Friday, October 17, 2014
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Save Safety Net Programs Billions and Help Ensure Businesses Are Doing Their Fair Share | Economic Policy Institute
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Save Safety Net Programs Billions and Help Ensure Businesses Are Doing Their Fair Share | Economic Policy Institute
"Raising the minimum wage would lift incomes for millions of working Americans and their families, while providing budgetary savings in means-tested public assistance programs—savings that should be repurposed into either new programs or expansions of existing programs to further leverage the poverty-fighting impact of this spending. Raising the minimum wage is one simple and long-overdue step toward rebalancing the social contract so that the private and public sectors are more equal participants in improving living standards for American workers."
"Raising the minimum wage would lift incomes for millions of working Americans and their families, while providing budgetary savings in means-tested public assistance programs—savings that should be repurposed into either new programs or expansions of existing programs to further leverage the poverty-fighting impact of this spending. Raising the minimum wage is one simple and long-overdue step toward rebalancing the social contract so that the private and public sectors are more equal participants in improving living standards for American workers."
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Scott Walker’s culture war subterfuge: How the Tea Partier conceals his radical agenda
Scott Walker’s culture war subterfuge: How the Tea Partier conceals his radical agenda
"The Wisconsin governor is positioning himself as a social moderate, but he's in lockstep with Rick Santorum"
"The Wisconsin governor is positioning himself as a social moderate, but he's in lockstep with Rick Santorum"
Rush Limbaugh's Desperation Is Showing
Rush Limbaugh's Desperation Is Showing
"Rush Limbaugh is a millstone around the neck of the talk radio format.
The nation's largest radio broadcasting company, Clear Channel, has been shedding jobs for a while now. Despite rebranding itself as iHeart Communications, the company remains mired deeply in debt thanks to a 2008 private-equity deal with Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Facing a negative cash flow, iHeart Communications is moving into digital radio because broadcast revenue is expected to be flat until 2018. Their junk bonds are among the riskiest on Wall Street, rated CCC, which means "currently vulnerable to nonpayment," "substantial risk" and "extremely speculative." Rather than pay off their debts, iHeart Communications is finding creative ways to delay the inevitable - and offering higher interest to attract capital to their very risky terms.
Clear Channel has never been profitable since the Bain deal, but the fiscal year ending in June 2013 saw the company's first cash-flow deficit in four years. So what happened in 2012? StopRush is what happened. Limbaugh's disgusting three-day tirade of misogyny against Sandra Fluke spawned a huge reaction in social media and blogs, leading thousands of volunteers to start a divestment effort aimed at convincing sponsors to pull their ads from his program."
"Rush Limbaugh is a millstone around the neck of the talk radio format.
The nation's largest radio broadcasting company, Clear Channel, has been shedding jobs for a while now. Despite rebranding itself as iHeart Communications, the company remains mired deeply in debt thanks to a 2008 private-equity deal with Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Facing a negative cash flow, iHeart Communications is moving into digital radio because broadcast revenue is expected to be flat until 2018. Their junk bonds are among the riskiest on Wall Street, rated CCC, which means "currently vulnerable to nonpayment," "substantial risk" and "extremely speculative." Rather than pay off their debts, iHeart Communications is finding creative ways to delay the inevitable - and offering higher interest to attract capital to their very risky terms.
Clear Channel has never been profitable since the Bain deal, but the fiscal year ending in June 2013 saw the company's first cash-flow deficit in four years. So what happened in 2012? StopRush is what happened. Limbaugh's disgusting three-day tirade of misogyny against Sandra Fluke spawned a huge reaction in social media and blogs, leading thousands of volunteers to start a divestment effort aimed at convincing sponsors to pull their ads from his program."
Republicans hard at work to stoke Ebola panic, just in time for the election
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/16/1337071/-Republicans-hard-at-work-to-stoke-Ebola-panic-just-in-time-for-the-election
"Republicans win on fear. None of their Obamacare horror stories—the issue they were counting on for this election—have panned out, so they need something to put gin up both fear and Obama hatred in their base, wringing one more midterm election out of them."
"Republicans win on fear. None of their Obamacare horror stories—the issue they were counting on for this election—have panned out, so they need something to put gin up both fear and Obama hatred in their base, wringing one more midterm election out of them."
Rush Limbaugh Admits He’s Causing Panic Over Ebola To Help GOP Win Midterm Elections
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/10/16/rush-limbaugh-admits-causing-panic-ebola-gop-win-midterm-elections.html
"Obviously, Shep Smith touched a nerve with Limbaugh. In Limbaugh’s mind, he sees Fox News as kindred spirits if not direct allies. While he occasionally will criticize the network, he only does so if he feels they aren’t pushing the conservative narrative enough regarding a specific subject. When one of the network’s most visible anchors blasts the Conservative Entertainment Complex, it feels like a direct betrayal. Sure, Smith is perhaps the only one that has any credibility left at the network, but he still works for Roger Ailes and needs to toe the company line. Limbaugh is essentially telling those at Fox News that Shep needs to be put in his place.
While it was genuinely refreshing to see someone at Fox News, of all places, call out the right-wing noise machine for being irresponsible, it isn’t going to stop Limbaugh and others. It will only embolden them. Expect non-stop fear mongering and Chicken Little declarations for the next three weeks, minimum."
"Obviously, Shep Smith touched a nerve with Limbaugh. In Limbaugh’s mind, he sees Fox News as kindred spirits if not direct allies. While he occasionally will criticize the network, he only does so if he feels they aren’t pushing the conservative narrative enough regarding a specific subject. When one of the network’s most visible anchors blasts the Conservative Entertainment Complex, it feels like a direct betrayal. Sure, Smith is perhaps the only one that has any credibility left at the network, but he still works for Roger Ailes and needs to toe the company line. Limbaugh is essentially telling those at Fox News that Shep needs to be put in his place.
