The “rubber stamp” SCOTUS: How corporations’ ugly myth became law
"American corporate law is broken, ruining our democracy -- and worse than you thought"
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Reagan Set Up The Death Of The Middle Class, But China Was The Clincher
Reagan Set Up The Death Of The Middle Class, But China Was The Clincher
"Before Reagan working people benefitted more during economic recoveries than the top 10 percent. After Reagan the top 10 percent benefitted more. But after 2000, 90 percent of us not only didn't benefit during economic recoveries, we continued to fall behind. Reagan shifted the power to the wealthy, and the wealthy used that power to escape the borders of democracy by moving production to China. And that, my friends, was that."
"Before Reagan working people benefitted more during economic recoveries than the top 10 percent. After Reagan the top 10 percent benefitted more. But after 2000, 90 percent of us not only didn't benefit during economic recoveries, we continued to fall behind. Reagan shifted the power to the wealthy, and the wealthy used that power to escape the borders of democracy by moving production to China. And that, my friends, was that."
Monday, September 29, 2014
John Boehner Thinks We All Have Amnesia And Will Believe His Lies About Jobs
John Boehner Thinks We All Have Amnesia And Will Believe His Lies About Jobs
"This is what Boehner does. He lies. He lies especially when he's sweating over Republicans' chances in November."
"This is what Boehner does. He lies. He lies especially when he's sweating over Republicans' chances in November."
Saturday, September 27, 2014
“The Roosevelts”: Ken Burns’ economics lesson for America
“The Roosevelts”: Ken Burns’ economics lesson for America
"As is so often the case, when we look back we see that the challenges of the past are not that different from the challenges we face today. Once again we face a world where the free-market system is in desperate need of reform; a world where income inequality has reached levels not seen since the gilded age; a world where the specter of long-term unemployment and limited opportunity has dimmed the hopes of an entire generation; a world where poverty and a lack of opportunity have given rise to anti-democratic extremists that threaten the very lives and well-being of millions."
"As is so often the case, when we look back we see that the challenges of the past are not that different from the challenges we face today. Once again we face a world where the free-market system is in desperate need of reform; a world where income inequality has reached levels not seen since the gilded age; a world where the specter of long-term unemployment and limited opportunity has dimmed the hopes of an entire generation; a world where poverty and a lack of opportunity have given rise to anti-democratic extremists that threaten the very lives and well-being of millions."
Friday, September 26, 2014
Job one for a Republican Senate: Screwing the consumer on behalf of the banksters
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/26/1324975/-Job-one-for-a-Republican-Senate-Screwing-the-consumer-on-behalf-of-the-nbsp-banksters
"It's telling though, that the very first thing they would go after is consumer protection. Because they care a helluva lot more about Wall Street than they do about all us poor schlubs getting ripped off by the financial services industry. This is the perfect example of what Republicans are."
"It's telling though, that the very first thing they would go after is consumer protection. Because they care a helluva lot more about Wall Street than they do about all us poor schlubs getting ripped off by the financial services industry. This is the perfect example of what Republicans are."
Volunteers Needed To Make Phone Calls From Home For Progressive Candidates
Volunteers Needed To Make Phone Calls From Home For Progressive Candidates
"Don't just sit there, do something! Can you help?"
"Don't just sit there, do something! Can you help?"
Inside the Koch Brothers' Toxic Empire
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-koch-brothers-toxic-empire-20140924
"Their political network helped finance the Tea Party and powers today's GOP. Koch-affiliated organizations raised some $400 million during the 2012 election, and aim to spend another $290 million to elect Republicans in this year's midterms. So far in this cycle, Koch-backed entities have bought 44,000 political ads to boost Republican efforts to take back the Senate."
"Their political network helped finance the Tea Party and powers today's GOP. Koch-affiliated organizations raised some $400 million during the 2012 election, and aim to spend another $290 million to elect Republicans in this year's midterms. So far in this cycle, Koch-backed entities have bought 44,000 political ads to boost Republican efforts to take back the Senate."
Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan & Kevin McCarthy: Plot To Sabotage US Economy with Frank Luntz
www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/08/1098434/-Eric-Cantor-Paul-Ryan-Kevin-McCarthy-Plot-To-Sabotage-US-Economy-with-Frank-Luntz
Remember the Caucus Room meeting?
"During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy."
Remember the Caucus Room meeting?
"During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy."
A GOP Senate's First Target: Elizabeth Warren’s Consumer Protection Agency
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/09/republican-senate-would-gut-elizabeth-warren-consumer-protection-bureau
"Republicans are particularly keen on handicapping one particular federal watchdog: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the three-year-old agency that Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) devised and helped build in the wake of the financial crisis.
The bureau's job is to make sure Americans aren't getting screwed by mortgage lenders, credit card companies, debt collectors, and other financial institutions."
"Republicans are particularly keen on handicapping one particular federal watchdog: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the three-year-old agency that Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) devised and helped build in the wake of the financial crisis.
The bureau's job is to make sure Americans aren't getting screwed by mortgage lenders, credit card companies, debt collectors, and other financial institutions."
10 Ways Conservatives Sell Their Failed Policies
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/10-ways-conservatives-sell-their-failed-policies
"A big problem for modern-day Republicans and the Tea Party is that when they are too forthcoming with their ideas—handing social security over to Wall Street oligarchs, outlawing abortion for rape victims, wiping out what’s left of the New Deal, turning the United States into a Christian fundamentalist theocracy—they risk alienating swing voters. So wingnuts often use warm, fuzzy language to make negative things sound positive. Terrible working conditions are sold as “right to work” laws. Being abused by health insurance companies is called “self-determination,” butchering the social safety net is sold as "self-reliance"."
