https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/civil-liberties/news/2015/12/08/126434/infographic-the-judicial-vacancy-crisis-by-the-numbers/
"The Senate is waging a war of attrition on judicial confirmations. Since the beginning of 2015, the number of judicial vacancies has increased substantially and the number of judicial vacancy emergencies has more than doubled. President Barack Obama’s judicial nominees wait more than 40 percent longer for confirmation than President George W. Bush’s nominees. It is no wonder that the number of civil cases pending in the federal courts continues to grow, and more Americans are waiting for their day in court."
Friday, December 18, 2015
Donald Trump Frantically Trying To Scrub Mob Ties From Internet (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/11/donald-trump-frantically-trying-to-scrub-mob-ties-from-internet-video/
"Sater pleaded guilty in 1998 to one count of racketeering for his role in a $40 million stock fraud scheme involving the Genovese and Bonanno crime families, according to court records. Prosecutors called the operation a pump-and-dump scheme, in which insiders manipulate the price of obscure stocks and then sell them to hapless investors at inflated prices."
"Sater pleaded guilty in 1998 to one count of racketeering for his role in a $40 million stock fraud scheme involving the Genovese and Bonanno crime families, according to court records. Prosecutors called the operation a pump-and-dump scheme, in which insiders manipulate the price of obscure stocks and then sell them to hapless investors at inflated prices."
Saturday, December 12, 2015
What the GOP Is Putting Under Corporate America's Tree
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/33998-what-the-gop-is-putting-under-corporate-america-s-tree
"Congress seems to operate under a different set of rules when it considers legislation that directly helps American families. Extended unemployment assistance was allowed to expire two years ago. And last year, nutrition assistance for hungry kids was cut."
"Congress seems to operate under a different set of rules when it considers legislation that directly helps American families. Extended unemployment assistance was allowed to expire two years ago. And last year, nutrition assistance for hungry kids was cut."
SAVE Act Calls For One-Time Payment To Make Up For No COLA
SAVE Act Calls For One-Time Payment To Make Up For No COLA
"Today, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to boost Social Security and other critical benefits for seniors, veterans and other Americans following last month's announcement that there will be a zero cost-of-living adjustment in 2016."
"Today, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation to boost Social Security and other critical benefits for seniors, veterans and other Americans following last month's announcement that there will be a zero cost-of-living adjustment in 2016."
Here Comes The Next Big Attack On The Incomes Of Ordinary Americans
Here Comes The Next Big Attack On The Incomes Of Ordinary Americans
"The case will be argued in January. If the court rules in favor of the corporate CEOs, it will turbo-charge their efforts to divert an even greater portion of the country's income into higher pay and bigger bonuses for them and billionaire investors like the Koch's. It's really quite astonishing when you take a step back and think about it. The CEO and billionaire class has already been so successful in changing the economic rules that they have managed to siphon off virtually all of America's economic growth over the last 15 years. But that just isn't enough. Their greed seems insatiable."
"The case will be argued in January. If the court rules in favor of the corporate CEOs, it will turbo-charge their efforts to divert an even greater portion of the country's income into higher pay and bigger bonuses for them and billionaire investors like the Koch's. It's really quite astonishing when you take a step back and think about it. The CEO and billionaire class has already been so successful in changing the economic rules that they have managed to siphon off virtually all of America's economic growth over the last 15 years. But that just isn't enough. Their greed seems insatiable."
Sipping Champagne on the Titanic: Twenty Billionaires Own More Than the Bottom Half of Americans
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/33956-sipping-champagne-on-the-titanic-twenty-billionaires-own-more-than-the-bottom-half-of-americans
"The Institute for Policy Studies report contains some grave warnings about the dangers of extreme wealth concentration."
"The Institute for Policy Studies report contains some grave warnings about the dangers of extreme wealth concentration."
Robert Reich: America is now a full-scale oligarchy
Robert Reich: America is now a full-scale oligarchy
"These people are, after all, are living in their own separate society, and they want to elect people who will represent them, not the rest of us."
"These people are, after all, are living in their own separate society, and they want to elect people who will represent them, not the rest of us."
Readers Choose Bernie Sanders as Hands-Down Favorite for TIME 'Person of the Year'
Readers Choose Bernie Sanders as Hands-Down Favorite for TIME 'Person of the Year'
"Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders retained a previously established lead and became the hands-down winner of the readers' choice for TIME's "Person of the Year," the magazine announced on Monday, beating out all his political rivals in the U.S. as well as notable individiuals from around the world by receiving nearly twice the support of the runner-up."
"Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders retained a previously established lead and became the hands-down winner of the readers' choice for TIME's "Person of the Year," the magazine announced on Monday, beating out all his political rivals in the U.S. as well as notable individiuals from around the world by receiving nearly twice the support of the runner-up."
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Watch Arizona's NBC 12 And The Center For Media And Democracy Expose ALEC's Corporate Influence On State Laws
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/12/09/watch-arizonas-nbc-12-and-the-center-for-media/207379
"Phoenix Arizona's NBC affiliate KPNX hosted the Center for Media and Democracy's Executive Director Lisa Graves on the December 6 episode of Sunday Square Off to expose the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) effort to push corporate backed model legislation in state legislatures."
