Thursday, August 20, 2015
Scott Walker Steals from Taxpayers and the Poor to Give Billionaire Basketball Team Owners a New Arena @alternet
Scott Walker Steals from Taxpayers and the Poor to Give Billionaire Basketball Team Owners a New Arena @alternet
"$250 million cut from state university, $250 million given to Milwaukee Bucks."
"$250 million cut from state university, $250 million given to Milwaukee Bucks."
Why Surprising Numbers of Republicans Have Been Voting for Bernie Sanders in Vermont @alternet
Why Surprising Numbers of Republicans Have Been Voting for Bernie Sanders in Vermont @alternet
"While Americans disagree on social issues like gay marriage and abortion, they're actually pretty unified on the bread and butter economic issues that Bernie has made the core of his campaign."
"While Americans disagree on social issues like gay marriage and abortion, they're actually pretty unified on the bread and butter economic issues that Bernie has made the core of his campaign."
Bernie Sanders Urges Unions To Stand Up And Use Their Power To Crush The Koch Brothers
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/18/bernie-sanders-urges-unions-stand-power-crush-koch-brothers.html
"Ordinary Americans can’t beat the Koch brothers in a dollar for dollar battle, but they can out vote the billionaires. The Kochs and other right-wing billionaires were routed in 2012 because regular Americans went to the polls and voted."
"Ordinary Americans can’t beat the Koch brothers in a dollar for dollar battle, but they can out vote the billionaires. The Kochs and other right-wing billionaires were routed in 2012 because regular Americans went to the polls and voted."
Bernie Sanders Proposes To Boost Worker-Ownership Of Companies
Bernie Sanders Proposes To Boost Worker-Ownership Of Companies
"Worker co-ops are businesses owned and operated by the people who work at the company. Instead of squeezing and draining the company, workers, customers and surrounding communities to provide an increasing return for investors, worker-owned companies have an incentive to be responsible, obviously to pay good wages, to respect surrounding communities and the environment (where the workers/owners live) and to make the business a viable long-term operation."
"Worker co-ops are businesses owned and operated by the people who work at the company. Instead of squeezing and draining the company, workers, customers and surrounding communities to provide an increasing return for investors, worker-owned companies have an incentive to be responsible, obviously to pay good wages, to respect surrounding communities and the environment (where the workers/owners live) and to make the business a viable long-term operation."
Barnstorming Iowa and 'Berning Up' the Internet as Sanders Surge Continues
Barnstorming Iowa and 'Berning Up' the Internet as Sanders Surge Continues
"In addition to well-attended weekend rallies in Iowa and record-breaking rallies in cities nationwide in recent weeks, the Sanders campaign last month reported that more the 100,000 people participated in an online "house party" forum hosted by his supporters in private homes and public spaces in every state."
"In addition to well-attended weekend rallies in Iowa and record-breaking rallies in cities nationwide in recent weeks, the Sanders campaign last month reported that more the 100,000 people participated in an online "house party" forum hosted by his supporters in private homes and public spaces in every state."
Paul Krugman: The Republican 2016 Candidates Are Competing to Be America's Top Servant of the 1% @alternet
Paul Krugman: The Republican 2016 Candidates Are Competing to Be America's Top Servant of the 1% @alternet
"that desire by almost the entire Republican field of potential presidential nominees to gut politically popular programs like Social Security is evidence that the party has essentially been sold to a select group of wealthy bidders.
Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz have all announced retrograde plans similar in scope and intent to George W. Bush’s attempt to privatize Social Security, not because it’s politically expedient — most pollsters believe these positions will hurt them in the general election — but because they’ll never make it through the primaries without the support of 130 families who fund the majority of Republican campaigns."
"that desire by almost the entire Republican field of potential presidential nominees to gut politically popular programs like Social Security is evidence that the party has essentially been sold to a select group of wealthy bidders.
Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz have all announced retrograde plans similar in scope and intent to George W. Bush’s attempt to privatize Social Security, not because it’s politically expedient — most pollsters believe these positions will hurt them in the general election — but because they’ll never make it through the primaries without the support of 130 families who fund the majority of Republican campaigns."
Bernie Sanders: The Kochs & the Billionaires ‘Hate My Guts, And I WELCOME Their Hatred’
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/bernie-sanders-the-kochs-the-billionaires-hate-my-guts-and-i-welcome-their-hatred/
"Bernie Sanders has been preaching a message of economic justice and electoral accountability for decades, and he has so far been the only candidate to openly call out the billionaire class- especially David and Charles Koch, the fossil fuel barons whose political funding network has more than 75 organizations working around the clock to turn America in a Ayn Randian dystopia."
"Bernie Sanders has been preaching a message of economic justice and electoral accountability for decades, and he has so far been the only candidate to openly call out the billionaire class- especially David and Charles Koch, the fossil fuel barons whose political funding network has more than 75 organizations working around the clock to turn America in a Ayn Randian dystopia."
John Kasich Doesn’t Belong Anywhere Near the U.S. Department Of Education
John Kasich Doesn’t Belong Anywhere Near the U.S. Department Of Education
"Under Kasich, Ohio charter schools have become a national embarrassment."
"Under Kasich, Ohio charter schools have become a national embarrassment."
Jeb!'s super PAC preps to drop $10M on ads to improve his image
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/17/1412795/-Jeb-s-super-PAC-preps-to-drop-10M-on-ads-to-improve-his-image
"Jeb!'s flush super PAC is finally going to start burnishing his image by dropping $10 million in ads on early voting states. He's gonna need it—he's pretty much failed to take control of this race or distinguish himself on anything other than gaffes about Iraq."
"Jeb!'s flush super PAC is finally going to start burnishing his image by dropping $10 million in ads on early voting states. He's gonna need it—he's pretty much failed to take control of this race or distinguish himself on anything other than gaffes about Iraq."
Criminal Rick Scott Just Stole $1.3 Million From Taxpayers And Got Away With It
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/criminal-rick-scott-just-stole-1-3-million-from-taxpayers-and-got-away-with-it/
"When the people of the state of Florida elected Governor Rick Scott in 2010, they literally elected a criminal. A criminal who was never sent to jail for overseeing the largest case of Medicare fraud in the nation’s history. His company, Columbia/ HCA Healthcare Corporation, was fined $1.7 billion for overbilling Medicare patients. In spite of this, Rick Scott was never arrested and Republicans in the state of Florida elected him not once, but twice, to govern the Sunshine State. So, it should come as no surprise, that Governor Scott is up to his old tricks and is getting away with stealing from taxpayers AGAIN."
"When the people of the state of Florida elected Governor Rick Scott in 2010, they literally elected a criminal. A criminal who was never sent to jail for overseeing the largest case of Medicare fraud in the nation’s history. His company, Columbia/ HCA Healthcare Corporation, was fined $1.7 billion for overbilling Medicare patients. In spite of this, Rick Scott was never arrested and Republicans in the state of Florida elected him not once, but twice, to govern the Sunshine State. So, it should come as no surprise, that Governor Scott is up to his old tricks and is getting away with stealing from taxpayers AGAIN."
Saturday, August 15, 2015
CBO to Bernie Sanders: Ending sequester could create 1.4 million jobs
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/12/1411368/-CBO-to-Bernie-Sanders-Ending-sequester-could-create-1-4-million-jobs
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) just gave Democratic Leader Harry Reid an extremely useful gift: he asked the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the effects of ending the sequester"
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) just gave Democratic Leader Harry Reid an extremely useful gift: he asked the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the effects of ending the sequester"
Charles Koch Equates Himself With Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/08/charles-koch-equates-himself-with-martin-luther-king-jr/
"Charles Koch is talking about things like regulations that keep polluters in check. He’s talking about completely eliminating unions and, thus, the right of workers to have a say in how they will be compensated and treated on the job. He’s talking about selling the American people on the idea that corporations are people, just like you and me. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a few million in my back pocket to buy me influence in Washington. Nor am I acquainted with anyone who does. Koch, and those like him, like to conflate the power of what’s left of the American union movement as having the same clout as Koch Industries, or Citibank, or Exxon. If you are among those who believe that nonsense to be true, just ask yourself: Do you really think that the 185,000 member National Nurses United Union that just endorsed Bernie Sanders has anywhere near the money and influence that the Koch brothers billions can exert on lawmakers in Washington? Do you really believe that union could cough up $889 million on advocacy issues like the Kochs are planning to do in the upcoming election?"
