This Year In Crazy: 2015 Belonged To The Wingnuts
"more insanity, head-spinning untruth, and backwards thinking than anyone could have expected or should have to endure. This is 2015 - The Year In Crazy..."
Friday, January 1, 2016
Fox's Fickle Finger Stuck On Trump
Fox's Fickle Finger Stuck On Trump
"The Fox Effect is a real thing, and they're pouring it on for Donald Trump."
"The Fox Effect is a real thing, and they're pouring it on for Donald Trump."
The GOP's Bleak Demographic Destiny: How to Win the White House When All Your Voters Are Dying @alternet
The GOP's Bleak Demographic Destiny: How to Win the White House When All Your Voters Are Dying @alternet
"Put simply, the Democratic edge among minority voters, younger voters and educated voters keeps getting stronger as each group comes to represent a larger and larger share of the electorate. And that edge will only be more pronounced heading into 2016. At the same time, the Republican base of non-college-educated white voters continues shrinking as a portion of the electorate."
"Put simply, the Democratic edge among minority voters, younger voters and educated voters keeps getting stronger as each group comes to represent a larger and larger share of the electorate. And that edge will only be more pronounced heading into 2016. At the same time, the Republican base of non-college-educated white voters continues shrinking as a portion of the electorate."
Lack Of Public Options Is How The Economy Gets Rigged Against Us
Lack Of Public Options Is How The Economy Gets Rigged Against Us
"We are banned by law from buying into Medicare until we are 65 -- and Republicans are trying to get rid of that by turning Medicare into a limited voucher to buy private scam insurance. That rigs the health care game against We the People."
"We are banned by law from buying into Medicare until we are 65 -- and Republicans are trying to get rid of that by turning Medicare into a limited voucher to buy private scam insurance. That rigs the health care game against We the People."
Alabama Gov. Spending $1.8M In Disaster Relief Money To Fix Up 2nd Mansion For Himself (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/27/alabama-gov-spending-1-8m-in-disaster-relief-money-to-fix-up-2nd-mansion-for-himself-video/
"The Governor of Alabama, Republican Robert Bentley, has decided to spend between $1.5 million and $1.8 million of money given to it for disaster relief after the 2010 BP oil spill to finance a renovation of the Governor’s second mansion on the beach. Yes, the very same Governor who not that long ago announced the closure of 31 driver’s license offices in primarily black neighborhoods, because of “budget deficits.” Looks like we know where the Governor’s priorities lie."
"The Governor of Alabama, Republican Robert Bentley, has decided to spend between $1.5 million and $1.8 million of money given to it for disaster relief after the 2010 BP oil spill to finance a renovation of the Governor’s second mansion on the beach. Yes, the very same Governor who not that long ago announced the closure of 31 driver’s license offices in primarily black neighborhoods, because of “budget deficits.” Looks like we know where the Governor’s priorities lie."
Alabama Governor Robbed Citizens Of Millions In Oil Spill Money To Rebuild Beachfront Mansion
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/alabama-governor-robbed-citizens-of-millions-in-oil-spill-money-to-rebuild-beachfront-mansion/
"Showing a reckless disregard for the needs of his state’s people in favor of corporate bosses and his own fancy, Alabama’s Republican governor Robert Bentley is renovating an abandoned 7,500 square-foot governor’s mansion with money left over from 2010 BP oil spill settlement. An estimated $1.5 to $1.8 million of grants from the settlement in the Deepwater Horizon spill will be used to cover the costs of refurbishment. Such a blatant pillaging of funds intended to serve the public good for extravagant private use is downright shameful, especially given that the local communities, industry, and environment along Alabama’s Gulf Coast continue to suffer the effects of the enormous oil spill."
"Showing a reckless disregard for the needs of his state’s people in favor of corporate bosses and his own fancy, Alabama’s Republican governor Robert Bentley is renovating an abandoned 7,500 square-foot governor’s mansion with money left over from 2010 BP oil spill settlement. An estimated $1.5 to $1.8 million of grants from the settlement in the Deepwater Horizon spill will be used to cover the costs of refurbishment. Such a blatant pillaging of funds intended to serve the public good for extravagant private use is downright shameful, especially given that the local communities, industry, and environment along Alabama’s Gulf Coast continue to suffer the effects of the enormous oil spill."
The 2015 Fox Primary: It's Trump, And Then Everyone Else
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/12/23/the-2015-fox-primary-its-trump-and-then-everyon/207659
"From May 1 to December 15, leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lapped the rest of the field in interview airtime on Fox News. Trump's 22 hours and 46 minutes of airtime was more than twice as much as any other candidate during the period studied. Trump racked up more airtime on the network than Sen. Ted Cruz, former Gov. Jeb Bush, and Sen. Marco Rubio combined. Interviews with the Republican field have been a near-constant fixture of Fox News' programming during the second half of 2015, and The Fox Primary is showing no signs of slowing down as we approach 2016 and the first primaries."
