10 Facts That Will Blow Right-Wingers' Minds | Alternet
"9. Obama has increased government spending less than any president in at least a generation.
Republican campaign strategists may lie, but the numbers don’t. Government spending, when adjusted for inflation, has increased during his administration (to date) by 1.4%. Under George W. Bush, the increases were 7.3% (first term) and 8.1% (second term). Bill Clinton, in his two terms, comes in at 3.2% and 3.9%. George H. W. Bush increased government spending by 5.4%, while Ronald Reagan added 8.7% and 4.9% in his two terms.
Not only does Obama turn out to be the most thrifty president in recent memory, but the evidence shows that Republican administrations consistently increased government spending significantly more than any Democratic administration. Go figure."
Friday, January 30, 2015
Scott Walker Declares War On Academia
Scott Walker Declares War On Academia
"Now, no one can say for sure why Walker is doing this. He might be nursing a grudge from his own school days at Marquette University, where he got booted for cheating. It might be because he was a lousy student. It might be because he is sore at people like Professor William Cronon, who wrote an illuminating story on ALEC and the influence it had on Republicans.
Or maybe it's just Walker following the orders of his corporate overlords.
On a final note, Walker has made it clear that he is not satisfied with crippling the UW system. He's been going around on the squawk radio cycle saying that he feels that this sort of things should be going on nationwide."
"Now, no one can say for sure why Walker is doing this. He might be nursing a grudge from his own school days at Marquette University, where he got booted for cheating. It might be because he was a lousy student. It might be because he is sore at people like Professor William Cronon, who wrote an illuminating story on ALEC and the influence it had on Republicans.
Or maybe it's just Walker following the orders of his corporate overlords.
On a final note, Walker has made it clear that he is not satisfied with crippling the UW system. He's been going around on the squawk radio cycle saying that he feels that this sort of things should be going on nationwide."
The Kochs Will Spend $1 Billion on the 2016 Elections, but Deny It
The Kochs Will Spend $1 Billion on the 2016 Elections, but Deny It
"The political network organized by Charles and David Koch plans to spend an incredible $889 million to capture the White House in 2016 and deepen the Koch party's bench in Congress. But that's not what they'll tell federal regulators.
If history is a guide, the Koch network will claim that much of the nearly $1 billion it will funnel through an array of nonprofit groups is not about elections at all. Instead, the Koch groups will claim that their efforts to elect politicians who will lower capital gains taxes and overturn environmental regulations is really all about "social welfare"."
"The political network organized by Charles and David Koch plans to spend an incredible $889 million to capture the White House in 2016 and deepen the Koch party's bench in Congress. But that's not what they'll tell federal regulators.
If history is a guide, the Koch network will claim that much of the nearly $1 billion it will funnel through an array of nonprofit groups is not about elections at all. Instead, the Koch groups will claim that their efforts to elect politicians who will lower capital gains taxes and overturn environmental regulations is really all about "social welfare"."
Walker’s Punked Phone Call
http://scottwalkerwatch.com/koch-brothers/walkers-punked-phone-call/
Looks like the Koch brothers are going to get behind Scott Walker for 2016. Anyone remember this phone call? Good reminder of just how bought and paid for he really is. They owned him from the very start. (actual recording above the transcript)
Looks like the Koch brothers are going to get behind Scott Walker for 2016. Anyone remember this phone call? Good reminder of just how bought and paid for he really is. They owned him from the very start. (actual recording above the transcript)
Robert Reich Reality Checks GOP's Absurd Ideas About Addressing Income Inequality | Alternet
Robert Reich Reality Checks GOP's Absurd Ideas About Addressing Income Inequality | Alternet
"Under Reagan, Republican policy lurched in the opposite direction: Lower taxes on top incomes and big wealth, less public investment, and efforts to destroy labor unions.
Not surprisingly, that’s when America took its big U-turn toward inequality.
These Reaganomic principles are by now so deeply embedded in the modern Republican Party they’ve come to define it.
As a matter of fact, they’re just about all that unite the warring factions of the GOP – libertarians, tea partiers, and big corporations and Wall Street."
"Under Reagan, Republican policy lurched in the opposite direction: Lower taxes on top incomes and big wealth, less public investment, and efforts to destroy labor unions.
Not surprisingly, that’s when America took its big U-turn toward inequality.
These Reaganomic principles are by now so deeply embedded in the modern Republican Party they’ve come to define it.
As a matter of fact, they’re just about all that unite the warring factions of the GOP – libertarians, tea partiers, and big corporations and Wall Street."
Sen. Chuck Grassley Absurdly Claims Bill of Rights Dependent on Citizens United
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/26/sen-chuck-grassley-absurdly-claims-bill-rights-dependent-citizens-united.html
"This is just another case of Republicans outright inventing things out of whole cloth when they oppose something. They can hardly tell the truth about what they oppose and still have a leg to stand on, so they invent stuff they know their base will rally around. It’s dishonest, sure, but without lies, the Republican Party would cease to exist."
"This is just another case of Republicans outright inventing things out of whole cloth when they oppose something. They can hardly tell the truth about what they oppose and still have a leg to stand on, so they invent stuff they know their base will rally around. It’s dishonest, sure, but without lies, the Republican Party would cease to exist."
Bernie Sanders Exposes How The Koch Primary Is Undermining American Democracy
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/24/bernie-sanders-exposes-koch-primary-undermining-american-democracy.html
"The connection between the Koch agenda and governing became obvious when Sen. Mitch McConnell cut off debate on the Keystone XL pipeline so that Republican senators could get to the Koch meeting."
"The connection between the Koch agenda and governing became obvious when Sen. Mitch McConnell cut off debate on the Keystone XL pipeline so that Republican senators could get to the Koch meeting."
Republican Governor Busted Trying to Use Fake Abraham Lincoln Quote to Defend the Rich
Republican Governor Busted Trying to Use Fake Abraham Lincoln Quote to Defend the Rich
"So the next time Kasich wishes to quote Lincoln to try to defend the rich, he might first want to know the context of the quote he’s trying to use, then make certain that Lincoln actually said it. That way he doesn’t look like a complete fool using fake quotes on national television."
"So the next time Kasich wishes to quote Lincoln to try to defend the rich, he might first want to know the context of the quote he’s trying to use, then make certain that Lincoln actually said it. That way he doesn’t look like a complete fool using fake quotes on national television."
The True Cost of Citizens United: The Roberts Court’s Darkest Hour Revisited | Alternet
The True Cost of Citizens United: The Roberts Court’s Darkest Hour Revisited | Alternet
"Americans are increasingly skeptical of claims that democracy by the wealthy is compatible with their interests."
"Americans are increasingly skeptical of claims that democracy by the wealthy is compatible with their interests."
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Lobbyists Got To See Kansas Budget Before Legislators Did
Lobbyists Got To See Kansas Budget Before Legislators Did
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director used a private e-mail account to share a working version of the governor’s proposed budget with two lobbyists three weeks before it was unveiled to lawmakers."
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director used a private e-mail account to share a working version of the governor’s proposed budget with two lobbyists three weeks before it was unveiled to lawmakers."
The Kochs Will Spend $1 Billion on the 2016 Elections, but Deny It
The Kochs Will Spend $1 Billion on the 2016 Elections, but Deny It
"The political network organized by Charles and David Koch plans to spend an incredible $889 million to capture the White House in 2016 and deepen the Koch party's bench in Congress. But that's not what they'll tell federal regulators.
If history is a guide, the Koch network will claim that much of the nearly $1 billion it will funnel through an array of nonprofit groups is not about elections at all. Instead, the Koch groups will claim that their efforts to elect politicians who will lower capital gains taxes and overturn environmental regulations is really all about "social welfare"."
"The political network organized by Charles and David Koch plans to spend an incredible $889 million to capture the White House in 2016 and deepen the Koch party's bench in Congress. But that's not what they'll tell federal regulators.
If history is a guide, the Koch network will claim that much of the nearly $1 billion it will funnel through an array of nonprofit groups is not about elections at all. Instead, the Koch groups will claim that their efforts to elect politicians who will lower capital gains taxes and overturn environmental regulations is really all about "social welfare"."
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Koch Network Vows To Spend Nearly $900 Million To Buy Presidency And Congress | Alternet
Koch Network Vows To Spend Nearly $900 Million To Buy Presidency And Congress | Alternet
"The robber barons are back and are buying American politicians at the highest level in more than a century, as several hundred of the wealthiest Americans led by the Koch brothers say they will spend $900 million in 2016’s presidential and national elections."
"The robber barons are back and are buying American politicians at the highest level in more than a century, as several hundred of the wealthiest Americans led by the Koch brothers say they will spend $900 million in 2016’s presidential and national elections."
Koch Brothers Plan To Spend Almost One BILLION Dollars To Buy 2016 Election
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/27/koch-brothers-plan-to-spend-almost-one-billion-dollars-to-buy-2016-election/
"A little over 300 people will now have the same kind of financial influence as both major political parties combined. There is literally no one alive that could argue that this would not corrupt the process and keep a straight face. Either politicians will obey the Koch brothers in hopes of securing some of that juicy campaign money or they will obey them for fear that money will used against them. In either case, the Kochs and their cabal of billionaires will own politicians."
"A little over 300 people will now have the same kind of financial influence as both major political parties combined. There is literally no one alive that could argue that this would not corrupt the process and keep a straight face. Either politicians will obey the Koch brothers in hopes of securing some of that juicy campaign money or they will obey them for fear that money will used against them. In either case, the Kochs and their cabal of billionaires will own politicians."
