'Secessionist' Movements Underscore the Far Right's Hatred of Democracy
"This is the reaction we've come to know and expect from people on the hardnosed edges of the American right: At the end of the day, they don't really believe in democracy. They don't believe in putting up with other citizens who believe differently, who pray differently, who dress and wear their hair and their clothes differently and eat differently and most of all who think differently from them."
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Meet The Top Republican Vote Suppressor Who Wants To Be The Next Governor of Colorado
Meet The Top Republican Vote Suppressor Who Wants To Be The Next Governor of Colorado:
"In his announcement, Gessler promised deregulation of corporations, mocked renewable energy standards, and cited a group of secessionists who want to form their own state with fewer regulations on the oil and gas industries as a reason he should be governor."
"In his announcement, Gessler promised deregulation of corporations, mocked renewable energy standards, and cited a group of secessionists who want to form their own state with fewer regulations on the oil and gas industries as a reason he should be governor."
Cuccinelli Closely Linked To Party Chairman Who Made Anti-Semitic Joke At His Rally
Cuccinelli Closely Linked To Party Chairman Who Made Anti-Semitic Joke At His Rally: Ken Cuccinelli's campaign struggled to respond when a prominent Republican district chairman kicked off a campaign rally with an anti-Semitic joke.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
3 Charts That Show The GOP’s Budget Demands Keep Getting More Extreme
3 Charts That Show The GOP’s Budget Demands Keep Getting More Extreme: Republicans keep moving the goalposts and demanding more austerity.
Ted Cruz’s nightmare: Obamacare helps people!
Ted Cruz’s nightmare: Obamacare helps people!
"A new report shows most uninsured Americans will pay premiums of under $100 a month -- so Cruz says repeal it"
"A new report shows most uninsured Americans will pay premiums of under $100 a month -- so Cruz says repeal it"
GOP brass plays party for fools
GOP brass plays party for fools
"It seems like whenever the GOP’s trust problem with conservatives hits a new nadir, party leaders decide the best way to fix it is by trying to dupe them."
"It seems like whenever the GOP’s trust problem with conservatives hits a new nadir, party leaders decide the best way to fix it is by trying to dupe them."
The Myth of the “Free Market” and How to Make the Economy Work for Us | Common Dreams
The Myth of the “Free Market” and How to Make the Economy Work for Us | Common Dreams
"In reality, the “free market” is a bunch of rules about (1) what can be owned and traded (the genome? slaves? nuclear materials? babies? votes?); (2) on what terms (equal access to the internet? the right to organize unions? corporate monopolies? the length of patent protections? ); (3) under what conditions (poisonous drugs? unsafe foods? deceptive Ponzi schemes? uninsured derivatives? dangerous workplaces?) (4) what’s private and what’s public (police? roads? clean air and clean water? healthcare? good schools? parks and playgrounds?); (5) how to pay for what (taxes, user fees, individual pricing?). And so on.
These rules don’t exist in nature; they are human creations. Governments don’t “intrude” on free markets; governments organize and maintain them. Markets aren’t “free” of rules; the rules define them."
"In reality, the “free market” is a bunch of rules about (1) what can be owned and traded (the genome? slaves? nuclear materials? babies? votes?); (2) on what terms (equal access to the internet? the right to organize unions? corporate monopolies? the length of patent protections? ); (3) under what conditions (poisonous drugs? unsafe foods? deceptive Ponzi schemes? uninsured derivatives? dangerous workplaces?) (4) what’s private and what’s public (police? roads? clean air and clean water? healthcare? good schools? parks and playgrounds?); (5) how to pay for what (taxes, user fees, individual pricing?). And so on.
These rules don’t exist in nature; they are human creations. Governments don’t “intrude” on free markets; governments organize and maintain them. Markets aren’t “free” of rules; the rules define them."
Obamacare Will Give Americans Cheaper Health Coverage Options If They’re Laid Off From Work
Obamacare Will Give Americans Cheaper Health Coverage Options If They’re Laid Off From Work: In order to continue their old insurance plans, workers who get laid off have to pay huge premiums that tend to eat up most of their unemployment benefits. Under Obamacare, they'll have cheaper options.
Anniversary Present for Wall Street Banks: A Financial Speculation Tax | Common Dreams
Anniversary Present for Wall Street Banks: A Financial Speculation Tax | Common Dreams
"As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Wall Street bailouts, it is clear that little has changed in the way they do business. They are still engaging in the same sorts of market manipulation and tax gaming as they did before the crisis."
"As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Wall Street bailouts, it is clear that little has changed in the way they do business. They are still engaging in the same sorts of market manipulation and tax gaming as they did before the crisis."
Under Obamacare, Millions Of Americans Will Pay Less Than $100 Per Month For Health Insurance
Under Obamacare, Millions Of Americans Will Pay Less Than $100 Per Month For Health Insurance: According to a new report from the Obama administration, more than half of the Americans who are currently uninsured will be able to access health coverage under Obamacare for less than $100 each month.
Monday, September 16, 2013
We've Got a Billionaire Bailout Society—And the 99% May Never Recover From It In Our Lifetimes | Alternet
We've Got a Billionaire Bailout Society—And the 99% May Never Recover From It In Our Lifetimes | Alternet
"The top 1 percent live in another economic universe of high finance that sucks the wealth from the rest of us. In their world, banks (owned by and for the top 1%) are able to grow larger and larger so there is no chance they will be allowed to fail, even after these same banks took down the economy. (In 1965 they had assets equal to 17% percent of the U.S. economy. Today it's more than 65% percent.)"
"The top 1 percent live in another economic universe of high finance that sucks the wealth from the rest of us. In their world, banks (owned by and for the top 1%) are able to grow larger and larger so there is no chance they will be allowed to fail, even after these same banks took down the economy. (In 1965 they had assets equal to 17% percent of the U.S. economy. Today it's more than 65% percent.)"
Six Reasons Another Financial Crisis Is Inevitable | Common Dreams
Six Reasons Another Financial Crisis Is Inevitable | Common Dreams
"Five years after the fall of Lehman Brothers and the worst financial crisis since 1929, one thing seems certain: another meltdown of the financial system seems inevitable. Why? Because we still haven't fixed many of the problems that led to the last crisis."
"Five years after the fall of Lehman Brothers and the worst financial crisis since 1929, one thing seems certain: another meltdown of the financial system seems inevitable. Why? Because we still haven't fixed many of the problems that led to the last crisis."