"Phoenix Arizona's NBC affiliate KPNX hosted the Center for Media and Democracy's Executive Director Lisa Graves on the December 6 episode of Sunday Square Off to expose the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) effort to push corporate backed model legislation in state legislatures."
Koch-Funded Special Interest Groups and Utilities Bankrolling ALEC Meeting
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/12989/koch-funded-special-interest-groups-and-utilities-bankrolling-alec-meeting
"Koch-funded groups and utilities are bankrolling ALEC's closed-door winter meeting and parties for state legislators that are underway in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a luxury resort and spa. The three-day gathering is bringing together lobbyists and legislators to plan their 2016 bill agenda for the upcoming legislative session."
"Koch-funded groups and utilities are bankrolling ALEC's closed-door winter meeting and parties for state legislators that are underway in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a luxury resort and spa. The three-day gathering is bringing together lobbyists and legislators to plan their 2016 bill agenda for the upcoming legislative session."
Women’s Economic Agenda: Creating an Economy That Works for Everyone
http://www.epi.org/womens-agenda/
"Closing the wage gap is essential to helping women achieve economic security."
"Closing the wage gap is essential to helping women achieve economic security."
WATCH: Jon Stewart Returns to Daily Show to Shame Pols Over 9/11 First Responders Bill @alternet
WATCH: Jon Stewart Returns to Daily Show to Shame Pols Over 9/11 First Responders Bill @alternet
"Stewart spent the majority of the second half of the segment going after McConnell, who he said “is the key to getting this done, and so far he has been an enormous obstacle, unwilling to move the bill forward for purely political reasons.” Later Stewart added, "Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky doesn't give a sh*t about anything but politics. The first responders were told the Zadroga Act would be included – they were told this last week – would be included in the transport bill passed last week. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled it out of the transportation bill last week when he didn't get concessions about loosening oil export regulations."
"Stewart spent the majority of the second half of the segment going after McConnell, who he said “is the key to getting this done, and so far he has been an enormous obstacle, unwilling to move the bill forward for purely political reasons.” Later Stewart added, "Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky doesn't give a sh*t about anything but politics. The first responders were told the Zadroga Act would be included – they were told this last week – would be included in the transport bill passed last week. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled it out of the transportation bill last week when he didn't get concessions about loosening oil export regulations."
Jon Stewart’s triumphant return: The former “Daily Show” host shames Congress with powerful message
Jon Stewart’s triumphant return: The former “Daily Show” host shames Congress with powerful message
"Stewart is launching #WorstResponders to get Mitch McConnell and the Senate to do the right thing. VIDEO"
"Stewart is launching #WorstResponders to get Mitch McConnell and the Senate to do the right thing. VIDEO"
White supremacist leaders thank Donald Trump for dragging their racism into the mainstream
White supremacist leaders thank Donald Trump for dragging their racism into the mainstream
"Donald Trump hasn’t just been popular with the Republican party as a presidential candidate. He’s also served as a recruiting tool for white supremacists"
"Donald Trump hasn’t just been popular with the Republican party as a presidential candidate. He’s also served as a recruiting tool for white supremacists"
European business network does what the GOP doesn’t have the guts to do — bans Donald Trump
European business network does what the GOP doesn’t have the guts to do — bans Donald Trump
"200,000 United Kingdom citizens have also signed a petition that Trump be barred from entering Britain’s shores. Any petition exceeding 100,000 signatures is automatically taken into consideration for debate in Parliament, according to the BBC."
"200,000 United Kingdom citizens have also signed a petition that Trump be barred from entering Britain’s shores. Any petition exceeding 100,000 signatures is automatically taken into consideration for debate in Parliament, according to the BBC."
British Parliament Set To Ban Trump After 211,000 Sign Petition Demanding It
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/british-parliament-set-to-ban-trump-after-211000-sign-petition-demanding-it/
"The petition needed 10,000 signatures in order for the government to respond, and 100,000 signatures for a Parliamentary debate. As of this writing, more than 211,000 people have signed it — with more than thirty being added every second."
"The petition needed 10,000 signatures in order for the government to respond, and 100,000 signatures for a Parliamentary debate. As of this writing, more than 211,000 people have signed it — with more than thirty being added every second."
GOP in panic mode: Will Mitt Romney try to save the day, or must RNC steal nomination from Trump?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/9/1458497/-GOP-in-panic-mode-Will-Mitt-Romney-try-to-save-the-day-or-must-RNC-steal-nomination-from-Trump
"Ultimately, Trump just filled a market need created by GOP rhetoric and extremism. They all built a party of crazies, happy to ride the crazy train to congressional and state-level majorities—but the inmates took over the asylum. The only question now is what to do: Whether it’s resurrecting the corpse of Romney’s candidacy, or outright stealing the nomination from Trump. Either way, it won’t be pretty. But we are far beyond the point of pretty."
"Ultimately, Trump just filled a market need created by GOP rhetoric and extremism. They all built a party of crazies, happy to ride the crazy train to congressional and state-level majorities—but the inmates took over the asylum. The only question now is what to do: Whether it’s resurrecting the corpse of Romney’s candidacy, or outright stealing the nomination from Trump. Either way, it won’t be pretty. But we are far beyond the point of pretty."