How Fox News Is Helping The GOP Disingenuously Rebrand Itself As The Party Of The Middle Class
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/01/27/how-fox-news-is-helping-the-gop-disingenuously/202281
"Fox News is burying Republican policy positions that exacerbate income inequality in order to help the GOP rebrand itself as a party for the middle class."
"Fox News is burying Republican policy positions that exacerbate income inequality in order to help the GOP rebrand itself as a party for the middle class."
Sunday, January 25, 2015
The Kochs Call In Their Chips
The Kochs Call In Their Chips
"Charles and David Koch paid good money for that fresh-faced Congress, and now they expect to see some results, stat."
"Charles and David Koch paid good money for that fresh-faced Congress, and now they expect to see some results, stat."
A Tale Of Two Senators Who Grew Up Poor And Went Opposite Directions
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/24/a-tale-of-two-senators-who-grew-up-poor-and-went-opposite-directions/
"How can two Senators, with very similar backgrounds, be so polar opposite in how they view the world? Simple. One got a lot of money and feels entitled (there’s the real entitlement, GOP) and the other is humbled. One is threatened by people rising above their means and succeeding, the other champions it. One wants to keep the class of people poor, stupid, and desperate to win re-election while the other wants them to have a seat at the table."
"How can two Senators, with very similar backgrounds, be so polar opposite in how they view the world? Simple. One got a lot of money and feels entitled (there’s the real entitlement, GOP) and the other is humbled. One is threatened by people rising above their means and succeeding, the other champions it. One wants to keep the class of people poor, stupid, and desperate to win re-election while the other wants them to have a seat at the table."
Friday, January 23, 2015
Fox ‘News’ And Bill O’Reilly Get Hammered By High School Students For Their Lack Of Journalistic Ethics (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/23/fox-news-and-bill-oreilly-get-hammered-by-high-school-students-for-their-lack-of-journalistic-ethics-video/
"Considering the fact that Fox “News” is currently embroiled in a scandal over lies that hosts and guests have been peddling about Muslims on the air, it looks like the right-wing propaganda machine has something else to profusely apologize for now.
It is comforting to know that most American youths are able to see right through the lies, distortions, and propaganda generated on bullsh*t mountain on a daily basis. Furthermore, it’s hilarious to watch Fox and blowhard host Bill O’Reilly get taken down by high school students over a hit piece they never should have aired in the first place. That’s just priceless."
"Considering the fact that Fox “News” is currently embroiled in a scandal over lies that hosts and guests have been peddling about Muslims on the air, it looks like the right-wing propaganda machine has something else to profusely apologize for now.
It is comforting to know that most American youths are able to see right through the lies, distortions, and propaganda generated on bullsh*t mountain on a daily basis. Furthermore, it’s hilarious to watch Fox and blowhard host Bill O’Reilly get taken down by high school students over a hit piece they never should have aired in the first place. That’s just priceless."
Jeb Bush’s Family Hydra: When One Head Disappears, Another One Pops Up
Jeb Bush’s Family Hydra: When One Head Disappears, Another One Pops Up
"No matter how many times Americans vote against them, contrary to the corporate media’s flattering reports, no matter how unpopular the Bushes are, no matter how many times they destroy our country’s fundamental principles, our social public services, fair wages, environmental protection, a strong middle class economy, no matter how many times they take a wrecking ball to all that is good and decent in this country, it seems that we can never get rid of those serpent-like Bush heads."
"No matter how many times Americans vote against them, contrary to the corporate media’s flattering reports, no matter how unpopular the Bushes are, no matter how many times they destroy our country’s fundamental principles, our social public services, fair wages, environmental protection, a strong middle class economy, no matter how many times they take a wrecking ball to all that is good and decent in this country, it seems that we can never get rid of those serpent-like Bush heads."
Joni Ernst’s family received nearly half a million dollars in federal farm subsidies
Joni Ernst’s family received nearly half a million dollars in federal farm subsidies
"Ernst isn’t the first Republican to lambaste government spending, even as her family feeds at the federal trough. Four House Republicans who voted in 2013 to drastically cut spending on food stamps had received farm subsidies worth at least $7,883,824 combined"
"Ernst isn’t the first Republican to lambaste government spending, even as her family feeds at the federal trough. Four House Republicans who voted in 2013 to drastically cut spending on food stamps had received farm subsidies worth at least $7,883,824 combined"
Bernie Sanders Files A New Constitutional Amendment To Overturn Citizens United
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/21/bernie-sanders-files-constitutional-amendment-overturn-citizens-united.html
"Sen. Sanders is leading the fight to inform the American people about the toxic nature of unlimited money in their electoral process"
"Sen. Sanders is leading the fight to inform the American people about the toxic nature of unlimited money in their electoral process"
Is Rep. Aaron Schock training for a 'most lies about the minimum wage' competition?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/21/1359249/-Is-Rep-Aaron-Schock-training-for-a-most-lies-about-the-minimum-wage-competition
"Schock's glib BS is just intended to cover over the fact that he does not want to help these people. He and the Republican Party do not want to ensure that work pays enough to live on."
"Schock's glib BS is just intended to cover over the fact that he does not want to help these people. He and the Republican Party do not want to ensure that work pays enough to live on."
Memo to Joni Ernst: Most Americans want more than one pair of shoes
Memo to Joni Ernst: Most Americans want more than one pair of shoes
"Ernst’s speech, however, was really vague about the relationship of hard work to getting ahead—probably because Republican policies are about making sure that most people who work hard cannot get ahead, no matter how hard they try."
"Ernst’s speech, however, was really vague about the relationship of hard work to getting ahead—probably because Republican policies are about making sure that most people who work hard cannot get ahead, no matter how hard they try."
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Sen. John McCain Introduces Amendment That Will Destroy More American Jobs
Sen. John McCain Introduces Amendment That Will Destroy More American Jobs
"Here’s to hoping that one day, red state voters will wake up to the fact that corporations are not their friends, and neither are politicians like John McCain."
"Here’s to hoping that one day, red state voters will wake up to the fact that corporations are not their friends, and neither are politicians like John McCain."
It’s Citizens United’s birthday — so now you can watch ‘Koch Brothers Exposed’ for free
It’s Citizens United’s birthday — so now you can watch ‘Koch Brothers Exposed’ for free
"To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, Brave New Films is releasing the documentary Koch Brothers Exposed: 2014 Edition online."
"To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, Brave New Films is releasing the documentary Koch Brothers Exposed: 2014 Edition online."
5 Years after Citizens United, Democracy Is for Sale
5 Years after Citizens United, Democracy Is for Sale
"This week, Republican presidential hopefuls like Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. Chris Christie, and Sen. Rand Paul will travel to an exclusive resort near Palm Springs, Florida to kiss the rings of David and Charles Koch."
"This week, Republican presidential hopefuls like Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. Chris Christie, and Sen. Rand Paul will travel to an exclusive resort near Palm Springs, Florida to kiss the rings of David and Charles Koch."
The Republican Strategy of Stupidity
http://quietmike.org/2015/01/20/republican-strategy-stupidity/
"When someone saying they aren’t a doctor or a scientist is talking out of their ass about a subject they are proudly ignorant of, they have to be told to shut the f*ck up. Instead, we are giving them center stage on the Sunday Morning Talk Shows. They need to be schooled, not flattered.
A healthy society relies on a well-educated Electorate. Civilization relies on scientific advancement. Republicans are now actively trying to undermine both of these basic foundations, and if they’re allowed to continue doing so, they will bring the nation crumbling down.
If you exist in a world not based on reality, you will eventually lose to reality. The question is how many other people will you hurt along the way?"
"When someone saying they aren’t a doctor or a scientist is talking out of their ass about a subject they are proudly ignorant of, they have to be told to shut the f*ck up. Instead, we are giving them center stage on the Sunday Morning Talk Shows. They need to be schooled, not flattered.
A healthy society relies on a well-educated Electorate. Civilization relies on scientific advancement. Republicans are now actively trying to undermine both of these basic foundations, and if they’re allowed to continue doing so, they will bring the nation crumbling down.
If you exist in a world not based on reality, you will eventually lose to reality. The question is how many other people will you hurt along the way?"
9 Fox News Atrocities They Should Have Been Sued For if the U.S. Had Laws Like France | Alternet
9 Fox News Atrocities They Should Have Been Sued For if the U.S. Had Laws Like France | Alternet
"Although French law makes a successful prosecution more likely, here are a few of the times Fox News might have been taken to court in the United States over the years if the U.S had laws like France."
"Although French law makes a successful prosecution more likely, here are a few of the times Fox News might have been taken to court in the United States over the years if the U.S had laws like France."
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
How Koch Brothers Will Celebrate Citizens United 5th Anniversary
How Koch Brothers Will Celebrate Citizens United 5th Anniversary
"Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin received coveted invitations to speak to the vaunted network assembled by the billionaire industrialist megadonors Charles and David Koch"
"Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin received coveted invitations to speak to the vaunted network assembled by the billionaire industrialist megadonors Charles and David Koch"
What Happens When Conservative Ideologues Get to Run Their Own States | Alternet
What Happens When Conservative Ideologues Get to Run Their Own States | Alternet
"First and foremost is the laughingstock that extremist Republican Sam Brownback has made of Kansas. Brownback slashed social welfare spending and implemented steep regressive income tax cuts, promising that his Laffer curve-based supply-side economic experiment would bring jobs and prosperity to Kansas while increasing government revenue.
In fact, the opposite has happened. Revenue projections in Kansas are in freefall, and the economic growth benefiting the rest of the country--including economically similar areas in surrounding states--has bypassed the Sunflower State."