"Charles Koch is talking about things like regulations that keep polluters in check. He’s talking about completely eliminating unions and, thus, the right of workers to have a say in how they will be compensated and treated on the job. He’s talking about selling the American people on the idea that corporations are people, just like you and me. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a few million in my back pocket to buy me influence in Washington. Nor am I acquainted with anyone who does. Koch, and those like him, like to conflate the power of what’s left of the American union movement as having the same clout as Koch Industries, or Citibank, or Exxon. If you are among those who believe that nonsense to be true, just ask yourself: Do you really think that the 185,000 member National Nurses United Union that just endorsed Bernie Sanders has anywhere near the money and influence that the Koch brothers billions can exert on lawmakers in Washington? Do you really believe that union could cough up $889 million on advocacy issues like the Kochs are planning to do in the upcoming election?"
PERRspectives: Wage Theft. Dishonest Franchises. Papa John's.
PERRspectives: Wage Theft. Dishonest Franchises. Papa John's.
"That Papa John's and its franchisees are in trouble for pumping up profits at employees' expense is unsurprising. Like a fish, the rot starts with the head."
"That Papa John's and its franchisees are in trouble for pumping up profits at employees' expense is unsurprising. Like a fish, the rot starts with the head."
Bernie's Recipe for Beating Hillary: Sanders Drawing Historic Crowds in Dem Primary History @alternet
Bernie's Recipe for Beating Hillary: Sanders Drawing Historic Crowds in Dem Primary History @alternet
"His ability to mobilize voters at these political rallies is historic, with the only other Democrat in recent memory who was able to match or exceed these crowd sizes being Barack Obama."
"His ability to mobilize voters at these political rallies is historic, with the only other Democrat in recent memory who was able to match or exceed these crowd sizes being Barack Obama."
New Gallup Poll Proves Just How Terrible Republicans are at Doing Their Job
New Gallup Poll Proves Just How Terrible Republicans are at Doing Their Job
"it seems Americans have noticed that Republicans have been completely incompetent at running Congress. Currently, only 14 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing."
"it seems Americans have noticed that Republicans have been completely incompetent at running Congress. Currently, only 14 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing."
Why the Nation’s Nurses are Supporting Bernie Sanders for President
Why the Nation’s Nurses are Supporting Bernie Sanders for President
"The more than 100,000 people who have jammed into arenas in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Madison, and other cities should be a wake up call for anyone still on the sidelines in the critical 2016 election campaign."
"The more than 100,000 people who have jammed into arenas in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Madison, and other cities should be a wake up call for anyone still on the sidelines in the critical 2016 election campaign."
Protecting Democracy in an Era of Voter Suppression
Protecting Democracy in an Era of Voter Suppression
"the absence of Section 5’s protection has created a severe disadvantage for voters challenging state’s vote denial measures."
"the absence of Section 5’s protection has created a severe disadvantage for voters challenging state’s vote denial measures."
Republicans Panic As Bernie Sanders Files Bill To Make Election Day A National Holiday
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/republicans-panic-as-bernie-sanders-files-bill-to-make-election-day-a-national-holiday/
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the presidential candidate who has been drawing mega crowds- 70,000 over three days- aims to change that. He has introduced a bill in Congress to make Election Day a national holiday, giving Americans from all walks of life time to go to the polls and cast their ballots. He has also introduced a bill which would automatically register 18-year-olds to vote unless they specifically request not to, and a bill to return financing of presidential campaigns to public funds."
"Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the presidential candidate who has been drawing mega crowds- 70,000 over three days- aims to change that. He has introduced a bill in Congress to make Election Day a national holiday, giving Americans from all walks of life time to go to the polls and cast their ballots. He has also introduced a bill which would automatically register 18-year-olds to vote unless they specifically request not to, and a bill to return financing of presidential campaigns to public funds."
Social Security at 80: Defending a Program Which Has Defended All of Us
Social Security at 80: Defending a Program Which Has Defended All of Us
"from the moment of Social Security's enactment onward, ideological opponents, backed by wealthy donors, railed against Social Security. But they were vastly outnumbered. Indeed, President Dwight Eisenhower, in a private letter to his brother, wrote, "There is a tiny splinter group...that believes you can [abolish Social Security.]...Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
The tiny splinter group tried to end Social Security in the 1930s and failed. They tried in the 1940's and failed. The 1950's and failed. The 1960's and again failed. So they changed their tactics. They started asserting that Social Security was a wonderful program but unaffordable and would bankrupt the country, crowding out spending for children and other important national priorities.
Though they have not been successful so far in actually cutting Social Security's cash benefits, they have stripped away an intangible benefit. As Social Security's name suggests, it is intended to provide security, peace of mind that if wages are lost, Social Security will always be there to partly replace those earnings. Eisenhower's small splinter group has effectively convinced too many Americans that Social Security is in danger of disappearing. That successful crusade to undermine confidence in the future has stripped away that peace of mind. But the reality is that it would take an act of Congress to end Social Security.
As the richest country in the world at the wealthiest moment in its history, the United States can afford a greatly expanded Social Security, while also greatly increasing spending on children, infrastructure, and other pressing needs. The issue is one of values and priorities. The choice is ours."
"from the moment of Social Security's enactment onward, ideological opponents, backed by wealthy donors, railed against Social Security. But they were vastly outnumbered. Indeed, President Dwight Eisenhower, in a private letter to his brother, wrote, "There is a tiny splinter group...that believes you can [abolish Social Security.]...Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
The tiny splinter group tried to end Social Security in the 1930s and failed. They tried in the 1940's and failed. The 1950's and failed. The 1960's and again failed. So they changed their tactics. They started asserting that Social Security was a wonderful program but unaffordable and would bankrupt the country, crowding out spending for children and other important national priorities.
Though they have not been successful so far in actually cutting Social Security's cash benefits, they have stripped away an intangible benefit. As Social Security's name suggests, it is intended to provide security, peace of mind that if wages are lost, Social Security will always be there to partly replace those earnings. Eisenhower's small splinter group has effectively convinced too many Americans that Social Security is in danger of disappearing. That successful crusade to undermine confidence in the future has stripped away that peace of mind. But the reality is that it would take an act of Congress to end Social Security.
As the richest country in the world at the wealthiest moment in its history, the United States can afford a greatly expanded Social Security, while also greatly increasing spending on children, infrastructure, and other pressing needs. The issue is one of values and priorities. The choice is ours."
Republicans' big plan for 2017: Privatizing Medicare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/11/1410991/-Republicans-big-plan-for-2017-Privatizing-Medicare#
"according to the most recent polling on it, done last month by the Kaiser Family Foundation just 26 percent of voters support the idea of vouchers. It's universally hated. Only 31 percent of Republicans support it! And guess who votes? People who love their Medicare the way it is."
"according to the most recent polling on it, done last month by the Kaiser Family Foundation just 26 percent of voters support the idea of vouchers. It's universally hated. Only 31 percent of Republicans support it! And guess who votes? People who love their Medicare the way it is."
Friday, August 14, 2015
Trickle-Down Economics Must Die, Long Live Grow-Up Economics
https://medium.com/basic-income/trickle-down-economics-must-die-long-live-grow-up-economics-5b8334a0db76
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses."
