http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/11/10/3590728/obama-fcc-net-neutrality/
"In the clearest message to date, President Barack Obama called on the U.S. Federal Communications on Monday to do everything in its power to keep the Internet free and open for everyone by preserving net neutrality."
Monday, November 10, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
The Republican Party and the Great Conservative Long Con
The Republican Party and the Great Conservative Long Con
"And how exactly are Republicans for “small government”? Last time I checked Republican legislatures all over this country were passing laws that massively expanded government over our voting process, women’s bodies, gay rights and marriage. Then let’s not forget that this was the party that passed the Patriot Act – one of the largest “big government bills” in United States history. The truth is conservatives are for “small government” when it benefits something they support (guns, religion, big oil) but they love big government when it can be used to their benefit. But it’s all okay, because Republicans have managed to tie in religion with their propaganda so that conservatives won’t think about the lies they’re being told. To many conservatives, being a Republican is tied in directly with their religious beliefs. They’ll never question their politics because that would be like questioning their religion, and that’s a big no-no for Christian conservatives. But all of this right-wing rhetoric is tied into their elaborate long con. They’re constantly promising balanced budgets, fiscal responsibility, tax cuts that lead to economic prosperity, and it will all happen…someday. It’s coming. They promise. Just keep electing them and eventually they promise to deliver on these nearly 40-year-old promises. Except, of course, they never will. And that’s how cons work; they promise everything, deliver nothing, and sadly tens of millions of Americans continue to fall for it."
"And how exactly are Republicans for “small government”? Last time I checked Republican legislatures all over this country were passing laws that massively expanded government over our voting process, women’s bodies, gay rights and marriage. Then let’s not forget that this was the party that passed the Patriot Act – one of the largest “big government bills” in United States history. The truth is conservatives are for “small government” when it benefits something they support (guns, religion, big oil) but they love big government when it can be used to their benefit. But it’s all okay, because Republicans have managed to tie in religion with their propaganda so that conservatives won’t think about the lies they’re being told. To many conservatives, being a Republican is tied in directly with their religious beliefs. They’ll never question their politics because that would be like questioning their religion, and that’s a big no-no for Christian conservatives. But all of this right-wing rhetoric is tied into their elaborate long con. They’re constantly promising balanced budgets, fiscal responsibility, tax cuts that lead to economic prosperity, and it will all happen…someday. It’s coming. They promise. Just keep electing them and eventually they promise to deliver on these nearly 40-year-old promises. Except, of course, they never will. And that’s how cons work; they promise everything, deliver nothing, and sadly tens of millions of Americans continue to fall for it."
“An international embarrassment”: Bernie Sanders decries low turnout, wants to make Election Day a national holiday
“An international embarrassment”: Bernie Sanders decries low turnout, wants to make Election Day a national holiday
"Tuesday’s midterm elections saw abysmally low turnout, with fewer than 37 percent of eligible voters casting ballots, compared with 41 percent in the 2010 midterms. White males and older voters accounted for a disproportionate share of this year’s electorate, propelling Republicans to Senate control, an historic House majority, and big victories in key gubernatorial and statehouse races."
"Tuesday’s midterm elections saw abysmally low turnout, with fewer than 37 percent of eligible voters casting ballots, compared with 41 percent in the 2010 midterms. White males and older voters accounted for a disproportionate share of this year’s electorate, propelling Republicans to Senate control, an historic House majority, and big victories in key gubernatorial and statehouse races."
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Our Fourth Estate Is A Bunch Of Cowards
Our Fourth Estate Is A Bunch Of Cowards
"Nothing is fine. Republicans broke it, they own it, and they're not going to fix it. Nor will they be expected to, because they've got a fine press corps out there waiting to run interference for them.
In the coming months, Republicans will work very hard at doing nothing. They will continue to obstruct and obfuscate and the press will let them. Chuck Todd will lead off Meet the Press with commentary about how the lack of cooperation between the White House and the Congress can be laid at the uppity Administration's feet, while he concern trolls over the most minute details of whatever the Scandal of the Week is.
As will the rest of them. Chuck isn't all that different from his peers. And in 2016, we will all hear campaigns about how the eight-year nightmare of terror that is the Obama administration is coming to a close, while no one actually tells the truth at a national level.
This is what happens when you put corporate toadies in positions intended for braver souls."
"Nothing is fine. Republicans broke it, they own it, and they're not going to fix it. Nor will they be expected to, because they've got a fine press corps out there waiting to run interference for them.
In the coming months, Republicans will work very hard at doing nothing. They will continue to obstruct and obfuscate and the press will let them. Chuck Todd will lead off Meet the Press with commentary about how the lack of cooperation between the White House and the Congress can be laid at the uppity Administration's feet, while he concern trolls over the most minute details of whatever the Scandal of the Week is.
As will the rest of them. Chuck isn't all that different from his peers. And in 2016, we will all hear campaigns about how the eight-year nightmare of terror that is the Obama administration is coming to a close, while no one actually tells the truth at a national level.
