www.thinkprogress.org/world/2014/02/11/3276171/gop-benghazi-military-hasc/
"In doing so, the report debunks entirely a right-wing myth that says the White House ordered the military not to intervene."
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
WATCH: House Committee Destroys Fox News Benghazi Lie, No Stand Down Order Was Given
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/11/house-committee-destroys-fox-news-benghazi-lie-stand-order-given-video/
"The House and Senate reports agree — no stand down order was given. Yet, in the face of mounting proof that the network’s Benghazi line was created out of whole cloth, Fox News chose to completely ignore that finding."
"The House and Senate reports agree — no stand down order was given. Yet, in the face of mounting proof that the network’s Benghazi line was created out of whole cloth, Fox News chose to completely ignore that finding."
Rep. Steve King Punts When Asked About Koch Brothers Donations
Rep. Steve King Punts When Asked About Koch Brothers Donations
"Rep. Steve King (R-Crazytown) didn't have much to say when asked about the amount of campaign donations he and his fellow Iowa Republicans receive from the Koch brothers."
"Rep. Steve King (R-Crazytown) didn't have much to say when asked about the amount of campaign donations he and his fellow Iowa Republicans receive from the Koch brothers."
CBO Director Destroys Republican Lie About Obamacare Eliminating 2.5 Million Jobs
www.forwardprogressives.com/cbo-director-completely-debunks-republican-lie-obamacare-eliminating-2-5-million-jobs/
"This CBO report is just another great example where Republicans choose to create their own reality based off their gross distortion of the facts presented to them."
"This CBO report is just another great example where Republicans choose to create their own reality based off their gross distortion of the facts presented to them."
The Good Jobs News on the Affordable Care Act
The Good Jobs News on the Affordable Care Act
"There are millions of people who struggle at their jobs with serious health conditions in the hope of reaching age 65 when they can qualify for Medicare. The exchanges will make it possible for many of these people to get insurance at prices they can afford, since insurers are not allowed to discriminate based on pre-existing conditions. As a result, some of these older workers will opt to either retire or to possible work fewer hours at a job that doesn't provide insurance. Giving people this option was one of the main goals of health care reform.
Similarly, there are many workers with young children who would like to be able to either take time off from work to spend with their kids, or alternatively to work at a job part-time. However they may not have this option if their only way to afford insurance is by working at a full-time job. As a result of the ACA these people will work fewer hours.
This also was also one of the goals of Obamacare."
"There are millions of people who struggle at their jobs with serious health conditions in the hope of reaching age 65 when they can qualify for Medicare. The exchanges will make it possible for many of these people to get insurance at prices they can afford, since insurers are not allowed to discriminate based on pre-existing conditions. As a result, some of these older workers will opt to either retire or to possible work fewer hours at a job that doesn't provide insurance. Giving people this option was one of the main goals of health care reform.
Similarly, there are many workers with young children who would like to be able to either take time off from work to spend with their kids, or alternatively to work at a job part-time. However they may not have this option if their only way to afford insurance is by working at a full-time job. As a result of the ACA these people will work fewer hours.
This also was also one of the goals of Obamacare."
GOP's False Claims About Obamacare Blow Up in Their Face
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/false-claims-about-obamacare-blow-gops-face?page=0%2C0
"For the right, attacks against Obamacare's market disruption were great fun. Until it doomed their own plan. Oops!"
"For the right, attacks against Obamacare's market disruption were great fun. Until it doomed their own plan. Oops!"
LISTEN: Right Wing Nut Says Obamacare Legalizes Execution By Guillotine
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/08/right-wing-nut-jim-garrow-says-obamacare-legalizes-guillotine/
"He makes a lot of money by exploiting the fears of the vulnerable. Unfortunately, that often includes people with low IQ, people with mental health issues and older people, who are often secluded from others. This kind of Islamophobic rhetoric, combined with repeated calls to take up arms against the government, the president and the police, is just about as dangerous as it gets."
"He makes a lot of money by exploiting the fears of the vulnerable. Unfortunately, that often includes people with low IQ, people with mental health issues and older people, who are often secluded from others. This kind of Islamophobic rhetoric, combined with repeated calls to take up arms against the government, the president and the police, is just about as dangerous as it gets."
Glenn Beck Warns Obama Will Put Dissenters In Internment Camps
Glenn Beck Warns Obama Will Put Dissenters In Internment Camps
"Beck is back to scaring the crap out of his pea-brained listeners, telling them that if they dared to disagree with global warming, abortion or Obamacare, they would be rounded up and placed in internment camps"
"Beck is back to scaring the crap out of his pea-brained listeners, telling them that if they dared to disagree with global warming, abortion or Obamacare, they would be rounded up and placed in internment camps"
Yet Another Republican Flees the GOP Citing Blatant Misogyny, Bigotry and Racism
Yet Another Republican Flees the GOP Citing Blatant Misogyny, Bigotry and Racism
"A former Republican congresswoman in Florida has left the GOP and joined the Democrats, citing her former party’s increasing attacks on women and other minorities."
"A former Republican congresswoman in Florida has left the GOP and joined the Democrats, citing her former party’s increasing attacks on women and other minorities."
Huckabee Hosts Tea Party Lawyer, Who Issues List of Demands to IRS
Huckabee Hosts Tea Party Lawyer, Who Issues List of Demands to IRS
"Mitchell is also committed to getting nonprofit approval for these groups in time for the midterms, despite the fact that every single one of them do absolutely nothing BUT engage in partisan political activity on a daily basis. These groups are the core of Republicans' strategy to fund political ads and activity at taxpayer expense."
"Mitchell is also committed to getting nonprofit approval for these groups in time for the midterms, despite the fact that every single one of them do absolutely nothing BUT engage in partisan political activity on a daily basis. These groups are the core of Republicans' strategy to fund political ads and activity at taxpayer expense."
Monday, February 10, 2014
How Gov McCrory And Dirty Energy Just Screwed Over NC’s Dan River
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/09/gov-mccrorys-ex-employer-got-sweetheart-deal-now-theyve-destroyed-nc-river/
"North Carolina’s governor, Pat McCrory, retired from Duke Energy in 2008, after a 29-year career with the company. McCrory assumed office in January, 2013. One of his first major ‘achievements’ was to cut a deal with Duke Energy last July that basically gave the company a free pass for past pollution and allowed it to continue letting contaminants leach into the soil for as long as it likes. Every citizen of the state ought to sit up and pay attention to the details."
"North Carolina’s governor, Pat McCrory, retired from Duke Energy in 2008, after a 29-year career with the company. McCrory assumed office in January, 2013. One of his first major ‘achievements’ was to cut a deal with Duke Energy last July that basically gave the company a free pass for past pollution and allowed it to continue letting contaminants leach into the soil for as long as it likes. Every citizen of the state ought to sit up and pay attention to the details."
PERRspectives: Post's Thiessen Tortures Logic with Bogus $70 Billion Obamacare Pay Cut
PERRspectives: Post's Thiessen Tortures Logic with Bogus $70 Billion Obamacare Pay Cut
"And now for today's math quiz. Let's say you decide to work 2 percent fewer hours this year. At the end of the year, your total compensation is 1 percent lower. Does that mean you got a pay cut?
If you answered "yes," you might want to reread the question. Or, you might be Marc Thiessen, former Bush speechwriter and torture enthusiast turned AEI fellow and Washington Post columnist.
