4 Things You Should Know About Presidential Candidate Scott Walker Before It’s Too Late | Alternet
"He is so corrupt the corruption itself gives him cover, because an objective description of it sounds like a hyperbolic screed, leading to an “Oh, come on, he can’t be as bad as all that” from people who don’t know his history.
He IS that bad."
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Walker’s Punked Phone Call
http://scottwalkerwatch.com/koch-brothers/walkers-punked-phone-call/
Looks like the Koch brothers are going to get behind Scott Walker for 2016. Anyone remember this phone call? Good reminder of just how bought and paid for he really is. They owned him from the very start. (actual recording above the transcript)
Looks like the Koch brothers are going to get behind Scott Walker for 2016. Anyone remember this phone call? Good reminder of just how bought and paid for he really is. They owned him from the very start. (actual recording above the transcript)
Why Is No One Talking About the GOP’s Plan to Send Millions of Disabled Americans Into Poverty? | The Nation
Why Is No One Talking About the GOP’s Plan to Send Millions of Disabled Americans Into Poverty? | The Nation
"Despite their virtues, many conservative Republicans have an unfortunate habit of picking on the weak and disadvantaged, slandering the people least able to fight back."
"Despite their virtues, many conservative Republicans have an unfortunate habit of picking on the weak and disadvantaged, slandering the people least able to fight back."
Report: Overpaid CEOs hurt shareholders, employees and the nation as a whole
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/16/1364740/-Report-Overpaid-CEOs-hurt-shareholders-employees-and-the-nation-as-a-whole
"Some people may argue that it shouldn't matter to anyone but shareholders what a company pays its top executives. But the pay structures that allow this grotesquely out-of-whack compensation don't just harm shareholders, according to the report, "they also prevent corporations from paying decent wages to their employees." They also hurt taxpayers because the performance-based compensation is a write-off no matter how large. And, increasingly, that compensation is divorced from actual performance."
"Some people may argue that it shouldn't matter to anyone but shareholders what a company pays its top executives. But the pay structures that allow this grotesquely out-of-whack compensation don't just harm shareholders, according to the report, "they also prevent corporations from paying decent wages to their employees." They also hurt taxpayers because the performance-based compensation is a write-off no matter how large. And, increasingly, that compensation is divorced from actual performance."
The Christian Right Is Quite Scary, But the GOP's Economic Agenda Is America's Big Nightmare | Alternet
The Christian Right Is Quite Scary, But the GOP's Economic Agenda Is America's Big Nightmare | Alternet
"America’s Christian right has a long history of demonstrating its devotion to fanaticism, extravagance and folly, but since the Reagan era, these tendencies have been deployed very effectively by politicians who want to appeal to sensibilities and loyalties of ordinary Americans while picking their pockets. That’s what this latest round of rabble-rousing is really all about."
"America’s Christian right has a long history of demonstrating its devotion to fanaticism, extravagance and folly, but since the Reagan era, these tendencies have been deployed very effectively by politicians who want to appeal to sensibilities and loyalties of ordinary Americans while picking their pockets. That’s what this latest round of rabble-rousing is really all about."
In Case You Missed It: Joni Ernst Caught On Tape Saying Poor People Aren’t Entitled to Food, Clothing, or Health Care
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/02/16/in-case-you-missed-it-joni-ernst-caught-on-tape-saying-poor-people-arent-entitled-to-food-clothing-or-health-care/
"Congratulations, Iowa (where over 900,000 residents- or one-third of the state- receives some form of government assistance) on electing this woman who thinks you’re all just a bunch of lazy, entitled moochers, and who wants to inflict a “painful” ideology on you."
"Congratulations, Iowa (where over 900,000 residents- or one-third of the state- receives some form of government assistance) on electing this woman who thinks you’re all just a bunch of lazy, entitled moochers, and who wants to inflict a “painful” ideology on you."
Papa John’s Stole Wages From Their Employees, Now They’re Paying An $800,000 Price Tag For It
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/02/10/papa-johns-stole-wages-from-their-employees-now-theyre-paying-an-800000-price-tag-for-it/
"Gee, it kinda sounds like John Schnatter literally got rich by stealing from his own employees. After all, parent companies get a slice of the profits made by their franchisees. Combined with his refusal to pay his workers a living wage and his refusal to provide them with health insurance, it’s no wonder why Schnatter is able to live in such opulence. Here’s an aerial photograph of his sprawling 40,000 square foot castle in Kentucky, which includes a pool, a golf course, a 22 car garage, and a drawbridge.
In addition, Schnatter owns two other homes in Florida and Utah. All generously and unknowingly purchased by workers for John Schnatter with their stolen wages while they slave away in kitchens across the country with no health insurance. And conservatives have the nerve to wonder why fast food workers are going on strike. It’s because of greedy jackasses like this guy."
"Gee, it kinda sounds like John Schnatter literally got rich by stealing from his own employees. After all, parent companies get a slice of the profits made by their franchisees. Combined with his refusal to pay his workers a living wage and his refusal to provide them with health insurance, it’s no wonder why Schnatter is able to live in such opulence. Here’s an aerial photograph of his sprawling 40,000 square foot castle in Kentucky, which includes a pool, a golf course, a 22 car garage, and a drawbridge.
In addition, Schnatter owns two other homes in Florida and Utah. All generously and unknowingly purchased by workers for John Schnatter with their stolen wages while they slave away in kitchens across the country with no health insurance. And conservatives have the nerve to wonder why fast food workers are going on strike. It’s because of greedy jackasses like this guy."