This is what happens when you put corporate toadies in positions intended for braver souls."
Republicans Got Only 52 Percent of the Vote in House Races | The Nation
Republicans Got Only 52 Percent of the Vote in House Races | The Nation
"How did they end up with 57 percent of the seats?"
"How did they end up with 57 percent of the seats?"
Voter Suppression: The Midterm Election Story that Doesn’t Fit the Media Narrative | The Nation
Voter Suppression: The Midterm Election Story that Doesn’t Fit the Media Narrative | The Nation
"You can, however, hear Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center, explain more about just how the votes came down,"
"You can, however, hear Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center, explain more about just how the votes came down,"
We Just Witnessed One of the Saddest Days for Democracy We’ve Seen in Decades
We Just Witnessed One of the Saddest Days for Democracy We’ve Seen in Decades
"all I’ve seen or heard from many conservatives is how this election was a “clear message from the American people” and that “it showed just how powerful democracy can be.” That’s all bull****.
This election was one of the saddest days for democracy in quite some time. Not because Republicans won so many elections, but because voter turnout was abysmal. Take this chart, for example, that shows we just had the lowest voter turnout this election than during any other midterm election year since 1982 (that’s as far back as the chart goes). Not just that, but turnout was down in 40 states. Even a survey done by Gallup showed that voter interest this year, especially with those classifying themselves as independents, was drastically down from previous years. In fact, when it came to independent voters, only 41 percent said they were definitely going to vote. That’s down from 60 percent in 2010."
"all I’ve seen or heard from many conservatives is how this election was a “clear message from the American people” and that “it showed just how powerful democracy can be.” That’s all bull****.
This election was one of the saddest days for democracy in quite some time. Not because Republicans won so many elections, but because voter turnout was abysmal. Take this chart, for example, that shows we just had the lowest voter turnout this election than during any other midterm election year since 1982 (that’s as far back as the chart goes). Not just that, but turnout was down in 40 states. Even a survey done by Gallup showed that voter interest this year, especially with those classifying themselves as independents, was drastically down from previous years. In fact, when it came to independent voters, only 41 percent said they were definitely going to vote. That’s down from 60 percent in 2010."
ALEC Pols Moving Up in 2014 Midterms
ALEC Pols Moving Up in 2014 Midterms
"ALEC board member Thom Tillis (R-98) engaged in a race against incumbent U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D) that broke records for money in politics. The Koch brothers' new Super PAC, Freedom Partners Action Fund (FPAF) made a huge seven-figure ad buy attacking Hagan in the final weeks of the race that pushed it over the top, making it the all-time number one Senate race in outside spending"
"ALEC board member Thom Tillis (R-98) engaged in a race against incumbent U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D) that broke records for money in politics. The Koch brothers' new Super PAC, Freedom Partners Action Fund (FPAF) made a huge seven-figure ad buy attacking Hagan in the final weeks of the race that pushed it over the top, making it the all-time number one Senate race in outside spending"
Friday, November 7, 2014
US Corporations Top List of Those Living in 'Magical Fairyland' of Tax-Dodging
US Corporations Top List of Those Living in 'Magical Fairyland' of Tax-Dodging
"More than 300 global corporations and financial institutions—including well-known names like Pepsi Co., FedEx, JP Morgan Chase, and Amazon—have created complex tax avoidance schemes using the small European nation of Luxembourg to funnel billions of dollars of profits away from the countries where they actually do business, according to leaked documents obtained and analyzed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists."
"More than 300 global corporations and financial institutions—including well-known names like Pepsi Co., FedEx, JP Morgan Chase, and Amazon—have created complex tax avoidance schemes using the small European nation of Luxembourg to funnel billions of dollars of profits away from the countries where they actually do business, according to leaked documents obtained and analyzed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists."
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Banks Urge Investors To Buy For-Profit College Stocks Now That The GOP Is Taking Back Congress
http://thinkprogress.org/education/2014/11/06/3589728/gop-election-for-profit-colleges/
"The companies that operate these high-cost, low-value degree-granting institutions are immensely profitable, spend a billion dollars more on recruiting than on educating annually, and reward their executive officers with massive pay packages. In many cases, these companies get 90 percent of their income from federal student loan dollars"
"The companies that operate these high-cost, low-value degree-granting institutions are immensely profitable, spend a billion dollars more on recruiting than on educating annually, and reward their executive officers with massive pay packages. In many cases, these companies get 90 percent of their income from federal student loan dollars"
The Real Winner in This Election Was the Stealth Oligarchy
http://www.alternet.org/election-2014/real-winner-election-was-stealth-oligarchy
"the big winners on Tuesday were a group that actually campaigned anonymously, not even whispering their names to the voters.
Indeed, these were not the candidates listed on your ballot, but shadow candidates that are not even people. They are corporations that have been empowered by the Frankenstein-majority on our Supreme Court to exercise the political rights of us real human-type persons. Only they've been endowed with far more political power than you and me, for the Court decreed that these corporate "persons" can spend unlimited amounts of their shareholders' money on TV ads and other campaign tools to elect or defeat whomever they choose - without disclosing their names to voters.
