Fox News’ greatest failure: Roger Ailes, Chris Christie and the quest for a Republican president
"And so Ailes set out to recruit a viable Republican candidate. In the summer of 2010, he invited Chris Christie to dinner at his home in Garrison with Rush Limbaugh."
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Fischer: Only Property Owners Should Be Eligible To Vote | Right Wing Watch
Fischer: Only Property Owners Should Be Eligible To Vote | Right Wing Watch
"On his radio show yesterday, Bryan Fischer called for ending Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, as well as the elimination of the minimum wage ... all in order to help the poor and those struggling to make ends meet, of course.
So logically this discussion resulted in Fischer eventually calling for a return to an electoral system in which only people who own property can vote."
"On his radio show yesterday, Bryan Fischer called for ending Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, as well as the elimination of the minimum wage ... all in order to help the poor and those struggling to make ends meet, of course.
So logically this discussion resulted in Fischer eventually calling for a return to an electoral system in which only people who own property can vote."
The Real Chris Christie Scandal: His Policies | Common Dreams
The Real Chris Christie Scandal: His Policies | Common Dreams
"Enriching the rich and big business: While stiffing New Jersey's poor and its middle class, Christie has handed big corporations more than $2 billion in tax breaks that has had little impact on job creation. For example, the state gave Prudential Insurance a quarter-billion simply to move its headquarters a few blocks in Newark. While New Jersey desperately needs to invest in infrastructure and education, Christie three times vetoed an income tax hike for New Jersey's millionaires. He warned that it would trigger a massive exodus of rich people even though research reveals that it would have no such impact."
"Enriching the rich and big business: While stiffing New Jersey's poor and its middle class, Christie has handed big corporations more than $2 billion in tax breaks that has had little impact on job creation. For example, the state gave Prudential Insurance a quarter-billion simply to move its headquarters a few blocks in Newark. While New Jersey desperately needs to invest in infrastructure and education, Christie three times vetoed an income tax hike for New Jersey's millionaires. He warned that it would trigger a massive exodus of rich people even though research reveals that it would have no such impact."
Exposing the Koch Brothers’ 2014 Plan: Focus On 13 States and Campaign on Social Media
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/exposing-koch-brothers-2014-plan-focus-13-states-and-campaign-social-media
"The libertarian industrialist brothers David and Charles Koch spent more on 2012 elections than previously believed—$400-plus million, new investigations have found. Buried in that reporting is an even more intriguing detail: where and how their political cartel will campaign in 2014."
"The libertarian industrialist brothers David and Charles Koch spent more on 2012 elections than previously believed—$400-plus million, new investigations have found. Buried in that reporting is an even more intriguing detail: where and how their political cartel will campaign in 2014."
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
WSJ Obtains Pictures of Christie With Bridge Lane Closure Official
WSJ Obtains Pictures of Christie With Bridge Lane Closure Official
"Embroiled New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's story continues to leak air as photos obtained by the Wall Street Journal show him with the Port Authority Official Christie claimed he wasn't in contact with. The plot thickens..."
"Embroiled New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's story continues to leak air as photos obtained by the Wall Street Journal show him with the Port Authority Official Christie claimed he wasn't in contact with. The plot thickens..."
Senate Votes on Unemployment Benefit Extensions Fail
Senate Votes on Unemployment Benefit Extensions Fail
"Memo to Republicans: Please do not insult me with your lofty pronouncements on poverty and inequality while you screw people who are still hunting for jobs."
"Memo to Republicans: Please do not insult me with your lofty pronouncements on poverty and inequality while you screw people who are still hunting for jobs."
North Carolina Just Gave Millionaires A Tax Cut, Raised Taxes On The Poorest 900,000 Working Families
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/14/3161521/north-carolinas-eitc-tax-hike-poor/
"Many conservatives who oppose other policies to boost poor peoples’ income, such as minimum wage hikes, support the EITC as an alternative way of keeping working people out of poverty without interfering with how private businesses operate.
But that argument didn’t carry the day among North Carolina Republicans, and lawmakers slashed and then eliminated the state’s EITC during last year’s legislative session. That change was overshadowed by the GOP’s broader changes to the basic shape of the income tax code in the state to favor the rich and harm the rest."
"Many conservatives who oppose other policies to boost poor peoples’ income, such as minimum wage hikes, support the EITC as an alternative way of keeping working people out of poverty without interfering with how private businesses operate.
But that argument didn’t carry the day among North Carolina Republicans, and lawmakers slashed and then eliminated the state’s EITC during last year’s legislative session. That change was overshadowed by the GOP’s broader changes to the basic shape of the income tax code in the state to favor the rich and harm the rest."
United States Notches Record $53 Billion Budget Surplus In December
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/14/3158271/december-surplus-record-austerity/
"Last year’s deficit was the smallest since 2008 and less than half of what it was in 2009. The pullback in government spending has been a drag on economic growth for years."
"Last year’s deficit was the smallest since 2008 and less than half of what it was in 2009. The pullback in government spending has been a drag on economic growth for years."
America's Real Welfare Queens
America's Real Welfare Queens
"But here's what Republicans aren't telling you.
In 2012, the average American taxpayer making $50,000 per year paid just $36 towards the food stamps program.
That's about ten cents a day.
Now compare that to the fact that an average American family making $50,000 a year pays a whopping $6,000 a year in subsidies to Republican-friendly corporations.
So, who's really causing our nation's economic woes? America's real welfare queens: the corporations."
"But here's what Republicans aren't telling you.
In 2012, the average American taxpayer making $50,000 per year paid just $36 towards the food stamps program.
