GOP Bill Designed to Disrupt John Doe Dark Money Probe, Court Filings Confirm
"New court filings confirm that Wisconsin's John Doe campaign finance investigation hinges on how state election law treats "issue ad" groups coordinating with political campaigns, shedding new light on a Republican effort to quietly change the law in advance of Governor Scott Walker's reelection campaign."
Monday, March 17, 2014
PERRspectives: Kentucky Showcases Paul Ryan's Wrong-Way War on Poverty
PERRspectives: Kentucky Showcases Paul Ryan's Wrong-Way War on Poverty
"Paul Ryan tried to put a face--a black face--on American poverty. As it turns out, Ryan's dog-whistle to the GOP's right-wing base wasn't merely cynical, it was also wrong.
After all, about two-thirds of the nation's 46.5 million people living in poverty are white. The U.S. Census Bureau also informs us that the 17.7 percent poverty rate in rural areas is almost three points higher than the national average. (Poverty is highest in the South, which in 2012 was the only part of the country where it increased.) In many cities and across the countryside, tectonic structural changes in regional economies, and not Paul Ryan's "tailspin of culture," are wiping out good paying jobs. The result is that many communities are sustained by a patchwork of federal and state programs helping to provide food assistance, income support, unemployment benefits, health care and more.
To put it another way, the faces of American poverty can be found in Rust Belt cities, in the Mississippi Delta and in Appalachia. And now--just as it did when LBJ launched his War on Poverty 50 years ago--Kentucky shows why."
"Paul Ryan tried to put a face--a black face--on American poverty. As it turns out, Ryan's dog-whistle to the GOP's right-wing base wasn't merely cynical, it was also wrong.
After all, about two-thirds of the nation's 46.5 million people living in poverty are white. The U.S. Census Bureau also informs us that the 17.7 percent poverty rate in rural areas is almost three points higher than the national average. (Poverty is highest in the South, which in 2012 was the only part of the country where it increased.) In many cities and across the countryside, tectonic structural changes in regional economies, and not Paul Ryan's "tailspin of culture," are wiping out good paying jobs. The result is that many communities are sustained by a patchwork of federal and state programs helping to provide food assistance, income support, unemployment benefits, health care and more.
To put it another way, the faces of American poverty can be found in Rust Belt cities, in the Mississippi Delta and in Appalachia. And now--just as it did when LBJ launched his War on Poverty 50 years ago--Kentucky shows why."
The Untaxed Americans: The Speculators, Hustlers, and Freeloaders of Wall Street | Common Dreams
The Untaxed Americans: The Speculators, Hustlers, and Freeloaders of Wall Street | Common Dreams
"There is currently no U.S. tax on the purchase of stocks, derivatives, and other financial instruments. The rest of us pay up to a 10 percent sales tax on the necessities of daily life. A tiny financial transaction tax of perhaps a tenth of a percent on the trading of financial securities would begin to correct this inequity, while generating billions of dollars of revenue."
"There is currently no U.S. tax on the purchase of stocks, derivatives, and other financial instruments. The rest of us pay up to a 10 percent sales tax on the necessities of daily life. A tiny financial transaction tax of perhaps a tenth of a percent on the trading of financial securities would begin to correct this inequity, while generating billions of dollars of revenue."
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Conservative Myths About the Minimum Wage, Debunked
www.alternet.org/economy/conservative-myths-about-minimum-wage-debunked
"raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would save taxpayers $4.6 billion in spending on food stamps."
"raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would save taxpayers $4.6 billion in spending on food stamps."
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Fox News: Where Helping Workers "Undercuts Work Ethic"
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/03/14/fox-news-where-helping-workers-undercuts-work-e/198491
"Fox News is once again pining for the days when more work came with less pay, claiming that expanding overtime pay protections "undercuts work ethic"."
"Fox News is once again pining for the days when more work came with less pay, claiming that expanding overtime pay protections "undercuts work ethic"."
PERRspectives: Republicans Burr, Deal Split on GOP's Emergency Room Plan
PERRspectives: Republicans Burr, Deal Split on GOP's Emergency Room Plan
"Rather than take President Obama's money to run the Peach State's hospitals, Nathan Deal would prefer to leave hundreds of thousands uninsured and put an end to the only health care plan Republicans have consistently supported. (Unsurprisingly, he wants to avoid accountability for his decision by shifting responsibility for the Medicaid rejection to the Georgia state legislature.) In Deal's ideal Georgia, you couldn't just go to the emergency room."
"Rather than take President Obama's money to run the Peach State's hospitals, Nathan Deal would prefer to leave hundreds of thousands uninsured and put an end to the only health care plan Republicans have consistently supported. (Unsurprisingly, he wants to avoid accountability for his decision by shifting responsibility for the Medicaid rejection to the Georgia state legislature.) In Deal's ideal Georgia, you couldn't just go to the emergency room."