While it was genuinely refreshing to see someone at Fox News, of all places, call out the right-wing noise machine for being irresponsible, it isn’t going to stop Limbaugh and others. It will only embolden them. Expect non-stop fear mongering and Chicken Little declarations for the next three weeks, minimum."
Pay to Prey: Governors Facilitate the Predatory Outsourcing of America's Public Services
Pay to Prey: Governors Facilitate the Predatory Outsourcing of America's Public Services
"While large corporations are the winners in this scenario, all too often taxpayers are the losers when transparency, accountability and the public interest are sold out to for-profit firms."
"While large corporations are the winners in this scenario, all too often taxpayers are the losers when transparency, accountability and the public interest are sold out to for-profit firms."
Tom Cotton says people with pre-existing conditions were 'happy' before Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/15/1336800/-Tom-Cotton-says-people-with-pre-existing-conditions-were-happy-before-Obamacare
"Where some Republicans have tried to finesse that particular issue, insisting that they will preserve that provision, Cotton is happy to throw people, as Pryor says, back to the wolves."
"Where some Republicans have tried to finesse that particular issue, insisting that they will preserve that provision, Cotton is happy to throw people, as Pryor says, back to the wolves."
Mike Huckabee Tells GOP To 'Grow A Spine,' Hate Harder. Fixated Much, Mike?
Mike Huckabee Tells GOP To 'Grow A Spine,' Hate Harder. Fixated Much, Mike?
"Continuing last week's hissy fit, Mike Huckabee stomps his hooves and smacks Republicans for not hating gays more."
"Continuing last week's hissy fit, Mike Huckabee stomps his hooves and smacks Republicans for not hating gays more."
As Early Voting Starts, Democrat Michelle Nunn Pulls Ahead by 3 Points in Georgia
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/10/15/early-voting-starts-democrat-michelle-nunn-pulls-3-points-georgia-senate-race.html
"Republican Perdue has been working hard to destroy his own campaign by claiming he is “proud of” his career outsourcing jobs, which he said he had spent most of his career doing."
"Republican Perdue has been working hard to destroy his own campaign by claiming he is “proud of” his career outsourcing jobs, which he said he had spent most of his career doing."
New Poll Shows Republicans Are Running Against The Top Issue for Working Women
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/10/14/winning-poll-shows-republicans-running-top-issue-working-women.html
"Sadly for the Republican Party, they bet against equal pay, voting against it seven times."
"Sadly for the Republican Party, they bet against equal pay, voting against it seven times."
Fox News “Medical A-Team” Doctor Lets Loose Full-Blown Racist Rant Against President Obama
Fox News “Medical A-Team” Doctor Lets Loose Full-Blown Racist Rant Against President Obama
"Ablow belongs on some small, hack conspiracy site peddling his outrageous nonsense. Instead, he’s featured on the largest cable news channel on television, Fox News. And that right there tells you the quality of the information that network provides."
"Ablow belongs on some small, hack conspiracy site peddling his outrageous nonsense. Instead, he’s featured on the largest cable news channel on television, Fox News. And that right there tells you the quality of the information that network provides."
Senate Candidate Says Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Better Off Before ACA
Senate Candidate Says Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Better Off Before ACA
"If Arkansas elects this frat boy to the Senate, they will live to regret it."
"If Arkansas elects this frat boy to the Senate, they will live to regret it."
RNC Chair Reince Priebus Is A Big Fat Liar About GOP Cuts To Public Health Funding
RNC Chair Reince Priebus Is A Big Fat Liar About GOP Cuts To Public Health Funding
"But an unfortunate thing happened right afterward, in 2010…we put a bunch of Tea Partiers in office. A group of obstructionists Hell-bent on stopping every last funding bill that passed by, and cutting every government service until the whole system collapsed. Remember those guys? Remember that whole “austerity” thing, and the government shutdown? The people who hated the useless, do-nothing government so much, they swore we’d all be better off without it?"
"But an unfortunate thing happened right afterward, in 2010…we put a bunch of Tea Partiers in office. A group of obstructionists Hell-bent on stopping every last funding bill that passed by, and cutting every government service until the whole system collapsed. Remember those guys? Remember that whole “austerity” thing, and the government shutdown? The people who hated the useless, do-nothing government so much, they swore we’d all be better off without it?"
Cory Gardner Absolutely Nailed By Debate Moderators For Personhood Stance
Cory Gardner Absolutely Nailed By Debate Moderators For Personhood Stance
"The Colorado Senate debate took an interesting turn when moderators actually functioned as journalists and exposed Cory Gardner's lies about his support for the Colorado personhood amendment."
"The Colorado Senate debate took an interesting turn when moderators actually functioned as journalists and exposed Cory Gardner's lies about his support for the Colorado personhood amendment."
The Obama Hope and Change Index: 6 Years of Progress, By the Numbers
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-obama-hope-and-change-index-6-years-of-progress-by-the-numbers-20141008
"Peak unemployment, October 2009: 10 percent
Unemployment rate now: 5.9 percent
Consecutive private sector job growth: 55 months
Private sector jobs created: 10.3 million
Federal deficit, 2009: 9.8 percent of GDP
Deficit in 2014: 2.8 percent of GDP
Average under Ronald Reagan: 4.2 percent of GDP"
"Peak unemployment, October 2009: 10 percent
Unemployment rate now: 5.9 percent
Consecutive private sector job growth: 55 months
Private sector jobs created: 10.3 million
Federal deficit, 2009: 9.8 percent of GDP
Deficit in 2014: 2.8 percent of GDP
Average under Ronald Reagan: 4.2 percent of GDP"
Companies Warn That Income Inequality Is Hurting Their Business
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/10/15/3580001/retail-middle-out-analysis/
"After decades as the dominant economic theory in American politics, trickle-down economics is starting to lose its grip on the debate. For evidence of that slippage, look no further than the business community’s own communications with investors.