That's about ten cents a day.
Now compare that to the fact that an average American family making $50,000 a year pays a whopping $6,000 a year in subsidies to Republican-friendly corporations.
So, who's really causing our nation's economic woes? America's real welfare queens: the corporations."
John Boehner Lies and Blames President Obama for West Virginia Chemical Spill
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/14/john-boehner-blames-president-obama-west-virginia-chemical-spill.html
"The Republican Party has waged a decades long war on the EPA and environmental regulations, but Speaker Boehner wants the American people to believe that the chemical spill in West Virginia was President Obama’s fault. Boehner knows full well that the company that owned the tank that ruptured, Freedom Industries, was exempt from both state and federal inspections because they don’t produce chemicals. Instead of admitting that chemical spills like the one in West Virginia are a logical consequence of what happens when environmental regulations are repealed, Boehner lied and blamed Obama."
"The Republican Party has waged a decades long war on the EPA and environmental regulations, but Speaker Boehner wants the American people to believe that the chemical spill in West Virginia was President Obama’s fault. Boehner knows full well that the company that owned the tank that ruptured, Freedom Industries, was exempt from both state and federal inspections because they don’t produce chemicals. Instead of admitting that chemical spills like the one in West Virginia are a logical consequence of what happens when environmental regulations are repealed, Boehner lied and blamed Obama."
O'Reilly and Hume Still Blame 'Feminized Atmosphere' for Making Christie a 'Bully'
O'Reilly and Hume Still Blame 'Feminized Atmosphere' for Making Christie a 'Bully'
"After Brit Hume's ridiculous remarks this weekend, claiming that "New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) had only gotten a reputation for being a bully because men could not be 'masculine and muscular' in the 'feminized atmosphere' created by the media," Hume and his buddy Bill O'Reilly decided to double down this Monday evening."
"After Brit Hume's ridiculous remarks this weekend, claiming that "New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) had only gotten a reputation for being a bully because men could not be 'masculine and muscular' in the 'feminized atmosphere' created by the media," Hume and his buddy Bill O'Reilly decided to double down this Monday evening."
Sen Weinberg Sent Gov. Christie An Early Letter Complaining About Closures
Sen Weinberg Sent Gov. Christie An Early Letter Complaining About Closures
"When did Chris Christie know about the GWB lane closures? Sen. Loretta Weinberg says she sent him a letter two weeks earlier than he claims he first learned about it."
"When did Chris Christie know about the GWB lane closures? Sen. Loretta Weinberg says she sent him a letter two weeks earlier than he claims he first learned about it."
Tea Party consulting scam: The real conservatives funded by the Senate Conservatives Fund
Tea Party consulting scam: The real conservatives funded by the Senate Conservatives Fund
"The conservative movement is an elaborate moneymaking venture, Mark Levin edition (with bonus Erick Erickson cameo)"
"The conservative movement is an elaborate moneymaking venture, Mark Levin edition (with bonus Erick Erickson cameo)"
Monday, January 13, 2014
Fox News Blames Women For Chris Christie Being A Bully (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/13/fox-news-christie-women-bully/
"After years of bullying others as Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie is embroiled in a scandal of revenge and pettiness that could very well end his political career. Fox News is busy making up excuses- any excuse- for Christie’s actions. And of course, women are one of the favorite scapegoats of the conservative network."
"After years of bullying others as Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie is embroiled in a scandal of revenge and pettiness that could very well end his political career. Fox News is busy making up excuses- any excuse- for Christie’s actions. And of course, women are one of the favorite scapegoats of the conservative network."
New Book Reveals The Real Roger Ailes
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/12/new-book-reveals-the-real-roger-ailes/197547
"For more than a year, Fox News has waged an intense campaign to discredit Gabriel Sherman's forthcoming biography of network CEO Roger Ailes."
"For more than a year, Fox News has waged an intense campaign to discredit Gabriel Sherman's forthcoming biography of network CEO Roger Ailes."
Out Of Excuses Fox Hits Rock Bottom By Calling Chris Christie Masculine and Muscular
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/12/fox-old-fasioned-christie-trouble-masculine-muscular.html
"To sum up Fox News values, teachers are bad “thugs” because they want to be paid something decent (see Fox on the Wisconsin protests), but men like Chris Christie are good “thugs” who are misunderstood because they are old-fashioned tough guys. Only the latter is admirable. Maybe if teachers started putting people at risk, Brit Hume could admire them. But as it is, only real men like Chris Christie are admirable."
"To sum up Fox News values, teachers are bad “thugs” because they want to be paid something decent (see Fox on the Wisconsin protests), but men like Chris Christie are good “thugs” who are misunderstood because they are old-fashioned tough guys. Only the latter is admirable. Maybe if teachers started putting people at risk, Brit Hume could admire them. But as it is, only real men like Chris Christie are admirable."
Discussing Bridge Scandal, Paul Is Forced To Acknowledge That IRS Also Targeted Progressives (VIDEO)
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/rand-paul-chris-christie-bridge-scandal-irs
"Many of Christie's defenders have tried to deflect attention from the bridge scandal by invoking the IRS debacle, but the comparison ignores the fact that the agency flagged both liberal and conservative groups."
"Many of Christie's defenders have tried to deflect attention from the bridge scandal by invoking the IRS debacle, but the comparison ignores the fact that the agency flagged both liberal and conservative groups."