Writing in Monday's Post, Thiessen tried to add a sequel to the GOP's discredited sound bite that the Affordable Care Act will cost the U.S. economy 2.5 million jobs over the next decade. On the same day the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) once again debunked that tried but untrue talking point, Dubya's former wordsmith concocted a new one"
"And now for today's math quiz. Let's say you decide to work 2 percent fewer hours this year. At the end of the year, your total compensation is 1 percent lower. Does that mean you got a pay cut?
If you answered "yes," you might want to reread the question. Or, you might be Marc Thiessen, former Bush speechwriter and torture enthusiast turned AEI fellow and Washington Post columnist.
Writing in Monday's Post, Thiessen tried to add a sequel to the GOP's discredited sound bite that the Affordable Care Act will cost the U.S. economy 2.5 million jobs over the next decade. On the same day the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) once again debunked that tried but untrue talking point, Dubya's former wordsmith concocted a new one"
Krikorian Cites White Nationalist In Anti-Reform Pitch | Right Wing Watch
Krikorian Cites White Nationalist In Anti-Reform Pitch | Right Wing Watch
"Center for Immigration Studies director Mark Krikorian tries to come across as a more reasonable voice in the movement against immigration reform, but today Krikiorian undermined this well-crafted image when he cited the work of a prominent white nationalist."
"Center for Immigration Studies director Mark Krikorian tries to come across as a more reasonable voice in the movement against immigration reform, but today Krikiorian undermined this well-crafted image when he cited the work of a prominent white nationalist."
Koch/Fox Aiming to take Alan Grayson Out-- Joni To The Rescue?
Koch/Fox Aiming to take Alan Grayson Out-- Joni To The Rescue?
"Last week, the Washington Post reported that the Koch brothers are already pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into ads meant to demonize Alan Grayson and defeat him in November. Fox "News" is targeting him again as well. That these powerful entities are shoveling their vast resources towards Grayson's defeat is good news… Because it proves he's succeeding at the job we sent him to Congress to do!
"Last week, the Washington Post reported that the Koch brothers are already pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into ads meant to demonize Alan Grayson and defeat him in November. Fox "News" is targeting him again as well. That these powerful entities are shoveling their vast resources towards Grayson's defeat is good news… Because it proves he's succeeding at the job we sent him to Congress to do!
Today, Blue America is launching a Joni Mitchell contest to help raise some campaign cash for Grayson's reelection in the very expensive Orlando media market."
Spending Down, Deficits Halved and Public Sector Smaller Since Obama Took Office
Spending Down, Deficits Halved and Public Sector Smaller Since Obama Took Office
"Despite the GOP myth-making, federal spending has declined, deficits have been halved and the public sector is smaller since Barack Obama first took the oath of office."
"Despite the GOP myth-making, federal spending has declined, deficits have been halved and the public sector is smaller since Barack Obama first took the oath of office."
North Carolina’s Moral Monday Movement Kicks Off 2014 With a Massive Rally in Raleigh | The Nation
North Carolina’s Moral Monday Movement Kicks Off 2014 With a Massive Rally in Raleigh | The Nation
"So it was fitting that North Carolina’s Moral Monday movement held a massive “Moral March” in Raleigh today which began at Shaw University, exactly fifty-four years after North Carolina’s trailblazing role in the civil rights movement. Tens of thousands of activists—from all backgrounds, races and causes—marched from Shaw to the North Carolina State Capitol, where they held an exuberant rally protesting the right-wing policies of the North Carolina government and commemorating the eighth anniversary of the HKonJ coalition (the acronym stands for Historic Thousands on Jones Street, where the NC legislature sits)."
"So it was fitting that North Carolina’s Moral Monday movement held a massive “Moral March” in Raleigh today which began at Shaw University, exactly fifty-four years after North Carolina’s trailblazing role in the civil rights movement. Tens of thousands of activists—from all backgrounds, races and causes—marched from Shaw to the North Carolina State Capitol, where they held an exuberant rally protesting the right-wing policies of the North Carolina government and commemorating the eighth anniversary of the HKonJ coalition (the acronym stands for Historic Thousands on Jones Street, where the NC legislature sits)."
PERRspectives: For Republicans, CBO Stands for Conservative Bulls**t Obliterator
PERRspectives: For Republicans, CBO Stands for Conservative Bulls**t Obliterator
"Despite their trumpeting of its latest budget report, it's no secret that Republicans hate the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). In 2011, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) denounced the CBO's forecast that the Affordable Care Act will reduce--not increase--the U.S. national debt, calling its projections "budget gimmickry." That November, momentary GOP presidential frontrunner Newt Gingrich called for the death penalty, declaring "If you are serious about real health reform, you must abolish the Congressional Budget Office because it lies."
Of course, the GOP hates the Congressional Budget Office not because it lies, but because it produces inconvenient truths."
"Despite their trumpeting of its latest budget report, it's no secret that Republicans hate the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). In 2011, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) denounced the CBO's forecast that the Affordable Care Act will reduce--not increase--the U.S. national debt, calling its projections "budget gimmickry." That November, momentary GOP presidential frontrunner Newt Gingrich called for the death penalty, declaring "If you are serious about real health reform, you must abolish the Congressional Budget Office because it lies."
Of course, the GOP hates the Congressional Budget Office not because it lies, but because it produces inconvenient truths."
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Portman Misleads Gregory On Vote Against UI Extensions
Portman Misleads Gregory On Vote Against UI Extensions
"I bring you today's episode of Enabling GOP Lies, brought to you by David Gregory and NBC News. Yes, he let Rob Portman "explain" his vote against unemployment extenders by letting him babble on about "reforming" the unemployment insurance system and "pay-fors," which are only an excuse when Republicans don't want something done."
"I bring you today's episode of Enabling GOP Lies, brought to you by David Gregory and NBC News. Yes, he let Rob Portman "explain" his vote against unemployment extenders by letting him babble on about "reforming" the unemployment insurance system and "pay-fors," which are only an excuse when Republicans don't want something done."
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Issa Busted for Secret Meetings with Stay-Behind IRS Inspector General UPDATED Fed Complaint Filed
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/07/1275822/-Issa-Busted-for-Secret-Meetings-with-Stay-Behind-IRS-Inspector-General
"We can't say Seymour Hersh didn't warn us. It's looking like the IRS Inspector General, J. Russell George, a Dubya appointee, is the ultimate stay-behind. In the middle of last year, he was caught meeting exclusively with Issa and his Goposaur gang to drum up phony IRS scandal claims. Well now, he's been caught doing the exact same thing, but regarding an IRS 'audit' of the Affordable Care Act.
Thank goodness for Rep. Elijah Cummings and Rep. Gerald Connelly, who wrote the 'honorable' IRS IG a letter, which they cc'ed to Issa, and is posted in full"
"We can't say Seymour Hersh didn't warn us. It's looking like the IRS Inspector General, J. Russell George, a Dubya appointee, is the ultimate stay-behind. In the middle of last year, he was caught meeting exclusively with Issa and his Goposaur gang to drum up phony IRS scandal claims. Well now, he's been caught doing the exact same thing, but regarding an IRS 'audit' of the Affordable Care Act.
Thank goodness for Rep. Elijah Cummings and Rep. Gerald Connelly, who wrote the 'honorable' IRS IG a letter, which they cc'ed to Issa, and is posted in full"
Tens of Thousands in “Mass Moral March” | Common Dreams
Tens of Thousands in “Mass Moral March” | Common Dreams
"Tens of thousands of people are marching through downtown Raleigh, North Carolina Saturday in what organizers describe as a “Mass Moral March” to push back against rightwing legislation."