What we have here is the rise of a stealth oligarchy in America. These politically shy corporations are pumping untold millions of dollars out of their practically bottomless corporate treasuries to elect Congress-critters, governors and ultimately presidents who will serve their narrow special interests at the expense of the public interest. You would know these cagey corporate campaigners, for they are major brand names from Big Oil, Big Food, Big Pharma, etc."
"the big winners on Tuesday were a group that actually campaigned anonymously, not even whispering their names to the voters.
Indeed, these were not the candidates listed on your ballot, but shadow candidates that are not even people. They are corporations that have been empowered by the Frankenstein-majority on our Supreme Court to exercise the political rights of us real human-type persons. Only they've been endowed with far more political power than you and me, for the Court decreed that these corporate "persons" can spend unlimited amounts of their shareholders' money on TV ads and other campaign tools to elect or defeat whomever they choose - without disclosing their names to voters.
What we have here is the rise of a stealth oligarchy in America. These politically shy corporations are pumping untold millions of dollars out of their practically bottomless corporate treasuries to elect Congress-critters, governors and ultimately presidents who will serve their narrow special interests at the expense of the public interest. You would know these cagey corporate campaigners, for they are major brand names from Big Oil, Big Food, Big Pharma, etc."
Citizens United boss: Supreme Court ruling handed midterm elections to Republicans
Citizens United boss: Supreme Court ruling handed midterm elections to Republicans
"Bossie said this so-called “dark money” was crucial to Republicans gaining control of the U.S. Senate and strengthening their grip on the U.S. House of Representatives."
"Bossie said this so-called “dark money” was crucial to Republicans gaining control of the U.S. Senate and strengthening their grip on the U.S. House of Representatives."
Reality Check for Democrats: Republicans Sell Lies Better Than You Tell the Truth
Reality Check for Democrats: Republicans Sell Lies Better Than You Tell the Truth
"Then there’s “Obamacare.” When you list everything that the law does (ends discrimination against pre-existing conditions, more comprehensive coverage, subsidies for lower-income Americans, children able to stay on their parent’s insurance longer, Medicaid expansion) most Americans overwhelmingly approve of all of that. That is, until you call it “Obamacare.” Then suddenly it’s “evil socialism that has to go.” See, Republicans have spent so much time lying about the law and conditioning people to “reject Obamacare” that many Americans aren’t even able to think for themselves anymore. It’s like Pavlov’s dog that salivated upon hearing a bell. When these anti-Obama people hear the term “Obamacare” their brains shut down and they just repeat back whatever it is they’ve been told. Even if they’re someone who’s benefitting from the law.
Kentucky is a great example of this idiocy. I kid you not, during one of McConnell’s debates he literally said that he wanted to keep Kentucky’s health care marketplace, Kynect - but fully repeal the law nationally. Without “Obamacare” there is no Kynect. And why, if the law is so terrible, would you want to keep it in your state? Oh, I know why, because it’s been successful. Same goes in Arkansas, a state that saw their uninsured rate drop by half, that just elected a new Senator who wants to repeal the law. And through all these years of talking poorly about the Affordable Care Act, and how this should be a state issue, has a single Republican-controlled state passed any kind of health care reform to counter the ACA? Of course not. So, if it’s a state issue, why aren’t states trying to fix our broken health care system? Right now millions of Texans don’t have health insurance. Has the Republican-controlled state legislature done anything about that? Of course not. And they won’t."
"Then there’s “Obamacare.” When you list everything that the law does (ends discrimination against pre-existing conditions, more comprehensive coverage, subsidies for lower-income Americans, children able to stay on their parent’s insurance longer, Medicaid expansion) most Americans overwhelmingly approve of all of that. That is, until you call it “Obamacare.” Then suddenly it’s “evil socialism that has to go.” See, Republicans have spent so much time lying about the law and conditioning people to “reject Obamacare” that many Americans aren’t even able to think for themselves anymore. It’s like Pavlov’s dog that salivated upon hearing a bell. When these anti-Obama people hear the term “Obamacare” their brains shut down and they just repeat back whatever it is they’ve been told. Even if they’re someone who’s benefitting from the law.
Kentucky is a great example of this idiocy. I kid you not, during one of McConnell’s debates he literally said that he wanted to keep Kentucky’s health care marketplace, Kynect - but fully repeal the law nationally. Without “Obamacare” there is no Kynect. And why, if the law is so terrible, would you want to keep it in your state? Oh, I know why, because it’s been successful. Same goes in Arkansas, a state that saw their uninsured rate drop by half, that just elected a new Senator who wants to repeal the law. And through all these years of talking poorly about the Affordable Care Act, and how this should be a state issue, has a single Republican-controlled state passed any kind of health care reform to counter the ACA? Of course not. So, if it’s a state issue, why aren’t states trying to fix our broken health care system? Right now millions of Texans don’t have health insurance. Has the Republican-controlled state legislature done anything about that? Of course not. And they won’t."
