong in government at all."
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
Insurance Commissioner Compares Pre-Existing Conditions To Car Wrecks: ‘It’s Your Fault’
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/04/3020831/georgia-insurance-commissioner-pre-existing-fault/
"Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens (R) has a message for the estimated 57.2 million Americans suffering from diabetes, asthma, cancer, genetic disorders, and other pre-existing medical conditions: it’s your fault."
"Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens (R) has a message for the estimated 57.2 million Americans suffering from diabetes, asthma, cancer, genetic disorders, and other pre-existing medical conditions: it’s your fault."
California Republicans Create Fake Healthcare Website To Mislead Constituents
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/03/california-republicans-create-fake-healthcare-website-mislead-constituents/
"Republicans have tried everything in their power to keep the ACA from taking effect. After more than 40 attempts to repeal the law, a failed Supreme Court challenge and a full blown shut down of the US government, they did not succeed. They tried to sabotage the law in every way possible, up to and including a “Destroy Obamacare” program, which was supposed to bring down the national ACA website.
What’s left for them now, except to create a fake healthcare website? They’ll try whatever they can to try to keep people from getting to the truth and then signing up for the ACA.
Misleading voters, billing taxpayers for right wing propaganda, using every kind of deceptive tactic they can think of… there’s really nothing new here. It’s habitual for the party that has no other options left. They can’t stand on the truth. Voters would never accept GOP policies if they were offered at face value. They can only hope that their low information base doesn’t catch on before the next election.
Since statistics show that more and more Republicans are signing up for the ACA every day, the odds of that happening are getting smaller and smaller."
"Republicans have tried everything in their power to keep the ACA from taking effect. After more than 40 attempts to repeal the law, a failed Supreme Court challenge and a full blown shut down of the US government, they did not succeed. They tried to sabotage the law in every way possible, up to and including a “Destroy Obamacare” program, which was supposed to bring down the national ACA website.
What’s left for them now, except to create a fake healthcare website? They’ll try whatever they can to try to keep people from getting to the truth and then signing up for the ACA.
Misleading voters, billing taxpayers for right wing propaganda, using every kind of deceptive tactic they can think of… there’s really nothing new here. It’s habitual for the party that has no other options left. They can’t stand on the truth. Voters would never accept GOP policies if they were offered at face value. They can only hope that their low information base doesn’t catch on before the next election.
Since statistics show that more and more Republicans are signing up for the ACA every day, the odds of that happening are getting smaller and smaller."
Humanity Wholly Unprepared for Abrupt Climate Impacts, Warns Report | Common Dreams
Humanity Wholly Unprepared for Abrupt Climate Impacts, Warns Report | Common Dreams
"Hang on. Get Ready.
"Hang on. Get Ready.
Those are at least two of the takeaways from a new report released by scientists in the National Academy of Sciences on Tuesday which says the sudden impacts of climate change this century and beyond are inevitable but warn that far too little has been done to prepare for them."
12 Corporate Espionage Tactics Used Against Leading Progressive Groups, Activists and Whistleblowers | Alternet
12 Corporate Espionage Tactics Used Against Leading Progressive Groups, Activists and Whistleblowers | Alternet
"Corporate spies for Dow, Kraft and others have tried to discredit, shame and infiltrate civic groups using an array of dirty tricks."
"Corporate spies for Dow, Kraft and others have tried to discredit, shame and infiltrate civic groups using an array of dirty tricks."
December 3, 2013
Detroit Bankruptcy Bankrupts Democracy | The Nation
Detroit Bankruptcy Bankrupts Democracy | The Nation
"There is a lot more at stake in Detroit, and in Michigan, than one city’s balance sheet.
Our understanding of democracy, itself, is being subverted.
The voters of Michigan sent a clear signal last fall. They rejected emergency-manager authoritarianism.
Unfortunately, a federal bankruptcy judge has sided with a governor who could not win an election in Detroit and an approach that Detroit voters rejected.
