4 Ways Corporations Owe Us, Big Time—And How They Can Pay Us Back | Alternet
"The distorted belief that wealthy individuals and corporations are job creators has led to sizeable business subsidies and tax breaks. The biggest giveaway is often overlooked: corporations use our nation's plentiful resources, largely at no cost, to build their profits.
There are several factual and well-established reasons why corporations owe a great debt to the nation that has made them rich."
Monday, March 30, 2015
Paul Krugman: Republicans Are Running A Con Game On America
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/paul-krugman-republicans-are-running-a-con-game-on-america/
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
"You’d think that after years of being wrong, and one full year of being breathtakingly wrong, that Republicans would at least begrudgingly admit that maybe Democrats have a point. After all, California’s Governor Jerry Brown raised taxes on the rich. The result? After year’s of massive budget deficits, California has a massive surplus and the world’s eighth largest economy has exploded. Meanwhile, the dreaded Obamacare has dramatically slowed the growth of healthcare premiums, insured millions of people that lacked even basic coverage and even come in under budget. All of which is indisputably good for the economy.
But, you’ll be shocked to learn, Republicans don’t care about these facts. Partly, I’m sure you’ve guessed, in the GOP’s unprecedented hatred of Obama and the fact that he even exists. But most of it is the mile high pile of bullsh*t that Republicans must sell the country in order to justify their very existence"
Long Dead Economist’s Theories Proven Right – Free Market Advocates The New Utopians
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/karl-polanyi/
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
"In Polanyi’s piece, the underlying principle is that many of the points presented by free market adherents are little more than politics being disguised as economics. The market, in his analysis, is but one force of many found in society, and attempting to use it for all of societal needs is not only utopian, that is an unreachable goal, but is actually detrimental to society itself. And the idea of using “the free market” for societies needs, that is for what in olden times would be called “The Commons,” is dystopian itself. Today, we call this movement to move The Commons to the Free Market “Privatization"."
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
The economy is a Democrat: Why recent history shows the value of a progressive president
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
"covering the 60-year period from January 1951 to December 2010. They find that once economic growth increases above 1 percent a year — and it does so over most of the period they studied — “the average level of unemployment is significantly higher under Republican administrations.”
As the above charts (from their paper) show, with either a one- or two-year lag, Democrats reduce unemployment dramatically during periods of GDP growth compared to Republicans. Some of this effect has to do with inflation rates (as a I note below), but the authors note another key difference: They argue that Republican policies (for instance, massive tax cuts for the rich and cuts to capital gains) incentivize corporations to use money to compensate CEOs or distribute to shareholders, rather than invest in workers and jobs."
Senate Republicans Pass Sadistic Budget: End Medicare, Slash Food Stamps, Increase Military Spending
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/27/senate-republicans-pass-sadistic-budget-end-medicare-slash-food-stamps-increase-military-spending/
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
"Oh, and just in case it wasn’t clear how much they despise the people they’re supposed to be representing? They also want to cut funding for education because why educate the kids you want to strip healthcare and food from anyway?
The icing on top of this vomit flavored cake is the multibillion dollar increase to military spending. So while Republican bemoan the cost of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, they’re gleefully throwing more money at the Pentagon to wage war. Thank you, Republicans, for so clearly spelling out what it is you stand for going into the 2016 election cycle."
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
Bankers Whine That Elizabeth Warren Is Being Mean To Them
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
"Call the waaahmbulance, because Senator Warren doesn't kiss the ground Wall Street bankers walk on."
Bernie Sanders Stands Up For The Middle Class By Dropping a Huge Fact Bomb On The Senate
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/26/bernie-sanders-stands-middle-class-dropping-huge-fact-bomb-senate.html
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
"There are decades worth of data and studies that confirm what Sen. Sanders was saying. The Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage is ideological. The anti-minimum wage position lacks credible non-partisan statistics and data to support its claims. Republicans hang their opposition on a myth that raising the minimum wage kills jobs, but 64 studies have proven that the Republican talking point to be false.
Sen. Sanders dropped a dose of reality on Senate Republicans today. If the 52 Republican Senators who voted no really wanted to boost the economy, the first thing they should do is reverse course and support raising the minimum wage."
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
GOP’s “simple multiplication” goof: How a phony GOP budget season met its climax
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
"The powerful Rules Committee chairman humiliated himself on Obamacare costs. This is not an isolated event."
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
Stark Choices: “People’s Budget” vs. Republican Plan
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
"Budgets are about choices. Republicans have chosen in their budgets to further enrich the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, children, veterans, seniors—the whole broad American family."
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
This Is What a ‘People’s Budget’ Looks Like | The Nation
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
"A proper budget is a moral document, which well expresses the values and aspirations of a civil society."