"A big problem for modern-day Republicans and the Tea Party is that when they are too forthcoming with their ideas—handing social security over to Wall Street oligarchs, outlawing abortion for rape victims, wiping out what’s left of the New Deal, turning the United States into a Christian fundamentalist theocracy—they risk alienating swing voters. So wingnuts often use warm, fuzzy language to make negative things sound positive. Terrible working conditions are sold as “right to work” laws. Being abused by health insurance companies is called “self-determination,” butchering the social safety net is sold as "self-reliance"."
Thursday, September 25, 2014
CREW Releases Documents Showing Which Companies Bought Access Through Republican Governors Group
CREW Releases Documents Showing Which Companies Bought Access Through Republican Governors Group
"If they're so proud of who they give money to, why do they want to keep it secret? Shouldn't it be a badge of honor to be caught buying politicians?"
"If they're so proud of who they give money to, why do they want to keep it secret? Shouldn't it be a badge of honor to be caught buying politicians?"
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The Cost To Our Economy From Republican Obstruction And Sabotage
The Cost To Our Economy From Republican Obstruction And Sabotage
"Here are just a few of the hundreds of bills Senate Republicans have filibustered since President Obama took office -- just a few:"
"Here are just a few of the hundreds of bills Senate Republicans have filibustered since President Obama took office -- just a few:"
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Who Gets Rich Harvesting Burger King And The American Economy?
Who Gets Rich Harvesting Burger King And The American Economy?
"In this case it is names like Goldman Sachs, TGP Capital, Bain Capital, 3G Capital – all playing games with Burger King, other companies the American economy and our lives. And the latest plunderer, Bill Ackman and his Pershing Square Capital Management, is a financial manipulator who when he sees a company’s carcass worth plundering, goes after it – even if it involves betting on a company’s stock going down and then working to drive the company into the ground."
"In this case it is names like Goldman Sachs, TGP Capital, Bain Capital, 3G Capital – all playing games with Burger King, other companies the American economy and our lives. And the latest plunderer, Bill Ackman and his Pershing Square Capital Management, is a financial manipulator who when he sees a company’s carcass worth plundering, goes after it – even if it involves betting on a company’s stock going down and then working to drive the company into the ground."
Monday, September 22, 2014
'Flood Wall Street' Activists Are Shutting It Down Right Now
'Flood Wall Street' Activists Are Shutting It Down Right Now
"Monday morning, thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Wall Street and conduct mass civil disobedience to protest what organizers describe as the economic engine behind climate change. This demonstration, called Flood Wall Street, will consist of a mass sit-in near the New York Stock Exchange, emulating the tactics and some of the rhetoric of Occupy Wall Street."
"Monday morning, thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Wall Street and conduct mass civil disobedience to protest what organizers describe as the economic engine behind climate change. This demonstration, called Flood Wall Street, will consist of a mass sit-in near the New York Stock Exchange, emulating the tactics and some of the rhetoric of Occupy Wall Street."
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Battle Rages at Florida State University Where Koch Money Seeks To Buy The College's New President
www.alternet.org/activism/battle-rages-florida-state-university-where-koch-money-seeks-buy-colleges-new-president
"The FSU community has been staunchly opposing Thrasher's candidacy for president because he is, by almost all standards normally applied to university presidents, a terrible candidate for the job."
"The FSU community has been staunchly opposing Thrasher's candidacy for president because he is, by almost all standards normally applied to university presidents, a terrible candidate for the job."
Those Good Old Days When Poverty Was Healthy And Americans Were Free
Those Good Old Days When Poverty Was Healthy And Americans Were Free
"The radical right — which is running the House of Representatives and half of the Senate — has embraced so many John Birch policies that I can hardly keep count. Let’s take a look at a few important examples of Birch ideas in today’s GOP."
"The radical right — which is running the House of Representatives and half of the Senate — has embraced so many John Birch policies that I can hardly keep count. Let’s take a look at a few important examples of Birch ideas in today’s GOP."
Bernie Sanders Calls Out The Corporate Media For Ignoring Campaign Finance Reform
Bernie Sanders Calls Out The Corporate Media For Ignoring Campaign Finance Reform
"Bernie Sanders and Thom Hartmann on our corporate media's conflict of interest on the issue of campaign finance reform."
"Bernie Sanders and Thom Hartmann on our corporate media's conflict of interest on the issue of campaign finance reform."
Antonin Scalia’s bad law, bad history: How the Supreme Court legalized corruption
Antonin Scalia’s bad law, bad history: How the Supreme Court legalized corruption
"Citizens United sparked a political revolution that would have left the Founders revolted"
"Citizens United sparked a political revolution that would have left the Founders revolted"
When the Republicans went insane: Newt Gingrich, Fox News, Grover Norquist and the roots of today’s shameful intransigence
When the Republicans went insane: Newt Gingrich, Fox News, Grover Norquist and the roots of today’s shameful intransigence
"Understanding the GOP revolution means studying the mid-'90s, when Fox and Drudge began, and tax pledges meant all"
"Understanding the GOP revolution means studying the mid-'90s, when Fox and Drudge began, and tax pledges meant all"
Friday, September 19, 2014
The Narrative Of The Koch Brothers Tapes: The Debate We Have To Have
The Narrative Of The Koch Brothers Tapes: The Debate We Have To Have
"The Republicans are now a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, and they are funneling hundreds of millions every year into trying to impose their view of the world onto the rest of us."
"The Republicans are now a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, and they are funneling hundreds of millions every year into trying to impose their view of the world onto the rest of us."