House Republican leaders fear a 'devastating' Trump nomination. Poor babies.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/9/1458431/-House-Republican-leaders-fear-a-devastating-Trump-nomination-Poor-babies
"Donald Trump keeps terrifying establishment Republicans, and they keep running to reporters to explain how very upset they are that their party’s presidential leader is for some odd reason a flaming bigot. It’s not good for the general election, you see, and they have downballot races to worry about"
"Donald Trump keeps terrifying establishment Republicans, and they keep running to reporters to explain how very upset they are that their party’s presidential leader is for some odd reason a flaming bigot. It’s not good for the general election, you see, and they have downballot races to worry about"
Hey Paul Ryan, Here's Proof That Donald Trump Represents Exactly What Your Party Stands For
Hey Paul Ryan, Here's Proof That Donald Trump Represents Exactly What Your Party Stands For
"Since announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump has led the field of GOP presidential candidates running a campaign based on bigotry, racism, sexism, disrespecting veterans, bullying reporters and mocking a writer with disabilities – and conservative voters have loved him for it."
"Since announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump has led the field of GOP presidential candidates running a campaign based on bigotry, racism, sexism, disrespecting veterans, bullying reporters and mocking a writer with disabilities – and conservative voters have loved him for it."
Donald Trump is lying through his teeth: This is why the political press is so enraging
Donald Trump is lying through his teeth: This is why the political press is so enraging
"It’s clear that Trump’s taking advantage of press etiquette and its firm reluctance to call him what he is, a congenital liar"
"It’s clear that Trump’s taking advantage of press etiquette and its firm reluctance to call him what he is, a congenital liar"
The Breitbartian Candidate
http://www.breitbartunmasked.com/2015/12/08/the-breitbartian-candidate/
"Trump clearly enjoys the ardent enthusiasm of what used to be considered a lunatic fringe, but is now the conservative Republican base. Over the last few weeks, plentiful commentary has examined whether Trump should be considered a fascist, or whether it’s more correct to define him as a proto-fascist, yet almost all of these writers have left the maddening crowd at his rallies, and the media channels which enable him, unexamined in any detail. It’s as if we tried studying Mussolini without ever looking at his arditi goon squads or his party newspapers. Fascist propaganda masquerades as news to inflame the passions and shape the selection bias of people who desperately want a simple answer to their complex problems; fascism makes a fetish of violence, and in both areas Trump presents as a classical fascist."
"Trump clearly enjoys the ardent enthusiasm of what used to be considered a lunatic fringe, but is now the conservative Republican base. Over the last few weeks, plentiful commentary has examined whether Trump should be considered a fascist, or whether it’s more correct to define him as a proto-fascist, yet almost all of these writers have left the maddening crowd at his rallies, and the media channels which enable him, unexamined in any detail. It’s as if we tried studying Mussolini without ever looking at his arditi goon squads or his party newspapers. Fascist propaganda masquerades as news to inflame the passions and shape the selection bias of people who desperately want a simple answer to their complex problems; fascism makes a fetish of violence, and in both areas Trump presents as a classical fascist."
UPDATED: White Nationalist Media Back Trump's Anti-Muslim Plan: "Great," "So Wonderful," "Heil Donald Trump"
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/12/08/white-nationalist-media-back-trumps-anti-muslim/207323
"Neo-Nazi Vanguard News Network: "Trump Is Beginning To Sound Like A White Nationalist."."
"Neo-Nazi Vanguard News Network: "Trump Is Beginning To Sound Like A White Nationalist."."
Dear Media: You're The Daddy, And He Looks Just Like You!
Dear Media: You're The Daddy, And He Looks Just Like You!
"Hey, cable TV bobbleheads: What Trump says isn't new. It's just that he says it so much more unabashedly, unashamed. The Republican party didn't just suddenly become the party of extremism, of dangerous ideas. You watched as they became smaller, purer, crazier. Your response? "Hey, we'd better target that demographic!" You guys own that. Your careerist asses went along with that corporate agenda -- I'd guess with very little meaningful pushback. Did it never occur to you that chasing "stories" and "scandals" fabricated by Fox News and affiliated extremist groups would have consequences?"
"Hey, cable TV bobbleheads: What Trump says isn't new. It's just that he says it so much more unabashedly, unashamed. The Republican party didn't just suddenly become the party of extremism, of dangerous ideas. You watched as they became smaller, purer, crazier. Your response? "Hey, we'd better target that demographic!" You guys own that. Your careerist asses went along with that corporate agenda -- I'd guess with very little meaningful pushback. Did it never occur to you that chasing "stories" and "scandals" fabricated by Fox News and affiliated extremist groups would have consequences?"
Heil Trump! The Times of Israel uses a telling photograph of the Donald to highlight “the nativist racism inherent in his latest remarks”
Heil Trump! The Times of Israel uses a telling photograph of the Donald to highlight “the nativist racism inherent in his latest remarks”
"and tonight the ADL released a statement saying that “in the Jewish community, we know all too well what can happen when a particular religious group is singled out for stereotyping and scapegoating. We also know that this country must not give into fear by turning its back on its fundamental values, even at a time of great crisis.” The director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, was even more blunt in his assessment, saying that “as Jews who are now observing Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates a small religious minority’s right to live unmolested, we are deeply disturbed by the nativist racism inherent in the candidate’s latest remarks. You don’t need to go back to the Hanukkah story to see the horrific results of religious persecution; religious stereotyping of this sort has been tried often, inevitably with disastrous results"."