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
"two billionaires taking subsidies while trying to block our poorest citizens from getting assistance for medical care — was not well received by the press or public when it was brought to light."
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
Presidential Wannabe Ted Cruz Already Busted For Lying About Small Businesses
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
"It’s not just that he slants information or takes things out of context to suit his agenda, it’s that he flat-out makes stuff up and blatantly lies on an almost constant basis."
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
Exposing America's Billionaire Welfare Ranchers | Alternet
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
"America's .01 percent like the Kochs and the Hiltons are collecting massive subsidies from the federal government."
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
How Right-Wing Billionaires and Business Propaganda Got Us Into the Economic Mess of the Century | Alternet
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
"The corporate Right obscured how they've rigged the "free market" so they always come out on top"
Sign up to be a citizen sponsor of the Congressional Progressive Caucus's People's Budget
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/24/1372982/-Sign-up-to-be-a-citizen-sponsor-of-the-Congressional-Progressive-Caucus-s-People-s-Budget
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
"It focuses on accelerating sustainable economic growth, putting federal money into programs designed to create 8.4 million new jobs by 2018, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, aiding state and local governments, targeting tax credits and building public works programs. These programs would generate huge returns, raise living standards and go far to heal the economic wounds created by the Great Recession and its aftermath."
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
Supreme Court’s corporate humiliation: Why this court would have Jefferson rolling in his grave
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
"These two landmark Supreme Court decisions over the past five years have greatly increased the power of corporations, and we have yet to see the true results. But one thing can be sure, as corporations continue to gain more freedom and power, individuals continue to lose theirs. Corporations and billionaires have exorbitantly more influence than individual voters, and this has created the plutocratic environment of modern American politics. The more corporations spend, the more the law seems to bend to their will. Both natural people and corporations may be afforded the same rights under the law, but corporations simply do not face the same threats and penalties as real, biological human beings.
And even if they did, the corporation does not have a morality or conscience, and would be equivalent to the worst of psychopaths. And the Supreme Court has given these artificial psychopaths all the legal power they need to do what they do best: make money and expand. If converting to Christianity or spending millions on elections helps in this endeavor, you can be sure they will do what is necessary."
How The Supreme Court Could Repeal The 20th Century
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/23/3634309/darkest-timeline-new-deal-great-society-obamacare-vanish-nearly-overnight/
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
"What’s important to understand about the Supreme Court, however, is that it has almost always acted as a malign force in American history — and the brief period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that liberals now look back upon with nostalgia was both an anomaly and the culmination of several historic accidents.
Two other factors also create a significant risk that the Court’s future could look a great deal like the dark moments of its past. The first is that the Republican Party has largely rejected the cries for judicial restraint that dominated its rhetoric during the Nixon, Reagan, and both Bush administrations. And this shift towards conservative judicial activism is being cheered on by powerful elements within the legal profession."
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
Scott Walker’s “freedom” sham: Legalized bribery, ALEC and an assault on workers
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
"Most concerning of all, this “right to work” law was pushed through and bankrolled by an out of state organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Here’s how ALEC works. They bring corporations and state legislators together at lavish conferences and wine and dine them to their hearts content. In exchange for being given a ritzy vacation, state legislators are sent home with model legislation that’s written by the corporate attendees.
ALEC wrote the Wisconsin right to work law. It’s legalized bribery."
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The Agenda to Raise America’s Pay | Economic Policy Institute
The Agenda to Raise America’s Pay | Economic Policy Institute
"Over the same period that most workers’ wages have stagnated, economy-wide productivity has risen by 64 percent. In short, the potential has existed for adequate, widespread wage growth over the last three-and-a-half decades—but these economic gains have not trickled down to the vast majority."
"Over the same period that most workers’ wages have stagnated, economy-wide productivity has risen by 64 percent. In short, the potential has existed for adequate, widespread wage growth over the last three-and-a-half decades—but these economic gains have not trickled down to the vast majority."
Republicans Screw Over Students By Blocking Elizabeth Warren’s Student Loan Plan
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/25/republicans-screw-students-blocking-elizabeth-warren.html
"Senate Republicans may have blocked Sen. Warren today, but she and her fellow Democrats will continue to fight on for students and the middle-class."
"Senate Republicans may have blocked Sen. Warren today, but she and her fellow Democrats will continue to fight on for students and the middle-class."
