Secrets of the Right: Selling Garbage to Your Fans | Alternet
"The premium for the racketeers is always on the crazy and hyperbolic, because that’s what sells. “The problem,” as Pareene insightfully noted, is that these hucksters “exert massive influence, and they only ever push the Republican Party to get more extreme…[so] you should still worry about the influence of the scammers.” In other words: if you don’t particularly care about conservative activists wasting their money, it may be time to start."
Monday, July 22, 2013
Senator Rand Paul Hopes His Hiring of a White Supremacist Won’t Damage GOP Brand
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/22/senator-rand-paul-hopes-hiring-white-supremacist-wont-damage-gop-brand.html
"This is a real thing, not the Onion, and it should demonstrate just how far off the rails the Republican Party is these days."
"This is a real thing, not the Onion, and it should demonstrate just how far off the rails the Republican Party is these days."
New Low: These 14 Republicans Gutted Food Aid While Giving Themselves Farm Subsidies
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/22/naming-names-14-republicans-gutted-food-aid-giving-farm-subsidies.html
"A new low, indeed. Welfare for the wealthy, redistribution for the elite, and nothing for the rest of the country. Republican austerity explained in action"
"A new low, indeed. Welfare for the wealthy, redistribution for the elite, and nothing for the rest of the country. Republican austerity explained in action"
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Gov Scott Walker gives leader of jobs agency a 50 percent pay raise after Wisconsin sank to 49th in job growth
www.freakoutnation.com/2013/07/21/gov-scott-walker-gives-leader-of-jobs-agency-a-50-percent-pay-raise-after-wisconsin-sank-to-49th-in-job-growth/
"Wisconsin has plummeted to 49th in job growth under Scott Walker’s (R-Koch) Governorship, so what does Walker do? The Republican Governor gave Reed Hall a 50 percent raise hike. Hall is the CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a taxpayer funded entity."
"Wisconsin has plummeted to 49th in job growth under Scott Walker’s (R-Koch) Governorship, so what does Walker do? The Republican Governor gave Reed Hall a 50 percent raise hike. Hall is the CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a taxpayer funded entity."
Confronted By Univision Reporter, Steve King Says Comparison Of Immigrants To Dogs Was A Compliment
Confronted By Univision Reporter, Steve King Says Comparison Of Immigrants To Dogs Was A Compliment: In a Univision interview, leading Hispanic reporter Jorge Ramos confronted Rep. Steve King (R-IA) over remarks in 2012 where the congressman likened immigrants to dogs. King refused to apologize, even as Ramos told him “many people would find that offensive and racist.” Video of King’s 2012 town hall shows him saying America has the “pick [...]/p
Saturday, July 20, 2013
What A Nation Might Look Like Built on Republican Ideology
www.forwardprogressives.com/what-a-nation-might-look-like-built-on-republican-ideology/
“If conservative ideology is so wonderful, why are so many of their states poor, rank near the bottom in median family income and their citizens have shorter life expectancy than people living in “liberal states?” Of course it’s a rhetorical question because most conservatives either won’t answer the question or simply deny that it’s true."
“If conservative ideology is so wonderful, why are so many of their states poor, rank near the bottom in median family income and their citizens have shorter life expectancy than people living in “liberal states?” Of course it’s a rhetorical question because most conservatives either won’t answer the question or simply deny that it’s true."
Rand Paul’s Top Aide Attempts To Get Racist Columns Deleted, Claims He’s Racist No More
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/
"Conservatives are, of course, vehemently defending him, apparently concerned that the potential ‘stink’ on Paul’s decision to hire the “Southern Avenger” to work on his emerging campaign may well waft their way. But keep this in mind: as the Tea Party continues to pretend they do not harbor racist members who trade in the words and deeds of bigotry, and their big brother, the GOP, dances through its own version of the same, pay attention. The truth will speak louder than words."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/#ixzz2ZbUCeVzZ
"Conservatives are, of course, vehemently defending him, apparently concerned that the potential ‘stink’ on Paul’s decision to hire the “Southern Avenger” to work on his emerging campaign may well waft their way. But keep this in mind: as the Tea Party continues to pretend they do not harbor racist members who trade in the words and deeds of bigotry, and their big brother, the GOP, dances through its own version of the same, pay attention. The truth will speak louder than words."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/#ixzz2ZbUCeVzZ
Friday, July 19, 2013
Again, House GOP Rejects Ban On Gun Sales To ... Terrorists
Again, House GOP Rejects Ban On Gun Sales To ... Terrorists
"A proposal to ban the sale of firearms to individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list was defeated by House Republicans on Wednesday."
"A proposal to ban the sale of firearms to individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list was defeated by House Republicans on Wednesday."
Tea Party Leader Compares Immigration to the Alamo, Alien Invasion in Independence Day | Right Wing Watch
Tea Party Leader Compares Immigration to the Alamo, Alien Invasion in Independence Day | Right Wing Watch
"Today, the Center for Immigration Studies posted a full video of Crow’s speech, and it turns out that the Secretariat/donkey analogy was just the beginning of his racist talking points."
"Today, the Center for Immigration Studies posted a full video of Crow’s speech, and it turns out that the Secretariat/donkey analogy was just the beginning of his racist talking points."
Report: Grand Jury Convened in California "Campaign Money Laundering" Investigation
www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/07/grand-jury-california-campaign-money-laundering-schwab
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
Rep. Darrell Issa Tries (And Fails) To Rewrite Himself At IRS Hearing
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Thursday, July 18, 2013
God’s Foreign Policy: Christian Zionism
God’s Foreign Policy: Christian Zionism
"when John Hagee, Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee talk about the “ingathering,” they are speaking a coded language that refers not just to the return of the Jews to Israel, but also to the Christian Zionist yearning for the battle they believe it prefigures. Within their eschatological vision lies the very potential for Israel’s undoing, for it is a vision fueled by a deliberate intent to incite sufficient hatred to set the Muslim, and ultimately the entire world on fire. And thanks to the efforts of John Hagee, the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas and of his million-member Christian Zionist lobby (CUFI), the final battle may well come in the form of a nuclear holocaust that Christian Zionists both desire and encourage."