Monday, February 16, 2015
North Carolina GOP Looks To Raise Taxes On Students And Defrauded Homeowners
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/02/16/3623378/north-carolina-mortgage-relief-tax/
"Anyone in North Carolina who wins a write-down on their mortgage could end up owing the state thousands of dollars in extra income taxes under a Republican-backed proposal that cleared the state Senate last week."
"Anyone in North Carolina who wins a write-down on their mortgage could end up owing the state thousands of dollars in extra income taxes under a Republican-backed proposal that cleared the state Senate last week."
The Koch Agenda Brings Pain And Woe To People In Republican Controlled Red States
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/02/15/tea-party-extremists-control-republicans-conservative-movement.html
"In North Carolina, another Koch state suffering conservative economic policies, extremist Koch surrogates Art Pope and Republican governor Pat McCrory are publicly conspiring to assault higher education by eliminating several University of North Carolina academic centers that do not comport with teabagger racists or Koch brother libertarian philosophy. Academic centers targeted for extinction are the Center for Faculty Excellence; the Center for Law and Government; the Institute for Education; Center for Black Culture and History; the Center for Civil Rights, the Institute on Aging, and the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity.
Later this month, a panel staffed with Koch devotees will begin a review of the University of North Carolina’s academic system under libertarian Art Pope’s direction to begin eliminating those academic centers from existence. Why? Because they run contrary to the Koch’s libertarian “vision for America” under corporate fascism and they will be successful because the Kochs have convinced so-called ‘real Americans’ Palin described that their way of life and their god, their guns, and Constitution can only be preserved by eliminating higher education focused on reducing poverty, combatting racism, and reducing economic inequality."
"In North Carolina, another Koch state suffering conservative economic policies, extremist Koch surrogates Art Pope and Republican governor Pat McCrory are publicly conspiring to assault higher education by eliminating several University of North Carolina academic centers that do not comport with teabagger racists or Koch brother libertarian philosophy. Academic centers targeted for extinction are the Center for Faculty Excellence; the Center for Law and Government; the Institute for Education; Center for Black Culture and History; the Center for Civil Rights, the Institute on Aging, and the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity.
Later this month, a panel staffed with Koch devotees will begin a review of the University of North Carolina’s academic system under libertarian Art Pope’s direction to begin eliminating those academic centers from existence. Why? Because they run contrary to the Koch’s libertarian “vision for America” under corporate fascism and they will be successful because the Kochs have convinced so-called ‘real Americans’ Palin described that their way of life and their god, their guns, and Constitution can only be preserved by eliminating higher education focused on reducing poverty, combatting racism, and reducing economic inequality."
Did the GOP Just Give Away $130 Billion of Public Property? | The Nation
Did the GOP Just Give Away $130 Billion of Public Property? | The Nation
"McCain and Flake pressed hard for this rip-off to be included in the Defense Authorization bill, even though it has nothing to do with defense."
"McCain and Flake pressed hard for this rip-off to be included in the Defense Authorization bill, even though it has nothing to do with defense."
Prosecutor in Scott Walker Probe Asks Justices to Recuse
Prosecutor in Scott Walker Probe Asks Justices to Recuse
"The prosecutor leading the probe into possible coordination between Governor Scott Walker's campaign and outside groups has asked some Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves from hearing a challenge to the investigation."
"The prosecutor leading the probe into possible coordination between Governor Scott Walker's campaign and outside groups has asked some Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves from hearing a challenge to the investigation."
Walker's 'Job Creation Agency' Gets A Closer Look
Walker's 'Job Creation Agency' Gets A Closer Look
"Walker used the WEDC board as a place to stick his unqualified former campaign workers, even though they had no experience in economic development
The money they lost track of was in the tens of millions of dollars
WEDC was involved in bid rigging
They used taxpayer money to buy iTunes for their iPads and tickets to Badger games
Many of the companies that received WEDC money were also Walker campaign donors"
"Walker used the WEDC board as a place to stick his unqualified former campaign workers, even though they had no experience in economic development
The money they lost track of was in the tens of millions of dollars
WEDC was involved in bid rigging
They used taxpayer money to buy iTunes for their iPads and tickets to Badger games
Many of the companies that received WEDC money were also Walker campaign donors"
New Front In #RepublicanClassWar: Social Security For The Disabled
New Front In #RepublicanClassWar: Social Security For The Disabled
"Class war is precisely what we’ve been seeing for decades now – but it’s been waged for, not against, the wealthy. And Republicans have been its dutiful servants from the start. It might make a good hashtag, come to think of it: #RepublicanClassWar."
"Class war is precisely what we’ve been seeing for decades now – but it’s been waged for, not against, the wealthy. And Republicans have been its dutiful servants from the start. It might make a good hashtag, come to think of it: #RepublicanClassWar."
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Scott Walker's Most Heinous Budget Stunt Yet
Scott Walker's Most Heinous Budget Stunt Yet
"In other words, Walker wants to force the frail elderly and disabled adults into a single, expensive program. He then wants to give these contracts - worth more than $3 billion - in a no bid process to large for profit insurance companies, who will have little or no oversight.
Gee, do you think he is fishing for the Big Insurance campaign donations with this immoral giveaway?
Ah, but that's not all. With all things Walker, there is more. There is always more.
Walker is not satisfied with just going after the disabled adults and frail elderly. He wants to go after disabled children as well."