"Tens of thousands of people are marching through downtown Raleigh, North Carolina Saturday in what organizers describe as a “Mass Moral March” to push back against rightwing legislation."
Evidence Mounting that Walker Campaign Is at Center of Criminal Probe
Evidence Mounting that Walker Campaign Is at Center of Criminal Probe
"A John Doe is similar to a grand jury investigation, but in front of a judge rather than a jury, and is conducted under strict secrecy orders. Wisconsin's 4th Circuit Court of Appeals unsealed some documents last week as it rejected a challenge to the probe filed by three of the unnamed "special interest groups" that had received subpoenas in the investigation and issued a ruling allowing the investigation to move forward."
"A John Doe is similar to a grand jury investigation, but in front of a judge rather than a jury, and is conducted under strict secrecy orders. Wisconsin's 4th Circuit Court of Appeals unsealed some documents last week as it rejected a challenge to the probe filed by three of the unnamed "special interest groups" that had received subpoenas in the investigation and issued a ruling allowing the investigation to move forward."
Another 2016 Hopeful Bites the Dust as Scott Walker Appears to be Under Investigation
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/08/scott-walkers-recall-campaign-appears-john-doe-probe.html
"Beyond Governor Scott Walker’s slobbering submission to the Koch brothers, what is going on here is an example of why the Republicans made a big deal out of a fake IRS scandal. They ginned up that scandal to tire the public of the subject, because the truth is that they are abusing the Citizens United ruling. Scott Walker’s campaign’s intimate ties with Club for Growth are the perfect example of how they are doing this."
"Beyond Governor Scott Walker’s slobbering submission to the Koch brothers, what is going on here is an example of why the Republicans made a big deal out of a fake IRS scandal. They ginned up that scandal to tire the public of the subject, because the truth is that they are abusing the Citizens United ruling. Scott Walker’s campaign’s intimate ties with Club for Growth are the perfect example of how they are doing this."
Friday, February 7, 2014
Koch Group Goes After Medicaid Expansion in Louisiana
Koch Group Goes After Medicaid Expansion in Louisiana
"It's stunning but not at all surprising to see the Kochs go all out in Louisiana to try and kill the Medicaid expansion for people earning less than 138% of the federal poverty level. Because really, we don't want the poor folks -- especially poor folk of color -- to have access to decent medical care, now do we?"
"It's stunning but not at all surprising to see the Kochs go all out in Louisiana to try and kill the Medicaid expansion for people earning less than 138% of the federal poverty level. Because really, we don't want the poor folks -- especially poor folk of color -- to have access to decent medical care, now do we?"
Must-see morning clip: To Fox News, corporations are “better people than you”
Must-see morning clip: To Fox News, corporations are “better people than you”
"Fox News anchors, are in a full-on frenzy over the recent CBO report about the impact of Obamacare on the economy. According to them, the report says that Americans are going to lose around 2 million full-time jobs.
According to the CBO, however, the report by the CBO says nothing of the sort. “This isn’t employers cutting jobs,” clarified New Jersey congressman Bill Pascrell in a meeting with CBO director Douglas Elmendorf. “It’s newly empowered workers choosing to go a different path.”
“So the three main talking points against Obamacare are, according to the CBO, not true,” summarizes Stewart.
But pundits at Fox continue to debate yell that the increased access to healthcare deincentivizes people to work."
"Fox News anchors, are in a full-on frenzy over the recent CBO report about the impact of Obamacare on the economy. According to them, the report says that Americans are going to lose around 2 million full-time jobs.
According to the CBO, however, the report by the CBO says nothing of the sort. “This isn’t employers cutting jobs,” clarified New Jersey congressman Bill Pascrell in a meeting with CBO director Douglas Elmendorf. “It’s newly empowered workers choosing to go a different path.”
“So the three main talking points against Obamacare are, according to the CBO, not true,” summarizes Stewart.
But pundits at Fox continue to debate yell that the increased access to healthcare deincentivizes people to work."
How Florida’s Top Elections Official Just Made It Harder For College Students To Vote
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/02/07/3265951/university-florida-early-voting/
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) endured heavy criticism for his administration’s efforts to limit voting in the 2012 election. His administration’s latest decision to deny college students a convenient place to cast an early ballot is unlikely to quell this kind of criticism. Gainesville, Florida, in an attempt to avoid the six-hour lines that characterized last Election Day, sought approval to use the University of Florida’s student union as an early voting site. Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner denied the request, sparking outrage."
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) endured heavy criticism for his administration’s efforts to limit voting in the 2012 election. His administration’s latest decision to deny college students a convenient place to cast an early ballot is unlikely to quell this kind of criticism. Gainesville, Florida, in an attempt to avoid the six-hour lines that characterized last Election Day, sought approval to use the University of Florida’s student union as an early voting site. Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner denied the request, sparking outrage."
Rand Paul Desperately Doubles Down On His Criticism Of The Clintons Over Lewinsky Affair
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/07/rand-paul-desperately-doubles-criticism-clintons-lewinsky-affair.html
"When you really break down what Paul is saying, you see a child’s argument. The argument of someone who thinks one thing negates everything else. Therefore, he is stating that Hillary Clinton can’t serve as President because of her husband’s transgressions and Democrats can’t be for women’s rights because Clinton fooled around while in office. By that logic, we can never trust Paul to be honest due to his recent plagiarizing issues. On top of that, it is apparent that Paul is a racist, since he knowingly employed an avowed pro-secessionist, white supremacist on his staff."
"When you really break down what Paul is saying, you see a child’s argument. The argument of someone who thinks one thing negates everything else. Therefore, he is stating that Hillary Clinton can’t serve as President because of her husband’s transgressions and Democrats can’t be for women’s rights because Clinton fooled around while in office. By that logic, we can never trust Paul to be honest due to his recent plagiarizing issues. On top of that, it is apparent that Paul is a racist, since he knowingly employed an avowed pro-secessionist, white supremacist on his staff."
Top Texas Republicans Dodge Chris Christie. Will More Follow?
Top Texas Republicans Dodge Chris Christie. Will More Follow?
"Rick Perry and the Republican Candidate for Texas Governor Greg Abbott made sure they were nowhere to be found when Gov. Christie came to Texas for a fundraising trip."
"Rick Perry and the Republican Candidate for Texas Governor Greg Abbott made sure they were nowhere to be found when Gov. Christie came to Texas for a fundraising trip."
Todd Akin 2.0? Georgia’s Senate Race Is GOP’s Worst Nightmare
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/georgia-senate-race-candidates-liability
"With eight candidates vying for the nomination, you'd think Republicans would have their pick for the next Georgia senator. Instead the field is filled with a mess of candidates who drudge up the worst stereotypes of an anti-science, anti-woman, anti-Obama, anti-immigrant Mr. Moneybags candidate -- a reputation the party has desperately been trying to shed."
"With eight candidates vying for the nomination, you'd think Republicans would have their pick for the next Georgia senator. Instead the field is filled with a mess of candidates who drudge up the worst stereotypes of an anti-science, anti-woman, anti-Obama, anti-immigrant Mr. Moneybags candidate -- a reputation the party has desperately been trying to shed."
Democrats Demand To Know How Much The Republican IRS Witch Hunts Are Costing Taxpayers
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/07/democrats-demand-republican-irs-witch-hunts-costing-taxpayers.html
"The Democrats are correct to conclude that these hearings are about the upcoming election. They are providing free soundbites for every Republican who rails at the empty hopes of a scandal. Meanwhile, Issa’s committee deliberately withheld evidence that would have proven their entire IRS witch hunt to be the politically driven farce it is.