Bernie Sanders Blast The Media For Ignoring The Koch Brothers Attempt To Buy The Government
www.politicususa.com/2014/09/19/bernie-sanders-koch-brothers-media.html
"The corporate media benefits from the hundreds of millions of dollars that the Koch brothers and other billionaires spend on campaign ads. Of course, they aren’t going to blow the whistle on a practice that they are financially benefitting from. They don’t care about the right-wing agenda and the impact that it will have on regular people."
"The corporate media benefits from the hundreds of millions of dollars that the Koch brothers and other billionaires spend on campaign ads. Of course, they aren’t going to blow the whistle on a practice that they are financially benefitting from. They don’t care about the right-wing agenda and the impact that it will have on regular people."
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Ayn Rand-Inspired Libertarian Utopia Implodes Almost Instantly. Who Could Have Predicted?
Ayn Rand-Inspired Libertarian Utopia Implodes Almost Instantly. Who Could Have Predicted?
"What happens when you try to recreate Ayn Rand's libertarian Galt's Gulch fantasy from ‘Atlas Shrugged?' Exactly what you'd think."
"What happens when you try to recreate Ayn Rand's libertarian Galt's Gulch fantasy from ‘Atlas Shrugged?' Exactly what you'd think."
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
To Celebrate 3rd Anniversary, Occupy's Strike Debt Starts Buying Up Student Loans
To Celebrate 3rd Anniversary, Occupy's Strike Debt Starts Buying Up Student Loans
"On the third anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the Rolling Jubilee has, for the first time ever, bought and abolished student debt: $3,856,866.11 of student debt owed by 2,761 people across the United States."
"On the third anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the Rolling Jubilee has, for the first time ever, bought and abolished student debt: $3,856,866.11 of student debt owed by 2,761 people across the United States."
Has Kansas Found the Cure for the Reaganomics Disease?
Has Kansas Found the Cure for the Reaganomics Disease?
"Job growth in Kansas trails the nation.
That state's rainy-day fund is dryer than a California desert.
And month after month, revenue is coming in consistently lower than even the worst predictions could have imagined.
The situation is so dire that both Moody's and Standard & Poor's have downgraded Kansas' credit rating."
"Job growth in Kansas trails the nation.
That state's rainy-day fund is dryer than a California desert.
And month after month, revenue is coming in consistently lower than even the worst predictions could have imagined.
The situation is so dire that both Moody's and Standard & Poor's have downgraded Kansas' credit rating."
Senate Republicans: No Pay Equity for Women
Senate Republicans: No Pay Equity for Women
"For the second time this year, Senate Republican have blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act from moving forward."
"For the second time this year, Senate Republican have blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act from moving forward."
Senate GOPers Filibuster Equal Pay For Women (Again)
Senate GOPers Filibuster Equal Pay For Women (Again)
"The vote was 52-40 in favor, but it was killed because it was filibustered by Republicans. Among the few outlets that even bothered to report that the bill was before the Senate, few reported that there was a Republican filibuster to kill the effort."
"The vote was 52-40 in favor, but it was killed because it was filibustered by Republicans. Among the few outlets that even bothered to report that the bill was before the Senate, few reported that there was a Republican filibuster to kill the effort."
'You Are Not a Loan': Rolling Jubilee Abolishes Millions in Student Debt
'You Are Not a Loan': Rolling Jubilee Abolishes Millions in Student Debt
"On third anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, offshoot project pays off nearly $4 million in debt for cheated students"
"On third anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, offshoot project pays off nearly $4 million in debt for cheated students"
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Corporate Courts -- A Big Red Flag On "Trade" Agreements
Corporate Courts -- A Big Red Flag On "Trade" Agreements
"Think about everything you understood about our system of government here in the United States. We're governed under a document that starts with the words, "We the People." Right? When We the People agree that something should done to make our lives better, it's supposed to get done. Right?"
"Think about everything you understood about our system of government here in the United States. We're governed under a document that starts with the words, "We the People." Right? When We the People agree that something should done to make our lives better, it's supposed to get done. Right?"
Corporate Profits and Taxes
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2014/09/15/96885/corporate-profits-and-taxes/
"While middle-class and low-income Americans struggle to get by, corporate profits are soaring. In 2013, corporate after-tax profits consumed a record-breaking 11.2 percent of total national income. Between 1946 and 2010, after-tax corporate profits always remained below 10 percent of national income, but 2013 was the fourth consecutive year in which corporate profits exceeded 10 percent of national income."
"While middle-class and low-income Americans struggle to get by, corporate profits are soaring. In 2013, corporate after-tax profits consumed a record-breaking 11.2 percent of total national income. Between 1946 and 2010, after-tax corporate profits always remained below 10 percent of national income, but 2013 was the fourth consecutive year in which corporate profits exceeded 10 percent of national income."
Monday, September 15, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
The Biggest Robbers In America Are Employers
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/09/12/3566891/wage-theft-robberies/
"Wage theft is illegal under the Federal Labor Standards Act. But clearly it still happens."
"Wage theft is illegal under the Federal Labor Standards Act. But clearly it still happens."
An Epidemic of Wage Theft Is Costing Workers Hundreds of Millions of Dollars a Year | Economic Policy Institute
An Epidemic of Wage Theft Is Costing Workers Hundreds of Millions of Dollars a Year | Economic Policy Institute
"This failure to pay what workers are legally entitled to can be called wage theft; in essence, it involves employers taking money that belongs to their employees and keeping it for themselves."
"This failure to pay what workers are legally entitled to can be called wage theft; in essence, it involves employers taking money that belongs to their employees and keeping it for themselves."