"In other words, Walker wants to force the frail elderly and disabled adults into a single, expensive program. He then wants to give these contracts - worth more than $3 billion - in a no bid process to large for profit insurance companies, who will have little or no oversight.
Gee, do you think he is fishing for the Big Insurance campaign donations with this immoral giveaway?
Ah, but that's not all. With all things Walker, there is more. There is always more.
Walker is not satisfied with just going after the disabled adults and frail elderly. He wants to go after disabled children as well."
A "Grand Alliance" To Save Our Public Postal Service
A "Grand Alliance" To Save Our Public Postal Service
"Republicans have been pushing schemes to privatize the Postal Service since at least 1996. In 2006 Republicans in the Congress pushed through a requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund 75 years of retiree costs. The Postal Service has to pay now for employees who are not even born yet. No other government agency – and certainly no company – has to do this."
"Republicans have been pushing schemes to privatize the Postal Service since at least 1996. In 2006 Republicans in the Congress pushed through a requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund 75 years of retiree costs. The Postal Service has to pay now for employees who are not even born yet. No other government agency – and certainly no company – has to do this."
With These Hires, Congress Becomes Even More Like a Corporation | The Nation
With These Hires, Congress Becomes Even More Like a Corporation | The Nation
"On almost any big issue coming up for debate during the final two years of the Obama administration—surveillance, trade, healthcare, entitlements, tax reform, climate change—corporate lobbyists will now be attempting to influence their own former colleagues, whose salaries are now covered by US taxpayers."
"On almost any big issue coming up for debate during the final two years of the Obama administration—surveillance, trade, healthcare, entitlements, tax reform, climate change—corporate lobbyists will now be attempting to influence their own former colleagues, whose salaries are now covered by US taxpayers."
Bruce Rauner Inaugurates War on Working Families
Bruce Rauner Inaugurates War on Working Families
"Billionaire financier and new Republican Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner, who already raised eyebrows by calling for lowering the state’s minimum wage during his campaign, continued his war on working families this week with a move straight out of the ALEC playbook."
"Billionaire financier and new Republican Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner, who already raised eyebrows by calling for lowering the state’s minimum wage during his campaign, continued his war on working families this week with a move straight out of the ALEC playbook."
The Tea Party is getting worse: Media may want a new narrative, but GOP is still nuts
The Tea Party is getting worse: Media may want a new narrative, but GOP is still nuts
"It’s not over in the U.S. Congress, where a shutdown-in-miniature is unfolding between the White House and the Tea Party wing of the GOP. It’s not over in Wisconsin, where a Tea Party-darling governor is slashing the state university system’s funding, changing its mission statement (while lying about it), and fighting tooth and nail to humiliate people on government benefits. It’s not over in North Carolina, where a billionaire-backed Tea Party government is also going after the public university system in its effort to turn the state into Kansas."
"It’s not over in the U.S. Congress, where a shutdown-in-miniature is unfolding between the White House and the Tea Party wing of the GOP. It’s not over in Wisconsin, where a Tea Party-darling governor is slashing the state university system’s funding, changing its mission statement (while lying about it), and fighting tooth and nail to humiliate people on government benefits. It’s not over in North Carolina, where a billionaire-backed Tea Party government is also going after the public university system in its effort to turn the state into Kansas."
So Christie Wants To Hold Staff Funding Hostage To Extort Profits From Any Book
So Christie Wants To Hold Staff Funding Hostage To Extort Profits From Any Book
"Late last year, lawmakers worked on a deal that would rewrite the law to allow Christie to profit from a book deal in exchange for more money for legislative staff and judicial salaries."
"Late last year, lawmakers worked on a deal that would rewrite the law to allow Christie to profit from a book deal in exchange for more money for legislative staff and judicial salaries."
High Risk Investment That Brought Down The U.S. Economy Returns, With A New Name
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/02/05/3619325/bespoke-tranche-opportunities-are-your-god-now-america/
"When a restaurant fails a health code inspection, sometimes the easiest thing to do is to close up shop, let people forget what happened, then slap a new sign on the door and reopen under a new name. That’s essentially what the world’s biggest banks are doing with a complex, high-risk investment product that helped destroy the global economy less than eight years ago."
"When a restaurant fails a health code inspection, sometimes the easiest thing to do is to close up shop, let people forget what happened, then slap a new sign on the door and reopen under a new name. That’s essentially what the world’s biggest banks are doing with a complex, high-risk investment product that helped destroy the global economy less than eight years ago."
Jon Stewart Exposes Just How Corrupt Chris Christie Really Is (Video)
Jon Stewart Exposes Just How Corrupt Chris Christie Really Is (Video)
"Hopefully in 2018, the citizens of The Garden State will select someone slightly less egotistical and corrupt."
"Hopefully in 2018, the citizens of The Garden State will select someone slightly less egotistical and corrupt."
Chris Christie’s legal woes pile up: Governor’s administration faces new criminal probe
Chris Christie’s legal woes pile up: Governor’s administration faces new criminal probe
"Christie’s office is currently embroiled in 23 court battles to prevent the release of state documents on such matters as Bridgegate, pay-to-play accusations, potential ethics abuses, and the governor’s out-of-state travel."
"Christie’s office is currently embroiled in 23 court battles to prevent the release of state documents on such matters as Bridgegate, pay-to-play accusations, potential ethics abuses, and the governor’s out-of-state travel."
