http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/29/15-hr-unemployment/
"The result of these moves has been that King County, where Seatac and Seattle are, now has hit an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, a rate not seen since early 2008. While a pizza chain did close shop under the threat of having to pay a living wage, otherwise, business is booming. Rather than being able to claim victory by Seattle losing jobs, instead we find an increase in demand for everything from plumbers to car rental, and an increase of employment as a result.
Indeed, instead of closed businesses, we are witnessing business opportunity expanding across the region."
Friday, May 29, 2015
PERRspectives: Jeb Bush's 4 Percent Fraud
PERRspectives: Jeb Bush's 4 Percent Fraud
"As the historical record shows, the economy almost always does better with a Democrat in the Oval Office. (As the Washington Post noted in 2012, it does better still when Democrats control Congress, too.) In general, the economy has grown faster, job creation increased more quickly, incomes expanded more rapidly, and stock market returns accelerated when the country voted blue. In their 2014 paper, economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson chalked up the Democrats' success to "mostly 'good luck,' with perhaps a touch of 'good policy.'"
But for would-be President Jeb Bush to ring the bell at 4 percent growth annually, he'll have to be better lucky than good. It's possible that he could inherit a booming economy from President Obama, who despite unending Republican obstructionism, rescued the American economy from the brink where George W. Bush left it. But history is working against Jeb in more ways than one. His economic team includes such right-wing luminaries as Glenn Hubbard, Arthur Laffer, Stephen Moore and Larry Kudlow, the men who helped Dubya deliver the worst 8-year economic performance since VJ Day. And James Glassman, the man credited as the inspiration for Jeb's "Four Percent Solution" was the author of a 2000 book that sounds like the punch line of another Monty Python joke."
"As the historical record shows, the economy almost always does better with a Democrat in the Oval Office. (As the Washington Post noted in 2012, it does better still when Democrats control Congress, too.) In general, the economy has grown faster, job creation increased more quickly, incomes expanded more rapidly, and stock market returns accelerated when the country voted blue. In their 2014 paper, economists Alan Blinder and Mark Watson chalked up the Democrats' success to "mostly 'good luck,' with perhaps a touch of 'good policy.'"
But for would-be President Jeb Bush to ring the bell at 4 percent growth annually, he'll have to be better lucky than good. It's possible that he could inherit a booming economy from President Obama, who despite unending Republican obstructionism, rescued the American economy from the brink where George W. Bush left it. But history is working against Jeb in more ways than one. His economic team includes such right-wing luminaries as Glenn Hubbard, Arthur Laffer, Stephen Moore and Larry Kudlow, the men who helped Dubya deliver the worst 8-year economic performance since VJ Day. And James Glassman, the man credited as the inspiration for Jeb's "Four Percent Solution" was the author of a 2000 book that sounds like the punch line of another Monty Python joke."
GOP’s diabolical health care scheme: What their Obamacare “fix” is really all about
GOP’s diabolical health care scheme: What their Obamacare “fix” is really all about
"A new paper explains why the Senate GOP's Obamacare "fix" wouldn't fix anything. That's the point."
"A new paper explains why the Senate GOP's Obamacare "fix" wouldn't fix anything. That's the point."
Another Fox News Talking Point Implodes: Illegal Immigration Lowest In 20 Years Under Obama
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/29/another-fox-news-talking-point-implodes-illegal-immigration-lowest-in-20-years-under-obama/
"As you go about your day, won’t you take a moment to feel sorry for the beleaguered Republican Talking Point? By all measures, the talking points to attack President Obama being used relentlessly on Fox News and right-wing websites are having a really, really rough year. There was the “Obamacare will fail on its own” one. Remember that? It flamed out so spectacularly that now even Tea Party politicians are publicly giving up on the idea of ever repealing Obama’s signature healthcare law. And there was the “Obama has botched the Ebola outbreak.” How’d that go? Younger readers may have to Google that one, because nobody is talking about it any more. But surely the one about Obama’s failures on illegal immigration will stand."
"As you go about your day, won’t you take a moment to feel sorry for the beleaguered Republican Talking Point? By all measures, the talking points to attack President Obama being used relentlessly on Fox News and right-wing websites are having a really, really rough year. There was the “Obamacare will fail on its own” one. Remember that? It flamed out so spectacularly that now even Tea Party politicians are publicly giving up on the idea of ever repealing Obama’s signature healthcare law. And there was the “Obama has botched the Ebola outbreak.” How’d that go? Younger readers may have to Google that one, because nobody is talking about it any more. But surely the one about Obama’s failures on illegal immigration will stand."
What Happened To The First Children Being Off-Limits? Conservatives’ Renew Attacks On Malia
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/28/what-happened-to-the-first-children-being-off-limits-conservatives-renew-attacks-on-malia/
"As we’ve seen for the last seven years, there aren’t many places conservatives won’t go when attacking Obama. From racist accusations that he isn’t an American citizen to a staggering number of threats against the president’s life keeping the Secret Service busy, it’s hard to think of a U.S. president who has had to endure more ugliness from people who disagree with him.
Michelle Obama, as First Lady, has also endured a sickening amount of vitriol hurled at her over the years. Because of her interest in keeping kids healthy and eating well, conservatives have taken to constantly attacking her body. Fox News, for example, can’t stop calling the First Lady fat in the most disgusting segments imaginable.
The attacks on the Obamas may be disgusting, but on a certain level they are understandable. Racists and the right-wing fringe hate what they represent, hate that they are in the White House, and – worst of all – hate that Obama has actually had a massively successful presidency. Being first and being great are two things that have historically led to intense backlash from the people who preferred the status quo."
"As we’ve seen for the last seven years, there aren’t many places conservatives won’t go when attacking Obama. From racist accusations that he isn’t an American citizen to a staggering number of threats against the president’s life keeping the Secret Service busy, it’s hard to think of a U.S. president who has had to endure more ugliness from people who disagree with him.
Michelle Obama, as First Lady, has also endured a sickening amount of vitriol hurled at her over the years. Because of her interest in keeping kids healthy and eating well, conservatives have taken to constantly attacking her body. Fox News, for example, can’t stop calling the First Lady fat in the most disgusting segments imaginable.
The attacks on the Obamas may be disgusting, but on a certain level they are understandable. Racists and the right-wing fringe hate what they represent, hate that they are in the White House, and – worst of all – hate that Obama has actually had a massively successful presidency. Being first and being great are two things that have historically led to intense backlash from the people who preferred the status quo."
How the hell can Ted Cruz support Texas flood relief after telling Hurricane Sandy victims to rot?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/28/1388510/-How-the-hell-can-Ted-Cruz-support-Texas-flood-relief-after-telling-Hurricane-Sandy-victims-to-rot
"Cruz voted against Sandy aid, of course, but now that it's his own backyard that's under water—and not some wretched blue states half a country away—he's all for federal disaster assistance. There's absolutely no way to reconcile these two stances, even if you were to violate the laws of physics.