David Barton's Choice For Texas Attorney General Seeks To Turn State Into An 'Independent Nation' | Right Wing Watch
David Barton's Choice For Texas Attorney General Seeks To Turn State Into An 'Independent Nation' | Right Wing Watch
"Take for example Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman, once boasted to WorldNetDaily that thanks to him, Texas has “made great progress in becoming an independent nation.” Smitherman, now a Republican candidate for state attorney general, has also attacked the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling as “hate groups” organizations that subscribe to white nationalism and have neo-Nazi ties.
Now, naturally, Smitherman has earned the endorsement of pseudo-historian David Barton"
"Take for example Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman, once boasted to WorldNetDaily that thanks to him, Texas has “made great progress in becoming an independent nation.” Smitherman, now a Republican candidate for state attorney general, has also attacked the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling as “hate groups” organizations that subscribe to white nationalism and have neo-Nazi ties.
Now, naturally, Smitherman has earned the endorsement of pseudo-historian David Barton"
Rich GOP Donor Gets Lawmaker to Draft a Bill to Lower His Child Support Payments
www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/01/gop-donor-lobbies-lawmakers-write-law-lowering-his-child-support-payments
"A set of documents unearthed Saturday by the Wisconsin State Journal shows Eisenga and his lawyer, William Smiley, supplying detailed instructions to Republican state Rep. Joel Kleefisch on how to word legislation capping child support payments from the wealthy. Kleefisch began work on the legislation last fall, weeks after an appeals court rejected Eisenga's attempts to lower his child support payments."
"A set of documents unearthed Saturday by the Wisconsin State Journal shows Eisenga and his lawyer, William Smiley, supplying detailed instructions to Republican state Rep. Joel Kleefisch on how to word legislation capping child support payments from the wealthy. Kleefisch began work on the legislation last fall, weeks after an appeals court rejected Eisenga's attempts to lower his child support payments."
18 Crazy Right-Wing Myths About Obama, Debunked
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/13/debunk-right-wing-obama-myths/
"See a pattern developing? Furthermore, the United States is now producing more oil than we import. Our overall trade deficit is at a four year low, as imported oil continues to decline. GM, Ford and Chrysler are all chugging along nicely, no thanks to a unified Republican/Teabigot party, who were eager to sacrifice 2 million American jobs on their altar of Obama Derangement Syndrome."
"See a pattern developing? Furthermore, the United States is now producing more oil than we import. Our overall trade deficit is at a four year low, as imported oil continues to decline. GM, Ford and Chrysler are all chugging along nicely, no thanks to a unified Republican/Teabigot party, who were eager to sacrifice 2 million American jobs on their altar of Obama Derangement Syndrome."
Senator Rubio: Wrong Diagnosis, Wrong Policy Prescriptions
Senator Rubio: Wrong Diagnosis, Wrong Policy Prescriptions
"We won’t create the good jobs we need without rebuilding our manufacturing industries and our infrastructure, giving workers a stronger voice and real power in the wage-setting process, and reining in CEO pay. We also need to enforce the labor standards we have and strengthen them, starting with a minimum wage increase to $10.10 an hour. We won’t achieve the American Dream in one step, but we have to start down the right road, and the time to start is now."
"We won’t create the good jobs we need without rebuilding our manufacturing industries and our infrastructure, giving workers a stronger voice and real power in the wage-setting process, and reining in CEO pay. We also need to enforce the labor standards we have and strengthen them, starting with a minimum wage increase to $10.10 an hour. We won’t achieve the American Dream in one step, but we have to start down the right road, and the time to start is now."
Sound Familiar? Once Again, Anti-Gambling Republicans Secretly Work With Indian Casinos | Right Wing Watch
Sound Familiar? Once Again, Anti-Gambling Republicans Secretly Work With Indian Casinos | Right Wing Watch
"If this story sounds familiar to you, that might be because disgraced GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Ralph Reed — who once led the Christian Coalition and now runs the Faith & Freedom Coalition — hatched a similar plan in the late 1990s to raise money from Indian casinos to back the “anti-gambling” Christian Coalition in order to stifle their gambling industry competitors."
"If this story sounds familiar to you, that might be because disgraced GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Ralph Reed — who once led the Christian Coalition and now runs the Faith & Freedom Coalition — hatched a similar plan in the late 1990s to raise money from Indian casinos to back the “anti-gambling” Christian Coalition in order to stifle their gambling industry competitors."
Ten Examples of Welfare for the Rich and Corporations | Common Dreams
Ten Examples of Welfare for the Rich and Corporations | Common Dreams
"Here are the top ten examples of corporate welfare and welfare for the rich. There are actually thousands of tax breaks and subsidies for the rich and corporations provided by federal, state and local governments but these ten will give a taste."
"Here are the top ten examples of corporate welfare and welfare for the rich. There are actually thousands of tax breaks and subsidies for the rich and corporations provided by federal, state and local governments but these ten will give a taste."
The Trouble With Chris Christie | Common Dreams
The Trouble With Chris Christie | Common Dreams
"Christie is pitched to the public, as was George W. Bush, as a regular guy, someone who speaks bluntly and candidly, someone you would want to have a beer with. But this is public relations crap. He is and has long been a hatchet man for corporate firms and big banks. He began his career as a corporate lobbyist in Trenton, N.J., working for clients such as the Securities Industry Association."
"Christie is pitched to the public, as was George W. Bush, as a regular guy, someone who speaks bluntly and candidly, someone you would want to have a beer with. But this is public relations crap. He is and has long been a hatchet man for corporate firms and big banks. He began his career as a corporate lobbyist in Trenton, N.J., working for clients such as the Securities Industry Association."