This has nothing to do with budgeting, debt or broader fiscal matters. Those issues could, and should, be addressed by an elected mayor and city council.
This has everything to do with allowing unelectable and unelected officials—and the interests they serve—to achieve political results that could not be secured at the ballot box."
"There is a lot more at stake in Detroit, and in Michigan, than one city’s balance sheet.
Our understanding of democracy, itself, is being subverted.
The voters of Michigan sent a clear signal last fall. They rejected emergency-manager authoritarianism.
Unfortunately, a federal bankruptcy judge has sided with a governor who could not win an election in Detroit and an approach that Detroit voters rejected.
This has nothing to do with budgeting, debt or broader fiscal matters. Those issues could, and should, be addressed by an elected mayor and city council.
This has everything to do with allowing unelectable and unelected officials—and the interests they serve—to achieve political results that could not be secured at the ballot box."
Looking for Fraud? Don't Look at Food Stamp Recipients, Look at Wall Street | Common Dreams
Looking for Fraud? Don't Look at Food Stamp Recipients, Look at Wall Street | Common Dreams
"Food stamps keep 47 million people from going hungry, so cuts hurt. Congress should focus on where the real abuse happens"
"Food stamps keep 47 million people from going hungry, so cuts hurt. Congress should focus on where the real abuse happens"
Want to Cut Food Stamp Spending? Raise the Minimum Wage
Want to Cut Food Stamp Spending? Raise the Minimum Wage
"If minimum wage workers receives a raise, and that increase ripples up through the ever-growing low-wage end of our economy, the need for government assistance will decrease and therefore so will the spending on the programs. The right way to cut spending on assistance for Americans is to decrease the need for that assistance, not decrease assistance for those in need."
"If minimum wage workers receives a raise, and that increase ripples up through the ever-growing low-wage end of our economy, the need for government assistance will decrease and therefore so will the spending on the programs. The right way to cut spending on assistance for Americans is to decrease the need for that assistance, not decrease assistance for those in need."
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
DonorsTrust—the Right's Dark-Money ATM—Pumps Out Record $96 Million
www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/12/donors-trust-franklin-center-alec-mercatus-center-dark-money
"Wealthy conservatives use DonorsTrust as a surefire way to invest their money, fingerprint-free, with the assurance it will end up in the right hands."
"Wealthy conservatives use DonorsTrust as a surefire way to invest their money, fingerprint-free, with the assurance it will end up in the right hands."
Hobby Lobby's Religion Doesn't Stop It From Buying Cheap Chinese Goods
Hobby Lobby's Religion Doesn't Stop It From Buying Cheap Chinese Goods
"Hobby Lobby's "religious values" don't extend to objecting to "family planning" and forced abortions in China."
"Hobby Lobby's "religious values" don't extend to objecting to "family planning" and forced abortions in China."
How Fast Food Giants Use Loopholes to Avoid taxes, Pay Execs Giant Pay, and the Workers Peanuts | Alternet
How Fast Food Giants Use Loopholes to Avoid taxes, Pay Execs Giant Pay, and the Workers Peanuts | Alternet
"The fast food industry is notorious for handing out lean paychecks to their burger flippers and fat ones to their CEOs. What’s less well-known is that taxpayers are actually subsidizing fast food incomes at both the bottom — and top — of the industry."
"The fast food industry is notorious for handing out lean paychecks to their burger flippers and fat ones to their CEOs. What’s less well-known is that taxpayers are actually subsidizing fast food incomes at both the bottom — and top — of the industry."
The Fake Obamacare Site That Is Trying To Trick Californians
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/03/3012281/california-republicans-trick-voters-fake-obamacare-site/
"Despite the GOP’s effort to dissuade Californians from purchasing coverage, however, nearly 80,000 people signed up for health insurance in the state’s new exchange as of late November, with approximately 2,7000 people enrolling daily.
A disclaimer on the site — which is situated next to a link to the Assembly Republican Caucus — notes that “The California State Assembly does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and other items contained on this server or any other server.” Indeed."
