http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/01/1374824/-Indiana-pizza-shop-won-t-serve-gays-owner-says-we-re-not-discriminating-against-anyone
"I can't even. I mean, I guess ... thank you, O'Connor family? You have done a great job showing exactly why this law is so awful, the kind of mean-spirited bigotry it was passed to enable, and the degree to which all of Pence's talk of the Golden Rule and how Hoosiers are too nice to discriminate has been a shameless lie. You are the perfect voice for this, which is to say you are abhorrent, un-Christian people."
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
America’s Next Top Bigot: Why GOP’s Upcoming Primary Is an Anti-Gay Freak Show | Alternet
America’s Next Top Bigot: Why GOP’s Upcoming Primary Is an Anti-Gay Freak Show | Alternet
"Thanks to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, we’re getting an early look at a field of GOP presidential hopefuls that is supposed to include some moderates who plan on expanding the party’s appeal beyond its right-wing base. And it’s pathetic."
"Thanks to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, we’re getting an early look at a field of GOP presidential hopefuls that is supposed to include some moderates who plan on expanding the party’s appeal beyond its right-wing base. And it’s pathetic."
Hannity And D'Souza Ask Why Gays Are Mad At Indiana But Silent On Sharia Law?
Hannity And D'Souza Ask Why Gays Are Mad At Indiana But Silent On Sharia Law?
"Fox's Sean Hannity and convicted felon Dinesh D'Souza help the network continue to spread lies about Indiana's so-called "religious freedom" law."
"Fox's Sean Hannity and convicted felon Dinesh D'Souza help the network continue to spread lies about Indiana's so-called "religious freedom" law."
Even NASCAR Is Speaking Out Against Indiana’s Right To Discriminate Law – And The Fans Go… (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/04/01/even-nascar-is-speaking-out-against-indianas-right-to-discriminate-law-and-the-fans-go-video/
"On Tuesday, the nation’s second most popular sport and the one perhaps most associated with “red state” values, spoke out against Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” When NASCAR tells a state it’s gone too far, perhaps Indiana should stand up and take notice."
"On Tuesday, the nation’s second most popular sport and the one perhaps most associated with “red state” values, spoke out against Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” When NASCAR tells a state it’s gone too far, perhaps Indiana should stand up and take notice."
Gov. Pence press conference: How many times did he lie about Indiana's license-to-discriminate law?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/31/1374667/-Gov-Pence-press-conference-How-many-times-did-he-lie-about-Indiana-s-license-to-discriminate-law
"The number of times Pence lied by claiming the Indiana law was no different than the RFRA? A whopping 12 times. (And by the way, who knew that Mike Pence was such a Bill Clinton fan?)
The number of times Pence lied by claiming that his new hate-law wouldn't allow businesses to discriminate against gay people? Coincidentally, 12 times.
And just for fun, how many times did Pence sob about "misunderstandings," "mischaracterizations," "smears" and (my favorite) "perception problems" over the law? They were the big winner at 17 times."
"The number of times Pence lied by claiming the Indiana law was no different than the RFRA? A whopping 12 times. (And by the way, who knew that Mike Pence was such a Bill Clinton fan?)
The number of times Pence lied by claiming that his new hate-law wouldn't allow businesses to discriminate against gay people? Coincidentally, 12 times.
And just for fun, how many times did Pence sob about "misunderstandings," "mischaracterizations," "smears" and (my favorite) "perception problems" over the law? They were the big winner at 17 times."
The Internet Quickly Destroys Indiana’s First Openly Anti-Gay Business (SCREENSHOTS)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/04/01/the-internet-quickly-destroys-indianas-first-openly-anti-gay-business-screenshots/
"Yeah…Get used to that, guys. Maybe if you pray hard enough, you’ll still have homes when this is all over. After all, it’s like the Bible says: “Pizza is only for straight people"."
"Yeah…Get used to that, guys. Maybe if you pray hard enough, you’ll still have homes when this is all over. After all, it’s like the Bible says: “Pizza is only for straight people"."
Hey, Guess What Bigots?!
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/04/hey-guess-what-bigots/
"As long as your business is on a public street that was paid for with money from tax payers, and you enjoy public services such as police and fire protection, you have to serve the customers who enter your establishment – as long as they are not causing trouble and/or being disruptive. Because you DIDN’T build that all by yourself. You had the help of an entire community. So if you’re a homophobe, a racist or a sexist, you’ll just have to get over your horrible selves. America is sick of your sh*t and we’re not gonna take it ANYMORE!"
"As long as your business is on a public street that was paid for with money from tax payers, and you enjoy public services such as police and fire protection, you have to serve the customers who enter your establishment – as long as they are not causing trouble and/or being disruptive. Because you DIDN’T build that all by yourself. You had the help of an entire community. So if you’re a homophobe, a racist or a sexist, you’ll just have to get over your horrible selves. America is sick of your sh*t and we’re not gonna take it ANYMORE!"
Indiana’s anti-gay law isn’t fooling anyone because we’ve seen this dance before
Indiana’s anti-gay law isn’t fooling anyone because we’ve seen this dance before
"The backlash against this “religious freedom” law in Indiana has been fascinating to watch. Part of it, as I argued at TPM yesterday, is that we’re hitting a tipping point of anger at conservatives who want to redefine “religious freedom” as the “right to oppress”. But another part of it is that conservatives stupidly, drunk on their success with the Hobby Lobby case, reached for the golden apple they’ve wanted for half a century now: Re-establishing the right for private businesses to discriminate, a right permanently lost to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and thoroughly repudiated by the general public when Barry Goldwater lost the 1964 election.