Right Wing Group Claims Lying Is Free Speech, Supreme Court To Decide
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/12/right-wing-groups-ask-supreme-court-right-make-false-statements/
"Two right-wing groups are challenging a law in the state of Ohio, that is meant to keep people from lying in political ads."
"Two right-wing groups are challenging a law in the state of Ohio, that is meant to keep people from lying in political ads."
9 Right-Wingers Who Said and Did Colossally Stupid Things This Week
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/9-right-wingers-who-said-and-did-colossally-stupid-things-week
"New Jersey’s vindictive governor may have grabbed all the headlines this week, but that doesn't mean other right-wingers failed to dish up their usual combo of inane and offensive statements."
"New Jersey’s vindictive governor may have grabbed all the headlines this week, but that doesn't mean other right-wingers failed to dish up their usual combo of inane and offensive statements."
Republicans Are Willing to Let Americans Suffer and Die to Undermine Obama's Presidency
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/republican-sabotage-america
"Again, millions of Americans in those states don't have access to health care because Republicans are putting politics ahead of people's lives."
"Again, millions of Americans in those states don't have access to health care because Republicans are putting politics ahead of people's lives."
GOP Congressman Attacks Free School Lunches, Then Sticks Taxpayers With $4,182 Tab (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/10/gop-rep-attack-free-school-lunch-meal-tab/
"Georgia Republican Rep. Jack Kingston hates the free school lunch program that provides meals to poor students. So much in fact, that he wants to dismantle it. However, he sure doesn’t mind sticking taxpayers with the bill for his own meals"
"Georgia Republican Rep. Jack Kingston hates the free school lunch program that provides meals to poor students. So much in fact, that he wants to dismantle it. However, he sure doesn’t mind sticking taxpayers with the bill for his own meals"
Saturday, January 11, 2014
GOP Senator’s Anti-Obamacare Story Denied By Doctor Who Saved His Daughter’s Life
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/11/doctor-disputes-sen-johnson-anti-aca-story/
"One can only wonder if Senator Johnson was purposefully lying about his own daughter or if he simply doesn’t understand the healthcare law and the medical profession. He seems to have seriously misrepresented the feelings of the doctor whose ‘freedoms’ he claimed to be defending."
"One can only wonder if Senator Johnson was purposefully lying about his own daughter or if he simply doesn’t understand the healthcare law and the medical profession. He seems to have seriously misrepresented the feelings of the doctor whose ‘freedoms’ he claimed to be defending."
Chris Christie's Bridgegate has a lot in common with Richard Nixon's Watergate
Chris Christie's Bridgegate has a lot in common with Richard Nixon's Watergate
"During a key speech in the midst of the Watergate scandal that brought him down, Richard Nixon famously remarked, "I am not a crook."
Last week another Republican with presidential ambitions uttered a similar line. "I am not a bully," said Gov. Chris Christie as the Bridgegate scandal was blowing up around him."
"During a key speech in the midst of the Watergate scandal that brought him down, Richard Nixon famously remarked, "I am not a crook."
Last week another Republican with presidential ambitions uttered a similar line. "I am not a bully," said Gov. Chris Christie as the Bridgegate scandal was blowing up around him."
Thursday, January 9, 2014
New Jersey Assembly Holds Wildstein in Contempt After Fifth Amendment Plea
New Jersey Assembly Holds Wildstein in Contempt After Fifth Amendment Plea
"After refusing to answer any and all questions, the New Jersey assembly found Wildstein in contempt."
"After refusing to answer any and all questions, the New Jersey assembly found Wildstein in contempt."
Christie Pal Pleads The Fifth At Bridge Scandal Hearing
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/wildstein-pleads-fifth
"David Wildstein, the former Director of Interstate Capital Projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, refused to answer questions Thursday at a state Assembly committee hearing concerning the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal."
"David Wildstein, the former Director of Interstate Capital Projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, refused to answer questions Thursday at a state Assembly committee hearing concerning the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal."
Here’s Proof That Governor Christie Is Still Misleading The Public On Bridge Scandal
www.thinkprogress.org/home/2014/01/09/3141121/christie/
"Christie, repeatedly floated the possibility of a traffic study on Thursday. “I don’t know if this was a traffic study that morphed into a political vendetta or a political vendetta that morphed into a traffic study,” he claimed."
"Christie, repeatedly floated the possibility of a traffic study on Thursday. “I don’t know if this was a traffic study that morphed into a political vendetta or a political vendetta that morphed into a traffic study,” he claimed."
Marco Rubio Lays Out 'New' GOP Anti-Poverty Agenda: Same as Old Anti-Poverty Agenda
Marco Rubio Lays Out 'New' GOP Anti-Poverty Agenda: Same as Old Anti-Poverty Agenda
"Sen. Rubio's big speech on poverty is exactly what we expected... just more of the same old trickle-down economics we've been hearing from them for decades now."
"Sen. Rubio's big speech on poverty is exactly what we expected... just more of the same old trickle-down economics we've been hearing from them for decades now."
Marco Rubio’s Plan to End Poverty Is a Joke | The Nation
Marco Rubio’s Plan to End Poverty Is a Joke | The Nation
"So much for the GOP’s much-hyped pivot to poverty backed by bold new policy specifics."
"So much for the GOP’s much-hyped pivot to poverty backed by bold new policy specifics."
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
N.J. lawmaker calls for federal criminal probe into GWB scandal
N.J. lawmaker calls for federal criminal probe into GWB scandal
"An Aug. 13 email exchange among documents obtained by The Star-Ledger included a message from Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly that stated: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee. The 7:34 a.m. message, sent from Kelly's personal Yahoo account, was directed to David Wildstein, a former Port Authority official placed at the agency by Christie, who later ordered the bridge manager to carry out the closures."
