Equal Pay Day: A Reminder that Women (and Men!) Deserve More
"We should be defining success in closing the gender wage gap by women catching up to men while both men and women share in overall growth. Congress has some great tools at their disposal to do this. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act would be a great first step. In addition to prohibiting wage discrimination among women and men, the Paycheck Fairness Act incentivizes greater transparency between employers and employees, by collecting pay information data and providing information on how to reduce pay disparities for employers and labor organizations."
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
How to Make the Labor Market Work for Women
How to Make the Labor Market Work for Women
"Today is Equal Pay Day, which means that policymakers, including the president, are talking about how to close the gender wage gap. In 2013, the typical female worker made $15.10 an hour, while the typical male worker made $18.11 an hour. And the gap in wages between women and men extends beyond those at the middle; it affects earners at all wage levels. High-wage women make less than high-wage men, and low-wage women make less than low-wage men.
A key backdrop to any discussion of how gender wage gaps have evolved is the fact that since the 1970s, the country has seen dramatically rising wage inequality among both men and women."
"Today is Equal Pay Day, which means that policymakers, including the president, are talking about how to close the gender wage gap. In 2013, the typical female worker made $15.10 an hour, while the typical male worker made $18.11 an hour. And the gap in wages between women and men extends beyond those at the middle; it affects earners at all wage levels. High-wage women make less than high-wage men, and low-wage women make less than low-wage men.
A key backdrop to any discussion of how gender wage gaps have evolved is the fact that since the 1970s, the country has seen dramatically rising wage inequality among both men and women."
David Wildstein Hammers Nails In Coffin Of Christie's 2016 Dreams
David Wildstein Hammers Nails In Coffin Of Christie's 2016 Dreams
"Bad news for Chris Christie -- and very good news for the citizens of New Jersey"
"Bad news for Chris Christie -- and very good news for the citizens of New Jersey"
NYC Parents vs. Wall Street-Backed Charter Schools | Common Dreams
NYC Parents vs. Wall Street-Backed Charter Schools | Common Dreams
"Parents and public school advocates staged a dramatic protest outside the New York City Department of Education on Tuesday against a bid, backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and financed by Wall Street lobbyists, to evict special needs students in order to make room for charter school expansion."
"Parents and public school advocates staged a dramatic protest outside the New York City Department of Education on Tuesday against a bid, backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and financed by Wall Street lobbyists, to evict special needs students in order to make room for charter school expansion."
Meet 5 Greedy Big Businesses Who Rip Off Taxpayers
www.alternet.org/economy/corporate-tax-dodgers
"Did you pay your taxes? Much of the corporate world tap-danced right around their obligations."
"Did you pay your taxes? Much of the corporate world tap-danced right around their obligations."
Monday, April 7, 2014
E.J. Dionne, Jr.: Party Loyalty: Why the Supreme Court Is Wrecking Our Democracy - Truthdig
E.J. Dionne, Jr.: Party Loyalty: Why the Supreme Court Is Wrecking Our Democracy - Truthdig
"An oligarchy, Webster’s dictionary tells us, is “a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons.” It’s a shame that the Republican majority on the Supreme Court doesn’t know the difference between an oligarchy and a democratic republic."
"An oligarchy, Webster’s dictionary tells us, is “a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons.” It’s a shame that the Republican majority on the Supreme Court doesn’t know the difference between an oligarchy and a democratic republic."
The Supreme Court Just Gave You One More Reason To Join the Clean Elections Movement
The Supreme Court Just Gave You One More Reason To Join the Clean Elections Movement
"Given the power of the Supreme Court, there are only two ways to fix the Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions: The first is to get justices on the Supreme Court who don't think allowing the rich to spend vast sums on elections is simply a form of free speech, and who are ready to reverse these decisions. Given their dissents, we likely already have four such justices. The second is to pass a constitutional amendment to overrule these two decisions."
"Given the power of the Supreme Court, there are only two ways to fix the Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions: The first is to get justices on the Supreme Court who don't think allowing the rich to spend vast sums on elections is simply a form of free speech, and who are ready to reverse these decisions. Given their dissents, we likely already have four such justices. The second is to pass a constitutional amendment to overrule these two decisions."