All of which is to say that this is a reminder that it’s a political loser to bring back the arguments in favor of segregated lunch counters. And while there’s a lot of right wing hand-waving to try to convince us that isn’t what is going on here, it absolutely is"
"The backlash against this “religious freedom” law in Indiana has been fascinating to watch. Part of it, as I argued at TPM yesterday, is that we’re hitting a tipping point of anger at conservatives who want to redefine “religious freedom” as the “right to oppress”. But another part of it is that conservatives stupidly, drunk on their success with the Hobby Lobby case, reached for the golden apple they’ve wanted for half a century now: Re-establishing the right for private businesses to discriminate, a right permanently lost to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and thoroughly repudiated by the general public when Barry Goldwater lost the 1964 election.
All of which is to say that this is a reminder that it’s a political loser to bring back the arguments in favor of segregated lunch counters. And while there’s a lot of right wing hand-waving to try to convince us that isn’t what is going on here, it absolutely is"
The right’s made-up God: How bigots invented a white supremacist Jesus
The right’s made-up God: How bigots invented a white supremacist Jesus
"We need to reclaim the narrative of Jesus’ life and death from the evangelical right. They have not been good stewards over the narrative. They have pimped Jesus’ death to support the global spread of American empire vis-à-vis war, “missions,” and “free trade,” the abuse of native peoples, the continued subjugation of Black people, and the regulation of the sexual lives of women and gay people."
"We need to reclaim the narrative of Jesus’ life and death from the evangelical right. They have not been good stewards over the narrative. They have pimped Jesus’ death to support the global spread of American empire vis-à-vis war, “missions,” and “free trade,” the abuse of native peoples, the continued subjugation of Black people, and the regulation of the sexual lives of women and gay people."
Glenn Beck Warns: Backlash Over Religious Freedom Laws Will Lead To Concentration Camps (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/04/01/glenn-beck-warns-backlash-over-religious-freedom-laws-will-lead-to-concentration-camps-video/
"No discussion on these bigoted so-called “religious freedom” laws would be complete without Glenn Beck weighing in with some crazy idea about what will happen to Christians who try to defend their “right” to discriminate against other people."
"No discussion on these bigoted so-called “religious freedom” laws would be complete without Glenn Beck weighing in with some crazy idea about what will happen to Christians who try to defend their “right” to discriminate against other people."
Glenn Beck Says Opposition to Indiana’s RFRA Will Lead to Concentration Camps
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/04/01/glenn-beck-opposition-indianas-rfra-lead-concentration-camps.html
"From top to bottom, from start to finish, the RFRA has been about lies. It is based on lies, it is defended with lies."
"From top to bottom, from start to finish, the RFRA has been about lies. It is based on lies, it is defended with lies."
Four Kinds Of Discrimination Gov. Mike Pence Doesn’t ‘Abhor’
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/03/31/3641247/four-kinds-discrimination-gov-mike-pence-doesnt-abhor/
"As a congressman, Pence also voted no on the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which gave women the ability to bring a pay discrimination charge after each individual paycheck was issued, rather than having the statute of limitations expire 180 days after the initial pay decision was made."
"As a congressman, Pence also voted no on the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which gave women the ability to bring a pay discrimination charge after each individual paycheck was issued, rather than having the statute of limitations expire 180 days after the initial pay decision was made."
Blowback against Indiana hate law shows no signs of stopping
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/31/1374651/-Blowback-against-Indiana-hate-law-shows-no-signs-of-stopping
"It's getting hard to keep track of everyone who's come out against Indiana's license-to-discriminate law, which is probably why Gov. Mike Pence sounded so defensive at his press conference Tuesday morning."
"It's getting hard to keep track of everyone who's come out against Indiana's license-to-discriminate law, which is probably why Gov. Mike Pence sounded so defensive at his press conference Tuesday morning."
Megyn Kelly Really Goes To Bat For Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom’ Law – But Not So Much For The Truth
Megyn Kelly Really Goes To Bat For Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom’ Law – But Not So Much For The Truth
"Kelly’s misleading defense of Indiana’s controversial “religious freedom” law is just the latest example of why she’s become homophobia’s best ally at Fox. She’s right up there in the bigotry department, too."
"Kelly’s misleading defense of Indiana’s controversial “religious freedom” law is just the latest example of why she’s become homophobia’s best ally at Fox. She’s right up there in the bigotry department, too."
Indiana’s Largest Newspaper Takes A Powerful Stand Against Anti-Gay Laws (IMAGE)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/31/indianas-largest-newspaper-takes-a-powerful-stand-against-anti-gay-laws-image/
"The Indianapolis Star condemned the anti-gay law with a full front-page editorial on Tuesday, calling on Pence and other lawmakers to pass laws to protect citizens against discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender – which would prevent the Religious Freedom Restoration Act from being used against LGBT citizens."
"The Indianapolis Star condemned the anti-gay law with a full front-page editorial on Tuesday, calling on Pence and other lawmakers to pass laws to protect citizens against discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender – which would prevent the Religious Freedom Restoration Act from being used against LGBT citizens."