Republican Senators Filibuster Citizens United Constitutional Amendment
Republican Senators Filibuster Citizens United Constitutional Amendment
"Every time you hear Mitch McConnell whine about free speech, remember that he's really whining about corporate billionaires having their way with all of us little people."
"Every time you hear Mitch McConnell whine about free speech, remember that he's really whining about corporate billionaires having their way with all of us little people."
Friday, September 12, 2014
Mitch McConnell Threatens the United States
Mitch McConnell Threatens the United States
"Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate minority leader, is not a happy man.
He didn’t like it when Barack Obama was elected president. Just about the first thing McConnell said was that his main responsibility was to make sure that Mr. Obama was a one-term president.
That vow drove McConnell’s and the Tea Party’s politics. They didn’t worry about the nation or the people. They worried about how to make Barack Obama a one-term president.
They failed.
But, in the past six years, McConnell managed to block almost all constructive legislation in the Senate. And it’s not even a fair fight. McConnell manipulated and wheeled and dealed so that the majority no longer can do anything. It now takes 60 votes to pass almost anything in the Senate. That’s because the Republican obstructionists have threatened to filibuster anything of substance."
"Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate minority leader, is not a happy man.
He didn’t like it when Barack Obama was elected president. Just about the first thing McConnell said was that his main responsibility was to make sure that Mr. Obama was a one-term president.
That vow drove McConnell’s and the Tea Party’s politics. They didn’t worry about the nation or the people. They worried about how to make Barack Obama a one-term president.
They failed.
But, in the past six years, McConnell managed to block almost all constructive legislation in the Senate. And it’s not even a fair fight. McConnell manipulated and wheeled and dealed so that the majority no longer can do anything. It now takes 60 votes to pass almost anything in the Senate. That’s because the Republican obstructionists have threatened to filibuster anything of substance."
Why Won't McConnell Answer The Question?
Why Won't McConnell Answer The Question?
"Mitch McConnell acting arrogant and aggravated while refusing to answer a really important question about offensive statements made at a Koch brothers retreat that he recently attended. Check it out!
The Richard Fink speech and the other speeches McConnell called "inspiring" were jaw-droppingly extreme, even for the Koch brothers. And here's the other thing: the outrageous remarks Harry Reid cites in the video are just the tip of the iceberg. They obscure the Kochs' even more extreme philosophy of government"
"Mitch McConnell acting arrogant and aggravated while refusing to answer a really important question about offensive statements made at a Koch brothers retreat that he recently attended. Check it out!
The Richard Fink speech and the other speeches McConnell called "inspiring" were jaw-droppingly extreme, even for the Koch brothers. And here's the other thing: the outrageous remarks Harry Reid cites in the video are just the tip of the iceberg. They obscure the Kochs' even more extreme philosophy of government"
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Republicans Filibuster Constitutional Fix To Overturn Citizens United
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/senate-republicans-filibuster-constitutional-amendment-citizens-united
"Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a fierce opponent of campaign finance restrictions, blasted Democrats for bringing up the measure.
"I have to say it’s a little disconcerting to see the Democrat-led Senate focusing on things like reducing free speech protections for the American people," he said before the vote." (McConnell can't tell the difference between speech and bribery)
"Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a fierce opponent of campaign finance restrictions, blasted Democrats for bringing up the measure.
"I have to say it’s a little disconcerting to see the Democrat-led Senate focusing on things like reducing free speech protections for the American people," he said before the vote." (McConnell can't tell the difference between speech and bribery)
No, Ted Cruz, The #GetMoneyOut Amendment Wouldn't Censor SNL | Right Wing Watch
No, Ted Cruz, The #GetMoneyOut Amendment Wouldn't Censor SNL | Right Wing Watch
"Here’s what is true: the proposed amendment is supported by 73 percent of voters, including a growing body of grassroots activists who have pushed for hundreds of state and local resolutions and who are making senators’ phones ring off the hook this week with thousands of calls expressing their support for fixing our democracy.
So if the best that amendment opponents like Sen. Cruz can do is to push wild-eyed myths about comedic producers being thrown in jail, it’s clear that the American people are winning this fight."
"Here’s what is true: the proposed amendment is supported by 73 percent of voters, including a growing body of grassroots activists who have pushed for hundreds of state and local resolutions and who are making senators’ phones ring off the hook this week with thousands of calls expressing their support for fixing our democracy.
So if the best that amendment opponents like Sen. Cruz can do is to push wild-eyed myths about comedic producers being thrown in jail, it’s clear that the American people are winning this fight."
NRO Misinforms On Money In Politics And Proposed Citizens United Amendment
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/09/10/nro-misinforms-on-money-in-politics-and-propose/200723
"Although the proposed amendment is intended to restore the First Amendment to its pre-Citizens United interpretation, right-wing media are already denouncing the Senate's attempts to stem the explosion of unregulated high-dollar donations with wild exaggerations. In a September 9 editorial, NRO complained that Democrats were planning to "repeal the First Amendment" by proposing the Citizens United amendment -- which the editorial board called "an attack on basic human rights, the Constitution, and democracy itself" -- and suggested the move would "censor newspapers and television reports"."
"Although the proposed amendment is intended to restore the First Amendment to its pre-Citizens United interpretation, right-wing media are already denouncing the Senate's attempts to stem the explosion of unregulated high-dollar donations with wild exaggerations. In a September 9 editorial, NRO complained that Democrats were planning to "repeal the First Amendment" by proposing the Citizens United amendment -- which the editorial board called "an attack on basic human rights, the Constitution, and democracy itself" -- and suggested the move would "censor newspapers and television reports"."