Sunday, September 15, 2013
7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet
7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet
"What a week: Ted Cruz wishes America had 100 more senators like Jesse Helms."
"What a week: Ted Cruz wishes America had 100 more senators like Jesse Helms."
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The Old Extreme GOP vs. the New Extreme GOP: Whoever Wins, We Lose
The Old Extreme GOP vs. the New Extreme GOP: Whoever Wins, We Lose
"They're back - and they're more extreme than ever. GOP House leaders John Boehner and Eric Cantor are still pushing economic ideas disproved a century ago, peddling deep spending cuts that would inflict more misery on the already-beleaguered majority.
"They're back - and they're more extreme than ever. GOP House leaders John Boehner and Eric Cantor are still pushing economic ideas disproved a century ago, peddling deep spending cuts that would inflict more misery on the already-beleaguered majority.
But that's not enough for the even more extreme right, for the politicians named Cruz and Paul and Lee, for the groups with names like "FreedomWorks" and "Club for Growth," and for the moneyed interests who fund them all.
The new Republican right is a tangled nest of snakes. Legislators and observers reach into it at their own risk.
However beyond the pale these new forces may seem, remember: The fact that their enemies are extreme doesn't mean that Boehner and Cantor aren't."
GOP War On Women Yields Gender Gap In VA Race
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US Conservatives Smitten With Virile Putin
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Fiscal Challenge Too Big For Weak GOP Leaders
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How the 1 Percent Suckered the Tea Party Crowd into Doing Their Bidding | Alternet
How the 1 Percent Suckered the Tea Party Crowd into Doing Their Bidding | Alternet
"Rich people’s movements have a permanent place in the American political bestiary. As long as one of our great political parties is programmatically allied with the radical rich, it is safe to predict that rich people’s movements will continue to influence public policy in ways that preserve—and perhaps even increase—the extremes of inequality in America."
"Rich people’s movements have a permanent place in the American political bestiary. As long as one of our great political parties is programmatically allied with the radical rich, it is safe to predict that rich people’s movements will continue to influence public policy in ways that preserve—and perhaps even increase—the extremes of inequality in America."
Schultz: Reaganomics Failed - It's Time For Liberal Politics
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Rick Scott Tries To Block Obamacare Implementation
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God Sends Bachmann Mixed Signals
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Wisconsin Attorney General Seeks to Vitiate Open Records Law to Protect ALEC’s National Treasurer
Wisconsin Attorney General Seeks to Vitiate Open Records Law to Protect ALEC’s National Treasurer
"Van Hollen’s department asserted in court filings that Wisconsin Senator -- and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) national treasurer -- Leah Vukmir cannot be served with a court order demanding that she comply with her legal responsibilities under the open records law.
This novel legal argument reverses the policy and practice of prior Attorneys General and would make any state legislator immune from enforcement of the state open records law and any other civil matter."
"Van Hollen’s department asserted in court filings that Wisconsin Senator -- and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) national treasurer -- Leah Vukmir cannot be served with a court order demanding that she comply with her legal responsibilities under the open records law.
This novel legal argument reverses the policy and practice of prior Attorneys General and would make any state legislator immune from enforcement of the state open records law and any other civil matter."
GOP’s Ted Cruz Says Senate Would Be Better If It Were Full Of Crazy, Unrepentant Racists (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/13/ted-cruz-wants-more-racists-in-senate/
"Cruz praised Jesse Helms, a Southern senator famously known for his bigotry against homosexuals and his racism towards the African-American community. As Senator from North Carolina, Helms filibustered a bill in 1983 making Martin Luther King’s birthday a federal holiday, claimed that gay people were “weak, morally sick wretches,” opposed voting rights for black people, and tried to force the first African-American female Senator to cry by singing ‘Dixie’ in her face in an elevator among many other things.
Despite this, Cruz thinks “we need 100 more like Jesse Helms in the US Senate.”
The Texas Republican apparently idolized Helms when he was growing up, claiming that he donated money to the hateful senator when he was only 10-years-old because he believed “it wasn’t right” when his opponents attacked him for being a racist."
"Cruz praised Jesse Helms, a Southern senator famously known for his bigotry against homosexuals and his racism towards the African-American community. As Senator from North Carolina, Helms filibustered a bill in 1983 making Martin Luther King’s birthday a federal holiday, claimed that gay people were “weak, morally sick wretches,” opposed voting rights for black people, and tried to force the first African-American female Senator to cry by singing ‘Dixie’ in her face in an elevator among many other things.
Despite this, Cruz thinks “we need 100 more like Jesse Helms in the US Senate.”
The Texas Republican apparently idolized Helms when he was growing up, claiming that he donated money to the hateful senator when he was only 10-years-old because he believed “it wasn’t right” when his opponents attacked him for being a racist."
How a Koch Brothers 'Business League' Spent $236 Million to Frame the Debate | Common Dreams
How a Koch Brothers 'Business League' Spent $236 Million to Frame the Debate | Common Dreams
"This week, it has been revealed that Charles and David Koch and their wealthy partners funded an, until now, “secret bank” that made “grants” of $236 million during the 2012 election cycle to maintain the right-wing political infrastructure that advances their economic interests. And by all accounts, they’re just getting started."
"This week, it has been revealed that Charles and David Koch and their wealthy partners funded an, until now, “secret bank” that made “grants” of $236 million during the 2012 election cycle to maintain the right-wing political infrastructure that advances their economic interests. And by all accounts, they’re just getting started."
Tea Party Idiots Gleefully Anticipate Government Shutdown In Two Weeks
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/12/house-gop-is-forcing-a-government-shutdown/
"I feel it’s important to point out exactly what it is the GOP is trying to do here. This is America. We elect representatives and our president. They, in turn, appoint justices to the Supreme Court. The Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch are the three parts that comprise our government. Obamacare was passed by both houses of Congress over Republican opposition. It was signed into law by the president over Republican opposition. It was ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court over Republican opposition. It has passed every legislative and legal hurdle. The GOP lost this fight and lost it decisively.
Yet, here we are, poised on the brink of economic disaster because Republicans are essentially sore losers of the worst kind. Unable to defeat Obamacare by normal means they have literally resorted to extortion to overturn legislation they couldn’t stop from passing. When do you suppose the “liberal” media will make this point clear to the American public?"