Two thirds of the largest retail companies in the country say falling incomes for their customers threaten their business"
"After decades as the dominant economic theory in American politics, trickle-down economics is starting to lose its grip on the debate. For evidence of that slippage, look no further than the business community’s own communications with investors.
Two thirds of the largest retail companies in the country say falling incomes for their customers threaten their business"
Scott Walker fighting for his political life as voters reject his callous policies
Scott Walker fighting for his political life as voters reject his callous policies
"Walker’s decline in the polls comes as Wisconsinites express emphatic opposition to the Tea Party favorite’s callous economic policies."
"Walker’s decline in the polls comes as Wisconsinites express emphatic opposition to the Tea Party favorite’s callous economic policies."
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Anti-Union, Low-Wage States Spend More On Safety-Net Help
Anti-Union, Low-Wage States Spend More On Safety-Net Help
"The study also found that workers in right-to-work states account for just 37.4 percent of all federal income tax revenues, but receive 41.9 percent of all non-health, non-retirement government assistance. This means that the better-paid people in union-friendly states are paying more taxes to subsidizing the low-wage earners in the right-to-work states."
"The study also found that workers in right-to-work states account for just 37.4 percent of all federal income tax revenues, but receive 41.9 percent of all non-health, non-retirement government assistance. This means that the better-paid people in union-friendly states are paying more taxes to subsidizing the low-wage earners in the right-to-work states."
Corrupt Judge Randa Rules That Prosecutors Can't Stop Corruption
Corrupt Judge Randa Rules That Prosecutors Can't Stop Corruption
"In February 2014, the Wisconsin Club for Growth (WCfG) and its director, Eric O'Keefe, filed a frivolous lawsuit in federal court, asking the court to stop the John Doe investigation into illegal collaboration between dark money special interest groups, like WCfG, and Scott Walker's campaign. The goal of the group was not only to stop the investigation but to get the court to legalize the corruption they were participating in."
"In February 2014, the Wisconsin Club for Growth (WCfG) and its director, Eric O'Keefe, filed a frivolous lawsuit in federal court, asking the court to stop the John Doe investigation into illegal collaboration between dark money special interest groups, like WCfG, and Scott Walker's campaign. The goal of the group was not only to stop the investigation but to get the court to legalize the corruption they were participating in."
Hightower: It's the Immigration Fearmongers We Should Be Worried About, Not Their Ebola Hype
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/hightower-scariest-thing-about-political-fearmongers-themselves
"It's embarrassing to learn that boneheads like this are actually taking up space in the United States Congress. No wonder they never get anything done. Duncan shouldn't be in Congress -- he ought to be sitting in a dunking booth at a state fair."
"It's embarrassing to learn that boneheads like this are actually taking up space in the United States Congress. No wonder they never get anything done. Duncan shouldn't be in Congress -- he ought to be sitting in a dunking booth at a state fair."
Who knew? Looks like proudly defending outsourcing is not a political winner
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/14/1336540/-Who-knew-Looks-like-proudly-defending-outsourcing-is-not-a-political-winner
"Georgia Republicans are being undone by their candidate, what with his undying lifelong love for shipping jobs overseas. First he was proud of his career choices, loving his job of destroying the American dream, then he tried to redefine the term outsourcing to mean buying a sandwich at a corner deli."
"Georgia Republicans are being undone by their candidate, what with his undying lifelong love for shipping jobs overseas. First he was proud of his career choices, loving his job of destroying the American dream, then he tried to redefine the term outsourcing to mean buying a sandwich at a corner deli."
Mitch McConnell Admits Republicans Want Kansas’ “Conservative Hell” Enacted Nationally
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/10/15/mitch-mcconnell-republicans-kansas-conservative-hell-enacted-nationally.html
"A sampling of Brownback’s agenda that Republicans at the national level want “to do here in Washington” according to the New Republic is “in the first fiscal year, enacting tax cuts that produced a staggering loss in revenue—$687.9 million, or 10.84 percent.” Brownback’s second round of tax cuts cut revenue by 45% as of June that was $92.9 million less than projected. The NR noted specifically that the nonpartisan Kansas Legislative Research Department predicts the state will be running deficits at least through fiscal year 2019 without some kind of drastic intervention. Many Kansas Republicans have been warning Brownback’s tax cuts will bankrupt the state within two years; something Mitch McConnell says is exactly the same thing Republicans want to do “when” they control the Senate.
They also noted that Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s last two credit downgrades will increase the state’s borrowing costs and further enlarge its deficit. Something Mitch McConnell promises is exactly the sort of thing Republicans want to do in Washington."
"A sampling of Brownback’s agenda that Republicans at the national level want “to do here in Washington” according to the New Republic is “in the first fiscal year, enacting tax cuts that produced a staggering loss in revenue—$687.9 million, or 10.84 percent.” Brownback’s second round of tax cuts cut revenue by 45% as of June that was $92.9 million less than projected. The NR noted specifically that the nonpartisan Kansas Legislative Research Department predicts the state will be running deficits at least through fiscal year 2019 without some kind of drastic intervention. Many Kansas Republicans have been warning Brownback’s tax cuts will bankrupt the state within two years; something Mitch McConnell says is exactly the same thing Republicans want to do “when” they control the Senate.
They also noted that Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s last two credit downgrades will increase the state’s borrowing costs and further enlarge its deficit. Something Mitch McConnell promises is exactly the sort of thing Republicans want to do in Washington."