"and tonight the ADL released a statement saying that “in the Jewish community, we know all too well what can happen when a particular religious group is singled out for stereotyping and scapegoating. We also know that this country must not give into fear by turning its back on its fundamental values, even at a time of great crisis.” The director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, was even more blunt in his assessment, saying that “as Jews who are now observing Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates a small religious minority’s right to live unmolested, we are deeply disturbed by the nativist racism inherent in the candidate’s latest remarks. You don’t need to go back to the Hanukkah story to see the horrific results of religious persecution; religious stereotyping of this sort has been tried often, inevitably with disastrous results"."
New Poll Proves How Damaging Donald Trump Is To The GOP
New Poll Proves How Damaging Donald Trump Is To The GOP
"The constant parade of bizarre and offensive actions by Donald Trump are indeed hurting the Republican Party. Even though he is extremely popular with primary voters, he’s pulled the GOP into the realm of openly celebrating ignorance, fear and hatred. He doesn’t offer any reasonable solutions to anything, just bombastic speeches that contain no substance, and are aimed at the lowest common denominator. If Trump got his way, come 2017, we’d officially be the land of the conspiracy theorists and home of the cowards."
"The constant parade of bizarre and offensive actions by Donald Trump are indeed hurting the Republican Party. Even though he is extremely popular with primary voters, he’s pulled the GOP into the realm of openly celebrating ignorance, fear and hatred. He doesn’t offer any reasonable solutions to anything, just bombastic speeches that contain no substance, and are aimed at the lowest common denominator. If Trump got his way, come 2017, we’d officially be the land of the conspiracy theorists and home of the cowards."
Sunday, December 6, 2015
In "Extraordinary" Move, WI Supreme Court Fires Scott Walker Prosecutor to Stave-Off SCOTUS Review
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/12986/Walker-JohnDoe-WisconsinSupremeCourt
"On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority contorted itself to find a new way to protect both Scott Walker and the Court's biggest supporters--not to mention itself--following its decision in July rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Wednesday's ruling was supposed to be a straightforward decision on a motion to reconsider, in light of additional evidence that Walker and his allies had violated the campaign finance laws that the Court upheld in July. The Court denied that motion, but then (in a lengthy unsigned opinion) went further, rewriting its July decision to fire the Republican Special Prosecutor who had led the investigation, Francis Schmitz, making it harder for him to challenge the justices' conflicts-of-interest by appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those conflicts arise from the fact that the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, raising concerns under U.S. Supreme Court precedent about whether the justices should have heard the case at all."
"On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority contorted itself to find a new way to protect both Scott Walker and the Court's biggest supporters--not to mention itself--following its decision in July rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Wednesday's ruling was supposed to be a straightforward decision on a motion to reconsider, in light of additional evidence that Walker and his allies had violated the campaign finance laws that the Court upheld in July. The Court denied that motion, but then (in a lengthy unsigned opinion) went further, rewriting its July decision to fire the Republican Special Prosecutor who had led the investigation, Francis Schmitz, making it harder for him to challenge the justices' conflicts-of-interest by appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those conflicts arise from the fact that the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, raising concerns under U.S. Supreme Court precedent about whether the justices should have heard the case at all."
Pro-Democracy Group Warns of Secret Right-Wing Push to Rewrite Constitution
Pro-Democracy Group Warns of Secret Right-Wing Push to Rewrite Constitution
"With pro-corporate, right-wing lobby groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Citizens for Self-Governance—not to mention a number of 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls—pushing for such a convention, those who care about everything from environmental regulation to same-sex marriage to fair taxation have reason to be wary."
"With pro-corporate, right-wing lobby groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Citizens for Self-Governance—not to mention a number of 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls—pushing for such a convention, those who care about everything from environmental regulation to same-sex marriage to fair taxation have reason to be wary."
How the Clinton and Sanders Infrastructure Plans Measure Up
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33895-how-the-clinton-and-sanders-infrastructure-plans-measure-up
"With Republicans opposed to any investment in America's infrastructure, the proposals are measures of political positions, not measures of what the country should be able to do."
"With Republicans opposed to any investment in America's infrastructure, the proposals are measures of political positions, not measures of what the country should be able to do."
The incredible cowardice of the 1 percent: Why wealthy GOP donors are so afraid of Donald Trump
The incredible cowardice of the 1 percent: Why wealthy GOP donors are so afraid of Donald Trump
"Many leading Republican officials, strategists and donors now say they fear that Mr. Trump’s nomination would lead to an electoral wipeout, a sweeping defeat that could undo some of the gains Republicans have made in recent congressional, state and local elections … Some of the highest-ranking Republicans in Congress and some of the party’s wealthiest and most generous donors have balked at trying to take down Mr. Trump because they fear a public feud with the insult-spewing media figure."