"An Aug. 13 email exchange among documents obtained by The Star-Ledger included a message from Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly that stated: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee. The 7:34 a.m. message, sent from Kelly's personal Yahoo account, was directed to David Wildstein, a former Port Authority official placed at the agency by Christie, who later ordered the bridge manager to carry out the closures."
EMS Couldn't Get To At Least Four Medical Emergencies On GW Bridge
EMS Couldn't Get To At Least Four Medical Emergencies On GW Bridge
"First responders were delayed in responding to at least four medical emergencies due to the politically-motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September."
"First responders were delayed in responding to at least four medical emergencies due to the politically-motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September."
Fox Regular Art Laffer: The Minimum Wage Is Just The "Black Teenage Unemployment Act"
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/08/fox-regular-art-laffer-the-minimum-wage-is-just/197482
"Laffer, the so-called father of trickle-down economics, appeared on the January 8 edition of Fox News' Happening Now to discuss the possible extension of recently-expired unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed."
"Laffer, the so-called father of trickle-down economics, appeared on the January 8 edition of Fox News' Happening Now to discuss the possible extension of recently-expired unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed."
A Bridge Too Far: Emails Link Top Christie Aide To George Washington Bridge Closure
A Bridge Too Far: Emails Link Top Christie Aide To George Washington Bridge Closure
"Private messages between Governor’s Christie’s deputy chief of staff and two of his top executives at the Port Authority reveal a vindictive effort to create “traffic problems in Fort Lee” by shutting lanes to the George Washington Bridge."
"Private messages between Governor’s Christie’s deputy chief of staff and two of his top executives at the Port Authority reveal a vindictive effort to create “traffic problems in Fort Lee” by shutting lanes to the George Washington Bridge."
Fox guest rips the minimum wage, calls it the 'Black Teenage Unemployment Act'
Fox guest rips the minimum wage, calls it the 'Black Teenage Unemployment Act'
"A Fox News guest on Wednesday said that Congress should repeal the federal minimum wage because it was serving as the "Black Teenage Unemployment Act."
"A Fox News guest on Wednesday said that Congress should repeal the federal minimum wage because it was serving as the "Black Teenage Unemployment Act."
'Time for Some Traffic Problems': Bridge Scandal Hits Christie Camp | Common Dreams
'Time for Some Traffic Problems': Bridge Scandal Hits Christie Camp | Common Dreams
"Newly released emails between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff and the state's Port Authority reveal "vindictive" efforts by the governor's office, according to a breaking report by the New Jersey Record Wednesday morning, to create "traffic problems" as revenge against a local mayor who refused to endorse Christie's reelection campaign."
"Newly released emails between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff and the state's Port Authority reveal "vindictive" efforts by the governor's office, according to a breaking report by the New Jersey Record Wednesday morning, to create "traffic problems" as revenge against a local mayor who refused to endorse Christie's reelection campaign."
Who, Me? 'Standup Guy' Christie Throws His Staffers Under The Bus
Who, Me? 'Standup Guy' Christie Throws His Staffers Under The Bus
"Oh, he's going for the old "plausible deniability" play. I knew he would! Let me remind you once again that Bill Stepien (Christie's campaign manager) was copied in on some of the emails. Which, knowing the way campaigns operate, leads me to suspect that he was the "plausible deniability" buffer between Christie and his staffers."
"Oh, he's going for the old "plausible deniability" play. I knew he would! Let me remind you once again that Bill Stepien (Christie's campaign manager) was copied in on some of the emails. Which, knowing the way campaigns operate, leads me to suspect that he was the "plausible deniability" buffer between Christie and his staffers."
House Memo: How To Simulate Caring About The Unemployed
House Memo: How To Simulate Caring About The Unemployed
"House Republican leaders sent a memo this week to the entire GOP conference with talking points designed to help rank-and-file Republicans show compassion for the unemployed."
"House Republican leaders sent a memo this week to the entire GOP conference with talking points designed to help rank-and-file Republicans show compassion for the unemployed."
These GOPers Tried (and Failed) to Kill the Benefits Bill. Here's How High Unemployment Is in Their States
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/01/senate-republicans-vote-unemployment-extension
"37 Republicans still voted to block debate on the bill. Some of those Republicans who blocked the bill represent states with the highest unemployment rates in the country."
"37 Republicans still voted to block debate on the bill. Some of those Republicans who blocked the bill represent states with the highest unemployment rates in the country."
Racism, Sexism, And The 50-Year Campaign To Undermine The War On Poverty
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/08/3122111/war-poverty-race-sexism/
"A timeline of conservatives' efforts to systematically undermine the programs that shaped Johnson's War on Poverty and forever changed Americans' perception about the role of government."
"A timeline of conservatives' efforts to systematically undermine the programs that shaped Johnson's War on Poverty and forever changed Americans' perception about the role of government."
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
House GOP leaders coach Republicans on how to show compassion for the unemployed
www.freakoutnation.com/2014/01/07/house-gop-leaders-coach-republicans-on-how-to-show-compassion-for-the-unemployed/
"House Republicans sent out a memo to Republican caucus members to coach them on how to show compassion toward the unemployed. One great idea that’s not in the memo, would be to extend unemployment benefits. Also, it might be helpful to not deem them as lazy, shiftless, entitled lowlifes."