"First and foremost is the laughingstock that extremist Republican Sam Brownback has made of Kansas. Brownback slashed social welfare spending and implemented steep regressive income tax cuts, promising that his Laffer curve-based supply-side economic experiment would bring jobs and prosperity to Kansas while increasing government revenue.
In fact, the opposite has happened. Revenue projections in Kansas are in freefall, and the economic growth benefiting the rest of the country--including economically similar areas in surrounding states--has bypassed the Sunflower State."
Richest 1% Percent To Have More Than Rest of Humanity Combined
Richest 1% Percent To Have More Than Rest of Humanity Combined
"In less than two years, if current trends continued unchecked, the richest 1% percent of people on the planet will own at least half of the world's wealth."
"In less than two years, if current trends continued unchecked, the richest 1% percent of people on the planet will own at least half of the world's wealth."
Democrats Take on Wall Street With Financial Transactions Tax
http://truth-out.org/news/item/28608-democrats-take-on-wall-street-with-financial-transactions-tax
"The House Democratic Party leadership made a remarkable step forward last week in putting out a proposal for a financial transactions tax (FTT). The proposal is part of a larger package which includes a substantial tax credit for workers, and also a limit on the tax deductibility of high CEO pay, but the FTT portion is the most remarkable."
"The House Democratic Party leadership made a remarkable step forward last week in putting out a proposal for a financial transactions tax (FTT). The proposal is part of a larger package which includes a substantial tax credit for workers, and also a limit on the tax deductibility of high CEO pay, but the FTT portion is the most remarkable."
How America's Wealthy Stole the American Dream and Cashed It at an Offshore Bank | Alternet
How America's Wealthy Stole the American Dream and Cashed It at an Offshore Bank | Alternet
"Runaway inequality and declining taxes are linked together through a set of economic policies called the "Better Business Climate" model which came to America around 1980."
"Runaway inequality and declining taxes are linked together through a set of economic policies called the "Better Business Climate" model which came to America around 1980."
Bernie’s On Board: Sen. Sanders Stands With President Obama On Tax Cut Plan
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/18/bernies-board-sen-sanders-stands-president-obama-tax-cut-plan.html
"Sen. Bernie Sanders announced that he is supporting the president’s plan to cut taxes for the middle class while closing loopholes that the wealthiest Americans use"
"Sen. Bernie Sanders announced that he is supporting the president’s plan to cut taxes for the middle class while closing loopholes that the wealthiest Americans use"
Paul Ryan Responds To Obama Tax Cut With Lies And Calls For Tax Hikes On The Middle Class
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/18/paul-ryan-responds-obama-tax-cut-lies-calls-tax-hikes-middle-class.html
"Obama’s tax plan closes loopholes that the super-rich and corporations use to avoid paying their share of taxes while giving millions of middle-class families a tax cut."
"Obama’s tax plan closes loopholes that the super-rich and corporations use to avoid paying their share of taxes while giving millions of middle-class families a tax cut."
President Obama’s New Plan: Tax Hikes On The Wealthiest, Relief For The Middle Class
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/18/obama-offers-amazing-tax-plan/
"To make matters even better, President Obama has taken a cue from Elizabeth Warren, his plan will also create a brand new tax which will be placed on the biggest financial institutions who partake in risky borrowing. The new tax will hopefully discourage such borrowing and will only be applied to roughly 100 banks that currently have assets of $50 billion or more (the same banks whose high risk borrowing led to the near collapse of our world economy)."
"To make matters even better, President Obama has taken a cue from Elizabeth Warren, his plan will also create a brand new tax which will be placed on the biggest financial institutions who partake in risky borrowing. The new tax will hopefully discourage such borrowing and will only be applied to roughly 100 banks that currently have assets of $50 billion or more (the same banks whose high risk borrowing led to the near collapse of our world economy)."
Arguing for Faster Internet, Obama Goes to Bat for Municipal Broadband
Arguing for Faster Internet, Obama Goes to Bat for Municipal Broadband
"Alongside his announcement, the White House presented a fact sheet outlining the municipal broadband initiative and a new report (pdf) authored by the National Economic Council and Council of Economic Advisers which examines the success stories of "community-based broadband" projects."
"Alongside his announcement, the White House presented a fact sheet outlining the municipal broadband initiative and a new report (pdf) authored by the National Economic Council and Council of Economic Advisers which examines the success stories of "community-based broadband" projects."
Five Years After Citizens United, Media Coverage Of Its Sequels Is Lacking
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/18/five-years-after-citizens-united-media-coverage/202154
"Williams-Yulee gives the court yet another opportunity to deregulate big money in politics by equating it with constitutionally protected speech -- this time by allowing members of the judiciary to directly solicit money from wealthy donors."
"Williams-Yulee gives the court yet another opportunity to deregulate big money in politics by equating it with constitutionally protected speech -- this time by allowing members of the judiciary to directly solicit money from wealthy donors."
Still No Tax Returns? What’s GOP Still-Hopeful Mitt Romney Hiding? (Video)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/15/mitt-romney-tax-returns-whats-he-hiding/
"For starters, it’s quite disturbing that — out of all the vile, rapacious corporate raiders on Wall Street, Romney has been targeted with a lawsuit for racketeering. That really says something. The bar for getting courts to hear a lawsuit on racketeering — the kind of criminal and systemic money laundering, gambling, price fixing, and market manipulations associated with powerful mobs and drug lords — is so high that even fictitious district attorneys on shows like The Wire and The Sopranos have trouble with taking these cases to court."
"For starters, it’s quite disturbing that — out of all the vile, rapacious corporate raiders on Wall Street, Romney has been targeted with a lawsuit for racketeering. That really says something. The bar for getting courts to hear a lawsuit on racketeering — the kind of criminal and systemic money laundering, gambling, price fixing, and market manipulations associated with powerful mobs and drug lords — is so high that even fictitious district attorneys on shows like The Wire and The Sopranos have trouble with taking these cases to court."
JP Morgan ‘Under Assault’ By Unpatriotic Regulators, CEO Says
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/01/15/3611830/ceo-whose-bank-epitomizes-need-for-tighter-regulation-wonders-if-tighter-regulation-is-un-american/
"In Dimon’s tenure, regulators have exposed JP Morgan’s involvement in numerous scandals. Three of those scandals are particularly instructive.
The bank joined other financial firms in an elaborate scheme to rig interest rates, an affair commonly known as the LIBOR Scandal, which had negative effects on a huge range of consumer credit products and hurt the financial outlook of many cities who had made bond deals tied to the rates JP Morgan helped manipulate. A rogue JP Morgan trader known colloquially as the London Whale was able to gamble the bank into a multi-billion-dollar loss on complex derivatives trades without any of his managers noticing and putting a stop to the highly risky behavior, which could have triggered a chain reaction within the global financial system. And Dimon’s firm has paid tens of billions of dollars in legal settlements over the bank’s role in mortgage-related financial market activity that helped exacerbate the financial crisis and ensuing recession.
None of these are dead matters. Each of the three illustrates a live question for how society will regulate the financial sector’s activity and its relationship to the real economy of goods and services and middle-class jobs."
"In Dimon’s tenure, regulators have exposed JP Morgan’s involvement in numerous scandals. Three of those scandals are particularly instructive.
The bank joined other financial firms in an elaborate scheme to rig interest rates, an affair commonly known as the LIBOR Scandal, which had negative effects on a huge range of consumer credit products and hurt the financial outlook of many cities who had made bond deals tied to the rates JP Morgan helped manipulate. A rogue JP Morgan trader known colloquially as the London Whale was able to gamble the bank into a multi-billion-dollar loss on complex derivatives trades without any of his managers noticing and putting a stop to the highly risky behavior, which could have triggered a chain reaction within the global financial system. And Dimon’s firm has paid tens of billions of dollars in legal settlements over the bank’s role in mortgage-related financial market activity that helped exacerbate the financial crisis and ensuing recession.
None of these are dead matters. Each of the three illustrates a live question for how society will regulate the financial sector’s activity and its relationship to the real economy of goods and services and middle-class jobs."
The Color Of Money: GOP Congress Rushes To Pamper Wall Street
The Color Of Money: GOP Congress Rushes To Pamper Wall Street
"But why the urgency? Why the rush to let the banks run amok, even before Republicans turn their attention to authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline, repealing Obamacare and reversing the president’s executive orders on immigration? Those are all causes, however, that Republicans want to highlight, for which their base is clamoring. Deregulating Wall Street, by contrast, isn’t high on the tea party’s to-do list, if it’s on it at all. By scurrying to give the banks what they want, Republicans can get it out of the way and hope that any public memory of this unseemly spectacle is eclipsed by the epic, more popular battles to come.
By pushing mega-bank welfare to the head of the line, Republicans also sent a clear signal to Wall Street that they’ll do whatever it takes to further feather the bankers’ nests."
"But why the urgency? Why the rush to let the banks run amok, even before Republicans turn their attention to authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline, repealing Obamacare and reversing the president’s executive orders on immigration? Those are all causes, however, that Republicans want to highlight, for which their base is clamoring. Deregulating Wall Street, by contrast, isn’t high on the tea party’s to-do list, if it’s on it at all. By scurrying to give the banks what they want, Republicans can get it out of the way and hope that any public memory of this unseemly spectacle is eclipsed by the epic, more popular battles to come.
By pushing mega-bank welfare to the head of the line, Republicans also sent a clear signal to Wall Street that they’ll do whatever it takes to further feather the bankers’ nests."
Republicans use ‘death by a thousand cuts’ strategy to deregulate Wall Street
Republicans use ‘death by a thousand cuts’ strategy to deregulate Wall Street
"For the second time in two weeks, House Republicans brought up a package of 11 bills designed to deregulate Wall Street and water down Dodd-Frank financial reforms. This time, they had the votes to pass it.