Documents from Open Records Lawsuit Further Undermine Claims that ALEC Is Legislator-Driven
Documents from Open Records Lawsuit Further Undermine Claims that ALEC Is Legislator-Driven
"New documents released as a result of the Center for Media and Democracy's open records lawsuit against American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) vice-chair Senator Leah Vukmir provide more evidence that lobbyists and special interest groups are calling the shots within ALEC, undermining that group's latest PR spin that it is a "legislator-driven" organization.
The previously-undisclosed records from ALEC's Spring 2013 meeting show a Florida-based State Policy Network lobbying group instructing Senator Vukmir and other legislators to introduce a "model" resolution for legislators to thwart Medicaid expansion in their state, and even writing an entire "script" for legislators to parrot in the ALEC task force meeting -- contradicting ALEC's claims to reporters last year that only legislators propose model policy, and demonstrating that such claims are merely a talking point."
"New documents released as a result of the Center for Media and Democracy's open records lawsuit against American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) vice-chair Senator Leah Vukmir provide more evidence that lobbyists and special interest groups are calling the shots within ALEC, undermining that group's latest PR spin that it is a "legislator-driven" organization.
The previously-undisclosed records from ALEC's Spring 2013 meeting show a Florida-based State Policy Network lobbying group instructing Senator Vukmir and other legislators to introduce a "model" resolution for legislators to thwart Medicaid expansion in their state, and even writing an entire "script" for legislators to parrot in the ALEC task force meeting -- contradicting ALEC's claims to reporters last year that only legislators propose model policy, and demonstrating that such claims are merely a talking point."
Can't We Just Say the Roberts Court Is Corrupt?
Can't We Just Say the Roberts Court Is Corrupt?
"The Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was not about aggregate limits on individual campaign donations to candidates in federal elections. The case was about what constitutes a bribe, how big that bribe has to be, and whether an electoral system can be corrupt even in the absence of a legally demonstrable cash payment to an office holder or candidate for an explicitly specified favor."
"The Supreme Court's decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was not about aggregate limits on individual campaign donations to candidates in federal elections. The case was about what constitutes a bribe, how big that bribe has to be, and whether an electoral system can be corrupt even in the absence of a legally demonstrable cash payment to an office holder or candidate for an explicitly specified favor."
Meet America’s most progressive Senate nominee: Shenna Bellows of Maine
Meet America’s most progressive Senate nominee: Shenna Bellows of Maine
"Bellows urged that the government legalize marijuana, break up big banks, institute “Medicare for All,” repeal the Patriot Act, halt mass surveillance, tax financial transactions, expand Social Security, reject the Keystone Pipeline, turn away from education privatization and extend Civil Rights Act protections to LGBT people. She hedged on whether she’d support the Assault Weapons Ban, and on whether heroin should ultimately be decriminalized. A condensed version of our conversation follows."
"Bellows urged that the government legalize marijuana, break up big banks, institute “Medicare for All,” repeal the Patriot Act, halt mass surveillance, tax financial transactions, expand Social Security, reject the Keystone Pipeline, turn away from education privatization and extend Civil Rights Act protections to LGBT people. She hedged on whether she’d support the Assault Weapons Ban, and on whether heroin should ultimately be decriminalized. A condensed version of our conversation follows."
Occupy activist assaulted by cop, faces seven years in prison
Occupy activist assaulted by cop, faces seven years in prison
"Cecily McMillan's ongoing ordeal with the NYPD is a reminder that radical dissent is still so necessary"
"Cecily McMillan's ongoing ordeal with the NYPD is a reminder that radical dissent is still so necessary"
Elizabeth Warren Rips Paul Ryan And Ted Cruz
Elizabeth Warren Rips Paul Ryan And Ted Cruz
"Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan in a speech at the Minnesota Humphrey-Mondale dinner for Al Franken"
"Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan in a speech at the Minnesota Humphrey-Mondale dinner for Al Franken"
McCutcheon Took Us Back In Time, But It Might Just Birth the Next Occupy | Common Dreams
McCutcheon Took Us Back In Time, But It Might Just Birth the Next Occupy | Common Dreams
"The supreme court is composed of five justices appointed by Republican presidents, and four appointed by Democratic ones. In the McCutcheon v FEC case decided on Wednesday, the five Republican appointees interpreted the first amendment to protect the right of individuals to pour as much as $3.6m into a political party or $800,000 into a political campaign.
The decision by those justices allows individual donors to buy – and federal officeholders to solicit – unparalleled personal influence in Washington. McCutcheon drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens."