Fox News Host Worries Overtime Changes Will Stifle Workaholism
Fox News Host Worries Overtime Changes Will Stifle Workaholism
"In five minutes, this group came up with some of the dumbest reasons ever to oppose modernizing overtime rules that read like the US Chamber of Commerce wrote them. The dumbest claim of the lot was MacCallum's "concern" that paying employees overtime will diminish the standout effect of workaholics when compared to the rest of their co-workers."
"In five minutes, this group came up with some of the dumbest reasons ever to oppose modernizing overtime rules that read like the US Chamber of Commerce wrote them. The dumbest claim of the lot was MacCallum's "concern" that paying employees overtime will diminish the standout effect of workaholics when compared to the rest of their co-workers."
The Right's Crusade to Repeal the 20th Century
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/rights-crusade-repeal-20th-century?page=0%2C0
"Opposing the minimum wage, overtime pay, even child labor laws, the GOP is trying to make it easier to exploit workers."
"Opposing the minimum wage, overtime pay, even child labor laws, the GOP is trying to make it easier to exploit workers."
What A Destructive Wall Street Owes Young Americans | Common Dreams
What A Destructive Wall Street Owes Young Americans | Common Dreams
'Wall Street’s big banks and their financial networks that collapsed the U.S. economy in 2008-2009, were saved with huge bailouts by the taxpayers, but these Wall Street Gamblers are still paid huge money and are again creeping toward reckless misbehavior. Their corporate crime wave strip-mined the economy for young workers, threw them on the unemployment rolls and helped make possible a low-wage economy that is draining away their ability to afford basic housing, goods, and services."
'Wall Street’s big banks and their financial networks that collapsed the U.S. economy in 2008-2009, were saved with huge bailouts by the taxpayers, but these Wall Street Gamblers are still paid huge money and are again creeping toward reckless misbehavior. Their corporate crime wave strip-mined the economy for young workers, threw them on the unemployment rolls and helped make possible a low-wage economy that is draining away their ability to afford basic housing, goods, and services."
Friday, March 14, 2014
Overtime Is Only One Way Your Bosses Steal Your Money
Overtime Is Only One Way Your Bosses Steal Your Money
"Oh, the roaches are coming out of the woodwork to protest the new overtime regulations."
"Oh, the roaches are coming out of the woodwork to protest the new overtime regulations."
10 Things Elizabeth Warren's Consumer Protection Agency Has Done For You
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/elizabeth-warren-consumer-financial-protection-bureau
"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the watchdog agency conceived of and established by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in the wake of the financial crisis, had a hard time getting on its feet. The GOP tried everything it could to hobble the bureau, but to no avail. Over the past couple of years, the CFPB has issued dozens of protections shielding consumers from shady practices by mortgage lenders, student loan servicers, and credit card companies."
"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the watchdog agency conceived of and established by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in the wake of the financial crisis, had a hard time getting on its feet. The GOP tried everything it could to hobble the bureau, but to no avail. Over the past couple of years, the CFPB has issued dozens of protections shielding consumers from shady practices by mortgage lenders, student loan servicers, and credit card companies."
Thursday, March 13, 2014
'Better Off' Budget Attacks Status Quo with Bold Progressive Vision | Common Dreams
'Better Off' Budget Attacks Status Quo with Bold Progressive Vision | Common Dreams
"Despite being the largest single caucus on the Democratic side of the aisle, the CPC proposal will not see a winning vote in the GOP-controlled House, but that isn't keeping progressive lawmakers and outside observers from declaring it a blueprint for a more sane U.S. budget and a challenge to both the forthcoming Republican version and a more visionary alternative to the one presented by President Obama last week."
"Despite being the largest single caucus on the Democratic side of the aisle, the CPC proposal will not see a winning vote in the GOP-controlled House, but that isn't keeping progressive lawmakers and outside observers from declaring it a blueprint for a more sane U.S. budget and a challenge to both the forthcoming Republican version and a more visionary alternative to the one presented by President Obama last week."
The ‘Better Off Budget’: Analysis of the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2015 | Economic Policy Institute
The ‘Better Off Budget’: Analysis of the Congressional Progressive Caucus budget for fiscal year 2015 | Economic Policy Institute
"Accelerating and sustaining economic growth, promoting economic opportunity, and pushing back against the sharp rise in income inequality remain the most pressing economic challenges confronting policymakers."
"Accelerating and sustaining economic growth, promoting economic opportunity, and pushing back against the sharp rise in income inequality remain the most pressing economic challenges confronting policymakers."