"I feel it’s important to point out exactly what it is the GOP is trying to do here. This is America. We elect representatives and our president. They, in turn, appoint justices to the Supreme Court. The Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch are the three parts that comprise our government. Obamacare was passed by both houses of Congress over Republican opposition. It was signed into law by the president over Republican opposition. It was ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court over Republican opposition. It has passed every legislative and legal hurdle. The GOP lost this fight and lost it decisively.
Yet, here we are, poised on the brink of economic disaster because Republicans are essentially sore losers of the worst kind. Unable to defeat Obamacare by normal means they have literally resorted to extortion to overturn legislation they couldn’t stop from passing. When do you suppose the “liberal” media will make this point clear to the American public?"
Signaling Distress, Ken Cuccinelli Shakes Up Gubernatorial Campaign Staff
www.politicususa.com/2013/09/13/signaling-distress-ken-cuccinelli-shakes-gubernatorial-campaign-staff.html
"The trailing extremist Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA) is officially sending out distress signals as he shakes up his campaign staff in the final push of his campaign."
"The trailing extremist Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA) is officially sending out distress signals as he shakes up his campaign staff in the final push of his campaign."
Schlafly: Strip Funding from Courts, Schools, Colleges, Child Protective Services, Social Safety Net, Feminists And Democrats | Right Wing Watch
Schlafly: Strip Funding from Courts, Schools, Colleges, Child Protective Services, Social Safety Net, Feminists And Democrats | Right Wing Watch
"In a column this week entitled “America’s War Against Traditional Marriage Endangers Our Democracy,” Schlafly goes after child protection services, day care, divorce courts and domestic violence protections – all of which she sees as threats to the family and our democracy-- and issues a call to “shame and cut off taxpayers’ money from the groups that killed the American family,” groups that she goes on to list: “Feminists, judges, legislators, public school teachers and administrators, so-called child protection agencies, professors, psychologists, college courses, government handouts and Democratic politicians who want big-government spending in order to win votes"."
"In a column this week entitled “America’s War Against Traditional Marriage Endangers Our Democracy,” Schlafly goes after child protection services, day care, divorce courts and domestic violence protections – all of which she sees as threats to the family and our democracy-- and issues a call to “shame and cut off taxpayers’ money from the groups that killed the American family,” groups that she goes on to list: “Feminists, judges, legislators, public school teachers and administrators, so-called child protection agencies, professors, psychologists, college courses, government handouts and Democratic politicians who want big-government spending in order to win votes"."
The GOP's Selective Listening Problem
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Deficit Falls To Lowest Level Since 2008, Discrediting Argument For More Cuts
Deficit Falls To Lowest Level Since 2008, Discrediting Argument For More Cuts:
"The falling deficits and lowered debt-to-GDP projections give the country room to enact targeted spending measures that would kick the economy into the sort of higher gear it needs to bring unemployment back down to pre-recession levels."
"The falling deficits and lowered debt-to-GDP projections give the country room to enact targeted spending measures that would kick the economy into the sort of higher gear it needs to bring unemployment back down to pre-recession levels."
Cruz Alarms With Praise Of Racist Jesse Helms
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GOP's White Vote Strategy Likely To Backfire
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Secret Koch Fund Decries ‘Corporate Welfare’ And Stimulus But Funds Their Top Defender
Secret Koch Fund Decries ‘Corporate Welfare’ And Stimulus But Funds Their Top Defender: A tax-exempt group claims to fight runaway stimulus spending and "corporate welfare" but gave millions to the Chamber of Commerce, perhaps the top backer of those programs.
Very Controversial Former Senator Lauded By Ted Cruz
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Secret Quarter-Billion-Dollar Koch Brothers Political Operation Revealed | Alternet
Secret Quarter-Billion-Dollar Koch Brothers Political Operation Revealed | Alternet
"The top 1 percent has an investment in destroying middle-class America."
"The top 1 percent has an investment in destroying middle-class America."
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Why Are We Just Finding Out About The Koch Bank?
Why Are We Just Finding Out About The Koch Bank?
"The lesson from this is that if we have to put up with this kind of money flowing into our elections, thesources of that money should be disclosed in real time without the benefit of bogus nonprofit shields."
"The lesson from this is that if we have to put up with this kind of money flowing into our elections, thesources of that money should be disclosed in real time without the benefit of bogus nonprofit shields."
11 Questions You Should Ask Libertarians to See if They're Hypocrites | Alternet
11 Questions You Should Ask Libertarians to See if They're Hypocrites | Alternet
"the libertarian movement has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, and there’s a simple reason for that: money, and the personal interests of some people who have a lot of it. Once relegated to drug-fueled college-dorm bull sessions, political libertarianism suddenly had pretensions of legitimacy. This revival is Koch-fueled, not coke-fueled, and exists only because in political debate, as in so many other walks of life, cash is king.
"the libertarian movement has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, and there’s a simple reason for that: money, and the personal interests of some people who have a lot of it. Once relegated to drug-fueled college-dorm bull sessions, political libertarianism suddenly had pretensions of legitimacy. This revival is Koch-fueled, not coke-fueled, and exists only because in political debate, as in so many other walks of life, cash is king.
The Koch brothers are principal funders of the Reason Foundation and Reason magazine."
How Big Money Bought North Carolina for Extremists | Right Wing Watch
How Big Money Bought North Carolina for Extremists | Right Wing Watch
"In the years since Citizens United, North Carolina has provided a clear example of what happens when a small number of corporate interests, allied with a far-right base, are allowed unbridled influence over elections. Since 2010, one North Carolina multimillionaire has marshaled the funds for a Republican takeover of the statehouse and governor’s mansion, leading to a slew of far-right legislation cutting benefits for working people, lowering teacher salaries, denying Medicaid coverage to half a million low-income people, defunding public education, eliminating protections against racial discrimination in the criminal justice system, gutting gun violence prevention efforts, attacking religious freedom and threatening women’s reproductive rights – all while cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy."
"In the years since Citizens United, North Carolina has provided a clear example of what happens when a small number of corporate interests, allied with a far-right base, are allowed unbridled influence over elections. Since 2010, one North Carolina multimillionaire has marshaled the funds for a Republican takeover of the statehouse and governor’s mansion, leading to a slew of far-right legislation cutting benefits for working people, lowering teacher salaries, denying Medicaid coverage to half a million low-income people, defunding public education, eliminating protections against racial discrimination in the criminal justice system, gutting gun violence prevention efforts, attacking religious freedom and threatening women’s reproductive rights – all while cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy."