In Press Conference Train Wreck Mike Pence Crumbles Trying Defend Religious Freedom Law
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/31/press-conference-train-wreck-mike-pence-crumbles-defend-religious-freedom-law.html
"Pence can’t defend the bill, so he attacked the media and told personal stories that were intended to assure everyone watching that he isn’t a bigot. This was a horrible press conference where Pence doubled down on the same sort of remarks that got him into trouble in the first place. The only way to fix the bill is to repeal it, but that is something that Gov. Pence will not do.
Indiana has permanently stained in the eyes of the nation, because of one ambitious governor’s attempt to legalize discrimination. While standing at the podium and breathing like an asthmatic Darth Vader, Pence claimed that he never anticipated the public backlash over a law legalizing discrimination. For this reason alone, the Hoosier State deserves better than Mike Pence."
"Pence can’t defend the bill, so he attacked the media and told personal stories that were intended to assure everyone watching that he isn’t a bigot. This was a horrible press conference where Pence doubled down on the same sort of remarks that got him into trouble in the first place. The only way to fix the bill is to repeal it, but that is something that Gov. Pence will not do.
Indiana has permanently stained in the eyes of the nation, because of one ambitious governor’s attempt to legalize discrimination. While standing at the podium and breathing like an asthmatic Darth Vader, Pence claimed that he never anticipated the public backlash over a law legalizing discrimination. For this reason alone, the Hoosier State deserves better than Mike Pence."
Pence and the Indiana Legislature were warned by 30 expert law professors
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/31/1374579/-Pence-and-the-Indiana-Legislature-were-warned-by-30-expert-law-professors
"Pence knew exactly what this bill meant, who it was targeting, and how it would be interpreted. He threw the whole state under the bus."
"Pence knew exactly what this bill meant, who it was targeting, and how it would be interpreted. He threw the whole state under the bus."
Hilarious Funny Or Die Video Sells The ‘New’ Indiana With Anti-Gay State Tourism Ad (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/31/hilarious-funny-or-die-video-sells-the-new-indiana-with-anti-gay-state-tourism-ad-video/
"Ever since Gov. Mike Pence made Indiana the latest national disgrace last Thursday with the signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), more and more fallout continues to crumble away at the Hoosier state’s economic base, and now Funny Or Die is adding to the pressure with a good bit of fun"
"Ever since Gov. Mike Pence made Indiana the latest national disgrace last Thursday with the signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), more and more fallout continues to crumble away at the Hoosier state’s economic base, and now Funny Or Die is adding to the pressure with a good bit of fun"
Mike Pence Runs To Fox For Damage Control Over 'Religious Liberty' Law
Mike Pence Runs To Fox For Damage Control Over 'Religious Liberty' Law
"Of course no one on there asked Pence about the people he was surrounded with when he signed the bill. They were too busy helping him play the poor oppressed picked on Christian card. He's a victim being picked on by those meanies in the "liberal media" don't ya' know."
"Of course no one on there asked Pence about the people he was surrounded with when he signed the bill. They were too busy helping him play the poor oppressed picked on Christian card. He's a victim being picked on by those meanies in the "liberal media" don't ya' know."
Scott Walker’s discrimination flip-flop: He was against it, now he’s all for it
Scott Walker’s discrimination flip-flop: He was against it, now he’s all for it
"The latest Walker flip-flop comes amid the political firestorm over Indiana’s anti-gay “religious freedom” law, which would allow businesses and individuals to refuse services to LGBT people on religious grounds."
"The latest Walker flip-flop comes amid the political firestorm over Indiana’s anti-gay “religious freedom” law, which would allow businesses and individuals to refuse services to LGBT people on religious grounds."
Prominent Republican: Obama shouldn't go to Kenya because birthers will get ideas
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/30/1374404/-Prominent-Republican-Obama-shouldn-t-go-to-Kenya-because-birthers-will-get-ideas
"If you want yet another piece of evidence of how far gone the Republican Party is, here's an establishment Republican putting the fee-fees of birthers and the humiliation factor for establishment types like himself above the president of the United States of America's participation as a world leader."
"If you want yet another piece of evidence of how far gone the Republican Party is, here's an establishment Republican putting the fee-fees of birthers and the humiliation factor for establishment types like himself above the president of the United States of America's participation as a world leader."
GOP Indianapolis mayor defies Pence, bans discrimination by Christian businesses receiving city funds
GOP Indianapolis mayor defies Pence, bans discrimination by Christian businesses receiving city funds
"At a press conference on Monday, Ballard said that he would issue an executive order that required all businesses to follow the city’s human rights ordinance"
"At a press conference on Monday, Ballard said that he would issue an executive order that required all businesses to follow the city’s human rights ordinance"
After Vicious Smear Campaign by Ted Cruz Adviser, Second Missouri GOP Official Commits Suicide | Alternet
After Vicious Smear Campaign by Ted Cruz Adviser, Second Missouri GOP Official Commits Suicide | Alternet
"Yesterday, Spence Jackson, a spokesman for Missouri state auditor Tom Schweich—who committed suicide last month—was found dead of “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The deaths of Jackson and Schweich have sparked outrage in Missouri. In the final days of his life, Schweich was subject to both an overt and covert campaign attacking him personally, including rumors that he was Jewish (he did have Jewish lineage on his grandfather's side but was a practicing Episcopalian) .
In his eulogy for Schweich, former Missouri Senator John Danforth issued a strong rebuke of the campaigns waged against the former state auditor, saying, “Words do hurt. Words can kill. That has been proven right here in our home state.”
In the days leading up to Schweich's suicide, he alleged that the state's GOP chairman, John Hancock, was telling people he was Jewish."