The Democrats are growing weary of the clownshow, and at the very least, they’re going to get an accounting of just what the drunken frat boys of the GOP are charging the taxpayers for this year’s shiny object distraction.
We could ask why Republicans are such cowards that they will not run on the issues or their policies, but we know the answer to that question. You wouldn’t like their policies, because they benefit the top 2%. So, another witch hunt it will be."
"The Democrats are correct to conclude that these hearings are about the upcoming election. They are providing free soundbites for every Republican who rails at the empty hopes of a scandal. Meanwhile, Issa’s committee deliberately withheld evidence that would have proven their entire IRS witch hunt to be the politically driven farce it is.
The Democrats are growing weary of the clownshow, and at the very least, they’re going to get an accounting of just what the drunken frat boys of the GOP are charging the taxpayers for this year’s shiny object distraction.
We could ask why Republicans are such cowards that they will not run on the issues or their policies, but we know the answer to that question. You wouldn’t like their policies, because they benefit the top 2%. So, another witch hunt it will be."
Jobs Report: Conservative Budget Austerity Continues To Cripple The Economy | Common Dreams
Jobs Report: Conservative Budget Austerity Continues To Cripple The Economy | Common Dreams
"The lesson from this disappointing jobs numbers: Congress should stop imposing job-killing austerity and take steps to invest in job creation. The Senate should pass an extension of unemployment insurance for the long-term unemployed, and the House should quickly pass it and send it to the president."
"The lesson from this disappointing jobs numbers: Congress should stop imposing job-killing austerity and take steps to invest in job creation. The Senate should pass an extension of unemployment insurance for the long-term unemployed, and the House should quickly pass it and send it to the president."
5 Obnoxious Libertarian Oligarchs Who Earned Fortunes from the Government They'd Like to Destroy
www.alternet.org/economy/5-obnoxious-libertarian-oligarchs-who-earned-fortunes-government-theyd-destroy
"The cult of the libertarian-minded ultra-weatlhy would make an intriguing anthropological case study. But it would be a case study with a twist: its research subjects increasingly control our economy, our politics, and even our personal lives."
"The cult of the libertarian-minded ultra-weatlhy would make an intriguing anthropological case study. But it would be a case study with a twist: its research subjects increasingly control our economy, our politics, and even our personal lives."
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Republicans Are Making Sure That An Immigration Bill Will Not Pass Until After 2014
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/06/republicans-making-immigration-bill-pass-2014.html
"Paul Ryan, speaking for the House, says passage ain’t gonna happen this session. Ryan has already promised not to compromise or go to committee with the Senate version of the bill. Same tune from Senator Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell. Clearly, the all-encompassing consideration for standing pat is based on the right-wing perception that trends are breaking the way of the radicals after riddling the airwaves with anti-ACA propaganda, 24/7 for years.
Republicans want a permanent immigrant sub-class of mostly non-voters to do the laundry, mow the yard and have no say whatsoever in how the country is run. I mean they’re already suppressing one minority and denying voting citizenship, why not go for two?"
"Paul Ryan, speaking for the House, says passage ain’t gonna happen this session. Ryan has already promised not to compromise or go to committee with the Senate version of the bill. Same tune from Senator Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell. Clearly, the all-encompassing consideration for standing pat is based on the right-wing perception that trends are breaking the way of the radicals after riddling the airwaves with anti-ACA propaganda, 24/7 for years.
Republicans want a permanent immigrant sub-class of mostly non-voters to do the laundry, mow the yard and have no say whatsoever in how the country is run. I mean they’re already suppressing one minority and denying voting citizenship, why not go for two?"
Peter LaBarbera Furious That Gay Couple Is Featured In 'America The Beautiful' Song Authored By Gay Songwriter | Right Wing Watch
Peter LaBarbera Furious That Gay Couple Is Featured In 'America The Beautiful' Song Authored By Gay Songwriter | Right Wing Watch
"The author of this iconic anthem of American patriotism was Katherine Lee Bates. In a brilliant lampoon of the backlash against the Coke commercial, Stephen Colbert pointed out that Bates was a lesbian. He could also have added that she was also a Christian socialist and an ardent foe of American imperialism."
"The author of this iconic anthem of American patriotism was Katherine Lee Bates. In a brilliant lampoon of the backlash against the Coke commercial, Stephen Colbert pointed out that Bates was a lesbian. He could also have added that she was also a Christian socialist and an ardent foe of American imperialism."
Hah, Hah! Woman Urges Obama's Execution, Teabagger Congressman Laughs
Hah, Hah! Woman Urges Obama's Execution, Teabagger Congressman Laughs
"What did Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Koch) do when one of his wingnut constituents said our duly elected (twice) President should be executed "as an enemy combatant"?
Not a damn thing."
"What did Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Koch) do when one of his wingnut constituents said our duly elected (twice) President should be executed "as an enemy combatant"?
Not a damn thing."
Breaking: GOP Blocks Bill To Extend Unemployment Benefits --- By One Vote
Breaking: GOP Blocks Bill To Extend Unemployment Benefits --- By One Vote
"An estimated 1.7 million unemployed Americans were kicked in the teeth today by the Republican party -- again. The extension was filibustered in the Senate, and lost by one vote."
"An estimated 1.7 million unemployed Americans were kicked in the teeth today by the Republican party -- again. The extension was filibustered in the Senate, and lost by one vote."
R.I.P. Republican credibility: Why their latest blatant lies show they’ve given up
R.I.P. Republican credibility: Why their latest blatant lies show they’ve given up
"That fact was underscored again this week and over the weekend, in light of the release of two different official reports, one from the U.S. State Department on the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project and another from the Congressional Budget Office on the economic outlook in light of the Affordable Care Act.
Never mind whether you agree with the Republican position on either of those two policies. The fact that the party feels it necessary to blatantly lie about what’s in each of those reports, specifically with regard to “job creation,” in order to advocate for their own policy positions, underscores yet again that these are simply not serious people are worth being taken seriously anymore …"
"That fact was underscored again this week and over the weekend, in light of the release of two different official reports, one from the U.S. State Department on the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project and another from the Congressional Budget Office on the economic outlook in light of the Affordable Care Act.
Never mind whether you agree with the Republican position on either of those two policies. The fact that the party feels it necessary to blatantly lie about what’s in each of those reports, specifically with regard to “job creation,” in order to advocate for their own policy positions, underscores yet again that these are simply not serious people are worth being taken seriously anymore …"
Sorry, GOP: CBO Says ACA Will Actually Create Jobs
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/06/cbo-aca-will-create-jobs/
"Doug Elmendorf, the director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), told the House that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would actually help to create jobs. It will also reduce the deficit by about $1 trillion, and it will actually help to boost wages. All of this is good news for Americans and the economy."
"Doug Elmendorf, the director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), told the House that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would actually help to create jobs. It will also reduce the deficit by about $1 trillion, and it will actually help to boost wages. All of this is good news for Americans and the economy."
Republicans Wanted To Free Workers From Bad Jobs Until Obamacare Did It
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/republicans-obamacare-cbo-report-insurance-employment
"Republicans and conservative wonks have long supported de-linking health insurance from employment in order to give workers more economic freedom. But now they're attacking Obamacare for ... doing just that."
"Republicans and conservative wonks have long supported de-linking health insurance from employment in order to give workers more economic freedom. But now they're attacking Obamacare for ... doing just that."