White Nationalist Group Upset It’s Not Getting Credit for Inventing GOP ‘Whites-Only’ Strategy | Right Wing Watch
White Nationalist Group Upset It’s Not Getting Credit for Inventing GOP ‘Whites-Only’ Strategy | Right Wing Watch
"As leaders of the Republican Party debate whether their party can remain viable without expanding its appeal among black and Latino voters, the white nationalist group that first outlined a GOP “whites-only” strategy for presidential victories wants credit for its idea."
"As leaders of the Republican Party debate whether their party can remain viable without expanding its appeal among black and Latino voters, the white nationalist group that first outlined a GOP “whites-only” strategy for presidential victories wants credit for its idea."
'Rosetta Stone' of the Right: Koch Bros. Financial Cabal Exposed | Common Dreams
'Rosetta Stone' of the Right: Koch Bros. Financial Cabal Exposed | Common Dreams
"A Politico exclusive published Thursday reveals for the first time that a highly secretive Virginia-based group serves as "the Koch brothers' secret bank," spending $250 million in 2012 alone "to shape political and policy debate nationwide"."
"A Politico exclusive published Thursday reveals for the first time that a highly secretive Virginia-based group serves as "the Koch brothers' secret bank," spending $250 million in 2012 alone "to shape political and policy debate nationwide"."
How Ted Cruz Is Keeping Jesse Helms’ Legacy Alive
How Ted Cruz Is Keeping Jesse Helms’ Legacy Alive: Helms, the longest serving senator from North Carolina, is renowned for speaking out against civil rights, voting rights, gay rights, and abortion -- causes that Cruz himself has embraced in his short senate tenure.
Health Care Reform:Health Insurance & Affordable Care Act
www.webmd.com/health-insurance/default.htm
GOP-led misinformation campaigns have left millions of Americans confused about health reform. The largest health website in the country wants to help change that.
GOP-led misinformation campaigns have left millions of Americans confused about health reform. The largest health website in the country wants to help change that.
Deep-Woods Lunatics Have High Hopes for Idaho Hideaway
Deep-Woods Lunatics Have High Hopes for Idaho Hideaway
"Notably, these cultural separatists were given a big shot in the arm by Glenn Beck not too long ago. This should not come as a surprise, really, since Beck has a long record of endorsing and empowering various kinds of far-right extremism -- particularly the notion of such cultural separatism and eliminationism directed at liberals -- as well as inspiring various acts of extremist violence. There's a reason we call him the "fearmonger in chief"."
"Notably, these cultural separatists were given a big shot in the arm by Glenn Beck not too long ago. This should not come as a surprise, really, since Beck has a long record of endorsing and empowering various kinds of far-right extremism -- particularly the notion of such cultural separatism and eliminationism directed at liberals -- as well as inspiring various acts of extremist violence. There's a reason we call him the "fearmonger in chief"."
Watch Daughter Of John Birchers Explain Why Tea Party Idiocy Is No Laughing Matter
www.occupydemocrats.com/watch-daughter-of-john-birchers-explain-why-tea-party-idiocy-is-no-laughing-matter-2/
"While it’s easy to laughingly dismiss Tea Party fools with their silly hats and misspelled signs, this knowledgeable daughter of some of the founding members of the John Birch Society knows that their mega astro-turf movement is dangerous, growing, well-funded, powerful, and to blame for Washington’s corporatist gridlock."
"While it’s easy to laughingly dismiss Tea Party fools with their silly hats and misspelled signs, this knowledgeable daughter of some of the founding members of the John Birch Society knows that their mega astro-turf movement is dangerous, growing, well-funded, powerful, and to blame for Washington’s corporatist gridlock."
Execution Delayed For Florida Fundraiser
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Tinfoil Hat Alert: Obama Plots To Exterminate Human Race And Rule As Immortal Cyborg
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/11/alex-jones-obama-plotting-to-be-our-immortal-cyborg-dictator-not-an-onion-article/
"Wow. This is just…wow.
Alex Jones has decided that the United Nations (and Obama, of course) have embarked on a course of destabilizing and destroying countries so they can reduce the world to a primitive state and control it from “jetcopters” as Methuselah cyborgs.
I swear I am not making this up."
"Wow. This is just…wow.
Alex Jones has decided that the United Nations (and Obama, of course) have embarked on a course of destabilizing and destroying countries so they can reduce the world to a primitive state and control it from “jetcopters” as Methuselah cyborgs.
I swear I am not making this up."
Obama Ready To Pursue Domestic Agenda
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How Weird Christian Right Beliefs Impact America | Alternet
How Weird Christian Right Beliefs Impact America | Alternet
"Does it really matter that America is home to a bunch of religious fanatics who constantly spin lurid and offensive ideas about how the world works? It’s an interesting question, in light of the inevitable fundamentalist wankery that has risen up in response to discussion over the United States intervening in the civil war in Syria. USA Today published an article about the various Christian “end times” fanatics who are latching onto the Syrian conflict as evidence for their apocalypse that never quite comes."
"Does it really matter that America is home to a bunch of religious fanatics who constantly spin lurid and offensive ideas about how the world works? It’s an interesting question, in light of the inevitable fundamentalist wankery that has risen up in response to discussion over the United States intervening in the civil war in Syria. USA Today published an article about the various Christian “end times” fanatics who are latching onto the Syrian conflict as evidence for their apocalypse that never quite comes."
5 Years Later, Wall Street Still Sucking Life Out of America Like Vampires at Blood Drive | Alternet
5 Years Later, Wall Street Still Sucking Life Out of America Like Vampires at Blood Drive | Alternet
"Only massive reform and no-holds-barred prosecutorial assault will drive a stake into the heart of this monster."
"Only massive reform and no-holds-barred prosecutorial assault will drive a stake into the heart of this monster."
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
The Origins Of An Epidemic: How Right-Wing Religious Communities Give Measles A Chance To Spread
The Origins Of An Epidemic: How Right-Wing Religious Communities Give Measles A Chance To Spread: At the end of last month, epidemiologists in Texas traced the source of a measles outbreak to a right-wing megachurch whose pastor has preached against vaccines. Even though about 98 percent of Texas residents are vaccinated against the highly contagious disease, the congregants who attended that evangelical church represented a pocket of unprotected people, and measles was able to spread rapidly.