9 Things Many Americans Just Don’t Grasp (Compared to the Rest of the World) | Alternet
9 Things Many Americans Just Don’t Grasp (Compared to the Rest of the World) | Alternet
"1. Universal Healthcare Is Great for Free Enterprise and Great for Small Businesses
The modern-day Republican Party would have us believe that those who promote universal healthcare are anti-free enterprise or hostile to small businesses. But truth be told, universal healthcare is great for entrepreneurs, small businesses and the self-employed in France, Germany and other developed countries where healthcare is considered a right. The U.S.’ troubled healthcare system has a long history of punishing entrepreneurs with sky-high premiums when they start their own businesses. Prior to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, a.k.a. Obamacare, many small business owners couldn’t even obtain individual health insurance plans if they had a preexisting condition such as heart disease or diabetes—and even with the ACA’s reforms, the high cost of health insurance is still daunting to small business owners. But many Americans fail to realize that healthcare reform is not only a humanitarian issue, it is also vitally important to small businesses and the self-employed.
In 2009, the Center for Economic and Policy Research published a study on small businesses around the world and found that “by every measure of small-business employment, the United States has among the world’s smallest small-business sectors.” People in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and other European countries are more likely to be self-employed—and the study concluded that universal healthcare is a key factor. According to CEPR’s study, “High healthcare costs discourage small business formation since start-ups in other countries can tap into government-funded healthcare systems"."
"1. Universal Healthcare Is Great for Free Enterprise and Great for Small Businesses
The modern-day Republican Party would have us believe that those who promote universal healthcare are anti-free enterprise or hostile to small businesses. But truth be told, universal healthcare is great for entrepreneurs, small businesses and the self-employed in France, Germany and other developed countries where healthcare is considered a right. The U.S.’ troubled healthcare system has a long history of punishing entrepreneurs with sky-high premiums when they start their own businesses. Prior to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, a.k.a. Obamacare, many small business owners couldn’t even obtain individual health insurance plans if they had a preexisting condition such as heart disease or diabetes—and even with the ACA’s reforms, the high cost of health insurance is still daunting to small business owners. But many Americans fail to realize that healthcare reform is not only a humanitarian issue, it is also vitally important to small businesses and the self-employed.
In 2009, the Center for Economic and Policy Research published a study on small businesses around the world and found that “by every measure of small-business employment, the United States has among the world’s smallest small-business sectors.” People in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and other European countries are more likely to be self-employed—and the study concluded that universal healthcare is a key factor. According to CEPR’s study, “High healthcare costs discourage small business formation since start-ups in other countries can tap into government-funded healthcare systems"."
Bankers Have A Pout Over Mean Old Elizabeth Warren, May Withhold Campaign Cash
Bankers Have A Pout Over Mean Old Elizabeth Warren, May Withhold Campaign Cash
"So these bankers (and the media, apparently) really don't understand how much ordinary people hate them and think they should be in jail. Nor do they get that being a candidate the banks hate is a badge of honor these days."
"So these bankers (and the media, apparently) really don't understand how much ordinary people hate them and think they should be in jail. Nor do they get that being a candidate the banks hate is a badge of honor these days."
What Is She Doing Right? Report Says Wall Street Ready to Punish Dems over Elizabeth Warren
What Is She Doing Right? Report Says Wall Street Ready to Punish Dems over Elizabeth Warren
"As recently as Thursday—as the Republicans moved to pass its new budget—Warren could be seen using social media to trumpet warnings about the ways in which Wall Street and the financial industry would benefit by the GOP proposals being put forth."
"As recently as Thursday—as the Republicans moved to pass its new budget—Warren could be seen using social media to trumpet warnings about the ways in which Wall Street and the financial industry would benefit by the GOP proposals being put forth."
GOP Sociopaths, Not God, Don’t Want Americans To Have Medical Care
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/24/god-gop-sociopaths-americans-medical-care.html
"The crusade to eliminate healthcare for Americans is not reserved to conservative attacks on ACA subsidies. In both the House and Senate budget proposals, the ACA is repealed, Medicare, Medicaid, and the children’s CHIP healthcare program are slated for deep Draconian cuts to keep tens-of-millions of Americans of all ages sick and dying. It is, no matter how one looks at it, the definition of evil to deliberately strip basic healthcare from human beings, and insanity to invoke some god as justification for social immorality"
"The crusade to eliminate healthcare for Americans is not reserved to conservative attacks on ACA subsidies. In both the House and Senate budget proposals, the ACA is repealed, Medicare, Medicaid, and the children’s CHIP healthcare program are slated for deep Draconian cuts to keep tens-of-millions of Americans of all ages sick and dying. It is, no matter how one looks at it, the definition of evil to deliberately strip basic healthcare from human beings, and insanity to invoke some god as justification for social immorality"
Friday, March 27, 2015
Ted Cruz Is So Proud Of His Role In America’s Near-Default, He’s Touting It On Campaign Site
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/03/24/3638080/ted-cruz-default-jobs/
"Cruz may want to claim this moment as part of his economic plan, but economists agree that this strategy hurt, not helped, the economy. A report from the Peterson Institute on International Economics found that the threat of default on American debt and other ways that Congress has governed crisis to crisis meant the loss of 750,000 jobs and sliced 1 percent off of GDP economic growth. The shutdown itself cost the economy an estimated $24 billion and 120,000 jobs in just two weeks. Another report found that uncertainty created by Congress’s manufactured crises over short-term spending bills, the fiscal cliff, and debt ceiling battles had already cost 900,000 jobs before the government shutdown."