Tom Cotton wants to restore bank profits in federal student loan programs
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/15/1336708/-Tom-Cotton-wants-to-restore-bank-profits-in-federal-student-loan-programs
"There's no question student loans still need to be fixed—you can talk to Sen. Elizabeth Warren about that—but the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act passed alongside Obamacare was a first step toward doing that, not some kind of theft of student money. If Republicans like Cotton are pissed about it, it's because they see the banks as their real constituents."
"There's no question student loans still need to be fixed—you can talk to Sen. Elizabeth Warren about that—but the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act passed alongside Obamacare was a first step toward doing that, not some kind of theft of student money. If Republicans like Cotton are pissed about it, it's because they see the banks as their real constituents."
Senate Candidate Orchestrated Racial Gerrymander, Now Praises Court For Striking It Down
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/10/14/3579320/ed-gillespie-gerrymander/
"In a debate with Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) Monday, Senate candidate Ed Gillespie (R-VA) praised a recent court decision for tossing out Virginia’s racially gerrymandered congressional maps — even though the maps were the direct result of a partisan redistricting scheme he himself crafted."
"In a debate with Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) Monday, Senate candidate Ed Gillespie (R-VA) praised a recent court decision for tossing out Virginia’s racially gerrymandered congressional maps — even though the maps were the direct result of a partisan redistricting scheme he himself crafted."
Where the Tea Party Rules
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/where-the-tea-party-rules-20141014
"Lima, Ohio, has been struggling for decades – and the GOP’s radical policies are making it even worse."
"Lima, Ohio, has been struggling for decades – and the GOP’s radical policies are making it even worse."
Scott Walker: Minimum Wage ‘Doesn’t Serve A Purpose’
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/10/14/3579694/scott-walker-minimum-wage/
"a growing chorus of Republicans have come out against having a minimum wage at all. Walker seems to be of the same mind, beyond just opposing an increase."
"a growing chorus of Republicans have come out against having a minimum wage at all. Walker seems to be of the same mind, beyond just opposing an increase."
John Oliver and Stephen Colbert’s latest victory: Mocking GOP’s lame play for millennials
John Oliver and Stephen Colbert’s latest victory: Mocking GOP’s lame play for millennials
"It’s widely known that the Republican Party has a demographic problem. The GOP is decidedly unappealing to millennials, women and people of color. Despite creative efforts to redistrict and despite pushing rules that limit the population’s ability to cast a vote, it remains true that these voters will likely pose a real challenge to GOP hopes in the midterm elections. Rather than rethink their stance on political issues that turns off these voters, the GOP decided to address the problem by creating a series of ads meant to help show these groups that they should be Republicans too. The point they have tried to make is, if you really knew what it means to be Republican, you would be one too.
The fact that the GOP decided to try to turn around voter patterns by simply rebranding, rather than addressing voter concerns, gave satirical comedians an entertaining opportunity to expose the flaws in this strategy."
"It’s widely known that the Republican Party has a demographic problem. The GOP is decidedly unappealing to millennials, women and people of color. Despite creative efforts to redistrict and despite pushing rules that limit the population’s ability to cast a vote, it remains true that these voters will likely pose a real challenge to GOP hopes in the midterm elections. Rather than rethink their stance on political issues that turns off these voters, the GOP decided to address the problem by creating a series of ads meant to help show these groups that they should be Republicans too. The point they have tried to make is, if you really knew what it means to be Republican, you would be one too.
The fact that the GOP decided to try to turn around voter patterns by simply rebranding, rather than addressing voter concerns, gave satirical comedians an entertaining opportunity to expose the flaws in this strategy."
Fox News doctor unloads on Obama in unhinged racial rant about Ebola
Fox News doctor unloads on Obama in unhinged racial rant about Ebola
"Psychiatrist Keith Ablow, a member of Fox News’ Medical A Team, embarked on an unhinged racial rant against President Obama this week, charging that Obama wants Ebola to spread in the U.S. because his “affinities, his affiliations are with” Africa, “not us"."
"Psychiatrist Keith Ablow, a member of Fox News’ Medical A Team, embarked on an unhinged racial rant against President Obama this week, charging that Obama wants Ebola to spread in the U.S. because his “affinities, his affiliations are with” Africa, “not us"."
Scott Walker: Minimum Wage 'Doesn't Serve A Purpose'
Scott Walker: Minimum Wage 'Doesn't Serve A Purpose'
"Sadly for the Republican Party, they bet against equal pay, voting against it seven times."
"Sadly for the Republican Party, they bet against equal pay, voting against it seven times."
Rep. Steve Stockman Wonders If Obama Is Using Ebola To Take Over Government
Rep. Steve Stockman Wonders If Obama Is Using Ebola To Take Over Government
"Tea party wacko Rep. Steve Stockman, who has been cited for dishonesty by the office of Congressional Ethics, and has compared migrant children to an Army invading France, told an End Times nutjob that he's worried President Obama might be allowing the spread of Ebola in America so he can assume complete control of the government."
"Tea party wacko Rep. Steve Stockman, who has been cited for dishonesty by the office of Congressional Ethics, and has compared migrant children to an Army invading France, told an End Times nutjob that he's worried President Obama might be allowing the spread of Ebola in America so he can assume complete control of the government."
RNC chair Preibus gets defensive over public health budget cuts
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/14/1336524/-RNC-chair-Preibus-gets-defensive-over-public-health-budget-nbsp-cuts
"Clearly, these budget cuts have stymied the U.S.'s response to the crisis. Because the private sector isn't going to invest the millions necessary into finding a vaccine or a treatment for Ebola, the response falls largely on the U.S. What's happening in West Africa now, and the cases that have come home, is the inevitable result of Republican politics with the budget.