The Budget Wars: The Congressional Progressive Caucus is Ready for Paul Ryan | Common Dreams
The Budget Wars: The Congressional Progressive Caucus is Ready for Paul Ryan | Common Dreams
"In a couple of weeks, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan — the true champion of “We’re broke” — will unveil his budget. As he’s already promised, it will slash programs like Head Start and job training (presumably because they sap the initiative of three-year-olds and the unemployed.) A clear alternative, a Better Off Budget, will be there ready to take him on."
"In a couple of weeks, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan — the true champion of “We’re broke” — will unveil his budget. As he’s already promised, it will slash programs like Head Start and job training (presumably because they sap the initiative of three-year-olds and the unemployed.) A clear alternative, a Better Off Budget, will be there ready to take him on."
Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of The Nation’s Top Corporate Interest Group In 7 Of 8 Cases This Term
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/03/13/3398661/supreme-court-ruled-in-favor-of-the-nations-top-corporate-interest-group-in-7-of-8-cases-this-term/
"So far this term, the Supreme Court handed down eight cases where the United States Chamber of Commerce filed a brief — and a majority of the justices sided with the Chamber in all but one of these decisions. The one outlier decision was a case involving anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers where the justices votes broke down along unusual lines, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg writing the majority opinion and Justice Sonia Sotomayor in dissent.
This most recent data is part of an ongoing project by the Constitutional Accountability Center, which scored the Chamber’s “win rate” before the justices going back to 1981. As their data reflects, corporate America got a big boost in the nation’s highest Court shortly after Chief Justice John Roberts (and his conservative colleague Justice Samuel Alito) became justices"
"So far this term, the Supreme Court handed down eight cases where the United States Chamber of Commerce filed a brief — and a majority of the justices sided with the Chamber in all but one of these decisions. The one outlier decision was a case involving anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers where the justices votes broke down along unusual lines, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg writing the majority opinion and Justice Sonia Sotomayor in dissent.
This most recent data is part of an ongoing project by the Constitutional Accountability Center, which scored the Chamber’s “win rate” before the justices going back to 1981. As their data reflects, corporate America got a big boost in the nation’s highest Court shortly after Chief Justice John Roberts (and his conservative colleague Justice Samuel Alito) became justices"
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Corporate America Is Hiding $2 Trillion In Profit From The IRS
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/12/3395331/offshore-profits-two-trillion/
"The largest American multinational companies parked an additional $206 billion of profits in offshore accounts last year, according to Bloomberg, bringing the total amount of profits stashed where U.S. tax officials can’t touch them up to about two trillion dollars."
"The largest American multinational companies parked an additional $206 billion of profits in offshore accounts last year, according to Bloomberg, bringing the total amount of profits stashed where U.S. tax officials can’t touch them up to about two trillion dollars."
Raise the Pay of Hard-Working Americans with an Update of the Overtime Rules
Raise the Pay of Hard-Working Americans with an Update of the Overtime Rules
"For decades, Americans’ wages have been stagnant—hardly growing at all, even as the economy becomes increasingly productive. Do you ever wonder why your paycheck is so thin? One reason might be that employers routinely ask workers to work long hours without extra compensation."
"For decades, Americans’ wages have been stagnant—hardly growing at all, even as the economy becomes increasingly productive. Do you ever wonder why your paycheck is so thin? One reason might be that employers routinely ask workers to work long hours without extra compensation."
N.J. Lawyer Tells Judge: More Christie Scandal Documents Exist
N.J. Lawyer Tells Judge: More Christie Scandal Documents Exist
"Attorney Reid Schar said the existence of additional documents is not an open question. "I'm not guessing, judge," he said. "I know it because I've seen them"."
"Attorney Reid Schar said the existence of additional documents is not an open question. "I'm not guessing, judge," he said. "I know it because I've seen them"."
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Let Them Eat Dignity
Let Them Eat Dignity
"Conservatives assure the poor that the health of their souls demands they go hungry."
"Conservatives assure the poor that the health of their souls demands they go hungry."
Too Much Voting and Not Enough Cash, Say Wisconsin Legislators
Too Much Voting and Not Enough Cash, Say Wisconsin Legislators
"The Wisconsin Senate is poised to vote today on a number of bills that would restrict access to the ballot and increase the influence of lobbyists in the state, despite the strong objections of grassroots and voting rights groups."
"The Wisconsin Senate is poised to vote today on a number of bills that would restrict access to the ballot and increase the influence of lobbyists in the state, despite the strong objections of grassroots and voting rights groups."