Senate Republicans defend billionaires by keeping Citizens United alive
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/11/1329053/-Senate-Republicans-defend-billionaires-by-keeping-Citizens-United-alive
"every Democrat sided with the people—and every Republican sided with the rich and powerful"
"every Democrat sided with the people—and every Republican sided with the rich and powerful"
John McCain Votes To Preserve A Supreme Court Case He Called The ‘Worst Decision Ever’
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/09/11/3566601/mccain-kills-citizens-united-amendment/
"A proposed constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s controversial 2010 Citizens United ruling and give lawmakers greater ability to prevent large donors from corrupting government failed in the United States Senate on Thursday on a party-line vote. Among the 42 Republicans voting no was Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who in the past had been a campaign finance reform advocate."
"A proposed constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s controversial 2010 Citizens United ruling and give lawmakers greater ability to prevent large donors from corrupting government failed in the United States Senate on Thursday on a party-line vote. Among the 42 Republicans voting no was Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who in the past had been a campaign finance reform advocate."
Bernie Sanders Calls Republican Blocking Of Citizens United Amendment A Defeat For Democracy
www.politicususa.com/2014/09/11/bernie-sanders-calls-republican-blocking-citizens-united-amendment-defeat-democracy.html
"After Senate Republicans blocked a constitutional amendment that would have overturned Citizens United, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called the Koch victory a defeat for democracy"
"After Senate Republicans blocked a constitutional amendment that would have overturned Citizens United, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called the Koch victory a defeat for democracy"
The Koch Brothers Fundamentally Believe in Disposable People
The Koch Brothers Fundamentally Believe in Disposable People
"Early this summer, the Koch brothers held another one of their 1% planning sessions to keep the other 99% of people in the United States under the permanent rule of the oligarchy."
"Early this summer, the Koch brothers held another one of their 1% planning sessions to keep the other 99% of people in the United States under the permanent rule of the oligarchy."
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Corporations Screw Everybody
Corporations Screw Everybody
"Corporate executives don't give a damn about their workers, and it's all because of Reagan."
"Corporate executives don't give a damn about their workers, and it's all because of Reagan."
That spinning wheel could be the internet's future
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/10/1328664/-That-spinning-wheel-could-be-the-internet-s-nbsp-future
"Today you might be confronted with an unexpected icon on your favorite websites, that spinning wheel of frustration you see when a site just won't load. It's appearing all over the internet today because it is the official Internet Slow Down day. It is intended to show the internet user what life could be like under Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal to allow internet service providers (ISPs) to charge a premium for better, faster delivery of web content, leaving those who can't or won't pay on the slow lane."
"Today you might be confronted with an unexpected icon on your favorite websites, that spinning wheel of frustration you see when a site just won't load. It's appearing all over the internet today because it is the official Internet Slow Down day. It is intended to show the internet user what life could be like under Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal to allow internet service providers (ISPs) to charge a premium for better, faster delivery of web content, leaving those who can't or won't pay on the slow lane."
'Internet Slowdown Day': World Wide Web Rises Up to Defend Net Neutrality
'Internet Slowdown Day': World Wide Web Rises Up to Defend Net Neutrality
"Online protest aims to show users what's at stake if key principle of the 'Open Internet' is destroyed by world's wealthiest telecom companies"
"Online protest aims to show users what's at stake if key principle of the 'Open Internet' is destroyed by world's wealthiest telecom companies"
Historic Debate: Senate Advances Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
Historic Debate: Senate Advances Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
"Support for a democracy amendment has backing from almost half of the Senate, plus 16 states and over 500 cities that have passed resolutions calling for an amendment, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Over 3 million people have signed petitions calling for overturning Citizens United, and polls show overwhelming support for an amendment from across the political spectrum."
"Support for a democracy amendment has backing from almost half of the Senate, plus 16 states and over 500 cities that have passed resolutions calling for an amendment, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Over 3 million people have signed petitions calling for overturning Citizens United, and polls show overwhelming support for an amendment from across the political spectrum."
Three million petition signatures to overturn Citizens United delivered to Congress
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/09/1328331/-PHOTOS-3-000-000-petition-signatures-to-overturn-Citizens-United-delivered-to-Congress
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shared this sentiment stating, “ the results of this debate will in fact determine whether or not we maintain a middle class in this country. Koch brothers have put forty-four thousand ads on television this election cycle alone. They have an agenda and it is of the very wealthy, and for the very wealthy.” He listed countless issues that are vital to American citizens that have been ignored since money became speech, and will continue to stagnate unless this constitutional amendment goes through."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shared this sentiment stating, “ the results of this debate will in fact determine whether or not we maintain a middle class in this country. Koch brothers have put forty-four thousand ads on television this election cycle alone. They have an agenda and it is of the very wealthy, and for the very wealthy.” He listed countless issues that are vital to American citizens that have been ignored since money became speech, and will continue to stagnate unless this constitutional amendment goes through."
Al Franken Drops a Truth Bomb On The Senate: Citizens United Is Money Laundering
www.politicususa.com/2014/09/09/al-franken-drops-truth-bomb-senate-citizens-united-money-laundering.html
"Sen. Franken was correct. Citizens United is money laundering hidden behind a Supreme Court provided excuse of speech. Billionaires have flooded the campaign system with dollars, not out of patriotism, but as an attempt to buy complete and total access to elective office holders.
The Koch name has become toxic, so Republicans are trying to cover their tracks. The Citizens United decision empowered right-wing billionaires to attempt a hostile takeover of the government. If you want your country back, you can begin by supporting the movement to overturn Citizens United"
"Sen. Franken was correct. Citizens United is money laundering hidden behind a Supreme Court provided excuse of speech. Billionaires have flooded the campaign system with dollars, not out of patriotism, but as an attempt to buy complete and total access to elective office holders.