"House Republicans sent out a memo to Republican caucus members to coach them on how to show compassion toward the unemployed. One great idea that’s not in the memo, would be to extend unemployment benefits. Also, it might be helpful to not deem them as lazy, shiftless, entitled lowlifes."
The National Memo » It Took Marco Rubio Just 24 Hours To Blow His Pivot To Poverty
The National Memo » It Took Marco Rubio Just 24 Hours To Blow His Pivot To Poverty
"Rubio joined 36 of his Republican colleagues in voting against even opening debate on extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation."
"Rubio joined 36 of his Republican colleagues in voting against even opening debate on extending Emergency Unemployment Compensation."
Congress Gives Poor The Big Freeze
Congress Gives Poor The Big Freeze
"As the nation endures a deep freeze, Congress is making sure poor Americans stay cold...and hungry."
"As the nation endures a deep freeze, Congress is making sure poor Americans stay cold...and hungry."
Inside the Right-Wing Love Affair with Conspiracy Theories
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/another-big-time-right-wing-conspiracy-theory-bites-dust-why-conservatives
"the right-wing echo chamber feeds off of paranoid stories that have no basis in reality."
"the right-wing echo chamber feeds off of paranoid stories that have no basis in reality."
Monday, January 6, 2014
Senators From States With the Highest Unemployment Poised to Kill Unemployment Insurance Bill | The Nation
Senators From States With the Highest Unemployment Poised to Kill Unemployment Insurance Bill | The Nation
"In eight Southern states—Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky—the long-term jobless rate is quite high compared to much of the rest of the country. Of the sixteen senators representing those states, fourteen are Republicans (with one Democrat in both North Carolina and Florida.)
That means not only higher numbers of constituents being hurt by the benefit lapse, but a bigger hit to the state economy"
"In eight Southern states—Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky—the long-term jobless rate is quite high compared to much of the rest of the country. Of the sixteen senators representing those states, fourteen are Republicans (with one Democrat in both North Carolina and Florida.)
That means not only higher numbers of constituents being hurt by the benefit lapse, but a bigger hit to the state economy"
Colorado River Lowest In 1,300 Years; Climate Deniers Keep It Up (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/06/colorado-river-running-dry/
"There’s a lesson in the news for right-wingers today. (It’s a fairly safe bet they’ll miss it though.) It involves the Colorado River."
"There’s a lesson in the news for right-wingers today. (It’s a fairly safe bet they’ll miss it though.) It involves the Colorado River."
Darth Vader Voters in Wyoming Lose Candidate as Liz Cheney Quits Senate Run
Darth Vader Voters in Wyoming Lose Candidate as Liz Cheney Quits Senate Run
"Pity the pro-war (with anyone who has oil or won't give sweetheart contracts to Halliburton), anti gay marriage Darth Vader voter in Wyoming. Where are they going to turn now that Liz Cheney has dropped her senate bid?"
"Pity the pro-war (with anyone who has oil or won't give sweetheart contracts to Halliburton), anti gay marriage Darth Vader voter in Wyoming. Where are they going to turn now that Liz Cheney has dropped her senate bid?"
How Right-Wing Radicals -- From Nixon to Paul Ryan -- Have Deceived America
www.alternet.org/how-right-wing-radicals-nixon-paul-ryan-have-deceived-america?page=0%2C0
"Without this sort of ideological cover, there would be no mistaking the extremism, recklessness and heartlessness of conservative leaders from Nixon to Reagan to Gingrich to Bush to Ryan, Christie and all the rest today. The U.S. already has the smallest, least effective welfare state of any advanced industrial nation in the West, as conservatives continue mobilizing to dismantle it completely. They have their eye on a Dickensian society, and they think that it looks pretty good. Martin Luther King had his dream, and they’ve got theirs: separate, and extremely unequal."
"Without this sort of ideological cover, there would be no mistaking the extremism, recklessness and heartlessness of conservative leaders from Nixon to Reagan to Gingrich to Bush to Ryan, Christie and all the rest today. The U.S. already has the smallest, least effective welfare state of any advanced industrial nation in the West, as conservatives continue mobilizing to dismantle it completely. They have their eye on a Dickensian society, and they think that it looks pretty good. Martin Luther King had his dream, and they’ve got theirs: separate, and extremely unequal."
Because We Are Way Too Nice To Poor People In Texas
Because We Are Way Too Nice To Poor People In Texas
"Here’s Perry's latest deal. First he builds toll roads, you know, so that rich people don’t have to drive with the riffraff and he doesn’t have to raise taxes to build an infrastructure. But just in case some working poor people will save enough in gas to justify using the toll road, guess where you have to go to pass the toll road account?"
"Here’s Perry's latest deal. First he builds toll roads, you know, so that rich people don’t have to drive with the riffraff and he doesn’t have to raise taxes to build an infrastructure. But just in case some working poor people will save enough in gas to justify using the toll road, guess where you have to go to pass the toll road account?"
Darrell Issa Has Sleazy Plan to Restore Veterans’ Pensions By Privatizing the Post Office
www.politicususa.com/2014/01/06/darrell-issa-sleazy-plan-restore-veterans-pensions-privatizing-post-office.html
"Issa’s proposal informs that there is no bad Republican legislation that he, or any Republican, cannot make worse to satisfy their dirty machinations to privatize the government, kill Americans’ jobs, repay UPS and FedEx for campaign donations, deprive Americans of reliable mail delivery, and punish Veterans; all the while portraying the privatization scheme as restoring Veteran’s benefits Republicans stole in the first place. Darrell Issa has a criminal history and it has been painfully obvious he brought that mindset to Congress; particularly since he has been Chairman of the House Oversight Committee."