"Every extra dollar going into the pockets of low-wage workers, standard economic multiplier models tell us, adds about $1.21 to the national economy. Every extra dollar going into the pockets of a high-income American, by contrast, only adds about 39 cents to the GDP. These pennies add up considerably on $26.7 billion in earnings. If the $26.7 billion Wall Streeters pulled in on bonuses in 2013 had gone to minimum wage workers instead, our GDP would have grown by about $32.3 billion, over triple the $10.4 billion boost expected from the Wall Street bonuses."
80 Years Later, Republicans Are Still Fighting Social Security
80 Years Later, Republicans Are Still Fighting Social Security
"To campaign against Social Security is to court political suicide. (It certainly didn’t help Alf Landon; he was trounced.) It therefore becomes imperative to convince voters instead that the program is unreliable. That’s the Republican strategy.
Elements of the strategy include:
Insist that the program’s $2.8 trillion trust fund isn’t real, that it consists of “only IOUs” – a description that could just as easily be applied to the Treasury bonds held by billionaires and Wall Street banks, or any other legally executed instrument of debt.
Exaggerate minor imbalances between the retirement and disability funds – funds which many experts believe should have been merged long ago – in order to convince voters that one or both of them is “running out of money,” despite its $2.8 trillion size. This gamesmanship extracts a very real human cost.)
Repeatedly describe Social Security as “going broke,” despite its massive cash flow. Exaggerate relatively minor future shortfalls, without mentioning that they could easily be fixed – and benefits expanded – if millionaires and billionaires were willing to pay into the program at the same rates as middle-class Americans.
Starve Social Security’s administrative budget, even though that budget comes out of Social Security funds and not general revenues, just as millions of baby boomers claim retirement benefits for the first time. Use any resulting delays or difficulties to claim that “government isn’t as efficient as the private sector,” despite the fact that Social Security is run much more cost-effectively than any private corporation in the same general line of business.
The Social Security Act was signed on August 14, 1935. Eighty years later, that’s a heck of a way to wish it a happy birthday.
Why do they do it? Part of the objection is clearly ideological. They don’t want to admit that there are some things that government simply does better than the private sector. That helps explain the overheated rhetoric from the Fox set. To that extent, at least, Social Security’s detractors are sincere (if wrongheaded)."
"To campaign against Social Security is to court political suicide. (It certainly didn’t help Alf Landon; he was trounced.) It therefore becomes imperative to convince voters instead that the program is unreliable. That’s the Republican strategy.
Elements of the strategy include:
Insist that the program’s $2.8 trillion trust fund isn’t real, that it consists of “only IOUs” – a description that could just as easily be applied to the Treasury bonds held by billionaires and Wall Street banks, or any other legally executed instrument of debt.
Exaggerate minor imbalances between the retirement and disability funds – funds which many experts believe should have been merged long ago – in order to convince voters that one or both of them is “running out of money,” despite its $2.8 trillion size. This gamesmanship extracts a very real human cost.)
Repeatedly describe Social Security as “going broke,” despite its massive cash flow. Exaggerate relatively minor future shortfalls, without mentioning that they could easily be fixed – and benefits expanded – if millionaires and billionaires were willing to pay into the program at the same rates as middle-class Americans.
Starve Social Security’s administrative budget, even though that budget comes out of Social Security funds and not general revenues, just as millions of baby boomers claim retirement benefits for the first time. Use any resulting delays or difficulties to claim that “government isn’t as efficient as the private sector,” despite the fact that Social Security is run much more cost-effectively than any private corporation in the same general line of business.
The Social Security Act was signed on August 14, 1935. Eighty years later, that’s a heck of a way to wish it a happy birthday.
Why do they do it? Part of the objection is clearly ideological. They don’t want to admit that there are some things that government simply does better than the private sector. That helps explain the overheated rhetoric from the Fox set. To that extent, at least, Social Security’s detractors are sincere (if wrongheaded)."
Social Security Still Strong at 80
Social Security Still Strong at 80
"Despite such a strong record, Social Security is under attack from profiteers and their political allies who claim it will not be around when people retire and is in need of drastic reform. A myth, says the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) since “Social Security is fully funded through 2033. Even if nothing is done to shore up the system, Social Security can continue to pay three-fourths of promised benefits after the trust fund runs out. Though this would be far from ideal, it’s certainly no reason to preemptively cut benefits.” A decrease in Social Security benefits would leave over half of elderly Americans in poverty, hitting African Americans, Latinos and women the hardest.
Because Social Security is such a large public sector program, with almost $3 trillion in reserves, Wall Street has long wanted to get its hands on it. Various proposals to privatize or partially privatize the program would allow investment firms to run up fees for every transaction, profiting off of retirees and making the program vulnerable to economic crashes."
"Despite such a strong record, Social Security is under attack from profiteers and their political allies who claim it will not be around when people retire and is in need of drastic reform. A myth, says the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) since “Social Security is fully funded through 2033. Even if nothing is done to shore up the system, Social Security can continue to pay three-fourths of promised benefits after the trust fund runs out. Though this would be far from ideal, it’s certainly no reason to preemptively cut benefits.” A decrease in Social Security benefits would leave over half of elderly Americans in poverty, hitting African Americans, Latinos and women the hardest.
Because Social Security is such a large public sector program, with almost $3 trillion in reserves, Wall Street has long wanted to get its hands on it. Various proposals to privatize or partially privatize the program would allow investment firms to run up fees for every transaction, profiting off of retirees and making the program vulnerable to economic crashes."
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Game of Groans: How focus on Trump Taunts Hides GOP War on Middle Class, Workers
Game of Groans: How focus on Trump Taunts Hides GOP War on Middle Class, Workers
"Last Thursday we had 10 rich white males on a debate stage seeking to represent the billionaire class (some 536 individuals in US, who have more wealth than the bottom half of the US population).
US billionaires are getting richer at a time when wages for working and middle class people have not kept pace with increases in productivity. Working and middle class Americans, unlike the stock market (80% of which is owned by the top 20% of the population), have never recovered from the bust of 2008. And no, it was not caused by ordinary people trying to live above their means. It was caused by bankers who were venal and corrupt and stole enormous sums from the public.
So what did the would-be representatives of the super-wealthy want? They wanted to take away health care from tens of millions of Americans. Why would you want to do that? Having to contribute to health care for the US public is an inconvenience to the business classes, many of whom don’t want Obamacare.
They want to take away your medicaid and social security. Again, this step is in the interest of the super-wealthy who don’t want the government to run such large entitlement programs for fear that Washington will end up taxing them for the operation. (In fact, social security would be healthier if the wealthy had to pay into it according to full income; at the moment, there is a cut-off for payments, which saves the billionaires a lot of money.)
So folks this is an amazing tableau. We had 10 persons up there who openly announce that they want to ruin the lives of the majority of Americans."
"Last Thursday we had 10 rich white males on a debate stage seeking to represent the billionaire class (some 536 individuals in US, who have more wealth than the bottom half of the US population).
US billionaires are getting richer at a time when wages for working and middle class people have not kept pace with increases in productivity. Working and middle class Americans, unlike the stock market (80% of which is owned by the top 20% of the population), have never recovered from the bust of 2008. And no, it was not caused by ordinary people trying to live above their means. It was caused by bankers who were venal and corrupt and stole enormous sums from the public.
So what did the would-be representatives of the super-wealthy want? They wanted to take away health care from tens of millions of Americans. Why would you want to do that? Having to contribute to health care for the US public is an inconvenience to the business classes, many of whom don’t want Obamacare.
They want to take away your medicaid and social security. Again, this step is in the interest of the super-wealthy who don’t want the government to run such large entitlement programs for fear that Washington will end up taxing them for the operation. (In fact, social security would be healthier if the wealthy had to pay into it according to full income; at the moment, there is a cut-off for payments, which saves the billionaires a lot of money.)