"Many leading Republican officials, strategists and donors now say they fear that Mr. Trump’s nomination would lead to an electoral wipeout, a sweeping defeat that could undo some of the gains Republicans have made in recent congressional, state and local elections … Some of the highest-ranking Republicans in Congress and some of the party’s wealthiest and most generous donors have balked at trying to take down Mr. Trump because they fear a public feud with the insult-spewing media figure."
Sanders Only Candidate To Get On Texas Ballot By Petition, Doesn’t Pay A Cent
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/sanders-only-candidate-to-get-on-texas-ballot-by-petition-doesnt-pay-a-cent/
"Senator Sanders has drawn the largest crowds of supporters thus far in the race for the White House and his popularity doesn’t seem to be leveling off."
"Senator Sanders has drawn the largest crowds of supporters thus far in the race for the White House and his popularity doesn’t seem to be leveling off."
Twenty Wealthiest Americans Now Own More Than 50 Percent of US Population
Twenty Wealthiest Americans Now Own More Than 50 Percent of US Population
"given the vast ability of the richest Americans to influence elections through campaign contributions - which was exponentially augmented by the Supreme Court Citizens United decision - the majority of elected officials in Congress appear even more determined to keep the redistribution of income flowing in only one direction: up."
"given the vast ability of the richest Americans to influence elections through campaign contributions - which was exponentially augmented by the Supreme Court Citizens United decision - the majority of elected officials in Congress appear even more determined to keep the redistribution of income flowing in only one direction: up."
Latest Poll: Sanders Handily Trounces All Top Republicans—Yeah, Including Trump @alternet
Latest Poll: Sanders Handily Trounces All Top Republicans—Yeah, Including Trump @alternet
"In many cases, those numbers are even higher than Hillary Clinton's, who nonetheless maintains a sizable lead against Sanders."
"In many cases, those numbers are even higher than Hillary Clinton's, who nonetheless maintains a sizable lead against Sanders."
Divestment Surges as Endowments Worth $3.4 Trillion Pull Funds From Fossil Fuels
Divestment Surges as Endowments Worth $3.4 Trillion Pull Funds From Fossil Fuels
"The "writing is on the wall" for the fossil fuel sector as more than 500 cities, banks, universities, and museums across the globe, representing over $3.4 trillion in total assets, have now pledged to pull their funds from polluting industries."
"The "writing is on the wall" for the fossil fuel sector as more than 500 cities, banks, universities, and museums across the globe, representing over $3.4 trillion in total assets, have now pledged to pull their funds from polluting industries."
Robert Reich Lists and Smashes Paul Ryan's 7 Terrible Ideas (VIDEO) @alternet
Robert Reich Lists and Smashes Paul Ryan's 7 Terrible Ideas (VIDEO) @alternet
"Ryan clings to dumb ideas that are also cropping up among Republican presidential candidates."
"Ryan clings to dumb ideas that are also cropping up among Republican presidential candidates."
Republicans Are Failing Horribly At Attracting Minority Voters
Republicans Are Failing Horribly At Attracting Minority Voters
"As long as the Republican Party continues to treat minorities like idiots and attempts to appeal to them with politicians who insult them, their slide toward irrelevance will continue. The smartest thing Bobby Jindal ever did was to tell the GOP to “stop being the stupid party,” but he couldn’t even take his own advice."
"As long as the Republican Party continues to treat minorities like idiots and attempts to appeal to them with politicians who insult them, their slide toward irrelevance will continue. The smartest thing Bobby Jindal ever did was to tell the GOP to “stop being the stupid party,” but he couldn’t even take his own advice."
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Dredging up the swamp: The 2016 GOP race is shining a light on scummy right-wing politics
Dredging up the swamp: The 2016 GOP race is shining a light on scummy right-wing politics
"The large Republican field contains a number of candidates who have direct links to people who populate the eccentric and scummy underbelly of conservative and libertarian politics. As these candidates have risen in the polls, intense press scrutiny has helped draw the extremists and hucksters in their orbits out of the shadows."
"The large Republican field contains a number of candidates who have direct links to people who populate the eccentric and scummy underbelly of conservative and libertarian politics. As these candidates have risen in the polls, intense press scrutiny has helped draw the extremists and hucksters in their orbits out of the shadows."
How This Company—and Mike Huckabee—Cashed In by Scaring Conservatives
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/09/agora-huckabee-conservative-bible-cures
"Last year, a man named Brian Chambers announced a world-changing advance: An international research organization called the Health Sciences Institute had found an incredible cure for cancer hidden in the Book of Matthew. For just $74, you, too, could discover the secret. That was the breathless pitch emailed to hundreds of thousands of Huckabee's followers in January, beneath a "special message" from the Republican presidential candidate trumpeting "important information." Upon closer inspection, the divine remedy—eating fewer carbs—was never recommended by St. Matthew. Chambers is not a doctor, and the studies on starvation diets he cited make no mention of "cures." The Health Sciences Institute is part of a company called NewMarket Health, which is just one asset of a Baltimore-based publishing empire named Agora Inc. Agora's subsidiaries and affiliates publish more than 40 newsletters and sell more than 300 books on a range of topics, including biblical health tips, natural-healing supplements, and "insider" investment advice—a mix of ideas the company considers the intellectual equivalent of the marketplace of ancient Athens. To find new readers for its ever-expanding catalog of publications, Agora's subsidiaries have tapped into a network of conservative heavyweights, including Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich, who sell access to their massive email lists to advertise Agora's products."