It just means that Cruz, in addition to being a dystopian extremist, is also that worst sort of political creature: a brazen, two-faced hypocrite who has no compunction about spouting off blatant contradictions whenever they suit his political purposes. And as he tours the nation running for president, it's on us to expose this pernicious brand of deceit."
"Cruz voted against Sandy aid, of course, but now that it's his own backyard that's under water—and not some wretched blue states half a country away—he's all for federal disaster assistance. There's absolutely no way to reconcile these two stances, even if you were to violate the laws of physics.
It just means that Cruz, in addition to being a dystopian extremist, is also that worst sort of political creature: a brazen, two-faced hypocrite who has no compunction about spouting off blatant contradictions whenever they suit his political purposes. And as he tours the nation running for president, it's on us to expose this pernicious brand of deceit."
CNN Glosses Over Harmful GOP Policies To Ask Why Republicans Aren't Considered Feminists
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/27/cnn-glosses-over-harmful-gop-policies-to-ask-wh/203770
"Such a conversation on feminism and conservatism misses an opportunity to examine why conservative women are not generally labeled as feminists in the first place -- their policies and legislation often hurt women. Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, whom Costello cited as an example, is roundly in support of policies that are detrimental to women, opposing legislation to address the gender pay gap, access to reproductive health services, and the Affordable Care Act which "greatly improves women's access" to health care. Republicans more broadly have spent years in a concentrated effort to roll back women's access to reproductive health care, general health care and equal pay."
"Such a conversation on feminism and conservatism misses an opportunity to examine why conservative women are not generally labeled as feminists in the first place -- their policies and legislation often hurt women. Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, whom Costello cited as an example, is roundly in support of policies that are detrimental to women, opposing legislation to address the gender pay gap, access to reproductive health services, and the Affordable Care Act which "greatly improves women's access" to health care. Republicans more broadly have spent years in a concentrated effort to roll back women's access to reproductive health care, general health care and equal pay."
Scott Walker is a giant fraud: Reagan worship, bizarre religious beliefs, and the real story of his long crusade for 2016
Scott Walker is a giant fraud: Reagan worship, bizarre religious beliefs, and the real story of his long crusade for 2016
"Union busting, corruption charges, unfettered ambition -- Walker won in blue-state Wisconsin but he's no moderate"
"Union busting, corruption charges, unfettered ambition -- Walker won in blue-state Wisconsin but he's no moderate"
Scott Walker Just Bungled Women’s Rights So Bad, He Might Have Blown His 2016 Chances
Scott Walker Just Bungled Women’s Rights So Bad, He Might Have Blown His 2016 Chances
"most women who come across his remarks will be completely disgusted by them."
"most women who come across his remarks will be completely disgusted by them."
Jade Helm conspiracy theorists are kind of dumb. Who knew?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/27/1387860/-Jade-Helm-conspiracy-theorists-are-kind-of-dumb-Who-knew
"It's particularly interesting that this national conviction among conservatives that they are being terribly oppressed comes immediately after a period of wartime rhetoric in which non-conservatives were, literally, called traitors to the country; one change of presidents later and the Texas governor makes noises about his state leaving the country altogether if that same can-do-no-wrong government starts doing things he isn't fond of. These people don't do nuance. When they are in power they proclaim themselves the only true Americans; when they lose an election they are convinced it is precursor to America collapsing entirely."
"It's particularly interesting that this national conviction among conservatives that they are being terribly oppressed comes immediately after a period of wartime rhetoric in which non-conservatives were, literally, called traitors to the country; one change of presidents later and the Texas governor makes noises about his state leaving the country altogether if that same can-do-no-wrong government starts doing things he isn't fond of. These people don't do nuance. When they are in power they proclaim themselves the only true Americans; when they lose an election they are convinced it is precursor to America collapsing entirely."
Former Tea Party Candidate Who Vowed To 'Protect Our Children' Arrested For Child Porn
Former Tea Party Candidate Who Vowed To 'Protect Our Children' Arrested For Child Porn
"The 2012 Republican candidate for District 41 of the state Assembly, who lost against incumbent Helene Weinstein, made written statements where he admits to owning the email address, viewing and sharing "children engaged in sexual conduct," according to the criminal complaint."
"The 2012 Republican candidate for District 41 of the state Assembly, who lost against incumbent Helene Weinstein, made written statements where he admits to owning the email address, viewing and sharing "children engaged in sexual conduct," according to the criminal complaint."
Pedophile Ex-State Trooper: Jim Bob Duggar Lied, Said Josh Only Molested One Kid
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/27/pedophile-ex-state-trooper-jim-bob-duggar-lied-said-josh-only-molested-one-kid/
"Remember the tales of Jim Bob Duggar reporting his son’s crimes to a friend who was a state trooper (and is currently serving 56 years in prison for child pornography)? Well, that friend has now weighed in on Josh Duggar’s horrific abuses against four of his siblings and one unidentified victim — and what he has to say is not in any way good news for the Duggar cult."
"Remember the tales of Jim Bob Duggar reporting his son’s crimes to a friend who was a state trooper (and is currently serving 56 years in prison for child pornography)? Well, that friend has now weighed in on Josh Duggar’s horrific abuses against four of his siblings and one unidentified victim — and what he has to say is not in any way good news for the Duggar cult."
Guess how much time Fox News has spent covering the Duggar scandal
Guess how much time Fox News has spent covering the Duggar scandal
"Essentially, Fox News is cool with former Fox News contributor Mike Huckabee being intimately involved with the Duggars when they were fighting LGBT rights, but when one of them actually turns out to be a child molester we can just pretend their relationship was an unhappy memory?"
"Essentially, Fox News is cool with former Fox News contributor Mike Huckabee being intimately involved with the Duggars when they were fighting LGBT rights, but when one of them actually turns out to be a child molester we can just pretend their relationship was an unhappy memory?"
Here are 5 Reasons Why Rick Santorum is Too Radical to be President
Here are 5 Reasons Why Rick Santorum is Too Radical to be President
"1) He once suggested an idea so ridiculous that it would have opened the door to banning science in our schools and our government. No, that’s not a joke."
"1) He once suggested an idea so ridiculous that it would have opened the door to banning science in our schools and our government. No, that’s not a joke."
Dems Back Debt-Free College as Issue Moves Into Election Spotlight
Dems Back Debt-Free College as Issue Moves Into Election Spotlight
"Nine additional Democratic senators on Wednesday came out in support of a resolution calling for debt-free public college, bringing to 20 the total number of Senate Dems who support the measure, introduced only a month ago by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The resolution (pdf) calls on federal and state governments, along with higher education institutions, to work in concert to lower tuition costs, increase financial aid, and reduce the burden of existing student debt."
"Nine additional Democratic senators on Wednesday came out in support of a resolution calling for debt-free public college, bringing to 20 the total number of Senate Dems who support the measure, introduced only a month ago by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The resolution (pdf) calls on federal and state governments, along with higher education institutions, to work in concert to lower tuition costs, increase financial aid, and reduce the burden of existing student debt."
Bernie Sanders to Billionaires: ‘You Can’t Have It All!’ | The Nation
Bernie Sanders to Billionaires: ‘You Can’t Have It All!’ | The Nation
"The senator attracted more than 100,000 contributions in the average amount of $42, along with hundreds of thousands of volunteer commitments, in his first days as a contender."