So folks this is an amazing tableau. We had 10 persons up there who openly announce that they want to ruin the lives of the majority of Americans."
The 1 percent’s sinister inequality lie: How cold-blooded billionaires are pretending to care about the American dream
The 1 percent’s sinister inequality lie: How cold-blooded billionaires are pretending to care about the American dream
"They cannot talk about it because they have no plan to raise wages. They have a plan to lower taxes and Americans are finally seeing through that trickle-down promise. They also hope to roll back regulations, particularly Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which will undoubtedly have their rich benefactors breathing easier but won’t do anything for the millions of people they are trying to persuade that they really, really care about them.
That’s the problem with Charles Koch’s great plan: it’s not new. Republicans have been selling free-market, low tax, no regulation snake oil for everything that ails you for many years. A whole lot of Americans bought it and it made them sick. After the last decade they are not likely to fall for it again even if it’s rolled out with a snappy marketing campaign in a brand new package. The new Koch tastes just like the old Koch. And that’s not a good thing."
"They cannot talk about it because they have no plan to raise wages. They have a plan to lower taxes and Americans are finally seeing through that trickle-down promise. They also hope to roll back regulations, particularly Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which will undoubtedly have their rich benefactors breathing easier but won’t do anything for the millions of people they are trying to persuade that they really, really care about them.
That’s the problem with Charles Koch’s great plan: it’s not new. Republicans have been selling free-market, low tax, no regulation snake oil for everything that ails you for many years. A whole lot of Americans bought it and it made them sick. After the last decade they are not likely to fall for it again even if it’s rolled out with a snappy marketing campaign in a brand new package. The new Koch tastes just like the old Koch. And that’s not a good thing."
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
The Outrageous Ascent of CEO Pay
The Outrageous Ascent of CEO Pay
"Consider that in 1965, CEOs of America’s largest corporations were paid, on average, 20 times the pay of average workers.
Now, the ratio is over 300 to 1.
Not only has CEO pay exploded, so has the pay of top executives just below them.
The share of corporate income devoted to compensating the five highest-paid executives of large corporations ballooned from an average of 5 percent in 1993 to more than 15 percent by 2005 (the latest data available).
Corporations might otherwise have devoted this sizable sum to research and development, additional jobs, higher wages for average workers, or dividends to shareholders – who, not incidentally, are supposed to be the owners of the firm.
Corporate apologists say CEOs and other top executives are worth these amounts because their corporations have performed so well over the last three decades that CEOs are like star baseball players or movie stars.
Baloney. Most CEOs haven’t done anything special. The entire stock market surged over this time.
Even if a company’s CEO simply played online solitaire for thirty years, the company’s stock would have ridden the wave."
"Consider that in 1965, CEOs of America’s largest corporations were paid, on average, 20 times the pay of average workers.
Now, the ratio is over 300 to 1.
Not only has CEO pay exploded, so has the pay of top executives just below them.
The share of corporate income devoted to compensating the five highest-paid executives of large corporations ballooned from an average of 5 percent in 1993 to more than 15 percent by 2005 (the latest data available).
Corporations might otherwise have devoted this sizable sum to research and development, additional jobs, higher wages for average workers, or dividends to shareholders – who, not incidentally, are supposed to be the owners of the firm.
Corporate apologists say CEOs and other top executives are worth these amounts because their corporations have performed so well over the last three decades that CEOs are like star baseball players or movie stars.
Baloney. Most CEOs haven’t done anything special. The entire stock market surged over this time.
Even if a company’s CEO simply played online solitaire for thirty years, the company’s stock would have ridden the wave."
Hillary Clinton Shreds Scott Walker For Delighting In Harming College Students
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/08/11/hillary-clinton-shreds-scott-walker-delighting-harming-college-students.html
"Republicans believe that the doors of opportunity should be nailed shut on the vast majority of Americans. This belief is good for getting billionaires to open their checkbooks, but it a big reason younger voters continue to support the Democratic Party."
"Republicans believe that the doors of opportunity should be nailed shut on the vast majority of Americans. This belief is good for getting billionaires to open their checkbooks, but it a big reason younger voters continue to support the Democratic Party."
Hillary Clinton Joins Debt-Free College Push With a Big Plan
http://www.thenation.com/article/hillary-clinton-joins-debt-free-college-push-with-a-big-plan/
"All three major Democratic candidates embrace the idea of free public higher education."
"All three major Democratic candidates embrace the idea of free public higher education."
Clinton Will Unveil College Affordability Plan To Give States Incentives To Lower Tuition
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/08/10/3689782/clinton-will-unveil-college-affordability-plan-to-give-states-incentives-to-lower-tuition/
"College affordability has been a hot topic recently after Corinthian College students’ debt strike and the movement’s subsequent talks with the U.S. Department of Education, along with reports of misrepresentation of job placements for for-profit colleges, which can have higher tuition than comparable colleges. Total student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion."
"College affordability has been a hot topic recently after Corinthian College students’ debt strike and the movement’s subsequent talks with the U.S. Department of Education, along with reports of misrepresentation of job placements for for-profit colleges, which can have higher tuition than comparable colleges. Total student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion."
The Proof That Obamacare Is Working Is Getting Really Hard To Ignore
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2015/08/10/3689845/obamacare-working-research/
"the states that embraced Obamacare have seen the largest drops in the number of residents going without health care."
"the states that embraced Obamacare have seen the largest drops in the number of residents going without health care."
Melissa Gilbert Will Run For Congress
Melissa Gilbert Will Run For Congress
"some good news from Michigan. TV Star Melissa Gilbert has announced her intentions to send current Republican representative Mike Bishop home for good."
"some good news from Michigan. TV Star Melissa Gilbert has announced her intentions to send current Republican representative Mike Bishop home for good."
'Bringing People Together' Big Time as Sanders Attracts Tens of Thousands
'Bringing People Together' Big Time as Sanders Attracts Tens of Thousands
"It was by far the largest turnout for any presidential candidate this year, as nearly 30,000 people rallied in Portland, Oregon on Sunday evening for Bernie Sanders, filling the city's Moda Center to capacity with thousands more directed to overflow areas to watch the event on large screens."
"It was by far the largest turnout for any presidential candidate this year, as nearly 30,000 people rallied in Portland, Oregon on Sunday evening for Bernie Sanders, filling the city's Moda Center to capacity with thousands more directed to overflow areas to watch the event on large screens."
Championing a 'President for All People,' Nurses Back Bernie
Championing a 'President for All People,' Nurses Back Bernie
"Championing "a president for all people," the National Nurses Union on Monday announced that it is throwing the full weight of its 185,000-member organization behind Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid for president."
"Championing "a president for all people," the National Nurses Union on Monday announced that it is throwing the full weight of its 185,000-member organization behind Senator Bernie Sanders in his bid for president."
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
Why conservative billionaires have started talking like Bernie Sanders: “We are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape”
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
"Joined by his friend Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot, Georgescu warns his fellow 1 percenters that “[w]e are creating a caste system from which it’s almost impossible to escape.” The column raises the specter of “major social unrest” if inequality is not addressed."
Marco Rubio Pretends Those Billionaire Bucks Don't Buy Any Influence
Marco Rubio Pretends Those Billionaire Bucks Don't Buy Any Influence
"Marco Rubio wants us to believe that all of that money flowing his way from the millionaires and billionaires funding his super pacs and political campaign don't have a bit of influence on his agenda."
"Marco Rubio wants us to believe that all of that money flowing his way from the millionaires and billionaires funding his super pacs and political campaign don't have a bit of influence on his agenda."
If There's Nothing To Hide...
If There's Nothing To Hide...
"Professor Clarkson is asking to see the paper tapes from the voting machines. They do not tell how someone voted, but “merely timestamped votes with associated metadata.”No can do, says Kansas. The reason?
