www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/24/3430538/fast-food-workers-ceos-taxpayers/
"Fast food CEOs now earn about 1,200 times more than their workers and taxpayers are helping to make that possible, according to a pair of new reports on the industry’s pay practices."
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wall Street's Newest Scam To Skim Profits
Wall Street's Newest Scam To Skim Profits
"I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that Wall Street has hatched yet another scheme to shave off some profits for themselves and their billionaires while leaving the rest of us with the dregs, aren't you?
This scam is called "high frequency trading" (HFT)."
"I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that Wall Street has hatched yet another scheme to shave off some profits for themselves and their billionaires while leaving the rest of us with the dregs, aren't you?
This scam is called "high frequency trading" (HFT)."
Unless Defeated, New FCC Rules Will Put 'Stake in Internet's Heart' | Common Dreams
Unless Defeated, New FCC Rules Will Put 'Stake in Internet's Heart' | Common Dreams
"Defenders of an open, innovative and fair internet are up in arms Thursday after learning the Federal Communications Commission is about to issue new rule proposals that will kill the online principle known as "net neutrality"."
"Defenders of an open, innovative and fair internet are up in arms Thursday after learning the Federal Communications Commission is about to issue new rule proposals that will kill the online principle known as "net neutrality"."
Bernie Sanders Lays The Smack-Down : GOP Freedom Is ‘The Freedom To Die’ (Video)
Bernie Sanders Lays The Smack-Down : GOP Freedom Is ‘The Freedom To Die’ (Video)
"Sanders went on to say that he doesn’t believe that the majority of the people are in favor of the things that the Republicans want to do, things like eliminating Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid and eliminating the minimum wage. They want to strengthen those programs and raise the minimum wage."
"Sanders went on to say that he doesn’t believe that the majority of the people are in favor of the things that the Republicans want to do, things like eliminating Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid and eliminating the minimum wage. They want to strengthen those programs and raise the minimum wage."
Backlash Against Privatization Is Growing In States And Cities Across The US
Backlash Against Privatization Is Growing In States And Cities Across The US
"the real-world track record of privatization is causing a backlash within state and local governments."
"the real-world track record of privatization is causing a backlash within state and local governments."
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The 1% in America Are Turning into a Ruling Oligarchy at an Astonishing Pace
www.alternet.org/economy/1-america-are-turning-ruling-oligarchy-astonishing-pace
"At state and local levels, while the poorest fifth of Americans pay an average tax rate of over 11 percent, the richest 1% pay half that rate."
"At state and local levels, while the poorest fifth of Americans pay an average tax rate of over 11 percent, the richest 1% pay half that rate."
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Analysis: America's Middle Class Falters As Nation's Richest Rise | Common Dreams
Analysis: America's Middle Class Falters As Nation's Richest Rise | Common Dreams
"Growth in lower- and middle-income tiers in the U.S. is quickly falling behind other economically "advanced" countries, as average residents in comparable countries have received "considerably larger raises over the last three decades"."
"Growth in lower- and middle-income tiers in the U.S. is quickly falling behind other economically "advanced" countries, as average residents in comparable countries have received "considerably larger raises over the last three decades"."
Elizabeth Warren’s Needed Call for Student Loan Reform | Common Dreams
Elizabeth Warren’s Needed Call for Student Loan Reform | Common Dreams
"Warren first came to Washington to battle a system that has long been rigged against the middle class, where working families’ voices get overpowered by well-funded lobbyists who hold elected officials by the pocket."
"Warren first came to Washington to battle a system that has long been rigged against the middle class, where working families’ voices get overpowered by well-funded lobbyists who hold elected officials by the pocket."
Monday, April 21, 2014
Justice John Paul Stevens Rips The Roberts Court For Protecting The Rich
Justice John Paul Stevens Rips The Roberts Court For Protecting The Rich
"Retired Justice John Paul Stevens ripped John Roberts and his Supreme Court's campaign finance law decisions which he says have given way too much influence for those holding all the money in this country. Who can argue with that?"
"Retired Justice John Paul Stevens ripped John Roberts and his Supreme Court's campaign finance law decisions which he says have given way too much influence for those holding all the money in this country. Who can argue with that?"
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Oklahoma Governor Sides With John Birchers On Minimum Wage
Oklahoma Governor Sides With John Birchers On Minimum Wage
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed a ban on minimum wage increases this Monday. Defending her remarkable decision, Fallin issued a press release that indulges all the usual thoroughly-debunked talking points, including the long-discredited notion that only teenagers have minimum wage jobs."