"The senator attracted more than 100,000 contributions in the average amount of $42, along with hundreds of thousands of volunteer commitments, in his first days as a contender."
20 Big Ideas From Bernie Sanders to Reverse Inequality, Expand Safety Nets and Stop America's Plutocrats | Alternet
20 Big Ideas From Bernie Sanders to Reverse Inequality, Expand Safety Nets and Stop America's Plutocrats | Alternet
"On Tuesday, Vermont Independent Sen. Bernard Sanders gave a major speech in Burlington, Vemont, where his political career began three decades ago when he was elected mayor of his state’s largest city. Sanders, who is seeking the 2016 Democratic nomination for president, described 20 ideas that will be the hallmarks of his campaign."
"On Tuesday, Vermont Independent Sen. Bernard Sanders gave a major speech in Burlington, Vemont, where his political career began three decades ago when he was elected mayor of his state’s largest city. Sanders, who is seeking the 2016 Democratic nomination for president, described 20 ideas that will be the hallmarks of his campaign."
Indicted GOP Speaker’s Lengthy Record Of Shady Ethics
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/05/29/3663961/fbi-claims-gop-icon-dennis-hastert-lied-paid-millions-hush-money/
"Dennis Hastert, the longest-serving Republican speaker in the history of the U.S. Congress was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for lying to the FBI and paying millions of dollars in hush-money to cover up a yet-to-be-revealed past crime."
"Dennis Hastert, the longest-serving Republican speaker in the history of the U.S. Congress was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for lying to the FBI and paying millions of dollars in hush-money to cover up a yet-to-be-revealed past crime."
Dennis Hastert Was Just Indicted on Federal Charges. Read the Full Indictment.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/05/denny-hastert-indicted
"Former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert has been indicted for illegally transferring funds to dodge the IRS and lying to the FBI"
"Former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert has been indicted for illegally transferring funds to dodge the IRS and lying to the FBI"
Former GOP Speaker Hastert Indicted On Federal Charges
Former GOP Speaker Hastert Indicted On Federal Charges
"The Justice Department has indicted former House Speaker Dennis Hastert on reporting evasion charges and lying to the FBI as part of an effort to pay off victims of “prior bad acts"."
"The Justice Department has indicted former House Speaker Dennis Hastert on reporting evasion charges and lying to the FBI as part of an effort to pay off victims of “prior bad acts"."
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Ted Cruz Demands Federal Money For Texas Floods After Blocking Hurricane Sandy Relief
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/27/ted-cruz-demands-federal-money-texas-floods-blocking-hurricane-sandy-relief.html
"Hypocrisy and Ted Cruz are longtime companions, but the larger hypocrisy is bound to come from Republicans who will likely speed a disaster relief bill for Texas and Oklahoma through Congress.
Ted Cruz’s position is clear. Disaster relief is only vital when it is for his state. Red state need is the only real need that counts. Sen. Cruz is demanding disaster relief for Texas. If there were any justice, he would be forced to wait just like he made the people impacted by Hurricane Sandy suffer, but since Democrats have compassion for all Americans in need, Texas will be given a luxury that wasn’t offered to the victims of Sandy."
"Hypocrisy and Ted Cruz are longtime companions, but the larger hypocrisy is bound to come from Republicans who will likely speed a disaster relief bill for Texas and Oklahoma through Congress.
Ted Cruz’s position is clear. Disaster relief is only vital when it is for his state. Red state need is the only real need that counts. Sen. Cruz is demanding disaster relief for Texas. If there were any justice, he would be forced to wait just like he made the people impacted by Hurricane Sandy suffer, but since Democrats have compassion for all Americans in need, Texas will be given a luxury that wasn’t offered to the victims of Sandy."
America will die old and broke: The systematic right-wing plot to ransack the middle-class nest egg
America will die old and broke: The systematic right-wing plot to ransack the middle-class nest egg
"Libertarians and conservatives will not rest until they have unmade the last century of progress and the entire New Deal. They will destroy and dismantle, vilify and divide, because it’s easier to make people resent one another than to make society better. They want to not only halt progress, but to turn back the hands of time. It’s not just pensions, but overtime pay, weekends and the forty-hour workweek that are all in danger."
"Libertarians and conservatives will not rest until they have unmade the last century of progress and the entire New Deal. They will destroy and dismantle, vilify and divide, because it’s easier to make people resent one another than to make society better. They want to not only halt progress, but to turn back the hands of time. It’s not just pensions, but overtime pay, weekends and the forty-hour workweek that are all in danger."
ALEC Exposed
http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/ALEC_Exposed
"ALEC is not a lobby; it is not a front group. It is much more powerful than that. Through the secretive meetings of the American Legislative Exchange Council, corporate lobbyists and state legislators vote as equals on ‘model bills’ to change our rights that often benefit the corporations’ bottom line at public expense. ALEC is a pay-to-play operation where corporations buy a seat and a vote on ‘task forces’ to advance their legislative wish lists and can get a tax break for donations, effectively passing these lobbying costs on to taxpayers.
Along with legislators, corporations have membership in ALEC. Corporations sit on ALEC task forces and vote with legislators to approve “model” bills. They have their own corporate governing board which meets jointly with the legislative board. (ALEC says that corporations do not vote on the board.) Corporations fund almost all of ALEC's operations.
Participating legislators, overwhelmingly conservative Republicans, then bring those proposals home and introduce them in statehouses across the land as their own brilliant ideas and important public policy innovations—without disclosing that corporations crafted and voted on the bills."
"ALEC is not a lobby; it is not a front group. It is much more powerful than that. Through the secretive meetings of the American Legislative Exchange Council, corporate lobbyists and state legislators vote as equals on ‘model bills’ to change our rights that often benefit the corporations’ bottom line at public expense. ALEC is a pay-to-play operation where corporations buy a seat and a vote on ‘task forces’ to advance their legislative wish lists and can get a tax break for donations, effectively passing these lobbying costs on to taxpayers.
Along with legislators, corporations have membership in ALEC. Corporations sit on ALEC task forces and vote with legislators to approve “model” bills. They have their own corporate governing board which meets jointly with the legislative board. (ALEC says that corporations do not vote on the board.) Corporations fund almost all of ALEC's operations.
Participating legislators, overwhelmingly conservative Republicans, then bring those proposals home and introduce them in statehouses across the land as their own brilliant ideas and important public policy innovations—without disclosing that corporations crafted and voted on the bills."
Watch: Lawmakers and Koch Lobbyists Caught Red-Handed Writing Bills In Secret Backrooms
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-lawmakers-and-koch-lobbyists-caught-red-handed-writing-bills-in-secret-backrooms/
"The curtain is pulled back on the shadow government that really decides which laws are passed in this country. In this clip, Georgia news station investigates the closed-door meetings between corporate members of the Koch-funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and state legislators, where laws are written in backroom events at fancy hotels by corporate lobbyists themselves.