"Despite the GOP’s effort to dissuade Californians from purchasing coverage, however, nearly 80,000 people signed up for health insurance in the state’s new exchange as of late November, with approximately 2,7000 people enrolling daily.
A disclaimer on the site — which is situated next to a link to the Assembly Republican Caucus — notes that “The California State Assembly does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and other items contained on this server or any other server.” Indeed."
Oh Hell, 16, 12, 8 — Put Those Worthless Kids to Work!
Oh Hell, 16, 12, 8 — Put Those Worthless Kids to Work!
"Republicans are determined to undo every labor reform we’ve had in this country since sweatshops burned to the ground. And trust me, they don’t mean having their own kids work. They mean your kids."
"Republicans are determined to undo every labor reform we’ve had in this country since sweatshops burned to the ground. And trust me, they don’t mean having their own kids work. They mean your kids."
Judge OK's Detroit Bankruptcy, Puts Public Pensions Under the Axe | Common Dreams
Judge OK's Detroit Bankruptcy, Puts Public Pensions Under the Axe | Common Dreams
"U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes ruled Tuesday that the city of Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy after a long court battle between city appointed 'emergency manager' Kevyn Orr and union and labor activists who say the decision paves the way for workers' pensions to be cut."
"U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes ruled Tuesday that the city of Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy after a long court battle between city appointed 'emergency manager' Kevyn Orr and union and labor activists who say the decision paves the way for workers' pensions to be cut."
Republicans Freak Out as Healthcare.gov Gets Nearly a Million Hits on Monday
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/03/republicans-freak-healthcare-gov-million-hits-monday.html
"At this point, the GOP has no idea what to do. For the past three years, they have been in ‘repeal Obamacare’ mode. While they couldn’t be bothered to do any actual policy making or passing bills in the House, they found time to hold repeal votes nearly four dozen times. However, as they head back into session, they do not have another repeal vote on the calender. The fact is, they know they can’t do it anymore. Before, when enrollment had not begun, they could go on their rhetorical exercise of holding repeal votes that would never get through the Senate or past the White House. Now, they realize that hundred of thousands of people have already obtained health insurance, and millions more will once they come back in January."
"At this point, the GOP has no idea what to do. For the past three years, they have been in ‘repeal Obamacare’ mode. While they couldn’t be bothered to do any actual policy making or passing bills in the House, they found time to hold repeal votes nearly four dozen times. However, as they head back into session, they do not have another repeal vote on the calender. The fact is, they know they can’t do it anymore. Before, when enrollment had not begun, they could go on their rhetorical exercise of holding repeal votes that would never get through the Senate or past the White House. Now, they realize that hundred of thousands of people have already obtained health insurance, and millions more will once they come back in January."
California Ballot Initiative Would Rig Next Presidential Election For Republicans
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/03/3007311/gop-plan-rig-electoral-college-republicans-rears-head-california-2/
"The trick behind this proposal is that if would only change the law in California, while leaving red states free to award all of their electors to the Republican"
"The trick behind this proposal is that if would only change the law in California, while leaving red states free to award all of their electors to the Republican"
#PensionTheft: Public Workers Under Attack in Illinois | Common Dreams
#PensionTheft: Public Workers Under Attack in Illinois | Common Dreams
"A critical vote for past, current, and future public workers is set to take place in the Illinois General Assembly today and if Governor Pat Quinn gets his way and deep cuts are made to the pension and retirement rules, critics worry that similar efforts to strip workers of their earned retirement benefits will be replicated nationwide."
"A critical vote for past, current, and future public workers is set to take place in the Illinois General Assembly today and if Governor Pat Quinn gets his way and deep cuts are made to the pension and retirement rules, critics worry that similar efforts to strip workers of their earned retirement benefits will be replicated nationwide."