"Last year, a man named Brian Chambers announced a world-changing advance: An international research organization called the Health Sciences Institute had found an incredible cure for cancer hidden in the Book of Matthew. For just $74, you, too, could discover the secret. That was the breathless pitch emailed to hundreds of thousands of Huckabee's followers in January, beneath a "special message" from the Republican presidential candidate trumpeting "important information." Upon closer inspection, the divine remedy—eating fewer carbs—was never recommended by St. Matthew. Chambers is not a doctor, and the studies on starvation diets he cited make no mention of "cures." The Health Sciences Institute is part of a company called NewMarket Health, which is just one asset of a Baltimore-based publishing empire named Agora Inc. Agora's subsidiaries and affiliates publish more than 40 newsletters and sell more than 300 books on a range of topics, including biblical health tips, natural-healing supplements, and "insider" investment advice—a mix of ideas the company considers the intellectual equivalent of the marketplace of ancient Athens. To find new readers for its ever-expanding catalog of publications, Agora's subsidiaries have tapped into a network of conservative heavyweights, including Huckabee, Ron Paul, and Newt Gingrich, who sell access to their massive email lists to advertise Agora's products."
The GOP Is on the Eve of Destruction | Alternet
The GOP Is on the Eve of Destruction | Alternet
"For reasons hard to fathom, the Republicans seem to have made up their minds: they will divide, degrade and secede from the Union. They will do so with bullying, lies and manipulation, a willingness to say anything, no matter how daft or wrong. They will do so by spending unheard of sums to buy elections with the happy assistance of big business and wealthy patrons for whom the joys of gross income inequality are a comfortable fact of life. By gerrymandering and denying the vote to as many of the poor, the elderly, struggling low-paid workers, and people of color as they can. And by appealing to the basest impulses of human nature: anger, fear and bigotry."
"For reasons hard to fathom, the Republicans seem to have made up their minds: they will divide, degrade and secede from the Union. They will do so with bullying, lies and manipulation, a willingness to say anything, no matter how daft or wrong. They will do so by spending unheard of sums to buy elections with the happy assistance of big business and wealthy patrons for whom the joys of gross income inequality are a comfortable fact of life. By gerrymandering and denying the vote to as many of the poor, the elderly, struggling low-paid workers, and people of color as they can. And by appealing to the basest impulses of human nature: anger, fear and bigotry."
Friday, December 4, 2015
Stewart: McConnell Should Be Ashamed Of Himself For Blocking 9/11 First Responders Bill
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/stewart-mcconnell-should-be-ashamed-of-himself-for-blocking-911-first-responders-bill/
"The Republican Party talks a good game about supporting our troops, police officers, and first responders, but when it comes time to actually put their money where their mouth is, they fail every single time."
"The Republican Party talks a good game about supporting our troops, police officers, and first responders, but when it comes time to actually put their money where their mouth is, they fail every single time."
Our Ayn Randian dystopia: Here’s the secret five-step plan to privatize everything
Our Ayn Randian dystopia: Here’s the secret five-step plan to privatize everything
"Law enforcement, education, health care, water management, government itself — all have been or are being privatized. People with money get the best of each service. At the heart of privatization is a disdain for government and a distrust of society, and a mindless individualism that leaves little room for cooperation. Adherents of privatization demand ‘freedom’ unless they need the government to intervene on their behalf."
"Law enforcement, education, health care, water management, government itself — all have been or are being privatized. People with money get the best of each service. At the heart of privatization is a disdain for government and a distrust of society, and a mindless individualism that leaves little room for cooperation. Adherents of privatization demand ‘freedom’ unless they need the government to intervene on their behalf."
Republicans Celebrate Christmas By Voting To Take Healthcare Away From 17 Million Americans
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/03/republicans-celebrate-christmas-voting-healthcare-17-million-americans.html
"The fact that Senate Republicans chose to hold this vote during the holiday season spoke volumes about their priorities. Tonight’s vote was an advertisement for how Republicans intend to harm working people if they take back the White House."
"The fact that Senate Republicans chose to hold this vote during the holiday season spoke volumes about their priorities. Tonight’s vote was an advertisement for how Republicans intend to harm working people if they take back the White House."
The GOP’s “Hunger Games” economics: These proposals would hasten the middle class’s descent into dystopia
The GOP’s “Hunger Games” economics: These proposals would hasten the middle class’s descent into dystopia
"Despite the prominence of tax cuts in the policies of the top six Republican candidates, even the venerable Brookings Institution found that they have a minimal effect on economic growth. In addition, when you consider all the promised corporate cuts, you should know that corporations already don’t contribute much. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, between 2008 and 2012, 26 of the 288 Fortune 500 firms (consistently profitable in those years) managed to pay nothing, nada, zero in federal income tax. The 288 firms collectively paid an effective federal income tax rate of 19.4%, and a third of them paid an effective rate of less than 10%. Five companies — Wells Fargo, AT&T, IBM, General Electric, and Verizon — also bagged over $77 billion of the $364 billion in tax breaks doled out in those years. Extra jobs didn’t follow. Think of this crew as the real winners of the American Hunger Games in this period. For 2014, for instance, Goldman Sachs avoided forking over federal income taxes on almost half of its $6.8 billion in U.S. profits, paying an effective tax rate of 18.6%. Between 2010 and 2012, due to tax breaks associated with executive pay, Fortune 500 companies saved an extra $27 billion in federal and state taxes. That’s a lot of dosh to use for Super PAC support. In 2012, the Democrats blasted candidate Mitt Romney’s tax plan as a giveaway to the rich. This time around, our six tributes-cum-candidates are taking no such chances. They’re making sure to throw crumbs to the middle and working classes, even as they offer more caviar to the wealthy and corporations. Depending on the candidate and plan, the overall loss of national revenue will range from an estimated $1.6 trillion (even factoring in growth that may never happen) to $12 trillion, but will be a stunning amount."