"when John Hagee, Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee talk about the “ingathering,” they are speaking a coded language that refers not just to the return of the Jews to Israel, but also to the Christian Zionist yearning for the battle they believe it prefigures. Within their eschatological vision lies the very potential for Israel’s undoing, for it is a vision fueled by a deliberate intent to incite sufficient hatred to set the Muslim, and ultimately the entire world on fire. And thanks to the efforts of John Hagee, the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas and of his million-member Christian Zionist lobby (CUFI), the final battle may well come in the form of a nuclear holocaust that Christian Zionists both desire and encourage."
Republican Black Thursday: Stocks Are Up 110% Under Obama, Closing in On Reagan’s 116%
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/18/economic-analyst-stocks-110-obama-closing-regans-116.html
"It was just seven days ago that the Obama economy shattered records with a huge budget surplus in June. So what we have here is a Democratic president whose economic and financial record is that of a fiscally responsible President, what some might label a “fiscal conservative”, only a real one- one who pays for programs he enacts and doesn’t just borrow like a drunken frat boy from the taxpayers"
"It was just seven days ago that the Obama economy shattered records with a huge budget surplus in June. So what we have here is a Democratic president whose economic and financial record is that of a fiscally responsible President, what some might label a “fiscal conservative”, only a real one- one who pays for programs he enacts and doesn’t just borrow like a drunken frat boy from the taxpayers"
Now Issa’s on the hot seat
Now Issa’s on the hot seat
"It’s a familiar place for Issa — blowing desperately on the last smoldering embers of what once promised to be a towering conflagration of a scandal — and after overplaying his hand in Fast and Furious, Solyndra, Benghazi and even the Joe Sestak affair, among many others, whatever credibility Issa has left may die with the IRS controversy."
"It’s a familiar place for Issa — blowing desperately on the last smoldering embers of what once promised to be a towering conflagration of a scandal — and after overplaying his hand in Fast and Furious, Solyndra, Benghazi and even the Joe Sestak affair, among many others, whatever credibility Issa has left may die with the IRS controversy."
Most Media Coverage Ignores Premium Drop, Focuses On GOP Effort To Undermine Obamacare
Most Media Coverage Ignores Premium Drop, Focuses On GOP Effort To Undermine Obamacare: Early on Wednesday, as House Republicans prepared to vote for a delay of the Affordable Care Act’s employer and individual mandates, New York state officials announced that health care premiums in the new exchange will plummet by at least 50 percent as a result of the law. For reform advocates, the story represented a reprieve [...]/p
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Republican Presidential Hopefuls' Favorite 'Christian Nation' Extremist | Right Wing Watch
Republican Presidential Hopefuls' Favorite 'Christian Nation' Extremist | Right Wing Watch
"Politicians like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul should be held to account for partnering politically with David Lane. But given the increasingly small differences between the GOP’s right wing and it’s really right wing, we probably shouldn’t expect politicians cozying up to Lane to show any discomfort with his extremism."
"Politicians like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul should be held to account for partnering politically with David Lane. But given the increasingly small differences between the GOP’s right wing and it’s really right wing, we probably shouldn’t expect politicians cozying up to Lane to show any discomfort with his extremism."
Why Latinos Are Democrats (And Why They’re Likely To Stay That Way)
Why Latinos Are Democrats (And Why They’re Likely To Stay That Way): Gallup has just released data showing Democrats with huge leads in party identification among all age groups of Hispanics. Why is this? One theory, as summarized by John Sides in a recent post on Monkey Cage, is “that people identify with the party that they associate with social groups they like or belong to. So [...]/p
By Blocking Immigration Reform, House Republicans Secure GOP Death Spiral | Alternet
By Blocking Immigration Reform, House Republicans Secure GOP Death Spiral | Alternet
"Republicans face two choices on immigration: support reform that annoys your base and creates millions of new Democrats, or block reform and further identify the party as whites-only."
"Republicans face two choices on immigration: support reform that annoys your base and creates millions of new Democrats, or block reform and further identify the party as whites-only."
PA GOP Is Looking To Push Out Gov. Tom Corbett
PA GOP Is Looking To Push Out Gov. Tom Corbett
"The only reason the party regulars won't support him is because he's a loser. After all, they picked him. In fact, their biggest complaint is that he hasn't executed enough of their extremist agenda."
"The only reason the party regulars won't support him is because he's a loser. After all, they picked him. In fact, their biggest complaint is that he hasn't executed enough of their extremist agenda."
Racists Versus Reform Make Stark Choice For Boehner On Immigration
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Tuesday, July 16, 2013
The GOP can't hide from immigration reform
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/16/1224147/-The-GOP-can-t-hide-from-immigration-reform?showAll=yes
"Sixteen million Latino voters will decide that election."
"Sixteen million Latino voters will decide that election."
Austerity Is Leaving Children Sick With Lead Poisoning
Austerity Is Leaving Children Sick With Lead Poisoning: Back in March, the House passed a budget written by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) that cuts overall domestic spending even further than sequestration. But the consequences of that budget are only now becoming clear, as the House writes specific spending bills for next year. Just one of the critical programs that would fall victim to [...]/p
Keynes can save us yet
Keynes can save us yet
"Austerity has been a dreadful failure. A return to sensible Keynesian policies is the first step to restoring prosperity."