Today’s bill easily cleared the hurdle of majority support, gaining final passage by a count of 271-154 largely along party lines."
"For the second time in two weeks, House Republicans brought up a package of 11 bills designed to deregulate Wall Street and water down Dodd-Frank financial reforms. This time, they had the votes to pass it.
Today’s bill easily cleared the hurdle of majority support, gaining final passage by a count of 271-154 largely along party lines."
Thursday, January 15, 2015
The 114th Congress’ First Week on the Job
http://quietmike.org/2015/01/10/114th-congress-first-week-job/
"Lastly, Mitch McConnell tried to take credit for the economic recovery and low unemployment rate. He tried to say that it was because Republicans won both the House and the Senate. What he actually did was praise President Obama without realizing it. Cursory research reveals blatant hypocrisy on the part of The Man Called Turtle.
It seems that the House of Representatives is throwing everything they can at the President as fast as they can. They’re taking a quick recess, and then they’re going to come back at all of us. Hard.
This is going to be a wild ride. Hang on to your hat."
"Lastly, Mitch McConnell tried to take credit for the economic recovery and low unemployment rate. He tried to say that it was because Republicans won both the House and the Senate. What he actually did was praise President Obama without realizing it. Cursory research reveals blatant hypocrisy on the part of The Man Called Turtle.
It seems that the House of Representatives is throwing everything they can at the President as fast as they can. They’re taking a quick recess, and then they’re going to come back at all of us. Hard.
This is going to be a wild ride. Hang on to your hat."
Romney Wants To Fight Poverty. Here’s How His 2012 Agenda Would Have Devastated The Poor.
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/01/13/3610933/mitt-romney-third-campaign-poverty/
"For Romney, the new focus is jarring. After all, he ran his 2012 campaign on policies that would have disproportionately benefited the wealthiest Americans and regularly argued that poor people didn’t need his help."
"For Romney, the new focus is jarring. After all, he ran his 2012 campaign on policies that would have disproportionately benefited the wealthiest Americans and regularly argued that poor people didn’t need his help."
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The 80-Year Conservative War On Social Security Is Back For More
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/conservative-war-on-social-security-history
"Conservatives finally made their play for privatizing Social Security during the second Bush administration.
George W. Bush told conservatives in the midst of the 2000 campaign that Republicans "have to find a way to allow people to invest a percentage of their payroll tax in the capital markets" -- a new incarnation of the individual accounts or privatization concept.
But the GOP was getting sharper with its rhetoric. The libertarian Cato Institute renamed its existing Project on Social Security Privatization to the Project on Social Security Choice in 2002. The overall effect of the Bush-era proposals was the same, turning a guaranteed benefit into something else entirely, but they had figured out what they thought were better ways to talk about it.
"BANISH PRIVATIZATION FROM YOUR LEXICON," read a memo that Republican pollster Frank Luntz gave Bush during the 2004 campaign. But while Bush made Social Security a top priority at the onset of his second term and undertook a national tour to discuss the issue, those who support the traditional program rallied against it."
"Conservatives finally made their play for privatizing Social Security during the second Bush administration.
George W. Bush told conservatives in the midst of the 2000 campaign that Republicans "have to find a way to allow people to invest a percentage of their payroll tax in the capital markets" -- a new incarnation of the individual accounts or privatization concept.
But the GOP was getting sharper with its rhetoric. The libertarian Cato Institute renamed its existing Project on Social Security Privatization to the Project on Social Security Choice in 2002. The overall effect of the Bush-era proposals was the same, turning a guaranteed benefit into something else entirely, but they had figured out what they thought were better ways to talk about it.
"BANISH PRIVATIZATION FROM YOUR LEXICON," read a memo that Republican pollster Frank Luntz gave Bush during the 2004 campaign. But while Bush made Social Security a top priority at the onset of his second term and undertook a national tour to discuss the issue, those who support the traditional program rallied against it."
The House Is Set to Pass a GOP Bill Wiping Out Wall Street Reforms
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/dodd-frank-bill-house-gop-hr-37
"The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), is called the Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act, but its name obscures what it would actually do. The legislation is a compilation of deregulatory bills that failed to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate in the last Congress. It would alter nearly a dozen provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, loosening regulation of Wall Street banks."
"The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), is called the Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act, but its name obscures what it would actually do. The legislation is a compilation of deregulatory bills that failed to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate in the last Congress. It would alter nearly a dozen provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, loosening regulation of Wall Street banks."
House Republicans poised to gut Wall Street reforms
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/13/1357502/-House-Republicans-poised-to-gut-Wall-Street-reforms
"And just to make sure that all of this happens out of the glare of the public eye, this bill would weaken the transparency rules that Dodd-Frank imposed on publicly traded companies. It would exempt the majority of them from the rules about what has to be included in their financial statements filed with the SEC. That includes allowing some to omit historical data showing their past financial performance."
"And just to make sure that all of this happens out of the glare of the public eye, this bill would weaken the transparency rules that Dodd-Frank imposed on publicly traded companies. It would exempt the majority of them from the rules about what has to be included in their financial statements filed with the SEC. That includes allowing some to omit historical data showing their past financial performance."
With Wall Street Holding the Strings, Republican-Controlled Congress Moves to Deregulate Big Banks
With Wall Street Holding the Strings, Republican-Controlled Congress Moves to Deregulate Big Banks
"Just weeks after taking over both houses of Congress, the Republican party is already aggressively moving to weaken legislation aimed at reining in big banks and protecting the public."
"Just weeks after taking over both houses of Congress, the Republican party is already aggressively moving to weaken legislation aimed at reining in big banks and protecting the public."
Obamacare had strong enrollments through January 1
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/09/1356665/-Obamacare-had-strong-enrollments-through-January-nbsp-1
"Obamacare enrollment for plans beginning January 1 has ended, but the exchanges remain open until February 15 for people who don't have coverage through their employers. But the January 1 deadline ended strong, with the government reporting nearly 6.6 million enrollments."
"Obamacare enrollment for plans beginning January 1 has ended, but the exchanges remain open until February 15 for people who don't have coverage through their employers. But the January 1 deadline ended strong, with the government reporting nearly 6.6 million enrollments."
Free Community College is a Big Deal. Debt-Free College Would Be Transformative.
http://www.demos.org/blog/1/9/15/free-community-college-big-deal-debt-free-college-would-be-transformative
"It wasn’t until the mid-1990s in which borrowing for college became the norm. Before that, low tuition and high state investment meant that students could afford college via part-time work or modest savings. But decades of neglect in our public institutions has led to a moment in which students borrow $30 billion each year to attend public colleges and universities.
Making public higher education a public good again isn’t going to happen overnight, and the idea of free tuition for the 45 percent of American students who attend community college is a nice start. Making public college debt-free again could be transformative."
"It wasn’t until the mid-1990s in which borrowing for college became the norm. Before that, low tuition and high state investment meant that students could afford college via part-time work or modest savings. But decades of neglect in our public institutions has led to a moment in which students borrow $30 billion each year to attend public colleges and universities.
Making public higher education a public good again isn’t going to happen overnight, and the idea of free tuition for the 45 percent of American students who attend community college is a nice start. Making public college debt-free again could be transformative."
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Chris Christie’s Jersey nightmare: Why his state hasn’t touched the economic recovery
Chris Christie’s Jersey nightmare: Why his state hasn’t touched the economic recovery
"Twenty-first century New Jersey is a state so disconnected from the national narrative of “recovery” it might as well be its own country. The fact that the major media has ignored this story for so long is a tribute to Governor Christie’s prowess as a great entertainer. Not since the arrival of the Great Pandas from China has the major media been so distracted by sideshow antics."
"Twenty-first century New Jersey is a state so disconnected from the national narrative of “recovery” it might as well be its own country. The fact that the major media has ignored this story for so long is a tribute to Governor Christie’s prowess as a great entertainer. Not since the arrival of the Great Pandas from China has the major media been so distracted by sideshow antics."
Fox News Whines That The 1% Might Have To Pay Their Fair Share
Fox News Whines That The 1% Might Have To Pay Their Fair Share
"Haven't we heard enough from these fake news people that the Ryan Plan works for national prosperity? Facts are facts and we know a higher tax rate, which is unbelievably lower than Republican icon, Dwight Eisenhower's rates, works perfectly. Imagine if this Koch-Congress wanted to really heal the economy and create millions of infrastructure-repairing jobs? Of course they don't, so until we change the rules of Gerrymandering, the Democrats will have to settle for Executive Orders. You can rest assured, the GOP-TV people can be sufficiently outraged over the tyrannical, lawless, Socialist Kenyan Muslim President for the next two years."
"Haven't we heard enough from these fake news people that the Ryan Plan works for national prosperity? Facts are facts and we know a higher tax rate, which is unbelievably lower than Republican icon, Dwight Eisenhower's rates, works perfectly. Imagine if this Koch-Congress wanted to really heal the economy and create millions of infrastructure-repairing jobs? Of course they don't, so until we change the rules of Gerrymandering, the Democrats will have to settle for Executive Orders. You can rest assured, the GOP-TV people can be sufficiently outraged over the tyrannical, lawless, Socialist Kenyan Muslim President for the next two years."
WI Republicans Poised To Pass Education Privatization Bill
WI Republicans Poised To Pass Education Privatization Bill
"The Republicans have already passed legislation forcing the Milwaukee Public Schools to sell off school buildings to religious institutions and private voucher schools. This new bill only helps expediting the selling off of these buildings.
Ironically, the Republicans are claiming that this forced privatization is needed for accountability. The only accountability the Republicans are really worried about is being accountable to the big money special interests that bankroll their campaigns."