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed a ban on minimum wage increases this Monday. Defending her remarkable decision, Fallin issued a press release that indulges all the usual thoroughly-debunked talking points, including the long-discredited notion that only teenagers have minimum wage jobs."
Oligarchy Defined: Koch Brothers Worth $100 Billion, Buy GOP For Just $412 Million
Oligarchy Defined: Koch Brothers Worth $100 Billion, Buy GOP For Just $412 Million
"This is the opposite of democracy: the richest people in the world essentially own an entire political party, and the movement which animates it, at a cost of approximately 0.04% of their fortune. That spending includes all the weird and misleading advertisements driving a wedge between common people and their own interests. It all works to the self-interest of the Kochs, who see themselves as the rightful owners of America, if not the world."
"This is the opposite of democracy: the richest people in the world essentially own an entire political party, and the movement which animates it, at a cost of approximately 0.04% of their fortune. That spending includes all the weird and misleading advertisements driving a wedge between common people and their own interests. It all works to the self-interest of the Kochs, who see themselves as the rightful owners of America, if not the world."
Oklahoma Provides A Win For ALEC’s 50-State Campaign Against Democracy
Oklahoma Provides A Win For ALEC’s 50-State Campaign Against Democracy
"All of this illustrates that with even the most popular laws, the influence of money in politics creates roadblocks that can be difficult to overcome. As Gordon Lafer put it, “You can buy a state legislative race for $50,000 in a lot of places. Most people don’t know who their state legislator is. And so we’ve seen a lot of laws passed that are unpopular with the public, but are being passed by legislators who are backed by corporate lobbies"."
"All of this illustrates that with even the most popular laws, the influence of money in politics creates roadblocks that can be difficult to overcome. As Gordon Lafer put it, “You can buy a state legislative race for $50,000 in a lot of places. Most people don’t know who their state legislator is. And so we’ve seen a lot of laws passed that are unpopular with the public, but are being passed by legislators who are backed by corporate lobbies"."
Friday, April 18, 2014
Could an Unknown Civil Libertarian Unseat Susan Collins? | Common Dreams
Could an Unknown Civil Libertarian Unseat Susan Collins? | Common Dreams
"Bellows is calling the people: nurses and teachers, lobster-boat captains and farmers, students and union activists. And she’s asking them to counter not just big money but a broken politics that values party labels and personalities more than ideals and movements."
"Bellows is calling the people: nurses and teachers, lobster-boat captains and farmers, students and union activists. And she’s asking them to counter not just big money but a broken politics that values party labels and personalities more than ideals and movements."
Krugman: Worried About Oligarchy? You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet | Common Dreams
Krugman: Worried About Oligarchy? You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet | Common Dreams
"And as Krugman explains to Moyers, the implications of a world dominated by the super-wealthy for regular working people is profound."
"And as Krugman explains to Moyers, the implications of a world dominated by the super-wealthy for regular working people is profound."
Bernie Sanders Continues To Hammer Kochs For Extreme Libertarian Agenda
Bernie Sanders Continues To Hammer Kochs For Extreme Libertarian Agenda
"Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to expose the Koch brothers' extreme right wing agenda for America."
"Sen. Bernie Sanders continues to expose the Koch brothers' extreme right wing agenda for America."
Yet Another Legal Transgression For Gov. Chris Christie?
Yet Another Legal Transgression For Gov. Chris Christie?
"New Jersey state pay-to-play statutes prohibit state contractors from directly or indirectly financially supporting the election campaigns of state officials. Yoo hoo, grand jury!"
"New Jersey state pay-to-play statutes prohibit state contractors from directly or indirectly financially supporting the election campaigns of state officials. Yoo hoo, grand jury!"
The Pay's the Thing: How America's CEOs Are Getting Rich Off Taxpayers
The Pay's the Thing: How America's CEOs Are Getting Rich Off Taxpayers
"Thanks to Citizens United and now the McCutcheon decision, the same CEOs who are benefitting from the loophole are much freer to draw upon the corporate coffers to donate big money to politicians to maintain these loopholes."
"Thanks to Citizens United and now the McCutcheon decision, the same CEOs who are benefitting from the loophole are much freer to draw upon the corporate coffers to donate big money to politicians to maintain these loopholes."