"Austerity has been a dreadful failure. A return to sensible Keynesian policies is the first step to restoring prosperity."
The Right’s Racism Is Showing
www.consortiumnews.com/2013/07/16/the-rights-racism-is-showing/
"The House Republicans dumping the food stamp program, the continuing GOP assaults on voting rights and the celebrating among some right-wing commentators over the Trayvon Martin murder verdict are indications that white racism is alive and well in the United States"
"The House Republicans dumping the food stamp program, the continuing GOP assaults on voting rights and the celebrating among some right-wing commentators over the Trayvon Martin murder verdict are indications that white racism is alive and well in the United States"
Kirkorian Warns of Third Party if GOP Doesn’t Block Immigration Reform | Right Wing Watch
Kirkorian Warns of Third Party if GOP Doesn’t Block Immigration Reform | Right Wing Watch
"Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies is warning House Republicans that a third party may emerge if they don’t block immigration reform."
"Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies is warning House Republicans that a third party may emerge if they don’t block immigration reform."
Bachmann Staffer Arrested In Connection With Capitol Hill Burglaries
Bachmann Staffer Arrested In Connection With Capitol Hill Burglaries
"Javier Sanchez was a high-level legislative director for Michele Bachmann, assisting her with issues such as immigration reform, the farm bill, and her oxymoronic assignment to the House Intelligence Committee.
"Javier Sanchez was a high-level legislative director for Michele Bachmann, assisting her with issues such as immigration reform, the farm bill, and her oxymoronic assignment to the House Intelligence Committee.
On July 11, Mr. Sanchez was arrested on charges that he burglarized several offices belonging to other House members."
Has the 1 Percent Committed Treason? | Alternet
Has the 1 Percent Committed Treason? | Alternet
"A small group of extremely wealthy people are systematically destroying the US government."
"A small group of extremely wealthy people are systematically destroying the US government."
Monday, July 15, 2013
Tea Party Supports Blatant Racism In Springboro, Ohio – Pushing Agenda To Dismantle United States (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/15/tea-party-supports-blatant-racism-in-springfield-ohio-pushing-agenda-to-dismantle-united-states/
"Ever since the Tea Party movement was founded in 2002 by the Koch brothers, it has courted these form of anti-government radicals. They have played a very long-view game, creating think tanks and organizations decades earlier, which now serve as the foundation for their movement today. The Tea Party are just puppets at the end of Koch strings."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/15/tea-party-supports-blatant-racism-in-springfield-ohio-pushing-agenda-to-dismantle-united-states/#ixzz2Z8FANwf8
"Ever since the Tea Party movement was founded in 2002 by the Koch brothers, it has courted these form of anti-government radicals. They have played a very long-view game, creating think tanks and organizations decades earlier, which now serve as the foundation for their movement today. The Tea Party are just puppets at the end of Koch strings."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/15/tea-party-supports-blatant-racism-in-springfield-ohio-pushing-agenda-to-dismantle-united-states/#ixzz2Z8FANwf8
Glenn Beck Unveils His Next Nutty Idea to His Followers at His Summer Gathering: I'm the Man in the Moon | Alternet
Glenn Beck Unveils His Next Nutty Idea to His Followers at His Summer Gathering: I'm the Man in the Moon | Alternet
""There's a sucker born every minute." -- Glenn Beck, Salt Lake City, July 6 "
""There's a sucker born every minute." -- Glenn Beck, Salt Lake City, July 6 "
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The 7 Craziest, Cruelest Right-Wing Statements from Just This Week | Alternet
The 7 Craziest, Cruelest Right-Wing Statements from Just This Week | Alternet
"It was a week of both stupid and cruel Republican tricks. Stupid in the beginning of the week when Florida Gov. Rick Scott led an effort to ban Internet cafes, and the bill was so poorly worded, it inadvertently banned all the state’s computers. Oops. Cruelty came later, when the Republican-led house successfully disentangled food stamp funding from the farm bill."
"It was a week of both stupid and cruel Republican tricks. Stupid in the beginning of the week when Florida Gov. Rick Scott led an effort to ban Internet cafes, and the bill was so poorly worded, it inadvertently banned all the state’s computers. Oops. Cruelty came later, when the Republican-led house successfully disentangled food stamp funding from the farm bill."
Rand Paul's Confederacy Scandal Is Not an Anomaly -- Libertarianism Is a 'Philosophy' That Papers Over Deep Racism in America | Alternet
Rand Paul's Confederacy Scandal Is Not an Anomaly -- Libertarianism Is a 'Philosophy' That Papers Over Deep Racism in America | Alternet
"That’s because they’re libertarians and libertarianism is the velvet glove over the iron fist of racism."
"That’s because they’re libertarians and libertarianism is the velvet glove over the iron fist of racism."
Friday, July 12, 2013
Party of No
Party of No
"Most House Republicans have nothing to worry about for the time being; their districts are safe. But the GOP's fortunes in national contests -- and eventually in statewide races as well -- will be increasingly dim. Maybe they'll wake up when Texas begins to change from red to blue.
"Most House Republicans have nothing to worry about for the time being; their districts are safe. But the GOP's fortunes in national contests -- and eventually in statewide races as well -- will be increasingly dim. Maybe they'll wake up when Texas begins to change from red to blue.
In the meantime, it's sad to see a once-great political party carry on as if whistling past the graveyard were a plan."
Strategist Advice To Republicans: 'Dekookify'
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Prominent Republicans Cozy Up To Birthers At Las Vegas Events
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Ken Cuccinelli is Trying to Hide the Same Corruption that is Destroying Bob McDonnell
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/12/criminal-corrpution-mcdonnell-spills-virginia-ag-ken-cuccinelli.html
"As Virginia Republican Governor Bob McDonnell tries to wheel and deal his way out of a felony conviction for corruption so brash, arrogant and ignorant it perfectly fits his moniker of “family values Republican”, the Attorney General he endorsed as the current gubernatorial candidate, Ken Cuccinelli (R), has been pretending it’s no biggie.