"Despite the prominence of tax cuts in the policies of the top six Republican candidates, even the venerable Brookings Institution found that they have a minimal effect on economic growth. In addition, when you consider all the promised corporate cuts, you should know that corporations already don’t contribute much. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, between 2008 and 2012, 26 of the 288 Fortune 500 firms (consistently profitable in those years) managed to pay nothing, nada, zero in federal income tax. The 288 firms collectively paid an effective federal income tax rate of 19.4%, and a third of them paid an effective rate of less than 10%. Five companies — Wells Fargo, AT&T, IBM, General Electric, and Verizon — also bagged over $77 billion of the $364 billion in tax breaks doled out in those years. Extra jobs didn’t follow. Think of this crew as the real winners of the American Hunger Games in this period. For 2014, for instance, Goldman Sachs avoided forking over federal income taxes on almost half of its $6.8 billion in U.S. profits, paying an effective tax rate of 18.6%. Between 2010 and 2012, due to tax breaks associated with executive pay, Fortune 500 companies saved an extra $27 billion in federal and state taxes. That’s a lot of dosh to use for Super PAC support. In 2012, the Democrats blasted candidate Mitt Romney’s tax plan as a giveaway to the rich. This time around, our six tributes-cum-candidates are taking no such chances. They’re making sure to throw crumbs to the middle and working classes, even as they offer more caviar to the wealthy and corporations. Depending on the candidate and plan, the overall loss of national revenue will range from an estimated $1.6 trillion (even factoring in growth that may never happen) to $12 trillion, but will be a stunning amount."
Trey Gowdy Is About To Learn The Wages Of His Crimes And Misdemeanors
http://samuel-warde.com/2015/12/trey-gowdy-to-learn-the-wages-of-sin/
"The House Select Committee on Benghazi, led by Republican Trey Gowdy, has all but exploded in the wake of recent revelations. The CIA revealed in October that Trey Gowdy altered documents in an attempt to frame Hillary and in November Maj. Bradley Podliska, a former investigator on the Benghazi committee staff, has filed a lawsuit against Gowdy seeking damages for defamation."
"The House Select Committee on Benghazi, led by Republican Trey Gowdy, has all but exploded in the wake of recent revelations. The CIA revealed in October that Trey Gowdy altered documents in an attempt to frame Hillary and in November Maj. Bradley Podliska, a former investigator on the Benghazi committee staff, has filed a lawsuit against Gowdy seeking damages for defamation."
The GOP’s insidious Christmas list: How congressional Republicans are planning to screw the country this holiday season
The GOP’s insidious Christmas list: How congressional Republicans are planning to screw the country this holiday season
"Hundreds of riders already embedded in Hosue spending bills take aim at financial, environmental, health care, campaign finance and labor rules."
"Hundreds of riders already embedded in Hosue spending bills take aim at financial, environmental, health care, campaign finance and labor rules."
Donald Trump's Timeline Of Insanity Since Announcing His Candidacy Is Hideous
Donald Trump's Timeline Of Insanity Since Announcing His Candidacy Is Hideous
"Donald Trump’s depravity has been fairly well documented. Without a doubt he’s been the most vile mainstream candidate American politics has seen in quite some time, if not ever."
"Donald Trump’s depravity has been fairly well documented. Without a doubt he’s been the most vile mainstream candidate American politics has seen in quite some time, if not ever."
Donald Trump Race Shocker: Polls Prove His Success Really Is Based on Racists @alternet
Donald Trump Race Shocker: Polls Prove His Success Really Is Based on Racists @alternet
"A new Washington Post-ABC News poll proves what gut instinct was already telling you: The Donald Trump campaign’s success is built on the backs of racists"
"A new Washington Post-ABC News poll proves what gut instinct was already telling you: The Donald Trump campaign’s success is built on the backs of racists"
The Republican Party Is Now America's Largest Hate Group @alternet
The Republican Party Is Now America's Largest Hate Group @alternet
"Led by Donald Trump, the GOP has abandoned its traditional dogwhistles in favor of a more overt approach to racism."
"Led by Donald Trump, the GOP has abandoned its traditional dogwhistles in favor of a more overt approach to racism."