"Cruz may want to claim this moment as part of his economic plan, but economists agree that this strategy hurt, not helped, the economy. A report from the Peterson Institute on International Economics found that the threat of default on American debt and other ways that Congress has governed crisis to crisis meant the loss of 750,000 jobs and sliced 1 percent off of GDP economic growth. The shutdown itself cost the economy an estimated $24 billion and 120,000 jobs in just two weeks. Another report found that uncertainty created by Congress’s manufactured crises over short-term spending bills, the fiscal cliff, and debt ceiling battles had already cost 900,000 jobs before the government shutdown."
The law isn't making Ted Cruz accept Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/25/1373267/-The-law-isn-t-making-Ted-Cruz-accept-nbsp-Obamacare
"Ted Cruz says he has to accept Obamacare because it's the law. See, his wife is taking unpaid leave from her job at Goldman Sachs for the duration of the presidential campaign, and is giving up her health insurance there. The health insurance that has been covering the whole family. Now, Cruz says, he has no legal choice but to take Obamacare because Obamacare is making him do it.
Except it's not. What the law demands of members of Congress is not that they get their health insurance through Obamacare (unless they have Medicare or coverage from a spouse). It just says that if they do get their health insurance from a plan that's not on an exchange, they don't get a sweet taxpayer subsidy to help pay their premiums."
"Ted Cruz says he has to accept Obamacare because it's the law. See, his wife is taking unpaid leave from her job at Goldman Sachs for the duration of the presidential campaign, and is giving up her health insurance there. The health insurance that has been covering the whole family. Now, Cruz says, he has no legal choice but to take Obamacare because Obamacare is making him do it.
Except it's not. What the law demands of members of Congress is not that they get their health insurance through Obamacare (unless they have Medicare or coverage from a spouse). It just says that if they do get their health insurance from a plan that's not on an exchange, they don't get a sweet taxpayer subsidy to help pay their premiums."
Amazing Hypocrisy: Ted Cruz Is Enrolling In Obamacare
Amazing Hypocrisy: Ted Cruz Is Enrolling In Obamacare
"So there you have it. Ted Cruz who previously made a big deal about other folks in Congress getting federal health insurance while being on his wife’s private, high-end health plan, is now going to have to buy health insurance on a state exchange, and he may or may not receive subsidies to help cover the cost. If Ted Cruz was really that opposed to Obamacare, why not forgo coverage, pay the fines on his tax return and make that a campaign issue? But this is what the Affordable Care Act has done, and not just for the spouses of U.S. Senators or Goldman Sachs executives. The Affordable Care Act has allowed people to become entrepreneurs and strike out on their own instead of being dependent on employer coverage. Now the Cruz family is showing us that Obamacare is working for America, whether Ted Cruz wants to admit it or not. And who knows, maybe like those infamous “green eggs and ham,” he might just like it."
"So there you have it. Ted Cruz who previously made a big deal about other folks in Congress getting federal health insurance while being on his wife’s private, high-end health plan, is now going to have to buy health insurance on a state exchange, and he may or may not receive subsidies to help cover the cost. If Ted Cruz was really that opposed to Obamacare, why not forgo coverage, pay the fines on his tax return and make that a campaign issue? But this is what the Affordable Care Act has done, and not just for the spouses of U.S. Senators or Goldman Sachs executives. The Affordable Care Act has allowed people to become entrepreneurs and strike out on their own instead of being dependent on employer coverage. Now the Cruz family is showing us that Obamacare is working for America, whether Ted Cruz wants to admit it or not. And who knows, maybe like those infamous “green eggs and ham,” he might just like it."
The fake presidential campaign of Never-Going-To-Be-President Ted Cruz
The fake presidential campaign of Never-Going-To-Be-President Ted Cruz
"Since being sworn in on Jan 3, 2013, Cruz’s senatorial career has been one of self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. His only notable achievement was convincing Republican members of the House — the children’s table at GOP cash-and-grab buffet — to shut down the U.S. government at a cost to taxpayers of several billion dollars and lost jobs.
With the focus turning to other Republicans like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and Rand Paul, who think they have a shot at the presidency, Cruz is trying to keep his brand alive and not be relegated to his natural position of bomb-throwing back-bencher."