Friday, February 13, 2015
NJ Taxpayers Pay Close Christie Pal For Governor's Legal Defense
NJ Taxpayers Pay Close Christie Pal For Governor's Legal Defense
"Palatucci is considered to be one of Christie's closest advisers. He signed the organizing papers for a new political action committee expected to promote Christie's prospective presidential campaign. His firm is serving as the counsel to the committee and he is expected to serve in a leadership role on Christie's presidential campaign."
"Palatucci is considered to be one of Christie's closest advisers. He signed the organizing papers for a new political action committee expected to promote Christie's prospective presidential campaign. His firm is serving as the counsel to the committee and he is expected to serve in a leadership role on Christie's presidential campaign."
Rand Paul caught lying about his college record
Rand Paul caught lying about his college record
"Senator's office forced to admit that he never graduated"
"Senator's office forced to admit that he never graduated"
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tea Party’s Disastrous Tax Cut Experiment Comes To Ohio
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/02/12/3622262/ohio-small-business-tax-cut-kansas/
"Similarities and contrasts with Brownback’s recent catastrophe aside, the broader trade-off in public priorities that underlies Kasich’s proposal has parallels in other states where GOP governors are looking to make a splash. In Louisiana, Arizona, Wisconsin, and elsewhere, heads of state are proposing 2015 budgets that would shrink the pool of money available for public services in order to put more money into wealthy interests’ pockets. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has proposed to use public resources to finance a new NBA stadium for the billionaire owners of the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside huge cuts to the state’s public universities. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) wants to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the state’s higher education system while refusing to shrink the state’s generous tax breaks to industry amid broader budget trouble. And in Arizona, Gov. David Ducey (R) has proposed almost $400 million in public spending cuts while also asking taxpayers to spend $5 million building a new for-profit, privately owned prison."
"Similarities and contrasts with Brownback’s recent catastrophe aside, the broader trade-off in public priorities that underlies Kasich’s proposal has parallels in other states where GOP governors are looking to make a splash. In Louisiana, Arizona, Wisconsin, and elsewhere, heads of state are proposing 2015 budgets that would shrink the pool of money available for public services in order to put more money into wealthy interests’ pockets. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has proposed to use public resources to finance a new NBA stadium for the billionaire owners of the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside huge cuts to the state’s public universities. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) wants to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the state’s higher education system while refusing to shrink the state’s generous tax breaks to industry amid broader budget trouble. And in Arizona, Gov. David Ducey (R) has proposed almost $400 million in public spending cuts while also asking taxpayers to spend $5 million building a new for-profit, privately owned prison."
'Made in the USA' Just a Political Slogan to Conservatives
'Made in the USA' Just a Political Slogan to Conservatives
"Conservatives in Congress have once again proven they are not really interested in increasing jobs in the US if corporate campaigns are at stake. This time, it’s because of their fierce approval for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The pipeline, being built and run by TransCanada, will bring tar sands oil from Alberta to the Gulf Coast. All the oil will be exported. Major beneficiaries, including House Speaker John Boehner, are those who invest in a Canadian company."
"Conservatives in Congress have once again proven they are not really interested in increasing jobs in the US if corporate campaigns are at stake. This time, it’s because of their fierce approval for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The pipeline, being built and run by TransCanada, will bring tar sands oil from Alberta to the Gulf Coast. All the oil will be exported. Major beneficiaries, including House Speaker John Boehner, are those who invest in a Canadian company."
Brownback's Experiment In Supply-Side Economics Fails Miserably
Brownback's Experiment In Supply-Side Economics Fails Miserably
"Brownback called ALEC's Supply-Side Symphony "a real live experiment" in economics; the law completely eliminated taxes for 191,000 business owners in the state, and cut income taxes by a stunning 29 percent. Actually, that was just for the top income earners in the state, who now get to keep almost a third more of their millions than they did in 2009.
All of this was projected to cost the state $934 million in lost income over the next six years. In every way conceivable, this tax cut was a Conservative Libertarian dream come true, guaranteed to turn Kansas into a utopia of economic growth. Grover Norquist called Senate Bill HB 2117 "model legislation" for the nation, guaranteed to stimulate massive growth in the state. It was passed overwhelmingly by a chorus of GOP legislators, and signed into law by Brownback.
Ah-MEN, Reeeaaaagaaannn…
But, a funny thing happened on the way to Heaven.
Reality.
As anyone but a Republican could have predicted, Brownback's Law did almost nothing for the state in terms of business and employment growth. But it did a lot for the wealthiest business owners, shifting almost the entire state's remaining tax burden shifted squarely onto low- and middle-class workers. It also left Kansas with a $292 million budget shortfall as of June 2014, $314 million by the end of the year, and a predicted $2.5 billion by 2018."
"Brownback called ALEC's Supply-Side Symphony "a real live experiment" in economics; the law completely eliminated taxes for 191,000 business owners in the state, and cut income taxes by a stunning 29 percent. Actually, that was just for the top income earners in the state, who now get to keep almost a third more of their millions than they did in 2009.
All of this was projected to cost the state $934 million in lost income over the next six years. In every way conceivable, this tax cut was a Conservative Libertarian dream come true, guaranteed to turn Kansas into a utopia of economic growth. Grover Norquist called Senate Bill HB 2117 "model legislation" for the nation, guaranteed to stimulate massive growth in the state. It was passed overwhelmingly by a chorus of GOP legislators, and signed into law by Brownback.
Ah-MEN, Reeeaaaagaaannn…
But, a funny thing happened on the way to Heaven.
Reality.