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Another Republican Lie Dies as CBO Director Says Obamacare Will Lower Unemployment
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/05/republican-lie-dies-cbo-director-obamacare-unemployment.html
"The major lie that the Republican distortion of the CBO’s report was built on has been debunked. The ACA will be good for our underperforming economy.
Republicans lied about what is in the report, and many members of our lazy mainstream press went right along with it. Just like death panels and the “millions of people” who had their insurance canceled, the Obamacare is a job killer talking point isn’t true.
Republicans do not want people to have affordable healthcare, and they will tell any lie in order to make sure that millions of Americans are unable to see a doctor when they get sick, or are swimming in debt after an illness."
"The major lie that the Republican distortion of the CBO’s report was built on has been debunked. The ACA will be good for our underperforming economy.
Republicans lied about what is in the report, and many members of our lazy mainstream press went right along with it. Just like death panels and the “millions of people” who had their insurance canceled, the Obamacare is a job killer talking point isn’t true.
Republicans do not want people to have affordable healthcare, and they will tell any lie in order to make sure that millions of Americans are unable to see a doctor when they get sick, or are swimming in debt after an illness."
CBO director: Obamacare won't kill jobs, it'll create them
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/05/1275328/-CBO-director-Obamacare-won-t-kill-jobs-it-ll-create-them
"Well, lookie. At the same hearing in which Rep. Paul Ryan was forced to acknowledge that no, the CBO report didn't say that Obamacare would kill 2 million jobs, the flip-side of 2 million workers free to quit their jobs was explored. And guess what? It actually turns out that Obamacare is going to reduce unemployment, as CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf reiterates with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in that video clip."
"Well, lookie. At the same hearing in which Rep. Paul Ryan was forced to acknowledge that no, the CBO report didn't say that Obamacare would kill 2 million jobs, the flip-side of 2 million workers free to quit their jobs was explored. And guess what? It actually turns out that Obamacare is going to reduce unemployment, as CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf reiterates with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in that video clip."
The Koch Brothers Left a Confidential Document at Their Last Donor Conference—Read It Here
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/koch-brothers-palm-springs-donor-list
"The more than 40 donors courted by the Kochs include hedge fund and private-equity billionaires, real estate tycoons, and executives of top corporations, including Jockey International and TRT Holdings, owner of Omni Hotels and Gold's Gym. A number of them have never been identified as members of the Koch donor network, including Schnatter, one of the more prominent names on the list. An outspoken opponent of the Affordable Care Act, he is a longtime Republican donor who hosted a fundraiser for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. The document notes that the pizza mogul was scheduled to meet with Ryan Stowers, the director of higher education at the Charles G. Koch Foundation. (Schnatter did not respond to requests for comment.)"
"The more than 40 donors courted by the Kochs include hedge fund and private-equity billionaires, real estate tycoons, and executives of top corporations, including Jockey International and TRT Holdings, owner of Omni Hotels and Gold's Gym. A number of them have never been identified as members of the Koch donor network, including Schnatter, one of the more prominent names on the list. An outspoken opponent of the Affordable Care Act, he is a longtime Republican donor who hosted a fundraiser for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. The document notes that the pizza mogul was scheduled to meet with Ryan Stowers, the director of higher education at the Charles G. Koch Foundation. (Schnatter did not respond to requests for comment.)"
Busted Republicans Try to Skulk Away from Their Fake IRS Scandal
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/05/busted-republicans-skulk-fake-irs-scandal.html
"Cut to February 2014, nine moths later, and there is no IRS scandal. The evidence that came forward only revealed one scandal, and that was Darrell Issa suppressing evidence that did not correspond with the Republican story."
"Cut to February 2014, nine moths later, and there is no IRS scandal. The evidence that came forward only revealed one scandal, and that was Darrell Issa suppressing evidence that did not correspond with the Republican story."
Koch Donor List Unmasked!
Koch Donor List Unmasked!
"It's an impressive list. Hedge fund managers, Americans for Prosperity representatives, Koch Industries representatives and corporate funders all in one place. Assume they all belong to the Million Dollar Donation club, since I think that's the minimum amount these guys can donate to belong."
"It's an impressive list. Hedge fund managers, Americans for Prosperity representatives, Koch Industries representatives and corporate funders all in one place. Assume they all belong to the Million Dollar Donation club, since I think that's the minimum amount these guys can donate to belong."
Conservative Seize On Report To Argue Obamacare Is A Job Killer — But The Author Says They’re Wrong
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/05/3252421/elmendorf-debunk-obamacare-job-killer/
"In fact, the CBO report explicitly states that the estimated reduction in labor “stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in businesses’ demand for labor” and that “there is no compelling evidence that part-time employment has increased as a result of ACA.” Those notions are further supported by economic data on full- and part-time employment trends over the last several years. Simply put, the report finds that Obamacare will reduce the number of people who are forced to work a job merely for the sake of health insurance.
Elmendorf also noted that the ACA is actually expected to boost the economy in the near-term by making health insurance and medical care affordable for the poorest Americans, giving them the freedom to spend money in other areas of the economy. “On balance, CBO estimates that the ACA will boost overall demand for goods and services over the next few years,” states the report."
"In fact, the CBO report explicitly states that the estimated reduction in labor “stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in businesses’ demand for labor” and that “there is no compelling evidence that part-time employment has increased as a result of ACA.” Those notions are further supported by economic data on full- and part-time employment trends over the last several years. Simply put, the report finds that Obamacare will reduce the number of people who are forced to work a job merely for the sake of health insurance.
Elmendorf also noted that the ACA is actually expected to boost the economy in the near-term by making health insurance and medical care affordable for the poorest Americans, giving them the freedom to spend money in other areas of the economy. “On balance, CBO estimates that the ACA will boost overall demand for goods and services over the next few years,” states the report."
The GOP's Coke Freak-Out
The GOP's Coke Freak-Out
"Last March, RNC chairman Reince Preibus promised that his party would try to make itself more appealing to women and minorities, but a year of scandals and politically incorrect freakouts - the most recent over a Coca Cola ad of all things - shows that the Republican Party still embracing their Southern Strategy."
"Last March, RNC chairman Reince Preibus promised that his party would try to make itself more appealing to women and minorities, but a year of scandals and politically incorrect freakouts - the most recent over a Coca Cola ad of all things - shows that the Republican Party still embracing their Southern Strategy."
Obamacare Finally Gives Workers The Freedom Conservatives Demanded
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/04/3249671/obamacare-job-lock/
"Academic research has quantified the cost of keeping health care coverage connected to the workplace. In 2008, researchers at Harvard estimated that there are “11 million people who would like to change jobs but are locked into their current job simply to keep their insurance,” while other studies have found that “job-to-job mobility is estimated to increase by as much as 25 percent when alternative group coverage is available.”
As Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) explained in 2008, while rolling out the health care proposal that animated his presidential campaign, “‘job lock’ reduces opportunities for American workers because they often pass up new jobs for fear of losing their health care coverage.” The health care law will start to change that predicament."
"Academic research has quantified the cost of keeping health care coverage connected to the workplace. In 2008, researchers at Harvard estimated that there are “11 million people who would like to change jobs but are locked into their current job simply to keep their insurance,” while other studies have found that “job-to-job mobility is estimated to increase by as much as 25 percent when alternative group coverage is available.”
As Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) explained in 2008, while rolling out the health care proposal that animated his presidential campaign, “‘job lock’ reduces opportunities for American workers because they often pass up new jobs for fear of losing their health care coverage.” The health care law will start to change that predicament."