'We Will Only Get Louder': Dozens of Communities Vote to Boot Big Money from Politics
'We Will Only Get Louder': Dozens of Communities Vote to Boot Big Money from Politics
"Citizens in dozens of communities voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday for their legislators to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, which opened the door for the super-rich and corporations to trample democracy.
As they headed to the polls to vote in what turned out to be the most expensive midterm election in history—one in which outside money from undisclosed sources played an outsized role and the number of small individual donors shrank—voters across the country made clear their desire to end corporate personhood and get big money out of politics."
"Citizens in dozens of communities voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday for their legislators to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, which opened the door for the super-rich and corporations to trample democracy.
As they headed to the polls to vote in what turned out to be the most expensive midterm election in history—one in which outside money from undisclosed sources played an outsized role and the number of small individual donors shrank—voters across the country made clear their desire to end corporate personhood and get big money out of politics."
Democratic Candidates May Have Lost, But Democratic Issues Won
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/democratic-candidates-may-have-lost-democratic-issues-won
"The vote in Colorado offers a good example of the disparity between how Americans vote on candidates and how we vote on issues. A few years ago the Colorado legislature stripped cities and counties of the right to build their own telecommunications networks but allowed them to reclaim that authority if they put it to a vote of their citizens. On Tuesday, eight cities and counties did just that. Residents in every community voted by a very wide margin to permit government owned networks even while they were voting by an equally wide margin for Republican candidates who vigorously oppose government ownership of anything."
"The vote in Colorado offers a good example of the disparity between how Americans vote on candidates and how we vote on issues. A few years ago the Colorado legislature stripped cities and counties of the right to build their own telecommunications networks but allowed them to reclaim that authority if they put it to a vote of their citizens. On Tuesday, eight cities and counties did just that. Residents in every community voted by a very wide margin to permit government owned networks even while they were voting by an equally wide margin for Republican candidates who vigorously oppose government ownership of anything."
5 Facts About How America Is Rigged for a Massive Wealth Transfer to the Rich
http://www.alternet.org/economy/5-facts-about-how-america-rigged-massive-wealth-transfer-rich
"Each Year Since the Recession, America's Richest 1% Have Made More Than the Cost of All U.S. Social Programs
In effect, a reverse transfer from the poor to the rich. Even as conservatives blame Social Security for being too costly.
Much of the 1% wealth just sits there, accumulating more wealth. The numbers are nearly unfathomable. Depending on the estimate, the 1% took in anywhere from $2.3 trillion to $5.7 trillion per year. (All numeric analysis is detailed here.)
Even the smaller estimate of $2.3 trillion per year is more than the budget for Social Security ($860 billion), Medicare ($524 billion), Medicaid ($304 billion), and the entire safety net ($286 billion for SNAP, WIC [Women, Infants, Children], Child Nutrition, Earned Income Tax Credit, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Housing)."
"Each Year Since the Recession, America's Richest 1% Have Made More Than the Cost of All U.S. Social Programs
In effect, a reverse transfer from the poor to the rich. Even as conservatives blame Social Security for being too costly.
Much of the 1% wealth just sits there, accumulating more wealth. The numbers are nearly unfathomable. Depending on the estimate, the 1% took in anywhere from $2.3 trillion to $5.7 trillion per year. (All numeric analysis is detailed here.)
Even the smaller estimate of $2.3 trillion per year is more than the budget for Social Security ($860 billion), Medicare ($524 billion), Medicaid ($304 billion), and the entire safety net ($286 billion for SNAP, WIC [Women, Infants, Children], Child Nutrition, Earned Income Tax Credit, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Housing)."
Welcome To The United Slaves Of Amerikoch
Welcome To The United Slaves Of Amerikoch
"Honestly, what can be said for a people who, for the most part voted in favor of progressive issues but elected candidates that would never allow any of those measures to pass? They are the slaves of the Koch brothers, the John Birch Society magnates who embody the most destructive interests for America's majority.
Slave labor wages, more pollution , more fracking, more restrictions on a woman's right to choose and more private prisons are just some of the horrible causes the Kochs put their billions of dollars behind."
"Honestly, what can be said for a people who, for the most part voted in favor of progressive issues but elected candidates that would never allow any of those measures to pass? They are the slaves of the Koch brothers, the John Birch Society magnates who embody the most destructive interests for America's majority.
Slave labor wages, more pollution , more fracking, more restrictions on a woman's right to choose and more private prisons are just some of the horrible causes the Kochs put their billions of dollars behind."
Backfire: Republican Rhetoric in 2014 Will Be an Albatross for 2016
https://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/general/report/2014/11/03/100149/backfire/
"Rather than trying to broaden their base and appeal to a growing and changing electorate, Republican candidates and allied groups have doubled down on narrow, unpopular positions at the expense of their long-term success. The demographic makeup of the United States is shifting to include more of the very voters whom the Republicans have alienated during this cycle."