The Tea Party Is Slowly Dying, But It's Being Replaced By Fascism
The Tea Party Is Slowly Dying, But It's Being Replaced By Fascism
"The fact that the Tea Party is declining in popularity but the GOP continues to tack ever further to the right-wing fringe should be very troubling, not just for the Republican Party, but for our country as a whole. Considering that out of the top presidential contenders, only Ted Cruz seems to have the full support of the Tea Party and sits in fourth place, this shows the GOP has moved to the right of the Tea Party in a very short period of time. Part of the blame can certainly be placed on the conservative media. For a period of time, the Tea Party was considered revolutionary and websites like TPNN.com flourished. Eventually, simply spreading conspiracy stories about gun confiscation and Obamacare death panels wasn’t enough. This explains why Donald Trump has such a “yuuuuugge” lead in GOP polls; he’s willing to say the things that many Tea Party leaders would have considered just a bit too much, and voters are eating it up. The Republican Party is lurching away from the Tea Party and toward a frightening marriage of religious fanaticism and fascism. Based on history, this cannot end well, at all."
"The fact that the Tea Party is declining in popularity but the GOP continues to tack ever further to the right-wing fringe should be very troubling, not just for the Republican Party, but for our country as a whole. Considering that out of the top presidential contenders, only Ted Cruz seems to have the full support of the Tea Party and sits in fourth place, this shows the GOP has moved to the right of the Tea Party in a very short period of time. Part of the blame can certainly be placed on the conservative media. For a period of time, the Tea Party was considered revolutionary and websites like TPNN.com flourished. Eventually, simply spreading conspiracy stories about gun confiscation and Obamacare death panels wasn’t enough. This explains why Donald Trump has such a “yuuuuugge” lead in GOP polls; he’s willing to say the things that many Tea Party leaders would have considered just a bit too much, and voters are eating it up. The Republican Party is lurching away from the Tea Party and toward a frightening marriage of religious fanaticism and fascism. Based on history, this cannot end well, at all."
GOP’s hell-bent on tearing us apart: A decades-long strategy to win by divisiveness now leads to President Donald Trump
GOP’s hell-bent on tearing us apart: A decades-long strategy to win by divisiveness now leads to President Donald Trump
"The election of Democratic President Barack Obama in 2008 sent Movement Conservatives into full-blown ideological war. A biracial man who believed that the government should play a role in the economy and in social welfare had taken over the government. They howled that he was a socialist and a communist; that he was a Muslim; that he wasn’t even an American. They dehumanized him, circulating images and jokes that represented the president as a monkey. The realities of the economy, society, foreign affairs, legislation—all fell by the wayside. In a world where a black-and-white narrative has replaced a national vision based on principles, one tribe is good and one is evil. Today’s Republican contenders for the presidential nomination are taking this Manichean narrative to the next level. Their worldview is utterly divorced from reality, but it offers a clear vision: Embattled Christian Americans stand against a horde that is attacking God and free enterprise. There is no room here for nuance or facts."
"The election of Democratic President Barack Obama in 2008 sent Movement Conservatives into full-blown ideological war. A biracial man who believed that the government should play a role in the economy and in social welfare had taken over the government. They howled that he was a socialist and a communist; that he was a Muslim; that he wasn’t even an American. They dehumanized him, circulating images and jokes that represented the president as a monkey. The realities of the economy, society, foreign affairs, legislation—all fell by the wayside. In a world where a black-and-white narrative has replaced a national vision based on principles, one tribe is good and one is evil. Today’s Republican contenders for the presidential nomination are taking this Manichean narrative to the next level. Their worldview is utterly divorced from reality, but it offers a clear vision: Embattled Christian Americans stand against a horde that is attacking God and free enterprise. There is no room here for nuance or facts."
Sen. Mike Lee Pretends Republicans Care About Americans Living In Poverty
Sen. Mike Lee Pretends Republicans Care About Americans Living In Poverty
"Someone needs to remind him that his party would leave them out starving in the cold."
"Someone needs to remind him that his party would leave them out starving in the cold."
This is the entire GOP plan: Credibility destroyed after Bush debacle, their only strategy is to scare us
This is the entire GOP plan: Credibility destroyed after Bush debacle, their only strategy is to scare us
"The party of security tanked the economy and unleashed Middle East disaster. Now they have nothing but fear itself"
"The party of security tanked the economy and unleashed Middle East disaster. Now they have nothing but fear itself"
McConnell: Eliminate Campaign Funding Limits Or Face Shutdown
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/mcconnell-eliminate-campaign-funding-limits-or-face-shutdown-2/
"As the Senate prepares a massive “must-pass” $1.15 trillion funding bill, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and his callously corrupt cronies are trying to sneak in a couple provisions that would” eliminate caps on the amount of cash that parties may spend in coordination with their candidates"
"As the Senate prepares a massive “must-pass” $1.15 trillion funding bill, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and his callously corrupt cronies are trying to sneak in a couple provisions that would” eliminate caps on the amount of cash that parties may spend in coordination with their candidates"
Dear Mainstream Media: Stop Being Cowards and Start Being Honest About Donald Trump
Dear Mainstream Media: Stop Being Cowards and Start Being Honest About Donald Trump
"The reason why Trump has ascended to the top is because he’s pandering to the bigotry, racism and ignorance that runs rampant among many conservatives – especially those who align with the tea party."
"The reason why Trump has ascended to the top is because he’s pandering to the bigotry, racism and ignorance that runs rampant among many conservatives – especially those who align with the tea party."
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