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sen. Ted Cruz: Not enforcing federal marijuana laws in Colorado is ‘dangerous to liberty’
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/04/sen-ted-cruz-not-enforcing-federal-marijuana-laws-in-colorado-is-dangerous-to-liberty/
"Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has again criticized President Barack Obama for not overriding state marijuana laws."
"Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has again criticized President Barack Obama for not overriding state marijuana laws."
Laura Ingraham: Justice Sotomayor’s “allegiance” is to “her immigrant family background” and not the Constitution
Laura Ingraham: Justice Sotomayor’s “allegiance” is to “her immigrant family background” and not the Constitution
"The right-wing radio host uses the first Latina Supreme Court Justice to question immigrants' patriotism"
"The right-wing radio host uses the first Latina Supreme Court Justice to question immigrants' patriotism"
Another Dirty Trick: GOP Creates Websites To Fool Democrats Into Giving Them Cash
www.alternet.org/another-dirty-trick-gop-creates-websites-fool-democrats-giving-them-cash
"In December 2013, the National Journal reported on these misleading websites. The outlet noted that look-alike sites might violate federal election laws. But no action on them will likely be taken, since the Federal Election Commission is gridlocked, split between 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans."
"In December 2013, the National Journal reported on these misleading websites. The outlet noted that look-alike sites might violate federal election laws. But no action on them will likely be taken, since the Federal Election Commission is gridlocked, split between 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans."
No, the CBO Did Not Find That the ACA Kills Jobs
No, the CBO Did Not Find That the ACA Kills Jobs
"The Congressional Budget Office released its Budget and Economic Outlook, and, in Appendix C, one can find an expanded discussion of the labor market effects of the Affordable Care Act.
Not surprisingly, the CBO finds that, all else equal, people are less likely to work and will work fewer hours under the ACA. They find, and I quote, “The estimated reduction stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in business’ demand for labor” (page 117).
These are purely voluntary labor supply decisions, not people being laid off from jobs they’d rather keep, or people looking for work and being unable to find it. Working-age adults can now choose, without regard to their need to secure health insurance, whether they wish to supply labor and how much labor they wish to supply to the labor market. This is unabashedly a good thing for them.
Opponents of the ACA will try to paint these CBO estimates as evidence that the ACA has “killed jobs” or something like it. That’s flat wrong. What the ACA has done is expand the menu of options available to Americans about how to obtain decent health insurance without having their income fall to poverty levels. That menu used to include one option—“go to work for a large employer.” The fact that it’s broader now is an unambiguously good thing."
"The Congressional Budget Office released its Budget and Economic Outlook, and, in Appendix C, one can find an expanded discussion of the labor market effects of the Affordable Care Act.
Not surprisingly, the CBO finds that, all else equal, people are less likely to work and will work fewer hours under the ACA. They find, and I quote, “The estimated reduction stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in business’ demand for labor” (page 117).
These are purely voluntary labor supply decisions, not people being laid off from jobs they’d rather keep, or people looking for work and being unable to find it. Working-age adults can now choose, without regard to their need to secure health insurance, whether they wish to supply labor and how much labor they wish to supply to the labor market. This is unabashedly a good thing for them.
Opponents of the ACA will try to paint these CBO estimates as evidence that the ACA has “killed jobs” or something like it. That’s flat wrong. What the ACA has done is expand the menu of options available to Americans about how to obtain decent health insurance without having their income fall to poverty levels. That menu used to include one option—“go to work for a large employer.” The fact that it’s broader now is an unambiguously good thing."
Christie’s shameless, desperate new play: Wooing the GOP base
Christie’s shameless, desperate new play: Wooing the GOP base
"It’s almost sad. Chris Christie, putative GOP savior, supposed scourge of the party’s right-wing saboteurs, in the minds of Republican establishment figures and donors anyway, is now courting the far-right base he was supposed to crush.
Desperately clutching his presidential hopes when he ought to be working to remain as New Jersey’s governor, Christie is taking a page from an old GOP playbook: attacking the “liberal media” while courting reactionaries – specifically those who gather annually at the Conservative Political Action Committee.
You may recall that last year Christie was snubbed by the folks who organize the annual winter gathering of the far-right faithful. Mitt Romney went so far as to implore CPAC to listen to voices like Christie’s."
"It’s almost sad. Chris Christie, putative GOP savior, supposed scourge of the party’s right-wing saboteurs, in the minds of Republican establishment figures and donors anyway, is now courting the far-right base he was supposed to crush.
Desperately clutching his presidential hopes when he ought to be working to remain as New Jersey’s governor, Christie is taking a page from an old GOP playbook: attacking the “liberal media” while courting reactionaries – specifically those who gather annually at the Conservative Political Action Committee.
You may recall that last year Christie was snubbed by the folks who organize the annual winter gathering of the far-right faithful. Mitt Romney went so far as to implore CPAC to listen to voices like Christie’s."
CBO Report Blows Away GOP ACA Lies
CBO Report Blows Away GOP ACA Lies
"Today's CBO report on the ACA was so bad for Republicans that they're spinning furiously to minimize the damage. While Fox News, Fox Business, and MSNBC's favorite GOP mouthpiece Chuck Todd intentionally misstate the report's findings to support repeal, the facts are there in black and white."
"Today's CBO report on the ACA was so bad for Republicans that they're spinning furiously to minimize the damage. While Fox News, Fox Business, and MSNBC's favorite GOP mouthpiece Chuck Todd intentionally misstate the report's findings to support repeal, the facts are there in black and white."
GOP’s new dirty trick: Why our election laws are a joke
GOP’s new dirty trick: Why our election laws are a joke
"The National Republican Congressional Committee has set up a number of websites that look like they could be a Democratic candidate’s campaign page, unless you read the fine print. They may even violate a Federal Election Commission regulation"
"The National Republican Congressional Committee has set up a number of websites that look like they could be a Democratic candidate’s campaign page, unless you read the fine print. They may even violate a Federal Election Commission regulation"
Watch What Happens When A Woman Tells Rep. Bridenstine Obama Should Be Executed (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/04/bridenstine-obama-executed/
"It is disappointing, however, that a U.S. Congressman, no matter how much he hates Obama, would not immediately speak out against and condemn talk of executing him."
"It is disappointing, however, that a U.S. Congressman, no matter how much he hates Obama, would not immediately speak out against and condemn talk of executing him."
Why Did Obama Go to Costco? Our Wage Calculator Explains
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/01/costco-vs-walmart-how-many-hours-do-you-need-work-survive
"Check how many hours it would take you to make a living working at Costco vs. Walmart." (Reposted)
"Check how many hours it would take you to make a living working at Costco vs. Walmart." (Reposted)
GOP Cuts To SNAP Hit Their Constituents, Walmart Profits Fall
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/02/food-stamp-cuts-hit/
"The suffering poor have felt the pain. In fact, most of the pain is in red states, as they are more dependent on government handouts. The stockholders of the stores that service the poor and working poor now feel a reduction in profits. Everyone knows that is a red light for them. Will the GOP respond to assist their masters?"
"The suffering poor have felt the pain. In fact, most of the pain is in red states, as they are more dependent on government handouts. The stockholders of the stores that service the poor and working poor now feel a reduction in profits. Everyone knows that is a red light for them. Will the GOP respond to assist their masters?"
RNC Names Obamacare Supporter A ‘Republican Trailblazer’
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/04/3244131/republican-trailblazer-obamacare/
"He also didn’t mince words about the Republican Party and their efforts to repeal the law, pointing out the support that his own similar plan received from many of the same Republicans now fighting to undo the law."