Preibus is well aware of how vulnerable Republicans are to this attack. That's clear in his response. The desperation in this one is all on the Republican's side."
"Clearly, these budget cuts have stymied the U.S.'s response to the crisis. Because the private sector isn't going to invest the millions necessary into finding a vaccine or a treatment for Ebola, the response falls largely on the U.S. What's happening in West Africa now, and the cases that have come home, is the inevitable result of Republican politics with the budget.
Preibus is well aware of how vulnerable Republicans are to this attack. That's clear in his response. The desperation in this one is all on the Republican's side."
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
McConnell’s overlooked ACA lie: Lazy press coverage let McConnell get away with a whopper
McConnell’s overlooked ACA lie: Lazy press coverage let McConnell get away with a whopper
"McConnell is trying to trick people into believing that he can eliminate “Obamacare” while at the same time leave the successful parts of Obamacare untouched. He can’t. And the only way he can get away with that garbage argument is if reporters refuse to challenge him on it."
"McConnell is trying to trick people into believing that he can eliminate “Obamacare” while at the same time leave the successful parts of Obamacare untouched. He can’t. And the only way he can get away with that garbage argument is if reporters refuse to challenge him on it."
Mitch McConnell Admits Obamacare is a Success During Kentucky Senate Debate
Mitch McConnell Admits Obamacare is a Success During Kentucky Senate Debate
"This is what I don’t get about conservative voters. Republicans blatantly treat them like idiots. McConnell can’t honestly believe his constituents are intelligent, while trying to peddle nonsense such as this. Because it makes absolutely no sense. Yet despite the fact that McConnell is clearly relying on the ignorance of conservative voters not to question a statement that makes absolutely no sense, he knows they’ll eat it right up – without question – and still vote for him. But aren’t his comments a true testament to Republican idiocy? It’s not every day you’ll see a politician endorse the very law that he’s simultaneously pushing to have repealed."
"This is what I don’t get about conservative voters. Republicans blatantly treat them like idiots. McConnell can’t honestly believe his constituents are intelligent, while trying to peddle nonsense such as this. Because it makes absolutely no sense. Yet despite the fact that McConnell is clearly relying on the ignorance of conservative voters not to question a statement that makes absolutely no sense, he knows they’ll eat it right up – without question – and still vote for him. But aren’t his comments a true testament to Republican idiocy? It’s not every day you’ll see a politician endorse the very law that he’s simultaneously pushing to have repealed."
Scott Walker Thinks $7.25 Is a Living Wage—He’s Wrong | The Nation
Scott Walker Thinks $7.25 Is a Living Wage—He’s Wrong | The Nation
"Worse yet, when the governor was asked about the issue in the first gubernatorial debate last Friday, he avoided responding to the issue. Pressed a second time by the panelist who had asked the initial question, Walker again refused to address the living-wage law or issues relating to it. He did not even acknowledge what his own administration had just done.
There are many matters on which Scott Walker has broken faith with Wisconsin. But few are so chilling, so deeply unsettling, as his disregard for the condition of the Wisconsinites who work full-time but live in poverty.
This is about much more than politics; Republicans and Democrats have historically respected Wisconsin’s living-wage standard, and it has served the state and its citizens well. Walker’s disregard for it marks him as a political careerist who is more interested in pleasing billionaire campaign donors from Kansas and New York than keeping his oath to “faithfully and impartially discharge the duties” of his position."
"Worse yet, when the governor was asked about the issue in the first gubernatorial debate last Friday, he avoided responding to the issue. Pressed a second time by the panelist who had asked the initial question, Walker again refused to address the living-wage law or issues relating to it. He did not even acknowledge what his own administration had just done.
There are many matters on which Scott Walker has broken faith with Wisconsin. But few are so chilling, so deeply unsettling, as his disregard for the condition of the Wisconsinites who work full-time but live in poverty.
This is about much more than politics; Republicans and Democrats have historically respected Wisconsin’s living-wage standard, and it has served the state and its citizens well. Walker’s disregard for it marks him as a political careerist who is more interested in pleasing billionaire campaign donors from Kansas and New York than keeping his oath to “faithfully and impartially discharge the duties” of his position."
Scott Walker Caught In 'Pay Not To Play' Scheme
Scott Walker Caught In 'Pay Not To Play' Scheme
"Scott Walker's standard operating procedure, like any other Teapublican, is that of pay to play. A prime example of that is when Walker solicited $700,000 from Gogebic Taconite just as he was getting ready to sign off on newly relaxed mining regulations.
Sometimes, Walker likes to mix things up.
When Walker refused to accept federal funding to help expand BadgerCare - which knocked some 87,000 people out of the health care coverage program and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars - it was just presumed that this was part of his plantation economics.
It turned out to be a variation of his usual pay to play, but in this case, it was pay not to play"
"Scott Walker's standard operating procedure, like any other Teapublican, is that of pay to play. A prime example of that is when Walker solicited $700,000 from Gogebic Taconite just as he was getting ready to sign off on newly relaxed mining regulations.
Sometimes, Walker likes to mix things up.
When Walker refused to accept federal funding to help expand BadgerCare - which knocked some 87,000 people out of the health care coverage program and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars - it was just presumed that this was part of his plantation economics.
It turned out to be a variation of his usual pay to play, but in this case, it was pay not to play"
Monday, October 13, 2014
10 Ignorant and Sexist Quotes on Women’s Issues by Republicans
http://samuel-warde.com/2014/10/10-ignorant-sexist-quotes-womens-issues-republicans/
"The internet is literally bursting at the seams with hateful, ignorant and sexist quotes by Republicans so we thought we’d stick some in a handy reference list. These are 10 very important examples of why it is so important to get out and vote this year."