The McCutcheon Decision Hangs in the Balance. So Does Our Democracy | Common Dreams
The McCutcheon Decision Hangs in the Balance. So Does Our Democracy | Common Dreams
"The US Supreme Court is about to rule in a case that, if successful, would sound the death knell for average Americans’ rapidly-dwindling influence over our politics. McCutcheon vs. FEC seeks to remove many of the few leftover limits protecting our democracy sinceCitizens United."
"The US Supreme Court is about to rule in a case that, if successful, would sound the death knell for average Americans’ rapidly-dwindling influence over our politics. McCutcheon vs. FEC seeks to remove many of the few leftover limits protecting our democracy sinceCitizens United."
GOP assaults the Constitution: Why they don’t really care about free speech
GOP assaults the Constitution: Why they don’t <em>really</em> care about free speech
"Remember their love of liberty and freedom? Now they want to curtail protests and shut down workers' free speech"
"Remember their love of liberty and freedom? Now they want to curtail protests and shut down workers' free speech"
How the GOP Ambushed the VW Union Election
How the GOP Ambushed the VW Union Election
"In Chattanooga, an employer respected workers' right to choose, but the threats and intimidation of anti-union extremists and Republican lawmakers pressured Volkswagen workers into voting against the union. Now, that is a good topic for Chairman Kline's next labor hearing."
"In Chattanooga, an employer respected workers' right to choose, but the threats and intimidation of anti-union extremists and Republican lawmakers pressured Volkswagen workers into voting against the union. Now, that is a good topic for Chairman Kline's next labor hearing."
Grover Norquist has a plan to destroy the middle class and Democrats in one fell swoop
Grover Norquist has a plan to destroy the middle class and Democrats in one fell swoop
"What did come as a surprise, however, is the right wing let the metaphorical cat out of the bag when it comes to their strategy of transforming America’s democracy for the many into a tyrannical plutocracy for the very few, revealing just how disingenuous the Republican Party is whenever it offers any lip service to dealing with income inequality."
"What did come as a surprise, however, is the right wing let the metaphorical cat out of the bag when it comes to their strategy of transforming America’s democracy for the many into a tyrannical plutocracy for the very few, revealing just how disingenuous the Republican Party is whenever it offers any lip service to dealing with income inequality."
Monday, March 10, 2014
WI GOP Marches in Lockstep with ALEC Agenda, Voting Records Show
WI GOP Marches in Lockstep with ALEC Agenda, Voting Records Show
"A review of 2011-2012 voting records by a University of Wisconsin academic demonstrates that many Wisconsin legislators are marching in lockstep with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Sixty-one Wisconsin politicians -- or 46 percent of the legislature -- voted with the ALEC agenda one hundred percent of the time."
"A review of 2011-2012 voting records by a University of Wisconsin academic demonstrates that many Wisconsin legislators are marching in lockstep with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Sixty-one Wisconsin politicians -- or 46 percent of the legislature -- voted with the ALEC agenda one hundred percent of the time."
David Samson subpoenaed by federal prosecutors in N.Y., reports say
David Samson subpoenaed by federal prosecutors in N.Y., reports say
"The embattled chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and close ally to Gov. Chris Christie, David Samson, has been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan as part of a newly disclosed investigation, according to the Wall Street Journal."
"The embattled chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and close ally to Gov. Chris Christie, David Samson, has been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan as part of a newly disclosed investigation, according to the Wall Street Journal."
The Failed Libertarian Experiment in Chile
The Failed Libertarian Experiment in Chile
"The libertarian experiment failed in Chile, and now Chileans once-and-for-all, have said goodbye to the religion of Reaganomics."
"The libertarian experiment failed in Chile, and now Chileans once-and-for-all, have said goodbye to the religion of Reaganomics."
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Conservatives Offer Americans Empty Stomachs and Empty Rhetoric | Common Dreams
Conservatives Offer Americans Empty Stomachs and Empty Rhetoric | Common Dreams
"Paul Ryan says that “the left” is offering Americans “a full stomach and an empty soul.” The truth is that conservatives like Paul Ryan are offering Americans empty stomachs and empty rhetoric . The American people want more than that."
"Paul Ryan says that “the left” is offering Americans “a full stomach and an empty soul.” The truth is that conservatives like Paul Ryan are offering Americans empty stomachs and empty rhetoric . The American people want more than that."
8 Colossal Jackasses From the Right-Wing Fringe: Just-Stop-Being-Poor Edition
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/8-colossal-jackasses-right-wing-fringe-just-stop-being-poor-edition
"asinine comments were made elsewhere in the right-wing lunasphere"
"asinine comments were made elsewhere in the right-wing lunasphere"
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Wingnuts baffled by inequality: Why they’re totally confused about how to talk about it
Wingnuts baffled by inequality: Why they’re totally confused about how to talk about it
"From decrying the problem to praising it to ignoring it, the right is totally lost on how to talk to the 99 percent"
"From decrying the problem to praising it to ignoring it, the right is totally lost on how to talk to the 99 percent"
Robert Reich: The middle class can save us yet
Robert Reich: The middle class can save us yet
"We must restore our recollection. In seeking to repair what is broken, we don’t have to emulate another nation. We have only to emulate what we once had.