"He also didn’t mince words about the Republican Party and their efforts to repeal the law, pointing out the support that his own similar plan received from many of the same Republicans now fighting to undo the law."
Haley Barbour Should be Banned From Defending Gov. Chris Christie On TV News
Haley Barbour Should be Banned From Defending Gov. Chris Christie On TV News
"Gov. Haley Barbour is a lobbyist for AshBritt, a Florida debris-removal company that received a no-bid contract from Gov. Chris Christie for Hurricane Sandy debris removal. Would you be surprised to learn that Barbour is also a huge Chris Christie supporter?"
"Gov. Haley Barbour is a lobbyist for AshBritt, a Florida debris-removal company that received a no-bid contract from Gov. Chris Christie for Hurricane Sandy debris removal. Would you be surprised to learn that Barbour is also a huge Chris Christie supporter?"
Monday, February 3, 2014
The 10 Vilest Things Right-Wing Nutjobs Spewed This Week: Equality Sucks Edition
www.alternet.org/10-vilest-things-right-wing-nutjobs-spewed-week-equality-sucks-edition
"Surprise, surprise, a one percenter thinks we are not all created equal."
"Surprise, surprise, a one percenter thinks we are not all created equal."
Darrell Issa’s Agenda Outed As He Is Labeled a Pure Enemy Of The U.S. Postal Service
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/03/darrell-issas-agenda-outed-proclaimed-pure-enemy-u-s-postal-service.html
"Republicans are out to destroy the USPS because they employ over 500,000 Americans, many of them Veterans, who all happen to belong to a union and earn middle class incomes. The USPS would not have to “farm out” services to low-paying retail corporations like Staples if Republicans did not pass a requirement that no company on Earth could survive. Republicans knew the postal service would be profitable without the pre-funding requirement. One thing is certain, if it was a requirement they felt would help businesses, they would demand that churches, WalMart, McDonalds, the oil industry, and agricultural corporations that reap taxpayer subsidies while posting obscene profits follow the same requirements. The postal service is being singled out because workers make living wages, belong to unions, and are considered a government entity’s employees that put them squarely in the crosshairs for privatization Republicans are hastening by attempting to end Saturday delivery and completely phase out the postal service by 2022."
"Republicans are out to destroy the USPS because they employ over 500,000 Americans, many of them Veterans, who all happen to belong to a union and earn middle class incomes. The USPS would not have to “farm out” services to low-paying retail corporations like Staples if Republicans did not pass a requirement that no company on Earth could survive. Republicans knew the postal service would be profitable without the pre-funding requirement. One thing is certain, if it was a requirement they felt would help businesses, they would demand that churches, WalMart, McDonalds, the oil industry, and agricultural corporations that reap taxpayer subsidies while posting obscene profits follow the same requirements. The postal service is being singled out because workers make living wages, belong to unions, and are considered a government entity’s employees that put them squarely in the crosshairs for privatization Republicans are hastening by attempting to end Saturday delivery and completely phase out the postal service by 2022."
Decent Economic Growth Hides The Increasing Gap Between the Rich and Everyone Else
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/02/decent-economic-growth-hides-increasing-gap-rich.html
"It is important to remember that the Commerce Department, Congressional Budget Office, and every economist not working for the Heritage Foundation predicted austerity would take a toll on economic growth that bore fruit in 2013, but it still predominates Republican economic policy and Americans will continue suffering until austerity is rejected. Of course, Republicans are well aware their austerity is crushing the economic life out of Americans and that their wealthy donors are reaping the benefits of austerity that protects them from tax reform to close loopholes that only the rich benefit from. Closing loopholes would help fund the more than $1 trillion infrastructure improvements called for by fiscal conservative and Republican economic expert Martin Feldstein. However, Republicans are not about to make any moves that help the economy, or millions of Americans struggling with economic insecurity because as long as promising economic reports benefit their wealthy donors exclusively, they will cling to austerity because it kills jobs, increases poverty, and protects the rich."
"It is important to remember that the Commerce Department, Congressional Budget Office, and every economist not working for the Heritage Foundation predicted austerity would take a toll on economic growth that bore fruit in 2013, but it still predominates Republican economic policy and Americans will continue suffering until austerity is rejected. Of course, Republicans are well aware their austerity is crushing the economic life out of Americans and that their wealthy donors are reaping the benefits of austerity that protects them from tax reform to close loopholes that only the rich benefit from. Closing loopholes would help fund the more than $1 trillion infrastructure improvements called for by fiscal conservative and Republican economic expert Martin Feldstein. However, Republicans are not about to make any moves that help the economy, or millions of Americans struggling with economic insecurity because as long as promising economic reports benefit their wealthy donors exclusively, they will cling to austerity because it kills jobs, increases poverty, and protects the rich."
Meet the Next Michele Bachmann
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/michele-bachmann-congress-emmer-krinkie-primary
"Bachmann will no longer be around to carry the Tea Party banner in Congress. But she's almost guaranteed to be replaced by another far-right conservative. Minnesota's 6th congressional district skews heavily Republican—voting 56 percent for Romney in 2012. Whichever GOPer emerges from the primary should easily waltz to a general election win in November. And that successor could either be a Bachmann clone or Minnesota's own version of Grover Norquist."
"Bachmann will no longer be around to carry the Tea Party banner in Congress. But she's almost guaranteed to be replaced by another far-right conservative. Minnesota's 6th congressional district skews heavily Republican—voting 56 percent for Romney in 2012. Whichever GOPer emerges from the primary should easily waltz to a general election win in November. And that successor could either be a Bachmann clone or Minnesota's own version of Grover Norquist."
Obama Slams Fox News For Pushing Conspiracy Theories During Super Bowl Interview
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/02/obama-slams-fox-news-pushing-conspiracy-theories-super-bowl-interview.html
"The O’Reilly interview wasn’t a tough discussion of issues. It was crazed conspiracy theories. O’Reilly was so far out of touch with reality that he should have asked Obama about alien abductions, and the whether the moon landing was real or faked."
"The O’Reilly interview wasn’t a tough discussion of issues. It was crazed conspiracy theories. O’Reilly was so far out of touch with reality that he should have asked Obama about alien abductions, and the whether the moon landing was real or faked."
The Dangerous Charade of Billionaire Victims | Common Dreams
The Dangerous Charade of Billionaire Victims | Common Dreams
""Over the past 30-odd years, since Reagan, a vast share of the nation’s income and wealth has been transferred from the poor, working, and middle classes to the very wealthy. Twenty five years ago, the top 1% of income earners pulled in 12% of the nation’s income, today they get twice that, 25%. And the rate of transfer is accelerating."
""Over the past 30-odd years, since Reagan, a vast share of the nation’s income and wealth has been transferred from the poor, working, and middle classes to the very wealthy. Twenty five years ago, the top 1% of income earners pulled in 12% of the nation’s income, today they get twice that, 25%. And the rate of transfer is accelerating."
More Proof that the Republican Party is Spiraling Toward its Final Days of Being Nationally Relevant
www.forwardprogressives.com/more-proof-that-the-republican-party-is-spiraling-toward-its-final-days-of-being-nationally-relevant/
"In fact the tea party continues to drop in popularity nationally, though it still maintains a strong presence within the Republican party itself.