"Issa’s proposal informs that there is no bad Republican legislation that he, or any Republican, cannot make worse to satisfy their dirty machinations to privatize the government, kill Americans’ jobs, repay UPS and FedEx for campaign donations, deprive Americans of reliable mail delivery, and punish Veterans; all the while portraying the privatization scheme as restoring Veteran’s benefits Republicans stole in the first place. Darrell Issa has a criminal history and it has been painfully obvious he brought that mindset to Congress; particularly since he has been Chairman of the House Oversight Committee."
GOP’s ulterior motive on unemployment: Economic sabotage?
GOP’s ulterior motive on unemployment: Economic sabotage?
"There's more to Republican opposition to extending unemployment benefits than conservative principles"
"There's more to Republican opposition to extending unemployment benefits than conservative principles"
Koch Network Raised Over $400 Million in 2012
Koch Network Raised Over $400 Million in 2012
"The Koch network alone raised nearly as much as the Romney campaign, and tens of millions more than GOP presidential candidate John McCain raised for his entire 2008 campaign. By design, following the Koch money trail is extremely difficult. Despite the groups spending hundreds of millions influencing elections, most of their spending and the sources of their funds are not reported to the Federal Elections Commission, earning them the moniker "dark money" groups.
Money is passed from one organization to the next, both to give donors an extra layer of anonymity and to help groups retain their tax exempt status. Nonprofits are not supposed to have electoral intervention as a primary activity, and the Koch groups apparently claim that transferring funds to other politically-active nonprofits should be counted as advancing "social welfare" rather than electoral activity."
"The Koch network alone raised nearly as much as the Romney campaign, and tens of millions more than GOP presidential candidate John McCain raised for his entire 2008 campaign. By design, following the Koch money trail is extremely difficult. Despite the groups spending hundreds of millions influencing elections, most of their spending and the sources of their funds are not reported to the Federal Elections Commission, earning them the moniker "dark money" groups.
Money is passed from one organization to the next, both to give donors an extra layer of anonymity and to help groups retain their tax exempt status. Nonprofits are not supposed to have electoral intervention as a primary activity, and the Koch groups apparently claim that transferring funds to other politically-active nonprofits should be counted as advancing "social welfare" rather than electoral activity."
Pope Francis Attacks Christian Fundamentalism Again, Says It’s ‘Not Healthy’
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/01/03/pope-francis-unhealthy-fundamentalism/
"Far from being the harbinger of hatred that Christian righties wanted, Pope Francis has condemned hating gays, called for a more pro-women approach, advocated for environmentalism, and has strongly stood up for the poor, immigrants, and the marginalized. The man has even called upon Christians to treat atheists and Muslims with respect, kindness, and understanding. Pope Francis has pretty much condemned everything conservatives stand for here in America. And that includes their refusal to budge from a rigid, extreme, and narrow-minded ideology based on hate."
"Far from being the harbinger of hatred that Christian righties wanted, Pope Francis has condemned hating gays, called for a more pro-women approach, advocated for environmentalism, and has strongly stood up for the poor, immigrants, and the marginalized. The man has even called upon Christians to treat atheists and Muslims with respect, kindness, and understanding. Pope Francis has pretty much condemned everything conservatives stand for here in America. And that includes their refusal to budge from a rigid, extreme, and narrow-minded ideology based on hate."
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The Best Reporting on the North Carolina Takeover
The Best Reporting on the North Carolina Takeover
"In 2012, North Carolinians elected a Republican to the governor’s office. That same year, the Republican majority in the General Assembly — first elected in 2010 — grew to a supermajority. The result was that conservatives won the power to change state law dramatically — and over this last year, they used that power. The new legislation included ending benefits for the long-term unemployed; declining the Obamacare Medicaid extension; eliminating the earned-income tax credit; and passing what some observers call the worst voter suppression law in the country. In response, those critical of the right-wing legislative agenda united around protests at the state legislature on Mondays, part of a growing citizen movement that has come to be known as “Moral Mondays.” So far, the movement, however ambitious, has done little to slow the state’s Republican majority from pushing through its agenda.
But this story didn’t start on Election Day 2012 — its roots run deep. And a similar situation could unfold in any of America’s 50 states."
"In 2012, North Carolinians elected a Republican to the governor’s office. That same year, the Republican majority in the General Assembly — first elected in 2010 — grew to a supermajority. The result was that conservatives won the power to change state law dramatically — and over this last year, they used that power. The new legislation included ending benefits for the long-term unemployed; declining the Obamacare Medicaid extension; eliminating the earned-income tax credit; and passing what some observers call the worst voter suppression law in the country. In response, those critical of the right-wing legislative agenda united around protests at the state legislature on Mondays, part of a growing citizen movement that has come to be known as “Moral Mondays.” So far, the movement, however ambitious, has done little to slow the state’s Republican majority from pushing through its agenda.
But this story didn’t start on Election Day 2012 — its roots run deep. And a similar situation could unfold in any of America’s 50 states."
Republicans Nervous The Tea Party Will Obstruct The Debt Ceiling Vote
Republicans Nervous The Tea Party Will Obstruct The Debt Ceiling Vote
"Republican strategists are freaking out as the debt ceiling vote looms because they are afraid the the loons will destroy whatever edge they think they have going into the mid-terms."
"Republican strategists are freaking out as the debt ceiling vote looms because they are afraid the the loons will destroy whatever edge they think they have going into the mid-terms."