Texas Conservatives Demand Science Textbooks Incorporate 'Creation Science Based On Biblical Principles' | Right Wing Watch
Texas Conservatives Demand Science Textbooks Incorporate 'Creation Science Based On Biblical Principles' | Right Wing Watch
"The National Center for Science Education and Texas Freedom Network found that the Creationists on the textbook review boards have also:
• asserted that "no transitional fossils have been discovered"
• insisted that there is no evidence for a human influence on the carbon cycle
• claimed that there is no evidence about the effect of climate change on species diversity
• promoted a book touting "intelligent design" creationism as a reliable source of scientific information
• denied that recombination and genetic drift are evolutionary mechanisms
• mischaracterized experiments on the peppered moth as "discredited" and as "fabrication[s]"
Due to the size of the Texas market, textbooks tailored to the state’s standards could be used across the country, making the ramifications of the Creationist influence even greater."
"The National Center for Science Education and Texas Freedom Network found that the Creationists on the textbook review boards have also:
• asserted that "no transitional fossils have been discovered"
• insisted that there is no evidence for a human influence on the carbon cycle
• claimed that there is no evidence about the effect of climate change on species diversity
• promoted a book touting "intelligent design" creationism as a reliable source of scientific information
• denied that recombination and genetic drift are evolutionary mechanisms
• mischaracterized experiments on the peppered moth as "discredited" and as "fabrication[s]"
Due to the size of the Texas market, textbooks tailored to the state’s standards could be used across the country, making the ramifications of the Creationist influence even greater."
Texas Conservatives Enraged After Reviewing Religion-Free Science Textbooks
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/10/texas-conservatives-enragedafter-reviewing-religion-free-science-textbooks/
"Because Texas has such an influence in the textbook market, any addition of creationism in science textbooks would very likely affect much of the country because other states purchase the same textbooks. The panel knows this, which is why they are being so adamant that creationism be included."
"Because Texas has such an influence in the textbook market, any addition of creationism in science textbooks would very likely affect much of the country because other states purchase the same textbooks. The panel knows this, which is why they are being so adamant that creationism be included."
Conservative non-historian David Barton keeps on keeping on
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/09/09/1237633/-Conservative-non-historian-David-Barton-keeps-on-keeping-on
"All this came to a head about a year ago with a David Barton book on Thomas Jefferson that was so riddled with errors and half-truths that, after a humiliating lambasting by dozen of actual historians—prominently including Christian scholars—it was pulled from publication. It was that bad.
You would think that having your central premises repeatedly debunked as erroneous or fabricated would put a damper on your credibility and perhaps make people like Sen. Ted Cruz less likely to endorse your crackpot notions. You would think that, if you still supposed that anyone involved actually gave a damn about the difference between truth and fraud, but the key to Barton's success is that he tells the crowd what they want to hear."
"All this came to a head about a year ago with a David Barton book on Thomas Jefferson that was so riddled with errors and half-truths that, after a humiliating lambasting by dozen of actual historians—prominently including Christian scholars—it was pulled from publication. It was that bad.
You would think that having your central premises repeatedly debunked as erroneous or fabricated would put a damper on your credibility and perhaps make people like Sen. Ted Cruz less likely to endorse your crackpot notions. You would think that, if you still supposed that anyone involved actually gave a damn about the difference between truth and fraud, but the key to Barton's success is that he tells the crowd what they want to hear."
Exclusive: Largest Dark Money Donor Groups Share Funds, Hide Links | Common Dreams
Exclusive: Largest Dark Money Donor Groups Share Funds, Hide Links | Common Dreams
"There's a new dark money game in town, one meant to further cover the tracks of tax-exempt groups that have provided major sums to help Republican causes in the 2010 and 2012 elections.
Recent tax filings by the two largest "shadow money mailboxes" -- groups that do virtually nothing but pass grants through to other politically active 501(c)(4) organizations, many of which have been big spenders on election ads benefiting the GOP -- show their financial ties run far deeper than previously known."
"There's a new dark money game in town, one meant to further cover the tracks of tax-exempt groups that have provided major sums to help Republican causes in the 2010 and 2012 elections.
Recent tax filings by the two largest "shadow money mailboxes" -- groups that do virtually nothing but pass grants through to other politically active 501(c)(4) organizations, many of which have been big spenders on election ads benefiting the GOP -- show their financial ties run far deeper than previously known."
The right’s Obamacare obsession is destroying the Republican Party
The right’s Obamacare obsession is destroying the Republican Party
"The right’s Ahab-like determination to destroy Obamacare has so thoroughly overtaken the conservative wing of the GOP that its loyalists in Congress are about to squander an opportunity to hand Democrats a huge defeat in the fight over sequestration, and hasten the Republican crackup in the process."
"The right’s Ahab-like determination to destroy Obamacare has so thoroughly overtaken the conservative wing of the GOP that its loyalists in Congress are about to squander an opportunity to hand Democrats a huge defeat in the fight over sequestration, and hasten the Republican crackup in the process."
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Conservatives Pressure Textbook Publishers To Downplay Existence Of Climate Change, Evolution
Conservatives Pressure Textbook Publishers To Downplay Existence Of Climate Change, Evolution: Prominent creationists with little scientific background or training are asking publishers include disclaimers about existing scientific theories.
Is DA Shielding Old Pal Chris Simcox on Child Sex Abuse Charges?
Is DA Shielding Old Pal Chris Simcox on Child Sex Abuse Charges?
"I thought the nativists who populate the Republican Party in Arizona would at least have enough sense and basic decency to just run away from Chris Simcox after his arrest on child-molestation charges. I was wrong.
"I thought the nativists who populate the Republican Party in Arizona would at least have enough sense and basic decency to just run away from Chris Simcox after his arrest on child-molestation charges. I was wrong.
And even though this story is a week and a half old already (I missed it while off in the wilderness), if your outrage-o-meter hasn't hit at least a 9 recently, well, just digest the latest news in Simcox's ongoing drama, courtesy of Stephen Lemons of Phoenix New Times. Mine's at 11"
Ron Paul Reveals Yet Again Who He Really Is: A Far-Right Extremist
Ron Paul Reveals Yet Again Who He Really Is: A Far-Right Extremist
"This is, of course, nothing particularly new. A significant chunk of Paul's radical right voting record in Congress revolves around his various efforts to promote the Birch Society agenda by getting the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations. And indeed, Paul's obsession with the "New World Order" is a reflection of the same paranoid belief system, a product of old-line anti-Semitic far-right organizations."
"This is, of course, nothing particularly new. A significant chunk of Paul's radical right voting record in Congress revolves around his various efforts to promote the Birch Society agenda by getting the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations. And indeed, Paul's obsession with the "New World Order" is a reflection of the same paranoid belief system, a product of old-line anti-Semitic far-right organizations."