So this is the future of the GOP if these tea party backed candidates continue to “primary” more moderate Republicans. They’ll still maintain many of their seats in more rural areas that are strongly conservative. But in most of the more moderate areas they’re going to run some of these insane candidates under the Republican banner who believe things like the world is 6,000 years old and evolution is a myth, against a Democrat who appeals much more to the common voter because they believe in things like science.
They’ll never be gone, but they’ll shrink to a point that they’ll essentially have no power in Congress and absolutely no chance at the presidency."
"In fact the tea party continues to drop in popularity nationally, though it still maintains a strong presence within the Republican party itself.
So this is the future of the GOP if these tea party backed candidates continue to “primary” more moderate Republicans. They’ll still maintain many of their seats in more rural areas that are strongly conservative. But in most of the more moderate areas they’re going to run some of these insane candidates under the Republican banner who believe things like the world is 6,000 years old and evolution is a myth, against a Democrat who appeals much more to the common voter because they believe in things like science.
They’ll never be gone, but they’ll shrink to a point that they’ll essentially have no power in Congress and absolutely no chance at the presidency."
Angry right’s secret revulsion: Why they really dodge minimum wage questions
Angry right’s secret revulsion: Why they <em>really</em> dodge minimum wage questions
"It’s no great secret that Republicans oppose increasing the minimum wage. They don’t pretend it’s something they want to do under any circumstances. They don’t even really bother disguising their opposition. They cloak their view in dated and oversimplified economic arguments about labor demand and economic growth when the real impediment is ideological, and so it’s a somewhat better kept secret that many Republicans oppose the minimum wage altogether."
"It’s no great secret that Republicans oppose increasing the minimum wage. They don’t pretend it’s something they want to do under any circumstances. They don’t even really bother disguising their opposition. They cloak their view in dated and oversimplified economic arguments about labor demand and economic growth when the real impediment is ideological, and so it’s a somewhat better kept secret that many Republicans oppose the minimum wage altogether."
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Implementing the Affordable Care Act: The State of the States
www.commonwealthfund.org/Publications/Fund-Reports/2014/Jan/Implementing-the-Affordable-Care-Act.aspx
"States varied significantly in their approach to implementing the Affordable Care Act’s three major components, but states were most likely to take new action to implement the market reforms. These reforms include access to coverage for young adults, a ban on preexisting condition exclusions, the coverage of a minimum set of essential health benefits, and a ban on lifetime limits for health care coverage, among other critical consumer protections. To date, 32 states and the District of Columbia have taken new legislative or regulatory action on at least one of the market reforms. Of these, 11 states addressed all of the reforms studied in this report."
"States varied significantly in their approach to implementing the Affordable Care Act’s three major components, but states were most likely to take new action to implement the market reforms. These reforms include access to coverage for young adults, a ban on preexisting condition exclusions, the coverage of a minimum set of essential health benefits, and a ban on lifetime limits for health care coverage, among other critical consumer protections. To date, 32 states and the District of Columbia have taken new legislative or regulatory action on at least one of the market reforms. Of these, 11 states addressed all of the reforms studied in this report."
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Juan Cole: Rep. Cathy Rodgers Exemplifies GOP: Benefit From Gov’t Yourself, Deny Benefits to Others - Juan Cole - Truthdig
Juan Cole: Rep. Cathy Rodgers Exemplifies GOP: Benefit From Gov’t Yourself, Deny Benefits to Others - Juan Cole - Truthdig
"Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in giving her response to President Obama’s State of the Union message exemplified everything wrong with today’s Republican Party."
"Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in giving her response to President Obama’s State of the Union message exemplified everything wrong with today’s Republican Party."
Republicans Are Disgracing America With Their Talk of Impeaching President Obama
www.politicususa.com/2014/02/01/republicans-disgracing-america-talk-impeaching-president-obama.html
"Republicans still refuse to accept the fact that President Obama is the president. They have tried every tactic to delegitimize him. Republicans have questioned the president’s citizenship, his education, and his entire biography. They have used the president’s skin color against him, and invoked racial stereotypes in repeated attempts to diminish his presidency. They have obstructed his agenda legislatively, and until recently, tried to thwart his ability to run the executive branch competently by refusing to confirm needed staff members.
All of this has failed, and Republicans are desperate."
"Republicans still refuse to accept the fact that President Obama is the president. They have tried every tactic to delegitimize him. Republicans have questioned the president’s citizenship, his education, and his entire biography. They have used the president’s skin color against him, and invoked racial stereotypes in repeated attempts to diminish his presidency. They have obstructed his agenda legislatively, and until recently, tried to thwart his ability to run the executive branch competently by refusing to confirm needed staff members.
All of this has failed, and Republicans are desperate."
GOP Slams ‘Imperial’ Obama After Fewest Executive Orders In 100 Years (CHART)
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/presidents-most-executive-orders
"But, as the chart above shows, Obama has been downright thrifty in issuing executive orders by historical standards.
His 168 executive orders come out to less than 0.1 for every day he's been in office. FDR, by comparison, was cranking out close to one per day as he faced the Great Depression and World War II. The first half of the 20th century was the prime time for executive action, at least when measured by executive orders per day in office. Herbert Hoover, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge rounded out the top five by that metric.
And, despite the Republican rhetoric, the numbers suggest that presidential power, as wielded by volume of executive orders anyway, is actually declining. George W. Bush and Obama recorded the fewest orders per day in office since before 1900."
"But, as the chart above shows, Obama has been downright thrifty in issuing executive orders by historical standards.
His 168 executive orders come out to less than 0.1 for every day he's been in office. FDR, by comparison, was cranking out close to one per day as he faced the Great Depression and World War II. The first half of the 20th century was the prime time for executive action, at least when measured by executive orders per day in office. Herbert Hoover, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge rounded out the top five by that metric.
And, despite the Republican rhetoric, the numbers suggest that presidential power, as wielded by volume of executive orders anyway, is actually declining. George W. Bush and Obama recorded the fewest orders per day in office since before 1900."
8 Insidious Attacks on Our Democracy That You Don't Know About
www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/8-insidious-attacks-our-democracy-you-dont-know-about
"This year is shaping up to be another season where the GOP’s gameplan is to reshape the electorate and election rules to retain their power; instead of bringing all eligible voters into the process, running on the strength of their ideas, and trusting voters’ decisions. What follows are eight aggressive GOP attacks on democracy."
"This year is shaping up to be another season where the GOP’s gameplan is to reshape the electorate and election rules to retain their power; instead of bringing all eligible voters into the process, running on the strength of their ideas, and trusting voters’ decisions. What follows are eight aggressive GOP attacks on democracy."
Rep. Jim Bridenstine Shrugs Off Questioner Who Called For Obama To Be Killed | Right Wing Watch
Rep. Jim Bridenstine Shrugs Off Questioner Who Called For Obama To Be Killed | Right Wing Watch
"At a breakfast event with the Tea Party organization Tulsa 9:12 Project last week, Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) saw no need to rebuke or even disagree with a questioner who said that President Obama should be executed."
"At a breakfast event with the Tea Party organization Tulsa 9:12 Project last week, Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) saw no need to rebuke or even disagree with a questioner who said that President Obama should be executed."
Friday, January 31, 2014
STUDY: Average Obamacare Plans Are Cheaper Than Employer-Sponsored Ones
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/01/30/3226271/obamacare-premiums-employer-plans/
"Premiums for most health plans sold through Obamacare’s state and federal marketplaces are lower than those for the average employer-sponsored plan, according to a new analysis by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)."
"Premiums for most health plans sold through Obamacare’s state and federal marketplaces are lower than those for the average employer-sponsored plan, according to a new analysis by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)."
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