The Middle Class Is Not ''Normal''
The Middle Class Is Not ''Normal''
"Creating a middle class is always a choice, and by embracing Reaganomics and cutting taxes on the rich, we decided back in 1980 not to have a middle class within a generation or two. George H.W. Bush saw this, and correctly called it "Voodoo Economics." And we're still in the era of Reaganomics - as President Obama recently pointed out, Reagan was a successful revolutionary."
"Creating a middle class is always a choice, and by embracing Reaganomics and cutting taxes on the rich, we decided back in 1980 not to have a middle class within a generation or two. George H.W. Bush saw this, and correctly called it "Voodoo Economics." And we're still in the era of Reaganomics - as President Obama recently pointed out, Reagan was a successful revolutionary."
Thursday, April 17, 2014
The Disinvestment Budget: Government Investments to Improve Our Economic Future Would be Crushed Under the Recently Passed House Budget
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/16/88090/the-disinvestment-budget-government-investments-to-improve-our-economic-future-would-be-crushed-under-the-recently-passed-house-budget/
"A United States that undergoes the dramatic erosion of regulatory structure, services, and government investments required by this budget would be a United States plagued by anarchy and deprived of the basic infrastructure necessary for growth and prosperity. The 1 percent will do well, but the rest of us will be forced into lives far harsher than those we now have. Let’s hope there are enough people ready to say no."
"A United States that undergoes the dramatic erosion of regulatory structure, services, and government investments required by this budget would be a United States plagued by anarchy and deprived of the basic infrastructure necessary for growth and prosperity. The 1 percent will do well, but the rest of us will be forced into lives far harsher than those we now have. Let’s hope there are enough people ready to say no."
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
CEO Pay Soars As Worker Pay Stagnates | Common Dreams
CEO Pay Soars As Worker Pay Stagnates | Common Dreams
"How’s your job going – if you even have one? The odds are very, very high that you haven’t seen a raise in a long time. Or maybe you were laid off and found a new job at half your old pay. They say this is the “new normal.”
Meanwhile, CEO pay just keeps climbing and climbing and climbing (and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing). This inequality is destabilizing our economy."
"How’s your job going – if you even have one? The odds are very, very high that you haven’t seen a raise in a long time. Or maybe you were laid off and found a new job at half your old pay. They say this is the “new normal.”
Meanwhile, CEO pay just keeps climbing and climbing and climbing (and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing and climbing). This inequality is destabilizing our economy."
In Preemptive Strike, Oklahoma Bans Efforts to Increase Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
In Preemptive Strike, Oklahoma Bans Efforts to Increase Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"In a preemptive strike against local efforts to strengthen workers' rights, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure that forbids all cities and counties in the state from raising the minimum wage any higher than the current federal requirement of $7.25 an hour."
"In a preemptive strike against local efforts to strengthen workers' rights, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure that forbids all cities and counties in the state from raising the minimum wage any higher than the current federal requirement of $7.25 an hour."
Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Banning Mandatory Minimum Wage, Vacation & Sick Leave
Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Banning Mandatory Minimum Wage, Vacation & Sick Leave
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin took extraordinary measures to thwart the will of her voters and any progress for her constituents by banning a mandatory minimum wage."
"Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin took extraordinary measures to thwart the will of her voters and any progress for her constituents by banning a mandatory minimum wage."
Paul Ryan and the GOP's Anti-Robin Hood Spending Plan—Less Money for Poor Kids, More for the Rich
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/paul-ryan-and-gops-anti-robin-hood-spending-plan-less-money-starving-kids-more
"Ryan and his right-wing crew focus on the demands of the wealthy and ignore the values of the vast majority of Americans."
"Ryan and his right-wing crew focus on the demands of the wealthy and ignore the values of the vast majority of Americans."
American Democracy No Longer Works
American Democracy No Longer Works
"Thomas Jefferson once said that, "Those seeking profits, were they given total freedom, would not be the ones to trust to keep government pure and our rights secure. Indeed, it has always been those seeking wealth who were the source of corruption in government..."
The only other time in American history when the influences of money and corruption were as rampant as they are today was during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, and that period of corruption directly led to the crash of 1896, the worst crash we have ever seen."
"Thomas Jefferson once said that, "Those seeking profits, were they given total freedom, would not be the ones to trust to keep government pure and our rights secure. Indeed, it has always been those seeking wealth who were the source of corruption in government..."
The only other time in American history when the influences of money and corruption were as rampant as they are today was during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, and that period of corruption directly led to the crash of 1896, the worst crash we have ever seen."