"The supreme court is composed of five justices appointed by Republican presidents, and four appointed by Democratic ones. In the McCutcheon v FEC case decided on Wednesday, the five Republican appointees interpreted the first amendment to protect the right of individuals to pour as much as $3.6m into a political party or $800,000 into a political campaign.
The decision by those justices allows individual donors to buy – and federal officeholders to solicit – unparalleled personal influence in Washington. McCutcheon drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens."
Swiss Bank May Have To Plead Guilty To Helping Americans Avoid Taxes
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/07/3423646/credit-suisse-tax-evasion-investigation/
"A giant Swiss bank that is already bracing for a billion-dollar legal bill for helping Americans cheat on their taxes may also have to plead guilty to criminal charges in order to resolve a Justice Department (DOJ) investigation. The news comes alongside reports of another investigation from a New York regulator with a reputation for playing hardball on white collar crime."
"A giant Swiss bank that is already bracing for a billion-dollar legal bill for helping Americans cheat on their taxes may also have to plead guilty to criminal charges in order to resolve a Justice Department (DOJ) investigation. The news comes alongside reports of another investigation from a New York regulator with a reputation for playing hardball on white collar crime."
8 Things Mainstream Media Doesn't Have the Courage to Tell You
www.alternet.org/media/8-things-mainstream-media-doesnt-have-courage-tell-you
"The following are all relevant, fact-based issues, the "hard news" stories that the media has a responsibility to report. But the business-oriented press generally avoids them."
"The following are all relevant, fact-based issues, the "hard news" stories that the media has a responsibility to report. But the business-oriented press generally avoids them."
Wall Street Targets GOP Critic of Big Money and Big Banks for Primary Defeat | The Nation
Wall Street Targets GOP Critic of Big Money and Big Banks for Primary Defeat | The Nation
"Now, however, Jones faces a Republican primary challenge from a classic Washington power player, Taylor Griffin, a former aide to the campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain who has been a consultant for big banks and trade groups and who put in a stint as the senior vice president for the Financial Services Forum, the DC voice of some of the biggest Wall Street banks."
"Now, however, Jones faces a Republican primary challenge from a classic Washington power player, Taylor Griffin, a former aide to the campaigns of George W. Bush and John McCain who has been a consultant for big banks and trade groups and who put in a stint as the senior vice president for the Financial Services Forum, the DC voice of some of the biggest Wall Street banks."
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Food Stamps Don't Keep Walmart's Prices Low, They Keep Its Profits High
www.alternet.org/labor/food-stamps-dont-keep-walmarts-prices-low-they-keep-its-profits-high
"The truth is that Walmart and all the other large and profitable retailers, fast food companies, and other corporations that fatten their bottom line by letting the public feed their employees have made a business decision to shrink their payroll on the taxpayer's dime. It's up to us to decide whether to continue allowing them to do it."
"The truth is that Walmart and all the other large and profitable retailers, fast food companies, and other corporations that fatten their bottom line by letting the public feed their employees have made a business decision to shrink their payroll on the taxpayer's dime. It's up to us to decide whether to continue allowing them to do it."
Goldman Sachs’ sick con: How they made money off your misery
Goldman Sachs’ sick con: How they made money off your misery
"Documents and emails show manipulation was part of the game at Goldman -- and what led them to win big on the crash"
"Documents and emails show manipulation was part of the game at Goldman -- and what led them to win big on the crash"
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Dan Backer’s Revealing Victory Lap After McCutcheon v FEC Decision
Dan Backer’s Revealing Victory Lap After McCutcheon v FEC Decision
"In his world, money is speech, and must therefore be free — but anyone who disagrees should not be free to speak to their elected legislators about remedies, because freedom. Backer might as well declare himself the chief apologist for oligarchy."
"In his world, money is speech, and must therefore be free — but anyone who disagrees should not be free to speak to their elected legislators about remedies, because freedom. Backer might as well declare himself the chief apologist for oligarchy."
GOP Senator Reads Entire Koch WSJ Op-Ed
GOP Senator Reads Entire Koch WSJ Op-Ed
"Eric Dolan over at Raw Story noted via Searchlight that Koch Industries are the #1 sponsor of Senator Jerry Moran. Imagine that."
"Eric Dolan over at Raw Story noted via Searchlight that Koch Industries are the #1 sponsor of Senator Jerry Moran. Imagine that."