PERRspectives: GOP: Founding Fathers Created Defect-Free Constitution, Ended Scourge of Slavery
PERRspectives: GOP: Founding Fathers Created Defect-Free Constitution, Ended Scourge of Slavery
"The Republican National Committee's proclamation honoringRosa Park's "role in ending racism" is continuing to receive the scorn and derision it richly deserves. As it turns out, the GOP's attempt to literally whitewash American history is hardly its first."
"The Republican National Committee's proclamation honoringRosa Park's "role in ending racism" is continuing to receive the scorn and derision it richly deserves. As it turns out, the GOP's attempt to literally whitewash American history is hardly its first."
Global Elites Getting Nervous About Skyrocketing Inequality (But Won't Spare a Nickel to Fix It) | Alternet
Global Elites Getting Nervous About Skyrocketing Inequality (But Won't Spare a Nickel to Fix It) | Alternet
"Global elites are getting a bit antsy these days.
"Global elites are getting a bit antsy these days.
A new study by the World Economic Forum based on a survey of 1,592 leaders from academia, business, government, and the non-profit world suggests that all is not cheery at the top. It seems that elites believe that the second biggest problem facing Planet Earth in 2014 is widening income disparities (unrest in the Middle East and North Africa is their top worry). When it comes to economic issues, elites and ordinary folks are often at odds, but according to a recent Pew survey, they converge on identifying the gap between rich and poor as a major flaw in the system."
December 2, 2013
ALEC’s Extreme Legislative Agenda for 2014
ALEC’s Extreme Legislative Agenda for 2014
"On ALEC's agenda for 2014 are the following priorities and bills (which will become official ALEC "models" once passed by the task forces -- with corporate lobbyists voting as equals alongside state legislators -- and approved by the board of directors)"
"On ALEC's agenda for 2014 are the following priorities and bills (which will become official ALEC "models" once passed by the task forces -- with corporate lobbyists voting as equals alongside state legislators -- and approved by the board of directors)"
Coca-Cola's Conspiracy Against Tap Water | The Progressive
Coca-Cola's Conspiracy Against Tap Water | The Progressive
"Coca-Cola is running a stealth advertising campaign.
Stealth? Why would a corporation as ad-dependent as Coke spend big bucks on advertising that it doesn't want consumers to notice? Shhhh – because the campaign is a surreptitious ploy to enlist restaurants in a marketing conspiracy that targets you, your children, and – of course – your wallet."
"Coca-Cola is running a stealth advertising campaign.
Stealth? Why would a corporation as ad-dependent as Coke spend big bucks on advertising that it doesn't want consumers to notice? Shhhh – because the campaign is a surreptitious ploy to enlist restaurants in a marketing conspiracy that targets you, your children, and – of course – your wallet."
Leak Forces Shut Down of Fukushima Water Decontamination Unit | Common Dreams
Leak Forces Shut Down of Fukushima Water Decontamination Unit | Common Dreams
"One of the "crucial" units to decontaminate toxic wastewater at the Fukushima nuclear power plant was shut off Sunday after a leak of hydrochloric acid was found."
"One of the "crucial" units to decontaminate toxic wastewater at the Fukushima nuclear power plant was shut off Sunday after a leak of hydrochloric acid was found."
Thanks for killing the planet, boomers!
Thanks for killing the planet, boomers!
"Unfortunately, the world as we know it is ending, and no one can reasonably hope to avoid the constellation of catastrophic, ecological and social disasters that are all but certain to manifest, exacerbating one another’s horrific, deadly consequences. And yet our politicians can’t be bothered to care, a substantial portion of Americans aren’t convinced that it’s even happening (despite overwhelming, unimpeachable evidence to the contrary), and the enormity of the issue is downplayed basically everywhere outside the bounds of the largely-ghettoized “environmental/green reporting,” uniformly marginalized and dismissed by the mainstream press."