That we once achieved broad-based prosperity means we can achieve it again — not exactly the same way, of course, but in a new way fit for the twenty-first century and for future generations of Americans.
America’s great U-turn can be reversed. It is worth the fight."
"We must restore our recollection. In seeking to repair what is broken, we don’t have to emulate another nation. We have only to emulate what we once had.
That we once achieved broad-based prosperity means we can achieve it again — not exactly the same way, of course, but in a new way fit for the twenty-first century and for future generations of Americans.
America’s great U-turn can be reversed. It is worth the fight."
“Wisconsin is the model”: Grover Norquist’s Tea Party scheme to crush his union enemies
“Wisconsin is the model”: Grover Norquist’s Tea Party scheme to crush his union enemies
"At CPAC panel, RNC Chair Priebus touts "total and complete unity" between GOP, Tea Party, and Glenn Beck acolytes"
"At CPAC panel, RNC Chair Priebus touts "total and complete unity" between GOP, Tea Party, and Glenn Beck acolytes"
The sociopathic 1 percent: The driving force at the heart of the Tea Party
The sociopathic 1 percent: The driving force at the heart of the Tea Party
"In their warped view of society, only the individual exists -- with no social relations, shared history and culture"
"In their warped view of society, only the individual exists -- with no social relations, shared history and culture"
ALEC, National Corporate Friendly 'Bill Mill', Going Local | Common Dreams
ALEC, National Corporate Friendly 'Bill Mill', Going Local | Common Dreams
"According to a report in the Guardian, the Koch brothers-backed group—which has been responsible for many conservative pieces of legislation shaped in the form of ALEC "model bills"—is spring-boarding a new initiative that will focus the group's energy on issues and political campaigns in "villages, towns, cities and counties" across the country."
"According to a report in the Guardian, the Koch brothers-backed group—which has been responsible for many conservative pieces of legislation shaped in the form of ALEC "model bills"—is spring-boarding a new initiative that will focus the group's energy on issues and political campaigns in "villages, towns, cities and counties" across the country."
Friday, March 7, 2014
Campaign to Address the Student Loan Crisis Launches | The Nation
Campaign to Address the Student Loan Crisis Launches | The Nation
"The campaign launched Thursday at the Center for American Progress with some big-name speakers: Senator Elizabeth Warren and AFT President Randi Weingarten."
"The campaign launched Thursday at the Center for American Progress with some big-name speakers: Senator Elizabeth Warren and AFT President Randi Weingarten."
In the Midst of an Investigation, WI GOP Fast-Tracks "Dark Money" Bill
In the Midst of an Investigation, WI GOP Fast-Tracks "Dark Money" Bill
"A proposed bill that would keep the public in the dark about the sources of money in Wisconsin elections could also make it easier for dark money groups to coordinate with candidates, an issue of particular salience given the ongoing "John Doe" probe into alleged campaign finance violations in the state.
"Dark money" is a phrase which refers to election spending by nonprofits that exploit loopholes in campaign finance disclosure laws and keep their donors secret by running "issue ads" designed to influence elections. Wisconsin's "dark money" bill was just introduced this week. It is now being fast-tracked in the Wisconsin legislature before the end of session, with little time for the press and public to asses its impact."
"A proposed bill that would keep the public in the dark about the sources of money in Wisconsin elections could also make it easier for dark money groups to coordinate with candidates, an issue of particular salience given the ongoing "John Doe" probe into alleged campaign finance violations in the state.
"Dark money" is a phrase which refers to election spending by nonprofits that exploit loopholes in campaign finance disclosure laws and keep their donors secret by running "issue ads" designed to influence elections. Wisconsin's "dark money" bill was just introduced this week. It is now being fast-tracked in the Wisconsin legislature before the end of session, with little time for the press and public to asses its impact."
Paul Ryan’s CPAC Speech Was Based on a Lie | The Nation
Paul Ryan’s CPAC Speech Was Based on a Lie | The Nation
"Paul Ryan’s CPAC speech yesterday was almost comically offensive even before it became clear that it was based on a lie."
"Paul Ryan’s CPAC speech yesterday was almost comically offensive even before it became clear that it was based on a lie."