Monday, September 9, 2013
Tea Party Wages War on Public Libraries | Alternet
Tea Party Wages War on Public Libraries | Alternet
"Revealingly, the Tea Party’s vigilance over the dollar we spend for public services doesn’t seem to extend to the dollar we spend for private services, even when they are supplied by regulated monopolies. In Kentucky the rates of cable companies, the phone companies, the electric utilities are all subject to government oversight. But when Kentucky utilities recently proposed to increase utility bills 10 times more than any proposed library tax the Tea Party was MIA. According to the FCC, cable companies raised their prices at twice the rate of inflation from 1995 to 2010, boosting the average household’s bill by an astonishing $400 a year. The Tea Party circulated no petitions. Its members filed no lawsuits.
"Revealingly, the Tea Party’s vigilance over the dollar we spend for public services doesn’t seem to extend to the dollar we spend for private services, even when they are supplied by regulated monopolies. In Kentucky the rates of cable companies, the phone companies, the electric utilities are all subject to government oversight. But when Kentucky utilities recently proposed to increase utility bills 10 times more than any proposed library tax the Tea Party was MIA. According to the FCC, cable companies raised their prices at twice the rate of inflation from 1995 to 2010, boosting the average household’s bill by an astonishing $400 a year. The Tea Party circulated no petitions. Its members filed no lawsuits.
But if a library raises taxes by $1 a year the Tea Party’s pitchforks appear, the Declaration of Independence is waved, the founding fathers invoked, an American-as-apple-pie institution forcefully attacked."
The True History of Libertarianism in America: A Phony Ideology to Promote a Corporate Agenda | Alternet
The True History of Libertarianism in America: A Phony Ideology to Promote a Corporate Agenda | Alternet
"Pull up libertarianism’s floorboards, look beneath the surface into the big business PR campaign’s early years, and there you’ll start to get a sense of its purpose, its funders, and the PR hucksters who brought the peculiar political strain of American libertarianism into being — beginning with the libertarian movement’s founding father, Milton Friedman. Back in 1950, the House of Representatives held hearings on illegal lobbying activities and exposed both Friedman and the earliest libertarian think-tank outfit as a front for business lobbyists. Those hearings have been largely forgotten, in part because we’re too busy arguing over the finer points of “libertarian populism."."
"Pull up libertarianism’s floorboards, look beneath the surface into the big business PR campaign’s early years, and there you’ll start to get a sense of its purpose, its funders, and the PR hucksters who brought the peculiar political strain of American libertarianism into being — beginning with the libertarian movement’s founding father, Milton Friedman. Back in 1950, the House of Representatives held hearings on illegal lobbying activities and exposed both Friedman and the earliest libertarian think-tank outfit as a front for business lobbyists. Those hearings have been largely forgotten, in part because we’re too busy arguing over the finer points of “libertarian populism."."
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The 1 percent played Tea Party for suckers
The 1 percent played Tea Party for suckers
"The influx of money into politics following the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 50 (2010), is said to have given an edge to ultraconservative candidates whose policy proposals flatter the pocketbook interests of the very richest Americans."
"The influx of money into politics following the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 50 (2010), is said to have given an edge to ultraconservative candidates whose policy proposals flatter the pocketbook interests of the very richest Americans."
Michele Bachmann May Go From Congress to Prison as DOJ Launches Investigation
www.politicususa.com/2013/09/06/michele-bachmann-congress-prison-doj-launches-investigation.html
"Although Bachmann may have technically retired from Congress, in reality she quit because the criminal investigations were closing in on her. This is the first time that Marcus Bachmann has been named in reports as part of an investigation. The same troubled presidential campaign that the Department of Justice is looking at is also the subject of an investigation in Iowa, an FBI investigation, and a House Ethics Committee investigation.
The Iowa and FBI investigations are centered on secret payments that her campaign made to state Sen. Kent Sorenson in exchange for his support and help in the 2012 Iowa caucuses."
"Although Bachmann may have technically retired from Congress, in reality she quit because the criminal investigations were closing in on her. This is the first time that Marcus Bachmann has been named in reports as part of an investigation. The same troubled presidential campaign that the Department of Justice is looking at is also the subject of an investigation in Iowa, an FBI investigation, and a House Ethics Committee investigation.
The Iowa and FBI investigations are centered on secret payments that her campaign made to state Sen. Kent Sorenson in exchange for his support and help in the 2012 Iowa caucuses."
Friday, September 6, 2013
GOP’s flaring anti-women problem invades 2014
GOP’s flaring anti-women problem invades 2014
"Ledbetter makes it easier for women suffering discrimination to sue their employers. The Paycheck Fairness Act would make it harder for employers to pay unequally for similar work to begin with. But Republicans have filibustered that bill twice in the past two Congresses. Once in 2010 and again in 2012."
"Ledbetter makes it easier for women suffering discrimination to sue their employers. The Paycheck Fairness Act would make it harder for employers to pay unequally for similar work to begin with. But Republicans have filibustered that bill twice in the past two Congresses. Once in 2010 and again in 2012."
Powerful Texas Republican Advocates For Seceding From The United States
Powerful Texas Republican Advocates For Seceding From The United States: Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman, who is running to be the next state Attorney General, is preparing his state to secede from the United States and become an "independent nation."
Mitt Romney Campaign Admits Fox News Was Their Home
Mitt Romney Campaign Admits Fox News Was Their Home
"This is an amazing story for its honesty. Most of us know that Fox News functions as the GOP's home base of operations, but did you know that Mitt Romney used Fox as a way to hide out from the rest of the journalists that were covering the 2012 election?"
"This is an amazing story for its honesty. Most of us know that Fox News functions as the GOP's home base of operations, but did you know that Mitt Romney used Fox as a way to hide out from the rest of the journalists that were covering the 2012 election?"
Thursday, September 5, 2013
SNAP Treason: House Republicans Take Aim at Food Stamps
SNAP Treason: House Republicans Take Aim at Food Stamps
"what if you learned that a group of domestic troublemakers was planning to destabilize the U.S. economy and invite ruinous hardship on millions of Americans, mainly women, children, the disabled and the elderly? What if you discovered that their plan was to increase unemployment, hunger, homelessness, poverty and poor health? To slow local economies still reeling from a sluggish (or non-existent) recovery, and push deprivation to Third World levels? Would you sit idly by and let this happen? Or would you fight back?