Boehner Happily Applauds Supreme Court Decision, Calls Unlimited Campaign Donations ‘Freedom’
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/05/boehner-happily-applauds-supreme-court-decision-calls-unlimited-campaign-donations-freedom/
"The Constitution and all its amendments are supposed to apply to everyone equally. What’s happened now, and what Boehner is cheering, is the idea that money equals speech. That makes the rich more equal than everyone else under the First Amendment, and they have freer speech than us little people now. Boehner just proved beyond doubt that he doesn’t care about anybody but the rich."
"The Constitution and all its amendments are supposed to apply to everyone equally. What’s happened now, and what Boehner is cheering, is the idea that money equals speech. That makes the rich more equal than everyone else under the First Amendment, and they have freer speech than us little people now. Boehner just proved beyond doubt that he doesn’t care about anybody but the rich."
This Is Ridiculous: Freedom Of Speech Has Nothing To Do With Money
www.forwardprogressives.com/ridiculous-freedom-speech-nothing-money/
"If money is speech that instantly means that speech is no longer free. It also means that “liberty” and “freedom” are now on the auction block for those who have the most money to buy it. Because that’s exactly what happens when you say that money equals speech. By doing that you’re giving those with the most money the loudest voices."
"If money is speech that instantly means that speech is no longer free. It also means that “liberty” and “freedom” are now on the auction block for those who have the most money to buy it. Because that’s exactly what happens when you say that money equals speech. By doing that you’re giving those with the most money the loudest voices."
Majority Report: Koch Brother Whines About The Oppressed Rich
Majority Report: Koch Brother Whines About The Oppressed Rich
"The Majority Report's Sam Seder gives his take on Charles Koch's Wall Street Journal op-ed, whining about how those evil "collectivists" are oppressing his freedom of speech."
"The Majority Report's Sam Seder gives his take on Charles Koch's Wall Street Journal op-ed, whining about how those evil "collectivists" are oppressing his freedom of speech."
Friday, April 4, 2014
Christie’s bullying ways return: Protestors ejected for daring to question bridge flap
Christie’s bullying ways return: Protestors ejected for daring to question bridge flap
"Christie critics handing out flyers at town hall get screened by police and kicked out. This is accountability?"
"Christie critics handing out flyers at town hall get screened by police and kicked out. This is accountability?"
Occupy Charity Buys $15 Million Of Americans’ Medical Debt And Cancels It!
Occupy Charity Buys $15 Million Of Americans’ Medical Debt And Cancels It!
"Almost 4,000 indebted Americans have had their medical bills wiped out after a group of activists from Occupy Wall Street purchased and cancelled nearly $15 million of medical debt."
"Almost 4,000 indebted Americans have had their medical bills wiped out after a group of activists from Occupy Wall Street purchased and cancelled nearly $15 million of medical debt."
Fox News Says Overtime Pay Is Harmful To The American 'Work Ethic'
Fox News Says Overtime Pay Is Harmful To The American 'Work Ethic'
"Has anybody at Fox News actually had a job that real middle class Americans do? Because if you want to be paid for overtime, now you're a moocher destroying the American dream."
"Has anybody at Fox News actually had a job that real middle class Americans do? Because if you want to be paid for overtime, now you're a moocher destroying the American dream."
McCutcheon, and the Vicious Cycle of Concentrated Wealth and Political Power | Common Dreams
McCutcheon, and the Vicious Cycle of Concentrated Wealth and Political Power | Common Dreams
"the richest four hundred Americans now have more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans put together, the wealthiest 1 percent own over 35 percent of the nation’s private assets, and 95 percent of all the economic gains since the start of the recovery in 2009 have gone to the top 1 percent — all of this is cause for worry, and not just because it means the middle class lacks the purchasing power necessary to get the economy out of first gear.
"the richest four hundred Americans now have more wealth than the poorest 150 million Americans put together, the wealthiest 1 percent own over 35 percent of the nation’s private assets, and 95 percent of all the economic gains since the start of the recovery in 2009 have gone to the top 1 percent — all of this is cause for worry, and not just because it means the middle class lacks the purchasing power necessary to get the economy out of first gear.
It is also worrisome because such great concentrations of wealth so readily compound themselves through politics, rigging the game in their favor and against everyone else. “McCutcheon” merely accelerates this vicious cycle."
Wall Street's High-Tech Rip-Off
www.alternet.org/economy/wall-streets-high-tech-rip
"Dangerous and predatory high-frequency trading is bad for markets, bad for regular people and bad for society."