Armed guards stand in front of a conference room at a resort hotel in Savannah, Georgia as the reporter is turned away from what a former ALEC member describes as a “Bill Mill”, where lobbyists write bills, leaving only blanks for the legislators to fill in their state’s name. A great example is the Georgia Asbestos Bill, which prevents victims of asbestos exposure from suing the corporations responsible- the ALEC bill and the version passed in the state house are word for word identical.
It’s an eye-opening look into how our laws are really made and how much of a disconnect there is between the opinions of the public and the way our country is actually governed. We have a choice in choosing who to elect, but after that, politicians in Republican states serve a darker power- the almighty dollar and the interests of big corporations, the billionaire class, and the Koch Brothers."
"The curtain is pulled back on the shadow government that really decides which laws are passed in this country. In this clip, Georgia news station investigates the closed-door meetings between corporate members of the Koch-funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and state legislators, where laws are written in backroom events at fancy hotels by corporate lobbyists themselves.
Armed guards stand in front of a conference room at a resort hotel in Savannah, Georgia as the reporter is turned away from what a former ALEC member describes as a “Bill Mill”, where lobbyists write bills, leaving only blanks for the legislators to fill in their state’s name. A great example is the Georgia Asbestos Bill, which prevents victims of asbestos exposure from suing the corporations responsible- the ALEC bill and the version passed in the state house are word for word identical.
It’s an eye-opening look into how our laws are really made and how much of a disconnect there is between the opinions of the public and the way our country is actually governed. We have a choice in choosing who to elect, but after that, politicians in Republican states serve a darker power- the almighty dollar and the interests of big corporations, the billionaire class, and the Koch Brothers."
This report blows the cover of secretive conservative shop pushing right-wing legislation
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/26/1387897/-Atlanta-Georgia-station-exposes-ALEC-sausage-making#
"None of this is news to people who have been following ALEC closely over the years, but it is monumentally instructive for a local news organization to walk its viewers through the process and to show them how much of the governing in their state is done with voters left completely in the dark. It demonstrates starkly just how much control ALEC's corporate bosses have over what happens in state houses across the country."
"None of this is news to people who have been following ALEC closely over the years, but it is monumentally instructive for a local news organization to walk its viewers through the process and to show them how much of the governing in their state is done with voters left completely in the dark. It demonstrates starkly just how much control ALEC's corporate bosses have over what happens in state houses across the country."
Police ILLEGALLY ‘Escort’ Reporter From Secretive Right-Wing Lobbyist-Lawmaker Schmoozefest (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/26/alec-gets-reporter-thrown-out/
"That’s right. those deputies escorted a reporter away from an event involving lawmakers, which he was legally allowed to attend, and threw him out of a hotel room he had paid for. They did this illegally to protect ALEC, an organization that not only lobbies for corporations but actually writes the laws, and they did it on the taxpayers’ dime. And this isn’t just happening in Savannah, Georgia, it’s happening all over the country at all levels of government."
"That’s right. those deputies escorted a reporter away from an event involving lawmakers, which he was legally allowed to attend, and threw him out of a hotel room he had paid for. They did this illegally to protect ALEC, an organization that not only lobbies for corporations but actually writes the laws, and they did it on the taxpayers’ dime. And this isn’t just happening in Savannah, Georgia, it’s happening all over the country at all levels of government."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Thinks Obama’s Invading One Day, Begs Him For Help The Next
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Thinks Obama’s Invading One Day, Begs Him For Help The Next
"Sadly, no matter how much help the president sends Texas to help it recover from these devastating floods, nothing is going to change. Republicans in this state will still try to vilify the federal government and many of the conservatives in the state will still insist that “they don’t need the government to do anything for them.” That is, until the next disaster strikes, then they’ll be some of the first people looking to the federal government to come in and bail them out of whatever mess their state might be in."
"Sadly, no matter how much help the president sends Texas to help it recover from these devastating floods, nothing is going to change. Republicans in this state will still try to vilify the federal government and many of the conservatives in the state will still insist that “they don’t need the government to do anything for them.” That is, until the next disaster strikes, then they’ll be some of the first people looking to the federal government to come in and bail them out of whatever mess their state might be in."
WATCH: Elizabeth Warren Gives Amazing Two-Minute Explanation of How Government Has Been Taken Over by the Rich | Alternet
WATCH: Elizabeth Warren Gives Amazing Two-Minute Explanation of How Government Has Been Taken Over by the Rich | Alternet
"During a question and answer session, a voter asked why politicians aren't building infrastructure or implementing other policy that respects the will of the people."
"During a question and answer session, a voter asked why politicians aren't building infrastructure or implementing other policy that respects the will of the people."
Bernie Sanders kicks off 2016 campaign by opening can of whoopass on Wall Street — and it’s awesome
Bernie Sanders kicks off 2016 campaign by opening can of whoopass on Wall Street — and it’s awesome
"Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders officially announced his presidential campaign on Tuesday, vowing to fight not only political cynicism, but efforts by billionaires like Sheldon Adelson and the Koch brothers to influence elections."
"Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders officially announced his presidential campaign on Tuesday, vowing to fight not only political cynicism, but efforts by billionaires like Sheldon Adelson and the Koch brothers to influence elections."
Rand Paul Tries To Fool Students Into Thinking He's A Democrat
Rand Paul Tries To Fool Students Into Thinking He's A Democrat
"Baby Paul's obligatory "I wanna be President so I wrote a book" book is out. Huzzah! In it, he brands himself as a "crunchy treehugger" who says "the Republican party sucks."
He's really hoping that will appeal to college students so he can peel a few away, I suppose, but first he'd like to destroy those campuses they all attend and rid them of stinky liberals before indoctrinating them into the Cult of Koch."
"Baby Paul's obligatory "I wanna be President so I wrote a book" book is out. Huzzah! In it, he brands himself as a "crunchy treehugger" who says "the Republican party sucks."
He's really hoping that will appeal to college students so he can peel a few away, I suppose, but first he'd like to destroy those campuses they all attend and rid them of stinky liberals before indoctrinating them into the Cult of Koch."
Watch: Ex-Reagan Advisor Accuses FOXNews of ‘Brainwashing’ Republicans and Making them Dumber
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-ex-reagan-advisor-accuses-foxnews-of-brainwashing-republicans-and-making-them-dumber/
"This Sunday, economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, accused the conservative propaganda machine known as Fox “News” of “brainwashing” Republicans “bubble” of misinformation that is making conservatives more misinformed"
"This Sunday, economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, accused the conservative propaganda machine known as Fox “News” of “brainwashing” Republicans “bubble” of misinformation that is making conservatives more misinformed"
Congressional Republicans are outraged that the EPA wants to protect our drinking water
Congressional Republicans are <i>outraged</i> that the EPA wants to protect our drinking water
"Those in favor of the rule, on the other hand? Aside from the usual groups interested in protecting the environment, which are all pretty thrilled, it’s backed, per one poll, by 80 percent of voters and, per McCarthy, 80 percent of small business owners. Craft breweries are also big fans: “Beer is about 90 percent water, making local water supply quality and its characteristics, such as pH and mineral content, critical to brewing,” a coalition of beer companies wrote to the EPA in 2014."