"The Republicans have already passed legislation forcing the Milwaukee Public Schools to sell off school buildings to religious institutions and private voucher schools. This new bill only helps expediting the selling off of these buildings.
Ironically, the Republicans are claiming that this forced privatization is needed for accountability. The only accountability the Republicans are really worried about is being accountable to the big money special interests that bankroll their campaigns."
From awful to calamitous: Sam Brownback’s second term is off to a terrible start
From awful to calamitous: Sam Brownback’s second term is off to a terrible start
"In the meantime, the governor confronts a budget crisis of his own making — and an economic climate that is prompting many Kansans to abandon the Sunflower State. Amid the havoc he wreaked on the state, Kansas ranked seventh in the nation last year among states residents left. Pitching his tax cuts two years ago, however, the governor predicted a very different situation."
"In the meantime, the governor confronts a budget crisis of his own making — and an economic climate that is prompting many Kansans to abandon the Sunflower State. Amid the havoc he wreaked on the state, Kansas ranked seventh in the nation last year among states residents left. Pitching his tax cuts two years ago, however, the governor predicted a very different situation."
Carly Fiorina Is Suddenly Concerned About Income Inequality
Carly Fiorina Is Suddenly Concerned About Income Inequality
"As CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Fiorina was responsible for thousands of layoffs, outsourcing jobs overseas, and gutting the shared prosperity that Silicon Valley used to pride itself on. She declared that her only mistake at HP was not firing even more people than she did.
Worse yet, everything she did while there actually led to the destruction of the HP brand, one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Watch for Fiorina to claim her executive ability is her best qualifier for the Presidency. She'll tell everyone she cares about average Americans but truly, she only cares about whatever the US Chamber of Commerce and her pals over at Koch Industries care about, and her own words confirm that.
Republicans are going to keep pretending they care about income inequality and populist issues because they understand how important those are to regular voters. But actions speak far louder than words, and fundamental Republican policies make that inequality worse and harder for working people."
"As CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Fiorina was responsible for thousands of layoffs, outsourcing jobs overseas, and gutting the shared prosperity that Silicon Valley used to pride itself on. She declared that her only mistake at HP was not firing even more people than she did.
Worse yet, everything she did while there actually led to the destruction of the HP brand, one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Watch for Fiorina to claim her executive ability is her best qualifier for the Presidency. She'll tell everyone she cares about average Americans but truly, she only cares about whatever the US Chamber of Commerce and her pals over at Koch Industries care about, and her own words confirm that.
Republicans are going to keep pretending they care about income inequality and populist issues because they understand how important those are to regular voters. But actions speak far louder than words, and fundamental Republican policies make that inequality worse and harder for working people."
John Boehner Screws Over The American People By Blocking A $2,000 Middle Class Tax Cut
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/01/12/john-boehner-screws-american-people-blocking-2000-middle-class-tax-cut.html
"By the People’s House, Speaker Boehner means the Koch brothers, corporations, or other special interests. If Republicans were serious about governing, they would seize the opportunity to pass a middle-class tax cut that Democrats would support and the president would sign. Instead, Republicans are using their power in Congress to harm the middle class while claiming to be carrying out the will of the people."
"By the People’s House, Speaker Boehner means the Koch brothers, corporations, or other special interests. If Republicans were serious about governing, they would seize the opportunity to pass a middle-class tax cut that Democrats would support and the president would sign. Instead, Republicans are using their power in Congress to harm the middle class while claiming to be carrying out the will of the people."
Elizabeth Warren's Economic Agenda
Elizabeth Warren's Economic Agenda
"Elizabeth Warren's plan would bring us back to the economy of the post-New Deal years, an economy that was both fairer and far more prosperous for most people."
"Elizabeth Warren's plan would bring us back to the economy of the post-New Deal years, an economy that was both fairer and far more prosperous for most people."
GOP Is Bringing Two More Years Of War Against Disabled Americans, Women, The Elderly, The Poor, And Math
GOP Is Bringing Two More Years Of War Against Disabled Americans, Women, The Elderly, The Poor, And Math
"Welcome to 2015; the 114th Congress is gearing up for the new year, and with it, brand new assaults women, the elderly, the disabled, math, science, history, and reality in general."
"Welcome to 2015; the 114th Congress is gearing up for the new year, and with it, brand new assaults women, the elderly, the disabled, math, science, history, and reality in general."
Paul Krugman Eviscerates Crazy Voodoo Economics of New GOP-led Congress | Alternet
Paul Krugman Eviscerates Crazy Voodoo Economics of New GOP-led Congress | Alternet
"It's a little funny, and a lot scary, because underlying this and other Republican talking points are ideologies that simply do not respond to an overwhelming volume of contrary, real-world evidence. How on earth can you reason with, let alone work with these people, who'd rather resort to conspiracy theories than acknowledge reality?"
"It's a little funny, and a lot scary, because underlying this and other Republican talking points are ideologies that simply do not respond to an overwhelming volume of contrary, real-world evidence. How on earth can you reason with, let alone work with these people, who'd rather resort to conspiracy theories than acknowledge reality?"
PERRspectives: 14 Things I Learned in 2014
PERRspectives: 14 Things I Learned in 2014
"The "Red State Model" is dead. In 2013, Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore praised "the Red State path to prosperity." Slashing regulations, encouraging full-throttle energy exploration and, most of all, cutting taxes, they insisted, was the "Red State Model" for economic success. Their poster child was Sam Brownback, the Kansas Governor whose "Midwest renaissance rooted in the Reagan model" by early 2014 had Yahoo News describing him as "the possible GOP presidential contender no one's talking about." Alas, it didn't turn out that way. Tax-cutting Republicans governors like Chris Christie (R-NJ) and Brownback are instead facing catastrophic revenue shortfalls and imposing draconian cuts to public services, all while lagging America's overall economic performance."
"The "Red State Model" is dead. In 2013, Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore praised "the Red State path to prosperity." Slashing regulations, encouraging full-throttle energy exploration and, most of all, cutting taxes, they insisted, was the "Red State Model" for economic success. Their poster child was Sam Brownback, the Kansas Governor whose "Midwest renaissance rooted in the Reagan model" by early 2014 had Yahoo News describing him as "the possible GOP presidential contender no one's talking about." Alas, it didn't turn out that way. Tax-cutting Republicans governors like Chris Christie (R-NJ) and Brownback are instead facing catastrophic revenue shortfalls and imposing draconian cuts to public services, all while lagging America's overall economic performance."
The Changing Face of America’s Electorate
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/report/2015/01/06/101605/the-changing-face-of-americas-electorate/
"Demographic changes are occurring at such rapid rates that, in some states, regaining 2004 levels of support simply will not be enough for the Republican presidential candidate to win them back in 2016. In other words, as voters of color become a larger share of the electorate, winning a state in 2016 will necessitate a higher level of support among voters of color than in past elections."
"Demographic changes are occurring at such rapid rates that, in some states, regaining 2004 levels of support simply will not be enough for the Republican presidential candidate to win them back in 2016. In other words, as voters of color become a larger share of the electorate, winning a state in 2016 will necessitate a higher level of support among voters of color than in past elections."
Monday, January 12, 2015
Media Ignore Supreme Court Case On Campaign Finance In Judicial Elections
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/07/media-ignore-supreme-court-case-on-campaign-fin/202044
"Major network newscasts have given almost no coverage to an upcoming Supreme Court case that will decide whether judicial candidates can personally solicit campaign donations -- despite the risk of corruption."
"Major network newscasts have given almost no coverage to an upcoming Supreme Court case that will decide whether judicial candidates can personally solicit campaign donations -- despite the risk of corruption."
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Given 2 Years In Prison
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Given 2 Years In Prison
"A federal judge has sentenced former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to two years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for 11 convictions on public corruption charges."
"A federal judge has sentenced former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to two years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for 11 convictions on public corruption charges."
Bob McDonnell’s comeuppance: Former GOP rising star sentenced to two years in prison
Bob McDonnell’s comeuppance: Former GOP rising star sentenced to two years in prison
"U.S. District Judge James Spencer on Tuesday sentenced former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to two years in prison for political corruption, the latest chapter in the spectacular fall of one of the Republican Party’s former rising stars."
"U.S. District Judge James Spencer on Tuesday sentenced former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to two years in prison for political corruption, the latest chapter in the spectacular fall of one of the Republican Party’s former rising stars."
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Republicans are the real wealth redistributors
Republicans are the real wealth redistributors
"Kansas and other state governments are seizing money from middle-class workers to finance tax cuts for the wealthy"
"Kansas and other state governments are seizing money from middle-class workers to finance tax cuts for the wealthy"
House Democrats swiftly kill a quiet Republican plot to protect Wall Street
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/08/house-democrats-swiftly-kill-a-quiet-republican-plot-to-protect-wall-street
"On Wednesday, congressional Republicans tried to pull a fast one.
Just hours after being sworn in for the 114th Congress, House Republicans introduced a bill with an Orwellian title – The Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act – complete with its own social media campaign under the (as it turns out, ironic) hashtag “#FreeMainSt”.
The legislation was a mélange of 11 bills – all meant to weaken regulation of banks and the financial industry – that were written in the last session of Congress and never went anywhere. The new Frankenbill of loose ends was wrapped into a neat package and presented to a new Congress without debate."
"On Wednesday, congressional Republicans tried to pull a fast one.
Just hours after being sworn in for the 114th Congress, House Republicans introduced a bill with an Orwellian title – The Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act – complete with its own social media campaign under the (as it turns out, ironic) hashtag “#FreeMainSt”.