Because the software is proprietary, even elections officials can’t examine it and postelection audits can’t be done, according to Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting Foundation, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to safeguard elections in the digital age.
Okay, so we privatize elections and end up with private elections."
"Professor Clarkson is asking to see the paper tapes from the voting machines. They do not tell how someone voted, but “merely timestamped votes with associated metadata.”No can do, says Kansas. The reason?
Because the software is proprietary, even elections officials can’t examine it and postelection audits can’t be done, according to Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting Foundation, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to safeguard elections in the digital age.
Okay, so we privatize elections and end up with private elections."
Most 2016 GOP Presidential Candidates Would Push Seniors Into Poverty By Cutting Social Security @alternet
Most 2016 GOP Presidential Candidates Would Push Seniors Into Poverty By Cutting Social Security @alternet
"It sounds like everyone but Huckabee and Trump are taking their Social Security advice from their billionaire donors."
"It sounds like everyone but Huckabee and Trump are taking their Social Security advice from their billionaire donors."
Fox Stacked The Deck For Walker In Debate, Walker Still Lost
Fox Stacked The Deck For Walker In Debate, Walker Still Lost
"Yet, despite Walker not complying with their own rules, Faux Newz gave Walker the third seat at the debate. Other candidates who followed the rules were demoted to the little kids debate table."
"Yet, despite Walker not complying with their own rules, Faux Newz gave Walker the third seat at the debate. Other candidates who followed the rules were demoted to the little kids debate table."
Fox News Fails To Disclose Its Pro-Walker Debate Analyst Is A Walker Adviser And Co-Author
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/08/07/fox-news-fails-to-disclose-its-pro-walker-debat/204826
"Fox News repeatedly failed to disclose that its debate analyst Marc Thiessen has worked for debate participant Scott Walker. During his Fox appearances, Thiessen praised Walker as one of the "obvious winners" and singled him out as having a "great" debate moment."
"Fox News repeatedly failed to disclose that its debate analyst Marc Thiessen has worked for debate participant Scott Walker. During his Fox appearances, Thiessen praised Walker as one of the "obvious winners" and singled him out as having a "great" debate moment."
Why Did Chris Christie Say He Was Appointed U.S. Attorney The Day Before 9/11 When He Wasn’t?
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/07/3689230/chris-christie-september-10/
"Reports from the time suggest that Christie’s nomination to the vacant U.S. Attorney slot in New Jersey was widely anticipated prior to the attacks. But Bush didn’t actually nominate him until December 7 of that year, and he did not assume office until early 2002."
"Reports from the time suggest that Christie’s nomination to the vacant U.S. Attorney slot in New Jersey was widely anticipated prior to the attacks. But Bush didn’t actually nominate him until December 7 of that year, and he did not assume office until early 2002."
Fox News Had Time To Ask The Candidates If They’ve ‘Received Word From God,’ But Not These 7 Topics
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/07/3689171/things-the-gop-cant-talk-about/
"Corporate Welfare
Though former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee mentioned that, “Most of the income in this country is made by people at the top who get dividends and — and capital gains,” there was little mention of the idea that corporations are getting huge benefits from the current system. Even the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers have come around on corporate welfare, saying that “Business leaders (must) recognize that their behavior is suicide.” This is perhaps because candidates are increasingly beholden to donors who have contributed at least a million dollars to their campaigns."
"Corporate Welfare
Though former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee mentioned that, “Most of the income in this country is made by people at the top who get dividends and — and capital gains,” there was little mention of the idea that corporations are getting huge benefits from the current system. Even the right-wing billionaire Koch brothers have come around on corporate welfare, saying that “Business leaders (must) recognize that their behavior is suicide.” This is perhaps because candidates are increasingly beholden to donors who have contributed at least a million dollars to their campaigns."
FactChecking the GOP Debate, Late Edition
FactChecking the GOP Debate, Late Edition
"The first prime-time Republican presidential debate featured the top 10 candidates, according to polling, and they twisted some facts."
"The first prime-time Republican presidential debate featured the top 10 candidates, according to polling, and they twisted some facts."
The First Republican Debate Was a Mess and the GOP Should be Embarrassed
The First Republican Debate Was a Mess and the GOP Should be Embarrassed
"If this first debate was any indication of what the next 12-15 months is going to be like, all I can say is – wow. We have a government education grant program called “Race to the Top,” well the GOP presidential primary seems to be a “Race to the Bottom.” The fight for the Republican nomination really does seem to be a battle to see who can pander to ignorance and bigotry the best. Outside of Kasich, every other candidate was filled with more of the same anti-immigrant, anti-women, anti-helping the poor rhetoric to which we’ve all become accustomed from the GOP. Because that’s what we saw tonight. Ten candidates, standing on a stage pandering to some of the worst parts of our society."
"If this first debate was any indication of what the next 12-15 months is going to be like, all I can say is – wow. We have a government education grant program called “Race to the Top,” well the GOP presidential primary seems to be a “Race to the Bottom.” The fight for the Republican nomination really does seem to be a battle to see who can pander to ignorance and bigotry the best. Outside of Kasich, every other candidate was filled with more of the same anti-immigrant, anti-women, anti-helping the poor rhetoric to which we’ve all become accustomed from the GOP. Because that’s what we saw tonight. Ten candidates, standing on a stage pandering to some of the worst parts of our society."
Jon Stewart Blessed Us All With One Last Final Rant on ‘The Daily Show’ – and It Was Perfect (Video)
Jon Stewart Blessed Us All With One Last Final Rant on ‘The Daily Show’ – and It Was Perfect (Video)
"Trust me, if you have a few minutes, watch this segment. Reading parts of it just doesn’t do it justice."
"Trust me, if you have a few minutes, watch this segment. Reading parts of it just doesn’t do it justice."
As Jon Stewart Exits The Daily Show, Here’s a Look at Some of His Best Moments
As Jon Stewart Exits The Daily Show, Here’s a Look at Some of His Best Moments
"After several personalities from Fox News accused him of lying, Stewart absolutely hammered the network’s dishonesty by playing a short six-second clip of 50 lies that have been told on the conservative entertainment network."
"After several personalities from Fox News accused him of lying, Stewart absolutely hammered the network’s dishonesty by playing a short six-second clip of 50 lies that have been told on the conservative entertainment network."
This Study Shows How Hard It Will Be For A Republican To Win The White House
This Study Shows How Hard It Will Be For A Republican To Win The White House
"Now, a study by Latino Decisions shows that in order for the GOP to win the White House in 2016, they will need at least 47% of Latino voters to vote for the Republican candidate – and it is only going to get harder with every election cycle in the future. The study specifically points out how candidates like Donald Trump are driving away Latinos, at the expense of the GOP in the long-term.
The future doesn’t look good for the Republican Party when it comes to Latino voters, and they have only themselves to blame. While Democrats are welcoming voters across the demographic board, Republican candidates are doubling down on extreme rhetoric in order to win primaries and bring out the base. That approach presents a political Catch-22 situation for candidates in many states since they need the angry white vote to win the primaries, but by appealing to these voters, they have created hours and hours of video which can then be used against the party in the general election.
In 2012, Mitt Romney only got 23% of the Latino vote as his campaign lost in an electoral college blowout to President Obama. He may have had more of a chance if he hadn’t run so far to the right in the primaries and made comments about getting undocumented immigrants to “self deport,” a statement that RNC chairman Reince Priebus called “horrific.” This time around, Donald Trump is making it extremely difficult for the GOP to get to 23%, let alone 47%."
"Now, a study by Latino Decisions shows that in order for the GOP to win the White House in 2016, they will need at least 47% of Latino voters to vote for the Republican candidate – and it is only going to get harder with every election cycle in the future. The study specifically points out how candidates like Donald Trump are driving away Latinos, at the expense of the GOP in the long-term.