"Unfortunately, the world as we know it is ending, and no one can reasonably hope to avoid the constellation of catastrophic, ecological and social disasters that are all but certain to manifest, exacerbating one another’s horrific, deadly consequences. And yet our politicians can’t be bothered to care, a substantial portion of Americans aren’t convinced that it’s even happening (despite overwhelming, unimpeachable evidence to the contrary), and the enormity of the issue is downplayed basically everywhere outside the bounds of the largely-ghettoized “environmental/green reporting,” uniformly marginalized and dismissed by the mainstream press."
Right-wing garbage debunked: No, regulation doesn’t kill jobs
Right-wing garbage debunked: No, regulation doesn’t kill jobs
"The right loves to warn that regulations will harm "job creators." A new report explains why that's nonsense"
"The right loves to warn that regulations will harm "job creators." A new report explains why that's nonsense"
Republicans’ self-hatred swells: The GOP vs. its own base
Republicans’ self-hatred swells: The GOP vs. its own base
"Rick Santorum is unhappy that older people, who tend to vote Republican, are getting insurance via the ACA"
"Rick Santorum is unhappy that older people, who tend to vote Republican, are getting insurance via the ACA"
Will women revolt in 2014 or let others control their interests?
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/01/1259065/-Will-women-revolt-in-2014-or-let-others-control-their-interests
"The reality is that women make up a larger portion of the voting electorate. The rights of women are under attack for financial, patriarchal and ideological reasons. Will women really allow a failed website rollout to have them elect those that would re-impose restrictions they have fought for over many decades? Are women really ready to entrust their freedoms to those intent on relegating them back to male dominion?
My wife and the cancer survivor did not have a real choice in losing something dear to them. All women that vote, however, have the right and ability to vote their economic interests, their bodily control interests and their equal access interests. Will women follow the path of many oppressed groups and either vote against their interests or not participate in the election process at all? Or will women revolt in 2014 to rid Washington of all those opposing their interests? The results of the 2014 election will affect women’s rights for decades to come."
"The reality is that women make up a larger portion of the voting electorate. The rights of women are under attack for financial, patriarchal and ideological reasons. Will women really allow a failed website rollout to have them elect those that would re-impose restrictions they have fought for over many decades? Are women really ready to entrust their freedoms to those intent on relegating them back to male dominion?
My wife and the cancer survivor did not have a real choice in losing something dear to them. All women that vote, however, have the right and ability to vote their economic interests, their bodily control interests and their equal access interests. Will women follow the path of many oppressed groups and either vote against their interests or not participate in the election process at all? Or will women revolt in 2014 to rid Washington of all those opposing their interests? The results of the 2014 election will affect women’s rights for decades to come."
Despite Popular Demand, SEC Will Not Make Corporate Transparency A Priority For 2014
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/02/3007731/sec-disclosure-omission/
"Unlike last year’s, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s list of regulatory priorities for 2014 does not include consideration of how to ensure public companies provide investors with transparency about their corporate political spending. This comes despite hundreds of thousands of Americans encouraging the agency to do so."
"Unlike last year’s, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s list of regulatory priorities for 2014 does not include consideration of how to ensure public companies provide investors with transparency about their corporate political spending. This comes despite hundreds of thousands of Americans encouraging the agency to do so."
Training for Success: A Policy to Expand Apprenticeships in the United States
www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/report/2013/12/02/79991/training-for-success-a-policy-to-expand-apprenticeships-in-the-united-states/
"By expanding apprenticeships in the United States, policymakers can create pathways to well-paying middle-class jobs for young Americans, while helping businesses meet the need for skilled workers."
"By expanding apprenticeships in the United States, policymakers can create pathways to well-paying middle-class jobs for young Americans, while helping businesses meet the need for skilled workers."
Conservative Claims About Minimum Wage Put To The Test After Town Increases It To $15
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/27/seatac-minimum-wage-raised-15/
"The residents of SeaTac, WA — a little hamlet of 27,667 people — are under attack by the Koch Brothers and affiliated right-wing groups, after the results of their last election. The reason why? The town dared to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour."