Although we can't all be Bruce Willis, we suspect that most Americans would do what they could to oppose this scheme. And in this case, this nightmare scenario is no Hollywood plot.
In fact, the subversive plan in question is the House Republicans' stated goal of cutting $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, traditionally referred to as food stamps) over the next ten years."
"what if you learned that a group of domestic troublemakers was planning to destabilize the U.S. economy and invite ruinous hardship on millions of Americans, mainly women, children, the disabled and the elderly? What if you discovered that their plan was to increase unemployment, hunger, homelessness, poverty and poor health? To slow local economies still reeling from a sluggish (or non-existent) recovery, and push deprivation to Third World levels? Would you sit idly by and let this happen? Or would you fight back?
Although we can't all be Bruce Willis, we suspect that most Americans would do what they could to oppose this scheme. And in this case, this nightmare scenario is no Hollywood plot.
In fact, the subversive plan in question is the House Republicans' stated goal of cutting $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, traditionally referred to as food stamps) over the next ten years."
Budget Debates Matter: The Difference in GOP and Democratic Levels of Discretionary Spending for 2014 Translates into Nearly 1 Million Jobs | Economic Policy Institute
Budget Debates Matter: The Difference in GOP and Democratic Levels of Discretionary Spending for 2014 Translates into Nearly 1 Million Jobs | Economic Policy Institute
"The difference between these discretionary spending levels can be summarized in one word: sequestration. The Ryan budget preserves it while the Democratic budgets do not. And this difference is large"
"The difference between these discretionary spending levels can be summarized in one word: sequestration. The Ryan budget preserves it while the Democratic budgets do not. And this difference is large"
Top House Republican Rewrites History, Claims Reagan Stood Up To Chemical Weapons Use
Top House Republican Rewrites History, Claims Reagan Stood Up To Chemical Weapons Use:
"What Ros-Lehtinen seems oddly unaware of, however, is that Ronald Reagan did exactly the opposite. For the majority of the 1980s, Iraq under Sadaam Hussein was locked in combat with the Islamic Republic of Iran in a war that killed more than 100,000 people on both sides. The United States explicitly backed the secular Hussein over the Ayatollah Khomeini’s government in Tehran, still smarting from the embassy hostage crisis that had only ended when Reagan took office. That backing not only included the shipment of tons of weapons to support Baghdad, but also looking the other way when Iraq unleashed its chemical weapons stockpiles — including sarin and mustard gas — against Iranian civilians and soldiers alike.
Recently declassified documents from that time indicate that not only did the U.S. government know that Hussein possessed these weapons, but “conveyed the location of the Iranian troops to Iraq, fully aware that Hussein’s military would attack with chemical weapons, including sarin"."
"What Ros-Lehtinen seems oddly unaware of, however, is that Ronald Reagan did exactly the opposite. For the majority of the 1980s, Iraq under Sadaam Hussein was locked in combat with the Islamic Republic of Iran in a war that killed more than 100,000 people on both sides. The United States explicitly backed the secular Hussein over the Ayatollah Khomeini’s government in Tehran, still smarting from the embassy hostage crisis that had only ended when Reagan took office. That backing not only included the shipment of tons of weapons to support Baghdad, but also looking the other way when Iraq unleashed its chemical weapons stockpiles — including sarin and mustard gas — against Iranian civilians and soldiers alike.
Recently declassified documents from that time indicate that not only did the U.S. government know that Hussein possessed these weapons, but “conveyed the location of the Iranian troops to Iraq, fully aware that Hussein’s military would attack with chemical weapons, including sarin"."
Fox News: Where Republicans Go To Escape Journalists
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/09/05/fox-news-where-republicans-go-to-escape-journal/195727
"The one certainty that can be taken away from all this is that Fox News is operating as a de facto communications shop for Republican candidates. That, at least, is what Republican campaign operatives seem to think, and there's no real reason to doubt them."
"The one certainty that can be taken away from all this is that Fox News is operating as a de facto communications shop for Republican candidates. That, at least, is what Republican campaign operatives seem to think, and there's no real reason to doubt them."
Major New Study On Obamacare Premiums Should End The ‘Rate Shock’ Hysteria Once And For All
Major New Study On Obamacare Premiums Should End The ‘Rate Shock’ Hysteria Once And For All: The most detailed study on Obamacare insurance premiums to date finds that Americans will be paying even less than expected for plans on the new marketplaces.
Obamacare 'rate shock' myth debunked
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/09/05/1234186/-Obamacare-rate-shock-myth-debunked-by-Kaiser-survey
"The whole idea behind the health insurance exchanges was that competition in the marketplace would do what it's always done, force companies to provide their best price to consumers. Early reports out of Oregon and California hinted at this trend. With more and more states reporting rates as October 1, the target date for the launch of the nation's insurance shopping spree nears, the trend is bearing out."
"The whole idea behind the health insurance exchanges was that competition in the marketplace would do what it's always done, force companies to provide their best price to consumers. Early reports out of Oregon and California hinted at this trend. With more and more states reporting rates as October 1, the target date for the launch of the nation's insurance shopping spree nears, the trend is bearing out."
Florida GOP-Led Voter Fraud Investigation Finds Nothing—Except GOP Fraud | Alternet
Florida GOP-Led Voter Fraud Investigation Finds Nothing—Except GOP Fraud | Alternet
"An investigation into the issue of voter registration fraud in the Sunshine State initiated by Florida Repulicans has unearthed no evidence of wrongdoing—except on the part of the GOP."
"An investigation into the issue of voter registration fraud in the Sunshine State initiated by Florida Repulicans has unearthed no evidence of wrongdoing—except on the part of the GOP."
The Coalition of the Screwed
The Coalition of the Screwed
"We live in a society that allows one man to make $15 million a day while a low-income mother gets $4.50 a day for food, and much of Congress wants to cut the $4.50.
Are political and corporate leaders even remotely aware of the conditions of society beneath the wealthiest 10% or so?"
"We live in a society that allows one man to make $15 million a day while a low-income mother gets $4.50 a day for food, and much of Congress wants to cut the $4.50.
Are political and corporate leaders even remotely aware of the conditions of society beneath the wealthiest 10% or so?"
10 Weirdest Fundamentalist Christian Conspiracy Theories | Alternet
10 Weirdest Fundamentalist Christian Conspiracy Theories | Alternet
"For the Christian right, having a “faith-based” worldview extends far beyond claims about demons and angels. Unsurprisingly, the world of fundamentalist Christians is absolutely crawling with conspiracy theories, urban legends, and just plain bizarre beliefs about how the world works. Here’s a list of 10 of the weirder ones are currently in circulation."