"Since being sworn in on Jan 3, 2013, Cruz’s senatorial career has been one of self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. His only notable achievement was convincing Republican members of the House — the children’s table at GOP cash-and-grab buffet — to shut down the U.S. government at a cost to taxpayers of several billion dollars and lost jobs.
With the focus turning to other Republicans like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and Rand Paul, who think they have a shot at the presidency, Cruz is trying to keep his brand alive and not be relegated to his natural position of bomb-throwing back-bencher."
The Top 10 Most Embarrassing Ted Cruz Moments
The Top 10 Most Embarrassing Ted Cruz Moments
"While trying to bash President Obama and Hillary Clinton, he managed to not only point out just how terrible George W. Bush’s policies were for our economy, but he essentially proved that trickle-down economics is disastrous for our economy."
"While trying to bash President Obama and Hillary Clinton, he managed to not only point out just how terrible George W. Bush’s policies were for our economy, but he essentially proved that trickle-down economics is disastrous for our economy."
Another Blue State Outperforms A Typical Koch Fueled Red State Failure
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/23/blue-state-outperforms-typical-red-state-failure.html
"For a comparison with a neighboring state with Republican governor, Koch employee Scott Walker’s famous “Wisconsin Open for Business” agenda has Wisconsin sitting at a distant 32nd on the Forbes top states for business list, Wisconsin’s job creation is 38th in the nation, and Wisconsin is tied with Iowa for last place in the Midwest for creating private sector jobs. Where Dayton’s tax hikes on the wealthy have Minnesotan’s income $8,000 higher than the national average, Walker drove his state’s median income down to $900 below than the national average; a result of imposing ‘right to work’ laws and abolishing workers’ collective bargaining rights. Remember that Walker equated eliminating worker rights with crushing violent extremists and murdering terrorists; all he crushed was economic prosperity for Wisconsin residents."
"For a comparison with a neighboring state with Republican governor, Koch employee Scott Walker’s famous “Wisconsin Open for Business” agenda has Wisconsin sitting at a distant 32nd on the Forbes top states for business list, Wisconsin’s job creation is 38th in the nation, and Wisconsin is tied with Iowa for last place in the Midwest for creating private sector jobs. Where Dayton’s tax hikes on the wealthy have Minnesotan’s income $8,000 higher than the national average, Walker drove his state’s median income down to $900 below than the national average; a result of imposing ‘right to work’ laws and abolishing workers’ collective bargaining rights. Remember that Walker equated eliminating worker rights with crushing violent extremists and murdering terrorists; all he crushed was economic prosperity for Wisconsin residents."
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Pew Report: Wisconsin No. 1 State In Household Income Decline
Pew Report: Wisconsin No. 1 State In Household Income Decline
"Gee, I wonder why. Could it be the Ayn Randian splendor of Scott Walker's economic voodoo?"
"Gee, I wonder why. Could it be the Ayn Randian splendor of Scott Walker's economic voodoo?"
Look At All The Great Things In The Progressive People's Budget
Look At All The Great Things In The Progressive People's Budget
"Once again, I've yet to hear our corporate media talking about this progressive budget, which includes things that voters actually want."
"Once again, I've yet to hear our corporate media talking about this progressive budget, which includes things that voters actually want."
GOP's Cruel Budget Proposals Threaten to Take Us Back to the 19th Century | Alternet
GOP's Cruel Budget Proposals Threaten to Take Us Back to the 19th Century | Alternet
"Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
"Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
In Blistering New Report Bernie Sanders Exposes The Gimmicks And Fraud In The GOP Budget
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/22/blistering-report-bernie-sanders-exposes-gimmicks-fraud-gop-budget.html
"Republicans don’t want to tell the American people what their budget really does."
"Republicans don’t want to tell the American people what their budget really does."
Wisconsin Republicans seek to take away the weekend
Wisconsin Republicans seek to take away the weekend
"Not much else to say to this. I doubt any of the supporters of this bill intend to give up their own weekends. They just don’t want you to have any."
"Not much else to say to this. I doubt any of the supporters of this bill intend to give up their own weekends. They just don’t want you to have any."