"The internet is literally bursting at the seams with hateful, ignorant and sexist quotes by Republicans so we thought we’d stick some in a handy reference list. These are 10 very important examples of why it is so important to get out and vote this year."
Rand Paul Panders To African American Voters While Selling Libertarian Snake Oil
Rand Paul Panders To African American Voters While Selling Libertarian Snake Oil
"Rand Paul hopes that African American voters will forget his very dismal record on Civil Rights opinions while selling them some libertarian snake oil as a cure for their economic woes."
"Rand Paul hopes that African American voters will forget his very dismal record on Civil Rights opinions while selling them some libertarian snake oil as a cure for their economic woes."
Steve Israel Fails Again; Time For Grassroots To Step In And Win #WA-08
Steve Israel Fails Again; Time For Grassroots To Step In And Win #WA-08
"Reichert is a GOP hack and votes like a zombie— backing the Tea Party in their demands to shut down the government, suing President Obama and 54 votes cast for wiping out the Affordable Care Act. Reichert, who wants to eventually run for governor, has a clear record as a cog in the Republican Party obstructionist machine."
"Reichert is a GOP hack and votes like a zombie— backing the Tea Party in their demands to shut down the government, suing President Obama and 54 votes cast for wiping out the Affordable Care Act. Reichert, who wants to eventually run for governor, has a clear record as a cog in the Republican Party obstructionist machine."
Republican State Rep. Calls Congresswoman 'Ugly As Sin' And 'Drag Queen'
Republican State Rep. Calls Congresswoman 'Ugly As Sin' And 'Drag Queen'
"His abhorrent views on 'looks' and its relevance to political office is typical for a misogynistic fool, unfortunately there are many of those lurking in the GOP."
"His abhorrent views on 'looks' and its relevance to political office is typical for a misogynistic fool, unfortunately there are many of those lurking in the GOP."
Robert Reich explains what would happen to the U.S. under a Republican Senate
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/13/1336312/-Robert-Reich-explains-what-would-happen-to-the-U-S-under-a-Republican-Senate
"Unemployment benefits will not be extended to the long-term unemployed
No minimum wages—no living wages for that matter
Continuing education cuts
Continuing decay of our country's infrastructure"
"Unemployment benefits will not be extended to the long-term unemployed
No minimum wages—no living wages for that matter
Continuing education cuts
Continuing decay of our country's infrastructure"
Republican budget cutting nearly halved CDC's emergency preparedness since 2006
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/13/1336299/-Republican-budget-cutting-nearly-halved-CDC-s-emergency-preparedness-since-2006
"Keep all this in mind the next time you hear some Republican fearmongering about Ebola. Their destructive budget cutting is killing people."
"Keep all this in mind the next time you hear some Republican fearmongering about Ebola. Their destructive budget cutting is killing people."
ABC Gives Rep. Hunter A Pass For Lying About ISIS On The Southern Border
ABC Gives Rep. Hunter A Pass For Lying About ISIS On The Southern Border
"I think the word for that is lying, but they didn't want to use that word either."
"I think the word for that is lying, but they didn't want to use that word either."
Rubio On Fox News: I'm No Friend To Veterans, But Let's Make More Of Them
Rubio On Fox News: I'm No Friend To Veterans, But Let's Make More Of Them
"Let's not forget in February, 2014 how Rubio voted with 40 other GOP Senators to block a bill to help veterans. He'll be the first one leading the charge to war, but will be the first one to throw the wounded veterans under the bus. Once again, Fox News chooses the worst people to provide their infotainment."
"Let's not forget in February, 2014 how Rubio voted with 40 other GOP Senators to block a bill to help veterans. He'll be the first one leading the charge to war, but will be the first one to throw the wounded veterans under the bus. Once again, Fox News chooses the worst people to provide their infotainment."
NIH director: Budget cuts delayed Ebola vaccine, treatment
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/13/1336238/-NIH-Director-Budget-cuts-delayed-Ebola-vaccine-nbsp-treatement#
"The funding gap is even more disturbing for the agency within the NIH that deals most directly with infectious diseases, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which has been slashed in the past decade from $4.3 billion to $4.25 billion. As Collins said, it's not as if the research community in the U.S. didn't know Ebola was the massive infectious disease crisis that it is—it's been hobbled by Republicans indiscriminately slashing budgets to try to get more tax cuts to the rich."
"The funding gap is even more disturbing for the agency within the NIH that deals most directly with infectious diseases, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which has been slashed in the past decade from $4.3 billion to $4.25 billion. As Collins said, it's not as if the research community in the U.S. didn't know Ebola was the massive infectious disease crisis that it is—it's been hobbled by Republicans indiscriminately slashing budgets to try to get more tax cuts to the rich."
The right’s scary Ebola lesson: How anti-government mania is harming America
The right’s scary Ebola lesson: How anti-government mania is harming America
"It's time to admit the truth: People who cut health funding and don't like government have not helped this crisis"
"It's time to admit the truth: People who cut health funding and don't like government have not helped this crisis"
Oh, So Wendy Davis Is The Meanie?
Oh, So Wendy Davis Is The Meanie?
"Thanks to the efforts of Greg Abbott, if a ten year old child has the wrong leg amputated by a drug addicted doctor, the most that child can recover for a lifetime is $250,000. That’s what Greg Aboott says a leg is worth to a child. Unless, of course, it’s Greg Abbott’s leg.
That, my friends, is a very legitimate campaign issue."
"Thanks to the efforts of Greg Abbott, if a ten year old child has the wrong leg amputated by a drug addicted doctor, the most that child can recover for a lifetime is $250,000. That’s what Greg Aboott says a leg is worth to a child. Unless, of course, it’s Greg Abbott’s leg.
That, my friends, is a very legitimate campaign issue."