"Yesterday, Spence Jackson, a spokesman for Missouri state auditor Tom Schweich—who committed suicide last month—was found dead of “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The deaths of Jackson and Schweich have sparked outrage in Missouri. In the final days of his life, Schweich was subject to both an overt and covert campaign attacking him personally, including rumors that he was Jewish (he did have Jewish lineage on his grandfather's side but was a practicing Episcopalian) .
In his eulogy for Schweich, former Missouri Senator John Danforth issued a strong rebuke of the campaigns waged against the former state auditor, saying, “Words do hurt. Words can kill. That has been proven right here in our home state.”
In the days leading up to Schweich's suicide, he alleged that the state's GOP chairman, John Hancock, was telling people he was Jewish."
Bill O'Reilly's Cameraman Shreds The Last Threads Of His Falklands Lies
Bill O'Reilly's Cameraman Shreds The Last Threads Of His Falklands Lies
"Bill O'Reilly foolishly thought if he just bullied everyone into forgetting that he lies with regularity, he could move on with his plan to lie some more."
"Bill O'Reilly foolishly thought if he just bullied everyone into forgetting that he lies with regularity, he could move on with his plan to lie some more."
Alabama Bill Would Allow Children To Possess Handguns Because That’s a Great Idea
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/03/alabama-bill-would-allow-children-to-possess-handguns-because-thats-a-great-idea/
"Alabama might rank 49th in K-12 public education, but soon the kids in the state’s school system could be among the best armed in the nation."
"Alabama might rank 49th in K-12 public education, but soon the kids in the state’s school system could be among the best armed in the nation."
Conservatives’ history problem: Why they’re doomed by their own “Golden Age”
Conservatives’ history problem: Why they’re doomed by their own “Golden Age”
"In a spirit of constructive criticism, may I suggest to the ideologues of the right that they embrace, as their official Golden Age, not the Gilded Age North but the “New South” between Reconstruction and the Progressive Era."
"In a spirit of constructive criticism, may I suggest to the ideologues of the right that they embrace, as their official Golden Age, not the Gilded Age North but the “New South” between Reconstruction and the Progressive Era."
Rand Paul Flubs the First Amendment While Pandering To Religious Leaders
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/03/rand-paul-flubs-first-amendment/
"And while Paul observes that the Senate begins each day with a prayer, that is the sort of thing that worried the Constitution’s chief architect James Madison, who said for example that the appointment of congressional chaplains was “a palpable violation of equal rights, as well as of Constitutional principles.”
Rand Paul has regularly accused President Obama and other public officials of violating the Constitution. However, considering he doesn’t understand the very first line of the First Amendment, he may want to brush up on his constitutional law before trying to strike others down."
"And while Paul observes that the Senate begins each day with a prayer, that is the sort of thing that worried the Constitution’s chief architect James Madison, who said for example that the appointment of congressional chaplains was “a palpable violation of equal rights, as well as of Constitutional principles.”
Rand Paul has regularly accused President Obama and other public officials of violating the Constitution. However, considering he doesn’t understand the very first line of the First Amendment, he may want to brush up on his constitutional law before trying to strike others down."
Monday, March 30, 2015
4 Ways Corporations Owe Us, Big Time—And How They Can Pay Us Back | Alternet
4 Ways Corporations Owe Us, Big Time—And How They Can Pay Us Back | Alternet
"The distorted belief that wealthy individuals and corporations are job creators has led to sizeable business subsidies and tax breaks. The biggest giveaway is often overlooked: corporations use our nation's plentiful resources, largely at no cost, to build their profits.
There are several factual and well-established reasons why corporations owe a great debt to the nation that has made them rich."
"The distorted belief that wealthy individuals and corporations are job creators has led to sizeable business subsidies and tax breaks. The biggest giveaway is often overlooked: corporations use our nation's plentiful resources, largely at no cost, to build their profits.
There are several factual and well-established reasons why corporations owe a great debt to the nation that has made them rich."
Paul Krugman: Republicans Are Running A Con Game On America
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/paul-krugman-republicans-are-running-a-con-game-on-america/
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
WI Supreme Court Won't Hear Arguments Regarding John Doe
WI Supreme Court Won't Hear Arguments Regarding John Doe
"As previously reported, four of the seven justices on the bench have received heavy support from these dark money special interest groups. So heavy that the special interest groups spent three out of every four dollars in the elections of David Prosser alone.
The United States Supreme Court has already ruled that judges and justices need to recuse themselves "when an interested party’s spending had a “disproportionate influence” in a case that was “pending or imminent.”'
It is more than obvious that this ruling would apply to the four corporate justice on the state supreme court. Why these justices are committing these injustices - and getting away with it - is beyond understanding."
"As previously reported, four of the seven justices on the bench have received heavy support from these dark money special interest groups. So heavy that the special interest groups spent three out of every four dollars in the elections of David Prosser alone.
The United States Supreme Court has already ruled that judges and justices need to recuse themselves "when an interested party’s spending had a “disproportionate influence” in a case that was “pending or imminent.”'
It is more than obvious that this ruling would apply to the four corporate justice on the state supreme court. Why these justices are committing these injustices - and getting away with it - is beyond understanding."