ALEC: Now Coming To A City Or Town Government Near You
ALEC: Now Coming To A City Or Town Government Near You
"The American Legislative Exchange Council, founded in 1973, has become one of the most pervasive advocacy operations in the nation. It brings elected officials together with representatives of major corporations, giving those companies a direct channel into legislation in the form of Alec “model bills”."
"The American Legislative Exchange Council, founded in 1973, has become one of the most pervasive advocacy operations in the nation. It brings elected officials together with representatives of major corporations, giving those companies a direct channel into legislation in the form of Alec “model bills”."
Thursday, March 6, 2014
These Nine Maps Show How The GOP is Destroying Southern States
These Nine Maps Show How The GOP is Destroying Southern States
"Upward mobility is also a scenario that southerners cannot expect to experience at a rate matching the more sensible parts of the country. Red state voters have a decreased likelihood of moving up the economic ladder, as shown below. The dark red areas are places where the American Dream is all but dead."
"Upward mobility is also a scenario that southerners cannot expect to experience at a rate matching the more sensible parts of the country. Red state voters have a decreased likelihood of moving up the economic ladder, as shown below. The dark red areas are places where the American Dream is all but dead."
It’s Official: Job Growth Exploding While Poverty Shrinks In State With Highest Min. Wage! (Video)
It’s Official: Job Growth Exploding While Poverty Shrinks In State With Highest Min. Wage! (Video)
"However, the gridlock congress and the fact that the Tea Party would rather see someone else die before they raise the minimum wage (someone else who was preferably Black or Hispanic) means it’ll likely be up to local governments for the foreseeable future, and some aren’t waiting around. San Fran and Santa Fe are both increasing theirs to $10.74 and $10.66, respectively, while New Jersey voters have voted to increase it by $1, and tied future increases to the consumer price index. New Jersey in particular is notable; since the increase in minimum wage, the state’s added over 8,000 new jobs at a rate the fastest it’s being since 2012. And this doesn’t even touch on SeaTac, a suburb of Seattle; they voted a $15.00 minimum wage for people in certain service sectors."
"However, the gridlock congress and the fact that the Tea Party would rather see someone else die before they raise the minimum wage (someone else who was preferably Black or Hispanic) means it’ll likely be up to local governments for the foreseeable future, and some aren’t waiting around. San Fran and Santa Fe are both increasing theirs to $10.74 and $10.66, respectively, while New Jersey voters have voted to increase it by $1, and tied future increases to the consumer price index. New Jersey in particular is notable; since the increase in minimum wage, the state’s added over 8,000 new jobs at a rate the fastest it’s being since 2012. And this doesn’t even touch on SeaTac, a suburb of Seattle; they voted a $15.00 minimum wage for people in certain service sectors."
A Healthy Economy Requires Fewer People Working on Wall Street, Making Much Less Money
www.alternet.org/economy/american-economy-recover-we-need-fewer-people-working-wall-st-making-much-less-money
"All of us suspect the obvious — that Wall Street not only is too big to fail, but also just too damn big. But where's our evidence? It's one thing to direct our anger at financial elites and the top one percent. It's quite another to make a factual case that Wall Street, indeed, is much too big, and therefore should be radically reduced in size. So here's some data."
"All of us suspect the obvious — that Wall Street not only is too big to fail, but also just too damn big. But where's our evidence? It's one thing to direct our anger at financial elites and the top one percent. It's quite another to make a factual case that Wall Street, indeed, is much too big, and therefore should be radically reduced in size. So here's some data."
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Jim Hightower | A Financial Transaction Tax on High Frequency Traders
Jim Hightower | A Financial Transaction Tax on High Frequency Traders
"A sales tax on speculators can deliver tangibles that people need but Wall Street says we can't afford — infrastructure, Social Security, education, good jobs, etc. Just as important, it can deliver intangibles that our nation needs but Wall Street tries to ignore — fairness, social cohesion, equal opportunity, etc."
"A sales tax on speculators can deliver tangibles that people need but Wall Street says we can't afford — infrastructure, Social Security, education, good jobs, etc. Just as important, it can deliver intangibles that our nation needs but Wall Street tries to ignore — fairness, social cohesion, equal opportunity, etc."
David Sirota | How the Rich Became Dependent on Government Welfare
David Sirota | How the Rich Became Dependent on Government Welfare
"In dollar figures, that's a whopping $110 billion going to big companies. Fortune 500 firms alone receive more than 16,000 subsidies at a total cost of $63 billion."
"In dollar figures, that's a whopping $110 billion going to big companies. Fortune 500 firms alone receive more than 16,000 subsidies at a total cost of $63 billion."