The legislation was a mélange of 11 bills – all meant to weaken regulation of banks and the financial industry – that were written in the last session of Congress and never went anywhere. The new Frankenbill of loose ends was wrapped into a neat package and presented to a new Congress without debate."
Obama Ends 2014 By Not Killing Jobs As Unemployment Falls To 5.6%
Obama Ends 2014 By Not Killing Jobs As Unemployment Falls To 5.6%
"December marks 58 consecutive months of job growth, including 11 straight months in which 200,000 or more jobs were created, and that 5.6% unemployment rate is the lowest since June of 2008. Obamacare continued to not kill jobs in December, as 32,000 health care jobs were added, and for the year, the economy added 2,952,000 jobs."
"December marks 58 consecutive months of job growth, including 11 straight months in which 200,000 or more jobs were created, and that 5.6% unemployment rate is the lowest since June of 2008. Obamacare continued to not kill jobs in December, as 32,000 health care jobs were added, and for the year, the economy added 2,952,000 jobs."
Friday, January 9, 2015
The Right Tries (and Fails) To Justify Its Assault On Social Security
The Right Tries (and Fails) To Justify Its Assault On Social Security
"Republicans moved to cut Social Security disability benefits by blocking a routine reallocation of funds. That’s bad enough, but their end game is even worse: broad Social Security cuts and the privatization of the entire program.
That would be bad for most Americans, but great for the people who finance the Republican Party – and think tanks like Heritage. There would be less pressure to increase taxes on billionaires. Wall Street would have more money under its control. And the far right’s antigovernment ideology would have claimed another scalp."
"Republicans moved to cut Social Security disability benefits by blocking a routine reallocation of funds. That’s bad enough, but their end game is even worse: broad Social Security cuts and the privatization of the entire program.
That would be bad for most Americans, but great for the people who finance the Republican Party – and think tanks like Heritage. There would be less pressure to increase taxes on billionaires. Wall Street would have more money under its control. And the far right’s antigovernment ideology would have claimed another scalp."
Mitch McConnell and the GOP Trying to Take Credit for the Economic Recovery
Mitch McConnell and the GOP Trying to Take Credit for the Economic Recovery
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stated quite clearly at the outset of the administration that his primary goal wasn’t to pitch in on the economy, but instead to make Obama a one-term president.
But now that the economy has improved in spite of those efforts, guess who’s revising history and demanding credit?"
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stated quite clearly at the outset of the administration that his primary goal wasn’t to pitch in on the economy, but instead to make Obama a one-term president.
But now that the economy has improved in spite of those efforts, guess who’s revising history and demanding credit?"
President Obama Proposes Free Community College For Students Maintaining 2.5 GPA
President Obama Proposes Free Community College For Students Maintaining 2.5 GPA
"Under President Obama's new proposal, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor's degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce -- all at no cost to them."
"Under President Obama's new proposal, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor's degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce -- all at no cost to them."
Mitch McConnell Embarrassed After Fact-Checking Site Debunks His Economic Growth Lie
Mitch McConnell Embarrassed After Fact-Checking Site Debunks His Economic Growth Lie
"Seriously? After all of the fear-mongering, misinformation, lies, deceit and propaganda Republicans have dished out against the Obama administration, the president himself, the Affordable Care Act and practically anything even remotely related to him – these jackasses are really going to sit there and try to claim that they’re responsible for our economic growth? Wow. Just when you think Republicans can’t be anymore ridiculous, you really do just need to give them a little more time. Because they definitely can."
"Seriously? After all of the fear-mongering, misinformation, lies, deceit and propaganda Republicans have dished out against the Obama administration, the president himself, the Affordable Care Act and practically anything even remotely related to him – these jackasses are really going to sit there and try to claim that they’re responsible for our economic growth? Wow. Just when you think Republicans can’t be anymore ridiculous, you really do just need to give them a little more time. Because they definitely can."
Kansas Is Totally Screwed
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/sam-brownback-kansas-tax-cuts-failing
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom." (Reposted)
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom." (Reposted)
Thursday, January 8, 2015
California revenue soars, even as tax-cutting states feel the pinch
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/08/1356177/-California-revenue-soars-even-as-tax-cutting-states-feel-the-pinch
"Remember how Republicans used to mock California as a failed state? Greece on the Pacific? Well, a few years ago, voters kicked Republicans out of power and changed the absurd supermajority budget requirements that had given minority conservatives veto power over state government. The result? With voter approval, the state raised taxes on the highest income earners to fund education. It started to reinvest in water and transportation infrastructure and rebuild the social safety net. It completed the implementation of a robust cap-and-trade program to restrict carbon emissions and fund sustainability projects. And the result? A rapidly growing economy and surging tax revenue.
The results are in: one way of governing works. The other doesn't."
"Remember how Republicans used to mock California as a failed state? Greece on the Pacific? Well, a few years ago, voters kicked Republicans out of power and changed the absurd supermajority budget requirements that had given minority conservatives veto power over state government. The result? With voter approval, the state raised taxes on the highest income earners to fund education. It started to reinvest in water and transportation infrastructure and rebuild the social safety net. It completed the implementation of a robust cap-and-trade program to restrict carbon emissions and fund sustainability projects. And the result? A rapidly growing economy and surging tax revenue.
The results are in: one way of governing works. The other doesn't."
GOP’s new attack on Social Security: Yet another result of government for the 1 percent
GOP’s new attack on Social Security: Yet another result of government for the 1 percent
"So if you’re scratching your head over why Republicans are so eager to attack a program as beloved by voters as Social Security, don’t. Just keep in mind that so long as American politics is dominated by the hyper-wealthy, the hopes and fears of regular voters only matter until the final ballot is cast."
"So if you’re scratching your head over why Republicans are so eager to attack a program as beloved by voters as Social Security, don’t. Just keep in mind that so long as American politics is dominated by the hyper-wealthy, the hopes and fears of regular voters only matter until the final ballot is cast."
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The right’s new war on truth: Math, reality, and the real reason Fox News economics can’t be trusted
The right’s new war on truth: Math, reality, and the real reason Fox News economics can’t be trusted
"So now that the GOP has got control of both houses of Congress, what can we expect in the way of economic thinking? Hear’s a hint: You know how they just love to say, “I’m not a scientist?” as a way to explain ignoring climate science? Well, they aren’t economists, either. And the consequences won’t just be seen in the form of ludicrous economic proposals—that would be too easy. Besides, they’ve already been doing that for years—decades, actually. Instead, they’re looking to use their ideological fairytale to skew all the official government calculations that Congress uses to guide its deliberations. So it’s not just the content of their economic proposals that are headed even more deeply into cloud cukooland, it’s the entire context in which Congress thinks about economics that’s about to exit, stage right, from reality-land."
"So now that the GOP has got control of both houses of Congress, what can we expect in the way of economic thinking? Hear’s a hint: You know how they just love to say, “I’m not a scientist?” as a way to explain ignoring climate science? Well, they aren’t economists, either. And the consequences won’t just be seen in the form of ludicrous economic proposals—that would be too easy. Besides, they’ve already been doing that for years—decades, actually. Instead, they’re looking to use their ideological fairytale to skew all the official government calculations that Congress uses to guide its deliberations. So it’s not just the content of their economic proposals that are headed even more deeply into cloud cukooland, it’s the entire context in which Congress thinks about economics that’s about to exit, stage right, from reality-land."
'Hostage-Takers': Republicans Go After Social Security on Very First Day
'Hostage-Takers': Republicans Go After Social Security on Very First Day
"Advocacy groups like AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare expressed outrage."
"Advocacy groups like AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare expressed outrage."
Warren: Trickle-down 'cut the legs out from under America's middle class'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/01/07/1356123/-Warren-Trickle-down-cut-the-legs-out-from-under-America-s-middle-class
"This isn't an accident, and Warren pointed a finger at the economic theory and policies that have rigged the game against 90 percent of Americans:
Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists, but it never really made much sense. George Bush Sr. called it voodoo economics. He was right, and let’s call it out for what it is: Trickle-down was nothing more than the politics of helping the rich-and-powerful get richer and more powerful, and it cut the legs out from under America’s middle class"."
"This isn't an accident, and Warren pointed a finger at the economic theory and policies that have rigged the game against 90 percent of Americans:
Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists, but it never really made much sense. George Bush Sr. called it voodoo economics. He was right, and let’s call it out for what it is: Trickle-down was nothing more than the politics of helping the rich-and-powerful get richer and more powerful, and it cut the legs out from under America’s middle class"."
GOP Rule Change in Congress Signals New Dawn for 'Voodoo Economics'
GOP Rule Change in Congress Signals New Dawn for 'Voodoo Economics'
"They call it ‘dynamic scoring.’ In fact, it’s a gimmick to help justify more tax cuts for the wealthy and profitable corporations."
"They call it ‘dynamic scoring.’ In fact, it’s a gimmick to help justify more tax cuts for the wealthy and profitable corporations."
Elizabeth Warren: "America's Middle Class Is In Deep Trouble."
Elizabeth Warren: "America's Middle Class Is In Deep Trouble."
"The spirit of trickle-down politics is to blame, according to Warren. It's just "magical accounting scams that pretend to cut taxes and raise revenue." In the 1980s, President Reagan and his economic swami Arthur Laffer pushed the concept that slashing taxes on the rich will actually benefit the poor; the top 1 percent would have more money to spend and would end up revving the entire economy. "Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists," Warren said, "but it never really made much sense." This theory has generally been debunked by economists but is still loved by Republicans. The new House majority has already changed the way Congress does math in order to align with trickle-down theories, and Republican governors have tanked state budgets by lowering taxes on the rich—all while promising those tax cuts will help state economies.