Well, it was no biggie until it looked like a federal grand jury was coming together and then all of the sudden, Virginia’s head lawyer suddenly wanted to take credit for the investigation into his boss."
"As Virginia Republican Governor Bob McDonnell tries to wheel and deal his way out of a felony conviction for corruption so brash, arrogant and ignorant it perfectly fits his moniker of “family values Republican”, the Attorney General he endorsed as the current gubernatorial candidate, Ken Cuccinelli (R), has been pretending it’s no biggie.
Well, it was no biggie until it looked like a federal grand jury was coming together and then all of the sudden, Virginia’s head lawyer suddenly wanted to take credit for the investigation into his boss."
The "Koch Club": New Report Details How the Brothers Spend the Big Bucks
The "Koch Club": New Report Details How the Brothers Spend the Big Bucks
"The report has more on lobbying, political giving and the shell game that allows the Koch's to hide some of their political spending. Read the full report here."
"The report has more on lobbying, political giving and the shell game that allows the Koch's to hide some of their political spending. Read the full report here."
Republicans Nix Food Stamps Because Starving People is Their Brand | Alternet
Republicans Nix Food Stamps Because Starving People is Their Brand | Alternet
"This is how they choose to be identified. They will bring the government to a halt to defend against any tax hikes on millionaires, or to fend off the closing of corporate tax shelters. They will vote in lockstep to take the sequester cuts entirely out of domestic programs -- education, clean water, pre-school -- in order to protect a Pentagon budget that remains the biggest source of waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government.
"This is how they choose to be identified. They will bring the government to a halt to defend against any tax hikes on millionaires, or to fend off the closing of corporate tax shelters. They will vote in lockstep to take the sequester cuts entirely out of domestic programs -- education, clean water, pre-school -- in order to protect a Pentagon budget that remains the biggest source of waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government.
And they will lavish subsidies on agribusiness while throwing children and seniors off the bus."
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Why Libertarians Will Never Shake Their Neo-Confederate Ties
Why Libertarians Will Never Shake Their Neo-Confederate Ties: Despite the man’s racist past, Senator Rand Paul is standing with an embattled aide, the aide’s Confederate sympathies be damned. In an interview with the Huffington Post today, Rand Paul defended his co-author and close confidante Jack Hunter, formerly an incendiary shock jock known as the “Southern Avenger,” on the grounds that “can a guy [...]/p
David Barton Doesn't Need Religion Or The Bible To Lie About Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
David Barton Doesn't Need Religion Or The Bible To Lie About Gay Marriage | Right Wing Watch
"When it comes to honesty and accuracy, we have learned not to expect much of either from David Barton, just as we have learned that he is not going to stop repeating something just because it is demonstrably false."
"When it comes to honesty and accuracy, we have learned not to expect much of either from David Barton, just as we have learned that he is not going to stop repeating something just because it is demonstrably false."
Bringing Back Jim Crow
www.consortiumnews.com/2013/07/10/bringing-back-jim-crow/
"As the United States edges toward a second Jim Crow era – with right-wing whites seeking to “take our country back” via Supreme Court rulings and voter suppression against black and brown Americans – there is an urgent need to reexamine U.S. history and remove the pro-racist distortions that have been implanted by white supremacists for more than two centuries."
"As the United States edges toward a second Jim Crow era – with right-wing whites seeking to “take our country back” via Supreme Court rulings and voter suppression against black and brown Americans – there is an urgent need to reexamine U.S. history and remove the pro-racist distortions that have been implanted by white supremacists for more than two centuries."
House GOP holds immigration meeting, agrees they don't like brown people
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/11/1222756/-House-GOP-holds-immigration-meeting-agrees-they-don-t-like-brown-people
"The bottom line was a given: House Republicans don't like brown people, they don't like immigration, they don't like President Obama, they would like insane amounts of border security. Beyond that, well, they're in disarray."
"The bottom line was a given: House Republicans don't like brown people, they don't like immigration, they don't like President Obama, they would like insane amounts of border security. Beyond that, well, they're in disarray."
PERRspectives: Rand Paul and the GOP's Confederacy of Dunces
PERRspectives: Rand Paul and the GOP's Confederacy of Dunces
"Republican 2016 White House hopeful Rand Paul is just the latest example. This week, Americans learned that the foe of the 1964 Civil Rights Act employs a neo-Confederate staffer who, among other things, praised the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. As it turns out, Paul's self-proclaimed "Southern Avenger" Jack Hunter has plenty of company when it comes to trafficking in casual racism and antebellum nostalgia. One hundred and fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the whitewashing of slavery, the resurrection of the "Lost Cause," the championing of states' rights and the endorsement of nullification and secession are sadly all too common in the Party of Lincoln."
"Republican 2016 White House hopeful Rand Paul is just the latest example. This week, Americans learned that the foe of the 1964 Civil Rights Act employs a neo-Confederate staffer who, among other things, praised the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. As it turns out, Paul's self-proclaimed "Southern Avenger" Jack Hunter has plenty of company when it comes to trafficking in casual racism and antebellum nostalgia. One hundred and fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the whitewashing of slavery, the resurrection of the "Lost Cause," the championing of states' rights and the endorsement of nullification and secession are sadly all too common in the Party of Lincoln."