"Those in favor of the rule, on the other hand? Aside from the usual groups interested in protecting the environment, which are all pretty thrilled, it’s backed, per one poll, by 80 percent of voters and, per McCarthy, 80 percent of small business owners. Craft breweries are also big fans: “Beer is about 90 percent water, making local water supply quality and its characteristics, such as pH and mineral content, critical to brewing,” a coalition of beer companies wrote to the EPA in 2014."
Obama Takes Bold Executive Action To Protect America’s Drinking Water From Corporate Polluters
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/27/obama-takes-bold-executive-action-protect-americas-drinking-water-corporate-polluters.html
"When Republicans claim that this rule is harming the economy, what they really mean is that these changes aren’t going to allow agribusiness and corporations to destroy the clean water supply for 33% of the country. Republicans are literally advocating for one-third of the country to potentially lose access to clean drinking water."
"When Republicans claim that this rule is harming the economy, what they really mean is that these changes aren’t going to allow agribusiness and corporations to destroy the clean water supply for 33% of the country. Republicans are literally advocating for one-third of the country to potentially lose access to clean drinking water."
Search the 935 Iraq War Lies By Bush And Top Officials
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/05/search-935-iraq-war-lies/
"In fact, according to an interactive database released by the Center for Public Integrity, Bush lied 232 times about weapons of mass destruction and 28 times about Iraq’s ties to Al Qaeda. He’s the winner by the way with those 260 lies. Colin Powell is runner up with a total of 254 lies.
The database contains 935 false statements made by President Bush and seven top officials"
"In fact, according to an interactive database released by the Center for Public Integrity, Bush lied 232 times about weapons of mass destruction and 28 times about Iraq’s ties to Al Qaeda. He’s the winner by the way with those 260 lies. Colin Powell is runner up with a total of 254 lies.
The database contains 935 false statements made by President Bush and seven top officials"
Jeb Bush Says His Brother Was Misled Into War by Faulty Intelligence. That's Not What Happened.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/05/jeb-bush-marco-rubio-iraq-war-intelligence
"Bush and Cheney did not invade Iraq because they had been hoodwinked by bad intelligence. They claimed the intelligence was solid—when it wasn't. And they made stuff up."
"Bush and Cheney did not invade Iraq because they had been hoodwinked by bad intelligence. They claimed the intelligence was solid—when it wasn't. And they made stuff up."
We Keep Pretending Soldiers Died In Iraq Over An Intelligence Failure– When Will We Stop?
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/24/we-keep-pretending-soldiers-died-in-iraq-over-an-intelligence-failure-when-will-we-stop/
"Now, Republicans, the media, and everyone who doesn’t want to believe that we invaded Iraq on a flat-out lie, continue to sell the idea that thousands of American soldiers died because of an intelligence failure. It’s easier to believe that we invaded a sovereign nation on faulty intelligence than it is to believe we perpetrated a massive hoax in which too many people died, and caused an entire region to be torn apart."
"Now, Republicans, the media, and everyone who doesn’t want to believe that we invaded Iraq on a flat-out lie, continue to sell the idea that thousands of American soldiers died because of an intelligence failure. It’s easier to believe that we invaded a sovereign nation on faulty intelligence than it is to believe we perpetrated a massive hoax in which too many people died, and caused an entire region to be torn apart."
U.S. is paying the price for not investing in trains, and it's stupid
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/05/25/1386228/-U-S-is-paying-the-price-for-not-investing-in-trains-and-it-s-stupid
"We're looking at a consequence of Republican refusal to invest in American infrastructure. It's played out not just in less safe trains but in slower trains and fewer trains. If Republicans hadn't stood in the way all these years, we could have had a speedy, energy-efficient, safe rail network and thousands of jobs creating and maintaining it. Instead, we have a desperately underfunded, inadequate rail system and John Boehner saying it's stupid to see the facts for what they are."
"We're looking at a consequence of Republican refusal to invest in American infrastructure. It's played out not just in less safe trains but in slower trains and fewer trains. If Republicans hadn't stood in the way all these years, we could have had a speedy, energy-efficient, safe rail network and thousands of jobs creating and maintaining it. Instead, we have a desperately underfunded, inadequate rail system and John Boehner saying it's stupid to see the facts for what they are."
Fox Runs Fluff Piece On GOP's Supposed 'Hispanic Outreach' Program
Fox Runs Fluff Piece On GOP's Supposed 'Hispanic Outreach' Program
"Sorry Fox, but a few candidates who can speak Spanish do not make up for the countless hours those voters have heard and watched of members of the Republican party (and your network) demonizing immigrants. And Ted Cruz sending his crazy wingnut father out on the campaign trail for him is not good news for Ted Cruz or for the party's prospects with the Latino vote."
"Sorry Fox, but a few candidates who can speak Spanish do not make up for the countless hours those voters have heard and watched of members of the Republican party (and your network) demonizing immigrants. And Ted Cruz sending his crazy wingnut father out on the campaign trail for him is not good news for Ted Cruz or for the party's prospects with the Latino vote."
The Uncomfortable Truth About The Political Nature Of Fox News
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/27/the-uncomfortable-truth-about-the-political-nat/203768
"It's built to be the marketing arm for the Republican Party, as it hurdles further and further towards the radical right."
"It's built to be the marketing arm for the Republican Party, as it hurdles further and further towards the radical right."
Ex-Reagan adviser: Fox News is ‘self-brainwashing’ Republicans into a radical fringe party
Ex-Reagan adviser: Fox News is ‘self-brainwashing’ Republicans into a radical fringe party
"Economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, warned over the weekend that Fox News had damaged the Republican Party by creating a bubble for conservatives to brainwash themselves."
"Economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, warned over the weekend that Fox News had damaged the Republican Party by creating a bubble for conservatives to brainwash themselves."
CNN Highlights How Fox News Is Brainwashing The Republican Party
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/24/cnn-highlights-fox-news-brainwashing-republican-party.html
"Republicans are living in a media bubble that allows them to create a false reality. In the conservative media bubble, facts are bent to fit their ideology. Anything that isn’t sunshine and rainbows for the Republican Party is immediately discredited as “liberal bias.”
The conservative media bubble plays a role in the hyper-partisan nature of Congress."
"Republicans are living in a media bubble that allows them to create a false reality. In the conservative media bubble, facts are bent to fit their ideology. Anything that isn’t sunshine and rainbows for the Republican Party is immediately discredited as “liberal bias.”
The conservative media bubble plays a role in the hyper-partisan nature of Congress."
Top Reagan Staffer: Fox Is A ‘Self-Brainwashing Bubble’ That’s Destroying The GOP (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/25/bruce-bartlett-fox-brainwashing-cnn/
"Bartlett explains how his research led him to believe Fox “makes people less educated"."
"Bartlett explains how his research led him to believe Fox “makes people less educated"."