As anyone but a Republican could have predicted, Brownback's Law did almost nothing for the state in terms of business and employment growth. But it did a lot for the wealthiest business owners, shifting almost the entire state's remaining tax burden shifted squarely onto low- and middle-class workers. It also left Kansas with a $292 million budget shortfall as of June 2014, $314 million by the end of the year, and a predicted $2.5 billion by 2018."
Exposing the Republican Party's Sleazy Playbook to Destroy Social Security | Alternet
Exposing the Republican Party's Sleazy Playbook to Destroy Social Security | Alternet
"In one of its first actions, the Republican House of Representatives of the 114th Congress, changed its rules to manufacture a Social Security crisis."
"In one of its first actions, the Republican House of Representatives of the 114th Congress, changed its rules to manufacture a Social Security crisis."
Consumer Protection Agency Seeks Limits on Payday Lenders
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/consumer-protection-agency-seeks-limits-on-payday-lenders/?_r=1
"In the world of consumer finance, they are chameleons: payday lenders that alter their practices and shift their products ever so slightly to work around state laws aimed at stamping out short-term loans that can come with interest rates exceeding 300 percent.
Such maneuvers by the roughly $46 billion payday loan industry, state regulators say, have frustrated their efforts to protect consumers.
Now, for the first time, a federal regulator is entering the fray, drafting regulations that could sharply reduce the number of unaffordable loans that lenders can make."
"In the world of consumer finance, they are chameleons: payday lenders that alter their practices and shift their products ever so slightly to work around state laws aimed at stamping out short-term loans that can come with interest rates exceeding 300 percent.
Such maneuvers by the roughly $46 billion payday loan industry, state regulators say, have frustrated their efforts to protect consumers.
Now, for the first time, a federal regulator is entering the fray, drafting regulations that could sharply reduce the number of unaffordable loans that lenders can make."
Koch Cartel Blocking Medicaid Expansion, Denying Hundreds of Thousands Care | Alternet
Koch Cartel Blocking Medicaid Expansion, Denying Hundreds of Thousands Care | Alternet
"While it is not a surprise that the Republican war on Obamacare continues, it is new to see a handful of Republican governors push for Medicaid expansion while the GOP's Koch wing is essentially intimidating state lawmakers into voting no."
"While it is not a surprise that the Republican war on Obamacare continues, it is new to see a handful of Republican governors push for Medicaid expansion while the GOP's Koch wing is essentially intimidating state lawmakers into voting no."
Best Campaign Finance Reform Story Of The Year
Best Campaign Finance Reform Story Of The Year
"So here we’ve got us a woman whacker hosting the Gubernatorial Inauguration and sitting on Texas government advisory boards because he bought and paid for that"
"So here we’ve got us a woman whacker hosting the Gubernatorial Inauguration and sitting on Texas government advisory boards because he bought and paid for that"
Imaginary Future President Chris Christie Implicated in Yet Another Corruption Case
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/02/imaginary-future-president-chris-christie-implicated-yet-another-corruption-case/
"But while Christie’s legal problems are very serious indeed, he can rest easy knowing he’s in good company. Republican governors the country over have proven themselves to be craven, incompetent and wildly corrupt in a way that would make Boss Tweed blush and excuse himself."
"But while Christie’s legal problems are very serious indeed, he can rest easy knowing he’s in good company. Republican governors the country over have proven themselves to be craven, incompetent and wildly corrupt in a way that would make Boss Tweed blush and excuse himself."
GOP’s anti-school insanity: How Scott Walker & Bobby Jindal declared war on education
GOP’s anti-school insanity: How Scott Walker & Bobby Jindal declared war on education
"It's come to this: To appeal to the party's far-right base, GOP leaders want to gut public education."
"It's come to this: To appeal to the party's far-right base, GOP leaders want to gut public education."
Fox News Moron Insists Walmart Will Spontaneously Save Us When Disaster Strikes (Video)
Fox News Moron Insists Walmart Will Spontaneously Save Us When Disaster Strikes (Video)
"the fact that Stossel tried to compare how we should run a massive and complex society using the example of the direction skaters skate at a rink, and how they don’t need someone to tell them which way to go, shows just how absurd and simpleminded he really is."
"the fact that Stossel tried to compare how we should run a massive and complex society using the example of the direction skaters skate at a rink, and how they don’t need someone to tell them which way to go, shows just how absurd and simpleminded he really is."
Time Warner Fights Municipal Broadband By Taking Lawmakers And Their Spouses On Vacation
Time Warner Fights Municipal Broadband By Taking Lawmakers And Their Spouses On Vacation
"This isn’t the first time that Time Warner Cable bribed hosted Maine lawmakers to starve off municipal broadband plans. In 2013, Time Warner Cable hosted a similar event. Additionally, since 2008, Time Warner has donated more than $240,000 to Maine politicians."
"This isn’t the first time that Time Warner Cable bribed hosted Maine lawmakers to starve off municipal broadband plans. In 2013, Time Warner Cable hosted a similar event. Additionally, since 2008, Time Warner has donated more than $240,000 to Maine politicians."
Monday, February 9, 2015
After Historically Positive Jobs Report, John Boehner’s Tweet Once Again Proves He’s Delusional
After Historically Positive Jobs Report, John Boehner’s Tweet Once Again Proves He’s Delusional
"As most people know, the first Friday of every month marks the release of our nation’s monthly jobs report. And for 59 straight months now this nation has added jobs – the longest streak in U.S. history."