"Rather than trying to broaden their base and appeal to a growing and changing electorate, Republican candidates and allied groups have doubled down on narrow, unpopular positions at the expense of their long-term success. The demographic makeup of the United States is shifting to include more of the very voters whom the Republicans have alienated during this cycle."
Chuck Todd Forgets About The Real Republican Agenda
Chuck Todd Forgets About The Real Republican Agenda
"Now that two of the three branches of government (Legislative and Judicial) are in the hands of people who don't particularly believe in government, let's just sit back and not create any controversy. Let's all behave like good little minions and let the extremist science-denying lunatics take over. We wouldn't want to upset our corporate masters, right Chuck?"
"Now that two of the three branches of government (Legislative and Judicial) are in the hands of people who don't particularly believe in government, let's just sit back and not create any controversy. Let's all behave like good little minions and let the extremist science-denying lunatics take over. We wouldn't want to upset our corporate masters, right Chuck?"
Meet The Newest Wave Of Tea Party Congressmen
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/11/05/3589301/craziest-congressmen-leaving-and-coming/
"REP. BARBARA COMSTOCK (R-VA) – As if the Koch Brothers didn’t have enough influence over American politics already, they now have one of their own former lobbyists in the halls of Congress. (Comstock has also lobbied for the military contractor Blackwater and the private prison giant GEO Group.)"
"REP. BARBARA COMSTOCK (R-VA) – As if the Koch Brothers didn’t have enough influence over American politics already, they now have one of their own former lobbyists in the halls of Congress. (Comstock has also lobbied for the military contractor Blackwater and the private prison giant GEO Group.)"
How The Cooperative Corporate Media Collaborators Shaped Yesterday's Outcome
How The Cooperative Corporate Media Collaborators Shaped Yesterday's Outcome
"Little Luke was practically chortling at how clever Republicans were for shutting down any discussion about Ernst's worrisome and extreme positions, instead repackaging her as a nice, normal, Iowa housewife."
"Little Luke was practically chortling at how clever Republicans were for shutting down any discussion about Ernst's worrisome and extreme positions, instead repackaging her as a nice, normal, Iowa housewife."
Last Night, One Million Workers Were Guaranteed The Right To Take Time Off When They’re Sick
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/11/05/3589146/sick-leave-election-2014/
"Last night, four places in the United States voted over whether or not employers should be required to give paid sick leave to employees. All four approved the idea."
"Last night, four places in the United States voted over whether or not employers should be required to give paid sick leave to employees. All four approved the idea."
Civil Rights Pioneer: America's Discriminatory Election Landscape Worst in 50 Years
http://www.alternet.org/election-2014/civil-rights-pioneer-americas-discriminatory-election-landscape-worst-50-years
"This is the predictable outcome in the first major election since the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder last year, when a bare majority chose to gut critical pieces of the Voting Rights Act. This rendered inoperable the pre-clearance system [of the Justice Department approving or blocking changes in state laws] that had worked for half a century to protect voters from discrimination before it could take effect."
"This is the predictable outcome in the first major election since the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder last year, when a bare majority chose to gut critical pieces of the Voting Rights Act. This rendered inoperable the pre-clearance system [of the Justice Department approving or blocking changes in state laws] that had worked for half a century to protect voters from discrimination before it could take effect."
The Sneaky Ways Employers Are Stealing Our Wages
http://www.alternet.org/labor/sneaky-ways-employers-are-stealing-our-wages
"How much is $50 billion in wage theft? It's almost four times greater than the $13.6 billion reported by the FBI for the total costs of all stolen cars, other larcenies, burglaries and robberies in 2012. Fifty billion a year is enough to cover the wage bill for over 1.2 million jobs that pay $20 an hour."
"How much is $50 billion in wage theft? It's almost four times greater than the $13.6 billion reported by the FBI for the total costs of all stolen cars, other larcenies, burglaries and robberies in 2012. Fifty billion a year is enough to cover the wage bill for over 1.2 million jobs that pay $20 an hour."
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Five Terrifying Right-Wing Extremists Who Head To Congress If You Don't Vote
Five Terrifying Right-Wing Extremists Who Head To Congress If You Don't Vote
"He wants to abolish the minimum wage and attempted to pass legislation that would have cut unemployment benefits so severely that the state would have become ineligible for federal compensation." Vote!!!
"He wants to abolish the minimum wage and attempted to pass legislation that would have cut unemployment benefits so severely that the state would have become ineligible for federal compensation." Vote!!!
Don’t Believe the Hype, Get out and Vote
http://quietmike.org/2014/11/04/dont-believe-hype-get-out-and-vote/
"How would you feel if your State became the next Kansas and you had done nothing to prevent it?" Vote!!!!
"How would you feel if your State became the next Kansas and you had done nothing to prevent it?" Vote!!!!