SCOTUS To Hear Case About Political Ads Spouting Lies
SCOTUS To Hear Case About Political Ads Spouting Lies
"I would assume that if the Supreme Court were to rule that lying is fine in campaign ads, it's also fine for corporations, so truth in advertising laws would be as dead as our democracy. But never underestimate the Roberts court. I'm sure they can come up with some way to corrupt elections even more than they already are."
"I would assume that if the Supreme Court were to rule that lying is fine in campaign ads, it's also fine for corporations, so truth in advertising laws would be as dead as our democracy. But never underestimate the Roberts court. I'm sure they can come up with some way to corrupt elections even more than they already are."
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Walmart Gets $7.8 Billion 'Bill' for Its Taxpayer-Funded Breaks, Subsidies | Common Dreams
Walmart Gets $7.8 Billion 'Bill' for Its Taxpayer-Funded Breaks, Subsidies | Common Dreams
"Because Walmart pays such low wages to its employees, many of them depend on taxpayer-funded programs like food stamps to get by. That adds up to roughly $6.2 billion annually."
"Because Walmart pays such low wages to its employees, many of them depend on taxpayer-funded programs like food stamps to get by. That adds up to roughly $6.2 billion annually."
Former Watchdogs Accuse Christie Of Interfering With State Ethics Agency
Former Watchdogs Accuse Christie Of Interfering With State Ethics Agency
"Now, three former commission officials, breaking four years of silence, are accusing the governor’s office of unprecedented interference with an agency set up to be free of political influence. Christie, they say, pushed the agency commissioners to replace the executive director — at a time when she was investigating a member of his own staff — thus crossing a line no other governor had before."
"Now, three former commission officials, breaking four years of silence, are accusing the governor’s office of unprecedented interference with an agency set up to be free of political influence. Christie, they say, pushed the agency commissioners to replace the executive director — at a time when she was investigating a member of his own staff — thus crossing a line no other governor had before."
Governor Bans Minimum Wage Increases And Paid Sick Leave Laws
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/15/3426716/oklahoma-ban-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/
"At a time when many states and cities are working passing minimum wage increases, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) has gone in the opposite direction and signed a law banning cities from passing higher wages. The bill also bans them from enacting paid sick days or vacation requirements."
"At a time when many states and cities are working passing minimum wage increases, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) has gone in the opposite direction and signed a law banning cities from passing higher wages. The bill also bans them from enacting paid sick days or vacation requirements."
A Reporters' Guide to the Koch-funded Rich States, Poor States ALEC Report
A Reporters' Guide to the Koch-funded Rich States, Poor States ALEC Report
"ALEC brings together corporate lobbyists and state legislators to vote on "model" legislation behind closed doors which are then introduced by ALEC legislators across the country. ALEC is almost entirely funded by industry, including Koch Industries, which has long served on the ALEC board along with Altria/Phllip Morris and Exxon Mobil."
"ALEC brings together corporate lobbyists and state legislators to vote on "model" legislation behind closed doors which are then introduced by ALEC legislators across the country. ALEC is almost entirely funded by industry, including Koch Industries, which has long served on the ALEC board along with Altria/Phllip Morris and Exxon Mobil."
Close the Billionaire Tax Loophole | Common Dreams
Close the Billionaire Tax Loophole | Common Dreams
"If our leaders want to balance the budget, here’s a suggestion: Congress can scrap a new “Paris Hilton” giveaway that’s draining billions of federal tax dollars."
"If our leaders want to balance the budget, here’s a suggestion: Congress can scrap a new “Paris Hilton” giveaway that’s draining billions of federal tax dollars."
Don’t Let Zombie Corporate Tax Breaks Come Back To Life
Don’t Let Zombie Corporate Tax Breaks Come Back To Life
"A great thing happened at the end of 2013: A pack of corporate tax breaks that long ago should have been weeded out of the tax code finally expired due to congressional inaction and were dispatched to the graveyard of tax inequity.
But today, as millions of Americans rush to file their taxes before tonight's midnight deadline, corporate lobbyists are digging up the graveyard and working to bring these tax breaks back from the dead."
"A great thing happened at the end of 2013: A pack of corporate tax breaks that long ago should have been weeded out of the tax code finally expired due to congressional inaction and were dispatched to the graveyard of tax inequity.