The Koch name has become toxic, so Republicans are trying to cover their tracks. The Citizens United decision empowered right-wing billionaires to attempt a hostile takeover of the government. If you want your country back, you can begin by supporting the movement to overturn Citizens United"
Monday, September 8, 2014
Adelson Wants To Steal A Blue California District
Adelson Wants To Steal A Blue California District
"Filthy rich Adelson thinks he can use his billions to inflluence our elections. He might, but only if we don't fight back, hard."
"Filthy rich Adelson thinks he can use his billions to inflluence our elections. He might, but only if we don't fight back, hard."
Senate Votes 79-18 To Advance a Constitutional Amendment To Overturn Citizens United
www.politicususa.com/2014/09/08/senate-votes-79-18-advance-constitutional-amendment-overturn-citizens-united.html
"Senate Republicans don’t want to be publicly linked to the Koch brothers before an election. The Kochs are toxic, and Republicans are trying to trick voters into ignoring the right-wing billionaire dollars that are trying to buy the government"
"Senate Republicans don’t want to be publicly linked to the Koch brothers before an election. The Kochs are toxic, and Republicans are trying to trick voters into ignoring the right-wing billionaire dollars that are trying to buy the government"
This Is a ‘Pivotal Moment’ for the Movement to Remove Big Money From Politics | The Nation
This Is a ‘Pivotal Moment’ for the Movement to Remove Big Money From Politics | The Nation
"Millions of Americans are already engaged with the movement to amend the Constitution to get money out of politics—and with the broader movement to address the twin fallacies that money is speech and that corporations should have the same rights as human beings. Tens of millions more are supportive of the struggle. Indeed, polls show there is overwhelming support for the amendment among Americans"
"Millions of Americans are already engaged with the movement to amend the Constitution to get money out of politics—and with the broader movement to address the twin fallacies that money is speech and that corporations should have the same rights as human beings. Tens of millions more are supportive of the struggle. Indeed, polls show there is overwhelming support for the amendment among Americans"
Saturday, September 6, 2014
The Biggest Tax Scam Ever
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-biggest-tax-scam-ever-20140827
"Some of America's top corporations are parking profits overseas and ducking hundreds of billions in taxes. And how's Congress responding? It's rewarding them for ripping us off"
"Some of America's top corporations are parking profits overseas and ducking hundreds of billions in taxes. And how's Congress responding? It's rewarding them for ripping us off"
Koch Brothers’ Top Political Strategist: The Minimum Wage Leads to Fascism!
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/koch-brothers-top-political-strategist-minimum-wage-leads-fascism
"In newly released audio, a top Koch adviser, Richard Fink, lets loose a greatest hits of libertarian crankery."
"In newly released audio, a top Koch adviser, Richard Fink, lets loose a greatest hits of libertarian crankery."
Billionaire to Clueless CEOs: Stop Your Greedy Economic Policies
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/billionaire-clueless-ceos-stop-your-greedy-economic-policies
"The lesson for the Powers That Be is that there is no species called "consumers." Rather, that creature is just a worker with a decent-paying job. Eliminate the job or shrivel the pay and -- poof! -- consumerism goes away."
"The lesson for the Powers That Be is that there is no species called "consumers." Rather, that creature is just a worker with a decent-paying job. Eliminate the job or shrivel the pay and -- poof! -- consumerism goes away."
Revealed: Burger King Has Been Screwing American Taxpayers for Years
www.alternet.org/economy/revealed-burger-king-has-been-screwing-american-taxpayers-years
"According to Reuters:
“Burger King generated almost 60 percent of its revenues in the United States between 2011 and 2013, regulatory filings show, but the chain reported just 20 percent of its profits in the country over the period"."
"According to Reuters:
“Burger King generated almost 60 percent of its revenues in the United States between 2011 and 2013, regulatory filings show, but the chain reported just 20 percent of its profits in the country over the period"."
It's Not Eric Cantor We Need To Worry About. It's His Staffers
It's Not Eric Cantor We Need To Worry About. It's His Staffers
"The Hill is run by young staffers who are unelected, unaccountable, and want to cash in as lobbyists. Worried yet?"
"The Hill is run by young staffers who are unelected, unaccountable, and want to cash in as lobbyists. Worried yet?"
Senate to vote on repealing Citizens United Monday: Something you can do that will take 5 minutes
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/04/1327179/-Senate-to-vote-on-repealing-Citizens-United-Monday-Something-you-can-do-that-will-take-5-minutes
"Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and McCutcheon opened up the floodgates for the Koch brothers to spend unlimited sums, and we can see more such rulings in the future."
"Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and McCutcheon opened up the floodgates for the Koch brothers to spend unlimited sums, and we can see more such rulings in the future."
Erasing History One Forgotten Political Expenditure at a Time
Erasing History One Forgotten Political Expenditure at a Time
"Social welfare organizations, 501c4s, are a big source of dark money in elections. A properly funded and fully functioning IRS could police whether some faux 501c4s were really 527s, whose primary purpose is influencing elections, and ensure that all 527s are fully reporting their donors and expenditures as they are required to do under the Internal Revenue Code."
"Social welfare organizations, 501c4s, are a big source of dark money in elections. A properly funded and fully functioning IRS could police whether some faux 501c4s were really 527s, whose primary purpose is influencing elections, and ensure that all 527s are fully reporting their donors and expenditures as they are required to do under the Internal Revenue Code."
Friday, September 5, 2014
Erick Erickson Tells Rush Fans: Fast Food Strikers Are 'Mostly People Who Failed At Life'
Erick Erickson Tells Rush Fans: Fast Food Strikers Are 'Mostly People Who Failed At Life'
"Moral justification for selfishness, indeed.