"Dangerous and predatory high-frequency trading is bad for markets, bad for regular people and bad for society."
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Why Inequality Matters and What Can Be Done About It
Why Inequality Matters and What Can Be Done About It
"In the past, when our country reached these extremes of inequality, at the end of the 19th century, in the gilded age, or in the Roaring 20s, it pulled back from the brink. It enacted policies and programs that provided hope that the American dream could return to being a reality.
We are now at one of these pivotal points in history. I hope we once again will make the right decisions. You and your committee, in the budget decisions that you will be making, play a vital role in setting the country in the right direction."
"In the past, when our country reached these extremes of inequality, at the end of the 19th century, in the gilded age, or in the Roaring 20s, it pulled back from the brink. It enacted policies and programs that provided hope that the American dream could return to being a reality.
We are now at one of these pivotal points in history. I hope we once again will make the right decisions. You and your committee, in the budget decisions that you will be making, play a vital role in setting the country in the right direction."
McCutcheon, the Majority and the Challenge of Our Time | Common Dreams
McCutcheon, the Majority and the Challenge of Our Time | Common Dreams
"The immediate effect of this ruling is to give the wealthy even more political power than they have today. That’s diametrically opposed to the people’s will, since the public clearly wants money out of politics."
"The immediate effect of this ruling is to give the wealthy even more political power than they have today. That’s diametrically opposed to the people’s will, since the public clearly wants money out of politics."
What Corruption? McCutcheon Reveals Absurdity of Citizens United
What Corruption? McCutcheon Reveals Absurdity of Citizens United
"The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission may actually undermine the Court's reasoning in Citizens United that unlimited spending from Super PACs pose no risk of corruption."
"The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission may actually undermine the Court's reasoning in Citizens United that unlimited spending from Super PACs pose no risk of corruption."
Sen. Sanders: Supreme Court Undermines Democracy By Allowing Billionaires To Buy Elections
Sen. Sanders: Supreme Court Undermines Democracy By Allowing Billionaires To Buy Elections
"Sen. Bernie Sanders discusses the latest disastrous ruling to come out of the Supreme Court, giving the likes of the Koch brothers even more power to buy our elections."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders discusses the latest disastrous ruling to come out of the Supreme Court, giving the likes of the Koch brothers even more power to buy our elections."
Billionaires’ crybaby club: Someone get these whiners a bottle!
Billionaires’ crybaby club: Someone get these whiners a bottle!
"An epidemic of self-pity among the wealthy raises questions about the mental health of the top of the top 1 percent"
"An epidemic of self-pity among the wealthy raises questions about the mental health of the top of the top 1 percent"
A Blistering Dissent In ‘McCutcheon’: Conservatives Substituted Opinion For Fact
A Blistering Dissent In ‘McCutcheon’: Conservatives Substituted Opinion For Fact
"Taken together with Citizens United, Breyer writes that McCutcheon “eviscerates our Nation’s campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve"."
"Taken together with Citizens United, Breyer writes that McCutcheon “eviscerates our Nation’s campaign finance laws, leaving a remnant incapable of dealing with the grave problems of democratic legitimacy that those laws were intended to resolve"."
Ryan vs. Progressive Caucus: Competing Visions on the Federal Budget | Common Dreams
Ryan vs. Progressive Caucus: Competing Visions on the Federal Budget | Common Dreams
"On Tuesday, we at the National Priorities Project released our fourth annual, one-of-a-kindCompeting Visions analysis, which compares the president’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to two significantly different visions – the House Republican budget resolution, introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan, and an alternative introduced by the House Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC)."
"On Tuesday, we at the National Priorities Project released our fourth annual, one-of-a-kindCompeting Visions analysis, which compares the president’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to two significantly different visions – the House Republican budget resolution, introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan, and an alternative introduced by the House Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC)."
The American Government Is Open for Corruption | Common Dreams
The American Government Is Open for Corruption | Common Dreams
"The remarkable story of how we have come to privatize political corruption in this country reached another milestone Wednesday as the Supreme Court"
"The remarkable story of how we have come to privatize political corruption in this country reached another milestone Wednesday as the Supreme Court"
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
How Paul Ryan's Budget Paves the Way for Another Financial Crisis | The Nation
How Paul Ryan's Budget Paves the Way for Another Financial Crisis | The Nation
"Ryan's budget not only gives Wall Street more leeway to act recklessly, but makes it more likely that average Americans face the consequences."