Long Dead Economist’s Theories Proven Right – Free Market Advocates The New Utopians
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/karl-polanyi/
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
Senate Republicans Pass Sadistic Budget: End Medicare, Slash Food Stamps, Increase Military Spending
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/senate-republicans-pass-sadistic-budget-end-medicare-slash-food-stamps-increase-military-spending/
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
Watch this hilarious mock tourist pitch for Indiana: ‘It’s a great place to be a bigot’
Watch this hilarious mock tourist pitch for Indiana: ‘It’s a great place to be a bigot’
"Since the signing of the so-called the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law on Thursday, one of the top trending topics on Twitter is #BoycottIndiana.
With Gov. Mike Pence (R) taking a beating on Twitter, and businesses reviewing their plans in the state, little beyond next week’s Final Four in Indianapolis is going right for the Hoosier State."
"Since the signing of the so-called the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law on Thursday, one of the top trending topics on Twitter is #BoycottIndiana.
With Gov. Mike Pence (R) taking a beating on Twitter, and businesses reviewing their plans in the state, little beyond next week’s Final Four in Indianapolis is going right for the Hoosier State."
Indiana’s Mike Pence is starting to look like Lester Maddox — without the spine
Indiana’s Mike Pence is starting to look like Lester Maddox — without the spine
"Pence can try to convince the country that “tolerance is a two-way street” and “Hoosiers don’t believe in discrimination.” But it doesn’t appear to be working. Now he’s trying to have it both ways, insisting on ABC that “We won’t change the law,” then making a mealy-mouthed promise to consider “clarifying” it. Though he blames it on the “mischaracterization” of outside agitators — much like the defenders of southern segregation did back in the 1950s and ’60s — Pence showed that the pressure is getting to him. As the NCAA heads to Indianapolis for the “Final Four” tournament next weekend, expect that pressure to grow."
"Pence can try to convince the country that “tolerance is a two-way street” and “Hoosiers don’t believe in discrimination.” But it doesn’t appear to be working. Now he’s trying to have it both ways, insisting on ABC that “We won’t change the law,” then making a mealy-mouthed promise to consider “clarifying” it. Though he blames it on the “mischaracterization” of outside agitators — much like the defenders of southern segregation did back in the 1950s and ’60s — Pence showed that the pressure is getting to him. As the NCAA heads to Indianapolis for the “Final Four” tournament next weekend, expect that pressure to grow."
Rand Paul Sells Out On Separation Of Church And State
Rand Paul Sells Out On Separation Of Church And State
"Rand, you are as good a constitutional lawyer as you are an ophthalmologist!"
"Rand, you are as good a constitutional lawyer as you are an ophthalmologist!"
Rand Paul Tries To Explain The First Amendment, Fails Miserably (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/30/rand-paul-tries-to-explain-the-first-amendment-fails-miserably-video/
"He, quite honestly, couldn’t be more wrong about the role of religion in government, and chances are, he knows this. He just knows what sells to his base. He pretty much says whatever is trending as a hot topic in the conservative world as though it’s his original idea and sells it to his simple-minded followers who buy it hook, line, and sinker. He really missed his calling as a snake oil salesman."
"He, quite honestly, couldn’t be more wrong about the role of religion in government, and chances are, he knows this. He just knows what sells to his base. He pretty much says whatever is trending as a hot topic in the conservative world as though it’s his original idea and sells it to his simple-minded followers who buy it hook, line, and sinker. He really missed his calling as a snake oil salesman."
The High Price Of Bigotry: The Walker Edition
The High Price Of Bigotry: The Walker Edition
"At least there's a chance that Pence will have to pay for his hatred politically. The only thing that Walker will have to face is the grumblings of some rabid, foam-at-the-mouth, uber conservatives that are mad that he gave up so soon."
"At least there's a chance that Pence will have to pay for his hatred politically. The only thing that Walker will have to face is the grumblings of some rabid, foam-at-the-mouth, uber conservatives that are mad that he gave up so soon."
Seattle Joins San Francisco in Banning City-Funded Trips to Indiana
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/seattle-joins-san-francisco-banning-city-funded-trips-indiana.html
"Mike Pence and his fellow bigots seem to have missed this lesson in school. The struggle for and the importance of the sacrifices of the civil rights era seem to have gone completely over their heads.
There is an apparently bewildered Pence claiming all the uproar about his state’s embrace of religious tyranny is an Internet conspiracy. This, after he has his photo taken with three prominent anti-gay bigots at the new law’s private signing ceremony.
Maybe he just doesn’t understand how cameras work. Or reading. Maybe he’s an idiot or just thinks everyone else is an idiot. All of the above? It’s hard to say. What is clear is that Pence and his fellow bigots have misjudged the temperament of this country.
It is almost as though he expected nobody to care that religion was being used as a justification for bad behavior. While his state is being devastated by a tidal wave of denunciations from around the country, he is steadfastly insisting on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday that he won’t change the law.
He seems so flabbergasted that he can’t even answer simple questions about the legislation he believed in so strongly that he could not wait to sign it."
"Mike Pence and his fellow bigots seem to have missed this lesson in school. The struggle for and the importance of the sacrifices of the civil rights era seem to have gone completely over their heads.
There is an apparently bewildered Pence claiming all the uproar about his state’s embrace of religious tyranny is an Internet conspiracy. This, after he has his photo taken with three prominent anti-gay bigots at the new law’s private signing ceremony.
Maybe he just doesn’t understand how cameras work. Or reading. Maybe he’s an idiot or just thinks everyone else is an idiot. All of the above? It’s hard to say. What is clear is that Pence and his fellow bigots have misjudged the temperament of this country.