But today, as millions of Americans rush to file their taxes before tonight's midnight deadline, corporate lobbyists are digging up the graveyard and working to bring these tax breaks back from the dead."
How a Comcast-Time Warner Merger Will Make Your Cable and Internet Worse and More Expensive
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/merger-works-will-make-you-seethe-when-youre-paying-your-cable-bill
"A closer look at TWC-Comcast reveals their claim of "substantial public interest benefits" is anything but."
"A closer look at TWC-Comcast reveals their claim of "substantial public interest benefits" is anything but."
Monday, April 14, 2014
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation Into Port Authority, Christie Administration
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation Into Port Authority, Christie Administration
"Prosecutors in Manhattan opened an investigation into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last month, issuing a subpoena for information on major projects and communication between agency officials and Gov. Chris Christie's administration, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal."
"Prosecutors in Manhattan opened an investigation into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last month, issuing a subpoena for information on major projects and communication between agency officials and Gov. Chris Christie's administration, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal."
What If the Minimum Wage Were $15 an Hour? | The Nation
What If the Minimum Wage Were $15 an Hour? | The Nation
"As the gears of federal government have ground to a halt, a new energy has been rocking the foundations of our urban centers. From Atlanta to Seattle and points in between, cities have begun seizing the initiative, transforming themselves into laboratories for progressive innovation."
"As the gears of federal government have ground to a halt, a new energy has been rocking the foundations of our urban centers. From Atlanta to Seattle and points in between, cities have begun seizing the initiative, transforming themselves into laboratories for progressive innovation."
Ryan Budget Abandons Innovation Future
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2014/04/09/87506/ryan-budget-abandons-innovation-future/
"Rep. Ryan’s proposal, on the other hand, abandons our innovation leadership—and future."
"Rep. Ryan’s proposal, on the other hand, abandons our innovation leadership—and future."
The Hedge Fund Managers Tax Break: Because Wall Streeters Want Your Money
The Hedge Fund Managers Tax Break: Because Wall Streeters Want Your Money
"The hedge fund managers' tax break, which is also known as the carried interest tax deduction, is different from other tax breaks in that it has no economic rationale. With most other tax breaks there is at least an argument as to how it serves some socially useful purpose. That is not the case with the hedge fund managers' tax break. This is simply a case where the rich don't feel like paying taxes and are saying to the rest of us, "what are you going to do about it"?"
"The hedge fund managers' tax break, which is also known as the carried interest tax deduction, is different from other tax breaks in that it has no economic rationale. With most other tax breaks there is at least an argument as to how it serves some socially useful purpose. That is not the case with the hedge fund managers' tax break. This is simply a case where the rich don't feel like paying taxes and are saying to the rest of us, "what are you going to do about it"?"
The Global Banking Game Is Rigged, and the FDIC Is Suing
The Global Banking Game Is Rigged, and the FDIC Is Suing
"Taxpayers are paying billions of dollars for a swindle pulled off by the world’s biggest banks, using a form of derivative called interest-rate swaps; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has now joined a chorus of litigants suing over it."
"Taxpayers are paying billions of dollars for a swindle pulled off by the world’s biggest banks, using a form of derivative called interest-rate swaps; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has now joined a chorus of litigants suing over it."
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Al Franken Discusses Why He's Against The Comcast Takeover
Al Franken Discusses Why He's Against The Comcast Takeover
"Franken wrote an op-ed for CNN.com and appeared on the channel's Reliable Sources to talk about the dangers of further media consolidation"
"Franken wrote an op-ed for CNN.com and appeared on the channel's Reliable Sources to talk about the dangers of further media consolidation"
The Wall Street Second-Chances Rule: Scandal Makes the Rich Grow Stronger | Common Dreams
The Wall Street Second-Chances Rule: Scandal Makes the Rich Grow Stronger | Common Dreams
"For SAC's Steve Cohen and CEOs like him, money always wins. Who needs retirement – or jail – when you can't lose?"
"For SAC's Steve Cohen and CEOs like him, money always wins. Who needs retirement – or jail – when you can't lose?"
How the Ryan Budget Fails Our Economy by Failing Economics
www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/report/2014/04/09/87430/how-the-ryan-budget-fails-our-economy-by-failing-economics/
Like the earlier budgets written by Rep. Ryan, this one is not likely to be taken seriously by anyone but House Republicans, nor should it be. It relies on outdated economic theories that would be wrong for our economy’s actual problems even if they were not discredited."