In Show of Direct Democracy, Vermont Pushes for Public Bank | Common Dreams
In Show of Direct Democracy, Vermont Pushes for Public Bank | Common Dreams
"Fifteen towns approve resolution that would establish bank that works for Vermont, not Wall Street"
"Fifteen towns approve resolution that would establish bank that works for Vermont, not Wall Street"
The Effects of Minimum Wages on SNAP Enrollments and Expenditures
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/report/2014/03/05/85158/the-effects-of-minimum-wages-on-snap-enrollments-and-expenditures/
"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would lower government spending on federal nutrition assistance by $46 billion over the next 10 years"
"Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would lower government spending on federal nutrition assistance by $46 billion over the next 10 years"
7 Reasons Why the Republican Claim that Raising Minimum Wage Will Kill Jobs Is Bunk
www.alternet.org/economy/7-reasons-why-republican-claim-raising-minimum-wage-will-kill-jobs-bunk
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says a minimum wage increase would be a job killer. Republicans and the Chamber also say unions are job killers, workplace safety regulations are job killers, environmental regulations are job killers, and the Affordable Care Act is a job killer. The California Chamber of Commerce even publishes an annual list of “job killers,” including almost any measures that lift wages or protect workers and the environment.
Most of this is bunk."
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says a minimum wage increase would be a job killer. Republicans and the Chamber also say unions are job killers, workplace safety regulations are job killers, environmental regulations are job killers, and the Affordable Care Act is a job killer. The California Chamber of Commerce even publishes an annual list of “job killers,” including almost any measures that lift wages or protect workers and the environment.
Most of this is bunk."
Meet Mythopedia, A Treasure Trove of Conservative Whoppers | Common Dreams
Meet Mythopedia, A Treasure Trove of Conservative Whoppers | Common Dreams
"Mythopedia, an online inter-active compendium of lies peddled by conservatives, along with truths, their sources and useful rebuttals."
"Mythopedia, an online inter-active compendium of lies peddled by conservatives, along with truths, their sources and useful rebuttals."
Phonies, frauds and liars: Why GOP’s poverty strategy is even more cynical than you think
Phonies, frauds and liars: Why GOP’s poverty strategy is even more cynical than you think
"It’s heartwarming to see how quickly Rep. Paul Ryan’s new poverty report has been debunked and discredited. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has the most exhaustive takedown, but the Fiscal Times report featuring scholars who said Ryan misrepresented their work in order to discredit anti-poverty programs was devastating, too."
"It’s heartwarming to see how quickly Rep. Paul Ryan’s new poverty report has been debunked and discredited. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has the most exhaustive takedown, but the Fiscal Times report featuring scholars who said Ryan misrepresented their work in order to discredit anti-poverty programs was devastating, too."
Chris Christie Praises Obamacare Medicaid Expansion At Town Hall, South Carolina Responds
Chris Christie Praises Obamacare Medicaid Expansion At Town Hall, South Carolina Responds
"what's even more amazing is that Christie is not shy about flaunting his support for Medicaid expansion. Has he bullied the press so much that hey won't even question his actions in South Carolina while doing just the opposite in his own state?"
"what's even more amazing is that Christie is not shy about flaunting his support for Medicaid expansion. Has he bullied the press so much that hey won't even question his actions in South Carolina while doing just the opposite in his own state?"
8 of the Most Clueless, Offensive Statements by America's Out-of-Touch Rich People
www.alternet.org/economy/they-dont-get-it-8-most-clueless-statements-1
"Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky? The last couple months have seen a surge in CEOs, hedge fund managers and startup entrepreneurs whining about how tough they have it, while lecturing the working class about how they need to stop that very whining. According to the wealthy, they do all the work, earn all the money, and yet practically live like paupers."
"Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky? The last couple months have seen a surge in CEOs, hedge fund managers and startup entrepreneurs whining about how tough they have it, while lecturing the working class about how they need to stop that very whining. According to the wealthy, they do all the work, earn all the money, and yet practically live like paupers."
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Comcast's Biggest Lobbyist Dodges Lobbying Rules By Pretending He's Usually Not Lobbying
Comcast's Biggest Lobbyist Dodges Lobbying Rules By Pretending He's Usually Not Lobbying
"Cohen's a lobbyist in all the ways you'd expect a lobbyist to be, from hob knobbing with regulators and fund raising for President Obama, to penning a litany of awful editorials about bad policy in papers nationwide. Every month or so Cohen can be found busily pretending the U.S. broadband market is competitive, or pretending that the United States' mediocre showing in every meaningful global broadband stat actually means we're leading the world at broadband. Yet despite spending the lion's share of his time lobbying, Cohen doesn't have to follow the disclosure rules for lobbyists -- and hasn't since 2007 -- because he's able to simply pretend he doesn't spend much time lobbying."