"Ryan's budget not only gives Wall Street more leeway to act recklessly, but makes it more likely that average Americans face the consequences."
Charles Keating and the Lessons of the Savings and Loan Crisis
Charles Keating and the Lessons of the Savings and Loan Crisis
"After Reagan deregulated the savings and loans in the early 1980s, Charles Keating made millions of dollars through risky investments that ripped off the people who invested in two of the companies he ran, American Continental Corporation and Lincoln Savings and Loan.
Tens of thousands of everyday Americans, many of them senior citizens, lost millions of dollars on the junk bonds Keating sold to them.
Keating was protected from federal regulators for a while by a group of senators, including John McCain, but by 1989 the gig was up. American Continental went bankrupt and Lincoln Continental was seized by the government. This was the largest bank failure of the savings and loan (S&L) crisis of the 1980s and 1990s
Ethically and logistically, there's very little difference between what Keating did 25 years ago during the savings and loans debacle and what Wall Street banksters did in the lead-up to the 2008 financial meltdown."
"After Reagan deregulated the savings and loans in the early 1980s, Charles Keating made millions of dollars through risky investments that ripped off the people who invested in two of the companies he ran, American Continental Corporation and Lincoln Savings and Loan.
Tens of thousands of everyday Americans, many of them senior citizens, lost millions of dollars on the junk bonds Keating sold to them.
Keating was protected from federal regulators for a while by a group of senators, including John McCain, but by 1989 the gig was up. American Continental went bankrupt and Lincoln Continental was seized by the government. This was the largest bank failure of the savings and loan (S&L) crisis of the 1980s and 1990s
Ethically and logistically, there's very little difference between what Keating did 25 years ago during the savings and loans debacle and what Wall Street banksters did in the lead-up to the 2008 financial meltdown."
With McCutcheon Ruling, An Activist Court Opts for Full-On Plutocracy | Common Dreams
With McCutcheon Ruling, An Activist Court Opts for Full-On Plutocracy | Common Dreams
"Any doubts about the determination of an activist United States Supreme Court to rewrite election rules so that the dollar matters more than the vote were removed Wednesday, when McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was decided in favor of the dollar.
The court that in 2010, with its Citizens United v. FEC decision, cleared the way for corporations to spend as freely as they choose to buy elections has now effectively eliminated the ability of the American people and their elected representatives to establish meaningful limits on direct donations by millionaires and billionaires to campaigns."
"Any doubts about the determination of an activist United States Supreme Court to rewrite election rules so that the dollar matters more than the vote were removed Wednesday, when McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was decided in favor of the dollar.
The court that in 2010, with its Citizens United v. FEC decision, cleared the way for corporations to spend as freely as they choose to buy elections has now effectively eliminated the ability of the American people and their elected representatives to establish meaningful limits on direct donations by millionaires and billionaires to campaigns."
Wage Theft is a Bigger Problem Than Other Theft—But Not Enough is Done to Protect Workers | Economic Policy Institute
Wage Theft is a Bigger Problem Than Other Theft—But Not Enough is Done to Protect Workers | Economic Policy Institute
"Wage theft is a far bigger problem than bank robberies, convenience store robberies, street and highway robberies, and gas station robberies combined. Employers steal billions of dollars from their employees each year by working them off the clock, by failing to pay the minimum wage, or by cheating them of overtime pay they have a right to receive."
"Wage theft is a far bigger problem than bank robberies, convenience store robberies, street and highway robberies, and gas station robberies combined. Employers steal billions of dollars from their employees each year by working them off the clock, by failing to pay the minimum wage, or by cheating them of overtime pay they have a right to receive."
Paul Ryan's Budget: Double Down On Failure
Paul Ryan's Budget: Double Down On Failure
"This is the Ryan vision: pursue more of the same policies that got us in the mess we are in. More trickle down tax cuts. More austerity. More subsidies for global corporations, private insurance, big oil. More money for the Pentagon. More severity for the vulnerable. More insecurity for seniors and the disabled.
We suffer slow growth and an economy that does not work for working people. The richest 1% is capturing virtually all the rewards of growth. The middle class is sinking, even as the cost of necessities like education and health care continue to rise. We’re policing the world, while ignoring vital investments at home, building baroque weapons while climate change exacts increasingly catastrophic costs.