Victorian romance: The GOP’s “Oliver Twist” budget and the comeback of class warfare
Victorian romance: The GOP’s “Oliver Twist” budget and the comeback of class warfare
"To make sense of the distorted dream world of American politics and its perplexing Lewis Carroll rhetoric, we sometimes have to look beyond familiar categories and recent history. This week, for instance, we get to look clear back to Victorian England, a longtime source of fascination for American conservatives and, at least in its stereotypical form, a cryptic role model for today’s Republican Party. The GOP’s House and Senate majorities have unveiled their budget proposals, a fantastical and mendacious set of documents worthy of Mr. Bumble, the comic villain and font of incoherent conventional wisdom in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
"To make sense of the distorted dream world of American politics and its perplexing Lewis Carroll rhetoric, we sometimes have to look beyond familiar categories and recent history. This week, for instance, we get to look clear back to Victorian England, a longtime source of fascination for American conservatives and, at least in its stereotypical form, a cryptic role model for today’s Republican Party. The GOP’s House and Senate majorities have unveiled their budget proposals, a fantastical and mendacious set of documents worthy of Mr. Bumble, the comic villain and font of incoherent conventional wisdom in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Most people will ignore these proposals, for the sensible reason that they will not be enacted. But behind the patriotic-imperial posturing and foreign-policy bluster that have grabbed headlines lately, these imaginary budgets provide a glimpse of the rapacious utopia envisioned by the Koch brothers and their Tea Party-infused ideological mouthpieces, including Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz and Scott Walker foremost among them."
Watch: Bernie Sanders Delivers The Most Epic Blow To The New GOP Budgets (Video)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/19/watch-bernie-sanders-delivers-the-most-epic-blow-to-the-new-gop-budgets-video/
"In a searing rebuttal to the House and Senate plans, Sanders contended that both plans do absolutely nothing to help the middle class and instead benefit the top 1% who still have the audacity to say it’s not enough"
"In a searing rebuttal to the House and Senate plans, Sanders contended that both plans do absolutely nothing to help the middle class and instead benefit the top 1% who still have the audacity to say it’s not enough"
President Obama Forces Republican Politicians to Eat Their Own Words | Alternet
President Obama Forces Republican Politicians to Eat Their Own Words | Alternet
"He pointed out how off base Republican willful deceptive prognostication of his policies were."
"He pointed out how off base Republican willful deceptive prognostication of his policies were."
Paul Krugman Reveals the Outrageous Con Job Behind the Savage GOP Budget | Alternet
Paul Krugman Reveals the Outrageous Con Job Behind the Savage GOP Budget | Alternet
"What's really going on? The charitable explanation is that the Republicans honestly believe the demonstrably false horsesh*t that tax cuts for the rich help anybody but the rich, and somehow magically create revenue for the government. (Yeah, makes no sense.)"
"What's really going on? The charitable explanation is that the Republicans honestly believe the demonstrably false horsesh*t that tax cuts for the rich help anybody but the rich, and somehow magically create revenue for the government. (Yeah, makes no sense.)"
The People's Budget: Progressive Proposal Aims to Un-Rig Failed Economic System
The People's Budget: Progressive Proposal Aims to Un-Rig Failed Economic System
"Overall, the provisions included in the CPC budget contrast sharply with the austerity policies embraced by the right-wing."
"Overall, the provisions included in the CPC budget contrast sharply with the austerity policies embraced by the right-wing."
The Unbearable Cruelty of the GOP Budget
http://reverbpress.com/politics/the-unbearable-cruelty-of-the-gop-budget/
"The GOP budget makes it very clear where their priorities lie: not with protecting the least fortunate or maintaining a social safety net, but with lining the pockets a select and wealthy few. Is it any surprise that the defense industry gives far more to Republicans than to Democrats? Didn’t think so."
"The GOP budget makes it very clear where their priorities lie: not with protecting the least fortunate or maintaining a social safety net, but with lining the pockets a select and wealthy few. Is it any surprise that the defense industry gives far more to Republicans than to Democrats? Didn’t think so."
Sanders Blasts GOP Budgets
Sanders Blasts GOP Budgets
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted as large a hole in the newly-released Republican budget as he could muster, declaring it an attack on low- and middle-income Americans, a fiesta of deregulation and subsidies for Wall Street and Big Business, and a plan to further enrich the nation's wealthiest and most powerful"
"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted as large a hole in the newly-released Republican budget as he could muster, declaring it an attack on low- and middle-income Americans, a fiesta of deregulation and subsidies for Wall Street and Big Business, and a plan to further enrich the nation's wealthiest and most powerful"
Bernie Sanders Storms The Senate and Rips The Republican Rich Get Richer Budget
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/18/bernie-sanders-storms-senate-rips-republican-rich-richer-budget.html
"Sen. Sanders was correct. The Republicans are offering up the ultimate rich get richer budgets. The goal of the Republican budget is to take money away from poor and middle-class Americans and give it to the people at the top. Sanders was spot on. No matter how much wealth the richest Americans accumulate, Congressional Republicans believe that they deserve more.
The House and Senate Republican budget deserve the scorn of the American people because they explicitly confirm the Republican goal of creating an oligarchic society that consists of a few haves and everyone else being a have not."
"Sen. Sanders was correct. The Republicans are offering up the ultimate rich get richer budgets. The goal of the Republican budget is to take money away from poor and middle-class Americans and give it to the people at the top. Sanders was spot on. No matter how much wealth the richest Americans accumulate, Congressional Republicans believe that they deserve more.