"The residents of SeaTac, WA — a little hamlet of 27,667 people — are under attack by the Koch Brothers and affiliated right-wing groups, after the results of their last election. The reason why? The town dared to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour."
Kevin Madden: Minimum Wage Hike Denies 'Opportunity' for 'Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder'
Kevin Madden: Minimum Wage Hike Denies 'Opportunity' for 'Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder'
"CNN contributor Kevin Madden, a former advisor and spokesperson for Mitt Romney (R), said on Sunday that Congress should not raise the minimum wage because it would deny people the "opportunity to grab that bottom rung of the economic ladder"."
"CNN contributor Kevin Madden, a former advisor and spokesperson for Mitt Romney (R), said on Sunday that Congress should not raise the minimum wage because it would deny people the "opportunity to grab that bottom rung of the economic ladder"."
House Only Working 8 More Days This Year
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/01/house-calendar-2013_n_4339276.html
"the 113th Congress is on pace to be the least productive in modern history."
"the 113th Congress is on pace to be the least productive in modern history."
The RNC Claims Rosa Parks Ended Racism, Demonstrating What’s Wrong with the GOP
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/01/rnc-claimes-rosa-parks-ended-racism-demonstrating-wrong-gop.html
"Racism isn’t dead. The Republican Party, abusers of the Southern Strategy, do their part to keep it alive with their rhetoric and their policies."
"Racism isn’t dead. The Republican Party, abusers of the Southern Strategy, do their part to keep it alive with their rhetoric and their policies."
GOP Credits Rosa Parks For ‘Ending Racism’
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/01/3007041/gop-credits-rosa-parks-ending-racism/
"Racism, of course, hasn’t ended and may have actually increased since the election of President Obama in 2008."
"Racism, of course, hasn’t ended and may have actually increased since the election of President Obama in 2008."
Fast Food Strikes Will Hit 100 Cities On Thursday
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/02/3007431/fast-food-strikes-100-cities/
"Fast food workers will stage a one-day strike against their employers in 100 cities on Thursday, activists told the New York Times’s Steven Greenhouse. Strikes will take place for the first time in some cities, such as Charleston, SC; Providence, RI; and Pittsburgh, PA.
They’ll also stage protests in an additional 100 cities, activists say."
"Fast food workers will stage a one-day strike against their employers in 100 cities on Thursday, activists told the New York Times’s Steven Greenhouse. Strikes will take place for the first time in some cities, such as Charleston, SC; Providence, RI; and Pittsburgh, PA.
They’ll also stage protests in an additional 100 cities, activists say."
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
Ted Cruz Begins Sad Backtrack on the Importance of ACA Website as Site’s Issues Fade
www.forwardprogressives.com/ted-cruz-begins-sad-backtrack-on-the-importance-of-aca-website-as-sites-issues-fade/
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
Rick Santorum Insists That He Has The Right To Force His Religious Views Upon Women (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/01/rick-santorum-insists-that-he-has-the-right-to-force-his-religious-views-upon-women-video/
"In the wake of his massive failure as a movie-maker, Rick Santorum has returned to the political realm to argue that religious rights trump women’s health."
"In the wake of his massive failure as a movie-maker, Rick Santorum has returned to the political realm to argue that religious rights trump women’s health."
6 Signs Our Culture Is Sick With Greed | Alternet
6 Signs Our Culture Is Sick With Greed | Alternet
"The love of money for money’s sake is the social disease of our time. We see it all around us: in the celebration of ill-gotten stock gains, public admiration for the heads of criminal banks, the words of Kanye West, in the commercialization of charity and even spirituality."
"The love of money for money’s sake is the social disease of our time. We see it all around us: in the celebration of ill-gotten stock gains, public admiration for the heads of criminal banks, the words of Kanye West, in the commercialization of charity and even spirituality."
Where The Minimum Wage Would Be If It Kept Pace With The Earnings Of The 1%
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/01/3007011/minimum-wage-percent-leave-workers/
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
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