Like the earlier budgets written by Rep. Ryan, this one is not likely to be taken seriously by anyone but House Republicans, nor should it be. It relies on outdated economic theories that would be wrong for our economy’s actual problems even if they were not discredited."
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Evidence of GOP Interference in VW Election Is Now Overwhelming
Evidence of GOP Interference in VW Election Is Now Overwhelming
"The evidence of unlawful interference at Chattanooga is now overwhelming. Republicans intimidated workers and misled them about the implications of their vote. Governor Haslam and Senator Corker deceived them about the nature and extent of their involvement in the campaign. The NLRB must now ensure they do not get away with this outrageous interference."
"The evidence of unlawful interference at Chattanooga is now overwhelming. Republicans intimidated workers and misled them about the implications of their vote. Governor Haslam and Senator Corker deceived them about the nature and extent of their involvement in the campaign. The NLRB must now ensure they do not get away with this outrageous interference."
Bernie Sanders Raises Battle Cry Against Citizens United:
Bernie Sanders Raises Battle Cry Against Citizens United:
"Citizens United is not just the default reference for US Supreme Court decisions—including the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling—that have ushered in a new era of corporate dominance of American elections. It’s the name of the conservative group that encouraged Chief Justice John Roberts and the most activist Court majority in American history to tear the heart out of what were already weak campaign finance laws."
"Citizens United is not just the default reference for US Supreme Court decisions—including the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling—that have ushered in a new era of corporate dominance of American elections. It’s the name of the conservative group that encouraged Chief Justice John Roberts and the most activist Court majority in American history to tear the heart out of what were already weak campaign finance laws."
The Rot of Wall Street Stinks All the Way to the Bank
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/rot-wall-street-stinks-all-way-bank
"Let's review the rap sheet of Wall Street banks: Defrauding investors, cheating homeowners, forgery, rigging markets, tax evasion, credit card ripoffs ... and so sickeningly much more."
"Let's review the rap sheet of Wall Street banks: Defrauding investors, cheating homeowners, forgery, rigging markets, tax evasion, credit card ripoffs ... and so sickeningly much more."
Thanks, Kochs! PBS Infested With White Supremacist Charles Murray
Thanks, Kochs! PBS Infested With White Supremacist Charles Murray
"This is what happens when billionaires take control of public broadcasting after forcing Congress to defund it. They present bogus reports about ways the left and right can "come together" in order to dupe viewers into thinking libertarians give a damn about the social safety net."
"This is what happens when billionaires take control of public broadcasting after forcing Congress to defund it. They present bogus reports about ways the left and right can "come together" in order to dupe viewers into thinking libertarians give a damn about the social safety net."
Bernie Sanders Exposes Koch Brothers' Goals
Bernie Sanders Exposes Koch Brothers' Goals
""Every single one of these ideas is rooted in John Birch Society dogma. Just because Fred Koch left the Birchers back in the day doesn't mean he abandoned their overall goals. His sons are just expanding capacity for them now, not abandoning their principles."
""Every single one of these ideas is rooted in John Birch Society dogma. Just because Fred Koch left the Birchers back in the day doesn't mean he abandoned their overall goals. His sons are just expanding capacity for them now, not abandoning their principles."
Friday, April 11, 2014
What Do the Koch Brothers Really Want? | Common Dreams
What Do the Koch Brothers Really Want? | Common Dreams
"In other words, the agenda of the Koch brothers is not only to defund Obamacare. The agenda of the Koch brothers is to repeal every major piece of legislation that has been signed into law over the past 80 years that has protected the middle class, the elderly, the children, the sick, and the most vulnerable in this country.
"In other words, the agenda of the Koch brothers is not only to defund Obamacare. The agenda of the Koch brothers is to repeal every major piece of legislation that has been signed into law over the past 80 years that has protected the middle class, the elderly, the children, the sick, and the most vulnerable in this country.
It is clear that the Koch brothers and other right wing billionaires are calling the shots and are pulling the strings of the Republican Party."