Whoops, Yet Another Republican Benghazi Fantasy Just Evaporated
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/05/whoops-yet-another-republican-benghazi-fantasy-just-evaporated/
"Right wingers are of course too invested in this Benghazi thing to drop it, even though years of investigations and hearings have failed to come up with any evidence that Obama administration staffers were involved in any wrongdoing during the incident."
"Right wingers are of course too invested in this Benghazi thing to drop it, even though years of investigations and hearings have failed to come up with any evidence that Obama administration staffers were involved in any wrongdoing during the incident."
Former Reagan Adviser: Fox News Is A 'Self-brainwashing' Bubble That Is Destroying The GOP
Former Reagan Adviser: Fox News Is A 'Self-brainwashing' Bubble That Is Destroying The GOP
"Economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, warned over the weekend that Fox News had damaged the Republican Party by creating a bubble for conservatives to brainwash themselves."
"Economist Bruce Bartlett, a former adviser to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, warned over the weekend that Fox News had damaged the Republican Party by creating a bubble for conservatives to brainwash themselves."
Walker Fills Open Judge Seats With Political Appointees
Walker Fills Open Judge Seats With Political Appointees
"Besides hiring Troupis for drawing up the Republicans' gerrymandering scheme, and the subsequent legal battle, Walker also hired Troupis to defend his Act 10, the introduction of right to work to Wisconsin. And yes, Troupis got paid very well for these things.
In Walker's Wisconsin, Lady Justice is still blind, but only because Walker poked her eyes out."
"Besides hiring Troupis for drawing up the Republicans' gerrymandering scheme, and the subsequent legal battle, Walker also hired Troupis to defend his Act 10, the introduction of right to work to Wisconsin. And yes, Troupis got paid very well for these things.
In Walker's Wisconsin, Lady Justice is still blind, but only because Walker poked her eyes out."
They’re all still lying about Iraq: The real story about the biggest blunder in American history — and the right wing’s obsessive need to cover it up
They’re all still lying about Iraq: The real story about the biggest blunder in American history — and the right wing’s obsessive need to cover it up
"Republicans’ verbal gyrations over the Iraq War should not be dismissed as the usual rhetorical jabberwocky of an election season. Their stumblings and justifications provide an important window into a larger, crucial story. They reveal that Movement Conservatives remain rooted in a worldview that has been outdated for so long it is now delusional."
"Republicans’ verbal gyrations over the Iraq War should not be dismissed as the usual rhetorical jabberwocky of an election season. Their stumblings and justifications provide an important window into a larger, crucial story. They reveal that Movement Conservatives remain rooted in a worldview that has been outdated for so long it is now delusional."
Former CIA Official Calls Out Fox News' Latest "Benghazi Myth"
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/26/former-cia-official-calls-out-fox-news-latest-b/203756
"Fox News has similarly continuously seized on every available opportunity to scandalize the attacks on the diplomatic compound at Benghazi. In the 20 months between September 2012 to May 2014, the network aired an astounding 1,098 evening and primetime segments dedicated to Benghazi. Despite numerous reports debunking the network's false narratives surrounding the attack, Fox has relentlessly continued to promote them."
"Fox News has similarly continuously seized on every available opportunity to scandalize the attacks on the diplomatic compound at Benghazi. In the 20 months between September 2012 to May 2014, the network aired an astounding 1,098 evening and primetime segments dedicated to Benghazi. Despite numerous reports debunking the network's false narratives surrounding the attack, Fox has relentlessly continued to promote them."
CIA’s #2 Debunks Fox News And The Benghazisteria Once And For All
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/26/cias-2-debunks-fox-news-and-the-benghazisteria-once-and-for-all/
"Fox News and the minions of madness the right-wing adores have been harping on a single incident in Libya to keep the low-information voters that are their base focused on anything but Republican policies."
"Fox News and the minions of madness the right-wing adores have been harping on a single incident in Libya to keep the low-information voters that are their base focused on anything but Republican policies."
Lead GOP Benghazi Investigator Tries To Invent Another Conspiracy, Gets Busted Lying Through His Teeth
Lead GOP Benghazi Investigator Tries To Invent Another Conspiracy, Gets Busted Lying Through His Teeth
"First you push the idea that any and all other media sources are part of some conspiracy to hide the truth, then all you have to do is sit back and report whatever lies and misinformation you feel like, because your sheepish viewers will never doubt anything you say or trust anyone who debunks your lies. It’s the foundation on which every cult is formed."
"First you push the idea that any and all other media sources are part of some conspiracy to hide the truth, then all you have to do is sit back and report whatever lies and misinformation you feel like, because your sheepish viewers will never doubt anything you say or trust anyone who debunks your lies. It’s the foundation on which every cult is formed."
Rand Paul, serial panderer: 5 major flip-flops that reveal his brazen hypocrisy
Rand Paul, serial panderer: 5 major flip-flops that reveal his brazen hypocrisy
"Paul’s flip-flops are very easily explained. Rand Paul is a serial panderer. In less conservative circles, he’ll repeat various moderate, if not liberal, views. But as soon as he’s confronted by Fox News Channel, or by an AM radio talk show host, such as when he’s appeared as a guest of “The Alex Jones Show,” where he’s dabbled in 9/11 trutherism, he reverses those less conservative views and embraces more hawkish positions. At the very least, it’s obvious that Paul has very few core convictions and, more so than many other career politicians, will simply blurt whatever is necessary to extricate himself from tight spots, while taking full advantage of the epistemically closed, fish-bowl nature of modern American politics. He’s cynical enough to believe that no one will reference his previous remarks, and when they do, opponents can simply be shushed or scolded, as was the case on both CNBC and with “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie last month."
"Paul’s flip-flops are very easily explained. Rand Paul is a serial panderer. In less conservative circles, he’ll repeat various moderate, if not liberal, views. But as soon as he’s confronted by Fox News Channel, or by an AM radio talk show host, such as when he’s appeared as a guest of “The Alex Jones Show,” where he’s dabbled in 9/11 trutherism, he reverses those less conservative views and embraces more hawkish positions. At the very least, it’s obvious that Paul has very few core convictions and, more so than many other career politicians, will simply blurt whatever is necessary to extricate himself from tight spots, while taking full advantage of the epistemically closed, fish-bowl nature of modern American politics. He’s cynical enough to believe that no one will reference his previous remarks, and when they do, opponents can simply be shushed or scolded, as was the case on both CNBC and with “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie last month."
Rand Paul’s Fake ‘Filibuster’ Was Nothing More Than a Sad Political Con Job
Rand Paul’s Fake ‘Filibuster’ Was Nothing More Than a Sad Political Con Job
"Let me say it again, this was not a filibuster - it was just a speech that went on for nearly 11 hours. For him to call it a filibuster is a flat-out lie. For what he did to be considered a true filibuster, he would have had to talk all night and through the scheduled vote on the Patriot Act. For something to be considered a “filibuster” it has to block or delay something – which Paul’s speech didn’t do. All it did was get him the attention he so desperately wanted. People have to understand that he never intended for it to block the Patriot Act. This was nothing but an elaborate campaign ploy to raise money and gain some publicity pretending to oppose something that he never had any intention of blocking in the first place."