Welcome to Libertarianism"
"Moral justification for selfishness, indeed.
Welcome to Libertarianism"
GOP’s Senate hopes energized by Koch network ad blitz
www.publicintegrity.org/2014/09/04/15459/gop-s-senate-hopes-energized-koch-network-ad-blitz
"The secretive political network of conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch has aired more than 43,900 television ads this election cycle in an attempt to help Republicans take control of the Senate in the upcoming November election."
"The secretive political network of conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch has aired more than 43,900 television ads this election cycle in an attempt to help Republicans take control of the Senate in the upcoming November election."
In 'Historic Moment,' US Senate Set to Vote on Campaign Finance Amendment
In 'Historic Moment,' US Senate Set to Vote on Campaign Finance Amendment
"McConnell, Cruz, and other Republican officials have claimed that constraints on campaign spending amount to an assault on free speech."
"McConnell, Cruz, and other Republican officials have claimed that constraints on campaign spending amount to an assault on free speech."
Koch Operative: Raise the Wage, Totalitarianism and Terrorism Follow?
Koch Operative: Raise the Wage, Totalitarianism and Terrorism Follow?
"Leaked audio from the latest Koch summit shows Charles Koch's "intellectual sounding board," Richard Fink, drawing a direct line between increasing the minimum wage and the rise of fascism, totalitarianism, and terrorist suicide bombers."
"Leaked audio from the latest Koch summit shows Charles Koch's "intellectual sounding board," Richard Fink, drawing a direct line between increasing the minimum wage and the rise of fascism, totalitarianism, and terrorist suicide bombers."
'Libertarian' Maker-Hero Charles Koch Formed His Own Group To Protect Oil Industry's Government Handouts
'Libertarian' Maker-Hero Charles Koch Formed His Own Group To Protect Oil Industry's Government Handouts
"We are oh, so shocked that Charles Koch is a money-grubbing taker, and not a hero of the libertarian revolution! Ha ha, just kidding! You always have to watch these libertarians for their own self-interested exceptions"
"We are oh, so shocked that Charles Koch is a money-grubbing taker, and not a hero of the libertarian revolution! Ha ha, just kidding! You always have to watch these libertarians for their own self-interested exceptions"
Two Grand Juries Continuing Probe Into 2012 Iowa Payola Scandal
www.opensecrets.org/news/2014/09/two-grand-juries-continuing-probe-into-2012-iowa-payola-scandal/
"one of the grand juries issued subpoenas for emails and financial transactions between at least seventeen individuals, including Paul, Bachmann and Jesse Benton, who was Paul’s campaign chairman at the time and who resigned as campaign manager for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell‘s (R-Ky.) re-election bid late last week after news of Sorenson’s plea broke. A focus of the probe appears to be Dimitri Kesari, Kesari’s brother and several Maryland audio/video companies they are connected to. Kesari was a Paul operative who later was employed by the McConnell campaign."
"one of the grand juries issued subpoenas for emails and financial transactions between at least seventeen individuals, including Paul, Bachmann and Jesse Benton, who was Paul’s campaign chairman at the time and who resigned as campaign manager for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell‘s (R-Ky.) re-election bid late last week after news of Sorenson’s plea broke. A focus of the probe appears to be Dimitri Kesari, Kesari’s brother and several Maryland audio/video companies they are connected to. Kesari was a Paul operative who later was employed by the McConnell campaign."
Bob McDonnell’s shocking stupidity: How could a politician have been this dumb?
Bob McDonnell’s shocking stupidity: How could a politician have been this dumb?
"Cash, golf trips, Rolexes, vacations, checks, vacations, Ferrari rides: The components of the $100,000+ in gifts and loans that they received from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr., in exchange for using the powers of the governorship to promote his dumb diet pill thing, couldn’t have been a shinier bundle of objects for the prosecution to present to the jury."
"Cash, golf trips, Rolexes, vacations, checks, vacations, Ferrari rides: The components of the $100,000+ in gifts and loans that they received from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr., in exchange for using the powers of the governorship to promote his dumb diet pill thing, couldn’t have been a shinier bundle of objects for the prosecution to present to the jury."
The 47% On Steroids, With A Hit Of Koch
The 47% On Steroids, With A Hit Of Koch
"They will blow your mind with how far to the right these billionaires and their friends go. But the voters in states like Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, and Kentucky ought to especially read them, and ask the politicians who are such good friends of the Kochs if they, too, believe all this crazy stuff."
"They will blow your mind with how far to the right these billionaires and their friends go. But the voters in states like Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, and Kentucky ought to especially read them, and ask the politicians who are such good friends of the Kochs if they, too, believe all this crazy stuff."
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell Found Guilty On Eleven Counts Of Corruption
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell Found Guilty On Eleven Counts Of Corruption
"A federal jury Thursday found former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption — sending a message that they believed the couple sold the office once occupied by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson to a free spending Richmond businessman for golf outings, lavish vacations and $120,000 in sweetheart loans."
"A federal jury Thursday found former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, guilty of public corruption — sending a message that they believed the couple sold the office once occupied by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson to a free spending Richmond businessman for golf outings, lavish vacations and $120,000 in sweetheart loans."