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate: Health Insurance Shouldn’t Cover Doctors’ Visits
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate: Health Insurance Shouldn’t Cover Doctors’ Visits: During a policy breakfast for the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce in Virginia, state attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA) compared health care coverage to car insurance, and argued that insurance plans shouldn’t cover routine care such as doctors’ visits. According to an account of the meeting in the Ashburn Patch, Cuccinelli claimed [...]/p
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
McDonnell Gift Scandal Could Engulf Cuccinelli As Well
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Virginia Governor Gift Scandal Grows
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Rand Paul's Opposition to the Civil Rights Act Beginning to Make More Sense
Rand Paul's Opposition to the Civil Rights Act Beginning to Make More Sense
"For those keeping score at home, the League of the South is a hate group."
"For those keeping score at home, the League of the South is a hate group."
Despite Ken Cuccinelli’s Claims, Records Show Deep Involvement In Bob McDonnell Ethics Controversy
Despite Ken Cuccinelli’s Claims, Records Show Deep Involvement In Bob McDonnell Ethics Controversy: The Washington Post reported Tuesday that Gov. Bob McDonnell’s (R-VA) company and family may have received an additional $120,000 from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr. beyond the tens of thousands in gifts previously reported — payments which are already the subject of both federal and state investigations. McDonnell’s endorsed would-be successor, Attorney General [...]/p
Rick Scott Proves His Incompetence Yet Again, Accidentally Bans All Computers in Florida
www.forwardprogressives.com/2013/07/09/rick-scott-proves-his-incompetence-yet-again-accidentally-bans-all-computers-in-florida.html
"Before he was even elected Governor of Florida, the man was CEO of a company which was convicted of defrauding Medicare. It’s absolutely mind-boggling — Florida elected a man who was in charge of a company which was scamming the government, and costing the taxpayershundreds of millions of dollars."
"Before he was even elected Governor of Florida, the man was CEO of a company which was convicted of defrauding Medicare. It’s absolutely mind-boggling — Florida elected a man who was in charge of a company which was scamming the government, and costing the taxpayershundreds of millions of dollars."
Billionaire Koch Brother Says Eliminating The Minimum Wage Will Help The Poor
Billionaire Koch Brother Says Eliminating The Minimum Wage Will Help The Poor: A conservative mogul worth $25 billion says he knows the secret to helping poor people. According to Charles Koch, the U.S. needs to get rid of the minimum wage, which he counts as a major obstacle to economic growth. On Wednesday, the Charles Koch Foundation launched a $200,000 media campaign in Wichita, Kansas, with a [...]/p
Rand Paul And 'The Southern Avenger'
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Meet the "Southern Avenger"! Another Member of Rand Paul's Team Has White Supremacist Past | Alternet
Meet the "Southern Avenger"! Another Member of Rand Paul's Team Has White Supremacist Past | Alternet
"A top staffer is exposed as a pro-secessionist radical, but it's not the first neo-Confederate on staff."
"A top staffer is exposed as a pro-secessionist radical, but it's not the first neo-Confederate on staff."
PERRspectives: Blue States Should Get a Refund Under Roberts' "Equal Sovereignty" Doctrine
PERRspectives: Blue States Should Get a Refund Under Roberts' "Equal Sovereignty" Doctrine
"Eight of the top 10 beneficiaries of federal largesse voted for John McCain and Mitt Romney for President. Unsurprisingly, all 15 states at the bottom of the list--those whose outflow of tax revenue is funding programs elsewhere in the country--all voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012."
"Eight of the top 10 beneficiaries of federal largesse voted for John McCain and Mitt Romney for President. Unsurprisingly, all 15 states at the bottom of the list--those whose outflow of tax revenue is funding programs elsewhere in the country--all voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012."
GOP Demands Adoption of Ryan Budget as Debt Ceiling Ransom
GOP Demands Adoption of Ryan Budget as Debt Ceiling Ransom
"despite plummeting annual federal budget deficits, a stabilization of the debt as a percentage of the U.S. economy and his own admission that default would produce "a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Speaker John Boehner and his House GOP allies are once again planning to hold the once-routine debt ceiling increase hostage. Their price this time? Enacting large parts of the Ryan GOP budget repeatedly rejected by the Senate, the President--and the voters."
"despite plummeting annual federal budget deficits, a stabilization of the debt as a percentage of the U.S. economy and his own admission that default would produce "a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Speaker John Boehner and his House GOP allies are once again planning to hold the once-routine debt ceiling increase hostage. Their price this time? Enacting large parts of the Ryan GOP budget repeatedly rejected by the Senate, the President--and the voters."
Boehner Keeps Vow That House GOP Will Do No Work, Ever
Boehner Keeps Vow That House GOP Will Do No Work, Ever
"Wow, our House of Representatives is definitely on track to make history, and not in a good way. John Boehner assured reporters on Monday that the House of Representatives had absolutely no intention of dealing realistically with student loans or immigration reform."
"Wow, our House of Representatives is definitely on track to make history, and not in a good way. John Boehner assured reporters on Monday that the House of Representatives had absolutely no intention of dealing realistically with student loans or immigration reform."
No, Republicans, ‘Missing’ White Voters Won’t Save You
No, Republicans, ‘Missing’ White Voters Won’t Save You: As GOP House members continue their Kamikaze mission to scuttle the immigration reform bill, many political observers are wondering why. After all, isn’t it obvious that Republicans need more minority, particularly Hispanic support, and that therefore their self-interest should lead them to support a reasonable bill? Karl Rove thinks so. But lots and lots of [...]/p
Concept of "Limited Government" Is Right-Wing Bunk: Try to Find Anything Remotely Like It in the Constitution | Alternet
Concept of "Limited Government" Is Right-Wing Bunk: Try to Find Anything Remotely Like It in the Constitution | Alternet
"The Constitution was never intended to “provide limited government,” and furthermore it did not do so. The U.S. government possessed the same constitutional power at the moment of its inception as it did yesterday afternoon."