Ernst forced to answer for Koch support in Iowa Senate debate
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/13/1336264/-Ernst-forced-to-answer-for-Koch-support-in-Iowa-Senate-debate
"Iowa Republican Joni Ernst's undying fealty to the Kochs might just be turning around to bite her in the ass. Case in point, this weekend's debate and her need to defend her call to abolish the EPA, a position that could provide great economic boon to the Koch brothers."
"Iowa Republican Joni Ernst's undying fealty to the Kochs might just be turning around to bite her in the ass. Case in point, this weekend's debate and her need to defend her call to abolish the EPA, a position that could provide great economic boon to the Koch brothers."
Tea Party nut’s free ride: Why Joni Ernst’s callous ACA dodge is so dangerous
Tea Party nut’s free ride: Why Joni Ernst’s callous ACA dodge is so dangerous
"Joni Ernst was asked to explain how repealing Obamacare won't screw over the newly insured. Here's what she said"
"Joni Ernst was asked to explain how repealing Obamacare won't screw over the newly insured. Here's what she said"
Hey, GOP Ebola Wankers! Your Austerity Fetish Slowed Vaccine Research
Hey, GOP Ebola Wankers! Your Austerity Fetish Slowed Vaccine Research
"It's not like we didn't warn and warn and warn about austerity and its cost. Reams have been written about why funding medical research at the National Institute of Health is a prudent investment in the future, but that didn't stop Republican austerity fetishists from cutting it anyway."
"It's not like we didn't warn and warn and warn about austerity and its cost. Reams have been written about why funding medical research at the National Institute of Health is a prudent investment in the future, but that didn't stop Republican austerity fetishists from cutting it anyway."
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The great Republican tax cut scam of 2015
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/12/1335556/-The-great-Republican-tax-cut-scam-of-2015
"for over 30 years, tax cuts have been the GOP's one and only prescription for both economic booms and busts, recessionary slowdowns and budget surpluses, and probably even male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction. Ever since Arthur Laffer first bottled his supply-side snake oil, the GOP's best and brightest have promised that the explosion of economic activity unleashed by lower tax rates would more than offset the tax revenue lost. That's why, as President Bush boasted, "tax cuts pay for themselves" and why, as former Arizona Sen. John Kyl lectured, "You should never have to offset the cost of a deliberate decision to reduce tax rates on Americans."
Of course, things didn't work out that way. In eight short years, President Ronald Reagan tripled the national debt. George W. Bush nearly doubled it again. (The Bush tax cuts made permanent in 2013 still continue to produce red ink into the indefinite future.) But Laffer's supposed supply-side miracle failed because it had to. To put it another way, the budgetary math simply cannot work. Which is why Paul Ryan and his Republican allies instead want to change the way math itself works as soon as they control both chambers of Congress. And if they succeed, voodoo economics will become a feature, not a bug."
"for over 30 years, tax cuts have been the GOP's one and only prescription for both economic booms and busts, recessionary slowdowns and budget surpluses, and probably even male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction. Ever since Arthur Laffer first bottled his supply-side snake oil, the GOP's best and brightest have promised that the explosion of economic activity unleashed by lower tax rates would more than offset the tax revenue lost. That's why, as President Bush boasted, "tax cuts pay for themselves" and why, as former Arizona Sen. John Kyl lectured, "You should never have to offset the cost of a deliberate decision to reduce tax rates on Americans."
Of course, things didn't work out that way. In eight short years, President Ronald Reagan tripled the national debt. George W. Bush nearly doubled it again. (The Bush tax cuts made permanent in 2013 still continue to produce red ink into the indefinite future.) But Laffer's supposed supply-side miracle failed because it had to. To put it another way, the budgetary math simply cannot work. Which is why Paul Ryan and his Republican allies instead want to change the way math itself works as soon as they control both chambers of Congress. And if they succeed, voodoo economics will become a feature, not a bug."
These ballot measures may shake up your state
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/12/1335618/-These-ballot-measures-may-shake-up-your-state
"More and more of the important policy decisions are happening at the state level, whether it's via state legislature or via direct democracy."
"More and more of the important policy decisions are happening at the state level, whether it's via state legislature or via direct democracy."
Why I Deleted IHeart Radio From My Devices And You Should Too
Why I Deleted IHeart Radio From My Devices And You Should Too
"When the president of iHeart Radio and Clear Channel Networks starts bragging about harassing 10 people who are mostly women, it's time to act."
"When the president of iHeart Radio and Clear Channel Networks starts bragging about harassing 10 people who are mostly women, it's time to act."
Melissa Harris-Perry Takes Scott Walker To Task For Dishonest Ad On Reproductive Rights
Melissa Harris-Perry Takes Scott Walker To Task For Dishonest Ad On Reproductive Rights
"As Perry noted, this is "a man who can hide his true feelings until it’s too late" as he did before the citizens of Wisconsin found out what his true agenda was when it came to busting pubic employees' unions in Wisconsin. Let's hope the voters in his state don't allow him to do it again."
"As Perry noted, this is "a man who can hide his true feelings until it’s too late" as he did before the citizens of Wisconsin found out what his true agenda was when it came to busting pubic employees' unions in Wisconsin. Let's hope the voters in his state don't allow him to do it again."
Voter suppression is un-American
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/12/1335429/-Voter-suppression-is-un-American
"Tea party types can wear all the Colonial-era costumes they want, but those who fight to ensure that every adult citizen can vote are the ones who truly represent America's founding values."
"Tea party types can wear all the Colonial-era costumes they want, but those who fight to ensure that every adult citizen can vote are the ones who truly represent America's founding values."