For Paul Ryan and Republicans, once you get past the soft shoe routine, ignore the slights of hand, and decode the doublespeak, the remedy is clear: double down on the very policies that got us where we are. It is lucky for Republicans that most Americans will never figure out about just how callous and wrong-headed they are."
"This is the Ryan vision: pursue more of the same policies that got us in the mess we are in. More trickle down tax cuts. More austerity. More subsidies for global corporations, private insurance, big oil. More money for the Pentagon. More severity for the vulnerable. More insecurity for seniors and the disabled.
We suffer slow growth and an economy that does not work for working people. The richest 1% is capturing virtually all the rewards of growth. The middle class is sinking, even as the cost of necessities like education and health care continue to rise. We’re policing the world, while ignoring vital investments at home, building baroque weapons while climate change exacts increasingly catastrophic costs.
For Paul Ryan and Republicans, once you get past the soft shoe routine, ignore the slights of hand, and decode the doublespeak, the remedy is clear: double down on the very policies that got us where we are. It is lucky for Republicans that most Americans will never figure out about just how callous and wrong-headed they are."
The Supreme Court Just Put America Up For Sale
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/02/supreme-court-just-put-america-sale/
"This court decision is just the status quo for the Roberts Court. He has overseen the largest dismantling of voting rights in US history with his support of the fledgling American Plutocracy
and their fight to eliminate the rights of “lesser” citizens to have a voice in their governance.
America is now directly up for sale to the highest bidder. Money is the only voice which matters in Robert’s America."
"This court decision is just the status quo for the Roberts Court. He has overseen the largest dismantling of voting rights in US history with his support of the fledgling American Plutocracy
and their fight to eliminate the rights of “lesser” citizens to have a voice in their governance.
America is now directly up for sale to the highest bidder. Money is the only voice which matters in Robert’s America."
A Supreme Court out of control! How McCutcheon will spur corruption and inequality
A Supreme Court out of control! How McCutcheon will spur corruption and inequality
"That clanging sound you hear is the Supreme Court, hammering the final nails into democracy’s casket. With Wednesday’s decision in McCutcheon v. FEC, the court has crossed the line protecting the last vestige of campaign finance reform, and making it official: Rule by the rich is now unfettered. Plutocracy’s moment has arrived."
"That clanging sound you hear is the Supreme Court, hammering the final nails into democracy’s casket. With Wednesday’s decision in McCutcheon v. FEC, the court has crossed the line protecting the last vestige of campaign finance reform, and making it official: Rule by the rich is now unfettered. Plutocracy’s moment has arrived."
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | The Nation
The Supreme Court’s Ideology: More Money, Less Voting | The Nation
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
"In the past four years, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court has made it far easier to buy an election and far harder to vote in one."
RNC's Priebus Lauds SCOTUS Decision On Spending Limits
RNC's Priebus Lauds SCOTUS Decision On Spending Limits
"RNC Chair Reince Priebus pretended not to have an opinion about whether or not it's a problem that we've got too much money in politics, but he was more than happy to continue with is praise of the Supreme Court's ruling this Wednesday, striking down aggregate limits on campaign donations, and claiming they violate the First Amendment."
"RNC Chair Reince Priebus pretended not to have an opinion about whether or not it's a problem that we've got too much money in politics, but he was more than happy to continue with is praise of the Supreme Court's ruling this Wednesday, striking down aggregate limits on campaign donations, and claiming they violate the First Amendment."
How The Supreme Court Just Legalized Money Laundering By Rich Campaign Donors
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/04/02/3422036/how-the-supreme-court-just-legalized-money-laundering-by-rich-campaign-donors/
"Chief Justice John Roberts begins his opinion in McCutcheon v. FEC with a flourish: “[t]here is no right more basic in our democracy than the right to participate in electing our political leaders.” He then spends the next forty pages explaining why that participation includes the right of rich people to attempt to buy elections."
"Chief Justice John Roberts begins his opinion in McCutcheon v. FEC with a flourish: “[t]here is no right more basic in our democracy than the right to participate in electing our political leaders.” He then spends the next forty pages explaining why that participation includes the right of rich people to attempt to buy elections."