"The Constitution was never intended to “provide limited government,” and furthermore it did not do so. The U.S. government possessed the same constitutional power at the moment of its inception as it did yesterday afternoon."
Monday, July 8, 2013
Republicans Trying to Be as Unpopular as Humanly Possible | Alternet
Republicans Trying to Be as Unpopular as Humanly Possible | Alternet
"Privatizing Medicare and taking Paul Ryan's cues are recipe for being hated."
"Privatizing Medicare and taking Paul Ryan's cues are recipe for being hated."
Nine Things We Won’t Miss About Rick Perry
Nine Things We Won’t Miss About Rick Perry: With his announcement Monday that he will not seek an unprecedented fourth full term as Governor of Texas, Rick Perry (R) will retire from the office in January 2015. Sadly, he will leave behind a record of right-wing extremism that few could match. Here are ten of the worst moments from his 13 years as [...]/p
What We Can Learn From America's First Tea Party About Countering Corporate Power
What We Can Learn From America's First Tea Party About Countering Corporate Power
"Although schoolchildren are usually taught that the American Revolution was a rebellion against “taxation without representation,” akin to modern day conservative taxpayer revolts, in fact what led to the revolution was rage against a transnational corporation that, by the 1760s, dominated trade from China to India to the Caribbean, and controlled nearly all commerce to and from North America, with subsidies and special dispensation from the British crown."
"Although schoolchildren are usually taught that the American Revolution was a rebellion against “taxation without representation,” akin to modern day conservative taxpayer revolts, in fact what led to the revolution was rage against a transnational corporation that, by the 1760s, dominated trade from China to India to the Caribbean, and controlled nearly all commerce to and from North America, with subsidies and special dispensation from the British crown."
Why We Have a Do-Nothing Congress
Why We Have a Do-Nothing Congress
"The stunning inaction and backlog in the 113th Congress can be traced back to January 20, 2009."
"The stunning inaction and backlog in the 113th Congress can be traced back to January 20, 2009."
Koch Brothers To Pour Millions Into Obamacare Misinformation Campaign
Koch Brothers To Pour Millions Into Obamacare Misinformation Campaign: Americans for Prosperity — a conservative group funded by the Koch brothers — is spending millions on ads that aim to turn Americans against the Affordable Care Act, just as government officials prepare to enroll the uninsured in the law’s new health care exchanges beginning on October 1. The campaign will eschew attacks on President [...]/p
Stupid Linings Playbook: Boehner & Ryan Cook Up A Plan That Hands Dems the 2014 Election
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/07/boehner-ryan-cook-debt-ceiling-plan-hands-democrats-2014-election.html
"House Republicans may think they are safe, but how safe will they be if they vote to privatize Medicare and Social Security before their reelection campaigns kick off? If House Republicans stay on this course, they will also force Republican Senate candidates to say whether they support privatizing Medicare and Social Security."
"House Republicans may think they are safe, but how safe will they be if they vote to privatize Medicare and Social Security before their reelection campaigns kick off? If House Republicans stay on this course, they will also force Republican Senate candidates to say whether they support privatizing Medicare and Social Security."
Paul Ryan Reveals That Everything He Said About Medicare in 2012 Was A Total Lie
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/08/house-gop-threaten-hold-medicare-hostage-exchange-raising-debt-ceiling.html
"But while Ryan and the Republicans are saying that to you, their other hand is behind their back trying to give your Medicare to wealthy men like David Koch so he can raid the treasury that your tax dollars funded while denying you care. They call this “privatizing Medicare”. The media might want to pretend that privatizing Medicare doesn’t end it as we know it, but it would. Perhaps they are ignorant about the usual costs/results of privatization."
"But while Ryan and the Republicans are saying that to you, their other hand is behind their back trying to give your Medicare to wealthy men like David Koch so he can raid the treasury that your tax dollars funded while denying you care. They call this “privatizing Medicare”. The media might want to pretend that privatizing Medicare doesn’t end it as we know it, but it would. Perhaps they are ignorant about the usual costs/results of privatization."
Sunday, July 7, 2013
GOP May Hold Debt Ceiling Hostage To Enact Paul Ryan’s Budget
GOP May Hold Debt Ceiling Hostage To Enact Paul Ryan’s Budget: House Republicans will hold the national debt ceiling increase hostage until President Obama agrees to mandatory spending cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the National Journal reports, and will seek to use the leverage of default to force Democrats to enact the policies in Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) budget. Since slashing discretionary spending to [...]/p
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Congress Is Squandering the Opportunity of a Lifetime
Congress Is Squandering the Opportunity of a Lifetime
"The sad fact is that the GOP’s dysfunctions—its hyper-ideological approach to government, hostility to liberalism, and opposition to compromise—will keep the United States from capitalizing on one of the great opportunities of the last 20 years. Thanks to GOP-driven gridlock and Washington’s myopic focus on debt reduction, we have squandered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rebuild this country at pennies on the dollar, and bounce back from a long decade of mismanagement and neglect."
"The sad fact is that the GOP’s dysfunctions—its hyper-ideological approach to government, hostility to liberalism, and opposition to compromise—will keep the United States from capitalizing on one of the great opportunities of the last 20 years. Thanks to GOP-driven gridlock and Washington’s myopic focus on debt reduction, we have squandered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rebuild this country at pennies on the dollar, and bounce back from a long decade of mismanagement and neglect."