It is almost as though he expected nobody to care that religion was being used as a justification for bad behavior. While his state is being devastated by a tidal wave of denunciations from around the country, he is steadfastly insisting on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday that he won’t change the law.
He seems so flabbergasted that he can’t even answer simple questions about the legislation he believed in so strongly that he could not wait to sign it."
Boycott In Full Swing As CT Gov. Malloy Moves To Ban State Sponsored Travel To Indiana
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/boycott-full-swing-ct-governor-malloy-moves-ban-state-sponsored-travel-indiana.html
"Many conservative Republicans, like Pence, seem not to have adapted to the 21st century reality that courting homophobic bigots is no longer a viable political strategy for boosting one’s approval ratings. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was smart enough to figure that out in 2014, when she rejected a similar bill in her state, but apparently Pence never got the memo. Discrimination isn’t acceptable, and it also isn’t a smart career move in American politics, at least not anymore."
"Many conservative Republicans, like Pence, seem not to have adapted to the 21st century reality that courting homophobic bigots is no longer a viable political strategy for boosting one’s approval ratings. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was smart enough to figure that out in 2014, when she rejected a similar bill in her state, but apparently Pence never got the memo. Discrimination isn’t acceptable, and it also isn’t a smart career move in American politics, at least not anymore."
The Real Unseen Danger of Indiana’s Legal Discrimination Law
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/30/real-unseen-danger-indianas-legal-discrimination-law.html
"The list of scenarios where a religious person can use ‘religious liberty’ as a legal defense is endless and although it appears Indiana’s law was created to target the gay community, believing it will stop there is a monumental error. Americans have underestimated the impending doom religious fanatics can bring on the nation for too long and what is happening in Indiana, and soon 23 other states, is a direct result of foolish thinking this country is immune from religious tyranny. If there is one thing history has borne out, there is no end to the damage religion can wreak on a society and American naïveté has played a major role in allowing this nation to fall prey to something as despicable as laws legalizing discrimination or controlling women. It is heartening that some members of the public are protesting the Indiana law because it targets the gay community, but the real danger is that they are missing the bigger picture that no group, race, or demographic in America is safe; including Americans protesting religious tyranny."
"The list of scenarios where a religious person can use ‘religious liberty’ as a legal defense is endless and although it appears Indiana’s law was created to target the gay community, believing it will stop there is a monumental error. Americans have underestimated the impending doom religious fanatics can bring on the nation for too long and what is happening in Indiana, and soon 23 other states, is a direct result of foolish thinking this country is immune from religious tyranny. If there is one thing history has borne out, there is no end to the damage religion can wreak on a society and American naïveté has played a major role in allowing this nation to fall prey to something as despicable as laws legalizing discrimination or controlling women. It is heartening that some members of the public are protesting the Indiana law because it targets the gay community, but the real danger is that they are missing the bigger picture that no group, race, or demographic in America is safe; including Americans protesting religious tyranny."
13 Companies Outraged Over Indiana’s Anti-LGBT Law, The State Stands To Lose Billions
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/29/13-companies-outraged-over-indianas-anti-lgbt-law-the-state-stands-to-lose-billions/
"CEO’s, businesses, organizations, entertainers and city governments have expressed great concern over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The law was signed by Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) on Thursday. It allows bigots to refuse service to the LGBT community based on religious principles.
These groups, fearing discrimination against employees, customers and fans are outraged and speaking out. Three days after the medieval anti-LGBT law was signed, Indiana is already on track to lose millions in annual revenue… and momentum is building."
"CEO’s, businesses, organizations, entertainers and city governments have expressed great concern over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The law was signed by Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) on Thursday. It allows bigots to refuse service to the LGBT community based on religious principles.
These groups, fearing discrimination against employees, customers and fans are outraged and speaking out. Three days after the medieval anti-LGBT law was signed, Indiana is already on track to lose millions in annual revenue… and momentum is building."
SNL Rips Into Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom’ Law And Its Unintended Consequences (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/29/snl-rips-into-indianas-religious-freedom-law-and-its-unintended-consequences-video/
"You want to discriminate against an entire subset of people in the year 2015 and think you won’t feel the consequences of those actions? You are terribly mistaken. Just ask the owners, or rather former owners, of Sweet Cakes in Colorado."
"You want to discriminate against an entire subset of people in the year 2015 and think you won’t feel the consequences of those actions? You are terribly mistaken. Just ask the owners, or rather former owners, of Sweet Cakes in Colorado."
Ted Cruz Whines Because Too Many Americans Support the Constitution (Video)
Ted Cruz Whines Because Too Many Americans Support the Constitution (Video)
"Well, newly minted Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is apparently quite bothered with the fact that more and more Americans continue to embrace our Constitution rather than the theocracy individuals like him want to create."
"Well, newly minted Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is apparently quite bothered with the fact that more and more Americans continue to embrace our Constitution rather than the theocracy individuals like him want to create."
In A World Where Eating Shrimp Is A Sin
http://www.liberalamerica.org/2015/03/20/in-a-world-where-eating-shrimp-is-a-sin/
"The “Christians” who condemn gay people, yet refuse to acknowledge other parts of the Bible, are no longer fooling anyone. The gig is up. Stop hurting people with your book. If God is love, then God doesn’t hate gay people or shrimp-eaters. God loves everyone."
"The “Christians” who condemn gay people, yet refuse to acknowledge other parts of the Bible, are no longer fooling anyone. The gig is up. Stop hurting people with your book. If God is love, then God doesn’t hate gay people or shrimp-eaters. God loves everyone."