Social Security Kept 27 Million Americans Out of Poverty in 2013 | Economic Policy Institute
Social Security Kept 27 Million Americans Out of Poverty in 2013 | Economic Policy Institute
"Social Security is, by far, the most effective anti-poverty program in the United States. Without Social Security, an additional 8.6 percent of Americans, or nearly 27 million, would fall below the SPM poverty threshold."
"Social Security is, by far, the most effective anti-poverty program in the United States. Without Social Security, an additional 8.6 percent of Americans, or nearly 27 million, would fall below the SPM poverty threshold."
Why Tonight Is Not Just About Senate Control | The Nation
Why Tonight Is Not Just About Senate Control | The Nation
"the Senate competition is not all that matters. The signals from those contests for control of the statehouses—and the even more direct signals from referendums on minimum wage and paid sick leave referendums—will matter, as well."
"the Senate competition is not all that matters. The signals from those contests for control of the statehouses—and the even more direct signals from referendums on minimum wage and paid sick leave referendums—will matter, as well."
What Happens Today in These 4 Races Could Help Determine Our Next President
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/11/secretary-of-state-colorado-iowa-nevada-iowa-husted
"the consequences of these four secretary of state races could mean the difference between smooth, snafu-free elections in November 2016 and the type of debacles seen in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004."
"the consequences of these four secretary of state races could mean the difference between smooth, snafu-free elections in November 2016 and the type of debacles seen in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004."
Here Are the U.S. States Where the Working Poor Are the Most Screwed
https://www.vocativ.com/interactive/usa/us-politics/minimum-wage-state-by-state/
"On Tuesday, five states—Arkansas, Illinois, Alaska, Nebraska and South Dakota—will vote on a bump in the minimum wage of between $1.25 and $2.25."
"On Tuesday, five states—Arkansas, Illinois, Alaska, Nebraska and South Dakota—will vote on a bump in the minimum wage of between $1.25 and $2.25."
Minimum wage popularity is a reminder: Organize, organize, organize
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/04/1341618/-Minimum-wage-popularity-is-a-reminder-Organize-organize-organize
"Unfortunately, we see that a lot. We see a personhood measure likely to be defeated in Colorado while personhood-supporting candidates like Cory Gardner and Joni Ernst lead in the polls in Colorado and Iowa. Sure, they have to dip and dodge so voters aren't aware of their personhood support, but too often they manage. Similarly with the minimum wage—Republicans in close races may be forced to walk back their opposition to raising the minimum wage or even having a minimum wage at all, but all too often their walk-backs succeed."
"Unfortunately, we see that a lot. We see a personhood measure likely to be defeated in Colorado while personhood-supporting candidates like Cory Gardner and Joni Ernst lead in the polls in Colorado and Iowa. Sure, they have to dip and dodge so voters aren't aware of their personhood support, but too often they manage. Similarly with the minimum wage—Republicans in close races may be forced to walk back their opposition to raising the minimum wage or even having a minimum wage at all, but all too often their walk-backs succeed."
GOP Chair Won’t Take Impeachment Off the Table Because It’s Totally On The Table
GOP Chair Won’t Take Impeachment Off the Table Because It’s Totally On The Table
"Hey, remember a few months ago, when the media tried desperately to convince you that all that Republican talk of impeachment was all in the Democrats’ heads?" Go Vote!
"Hey, remember a few months ago, when the media tried desperately to convince you that all that Republican talk of impeachment was all in the Democrats’ heads?" Go Vote!
If They Win, Republicans Plan To Serve Impeachment With Side Of Nativism
If They Win, Republicans Plan To Serve Impeachment With Side Of Nativism
"Let's hope they're all crying in their Alka-Seltzer on Wednesday when the supposed control doesn't materialize. Otherwise, we're all going to get a good long look at the wingnut parade as they undertake what could possibly be the most unconstitutional impeachment action in the history of the country.
Alternatively, you could go make GOTV calls into key states. Daily Kos and MoveOn.org need volunteers." Vote!!
"Let's hope they're all crying in their Alka-Seltzer on Wednesday when the supposed control doesn't materialize. Otherwise, we're all going to get a good long look at the wingnut parade as they undertake what could possibly be the most unconstitutional impeachment action in the history of the country.
Alternatively, you could go make GOTV calls into key states. Daily Kos and MoveOn.org need volunteers." Vote!!
8 Craziest Candidates Who Might Actually Win
http://www.alternet.org/8-craziest-candidates-might-actually-win
"On Tuesday, tens of millions of Americans will brave long lines and various forms of precipitation to elect the public servants that best represent their democratic values. For better or for worse. Here's a quick guide to the candidates we can't believe might actually win—whether because of legal troubles, crushing hypocrisy, basic math, or some combination thereof."
"On Tuesday, tens of millions of Americans will brave long lines and various forms of precipitation to elect the public servants that best represent their democratic values. For better or for worse. Here's a quick guide to the candidates we can't believe might actually win—whether because of legal troubles, crushing hypocrisy, basic math, or some combination thereof."