Supreme Court’s abomination: How McCutcheon decision will destroy American politics
Supreme Court’s abomination: How McCutcheon decision will destroy American politics
"Thanks to Scalia and co., the rich will now be able to buy politicians as effortlessly as they buy anything else"
"Thanks to Scalia and co., the rich will now be able to buy politicians as effortlessly as they buy anything else"
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
The Ryan Budget Is a Broken Record of Failed Trickle-Down Economics
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/01/86873/the-ryan-budget-is-a-broken-record-of-failed-trickle-down-economics/
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
"For the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been trotting out the same conservative, top-down policies that have failed the nation’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. The House Republican budget is built around the tenet that nearly everyone else must sacrifice in order to continue to give billions of dollars in tax breaks to millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil. At every turn, the House Republican budget reveals its vision of an economy and government that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of everyone else.
Now for the fourth consecutive year, the House Republican budget proposes dismantling traditional Medicare and slashing investments that drive our economy, all while cutting taxes for the rich and protecting taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies. The American people have seen this before, and we know how it ends—with millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil as the only ones who are better off."
Tax Dodging Companies Hoarding Nearly One Trillion Overseas | Common Dreams
Tax Dodging Companies Hoarding Nearly One Trillion Overseas | Common Dreams
"Profits for U.S. companies are at a record high, yet companies have hoarded nearly one trillion overseas to dodge U.S. taxes, a new Moody's analysis shows."
"Profits for U.S. companies are at a record high, yet companies have hoarded nearly one trillion overseas to dodge U.S. taxes, a new Moody's analysis shows."
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan Aptly Releases GOP Budget on April Fool's Day
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan Aptly Releases GOP Budget on April Fool's Day
"Paul Ryan's vision for America--more debt, a tax cut bonanza for the mega-rich, Medicare rationing and millions more uninsured--is hardly the stuff of Republican talking points for November's midterms."
"Paul Ryan's vision for America--more debt, a tax cut bonanza for the mega-rich, Medicare rationing and millions more uninsured--is hardly the stuff of Republican talking points for November's midterms."
Gov. Scott Walker Ends Early Weekend Absentee Voting In Wisconsin
Gov. Scott Walker Ends Early Weekend Absentee Voting In Wisconsin
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a measure into law that eliminates absentee voting on weekends ahead of elections."
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a measure into law that eliminates absentee voting on weekends ahead of elections."
Democracy vs. Oligarchy | Common Dreams
Democracy vs. Oligarchy | Common Dreams
"The disastrous 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United threw out campaign funding laws that limited what wealthy individuals and corporations could spend on elections. Since that ruling, campaign spending by Adelson, the Koch brothers and a handful of other billionaire families has fundamentally undermined American democracy. If present trends continue, elections will not be decided by one-person, one-vote, but by a small number of very wealthy families who spend huge amounts of money supporting right-wing candidates who protect their interests.
This process – a handful of the wealthiest people in our country controlling the political process – is called "oligarchy"."
"The disastrous 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United threw out campaign funding laws that limited what wealthy individuals and corporations could spend on elections. Since that ruling, campaign spending by Adelson, the Koch brothers and a handful of other billionaire families has fundamentally undermined American democracy. If present trends continue, elections will not be decided by one-person, one-vote, but by a small number of very wealthy families who spend huge amounts of money supporting right-wing candidates who protect their interests.
This process – a handful of the wealthiest people in our country controlling the political process – is called "oligarchy"."
The “Billionaire’s Primary”: Meet America’s New Political Bosses | Common Dreams
The “Billionaire’s Primary”: Meet America’s New Political Bosses | Common Dreams
"The Republican 2016 presidential primary season opened with the “Sheldon Adelson Primary.” The eight wealthiest person in the country, worth an estimated $40 billion, doesn’t have to wait for the official GOP primary season to start. He holds his own primary."
"The Republican 2016 presidential primary season opened with the “Sheldon Adelson Primary.” The eight wealthiest person in the country, worth an estimated $40 billion, doesn’t have to wait for the official GOP primary season to start. He holds his own primary."
Bribery, Money-Laundering, And Islamaphobia: The Sheldon Adelson Story The Media Forgot
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/03/31/bribery-money-laundering-and-islamaphobia-the-s/198684
"Billionaire Sheldon Adelson has a history of illegal behavior and controversial comments -- facts that were left out of mainstream print reporting on GOP candidates trying to win his favor last week."
"Billionaire Sheldon Adelson has a history of illegal behavior and controversial comments -- facts that were left out of mainstream print reporting on GOP candidates trying to win his favor last week."
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