The House and Senate Republican budget deserve the scorn of the American people because they explicitly confirm the Republican goal of creating an oligarchic society that consists of a few haves and everyone else being a have not."
Monday, March 23, 2015
Cut their paychecks and take away their healthcare! The GOP’s insane plan to woo women in 2016
Cut their paychecks and take away their healthcare! The GOP’s insane plan to woo women in 2016
"It is bizarro world out there, and it only promises to get more bizarro as we move closer to 2016. The GOP will be in the unenviable position of pretending that decimating women’s paychecks and taking away their healthcare is the real way to improve their lives. (Because being broke and sick without access to a doctor always turns out so well.) Some in the party may have had a moment of political savvy back in January, but that moment is gone. There’s no disguising the GOP’s blatant assault on women’s lives and basic livelihoods, and what’s ahead looks bleaker than ever."
"It is bizarro world out there, and it only promises to get more bizarro as we move closer to 2016. The GOP will be in the unenviable position of pretending that decimating women’s paychecks and taking away their healthcare is the real way to improve their lives. (Because being broke and sick without access to a doctor always turns out so well.) Some in the party may have had a moment of political savvy back in January, but that moment is gone. There’s no disguising the GOP’s blatant assault on women’s lives and basic livelihoods, and what’s ahead looks bleaker than ever."
14 Reasons Why House and Senate Republicans Have Declared Economic War On Average Americans | Alternet
14 Reasons Why House and Senate Republicans Have Declared Economic War On Average Americans | Alternet
"In almost every one of these budget areas, nationwide polls show that a majority of Americans strongly oppose what the GOP is proposing. In other words, the Republicans are not delivering the kind of federal government that Americans want; they are declaring economic war on average Americans by reshaping government to serve the upper classes and biggest businesses."
"In almost every one of these budget areas, nationwide polls show that a majority of Americans strongly oppose what the GOP is proposing. In other words, the Republicans are not delivering the kind of federal government that Americans want; they are declaring economic war on average Americans by reshaping government to serve the upper classes and biggest businesses."
Top Ten Arguments for Raising the Minimum Wage
Top Ten Arguments for Raising the Minimum Wage
"Worker productivity has gone up much faster than wages. Using the 1968 minimum wage as benchmark, if the minimum wage grew at same rate as worker productivity it would have reached $21.72 per hour."
"Worker productivity has gone up much faster than wages. Using the 1968 minimum wage as benchmark, if the minimum wage grew at same rate as worker productivity it would have reached $21.72 per hour."
Cashin' In Crew Fearmongers Over Seattle Raising Minimum Wage
Cashin' In Crew Fearmongers Over Seattle Raising Minimum Wage
"If there's one thing they love doing over at Faux "news" it's looking out for big business while continually punching down and attacking workers, minimum wage, our social safety nets and organized labor. This Saturday's Cashin' In was no exception with all of Eric Bolling's guests other than Juan Williams who was the lone voice of reason fearmongering over an upcoming minimum wage increase in Seattle.
Wingnut libertarian as usual doesn't think there should be any minimum wage at all, and the others were fearmongering that it's going to lead to layoffs and business closing, never mind the fact that the restaurant owners in the area have said this is not true."
"If there's one thing they love doing over at Faux "news" it's looking out for big business while continually punching down and attacking workers, minimum wage, our social safety nets and organized labor. This Saturday's Cashin' In was no exception with all of Eric Bolling's guests other than Juan Williams who was the lone voice of reason fearmongering over an upcoming minimum wage increase in Seattle.
Wingnut libertarian as usual doesn't think there should be any minimum wage at all, and the others were fearmongering that it's going to lead to layoffs and business closing, never mind the fact that the restaurant owners in the area have said this is not true."
GOP’s new moral monstrosity: Trickle-down lies enrich the 1 percent, as wing-nuts assert control
GOP’s new moral monstrosity: Trickle-down lies enrich the 1 percent, as wing-nuts assert control
"On purely ideological grounds they say that overnight their unholy combination of miserly spending cuts for the poor and profligate tax cuts for the rich will juice economic growth by nearly 50 percent, unleashing a cascade of revenue. It’s faith-based accounting based on supply-side economics and it’s never worked. But in the spirit of Florida Gov. Rick Scott forbidding state officials from uttering the words “global warming” and “climate change,” the Republicans have ordered their formerly non-partisan budget analysts to apply the theory. It’s how their whole budget works; like a sleight of hand street hustle, a shell game with no pea."