Add in Wall Street deregulation, and you've built a powder keg to keep the middle class down. "Pretty much the whole Republican Party—and, if we're going to be honest, too many Democrats—talked about the evils of 'big government' and called for deregulation," Warren said. "It sounded good, but it was really about tying the hands of regulators and turning loose big banks and giant international corporations to do whatever they wanted to do"."
"The spirit of trickle-down politics is to blame, according to Warren. It's just "magical accounting scams that pretend to cut taxes and raise revenue." In the 1980s, President Reagan and his economic swami Arthur Laffer pushed the concept that slashing taxes on the rich will actually benefit the poor; the top 1 percent would have more money to spend and would end up revving the entire economy. "Trickle-down was popular with big corporations and their lobbyists," Warren said, "but it never really made much sense." This theory has generally been debunked by economists but is still loved by Republicans. The new House majority has already changed the way Congress does math in order to align with trickle-down theories, and Republican governors have tanked state budgets by lowering taxes on the rich—all while promising those tax cuts will help state economies.
Add in Wall Street deregulation, and you've built a powder keg to keep the middle class down. "Pretty much the whole Republican Party—and, if we're going to be honest, too many Democrats—talked about the evils of 'big government' and called for deregulation," Warren said. "It sounded good, but it was really about tying the hands of regulators and turning loose big banks and giant international corporations to do whatever they wanted to do"."
New GOP Congress Launches First Missile At Social Security
New GOP Congress Launches First Missile At Social Security
"Here we go, folks! First stop, gutting Social Security. You knew it was coming, and Republicans just set out the carving knives."
"Here we go, folks! First stop, gutting Social Security. You knew it was coming, and Republicans just set out the carving knives."
GOP's New House Rules Set Stage For Social Security Cuts | Alternet
GOP's New House Rules Set Stage For Social Security Cuts | Alternet
"Republican opponents of Social Security have not wasted even a single day in their plan to dismantle Social Security brick by brick. What should be a dry, mundane exercise -- the adoption of new rules by the newly convening House of Representatives -- has turned into a stealth attack on America's working families."
"Republican opponents of Social Security have not wasted even a single day in their plan to dismantle Social Security brick by brick. What should be a dry, mundane exercise -- the adoption of new rules by the newly convening House of Representatives -- has turned into a stealth attack on America's working families."
Republicans Work To Ensure Affordable Gas Prices Are Short-Lived
Republicans Work To Ensure Affordable Gas Prices Are Short-Lived
"Gas prices are at their lowest point since the Clinton administration, and Republicans are wasting no time thinking up new ways to increase the burden on consumers."
"Gas prices are at their lowest point since the Clinton administration, and Republicans are wasting no time thinking up new ways to increase the burden on consumers."
Kansas Is Totally Screwed
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/01/sam-brownback-kansas-tax-cuts-failing
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom."
"In 2012, when Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback first pitched his plan to drastically slash the state's income taxes, he promised "a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy." Brownback brought in Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan's trickle-down economics guru, to help sell the idea that the cuts—which zeroed out taxes for 200,000 businesses and slashed rates for top earners—were guaranteed to boost the state's fortunes, prop up the economy, and bring in countless new jobs as businesses and individuals flocked to Kansas to escape the tyrannies of higher-tax states.
Two years later, those rosy predictions have turned to doom and gloom."
Senator Bernie Sanders To Introduce Roads And Jobs Bill
Senator Bernie Sanders To Introduce Roads And Jobs Bill
"While Republicans have dragged their feet and stalled any attempts to do anything to help our economy over the last 6 years, they don’t have any excuses now that they control both the House and the Senate. The legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders will be putting before Congress would be a welcome stimulation to our economy for a couple of reasons, and here’s why.
First, it would tilt the job market back in favor of workers. As I said previously, employers aren’t willing to pay anything more than the absolute minimum they have to in order to retain employees. Wall Street is doing great, corporations are making big profits, but the promised “trickledown” has yet to happen. Corporations will only pay people more if they have to do so to keep workers from going elsewhere, and the possibility of hundreds of thousands of well-paying construction jobs would certainly create some competition and incentive for employers to raise wages. Second, these jobs wouldn’t be a short-term boost to the economy. Fixing over 100,000 bridges and hundreds of thousands of miles of roads isn’t something done in a short amount of time. The money paid to these workers won’t be sat on like corporations are doing with their profits either."
"While Republicans have dragged their feet and stalled any attempts to do anything to help our economy over the last 6 years, they don’t have any excuses now that they control both the House and the Senate. The legislation that Sen. Bernie Sanders will be putting before Congress would be a welcome stimulation to our economy for a couple of reasons, and here’s why.
First, it would tilt the job market back in favor of workers. As I said previously, employers aren’t willing to pay anything more than the absolute minimum they have to in order to retain employees. Wall Street is doing great, corporations are making big profits, but the promised “trickledown” has yet to happen. Corporations will only pay people more if they have to do so to keep workers from going elsewhere, and the possibility of hundreds of thousands of well-paying construction jobs would certainly create some competition and incentive for employers to raise wages. Second, these jobs wouldn’t be a short-term boost to the economy. Fixing over 100,000 bridges and hundreds of thousands of miles of roads isn’t something done in a short amount of time. The money paid to these workers won’t be sat on like corporations are doing with their profits either."
Obama Just Made An Incredible Decision, And Bankers Really Aren’t Going To Like It
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/01/06/obama-just-made-an-incredible-decision-and-bankers-really-arent-going-to-like-it/
"President Obama has made a surprise selection to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board. Instead of picking a Wall Street favorite, he picked the former head of a community bank in Hawaii.
The President will nominate Allan R. Landon, the former chief executive of the Bank of Hawaii, to fill one of two vacancies on the seven-member board. It will then be up to the Senate to confirm his choice.
The decision is a major success for community bankers, who have for a long time been out-gunned by their colleagues in the more mercenary sections of the Banking sector. The likes of Goldman Sachs and friends often end up staffing the Fed and the Treasury, which inevitably pulls the focus of legislation towards their casino banking interests.
But in a determined campaign, the community banks argued that the central bank, which regulates banks, should have at least one community banker on its board. They succeeded."
"President Obama has made a surprise selection to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board. Instead of picking a Wall Street favorite, he picked the former head of a community bank in Hawaii.
The President will nominate Allan R. Landon, the former chief executive of the Bank of Hawaii, to fill one of two vacancies on the seven-member board. It will then be up to the Senate to confirm his choice.
The decision is a major success for community bankers, who have for a long time been out-gunned by their colleagues in the more mercenary sections of the Banking sector. The likes of Goldman Sachs and friends often end up staffing the Fed and the Treasury, which inevitably pulls the focus of legislation towards their casino banking interests.
But in a determined campaign, the community banks argued that the central bank, which regulates banks, should have at least one community banker on its board. They succeeded."
PERRspectives: State and Local Governments Finally End Years of Anti-Stimulus
PERRspectives: State and Local Governments Finally End Years of Anti-Stimulus
"As 2015 opens, the American economy seems poised for robust economic expansion. Strong GDP growth and job creation, falling first-time jobless claims, surging stocks and (finally) rising wages show the Obama recovery from the Bush recession which began in late 2007 is starting to hit on all cylinders.
And to be sure, it is the Obama recovery. After all, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the overwhelming consensus of economists agree, it was the $800 billion stimulus program along with action by the Fed that fueled the economic rebound which prevented "Great Depression 2.0." But America's bounce-back could have bigger and happened much faster but for the draconian austerity programs embraced by state and local governments. Their steep spending cuts and painful lay-offs constituted an "anti-stimulus" that has significantly slowed America's recovery since 2008."
"As 2015 opens, the American economy seems poised for robust economic expansion. Strong GDP growth and job creation, falling first-time jobless claims, surging stocks and (finally) rising wages show the Obama recovery from the Bush recession which began in late 2007 is starting to hit on all cylinders.
And to be sure, it is the Obama recovery. After all, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the overwhelming consensus of economists agree, it was the $800 billion stimulus program along with action by the Fed that fueled the economic rebound which prevented "Great Depression 2.0." But America's bounce-back could have bigger and happened much faster but for the draconian austerity programs embraced by state and local governments. Their steep spending cuts and painful lay-offs constituted an "anti-stimulus" that has significantly slowed America's recovery since 2008."
Robert Reich: Republican economics is “magical-mystery math”
Robert Reich: Republican economics is “magical-mystery math”
"According to reports, one of the first acts of the Republican congress will be to fire Doug Elmendorf, current director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, because he won’t use “dynamic scoring” for his economic projections.
Dynamic scoring is the magical-mystery math Republicans have been pushing since they came up with supply-side “trickle-down” economics."
"According to reports, one of the first acts of the Republican congress will be to fire Doug Elmendorf, current director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, because he won’t use “dynamic scoring” for his economic projections.
Dynamic scoring is the magical-mystery math Republicans have been pushing since they came up with supply-side “trickle-down” economics."
Karl Rove Runs Interference For Chris Christie Amid NFL Playoff Scandal
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/06/karl-rove-runs-interference-for-chris-christie/202029
"Chris Christie reportedly helped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones obtain a $875 million contract with the Port Authority before Jones flew Christie to an NFL playoff game. On Tuesday, Karl Rove tried his best to distract from the scandal."
"Chris Christie reportedly helped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones obtain a $875 million contract with the Port Authority before Jones flew Christie to an NFL playoff game. On Tuesday, Karl Rove tried his best to distract from the scandal."