The future doesn’t look good for the Republican Party when it comes to Latino voters, and they have only themselves to blame. While Democrats are welcoming voters across the demographic board, Republican candidates are doubling down on extreme rhetoric in order to win primaries and bring out the base. That approach presents a political Catch-22 situation for candidates in many states since they need the angry white vote to win the primaries, but by appealing to these voters, they have created hours and hours of video which can then be used against the party in the general election.
In 2012, Mitt Romney only got 23% of the Latino vote as his campaign lost in an electoral college blowout to President Obama. He may have had more of a chance if he hadn’t run so far to the right in the primaries and made comments about getting undocumented immigrants to “self deport,” a statement that RNC chairman Reince Priebus called “horrific.” This time around, Donald Trump is making it extremely difficult for the GOP to get to 23%, let alone 47%."
Senate Republicans try to gut Wall Street reform, Obama administration strikes back
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/06/1409282/-Senate-Republicans-try-to-gut-Wall-Street-reform-Obama-administration-strikes-back
"The bill would gut Wall Street reform for big banks and would completely restructure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stripping its independence by creating a politicized board of directors and making its funding subject to congressional approval. Another provision would prevent the FCC from fully implementing net neutrality rules. Yet another would block funding for enforcing new clean air rules. And that's just a sliver of what it would do."
"The bill would gut Wall Street reform for big banks and would completely restructure the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, stripping its independence by creating a politicized board of directors and making its funding subject to congressional approval. Another provision would prevent the FCC from fully implementing net neutrality rules. Yet another would block funding for enforcing new clean air rules. And that's just a sliver of what it would do."
THANKS, WARREN – New Rule Requires Companies To Reveal What Their CEOs Are Earning
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/05/thanks-warren-new-rule-requires-companies-to-reveal-what-their-ceos-are-earning/
"Of course the panel’s two GOP members opposed it. Why on earth would they give a damn about exposing income inequality? Their donors have made it clear that they don’t want average Americans knowing how badly they are being scammed by those they work for."
"Of course the panel’s two GOP members opposed it. Why on earth would they give a damn about exposing income inequality? Their donors have made it clear that they don’t want average Americans knowing how badly they are being scammed by those they work for."
Why Jeb Bush's Pitch to the Koch Brothers Should Scare You @alternet
Why Jeb Bush's Pitch to the Koch Brothers Should Scare You @alternet
"The appointment of Supreme Court justices by a president who holds the shrouded workings of private capital in such high esteem promises future decisions that will make Citizens United look like a ray of sunlight.
In his bid to become the third in his family’s dynasty of mediocrity to occupy the White House, Jeb Bush is ready to sell the nation to the most secretive corner of the 1 percent."
"The appointment of Supreme Court justices by a president who holds the shrouded workings of private capital in such high esteem promises future decisions that will make Citizens United look like a ray of sunlight.
In his bid to become the third in his family’s dynasty of mediocrity to occupy the White House, Jeb Bush is ready to sell the nation to the most secretive corner of the 1 percent."
Saturday, August 8, 2015
These guys want to gut America: 6 ways the GOP has obliterated American opportunity—and how we can start fighting back
These guys want to gut America: 6 ways the GOP has obliterated American opportunity—and how we can start fighting back
"A quick note about those two broad Republican lies: In reality, Democrats are much better than Republicans for the economy, as shown by more than a dozen studies discussed by Eric Zeusse in his 2012 book, “They’re Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010.” (The less said specifically about the Bush family record, particularly on job creation —less than 4 million in 12 years—the better.) As for the second lie, overall growth stopped helping most Americans back in the 1970s, when the GOP’s neoliberal “trickle down” economics began replacing the social democratic policies, from the New Deal to the Great Society, which had produced decades of shared prosperity."
"A quick note about those two broad Republican lies: In reality, Democrats are much better than Republicans for the economy, as shown by more than a dozen studies discussed by Eric Zeusse in his 2012 book, “They’re Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010.” (The less said specifically about the Bush family record, particularly on job creation —less than 4 million in 12 years—the better.) As for the second lie, overall growth stopped helping most Americans back in the 1970s, when the GOP’s neoliberal “trickle down” economics began replacing the social democratic policies, from the New Deal to the Great Society, which had produced decades of shared prosperity."
10 Ways to Make The U.S. Economy Work for Everyone, By Bernie Sanders @alternet
10 Ways to Make The U.S. Economy Work for Everyone, By Bernie Sanders @alternet
"1. Stop corporations from using offshore tax havens to avoid U.S. taxes. Each and every year, the United States loses an estimated $100 billion in tax revenues due to offshore tax abuses by the wealthy and large corporations. The situation has become so absurd that one five-story office building in the Cayman Islands is now the “home” to more than 18,000 corporations.
The wealthy and large corporations should not be allowed to avoid paying taxes by setting up tax shelters in Panama, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas or other tax haven countries. The first bill that I introduced in the Senate (the Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act) would raise more than $580 billion over the next decade by eliminating the most egregious corporate offshore tax haven abuses."
"1. Stop corporations from using offshore tax havens to avoid U.S. taxes. Each and every year, the United States loses an estimated $100 billion in tax revenues due to offshore tax abuses by the wealthy and large corporations. The situation has become so absurd that one five-story office building in the Cayman Islands is now the “home” to more than 18,000 corporations.
The wealthy and large corporations should not be allowed to avoid paying taxes by setting up tax shelters in Panama, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas or other tax haven countries. The first bill that I introduced in the Senate (the Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act) would raise more than $580 billion over the next decade by eliminating the most egregious corporate offshore tax haven abuses."
Scott Walker Wins Koch Straw Poll, $900 Million in the Offing
Scott Walker Wins Koch Straw Poll, $900 Million in the Offing
"As the Koch network of funders gets ready to unleash an unimaginable $900 million on the 2016 campaign, they are busily trying to remake their public image and spin undisclosed dark money as a plus in political campaigns."
"As the Koch network of funders gets ready to unleash an unimaginable $900 million on the 2016 campaign, they are busily trying to remake their public image and spin undisclosed dark money as a plus in political campaigns."
What’s The Matter With Kansas? They’re Losing All Their Teachers
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/08/04/3687915/kansas-teachers-gone/
"Kansas embarked on an experiment with radical right-wing policies since Governor Sam Brownback (R) was elected in 2010, and it failed miserably. The centerpiece of the project, led by Governor Sam Brownback, was huge tax cuts, largely for wealthy individuals and businesses, based on the Republican orthodoxy that tax cuts create jobs.
Now, a teacher shortage appears to be the latest consequence of Kansas’ abject failure to manage its economy. It’s not hard to see why teachers don’t want to work in Kansas.
While the tax cut experiment didn’t create jobs, it did destroy the Kansas budget, and one major consequence of that has been massive funding cuts for Kansas schools. Several districts ended the school year early for lack of funds. Education funding levels are so low, and unequal across school districts, that judges have ruled them unconstitutional and the case is currently pending at the state Supreme Court.
Kansas’ teacher pay is among the lowest in the nation."
"Kansas embarked on an experiment with radical right-wing policies since Governor Sam Brownback (R) was elected in 2010, and it failed miserably. The centerpiece of the project, led by Governor Sam Brownback, was huge tax cuts, largely for wealthy individuals and businesses, based on the Republican orthodoxy that tax cuts create jobs.
Now, a teacher shortage appears to be the latest consequence of Kansas’ abject failure to manage its economy. It’s not hard to see why teachers don’t want to work in Kansas.
While the tax cut experiment didn’t create jobs, it did destroy the Kansas budget, and one major consequence of that has been massive funding cuts for Kansas schools. Several districts ended the school year early for lack of funds. Education funding levels are so low, and unequal across school districts, that judges have ruled them unconstitutional and the case is currently pending at the state Supreme Court.