John Fugelsang: Mike Pence should be grateful there isn’t a law prohibiting ‘serving fake Christian bigots’
John Fugelsang: Mike Pence should be grateful there isn’t a law prohibiting ‘serving fake Christian bigots’
"Fugelsang piled on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), saying the governor should be “grateful there isn’t a law that prohibits businesses from serving fake Christian bigots"."
"Fugelsang piled on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), saying the governor should be “grateful there isn’t a law that prohibits businesses from serving fake Christian bigots"."
Thousands rally in Indianapolis to protest new anti-gay law: ‘No hate in our state’
Thousands rally in Indianapolis to protest new anti-gay law: ‘No hate in our state’
"Rally organizers state that they plan to flood Council chambers on Monday to push the council members into making a strong statement against the law which legalizes discrimination."
"Rally organizers state that they plan to flood Council chambers on Monday to push the council members into making a strong statement against the law which legalizes discrimination."
Rand Paul Tosses Libertarian Supporters For The Religious Right
Rand Paul Tosses Libertarian Supporters For The Religious Right
"Rand, on the other hand, has decided that he must ditch everything he courted those college kids' votes for. Check out this interview, where he panders with impunity to the hard right Christian wing of the Republican Party."
"Rand, on the other hand, has decided that he must ditch everything he courted those college kids' votes for. Check out this interview, where he panders with impunity to the hard right Christian wing of the Republican Party."
Indiana’s New Anti-Gay Law Made This Company Cancel $40M/1000 Job Expansion
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/28/indianas-new-anti-gay-law-made-this-company-cancel-40m1000-job-expansion/
"Gov. Pence needs to realize that the freedom of religion isn’t the freedom to discriminate and he needs to help work to repeal this unconstitutional law immediately. He’s going to devastate his state financially trying to pretend he’s upholding “religious freedom"."
"Gov. Pence needs to realize that the freedom of religion isn’t the freedom to discriminate and he needs to help work to repeal this unconstitutional law immediately. He’s going to devastate his state financially trying to pretend he’s upholding “religious freedom"."
Fox News' Dishonest Defense Of Indiana's Anti-LGBT "Religious Freedom" Law
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/03/26/fox-news-dishonest-defense-of-indianas-anti-lgb/203056
"It is a part of Fox's larger role in promoting the narrative of Christian persecution to support the passage of a number of state RFRAs now being considered in states across the country. Expect to see Fox continue to misrepresent RFRA as a harmless law protecting "religious liberty" while ignoring the fact that these bills are actually the product of powerful anti-LGBT organizations lobbying to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination."
"It is a part of Fox's larger role in promoting the narrative of Christian persecution to support the passage of a number of state RFRAs now being considered in states across the country. Expect to see Fox continue to misrepresent RFRA as a harmless law protecting "religious liberty" while ignoring the fact that these bills are actually the product of powerful anti-LGBT organizations lobbying to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination."
Michigan Republican Says Schools Should be a Ministry of the Church
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/28/michigan-republican-schools-ministry-church.html
"Indiana has gotten a lot of attention lately for their religious tyranny law, but let’s not forget that Tea Party gulag-in-the-making, Michigan. Republican anti-education efforts don’t get much worse than the Tea Party’s own Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn’s (R-Larkin Township) House Bill 4394."
"Indiana has gotten a lot of attention lately for their religious tyranny law, but let’s not forget that Tea Party gulag-in-the-making, Michigan. Republican anti-education efforts don’t get much worse than the Tea Party’s own Michigan State Rep. Gary Glenn’s (R-Larkin Township) House Bill 4394."
Arkansas Gov ‘Will Sign’ Same Anti-LGBT ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill As Indiana (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/28/arkansas-gov-will-sign-same-anti-lgbt-religious-freedom-bill-as-indiana-video/
"Arkansas must be a glutton for punishment. They see the massive economic hit Indiana faces and have decided they would like some economic hardship, too."
"Arkansas must be a glutton for punishment. They see the massive economic hit Indiana faces and have decided they would like some economic hardship, too."
Phil Robertson’s version of “morality” is ugly and immoral
Phil Robertson’s version of “morality” is ugly and immoral
"This guy is a sick sadist who has, apparently, no moral compass of his own and needs a fantasy figure in the sky telling him no-no in order to know that murder is wrong. The lack of basic human empathy here is astounding. Indeed, the fact that so many people listen to him suggests not only that religion doesn’t make you more moral, but that it can make you less moral that you would entertain this kind of sadistic blather for even a moment."
"This guy is a sick sadist who has, apparently, no moral compass of his own and needs a fantasy figure in the sky telling him no-no in order to know that murder is wrong. The lack of basic human empathy here is astounding. Indeed, the fact that so many people listen to him suggests not only that religion doesn’t make you more moral, but that it can make you less moral that you would entertain this kind of sadistic blather for even a moment."
Bernie Sanders Stands Up For The Middle Class By Dropping a Huge Fact Bomb On The Senate
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/26/bernie-sanders-stands-middle-class-dropping-huge-fact-bomb-senate.html
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
Texas Republican Gets Demolished By Veterans For Trying To Force Christianity Upon Military
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/24/texas-republican-gets-demolished-by-veterans-for-trying-to-force-christianity-upon-military/
"Veterans are calling out Texas GOP Rep. Sam Johnson for his effort to force members of the US Armed Forces to take an oath to God, and they wiped the floor with him."