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Rebirth Of Jim Crow In Red States A 4th Of July Slap In The Face
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/rebirth-of-jim-crow-in-red-states-a-4th-of-july-slap-in-the-face/
"Texas was not alone however. North Carolina, Mississippi, & other states have joined the voter suppression movement."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/rebirth-of-jim-crow-in-red-states-a-4th-of-july-slap-in-the-face/#ixzz2Y8sDu3Bu
"Texas was not alone however. North Carolina, Mississippi, & other states have joined the voter suppression movement."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/rebirth-of-jim-crow-in-red-states-a-4th-of-july-slap-in-the-face/#ixzz2Y8sDu3Bu
The Tyranny of Flag Waving Rights Stealing Republicans Tarnishes Independence Day
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/04/tyranny-flag-waving-rights-stealing-republicans-tarnishes-independence-day.html
"Republicans in states, with the blessing of the ALEC Supreme Court, have already taken major steps to eliminate voting rights, and in state after state women are being denied their right to reproductive health choices. Republicans are openly defying the Supreme Court’s gay rights decisions as “anti-biblical ideologies,” and using religious language to force women into becoming perpetual birth machines."
"Republicans in states, with the blessing of the ALEC Supreme Court, have already taken major steps to eliminate voting rights, and in state after state women are being denied their right to reproductive health choices. Republicans are openly defying the Supreme Court’s gay rights decisions as “anti-biblical ideologies,” and using religious language to force women into becoming perpetual birth machines."
How Can We Celebrate Independence Day When Democracy Is Dead In Michigan?
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/celebrate-independence-day-when-democracy-is-dead-in-michigan/
"Over the past two years Michigan’s Teaparty regime, under the leadership of Rick Snyder, has worked around the clock to undermine freedom, removing democracy from cities, towns and schools. It began with the takeover of Benton Harbor, where the state’s governor-dictator first removed all elected officials, placing a hand-picked emergency manager over the people of the city.Public property was seized and handed over to private corporations."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/celebrate-independence-day-when-democracy-is-dead-in-michigan/#ixzz2Y8iIW3f1
"Over the past two years Michigan’s Teaparty regime, under the leadership of Rick Snyder, has worked around the clock to undermine freedom, removing democracy from cities, towns and schools. It began with the takeover of Benton Harbor, where the state’s governor-dictator first removed all elected officials, placing a hand-picked emergency manager over the people of the city.Public property was seized and handed over to private corporations."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/celebrate-independence-day-when-democracy-is-dead-in-michigan/#ixzz2Y8iIW3f1
35 Founding Father Quotes Conservative Christians Will Hate
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/35-founding-father-quotes-conservative-christians-will-hate/
"They were lawyers, judges, soldiers, merchants, farmers, and some were even clergy. And the great majority of them signed the Constitution knowing that matters of government and matters of religion would be separate."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/35-founding-father-quotes-conservative-christians-will-hate/#ixzz2Y6PHL9qR
"They were lawyers, judges, soldiers, merchants, farmers, and some were even clergy. And the great majority of them signed the Constitution knowing that matters of government and matters of religion would be separate."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/35-founding-father-quotes-conservative-christians-will-hate/#ixzz2Y6PHL9qR
For July 4th: Remembering Why the Right Does Not Own the Stars and Stripes | Alternet
For July 4th: Remembering Why the Right Does Not Own the Stars and Stripes | Alternet
"The right-wingers of the Revolutionary era were Tories -- colonists who remained loyal to the British crown, fearful of change and, in their assistance to the occupying army of George III, the precise opposite of patriots. Only from the perspective of two centuries of ideological shift can the republican faith of the Founding Fathers be described as "conservative."
The Civil War, too, was a struggle between left and right, between patriots and ... well, in those days, the Confederate leaders were deemed traitors (an epithet now usually avoided out of a decent concern for Southern sensibilities). Academics will argue forever about that war's underlying economic and social causes, but it was the contemporary left that sought to abolish slavery and preserve the Union, while the right fought to preserve slavery and dissolve the Union. Today, reverence for the Confederacy remains the emotional province of extremely right-wing Southern politicians and intellectuals (as well as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi skinheads, and not a few members of the tea party)."
"The right-wingers of the Revolutionary era were Tories -- colonists who remained loyal to the British crown, fearful of change and, in their assistance to the occupying army of George III, the precise opposite of patriots. Only from the perspective of two centuries of ideological shift can the republican faith of the Founding Fathers be described as "conservative."
The Civil War, too, was a struggle between left and right, between patriots and ... well, in those days, the Confederate leaders were deemed traitors (an epithet now usually avoided out of a decent concern for Southern sensibilities). Academics will argue forever about that war's underlying economic and social causes, but it was the contemporary left that sought to abolish slavery and preserve the Union, while the right fought to preserve slavery and dissolve the Union. Today, reverence for the Confederacy remains the emotional province of extremely right-wing Southern politicians and intellectuals (as well as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi skinheads, and not a few members of the tea party)."
Is the South Dragging the Rest of the Nation Down? | Alternet
Is the South Dragging the Rest of the Nation Down? | Alternet
"That leads to what is for me the single most baffling 21st century paradox about the South. The region, home to nine of the nation’s 10 poorest states, is rabidly against government spending, yet all of its states get far more in government subsidies than they give back in taxes"
"That leads to what is for me the single most baffling 21st century paradox about the South. The region, home to nine of the nation’s 10 poorest states, is rabidly against government spending, yet all of its states get far more in government subsidies than they give back in taxes"
The Denition of American Patriotism (ca. 2013) | Common Dreams
The Denition of American Patriotism (ca. 2013) | Common Dreams
"Consider, for example, the definition of “patriotism.” A self-described “patriot” in ’76 had qualities no longer patriotic. Paul Revere and Sam Adams were, for example, the least conservative guys on the block. They were bolsheviks ready to take up arms and overthrow the established order. They believed in elections and in representative, secular government whose power derived neither from bishops nor aristocrats nor kings, but from the people. They were geopolitical isolationists who opposed the creation of a permanent armed force."