"As most people know, the first Friday of every month marks the release of our nation’s monthly jobs report. And for 59 straight months now this nation has added jobs – the longest streak in U.S. history."
Scott Walker Heightens Attack On Public Education
Scott Walker Heightens Attack On Public Education
"Shortly after Scott Walker was first elected as governor of Wisconsin, he set about attacking the state's education system to prepare it for privatization. His first act was to cut more than a billion dollars from the education system. The effects of this massive cut were devastating, so much so that even the school district that Walker championed as a "success story" is failing horribly.
This year, Walker and his Republican cohorts in the state legislature have upped their attacks on the public education system. Walker wants to eliminate the requirement that teachers actually know how to teach. Meanwhile, his cohorts in crimes against humanity are trying to mandate that the public schools they deem to be unworthy have to become private schools - all at the taxpayers' expense, of course."
"Shortly after Scott Walker was first elected as governor of Wisconsin, he set about attacking the state's education system to prepare it for privatization. His first act was to cut more than a billion dollars from the education system. The effects of this massive cut were devastating, so much so that even the school district that Walker championed as a "success story" is failing horribly.
This year, Walker and his Republican cohorts in the state legislature have upped their attacks on the public education system. Walker wants to eliminate the requirement that teachers actually know how to teach. Meanwhile, his cohorts in crimes against humanity are trying to mandate that the public schools they deem to be unworthy have to become private schools - all at the taxpayers' expense, of course."
Saturday, February 7, 2015
How American Oligarchs Are Pushing America to the Brink of Fascism | Alternet
How American Oligarchs Are Pushing America to the Brink of Fascism | Alternet
"As the American Heritage Dictionary noted, fascism is: "A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with belligerent nationalism"."
"As the American Heritage Dictionary noted, fascism is: "A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with belligerent nationalism"."
Koch-supporting Texas billionaires reveal their true agenda: An America that looks like Texas
Koch-supporting Texas billionaires reveal their true agenda: An America that looks like Texas
"They don’t acknowledge that most Koch network donors can hide their identity behind the fake non-profits Koch political consultants set up, nor that they are talking about monopolizing the microphone and drowning out debate.
“The federal government increasingly stifles the free speech of its opponents,” they write. “Both parties have attempted to limit Americans’ ability to speak their minds about elections and politicians. Last year, 54 U.S. senators voted to amend the First Amendment to give Congress unlimited power to control political speech. And some federal agencies — especially the Internal Revenue Service — have targeted individuals and groups with which they disagree.”
Yes, you remember the IRS spat. Some top agency officials had the gall to notice that a bunch of political activists—i.e, Tea Party chapters—were not forming political committees under state and federal campaign rules, but were pretending to be non-profit charities to hide their donors’ identities. This is the “dark money” game.
Clearly, there’s no difference between the Tea Party and the March of Dimes."
"They don’t acknowledge that most Koch network donors can hide their identity behind the fake non-profits Koch political consultants set up, nor that they are talking about monopolizing the microphone and drowning out debate.
“The federal government increasingly stifles the free speech of its opponents,” they write. “Both parties have attempted to limit Americans’ ability to speak their minds about elections and politicians. Last year, 54 U.S. senators voted to amend the First Amendment to give Congress unlimited power to control political speech. And some federal agencies — especially the Internal Revenue Service — have targeted individuals and groups with which they disagree.”
Yes, you remember the IRS spat. Some top agency officials had the gall to notice that a bunch of political activists—i.e, Tea Party chapters—were not forming political committees under state and federal campaign rules, but were pretending to be non-profit charities to hide their donors’ identities. This is the “dark money” game.
Clearly, there’s no difference between the Tea Party and the March of Dimes."
How the Roberts Supreme Court Has Strengthened the Powerful and Screwed Everyone Else | The Nation
How the Roberts Supreme Court Has Strengthened the Powerful and Screwed Everyone Else | The Nation
"The sad irony is that, rather than serve its traditional role as the institution of government where those shut out of the political process can find a voice, the Court has used its rulings to strengthen the already deafening voices of the wealthy and powerful."
"The sad irony is that, rather than serve its traditional role as the institution of government where those shut out of the political process can find a voice, the Court has used its rulings to strengthen the already deafening voices of the wealthy and powerful."
The Economy Added The Most Jobs Last Year Since 1999
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/02/06/3620152/january-jobs-2/
"That represents the best year since 1999. The economy has added at least 200,000 jobs each month for the last 12 months, something not seen since 1994-1995."
"That represents the best year since 1999. The economy has added at least 200,000 jobs each month for the last 12 months, something not seen since 1994-1995."
Jeb Bush Points Out How Badly Our Economy Faltered During His Father And Brother’s Presidencies
Jeb Bush Points Out How Badly Our Economy Faltered During His Father And Brother’s Presidencies
"In the eyes of the Republican Party and those who continue to buy the lie that is trickle-down economics, Jeb Bush looks great. He looks like the return of the country club Republican (as my fiercely conservative mother likes to call them) and a renewed GOP focus on the economy instead of abortion, vaccines and discriminating against gay people. However, in making this statement, Jeb Bush has shown that President Obama has actually been better for the economy than either Bush president – and when the usual comments from conservatives come that it hasn’t done anything for them, you can gently remind them that they’ve admitted trickle-down economics don’t work."