"Veterans are calling out Texas GOP Rep. Sam Johnson for his effort to force members of the US Armed Forces to take an oath to God, and they wiped the floor with him."
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
Sign up to be a citizen sponsor of the Congressional Progressive Caucus's People's Budget
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/24/1372982/-Sign-up-to-be-a-citizen-sponsor-of-the-Congressional-Progressive-Caucus-s-People-s-Budget
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
The Five Worst Supreme Court Justices In American History, Ranked
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/24/3636905/five-worst-supreme-court-justices-american-history-ranked/
"The Court was the midwife of Jim Crow, the right hand of union busters, and the dead hand of the Confederacy. Nor is the modern Court a vast improvement, with its incursions on voting rights and its willingness to place elections for sale"."
"The Court was the midwife of Jim Crow, the right hand of union busters, and the dead hand of the Confederacy. Nor is the modern Court a vast improvement, with its incursions on voting rights and its willingness to place elections for sale"."
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
How The Supreme Court Could Repeal The 20th Century
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/23/3634309/darkest-timeline-new-deal-great-society-obamacare-vanish-nearly-overnight/
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
Blockheads
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/22/1371873/-Blockheads
"Mississippi, the state with the very worst healthcare system in the nation, nevertheless turned down Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. It’s no wonder the Magnolia State was the only one to see its uninsured rate increase after the implementation of the ACA in 2014. In sharp contrast, Arkansas and Kentucky, two red states whose Democratic governors accepted Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, saw the steepest reductions in the ranks of the uninsured since the ACA went fully into effect.
Now, House Republicans want to create a United States of Mississippi."
"Mississippi, the state with the very worst healthcare system in the nation, nevertheless turned down Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. It’s no wonder the Magnolia State was the only one to see its uninsured rate increase after the implementation of the ACA in 2014. In sharp contrast, Arkansas and Kentucky, two red states whose Democratic governors accepted Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, saw the steepest reductions in the ranks of the uninsured since the ACA went fully into effect.
Now, House Republicans want to create a United States of Mississippi."
If Republicans Did Get Intel From Israeli Spies, They Could Be Charged Under Espionage Act
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/24/if-republicans-did-get-intel-from-israeli-spies-they-could-be-charged-under-espionage-act/
"If it can be proven that Republican lawmakers were dealing in Israeli backchannels in violation of federal law, the country may witness something it has never seen before: the mass incarceration of politicians whose crimes look an awful lot like treason. History books might be forgiven for one day viewing it as a sort of failed silent coup."
"If it can be proven that Republican lawmakers were dealing in Israeli backchannels in violation of federal law, the country may witness something it has never seen before: the mass incarceration of politicians whose crimes look an awful lot like treason. History books might be forgiven for one day viewing it as a sort of failed silent coup."
Republicans Are Sabotaging Iran Nuclear Talks With Help From Israeli Spies
Republicans Are Sabotaging Iran Nuclear Talks With Help From Israeli Spies
"It becomes more and more obvious that Benjamin Netanyahu and Republicans are only going to be happy with a war with Iran – nothing less will satisfy them. It’s also not a huge secret that some members of Congress like Louie Gohmert are beating the drums for war as part of a religious belief that requires a huge conflict in the Middle East in order to fulfill “End Times” prophecies that many fundamentalist Christians are very much invested in."
"It becomes more and more obvious that Benjamin Netanyahu and Republicans are only going to be happy with a war with Iran – nothing less will satisfy them. It’s also not a huge secret that some members of Congress like Louie Gohmert are beating the drums for war as part of a religious belief that requires a huge conflict in the Middle East in order to fulfill “End Times” prophecies that many fundamentalist Christians are very much invested in."
NYT Helps Neocon John Bolton Push The U.S. Toward Another War
NYT Helps Neocon John Bolton Push The U.S. Toward Another War
"Bolton wrote an op-ed in the New York Times asking for all-out war in Iran as soon as possible. He has no idea what he’s talking about, and it’s scary he was ever in power to begin with."
"Bolton wrote an op-ed in the New York Times asking for all-out war in Iran as soon as possible. He has no idea what he’s talking about, and it’s scary he was ever in power to begin with."
Fox's Pirro Helps Neocon John Bolton Beat The Drums For War With Iran
Fox's Pirro Helps Neocon John Bolton Beat The Drums For War With Iran
"More bloodlust from Fox's wingnut Judge Jeanine Pirro and her neocon buddy John Bolton. I guess Fox didn't want to leave The New York Times out there all alone with aiding and abetting Bolton and his call to bomb Iran right now."
"More bloodlust from Fox's wingnut Judge Jeanine Pirro and her neocon buddy John Bolton. I guess Fox didn't want to leave The New York Times out there all alone with aiding and abetting Bolton and his call to bomb Iran right now."
Armed Anti-Government Contingent To Swarm Carson City On Tuesday
Armed Anti-Government Contingent To Swarm Carson City On Tuesday
"It seems like the best way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Bundy Ranch Seige: a big Teabag protest where a tax-dodging, bigoted Mormon garnered the sympathy of fellow ammosexual anarchists. In Carson City, tomorrow, the Nevada Assembly will vote on a few controversial bills, one being AB408."
"It seems like the best way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Bundy Ranch Seige: a big Teabag protest where a tax-dodging, bigoted Mormon garnered the sympathy of fellow ammosexual anarchists. In Carson City, tomorrow, the Nevada Assembly will vote on a few controversial bills, one being AB408."
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