"Consider, for example, the definition of “patriotism.” A self-described “patriot” in ’76 had qualities no longer patriotic. Paul Revere and Sam Adams were, for example, the least conservative guys on the block. They were bolsheviks ready to take up arms and overthrow the established order. They believed in elections and in representative, secular government whose power derived neither from bishops nor aristocrats nor kings, but from the people. They were geopolitical isolationists who opposed the creation of a permanent armed force."
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
New California House Candidate Funded By Advocate For ‘Total Integration Of Biblical Law’
New California House Candidate Funded By Advocate For ‘Total Integration Of Biblical Law’: "Ahmanson served for decades on the board of this radical Christian Reconstructionist organization and heavily funded its efforts. The group’s late founder, Rousas John Rushdoony advocated for American laws to literally follow those in the Book of Leviticus, including death by stoning for gay and lesbian people and similar execution for adulterers, juvenile delinquents, non-believers, and most other Americans."
Democratic Run States Move Forward While Republican Controlled States Dither
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/03/democratic-run-states-move-republican-controlled-states-dither.html
"Looking at state governments around the United States, one lesson becomes clear. Put Democrats in charge and good things can happen. Give Republicans control of the machinery of government and they will dither or turn the clock backwards."
"Looking at state governments around the United States, one lesson becomes clear. Put Democrats in charge and good things can happen. Give Republicans control of the machinery of government and they will dither or turn the clock backwards."
How Low Can the Republican Party Go? | Alternet
How Low Can the Republican Party Go? | Alternet
"Never before in American history have we seen a political party so completely dominated and controlled by its extremist wing; and never before have we seen a political party that brings together the attributes of nihilism, heartlessness, radicalism and naked partisanship quite like the modern GOP."
"Never before in American history have we seen a political party so completely dominated and controlled by its extremist wing; and never before have we seen a political party that brings together the attributes of nihilism, heartlessness, radicalism and naked partisanship quite like the modern GOP."
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
The Republican Party Has Become Toxic to High Information Voters
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/02/republican-party-toxic-high-information-voters.html
"The toxicity of the GOP message to educated voters is most evident in races where Republican candidates espouse extremist positions and where they pander to religious fundamentalists, xenophobes, or to anti-intellectualism."
"The toxicity of the GOP message to educated voters is most evident in races where Republican candidates espouse extremist positions and where they pander to religious fundamentalists, xenophobes, or to anti-intellectualism."
Historically Lazy Congress Only Manages to Pass 15 Legislative Items in 6 Months
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/02/historically-lazy-congress-manages-pass-15-legislative-items-6-months.html
"Perhaps this historic failure is a function of Republicans cutting down the total work days for the House to just 126 days. Yes, we have a part-time House of Representatives, and if they worked in the private sector, this would make them ineligible for health insurance, pensions, paid days off, etc."
"Perhaps this historic failure is a function of Republicans cutting down the total work days for the House to just 126 days. Yes, we have a part-time House of Representatives, and if they worked in the private sector, this would make them ineligible for health insurance, pensions, paid days off, etc."
Southern States Are Pushing Themselves Deeper Into Poverty By Voting Republican
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/02/southern-states-pushing-deeper-poverty-voting-republican.html
"The data show that despite improvements in education and health nationally, Republicans have accomplished their goal of seriously setting back progress when it comes to the economic well-being of children in Republican-controlled Southern states. It is bad enough that the richest nation on Earth comes in at number 2 in the world with over 23% of its children living in extreme poverty, but the numbers are worse in the bottom five states that, not coincidently, are controlled by Republicans on a path to increase poverty and keep their poorest and youngest residents hungry, homeless, and in ill-health."
"The data show that despite improvements in education and health nationally, Republicans have accomplished their goal of seriously setting back progress when it comes to the economic well-being of children in Republican-controlled Southern states. It is bad enough that the richest nation on Earth comes in at number 2 in the world with over 23% of its children living in extreme poverty, but the numbers are worse in the bottom five states that, not coincidently, are controlled by Republicans on a path to increase poverty and keep their poorest and youngest residents hungry, homeless, and in ill-health."
Joe Conason: Investigate Darrell Issa! - Truthdig
Joe Conason: Investigate Darrell Issa! - Truthdig
"Among the many reasons that Americans hold the House of Representatives in low repute—at historically abysmal levels, in fact—is the blatantly partisan and ideological misconduct of so many committee chairs. Without any evident embarrassment these mighty politicians deny science, defy mathematics and dismiss every fact that contradicts their prejudices. But bad as these chairs tend to be, none is quite as flamboyantly awful as Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the Government Oversight Committee, a special investigative panel whose latest effort to conjure scandal from nothingness at the Internal Revenue Service would provoke his removal by a responsible leadership."
"Among the many reasons that Americans hold the House of Representatives in low repute—at historically abysmal levels, in fact—is the blatantly partisan and ideological misconduct of so many committee chairs. Without any evident embarrassment these mighty politicians deny science, defy mathematics and dismiss every fact that contradicts their prejudices. But bad as these chairs tend to be, none is quite as flamboyantly awful as Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the Government Oversight Committee, a special investigative panel whose latest effort to conjure scandal from nothingness at the Internal Revenue Service would provoke his removal by a responsible leadership."
Republican Obstruction Of Budget Process Hits 100th Day
Republican Obstruction Of Budget Process Hits 100th Day: Monday marks 100 days since the Senate passed a budget amid bipartisan praise of the open process. But initial Republican eagerness to work on a budget has given way to the obstructionism that’s defined the Senate minority under Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Over the past hundred days, Republicans have blocked 15 separate attempts to [...]/p
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