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Thomas Cahill Talks About The Pope And The Conservatives Who Fear Him
Thomas Cahill Talks About The Pope And The Conservatives Who Fear Him
"Francis is the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, so this week Bill turns to Jesuit-educated author and historian Thomas Cahill to get his perspective on Pope Francis and the relevance of the Church in the 21st century.
“[Pope Francis] is talking about the poor, as Jesus did. He’s talking about the absolute necessity for us to take care of the poor, to do something for them"."
"Francis is the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy, so this week Bill turns to Jesuit-educated author and historian Thomas Cahill to get his perspective on Pope Francis and the relevance of the Church in the 21st century.
“[Pope Francis] is talking about the poor, as Jesus did. He’s talking about the absolute necessity for us to take care of the poor, to do something for them"."
Rand Paul is totally, shamefully wrong about the long-term unemployed
Rand Paul is totally, shamefully wrong about the long-term unemployed
"Right-wing libertarian that he is, Rand Paul isn’t much for using the federal government to make the world a slightly less terrible place. It was hardly a surprise, then, to find out the Kentucky senator opposed extending emergency unemployment compensation, preferring instead to let it expire for some 1.3 million in late December, with millions more to come after that. EUC is a federal government program, after all; and worse still, it’s one whose primary beneficiaries are the unemployed, a population with little political influence or social standing. You’d expect, in other words, Rand Paul to leave these people shuddering in the winter cold. It’s what his rigid vision of libertarianism requires."
"Right-wing libertarian that he is, Rand Paul isn’t much for using the federal government to make the world a slightly less terrible place. It was hardly a surprise, then, to find out the Kentucky senator opposed extending emergency unemployment compensation, preferring instead to let it expire for some 1.3 million in late December, with millions more to come after that. EUC is a federal government program, after all; and worse still, it’s one whose primary beneficiaries are the unemployed, a population with little political influence or social standing. You’d expect, in other words, Rand Paul to leave these people shuddering in the winter cold. It’s what his rigid vision of libertarianism requires."
North Carolina’s Conservative Shift is Good for ALEC
North Carolina’s Conservative Shift is Good for ALEC
"ALEC is a conservative organization that brings corporations and state legislators together behind closed doors to produce to write what it calls “model” bills that the lawmakers then introduce as their own."
"ALEC is a conservative organization that brings corporations and state legislators together behind closed doors to produce to write what it calls “model” bills that the lawmakers then introduce as their own."
Friday, January 3, 2014
Dumbing America Down
www.inthesetimes.com/article/15989/dumbing_america_down/
"Among the many visionary goals of our nation’s right wing—impoverish older people, starve the poor, deny climate change, outlaw abortion and contraception, eliminate healthcare for millions—few are more foundational than defunding education in general and higher education in particular."
"Among the many visionary goals of our nation’s right wing—impoverish older people, starve the poor, deny climate change, outlaw abortion and contraception, eliminate healthcare for millions—few are more foundational than defunding education in general and higher education in particular."
Paranoia-Rama: Obama's Alien Mission, Comic Book Communism & How Salsa Is Destroying America | Right Wing Watch
Paranoia-Rama: Obama's Alien Mission, Comic Book Communism & How Salsa Is Destroying America | Right Wing Watch
"RWW’s Paranoia-Rama takes a look at five of the week’s most absurd conspiracy theories from the Right."
"RWW’s Paranoia-Rama takes a look at five of the week’s most absurd conspiracy theories from the Right."
The right’s Benghazi insanity reaches new depths
The right’s Benghazi insanity reaches new depths
"But the usual suspects on Fox and within the GOP leadership continue to believe they have a way to disqualify Hillary Clinton from becoming president, and it will take much more than facts to convince them otherwise."
"But the usual suspects on Fox and within the GOP leadership continue to believe they have a way to disqualify Hillary Clinton from becoming president, and it will take much more than facts to convince them otherwise."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Fox News' 5 Worst Moments of 2013
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/fox-news-5-worst-moments-2013
"It was another banner year for Rupert Murdoch's propaganda shop. Here are the most cringeworthy moments."
"It was another banner year for Rupert Murdoch's propaganda shop. Here are the most cringeworthy moments."
Americans Can Now Start Using Their New Obamacare Coverage
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/02/3110271/americans-obamacare-coverage-january/
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
"Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, or charge sick Americans higher prices than their healthier counterparts. And now, the Americans who have enrolled in new plans under Obamacare — either by picking a private plan on the state-level marketplaces, or by qualifying for Medicaid in the states that agreed to expand the program — may start using that coverage."
Why Is the IRS Fighting Efforts to Unmask Karl Rove and U.S. Chamber Political Money Laundering?
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/why-irs-fighting-efforts-unmask-karl-rove-and-us-chamber-political-money
"Robert Jacobson, a Tuscon, Arizona physician who brought the lawsuit, believes that a nonprofit created by the State Department in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber to build a much-ridiculed exhibition at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China had another purpose—diverting large slices of the $70-plus million in donations to Rove for campaigns to retake the House. The idea was that money from GOP-friendly corporations and even the Chinese government would evade oversight by flowing through barely regulated nonprofits."
"Robert Jacobson, a Tuscon, Arizona physician who brought the lawsuit, believes that a nonprofit created by the State Department in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber to build a much-ridiculed exhibition at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China had another purpose—diverting large slices of the $70-plus million in donations to Rove for campaigns to retake the House. The idea was that money from GOP-friendly corporations and even the Chinese government would evade oversight by flowing through barely regulated nonprofits."
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