"In the eyes of the Republican Party and those who continue to buy the lie that is trickle-down economics, Jeb Bush looks great. He looks like the return of the country club Republican (as my fiercely conservative mother likes to call them) and a renewed GOP focus on the economy instead of abortion, vaccines and discriminating against gay people. However, in making this statement, Jeb Bush has shown that President Obama has actually been better for the economy than either Bush president – and when the usual comments from conservatives come that it hasn’t done anything for them, you can gently remind them that they’ve admitted trickle-down economics don’t work."
Why Media Shouldn't Take GOP Attempts To Rebrand As Champions Of The Middle Class At Face Value
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/02/04/why-media-shouldnt-take-gop-attempts-to-rebrand/202407
"Early news coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign has tacitly allowed the GOP to disingenuously rebrand itself as a party of the middle class, despite the fact that the party's new rhetoric doesn't align with its policy positions that continue to exacerbate income inequality. When highlighting Republican rhetoric about the need to reduce income inequality, media should take care to hold the GOP accountable for its actions, not just its words."
"Early news coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign has tacitly allowed the GOP to disingenuously rebrand itself as a party of the middle class, despite the fact that the party's new rhetoric doesn't align with its policy positions that continue to exacerbate income inequality. When highlighting Republican rhetoric about the need to reduce income inequality, media should take care to hold the GOP accountable for its actions, not just its words."
Bernie Sanders Obliterates The Republican Job Creator Myth At Senate Hearing
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/02/03/bernie-sanders-obliterates-republican-job-creator-myth-senate-hearing.html
"Sen. Sanders was correct. There is no special class of job creators. Every single American that puts money back into the U.S. economy is a “job creator.” If Republicans want to protect the job creators, they should be cutting taxes for every American in the middle-class and below."
"Sen. Sanders was correct. There is no special class of job creators. Every single American that puts money back into the U.S. economy is a “job creator.” If Republicans want to protect the job creators, they should be cutting taxes for every American in the middle-class and below."
GOP Trickle Down Has 70% of Americans Near Financial Calamity
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/02/01/gop-trickle-70-americans-facing-financial-calamity.html
"For well over thirty years since Republican man-god Ronald Reagan declared that government is the evil destroying the great middle class, Republicans have maintained their demigod’s position that the solution to help the middle class is giving the richest Americans all of the nation’s assets and wealth. Since then, the rich have gotten richer and what was once a vibrant middle class is now less than vapor and on the verge of vanishing altogether. Instead of changing course and helping the majority of the population, Republicans still propose heaping wealth on the rich and increasing taxes on the bottom 90% of the population to complete the utter destruction of middle income earners. According to yet another report they are succeeding beyond their wildest dreams."
"For well over thirty years since Republican man-god Ronald Reagan declared that government is the evil destroying the great middle class, Republicans have maintained their demigod’s position that the solution to help the middle class is giving the richest Americans all of the nation’s assets and wealth. Since then, the rich have gotten richer and what was once a vibrant middle class is now less than vapor and on the verge of vanishing altogether. Instead of changing course and helping the majority of the population, Republicans still propose heaping wealth on the rich and increasing taxes on the bottom 90% of the population to complete the utter destruction of middle income earners. According to yet another report they are succeeding beyond their wildest dreams."
Jeb Bush's Cousin Is A Fox Business Executive
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/02/03/jeb-bushs-cousin-is-a-fox-business-executive/202089
"Ellis made headlines for his controversial role heading Fox News' decision desk during the 2000 election, when the network was the first to call Florida for another Ellis cousin, George W. Bush."
"Ellis made headlines for his controversial role heading Fox News' decision desk during the 2000 election, when the network was the first to call Florida for another Ellis cousin, George W. Bush."
While Trying to Bash the President, Ted Cruz Ends Up Proving GOP Economic Policies Don’t Work (Video)
While Trying to Bash the President, Ted Cruz Ends Up Proving GOP Economic Policies Don’t Work (Video)
"It’s just absurd to see Republicans like Cruz try to claim Obama’s policies are causing these massive issues with income inequality when this is a pattern we’ve seen building for decades and it’s a direct result of the failed economic ideology his party supports known as trickle-down economics. And when any Republican talks about wage stagnation, while also claiming that the rich are doing better than they ever have before, they’re flat-out admitting that their entire economic philosophy is one giant scam."
"It’s just absurd to see Republicans like Cruz try to claim Obama’s policies are causing these massive issues with income inequality when this is a pattern we’ve seen building for decades and it’s a direct result of the failed economic ideology his party supports known as trickle-down economics. And when any Republican talks about wage stagnation, while also claiming that the rich are doing better than they ever have before, they’re flat-out admitting that their entire economic philosophy is one giant scam."
Scott Walker’s hilarious screwup: How he messed with University of Wisconsin — and infuriated his state
Scott Walker’s hilarious screwup: How he messed with University of Wisconsin — and infuriated his state
"This guy is seriously the best the Republicans have? Here's why he's backtracking on a lame new education "reform"."
"This guy is seriously the best the Republicans have? Here's why he's backtracking on a lame new education "reform"."
Scott Walker's Attempted Murder Of The Wisconsin Idea Fails Spectacularly
Scott Walker's Attempted Murder Of The Wisconsin Idea Fails Spectacularly
"In summary, Walker wants to change the UW system into a taxpayer-funded jobs training program, another version of corporate welfare. Walker didn't expect anyone to notice this, but when they did and expressed their outrage, he tried to spin it as a drafting error. But his own words belie that lie.
I would dare say that Walker is hoping that, with the help of a cooperative and compliant corporate media, people will soon forget this egregious pandering to his dark money benefactors and will allow his changes to stand.