"Let me say it again, this was not a filibuster - it was just a speech that went on for nearly 11 hours. For him to call it a filibuster is a flat-out lie. For what he did to be considered a true filibuster, he would have had to talk all night and through the scheduled vote on the Patriot Act. For something to be considered a “filibuster” it has to block or delay something – which Paul’s speech didn’t do. All it did was get him the attention he so desperately wanted. People have to understand that he never intended for it to block the Patriot Act. This was nothing but an elaborate campaign ploy to raise money and gain some publicity pretending to oppose something that he never had any intention of blocking in the first place."
Monday, May 25, 2015
Koch-Republicans Remember Soldiers’ Sacrifice With A Veterans Healthcare Coupon Scam
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/25/koch-republicans-remember-soldiers-sacrifice-veterans-healthcare-coupon-scam.html
"While Republicans envision punishing over 8 million veterans enrolled to receive a wide range of services through the VA with a coupon and higher out-of-pocket expenses, the Kochs see potential profits from privateers."
"While Republicans envision punishing over 8 million veterans enrolled to receive a wide range of services through the VA with a coupon and higher out-of-pocket expenses, the Kochs see potential profits from privateers."
Fox's Pete Hegseth Uses Memorial Day To Push For Privatizing The VA
Fox's Pete Hegseth Uses Memorial Day To Push For Privatizing The VA
"If there's one thing you can say for these people, it's that they're persistent. The Koch brothers and their allies are never going to give up until they see the Veterans Administration done away with and turned over to the private sector."
"If there's one thing you can say for these people, it's that they're persistent. The Koch brothers and their allies are never going to give up until they see the Veterans Administration done away with and turned over to the private sector."
Sunday, May 24, 2015
More Bad News for GOP: New Survey Shows Americans Really Like Their Obamacare
More Bad News for GOP: New Survey Shows Americans Really Like Their Obamacare
"While Republicans will go on endless rants about all the “horrors” they claim are going to happen as a result of the Affordable Care Act, what they’re really afraid of is what’s actually starting to happen: Americans are realizing that they like it – a lot."
"While Republicans will go on endless rants about all the “horrors” they claim are going to happen as a result of the Affordable Care Act, what they’re really afraid of is what’s actually starting to happen: Americans are realizing that they like it – a lot."
How Scott Walker and His Allies Hijacked the Wisconsin Supreme Court
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/05/scott-walker-wisconsin-supreme-court
"Prosecutors allege that Walker and his aides illegally coordinated with conservative groups that were raising money and running ads to support Walker and his Republican allies. At least one group at the center of the probe, the Wisconsin Club for Growth, has gone to court to stop the investigation. Its fate now rests with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will rule any day now on whether the inquiry can proceed.
But there's a rub. Two key targets of the investigation—the Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state's leading business group—have spent over $10 million since 2007 to elect a conservative majority to Wisconsin's top court."
"Prosecutors allege that Walker and his aides illegally coordinated with conservative groups that were raising money and running ads to support Walker and his Republican allies. At least one group at the center of the probe, the Wisconsin Club for Growth, has gone to court to stop the investigation. Its fate now rests with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will rule any day now on whether the inquiry can proceed.
But there's a rub. Two key targets of the investigation—the Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state's leading business group—have spent over $10 million since 2007 to elect a conservative majority to Wisconsin's top court."
Kansas keeps on bleeding: Sam Brownback’s tax-cut miracle still hasn’t arrived, and won’t any time soon
Kansas keeps on bleeding: Sam Brownback’s tax-cut miracle still hasn’t arrived, and won’t any time soon
"This is what Sam Brownback, Art Laffer and the state Republican Party have turned Kansas into: an economic policy trash fire that channels all the benefits to the top, produces no shared prosperity, is bankrupting the state, and deliberately makes the lives of the less fortunate even more difficult."
"This is what Sam Brownback, Art Laffer and the state Republican Party have turned Kansas into: an economic policy trash fire that channels all the benefits to the top, produces no shared prosperity, is bankrupting the state, and deliberately makes the lives of the less fortunate even more difficult."
BOMBSHELL: FEC Can’t Enforce Federal Election Law, Thanks To Republicans
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/23/bombshell-fec-cant-enforce-federal-election-law-thanks-to-republicans/
"It’s sad, but not surprising, that Republicans would want the FEC gridlocked; it’s how they get their Koch-backed bankrolls."
"It’s sad, but not surprising, that Republicans would want the FEC gridlocked; it’s how they get their Koch-backed bankrolls."
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Three New Polls Prove To Be An Absolute Nightmare For The Republican Party
Three New Polls Prove To Be An Absolute Nightmare For The Republican Party
"The first poll comes from Gallup and shows a record number of Americans now support legalizing same-sex marriage. At 60 percent, the highest rating Gallup has ever seen on the topic of same-sex marriage, Americans now overwhelmingly support marriage equality. Not only that, but acceptance is up among all three major political groups (Democrats: 76 percent, Republicans: 37 percent, Independents: 64 percent). What’s most striking is the 37 percent of Republicans who support marriage equality, a number that’s up 15 points from 2012 – and has steadily been increasing for most of the last decade. In other words, fools like Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee are pandering to a section of Americans that’s shrinking, not growing.
Another poll by Gallup also shows that President Obama’s favorability rating is at its highest level since 2013 at 53 percent. That’s up 11 points from what it was last fall. It seems Republicans having a majority in Congress is making Americans realize just how terrible they actually are.
Which brings me to the next poll, this time from Pew, showing congressional favorability is at an all-time low. According to Pew, only 22 percent of Americans view Congress “favorably” while an eye-popping 72 percent view Congress “unfavorably.” While this poll isn’t brand new (it’s a few weeks old) they don’t run these polls as often as Gallup so these are still very fresh numbers from them."
"The first poll comes from Gallup and shows a record number of Americans now support legalizing same-sex marriage. At 60 percent, the highest rating Gallup has ever seen on the topic of same-sex marriage, Americans now overwhelmingly support marriage equality. Not only that, but acceptance is up among all three major political groups (Democrats: 76 percent, Republicans: 37 percent, Independents: 64 percent). What’s most striking is the 37 percent of Republicans who support marriage equality, a number that’s up 15 points from 2012 – and has steadily been increasing for most of the last decade. In other words, fools like Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee are pandering to a section of Americans that’s shrinking, not growing.
Another poll by Gallup also shows that President Obama’s favorability rating is at its highest level since 2013 at 53 percent. That’s up 11 points from what it was last fall. It seems Republicans having a majority in Congress is making Americans realize just how terrible they actually are.
Which brings me to the next poll, this time from Pew, showing congressional favorability is at an all-time low. According to Pew, only 22 percent of Americans view Congress “favorably” while an eye-popping 72 percent view Congress “unfavorably.” While this poll isn’t brand new (it’s a few weeks old) they don’t run these polls as often as Gallup so these are still very fresh numbers from them."