Climate change, Benghazi, the Fed: The science behind the right’s irrational obsession with conspiracies
Climate change, Benghazi, the Fed: The science behind the right’s irrational obsession with conspiracies
"No matter the topic, a conservative fringe views it through a conspiratorial lens. New research explains why"
"No matter the topic, a conservative fringe views it through a conspiratorial lens. New research explains why"
Republicans Want Voters To Believe We Live In Dark, Scary Times Because They're Liars
Republicans Want Voters To Believe We Live In Dark, Scary Times Because They're Liars
"It's a tactic. Fear as motivation to reject progress is time-honored and Republicans have turned it into a sort of art form -- dark arts, that is. After all, one of the reasons we live in a somewhat scary world is because of what Republicans did; specifically, Republicans George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, in Iraq and Afghanistan."
"It's a tactic. Fear as motivation to reject progress is time-honored and Republicans have turned it into a sort of art form -- dark arts, that is. After all, one of the reasons we live in a somewhat scary world is because of what Republicans did; specifically, Republicans George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Stephen Colbert Brilliantly Mocks Fox News Fearmongering: ‘Obama Wants You to Line Up For a Calm and Orderly Death!’ (Video)
Stephen Colbert Brilliantly Mocks Fox News Fearmongering: ‘Obama Wants You to Line Up For a Calm and Orderly Death!’ (Video)
"Colbert absolutely tore into Fox News and other conservatives for their comments concerning the first case of Ebola here in the United States."
"Colbert absolutely tore into Fox News and other conservatives for their comments concerning the first case of Ebola here in the United States."
Wingnuts Clutch Pearls Over Lil Jon's 'Turn Down For What' Get-Out-the-Vote Video
Wingnuts Clutch Pearls Over Lil Jon's 'Turn Down For What' Get-Out-the-Vote Video
"Conservative heads are exploding since Rock the Vote released a video by Lil Jon re-working his song "Turn Down For What" encouraging young people to get out and vote in the upcoming mid-term elections."
"Conservative heads are exploding since Rock the Vote released a video by Lil Jon re-working his song "Turn Down For What" encouraging young people to get out and vote in the upcoming mid-term elections."
Not On My Watch, Baby! Lewis Black Says F#%! Voter Suppression
Not On My Watch, Baby! Lewis Black Says F#%! Voter Suppression
"We've still got a long way to go, and Lewis Black is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore: Restrict voting rights? Not on comedian Lewis Black’s watch"
"We've still got a long way to go, and Lewis Black is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore: Restrict voting rights? Not on comedian Lewis Black’s watch"
Ohio's Husted brings his War on Voting inside the polls
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/10/10/1335655/-Ohio-s-Husted-brings-his-War-on-Voting-inside-the-polls#
"In the annals of voter suppression, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's name is legend for the many and varied actions he has taken to keep would-be Democratic voters from voting. After being repeatedly slapped down by the courts in his 2012 efforts to suppress the vote, he's decided to bring his dirty tricks inside polling places."
"In the annals of voter suppression, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's name is legend for the many and varied actions he has taken to keep would-be Democratic voters from voting. After being repeatedly slapped down by the courts in his 2012 efforts to suppress the vote, he's decided to bring his dirty tricks inside polling places."
Saturday, October 11, 2014
President Obama Obliterates Republicans With An Obstruction Annihilating Truth Bomb
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/10/11/obama-calls-reason-misery-current-congress-americans.html
"We can’t have nice things because Republicans in Congress refuse to move on things that used to be nonpartisan. And by nice things, I mean a decent wage, infrastructure, a measure of equality, and affordable education. Since Democrats historically don’t vote in midterms, Republicans get to obstruct laws that would help everyone."
"We can’t have nice things because Republicans in Congress refuse to move on things that used to be nonpartisan. And by nice things, I mean a decent wage, infrastructure, a measure of equality, and affordable education. Since Democrats historically don’t vote in midterms, Republicans get to obstruct laws that would help everyone."
Will the Right's Relentless War on Women Prove a Boon to Dems in the Midterms?
Will the Right's Relentless War on Women Prove a Boon to Dems in the Midterms?
"Nine Senate seats remain toss-ups. Republicans need six of those seats to win the Senate. Women voters could keep that from happening, but only if they show up to vote."
"Nine Senate seats remain toss-ups. Republicans need six of those seats to win the Senate. Women voters could keep that from happening, but only if they show up to vote."
In Supreme Control: What do justices owe voters in exchange for taking their cash?
http://www.southernstudies.org/2014/10/in-supreme-control-what-do-justices-owe-voters-in-.html
"Judges raising campaign dollars, particularly from attorneys and firms likely to appear before them in court, is a scenario so obviously rife with the potential for undue influence and bias that it's been banned in most places."
"Judges raising campaign dollars, particularly from attorneys and firms likely to appear before them in court, is a scenario so obviously rife with the potential for undue influence and bias that it's been banned in most places."
Scott Walker: We Don't Have A Jobs Problem, We Have A Work Problem
Scott Walker: We Don't Have A Jobs Problem, We Have A Work Problem
"Federal data puts Wisconsin in the 37th spot of all 50 states for new job creation and dead last among its Midwestern neighbors in job creation."
"Federal data puts Wisconsin in the 37th spot of all 50 states for new job creation and dead last among its Midwestern neighbors in job creation."
Friday, October 10, 2014
Conservatives Proven Utterly Wrong On Key Aspect Of Obamacare
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/09/obamacare-young-adults_n_5961602.html
"The share of the population between 19 and 25 years old without health insurance has fallen since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. That year, the uninsured rate for that group was more than 30 percent. By the end of this March, it had fallen to 21 percent"
"The share of the population between 19 and 25 years old without health insurance has fallen since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. That year, the uninsured rate for that group was more than 30 percent. By the end of this March, it had fallen to 21 percent"
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