What The Media Should Know About Net Neutrality
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/01/06/what-the-media-should-know-about-net-neutrality/202026
"net neutrality has broad bipartisan support, promotes competition, and has been the guiding principle behind Internet innovation since its inception."
"net neutrality has broad bipartisan support, promotes competition, and has been the guiding principle behind Internet innovation since its inception."
Fox News host: Requiring CEOs to disclose pay is like “trying to slut-shame companies”
Fox News host: Requiring CEOs to disclose pay is like “trying to slut-shame companies”
"The hosts of "Outnumbered" mistake a proposed rule for publicly traded companies for policing women's choices"
"The hosts of "Outnumbered" mistake a proposed rule for publicly traded companies for policing women's choices"
How Corporations Are Cheating Millions of School Children Out of Billions in Education Funds | Alternet
How Corporations Are Cheating Millions of School Children Out of Billions in Education Funds | Alternet
"Most of the attention to corporate tax avoidance is directed at the nonpayment of federal taxes. But state taxes, which to a much greater extent fund K-12 education, are avoided at a stunning rate by America's biggest companies. As a result, public school funding continues to be cut, and the worsening performance of neglected schools adds fuel to the reckless demands for privatization."
"Most of the attention to corporate tax avoidance is directed at the nonpayment of federal taxes. But state taxes, which to a much greater extent fund K-12 education, are avoided at a stunning rate by America's biggest companies. As a result, public school funding continues to be cut, and the worsening performance of neglected schools adds fuel to the reckless demands for privatization."
The right’s “niceness” trick: How Huckabee, McConnell & GOP hide their radicalism
The right’s “niceness” trick: How Huckabee, McConnell & GOP hide their radicalism
"GOP leader and likely future presidential candidates hope voters — and the media — will mistake style for substance"
"GOP leader and likely future presidential candidates hope voters — and the media — will mistake style for substance"
The Republicans Didn't Really Win the Senate
http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/28375-the-republicans-didn-t-really-win-the-senate
"They've been saying for years now that voters were angry about President Obama and his policies, and the fact that Republicans will now control the Senate and the House is about as good a sign as you can get that the US public wanted a change.
At least what Republicans want you to think.
The good people over at FairVote crunched some numbers and it turns out that the GOP's takeover of Congress isn't as much of a victory as the media says it was - far from it, actually.
If you take the states out of the equation and just look at the nationwide totals, Democratic Senators actually got more votes than Republican Senators, and it's not even close.
According to FairVote, the 44 Democratic Senators and their two independent allies received 67.8 million votes over the course of the 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections. The 54 Republican Senators, on the other hand, received only 47.1 million votes during that same time period. That's a difference of more than 20 million votes!
If you think this is insane that the party that got the fewest votes - by more than 20 million - now controls the Senate, well, then, you're right. As it's put together right now, the Senate is incredibly anti-(small "d") democratic."
"They've been saying for years now that voters were angry about President Obama and his policies, and the fact that Republicans will now control the Senate and the House is about as good a sign as you can get that the US public wanted a change.
At least what Republicans want you to think.
The good people over at FairVote crunched some numbers and it turns out that the GOP's takeover of Congress isn't as much of a victory as the media says it was - far from it, actually.
If you take the states out of the equation and just look at the nationwide totals, Democratic Senators actually got more votes than Republican Senators, and it's not even close.
According to FairVote, the 44 Democratic Senators and their two independent allies received 67.8 million votes over the course of the 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections. The 54 Republican Senators, on the other hand, received only 47.1 million votes during that same time period. That's a difference of more than 20 million votes!
If you think this is insane that the party that got the fewest votes - by more than 20 million - now controls the Senate, well, then, you're right. As it's put together right now, the Senate is incredibly anti-(small "d") democratic."
Americans Saved $14 on Gas this Year; Wall Street Cries to ‘Stop the Bleeding!’
http://aattp.org/americans-saved-14-on-gas-this-year-wall-street-cries-to-stop-the-bleeding/
"To hear some of the folks on Wall Street tell it, especially those in the energy industry, the recent plummet in the price of oil is the most horrifying thing to happen since the Great Depression. Which, let’s face it, wasn’t all that depressing for some people. Energy czars and oil states use phrase like “stop the bleeding,” “hemorrhage” and “panic.” But, as we’ve seen time and time again (and somehow have yet to actually learn), the interests of the American people have kind of an inverse relationship with the vices of Big Energy and Wall Street. When we bleed, they profit; and finally, it seems, vice has become versa."
"To hear some of the folks on Wall Street tell it, especially those in the energy industry, the recent plummet in the price of oil is the most horrifying thing to happen since the Great Depression. Which, let’s face it, wasn’t all that depressing for some people. Energy czars and oil states use phrase like “stop the bleeding,” “hemorrhage” and “panic.” But, as we’ve seen time and time again (and somehow have yet to actually learn), the interests of the American people have kind of an inverse relationship with the vices of Big Energy and Wall Street. When we bleed, they profit; and finally, it seems, vice has become versa."
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
The Finance Industry Is Gorging Itself on Your Future—The Trend Lines Will Blow You Away | Alternet
The Finance Industry Is Gorging Itself on Your Future—The Trend Lines Will Blow You Away | Alternet
"For nearly a half century between the New Deal and the 1970s, Wall Street was tightly controlled. Taxes on the wealthy were high, worker wages were rising, and debt levels on consumers, companies and government were low. After finance was deregulated (circa 1980) private and public debt exploded, wages stalled, taxes on the rich fell and inequality soared."
"For nearly a half century between the New Deal and the 1970s, Wall Street was tightly controlled. Taxes on the wealthy were high, worker wages were rising, and debt levels on consumers, companies and government were low. After finance was deregulated (circa 1980) private and public debt exploded, wages stalled, taxes on the rich fell and inequality soared."
Friday, January 2, 2015
PERRspectives: Three Ways the GOP Will Sabotage the Government and the Economy in 2015
PERRspectives: Three Ways the GOP Will Sabotage the Government and the Economy in 2015
"After simple math showed that his tax-cut windfall for the wealthy would add trillions to the national debt, Ryan among other conservatives decided to change the way the CBO does math."
"After simple math showed that his tax-cut windfall for the wealthy would add trillions to the national debt, Ryan among other conservatives decided to change the way the CBO does math."
Thursday, January 1, 2015
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve: The GOP's Favorite Fiscal Fraud Turns 40
PERRspectives: The Laffer Curve: The GOP's Favorite Fiscal Fraud Turns 40
"But Arthur Laffer's supply-side snake oil didn't produce increased revenue, but instead red ink as far as the eye can see. And that's not the only by-product of Reagan and Bush's tax cut windfalls for the wealthy: they fueled the highest levels of income inequality since 1929. And despite all of the GOP mythology about "job creators," the U.S. economy grew faster, generated more jobs and produced better income gains when taxes were higher--even much higher."
"But Arthur Laffer's supply-side snake oil didn't produce increased revenue, but instead red ink as far as the eye can see. And that's not the only by-product of Reagan and Bush's tax cut windfalls for the wealthy: they fueled the highest levels of income inequality since 1929. And despite all of the GOP mythology about "job creators," the U.S. economy grew faster, generated more jobs and produced better income gains when taxes were higher--even much higher."
Fox News Pundit Claims The Minimum Wage Increase Will Ruin Us
Fox News Pundit Claims The Minimum Wage Increase Will Ruin Us
"Fortunately for us, we have factual data we can reference that shows that Morici is just plain wrong. During the supply side years of Reagan and Bush 1 and 2, we can clearly see that economic growth is not greater than the growth during the Clinton years. Morici, who advocates for tax cuts to wealthy Americans, forgets to mention that this supply side nightmare also causes the deficit to double, triple or worse.
Not satisfied enough with parroting false economic theory, Morici had to dip into the "Obama won't let us drill for oil" lie, because that's as false as his economic genius."
"Fortunately for us, we have factual data we can reference that shows that Morici is just plain wrong. During the supply side years of Reagan and Bush 1 and 2, we can clearly see that economic growth is not greater than the growth during the Clinton years. Morici, who advocates for tax cuts to wealthy Americans, forgets to mention that this supply side nightmare also causes the deficit to double, triple or worse.
Not satisfied enough with parroting false economic theory, Morici had to dip into the "Obama won't let us drill for oil" lie, because that's as false as his economic genius."
Millions Of Workers Will Get A Raise On New Years Day
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/12/31/3607346/new-years-minimum-wage/
"And while opponents of a higher wage often claim that it will kill jobs, that hasn’t played out in reality. The states that raised their wages on January 1 of 2014 had experienced faster job growth than those that didn’t as of midyear. Washington has had the highest minimum wage for 15 years and has seen steady, above-average job growth. Overall, economists who studied state-level wage increases over two decades didn’t find any evidence that they impacted jobs."
"And while opponents of a higher wage often claim that it will kill jobs, that hasn’t played out in reality. The states that raised their wages on January 1 of 2014 had experienced faster job growth than those that didn’t as of midyear. Washington has had the highest minimum wage for 15 years and has seen steady, above-average job growth. Overall, economists who studied state-level wage increases over two decades didn’t find any evidence that they impacted jobs."
2014 Politician Liar Of The Year - The Winner Is...
2014 Politician Liar Of The Year - The Winner Is...
"This one was a really hard call, but in the end, Issa won the prize for his propensity to release partially edited emails and testimony to mislead the public as well as his behind-the-scenes narrative building for the sole purpose of electing more Republicans rather than governing the country."
"This one was a really hard call, but in the end, Issa won the prize for his propensity to release partially edited emails and testimony to mislead the public as well as his behind-the-scenes narrative building for the sole purpose of electing more Republicans rather than governing the country."
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