Jobless Claims In America Recently Reached 15-Year Low (IMAGES)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/21/jobless-claims-in-america-recently-reached-15-year-low-images/
"At the end of 2014, it was reported that 248,000 new jobs had been created and that unemployment rates were the lowest they’d been in six years. Unemployment rates decreased in every single state last year — something that hadn’t happened in three decades. In March of this year, Obama set a new record with 60 consecutive months of private sector job growth. And now with this report’s release, it’s obvious that the president shows no signs of stopping. Republicans can blast him all they want, but the proof is in the stats."
"At the end of 2014, it was reported that 248,000 new jobs had been created and that unemployment rates were the lowest they’d been in six years. Unemployment rates decreased in every single state last year — something that hadn’t happened in three decades. In March of this year, Obama set a new record with 60 consecutive months of private sector job growth. And now with this report’s release, it’s obvious that the president shows no signs of stopping. Republicans can blast him all they want, but the proof is in the stats."
Jeb’s voodoo math: 2016 hopeful promises to wreck the budget — just like his brother did
Jeb’s voodoo math: 2016 hopeful promises to wreck the budget — just like his brother did
"Republicans like Paul Ryan and Jeb Bush are such huge fans of dynamic scoring because it enables them to reconcile two otherwise irreconcilable tenets of Republican economic policy: tax cuts are great, and deficits are bad. Cutting taxes reduces revenues and runs up the deficit – it happened when Reagan cut taxes, it happened when George W. Bush cut taxes, and it’s happening right now with Sam Brownback’s tax cut experiment in Kansas."
"Republicans like Paul Ryan and Jeb Bush are such huge fans of dynamic scoring because it enables them to reconcile two otherwise irreconcilable tenets of Republican economic policy: tax cuts are great, and deficits are bad. Cutting taxes reduces revenues and runs up the deficit – it happened when Reagan cut taxes, it happened when George W. Bush cut taxes, and it’s happening right now with Sam Brownback’s tax cut experiment in Kansas."
Robert Reich: Bernie Sanders Is Right—We Need Free College for All | Alternet
Robert Reich: Bernie Sanders Is Right—We Need Free College for All | Alternet
"Higher education isn’t just a personal investment. It’s a public good that pays off in a more competitive workforce and better-informed and engaged citizens."
"Higher education isn’t just a personal investment. It’s a public good that pays off in a more competitive workforce and better-informed and engaged citizens."
Friday, May 22, 2015
Elizabeth Warren Issues Her Best Speech Yet, Blasts GOP Frontrunners For Attacking Middle Class America
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/20/elizabeth-warren-issues-her-best-speech-yet-blasts-gop-frontrunners-for-attacking-middle-class-america/
"Stop the people who want to continue 30 more years of the failed trickle-down economic philosophy."
"Stop the people who want to continue 30 more years of the failed trickle-down economic philosophy."
America Is A Liberal Nation: For The First Time Social Liberals Outnumber Conservatives
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/22/america-liberal-nation-time-social-liberals-outnumber-conservatives.html
"One of the main issues within the Republican Party is that candidates continue to pander to an increasing out of touch and shrinking base of social conservatives."
"One of the main issues within the Republican Party is that candidates continue to pander to an increasing out of touch and shrinking base of social conservatives."
So PA Sen. Pat Toomey Was Trying To Delay The Amtrak Safety System
So PA Sen. Pat Toomey Was Trying To Delay The Amtrak Safety System
"For years, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey has campaigned to delay a multibillion-dollar railroad safety technology, calling it an “exorbitantly expensive unfunded mandate.”
But safety officials say the technology would have prevented last week’s deadly train crash in Philadelphia. And Democrats argue that the railroads were starved of the money necessary to finish it."
"For years, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey has campaigned to delay a multibillion-dollar railroad safety technology, calling it an “exorbitantly expensive unfunded mandate.”
But safety officials say the technology would have prevented last week’s deadly train crash in Philadelphia. And Democrats argue that the railroads were starved of the money necessary to finish it."
Don’t buy the GOP’s birth control bullsh*t: Why Cory Gardner’s over-the-counter contraception bill is a giant fraud
Don’t buy the GOP’s birth control bullsh*t: Why Cory Gardner’s over-the-counter contraception bill is a giant fraud
"Gardner may be striking a feminist pose about expanding access, but he’s selling a bill of goods. Women aren’t buying."
"Gardner may be striking a feminist pose about expanding access, but he’s selling a bill of goods. Women aren’t buying."
Fox News Mostly Ignores Josh Duggar’s Molestation Story, Readers Disgustingly Defend His Actions
Fox News Mostly Ignores Josh Duggar’s Molestation Story, Readers Disgustingly Defend His Actions
"Well, after scrolling and scrolling down their Twitter feed I finally found where they had mentioned this story - once. Which just so happened to be the exact amount of tweets they sent out regarding the status of the Olsen twins potentially appearing in Fuller House, the Netflix followup to the popular 90′s show Full House."
"Well, after scrolling and scrolling down their Twitter feed I finally found where they had mentioned this story - once. Which just so happened to be the exact amount of tweets they sent out regarding the status of the Olsen twins potentially appearing in Fuller House, the Netflix followup to the popular 90′s show Full House."
TLC pulls ’19 Kids and Counting’ off the air over molestation claims against Josh Duggar
TLC pulls ’19 Kids and Counting’ off the air over molestation claims against Josh Duggar
"TLC has pulled the plug on its long-running reality show, “19 Kids and Counting,” over revelations that stars Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar covered up their son’s molestation of his sisters and other girls."
"TLC has pulled the plug on its long-running reality show, “19 Kids and Counting,” over revelations that stars Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar covered up their son’s molestation of his sisters and other girls."
“Family values” creeps have a tough week: Josh Duggar, Bill O’Reilly & the sickening hypocrisy of the sanctimonious right
“Family values” creeps have a tough week: Josh Duggar, Bill O’Reilly & the sickening hypocrisy of the sanctimonious right
"This comes on the heels of court transcripts revealing that bullying patriarch Bill O’Reilly, another purveyor of right-wing family values, used to return to his family and “go ballistic,” in his words, once dragging ex-wife down the stairs by the neck in front of his daughter. The daughter called his outbursts “scary and demeaning,” but also told a counselor she didn’t have much of a relationship with him because he was “never around.”
Of course, that didn’t stop O’Reilly from lecturing African Americans on how to raise their families, blaming black community troubles on “no supervision, kids with no fathers.” Now we know that instead of taking care of their own children, O’Reilly and the Duggars were out telling other people how to take care of theirs."
"This comes on the heels of court transcripts revealing that bullying patriarch Bill O’Reilly, another purveyor of right-wing family values, used to return to his family and “go ballistic,” in his words, once dragging ex-wife down the stairs by the neck in front of his daughter. The daughter called his outbursts “scary and demeaning,” but also told a counselor she didn’t have much of a relationship with him because he was “never around.”
Of course, that didn’t stop O’Reilly from lecturing African Americans on how to raise their families, blaming black community troubles on “no supervision, kids with no fathers.” Now we know that instead of taking care of their own children, O’Reilly and the Duggars were out telling other people how to take care of theirs."
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