"On purely ideological grounds they say that overnight their unholy combination of miserly spending cuts for the poor and profligate tax cuts for the rich will juice economic growth by nearly 50 percent, unleashing a cascade of revenue. It’s faith-based accounting based on supply-side economics and it’s never worked. But in the spirit of Florida Gov. Rick Scott forbidding state officials from uttering the words “global warming” and “climate change,” the Republicans have ordered their formerly non-partisan budget analysts to apply the theory. It’s how their whole budget works; like a sleight of hand street hustle, a shell game with no pea."
GOP’s “black magic” budget: Using voodoo to conjure trillions in savings
GOP’s “black magic” budget: Using voodoo to conjure trillions in savings
"while the House budget borrowed heavily from the Paul Ryan school of achieving balance through cutting and privatizing social programs, the Senate budget takes a slightly different approach: magic voodoo savings."
"while the House budget borrowed heavily from the Paul Ryan school of achieving balance through cutting and privatizing social programs, the Senate budget takes a slightly different approach: magic voodoo savings."
Jeb Bush Displays His Stupidity While Discussing Income Inequality and the Minimum Wage (Video)
Jeb Bush Displays His Stupidity While Discussing Income Inequality and the Minimum Wage (Video)
"The Republican economic theory of trickle-down economics is based upon the principle that the better the rich do, the better it is for the rest of us. Yet, here we have Jeb Bush admitting that the rich are doing great – but everyone else is falling further and further behind, especially the poor. In other words, he just admitted that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
"The Republican economic theory of trickle-down economics is based upon the principle that the better the rich do, the better it is for the rest of us. Yet, here we have Jeb Bush admitting that the rich are doing great – but everyone else is falling further and further behind, especially the poor. In other words, he just admitted that trickle-down economics doesn’t work."
GOP’s “screw the poor” budget: Republicans plan some serious pain for low-income Americans
GOP’s “screw the poor” budget: Republicans plan some serious pain for low-income Americans
"The Republican proposal privatizes everything it can privatize, cuts every non-defense program it gets its grubby mitts on, nukes Obamacare from orbit, and dynamically scores itself into something resembling balance.
It really can’t be overstated just how terrible this budget proposal is for America’s poor."
"The Republican proposal privatizes everything it can privatize, cuts every non-defense program it gets its grubby mitts on, nukes Obamacare from orbit, and dynamically scores itself into something resembling balance.
It really can’t be overstated just how terrible this budget proposal is for America’s poor."
Jeb Bush Wants To Eliminate Minimum Wage: 'Leave It To The Private Sector'
Jeb Bush Wants To Eliminate Minimum Wage: 'Leave It To The Private Sector'
"Former Florida Governor and potential GOP 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush wants a race to the bottom on wages in America."
"Former Florida Governor and potential GOP 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush wants a race to the bottom on wages in America."
House GOP Budget: More Money For War, Repeal Obamacare, Cut Food Stamps and Medicaid
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/03/17/house-gop-budget-money-war-repeal-obamacare-cut-food-stamps-medicaid.html
"While it should be obvious to the American public what the Republican Party’s priorities are by now, the recently unveiled House budget serves as yet another reminder about what the modern GOP stands for. The Republican Party’s eagerness to cut programs that benefit poor and middle class families, while lavishing favor on the big banks, the corporate CEOs, and the military contractors, demonstrates all too clearly who they work for."
"While it should be obvious to the American public what the Republican Party’s priorities are by now, the recently unveiled House budget serves as yet another reminder about what the modern GOP stands for. The Republican Party’s eagerness to cut programs that benefit poor and middle class families, while lavishing favor on the big banks, the corporate CEOs, and the military contractors, demonstrates all too clearly who they work for."
Scott Walker and the GOP Are Putting the Big Squeeze on Middle-Class Workers | Alternet
Scott Walker and the GOP Are Putting the Big Squeeze on Middle-Class Workers | Alternet
"This is the GOP’s big squeeze. It means the death of opportunity for the working poor to climb into the middle class. It means more of the middle class dragged down into poverty as workers scramble to pay ever-climbing bills with ever-smaller paychecks."
"This is the GOP’s big squeeze. It means the death of opportunity for the working poor to climb into the middle class. It means more of the middle class dragged down into poverty as workers scramble to pay ever-climbing bills with ever-smaller paychecks."
4 Ways the Next Fight Over Spending in Washington Could Seriously Affect Your Life | Alternet
4 Ways the Next Fight Over Spending in Washington Could Seriously Affect Your Life | Alternet
"Republicans have made it clear that one of their top policy goals is to lower top-end and corporate tax rates – the lower the better. What they won’t talk about – but we must – is who would end up paying for those tax cuts."
"Republicans have made it clear that one of their top policy goals is to lower top-end and corporate tax rates – the lower the better. What they won’t talk about – but we must – is who would end up paying for those tax cuts."
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