"For the Christian right, having a “faith-based” worldview extends far beyond claims about demons and angels. Unsurprisingly, the world of fundamentalist Christians is absolutely crawling with conspiracy theories, urban legends, and just plain bizarre beliefs about how the world works. Here’s a list of 10 of the weirder ones are currently in circulation."
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
New Evidence Puts Tangle In McDonnell Story
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Fresh Hell When Congress Returns
Fresh Hell When Congress Returns
"Republicans are expected to double down on their effort to sabotage jobs and economic growth."
"Republicans are expected to double down on their effort to sabotage jobs and economic growth."
Georgia’s Governor Took Money From The Insurance Lobby While Denying Health Coverage To The Poor
Georgia’s Governor Took Money From The Insurance Lobby While Denying Health Coverage To The Poor: A Super PAC linked to Gov. Nathan Deal (R) has taken over half a million dollars in political contributions from the health care industry. But he's been far less willing to accept generous federal money to extend Medicaid coverage to 650,000 of Georgia's poorest residents.
Just Seven Percent Of Republican Voters Actually Want To Defund Obamacare
Just Seven Percent Of Republican Voters Actually Want To Defund Obamacare: Some far-right GOP lawmakers have been pushing to block funds for the health reform law, but those efforts are extremely unpopular among their voter base.
GA Gov. Nathan Deal Taking Payola To Obstruct Obamacare
GA Gov. Nathan Deal Taking Payola To Obstruct Obamacare
"Let's also pay attention to the Big Donors here: United Health, Aetna, Humana and Blue Cross. United Health and Aetna have declined to participate in state-based exchanges in states where they're actually regulatedlike California and New York, opting instead to hand off some payola to a corrupt Georgia governor in order for him to behave like an obstructionist."
"Let's also pay attention to the Big Donors here: United Health, Aetna, Humana and Blue Cross. United Health and Aetna have declined to participate in state-based exchanges in states where they're actually regulatedlike California and New York, opting instead to hand off some payola to a corrupt Georgia governor in order for him to behave like an obstructionist."
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Please Shut It! You are NOT the Party of Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, or Dwight D. Eisenhower Anymore!
www.forwardprogressives.com/please-shut-it-you-are-not-the-party-of-abe-lincoln-teddy-roosevelt-or-dwight-d-eisenhower-anymore/
"Today’s Republican party is anti-equality, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, anti-unemployment, anti-welfare, anti-woman, anti-United Nations, anti-healthcare, anti-immigration, and pro-corporation. So, again, Republicans, please do us all a favor and stop calling yourselves the party of the above named men – you are nothing like them."
"Today’s Republican party is anti-equality, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, anti-unemployment, anti-welfare, anti-woman, anti-United Nations, anti-healthcare, anti-immigration, and pro-corporation. So, again, Republicans, please do us all a favor and stop calling yourselves the party of the above named men – you are nothing like them."
Ron Paul to Deliver Keynote Speech at Conference That Features Holocaust Deniers and New World Order Conspiracy Theorists | Alternet
Ron Paul to Deliver Keynote Speech at Conference That Features Holocaust Deniers and New World Order Conspiracy Theorists | Alternet
"The organization's adherents share the belief of apocalyptic-minded Protestants and secular conspiracy theorists that the United States is being punished for its disobedience to God and descent into Marxism."
"The organization's adherents share the belief of apocalyptic-minded Protestants and secular conspiracy theorists that the United States is being punished for its disobedience to God and descent into Marxism."
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Conservative Crackup: How the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Alternet
The Conservative Crackup: How the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Alternet
"The relentless radicalization of the Republican Party since 1964 is the most important single event in the political history of the United States since the New Deal. It has significantly shaped the course of our government and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But this means it has also shaped the individual life of every citizen— the complex amalgam of possibilities and opportunities available (or not) to each of us. The conservative visionaries of the ‘50s and ‘60s wanted a new world. We’re all living in it now."
"The relentless radicalization of the Republican Party since 1964 is the most important single event in the political history of the United States since the New Deal. It has significantly shaped the course of our government and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But this means it has also shaped the individual life of every citizen— the complex amalgam of possibilities and opportunities available (or not) to each of us. The conservative visionaries of the ‘50s and ‘60s wanted a new world. We’re all living in it now."
Sunday, September 1, 2013
8 Despicable Right-Wing Statements From This Last Week Alone | Alternet
8 Despicable Right-Wing Statements From This Last Week Alone | Alternet
"The extreme right produced a host of offensive, racist and wildly inaccurate statements this week."
"The extreme right produced a host of offensive, racist and wildly inaccurate statements this week."
Saturday, August 31, 2013
PERRspectives: Health Insurance "Coverage Gap" Coming to a Red State Near You
PERRspectives: Health Insurance "Coverage Gap" Coming to a Red State Near You
"The resulting Republican body count is staggering. Thanks to the GOP's rejection of Medicaid expansion, 1.3 million people in Texas, 1 million in Florida, 534,000 in Georgia and 267,000 in Missouri will be ensnared in the coverage gap.
"The resulting Republican body count is staggering. Thanks to the GOP's rejection of Medicaid expansion, 1.3 million people in Texas, 1 million in Florida, 534,000 in Georgia and 267,000 in Missouri will be ensnared in the coverage gap.
Here's why."
Friday, August 30, 2013
How A Stupid Election Rule Could Reelect A Tea Party Governor That His Voters Hate
How A Stupid Election Rule Could Reelect A Tea Party Governor That His Voters Hate:
"Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) is not a beloved leader. Just 39 percent of Maine voters approve of his performance in office, and he would lose a one-on-one race against his likely Democratic challenger by a massive 54-39 margin. Nor are these numbers particularly surprising. Despite being the governor of a blue state, LePage supports cutting health and retirement benefits to pay for tax cuts for the rich, rolling back child labor laws, blacklisting journalists — all while making anal rape jokes and protesting a non-existent “tax on bull semen"."
"Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) is not a beloved leader. Just 39 percent of Maine voters approve of his performance in office, and he would lose a one-on-one race against his likely Democratic challenger by a massive 54-39 margin. Nor are these numbers particularly surprising. Despite being the governor of a blue state, LePage supports cutting health and retirement benefits to pay for tax cuts for the rich, rolling back child labor laws, blacklisting journalists — all while making anal rape jokes and protesting a non-existent “tax on bull semen"."
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