The only thing Walker has left to do is change the UW-Madison mascot from a badger to one more suiting of himself - a weasel."
"In summary, Walker wants to change the UW system into a taxpayer-funded jobs training program, another version of corporate welfare. Walker didn't expect anyone to notice this, but when they did and expressed their outrage, he tried to spin it as a drafting error. But his own words belie that lie.
I would dare say that Walker is hoping that, with the help of a cooperative and compliant corporate media, people will soon forget this egregious pandering to his dark money benefactors and will allow his changes to stand.
The only thing Walker has left to do is change the UW-Madison mascot from a badger to one more suiting of himself - a weasel."
Walker Strikes Truth and Wisconsin Idea from UW Mission in Budget
Walker Strikes Truth and Wisconsin Idea from UW Mission in Budget
"In addition to unprecedented budget cuts to the University of Wisconsin (UW) system, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker struck "the search for truth" and the Wisconsin Idea from the university's mission in his executive budget bill unveiled last night."
"In addition to unprecedented budget cuts to the University of Wisconsin (UW) system, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker struck "the search for truth" and the Wisconsin Idea from the university's mission in his executive budget bill unveiled last night."
Wisconsin Bully Gov. Scott Walker's New Hard Core Right-Wing Message | Alternet
Wisconsin Bully Gov. Scott Walker's New Hard Core Right-Wing Message | Alternet
"Walker’s vain narrative, where he casts himself as a conservative hero, pleased Republicans on the call, according to the Register."
"Walker’s vain narrative, where he casts himself as a conservative hero, pleased Republicans on the call, according to the Register."
Thugs and Demagogues: 7 Right-Wing Wackos the Media Will Shove Down Our Throats in 2016 | Alternet
Thugs and Demagogues: 7 Right-Wing Wackos the Media Will Shove Down Our Throats in 2016 | Alternet
"Thanks to the Kochs, ready or not, here they come."
"Thanks to the Kochs, ready or not, here they come."
Scott Walker's War on Wisconsin
Scott Walker's War on Wisconsin
"By the time he leaves the governor's mansion, our once great public school system, our model environmental protections and our world-class university will be mere shadows of their former selves.
Walker is, of course, a favorite of the Koch brothers. He showed up at their swanky retreat in Palm Springs after his star turn in Iowa, just as the Kochs announced they will spend $889 million in the 2016 election cycle––as much as each party's presidential nominee.
Walker is a great frontman for the Kochs' ideology: union busting; deregulation, especially of their own fossil fuel industry (the governor in Iowa said Wisconsin was planning to sue the federal government over new EPA limits on power plant carbon emissions); tax cuts for the rich; repeal of the Affordable Care Act (another Walker applause line); and the privatization of everything."
"By the time he leaves the governor's mansion, our once great public school system, our model environmental protections and our world-class university will be mere shadows of their former selves.
Walker is, of course, a favorite of the Koch brothers. He showed up at their swanky retreat in Palm Springs after his star turn in Iowa, just as the Kochs announced they will spend $889 million in the 2016 election cycle––as much as each party's presidential nominee.
Walker is a great frontman for the Kochs' ideology: union busting; deregulation, especially of their own fossil fuel industry (the governor in Iowa said Wisconsin was planning to sue the federal government over new EPA limits on power plant carbon emissions); tax cuts for the rich; repeal of the Affordable Care Act (another Walker applause line); and the privatization of everything."
Friday, February 6, 2015
Republicans Call for Imposing ALEC Zones on Poorest Neighborhoods of Milwaukee
Republicans Call for Imposing ALEC Zones on Poorest Neighborhoods of Milwaukee
"Two suburban Wisconsin lawmakers have unveiled an economic development plan for the lowest-income neighborhoods of Milwaukee, and their "solutions" for the Wisconsin communities hit hardest by deindustrialization come directly from a national right-wing playbook.
Rep. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) represent two of the wealthiest districts in Wisconsin and have no background in economic development, yet have proposed at 23-page plan targeting the majority-minority communities with the highest unemployment rates in the state -- and have done so without consulting any of the elected officials who actually represent the area."
"Two suburban Wisconsin lawmakers have unveiled an economic development plan for the lowest-income neighborhoods of Milwaukee, and their "solutions" for the Wisconsin communities hit hardest by deindustrialization come directly from a national right-wing playbook.
Rep. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) represent two of the wealthiest districts in Wisconsin and have no background in economic development, yet have proposed at 23-page plan targeting the majority-minority communities with the highest unemployment rates in the state -- and have done so without consulting any of the elected officials who actually represent the area."
Scott Walker, The Big And Bold (Faced Liar)
Scott Walker, The Big And Bold (Faced Liar)
"Big and bold lie #1: Walker promised to create 250,000 jobs in his first term in office.
Reality: As of last September, there has been 102,000 jobs created since Walker took office. And many of those jobs came during the first six months of his term, before any of his policies or budgets took effect.
As if Walker's job abysmal job creation record wasn't bad enough, Wisconsin's wages are at the bottom of the scale as well. Hell, even Chuck Todd knew that!"
"Big and bold lie #1: Walker promised to create 250,000 jobs in his first term in office.
Reality: As of last September, there has been 102,000 jobs created since Walker took office. And many of those jobs came during the first six months of his term, before any of his policies or budgets took effect.
As if Walker's job abysmal job creation record wasn't bad enough, Wisconsin's wages are at the bottom of the scale as well. Hell, even Chuck Todd knew that!"
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