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Rupert Murdoch: Fox News “has absolutely saved” the GOP
Rupert Murdoch: Fox News “has absolutely saved” the GOP
"The conservative media mogul gives up any pretense that his flagship station is fair and balanced"
"The conservative media mogul gives up any pretense that his flagship station is fair and balanced"
Not One Law Republicans Passed Has Helped America In Over Forty Years
Not One Law Republicans Passed Has Helped America In Over Forty Years
"Everything the GOP stands for is rooted in religiously-based discrimination of some sort. Whether they are quashing the rights of women, the poor and minorities or relinquishing the rights to drink clean water and breathe healthy air, the GOP is always on the wrong side of history. They claim trickle down economics is the magical way the job-creator fairies instinctively share their wealth. Profit-gorging corporations care only about their coveted bottom line: earnings for the shareholders. They are not concerned with the middle class, as companies like Walmart have created the working poor as the new normal. The laws they’ve passed are unimaginably awful."
"Everything the GOP stands for is rooted in religiously-based discrimination of some sort. Whether they are quashing the rights of women, the poor and minorities or relinquishing the rights to drink clean water and breathe healthy air, the GOP is always on the wrong side of history. They claim trickle down economics is the magical way the job-creator fairies instinctively share their wealth. Profit-gorging corporations care only about their coveted bottom line: earnings for the shareholders. They are not concerned with the middle class, as companies like Walmart have created the working poor as the new normal. The laws they’ve passed are unimaginably awful."
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Rigging the Electoral System for the Rich | Common Dreams
Rigging the Electoral System for the Rich | Common Dreams
"A poll conducted late last year found that more than seven in ten voters think our election system is “biased in favor of the candidate with the most money.”
While nothing about this number is surprising — except, perhaps, that it’s not even higher — it does reveal the depth of cynicism characterizing Americans’ perceptions of our political system. We believe, correctly, that the system is rigged for the rich.
Especially in the wake of this month’s McCutcheon v. FEC Supreme Court decision that allowed our country’s wealthiest to dump even more money directly into our elections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of America’s money in politics problem."
"A poll conducted late last year found that more than seven in ten voters think our election system is “biased in favor of the candidate with the most money.”
While nothing about this number is surprising — except, perhaps, that it’s not even higher — it does reveal the depth of cynicism characterizing Americans’ perceptions of our political system. We believe, correctly, that the system is rigged for the rich.
Especially in the wake of this month’s McCutcheon v. FEC Supreme Court decision that allowed our country’s wealthiest to dump even more money directly into our elections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of America’s money in politics problem."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Rep. Paul Ryan Take-Down | Common Dreams
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Rep. Paul Ryan Take-Down | Common Dreams
"The Massachusetts Democrat made the remarks as the keynote speaker at the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor's Humphrey-Mondale Dinner on March 29th, a fundraising event for the party of Paul Wellstone."
"The Massachusetts Democrat made the remarks as the keynote speaker at the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor's Humphrey-Mondale Dinner on March 29th, a fundraising event for the party of Paul Wellstone."
Why the Minimum Wage Should Really Be Raised to $15 an Hour | Common Dreams
Why the Minimum Wage Should Really Be Raised to $15 an Hour | Common Dreams
"Momentum is building to raise the minimum wage. Several states have already taken action — Connecticut has boosted it to $10.10 by 2017, the Maryland legislature just approved a similar measure, Minnesota lawmakers just reached a deal to hike it to $9.50. A few cities have been more ambitious — Washington, D.C. and its surrounding counties raised it to $11.50, Seattle is considering $15.00"
"Momentum is building to raise the minimum wage. Several states have already taken action — Connecticut has boosted it to $10.10 by 2017, the Maryland legislature just approved a similar measure, Minnesota lawmakers just reached a deal to hike it to $9.50. A few cities have been more ambitious — Washington, D.C. and its surrounding counties raised it to $11.50, Seattle is considering $15.00"
Lobbyists behind SOPA now wooing Silicon Valley companies
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/08/lobbyists-behind-sopa-now-wooing-silicon-valley-companies/
"The US Chamber was the main outside lobbying group (beyond the MPAA) that was behind SOPA and PIPA, and was a major voice pushing completely ridiculously bogus "facts" about the evils of "IP theft" and "rogue sites"."
"The US Chamber was the main outside lobbying group (beyond the MPAA) that was behind SOPA and PIPA, and was a major voice pushing completely ridiculously bogus "facts" about the evils of "IP theft" and "rogue sites"."
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Outside Special Interests Lean on MO Legislators to Push ALEC’s Anti-Worker Agenda
Outside Special Interests Lean on MO Legislators to Push ALEC’s Anti-Worker Agenda
"The Missouri chapter of the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity has launched an online petition urging legislators to pass "right to work" legislation."
"The Missouri chapter of the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity has launched an online petition urging legislators to pass "right to work" legislation."
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