Will a Neo-Confederate Theocrat Be the New Republican Councilman in One of Richest U.S. Counties?
Will a Neo-Confederate Theocrat Be the New Republican Councilman in One of Richest U.S. Counties?
"On November 4, 2011, standing on a small stage with Bible verses splashed on the background behind him, Michael Peroutka told a small audience attending his lecture that “when you see and hear folks describe the earth as millions of years old, you know that they are either willfully anti-American, or they are ignorant of their own heritage and history. What I am saying is that the promotion of evolution is an act of disloyalty to America.”
Three years later, on November 4, 2014, Michael Peroutka is standing for election as a Republican candidate for the county council of a sedate Maryland suburb in the orbit of the nation’s capital."
"On November 4, 2011, standing on a small stage with Bible verses splashed on the background behind him, Michael Peroutka told a small audience attending his lecture that “when you see and hear folks describe the earth as millions of years old, you know that they are either willfully anti-American, or they are ignorant of their own heritage and history. What I am saying is that the promotion of evolution is an act of disloyalty to America.”
Three years later, on November 4, 2014, Michael Peroutka is standing for election as a Republican candidate for the county council of a sedate Maryland suburb in the orbit of the nation’s capital."
Who Else Is in the Koch Brothers Billionaire Donor Club? | The Nation
Who Else Is in the Koch Brothers Billionaire Donor Club? | The Nation
"Hiding the shadow of their bigger-name brothers is a group of fellow travelers, tied to one another by their large donations aimed at pushing forward a business-friendly agenda, including rolling back labor and environmental regulations. But the many of the members of this network share something else with the Kansas-based billionaire brothers: they have pursued business ventures that target low-income communities as customers and employees, essentially profiting off poverty."
"Hiding the shadow of their bigger-name brothers is a group of fellow travelers, tied to one another by their large donations aimed at pushing forward a business-friendly agenda, including rolling back labor and environmental regulations. But the many of the members of this network share something else with the Kansas-based billionaire brothers: they have pursued business ventures that target low-income communities as customers and employees, essentially profiting off poverty."
Monday, November 3, 2014
The Koch 130
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/11/koch-brothers-web-influence
"How the billionaire brothers have spread their web of influence across every sector of American society."
"How the billionaire brothers have spread their web of influence across every sector of American society."
On Election Eve, Deep-Pocket Dark Money Bulldozing Democracy
On Election Eve, Deep-Pocket Dark Money Bulldozing Democracy
"In the final days of the midterm campaign, shadowy outside groups that wield heavy influence but don't disclose their donors are spending tens of millions of dollars on attack ads, mailers, and negative automated telephone calls aimed at tipping the balance in tight races across the nation."
"In the final days of the midterm campaign, shadowy outside groups that wield heavy influence but don't disclose their donors are spending tens of millions of dollars on attack ads, mailers, and negative automated telephone calls aimed at tipping the balance in tight races across the nation."
The right tries to buy a judge: Why the Kochs are throwing cash at a state judicial race
The right tries to buy a judge: Why the Kochs are throwing cash at a state judicial race
"VanDyke has wealthy corporate backers who have figured out that for a pittance — less than a million bucks — they can install a friendly justice to preside over cases in which they have an interest."
"VanDyke has wealthy corporate backers who have figured out that for a pittance — less than a million bucks — they can install a friendly justice to preside over cases in which they have an interest."
Bernie Sanders: The Real News Story They Won't Discuss Is, Why Are People Working Longer Hours For Less Pay?
Bernie Sanders: The Real News Story They Won't Discuss Is, Why Are People Working Longer Hours For Less Pay?
"And this issue of income and wealth inequality, wow. One percent owning 37 percent of the wealth in America. Bottom 60 percent owning 1.7 percent. One family, the Walton family of Wal-Mart, owning more wealth than the bottom 40 percent. Do you think we should be talking about that issue? You can’t get the discussion going on TV."
"And this issue of income and wealth inequality, wow. One percent owning 37 percent of the wealth in America. Bottom 60 percent owning 1.7 percent. One family, the Walton family of Wal-Mart, owning more wealth than the bottom 40 percent. Do you think we should be talking about that issue? You can’t get the discussion going on TV."
Stealing Election 2014: NC Voting Machines Flipped Votes For Democrats To Republicans
Stealing Election 2014: NC Voting Machines Flipped Votes For Democrats To Republicans
"More reports are rolling in of votes being "flipped" from Democratic candidates to Republicans to the other on electronic voting machines."
"More reports are rolling in of votes being "flipped" from Democratic candidates to Republicans to the other on electronic voting machines."
Sunday, November 2, 2014
If These Videos Don’t Convince You to Vote, Nothing Will | The Nation
If These Videos Don’t Convince You to Vote, Nothing Will | The Nation
"The spectrum of allowable electoral choices in this country could hardly be more limited and uninspiring. It’s hard to get excited about many candidates we have to choose from this Tuesday. But the only alternative to voting is not voting. And that’s an even worse option."