"Cohen's a lobbyist in all the ways you'd expect a lobbyist to be, from hob knobbing with regulators and fund raising for President Obama, to penning a litany of awful editorials about bad policy in papers nationwide. Every month or so Cohen can be found busily pretending the U.S. broadband market is competitive, or pretending that the United States' mediocre showing in every meaningful global broadband stat actually means we're leading the world at broadband. Yet despite spending the lion's share of his time lobbying, Cohen doesn't have to follow the disclosure rules for lobbyists -- and hasn't since 2007 -- because he's able to simply pretend he doesn't spend much time lobbying."
Elderly Women the Most Vulnerable, Social Security the Most Protective
Elderly Women the Most Vulnerable, Social Security the Most Protective
"Social Security (and other social insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid) has significantly helped reduce elderly poverty over the last several decades. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 15.3 million elderly people would have been in poverty in 2012 without Social Security."
"Social Security (and other social insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid) has significantly helped reduce elderly poverty over the last several decades. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 15.3 million elderly people would have been in poverty in 2012 without Social Security."
How Christie Built the Port Authority ‘Slush Fund’ | The Nation
How Christie Built the Port Authority ‘Slush Fund’ | The Nation
"Two former officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey described to Christie Watch a regime of secrecy, conspiracy and political favoritism inside the huge agency. They also claimed that Bill Baroni and David Wildstein, both of whom have resigned in the wake of the Bridgegate scandal, were key principals in a secret effort by Governor Chris Christie to raise tolls on the Hudson River bridges and tunnels in order to help fund a slush fund that was used to finance major construction projects that benefited the PA’s chairman, David Samson, and his law firm, Wolff & Samson. Among those projects: the raising and reconstruction of the Bayonne Bridge, a $1.2 billion project that benefited Skanska Koch, a construction firm represented by Wolff & Samson."
"Two former officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey described to Christie Watch a regime of secrecy, conspiracy and political favoritism inside the huge agency. They also claimed that Bill Baroni and David Wildstein, both of whom have resigned in the wake of the Bridgegate scandal, were key principals in a secret effort by Governor Chris Christie to raise tolls on the Hudson River bridges and tunnels in order to help fund a slush fund that was used to finance major construction projects that benefited the PA’s chairman, David Samson, and his law firm, Wolff & Samson. Among those projects: the raising and reconstruction of the Bayonne Bridge, a $1.2 billion project that benefited Skanska Koch, a construction firm represented by Wolff & Samson."
The Billionaires’ Scheme to Destroy Democracy
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16341/the_billionaire_scheme_to_destroy_democracy
"And in the United Plutocrats of Perkins, the children and grandchildren of billionaires, the nation’s Paris Hiltons and PC Petersons, would wield millions of times the political power of Jack Andraka, the determined Maryland teen-ager who developed an inexpensive test for pancreatic cancer, or Tawanda Jones, who used her savings to start a dance team to teach Camden girls self-discipline.
Self-righteous 1 percenters—from former Morgan Stanley CEO John J. Mack to real estate investor Sam Zell—sulked in recent weeks that their money can’t buy them love from the 99 percent. Perkins’ solution is to eliminate democracy’s self-determination and return to medieval rule by wealthy royals."
"And in the United Plutocrats of Perkins, the children and grandchildren of billionaires, the nation’s Paris Hiltons and PC Petersons, would wield millions of times the political power of Jack Andraka, the determined Maryland teen-ager who developed an inexpensive test for pancreatic cancer, or Tawanda Jones, who used her savings to start a dance team to teach Camden girls self-discipline.
Self-righteous 1 percenters—from former Morgan Stanley CEO John J. Mack to real estate investor Sam Zell—sulked in recent weeks that their money can’t buy them love from the 99 percent. Perkins’ solution is to eliminate democracy’s self-determination and return to medieval rule by wealthy royals."
Monday, March 3, 2014
7 Numbers that Show How Most Americans Were Robbed of a Comfortable Retirement
www.alternet.org/economy/7-numbers-show-how-most-americans-were-robbed-comfortable-retirement
"The dream of a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. It's being extracted as a form of tribute to the very rich, a redistribution of our nation's wealth, a "tax" imposed on the middle and lower classes and paid for with their retirement savings."
"The dream of a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. It's being extracted as a form of tribute to the very rich, a redistribution of our nation's wealth, a "tax" imposed on the middle and lower classes and paid for with their retirement savings."
Saturday, March 1, 2014
The Real Job Killers | Common Dreams
The Real Job Killers | Common Dreams
"In other words, forget what you’re hearing from the Republicans and the Chamber of Commerce. The real job killers in America are lousy jobs at lousy wages."
"In other words, forget what you’re hearing from the Republicans and the Chamber of Commerce. The real job killers in America are lousy jobs at lousy wages."
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