Kansas’ teacher pay is among the lowest in the nation."
5 Scary Ways the Right-Wing Is Trying to Subvert How Kids Are Taught US History @alternet
5 Scary Ways the Right-Wing Is Trying to Subvert How Kids Are Taught US History @alternet
"Koch-Approved Education: In North Carolina, a Koch-backed group is developing a curriculum for K-12 students, even using grant money from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, meaning that a politicized right-wing organization is essentially being paid by taxpayers to help indoctrinate kids."
"Koch-Approved Education: In North Carolina, a Koch-backed group is developing a curriculum for K-12 students, even using grant money from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, meaning that a politicized right-wing organization is essentially being paid by taxpayers to help indoctrinate kids."
GOP Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of The Voting Rights Act With Coded Call For More Voter Suppression
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/08/06/3688771/gop-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-voting-rights-act-with-coded-call-for-more-voter-suppression/
"The Republican National Committee issued a statement on Thursday praising a law that Republican appointees to the Supreme Court have hobbled and that Republican officials have actively sought to undermine through state laws that disenfranchise racial minorities. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus’s statement on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act even contains a coded call for more laws making it harder to Americans to cast a ballot."
"The Republican National Committee issued a statement on Thursday praising a law that Republican appointees to the Supreme Court have hobbled and that Republican officials have actively sought to undermine through state laws that disenfranchise racial minorities. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus’s statement on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act even contains a coded call for more laws making it harder to Americans to cast a ballot."
How Right-Wingers Are Suppressing the Minority Vote in Georgia - and the Pushback to Expand Democracy @alternet
How Right-Wingers Are Suppressing the Minority Vote in Georgia - and the Pushback to Expand Democracy @alternet
"This is part of a fight against a larger trend, accelerated by the Roberts Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act"
"This is part of a fight against a larger trend, accelerated by the Roberts Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act"
Here’s how we beat the billionaires: The simple campaign reform Sheldon Adelson & the Koch brothers fear
Here’s how we beat the billionaires: The simple campaign reform Sheldon Adelson & the Koch brothers fear
"Super PACs have given plutocratic ideologues unprecedented power -- but there's a remarkably easy way to curb them"
"Super PACs have given plutocratic ideologues unprecedented power -- but there's a remarkably easy way to curb them"
Jon Stewart Hilariously Mocks Republicans Cozying Up to Koch Brothers at Weekend Event (Video)
Jon Stewart Hilariously Mocks Republicans Cozying Up to Koch Brothers at Weekend Event (Video)
"over the weekend five Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker and Carly Fiorina) were invited to a “business conference” in California that was essentially nothing more than an event setup to have these candidates audition for the nearly $1 billion the Koch brothers have said they plan to spend on the 2016 elections."
"over the weekend five Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker and Carly Fiorina) were invited to a “business conference” in California that was essentially nothing more than an event setup to have these candidates audition for the nearly $1 billion the Koch brothers have said they plan to spend on the 2016 elections."
Classic! Scott Walker Tricked into Posing in Front of $900 Million Check Signed by Kochs @alternet
Classic! Scott Walker Tricked into Posing in Front of $900 Million Check Signed by Kochs @alternet
"Student dupes Walker into posing with check illustrating he's bought and paid for by the Koch brothers."
"Student dupes Walker into posing with check illustrating he's bought and paid for by the Koch brothers."
EXCLUSIVE: The Restrictions Journalists Agreed To In Order To Attend The Koch Brothers’ Conference
http://thinkprogress.org/media/2015/08/03/3687249/koch-freedom-partners-media-restrictions/
"This weekend, Charles and David Koch’s Freedom Partners hosted five Republican presidential hopefuls and hundreds of top conservative donors at the St. Regis Monarch Beach luxury resort in California. The tax-exempt organization, which has been dubbed the Koch Brothers’ “secret bank,” allowed nine news organizations to cover parts of the conference.
The New York Times highlighted these invitations last week as evidence of the Kochs’ attempt to change their image as a “secretive” network with a “culture deeply allergic to the spotlight.” But in reality, those reporters who covered the event were subject to numerous restrictions — restrictions one media ethics expert called “outrageous"."
"This weekend, Charles and David Koch’s Freedom Partners hosted five Republican presidential hopefuls and hundreds of top conservative donors at the St. Regis Monarch Beach luxury resort in California. The tax-exempt organization, which has been dubbed the Koch Brothers’ “secret bank,” allowed nine news organizations to cover parts of the conference.
The New York Times highlighted these invitations last week as evidence of the Kochs’ attempt to change their image as a “secretive” network with a “culture deeply allergic to the spotlight.” But in reality, those reporters who covered the event were subject to numerous restrictions — restrictions one media ethics expert called “outrageous"."
Kochs Rebrand Themselves As Champions Of Poor, Fight To Slash Wages And Eliminate Their Health Care
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/03/3687152/kochs-rebrand-themselves-as-champions-of-the-poor-rightful-heirs-to-civil-rights-movement/
"This isn’t the first time the Koch empire has attempted to re-brand itself. Earlier this year, the brothers launched a media charm offensive in which they described themselves as economically conservative and socially liberal — despite spending tens of millions of dollars on campaigns to ban abortion and gay marriage, among other socially conservative causes."
"This isn’t the first time the Koch empire has attempted to re-brand itself. Earlier this year, the brothers launched a media charm offensive in which they described themselves as economically conservative and socially liberal — despite spending tens of millions of dollars on campaigns to ban abortion and gay marriage, among other socially conservative causes."
Meet the Hedge Funders and Billionaires Who Pillage Under the Shield of Philanthropy @alternet
Meet the Hedge Funders and Billionaires Who Pillage Under the Shield of Philanthropy @alternet
"America’s parasitical oligarchs are masters of public relations. One of their favorite tactics is to masquerade as defenders of the common folk while neatly arranging things behind the scenes so that they can continue to plunder unimpeded."
"America’s parasitical oligarchs are masters of public relations. One of their favorite tactics is to masquerade as defenders of the common folk while neatly arranging things behind the scenes so that they can continue to plunder unimpeded."
Walker Appoints Political Crony To Appellate Court Seat
Walker Appoints Political Crony To Appellate Court Seat
"In case you missed it, Hagedorn was appointed to be an appellate court judge even though he has never been a judge.
In fact, Hagedorn has precious little in the way of experience. Before he was Walker's legal mouthpiece, he worked at a right wing law firm and a member of the Federalist Society.
Perhaps Walker felt that Hagedorn was qualified for the things he did while Walker's counsel, such as fighting open records requests or keeping Walker from being held accountable for a death he caused by negligence as Milwaukee County Executive
Then again, in Walker's eyes, Hagedorn's greatest achievement probably was sabotaging the John Doe investigation into Walker and his illegal collaboration with dark money groups."
"In case you missed it, Hagedorn was appointed to be an appellate court judge even though he has never been a judge.
In fact, Hagedorn has precious little in the way of experience. Before he was Walker's legal mouthpiece, he worked at a right wing law firm and a member of the Federalist Society.
Perhaps Walker felt that Hagedorn was qualified for the things he did while Walker's counsel, such as fighting open records requests or keeping Walker from being held accountable for a death he caused by negligence as Milwaukee County Executive
Then again, in Walker's eyes, Hagedorn's greatest achievement probably was sabotaging the John Doe investigation into Walker and his illegal collaboration with dark money groups."
Grand Jury Indicts Conservative Texas Attorney General On Felony Charges
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/08/02/grand-jury-indicts-conservative-texas-attorney-general-on-felony-charges/
"a Grand Jury formally indicted the Tea Party-supported Texas conservative on Saturday on felony fraud charges stemming from Paxton’s time as a puppet of investment firm Mowery Capital Management while he was a member of the Texas state legislature."