Bob McDonnell convicted on political corruption charges
Bob McDonnell convicted on political corruption charges
"The former Republican governor of Virginia and his wife were found guilty of corruption, fraud and bribery"
"The former Republican governor of Virginia and his wife were found guilty of corruption, fraud and bribery"
Elizabeth Warren: Cantor Hit Revolving Door At A 'Speed That Would Blind You'
Elizabeth Warren: Cantor Hit Revolving Door At A 'Speed That Would Blind You'
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren let former House Majority Leader Cantor have it for his run through that revolving door straight to Wall Street and the fact that he epitomizes one of the things that are so severely broken in our political system"
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren let former House Majority Leader Cantor have it for his run through that revolving door straight to Wall Street and the fact that he epitomizes one of the things that are so severely broken in our political system"
Eric Cantor lands plum new job on Wall Street
Eric Cantor lands plum new job on Wall Street
"The former House majority leader and longtime opponent of financial regulation is now an investment banker"
"The former House majority leader and longtime opponent of financial regulation is now an investment banker"
Leaked Audio Suggests Koch's AFP Violated Law During Walker Recall
Leaked Audio Suggests Koch's AFP Violated Law During Walker Recall
"Leaked audio from an invite-only Koch donor summit highlighted the role of the billionaire brothers in boosting Scott Walker in Wisconsin -- and suggests that David Koch's Americans for Prosperity Foundation may have violated its charitable status during the state's 2012 recall elections."
"Leaked audio from an invite-only Koch donor summit highlighted the role of the billionaire brothers in boosting Scott Walker in Wisconsin -- and suggests that David Koch's Americans for Prosperity Foundation may have violated its charitable status during the state's 2012 recall elections."
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Koch Brothers’ Top Strategist: Minimum Wage Will Turn USA Into Nazi Germany
www.thinkprogress.org/politics/2014/09/03/3478289/koch-brothers-minimum-wage-fascism/
"At the same conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) promised those present that if his party regains a majority in the Senate this November, the body will no longer waste time on “gosh darn” minimum wage increases."
"At the same conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) promised those present that if his party regains a majority in the Senate this November, the body will no longer waste time on “gosh darn” minimum wage increases."
New Docs Undermine Walker Statements on Criminal Probe
New Docs Undermine Walker Statements on Criminal Probe
"The latest documents indicate that prosecutors are indeed looking at potentially illegal conduct from Walker himself."
"The latest documents indicate that prosecutors are indeed looking at potentially illegal conduct from Walker himself."
Billionaires Speak On Big Campaign Donations: 'It Gives You Access'
Billionaires Speak On Big Campaign Donations: 'It Gives You Access'
"The most blatant example of Pay For Access And Results by corporate and billionaire interests was Walker's deal with Gogebic Taconite LLC, a Wisconsin mining company. The company donated $700,000 to Walker, and sought access to a public forest for mining purposes.
Scott Walker, having heard the company's position and appeal, supported legislation to expedite the permit approval for the company. And that's not all. Walker and Wisconsin Club for Growth also supported legislation making that an exclusive deal by closing access to the forest.
As icing on the cake, let's not forget that the John Doe investigation was shut down by a judge who pals around with the Kochs and their cohorts at annual meetings."
"The most blatant example of Pay For Access And Results by corporate and billionaire interests was Walker's deal with Gogebic Taconite LLC, a Wisconsin mining company. The company donated $700,000 to Walker, and sought access to a public forest for mining purposes.
Scott Walker, having heard the company's position and appeal, supported legislation to expedite the permit approval for the company. And that's not all. Walker and Wisconsin Club for Growth also supported legislation making that an exclusive deal by closing access to the forest.
As icing on the cake, let's not forget that the John Doe investigation was shut down by a judge who pals around with the Kochs and their cohorts at annual meetings."
Exclusive: Secret new tape exposes Kochs’ ludicrous strategy to win over America
Exclusive: Secret new tape exposes Kochs’ ludicrous strategy to win over America
"a parallel tier of programming during the lavish weekend advanced the brothers’ newest priority: Reversing Americans’ perceptions that they’re just greedy gazillionaires by repackaging their research and activism as promoting Americans’ “well-being,” not merely free-market fanaticism."
"a parallel tier of programming during the lavish weekend advanced the brothers’ newest priority: Reversing Americans’ perceptions that they’re just greedy gazillionaires by repackaging their research and activism as promoting Americans’ “well-being,” not merely free-market fanaticism."
George Will's Ethical Problems Continue With The Kochs And AFP
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/09/02/george-wills-ethical-problems-continue-with-the/200601
"Will's attendance at the Koch-backed group's annual convention comes after he spent months promoting Koch-backed candidates for public offices and advancing Koch-backed policy issues in his syndicated column."
"Will's attendance at the Koch-backed group's annual convention comes after he spent months promoting Koch-backed candidates for public offices and advancing Koch-backed policy issues in his syndicated column."
McConnell’s Appeal to Millionaire Donors Makes Case for Constitutional Amendment on Political Money
McConnell’s Appeal to Millionaire Donors Makes Case for Constitutional Amendment on Political Money
"The real radicals are those who argue that their free speech rights include the right to use their wealth—corporate or individual—to drown out the voices of other Americans. They view the Citizens United decision, which invited corporations to spend freely on our elections, as—in Sen. McConnell’s words— having “leveled the playing field for corporations.”
The American people know better."
"The real radicals are those who argue that their free speech rights include the right to use their wealth—corporate or individual—to drown out the voices of other Americans. They view the Citizens United decision, which invited corporations to spend freely on our elections, as—in Sen. McConnell’s words— having “leveled the playing field for corporations.”
The American people know better."
Monday, September 1, 2014
Koch Network Poised To Control FSU
Koch Network Poised To Control FSU
"Remember when the Koch brothers tried to buy the economics department at FSU? Well, stand by because they're about to control the entire university."
"Remember when the Koch brothers tried to buy the economics department at FSU? Well, stand by because they're about to control the entire university."
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