"The spectrum of allowable electoral choices in this country could hardly be more limited and uninspiring. It’s hard to get excited about many candidates we have to choose from this Tuesday. But the only alternative to voting is not voting. And that’s an even worse option."
Did Mitch McConnell Fail to Disclose His Trip to the Koch Donor Conference? | The Nation
Did Mitch McConnell Fail to Disclose His Trip to the Koch Donor Conference? | The Nation
"Mitch McConnell traveled to a secret meeting of donors connected to the Koch brothers network—and it now appears he didn’t disclose the expenses for that trip."
"Mitch McConnell traveled to a secret meeting of donors connected to the Koch brothers network—and it now appears he didn’t disclose the expenses for that trip."
Mitch McConnell’s Freighted Ties to a Shadowy Shipping Company | The Nation
Mitch McConnell’s Freighted Ties to a Shadowy Shipping Company | The Nation
"The seizure of the narcotics shipment in the Caribbean port occurred far away from Kentucky, the state in which Senator Mitch McConnell is now facing a career-defining election. But the Republican Senate minority leader has the closest of ties to the owner of the Ping May, the vessel containing the illicit materials: the Foremost Maritime Corporation, a firm founded and owned by McConnell’s in-laws, the Chao family."
"The seizure of the narcotics shipment in the Caribbean port occurred far away from Kentucky, the state in which Senator Mitch McConnell is now facing a career-defining election. But the Republican Senate minority leader has the closest of ties to the owner of the Ping May, the vessel containing the illicit materials: the Foremost Maritime Corporation, a firm founded and owned by McConnell’s in-laws, the Chao family."
Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan & Kevin McCarthy: Plot To Sabotage US Economy with Frank Luntz
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/08/1098434/-Eric-Cantor-Paul-Ryan-Kevin-McCarthy-Plot-To-Sabotage-US-Economy-with-Frank-Luntz
Remember the Caucus Room meeting?
"During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy." (Reposted)
Remember the Caucus Room meeting?
"During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy." (Reposted)
Shocking Mitch McConnell Mailer Suggests Kentucky Voters Involved in ‘Election Fraud’
Shocking Mitch McConnell Mailer Suggests Kentucky Voters Involved in ‘Election Fraud’
"Republicans want as few Americans as possible to show up to the polls this year. They know when fewer people vote, the better it is for the GOP. And it’s like I’ve said numerous times, any party or politician who’s trying to make it more difficult to vote or discourage Americans from voting clearly has some kind of unethical ulterior motive."
"Republicans want as few Americans as possible to show up to the polls this year. They know when fewer people vote, the better it is for the GOP. And it’s like I’ve said numerous times, any party or politician who’s trying to make it more difficult to vote or discourage Americans from voting clearly has some kind of unethical ulterior motive."
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Mitch McConnell Sends Out Voter Intimidation Mailer, Prompting Democratic Challenger To File Suit
http://www.alternet.org/election-2014/mitch-mcconnell-sends-out-voter-intimidation-mailer-prompting-democratic-challenger
"The Kentucky Republican mailer is as good an example as any of the modern face of voter suppression--and underscores that McConnell is in a very close race and voter turnout may tip the balance against him."
"The Kentucky Republican mailer is as good an example as any of the modern face of voter suppression--and underscores that McConnell is in a very close race and voter turnout may tip the balance against him."
Election Day Reality: The Republicans Have Got Nothing, and They Know It
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/01/election-day-reality-republicans-nothing.html
"Underneath it all, the truth is there to see: if the Republicans had something – anything – they would not be so eager to stop people from voting. But they have nothing and they know it, and they know we know it, which leaves them no choice but to let only those whose votes they can trust – white Evangelicals – retain the voting franchise. The rest of Americans? Well, they can go the way of the 47 percent."
"Underneath it all, the truth is there to see: if the Republicans had something – anything – they would not be so eager to stop people from voting. But they have nothing and they know it, and they know we know it, which leaves them no choice but to let only those whose votes they can trust – white Evangelicals – retain the voting franchise. The rest of Americans? Well, they can go the way of the 47 percent."
10 Lies Republicans Love To Use To Terrify Americans
10 Lies Republicans Love To Use To Terrify Americans
"nearly the entire Republican party platform is built upon blatant misinformation and lies. And the worst part is, millions of Americans actually believe this nonsense."
"nearly the entire Republican party platform is built upon blatant misinformation and lies. And the worst part is, millions of Americans actually believe this nonsense."
10 insane, fear-mongering GOP lies this election cycle
10 insane, fear-mongering GOP lies this election cycle
"Halloween has come and gone, but the Republican Party is offering up its own scares, pulling out its worst scaremongering tactics to try to use fear to get voters to the polls for their candidates."
"Halloween has come and gone, but the Republican Party is offering up its own scares, pulling out its worst scaremongering tactics to try to use fear to get voters to the polls for their candidates."
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