"a Grand Jury formally indicted the Tea Party-supported Texas conservative on Saturday on felony fraud charges stemming from Paxton’s time as a puppet of investment firm Mowery Capital Management while he was a member of the Texas state legislature."
Scott Walker Stresses Importance Of Education Days After Cutting Education Funding By $250 Million
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2015/07/31/3686604/governor-who-cut-universities-by-300-million-says-key-to-boosting-wages-is-education/
"Walker proposed a state budget that would slash $300 million from the University of Wisconsin over two years and cut $127 million from public primary schools. The state budget also continues a freeze on state special education aid for the eighth year in a row and erodes teacher licensing standards by requiring the state department of education to give permits to teachers who haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree, according to The Washington Post.
A U.S. Census Bureau report, issued in May 2014, which covers the fiscal year of 2011-12, shows that Wisconsin’s decrease in per pupil spending from the 2010-11 year was the highest of all 50 states. There was a 3.6 percent rise in per pupil spending in 2010-11, a 2.6 percent rise in 2009-10 and 3.6 percent rise in 2008-09 before Walker was sworn in as governor."
"Walker proposed a state budget that would slash $300 million from the University of Wisconsin over two years and cut $127 million from public primary schools. The state budget also continues a freeze on state special education aid for the eighth year in a row and erodes teacher licensing standards by requiring the state department of education to give permits to teachers who haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree, according to The Washington Post.
A U.S. Census Bureau report, issued in May 2014, which covers the fiscal year of 2011-12, shows that Wisconsin’s decrease in per pupil spending from the 2010-11 year was the highest of all 50 states. There was a 3.6 percent rise in per pupil spending in 2010-11, a 2.6 percent rise in 2009-10 and 3.6 percent rise in 2008-09 before Walker was sworn in as governor."
Ted Cruz Super-PAC Has Just One Donor
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/cruzs-super-pac-super-easy-understand
"A super-PAC backing Ted Cruz called Keep the Promise II just filed its campaign disclosure, and it stands rather in contrast with the filing this morning from Jeb Bush's super-PAC. Right to Rise, the Bush-backing super-PAC, revealed a list of donors that included anonymous shell corporations, 28 former ambassadors, and hundreds of wealthy and moneyed elite from around the country, requiring this reporter to do plenty of math to determine how much came from big donors and how much came from very big donors. Keep the Promise II's disclosure is much simpler.
One guy gave $10 million.
That's it.
Although the super-PAC raised more money than the actual campaigns of 14 of the 20 declared major candidates, there were no other donors.
The guy's name is Toby Neugebauer. He is the billionaire founder of a private-equity firm, and his father is Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)."
"A super-PAC backing Ted Cruz called Keep the Promise II just filed its campaign disclosure, and it stands rather in contrast with the filing this morning from Jeb Bush's super-PAC. Right to Rise, the Bush-backing super-PAC, revealed a list of donors that included anonymous shell corporations, 28 former ambassadors, and hundreds of wealthy and moneyed elite from around the country, requiring this reporter to do plenty of math to determine how much came from big donors and how much came from very big donors. Keep the Promise II's disclosure is much simpler.
One guy gave $10 million.
That's it.
Although the super-PAC raised more money than the actual campaigns of 14 of the 20 declared major candidates, there were no other donors.
The guy's name is Toby Neugebauer. He is the billionaire founder of a private-equity firm, and his father is Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)."
Scott Walker destroyed his state: Wisconsin’s economic cautionary tale
Scott Walker destroyed his state: Wisconsin’s economic cautionary tale
"In 2011, Walker created the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to give businesses taxpayer loans and grants. Within a few years, state auditors published reports spotlighting “concerns with WEDC’s administration and oversight of its economic development programs and its financial management.” Specifically, auditors said “WEDC did not require grant and loan recipients to submit information showing that contractually required jobs were actually created or retained” and also noted that money was handed out “in ways that did not consistently comply” with state law.
Much of the cash flowed to Walker’s political allies."
"In 2011, Walker created the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to give businesses taxpayer loans and grants. Within a few years, state auditors published reports spotlighting “concerns with WEDC’s administration and oversight of its economic development programs and its financial management.” Specifically, auditors said “WEDC did not require grant and loan recipients to submit information showing that contractually required jobs were actually created or retained” and also noted that money was handed out “in ways that did not consistently comply” with state law.
Much of the cash flowed to Walker’s political allies."
Meet the Megadonors Bankrolling Jeb Bush's Campaign
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/right-rise-donors-revealed
"Jeb Bush knows it doesn't look good if a candidate appears to get most of his financial support from a small group of wealthy donors. Earlier this spring, he asked donors to try not to give checks of more than $1 million to his super-PAC, and when the group announced its total haul for the first six months of the year, it took pains to emphasize that 9,400 of its more than 9,900 contributors had donated less than $25,000.
But now it's going to be a lot harder for anyone to think of the Bush super-PAC—which completely dwarfs his campaign in terms of financial resources—as anything but driven by extremely wealthy donors.
This morning, the Right to Rise super-PAC filed its first disclosure reports, confirming that it had indeed raised $103 million in the first six months of the year. That is an unprecedented amount, but what's really news is the distribution of the donations. It does appear that only about 500 donors gave more than $25,000 to the super-PAC, but donations of less than $25,000 accounted for just $21.7 million of the total. On the other end of the spectrum, 23 people gave more than $1 million to the super-PAC, contributing a total of $27.3 million.
The size of the donations is shocking. Despite the growing public perception that super-PACs are playgrounds for millionaires, the number of people who have ever given $1 million to political causes in their lifetimes is small."
"Jeb Bush knows it doesn't look good if a candidate appears to get most of his financial support from a small group of wealthy donors. Earlier this spring, he asked donors to try not to give checks of more than $1 million to his super-PAC, and when the group announced its total haul for the first six months of the year, it took pains to emphasize that 9,400 of its more than 9,900 contributors had donated less than $25,000.
But now it's going to be a lot harder for anyone to think of the Bush super-PAC—which completely dwarfs his campaign in terms of financial resources—as anything but driven by extremely wealthy donors.
This morning, the Right to Rise super-PAC filed its first disclosure reports, confirming that it had indeed raised $103 million in the first six months of the year. That is an unprecedented amount, but what's really news is the distribution of the donations. It does appear that only about 500 donors gave more than $25,000 to the super-PAC, but donations of less than $25,000 accounted for just $21.7 million of the total. On the other end of the spectrum, 23 people gave more than $1 million to the super-PAC, contributing a total of $27.3 million.
The size of the donations is shocking. Despite the growing public perception that super-PACs are playgrounds for millionaires, the number of people who have ever given $1 million to political causes in their lifetimes is small."
Right-Wing Shutdown Of Export-Import Bank Already Threatens Jobs
Right-Wing Shutdown Of Export-Import Bank Already Threatens Jobs
"Workers and business owners need to stand up against this attack on the Ex-Im Bank and on our country's ability to compete in world markets."
"Workers and business owners need to stand up against this attack on the Ex-Im Bank and on our country's ability to compete in world markets."
Chris Christie didn't just kill the tunnels, he did it out of partisan spite
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/31/1407618/-Chris-Christie-didn-t-just-kill-the-tunnels-he-did-it-out-of-partisan-spite
"As governor, he didn't just kill the tunnels so that he could divert the money to other New Jersey projects, thus sparing him from having to raise New Jersey's among-the-lowest-in-the-nation gas tax, he did so as part of the organized Republican effort to sabotage America's economic stimulus program and blunt the employment effects of those projects."
"As governor, he didn't just kill the tunnels so that he could divert the money to other New Jersey projects, thus sparing him from having to raise New Jersey's among-the-lowest-in-the-nation gas tax, he did so as part of the organized Republican effort to sabotage America's economic stimulus program and blunt the employment effects of those projects."
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