"From May 1 to December 15, leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lapped the rest of the field in interview airtime on Fox News. Trump's 22 hours and 46 minutes of airtime was more than twice as much as any other candidate during the period studied. Trump racked up more airtime on the network than Sen. Ted Cruz, former Gov. Jeb Bush, and Sen. Marco Rubio combined. Interviews with the Republican field have been a near-constant fixture of Fox News' programming during the second half of 2015, and The Fox Primary is showing no signs of slowing down as we approach 2016 and the first primaries."
How Marco Rubio’s Scheme To Hurt The Poor Became A Campaign Rallying Cry (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/23/how-marco-rubios-scheme-to-hurt-the-poor-became-a-campaign-rallying-cry-video/
"Even though it is illegal to coordinate with super PACs, the New York Times pointed out that as this new super PAC ad debuted, Rubio’s campaign sent out an email with the subject “Marco: The Only Candidate to Strike a Blow to Obamacare.” Stomping on the face of those simply trying to have insurance coverage to cover their health care costs has now become just another way for a Republican to be elected president."
"Even though it is illegal to coordinate with super PACs, the New York Times pointed out that as this new super PAC ad debuted, Rubio’s campaign sent out an email with the subject “Marco: The Only Candidate to Strike a Blow to Obamacare.” Stomping on the face of those simply trying to have insurance coverage to cover their health care costs has now become just another way for a Republican to be elected president."
Campaign Finance Regulators Won't Do Their Job. Can a Lawsuit Force Their Hand?
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/campaign-finance-regulators-wont-do-their-job-can-watchdogs-force-their-hand
"It's a case that has haunted campaign finance watchdogs for years. The Commission on Hope, Growth, and Opportunity (CHGO) emerged in early 2010 as a nonprofit that would not engage in political work. Then, in the six weeks before the 2010 elections, the group spent about $4 million on political ads across 15 congressional races, all attacking Democrats. But in filings with the IRS, the group maintained that none of its spending was campaign-related, and it did not disclose any of its spending with the Federal Election Commission. Facing complaints from federal regulators, the group folded. Some of its key players—including Scott Reed, now a top strategist at the US Chamber of Commerce, and Wayne Berman, the chief fundraiser for Marco Rubio's presidential campaign—split more than $1 million in leftover funds. No one involved was ever sanctioned. Almost all the money CHGO raised came from a single donor. The group's ability to spring up, use secret money to influence elections, and then disappear provides a template for rich donors who want to pick off or boost candidates without revealing their political activity."
"It's a case that has haunted campaign finance watchdogs for years. The Commission on Hope, Growth, and Opportunity (CHGO) emerged in early 2010 as a nonprofit that would not engage in political work. Then, in the six weeks before the 2010 elections, the group spent about $4 million on political ads across 15 congressional races, all attacking Democrats. But in filings with the IRS, the group maintained that none of its spending was campaign-related, and it did not disclose any of its spending with the Federal Election Commission. Facing complaints from federal regulators, the group folded. Some of its key players—including Scott Reed, now a top strategist at the US Chamber of Commerce, and Wayne Berman, the chief fundraiser for Marco Rubio's presidential campaign—split more than $1 million in leftover funds. No one involved was ever sanctioned. Almost all the money CHGO raised came from a single donor. The group's ability to spring up, use secret money to influence elections, and then disappear provides a template for rich donors who want to pick off or boost candidates without revealing their political activity."
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Grinch Award For Rolling Back Minimum Wage
Gov. Matt Bevin Wins Grinch Award For Rolling Back Minimum Wage
"Eliminating the minimum wage is a Koch dream from way back, and now Governor Bevin is on the road to fulfilling that."
"Eliminating the minimum wage is a Koch dream from way back, and now Governor Bevin is on the road to fulfilling that."
Friday, December 25, 2015
Mic Drop: Bernie Sanders Tears The Corporate Media Apart For Endless Trump Coverage (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/24/jf-mic-drop-bernie-sanders-tears-the-corporate-media-apart-for-endless-trump-coverage-video/
"Even though Sanders has more supporters than Trump, the corporate media covers every single “bombastic” remark the candidate makes"
"Even though Sanders has more supporters than Trump, the corporate media covers every single “bombastic” remark the candidate makes"
State by State Increases in Number of Insured Americans, Thanks to Obamacare @alternet
State by State Increases in Number of Insured Americans, Thanks to Obamacare @alternet
"Republicans should stop their posturing and concede that the ACA is a success."
"Republicans should stop their posturing and concede that the ACA is a success."
Happy Holidays, Super PACs: FEC Removes Yet Another Block Against Dark Money
Happy Holidays, Super PACs: FEC Removes Yet Another Block Against Dark Money
"Little-noticed rule allows candidates to solicit money for super PACs as long as it's done in a small meeting"
"Little-noticed rule allows candidates to solicit money for super PACs as long as it's done in a small meeting"
Bernie Sanders Confronts CNN And Get Them To Admit Their Pro-Trump Bias
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/24/bernie-sanders-confronts-cnn-admit-pro-trump-bias.html
"The big bias that Cuomo revealed was the media’s pandering to Republicans. Cuomo tried to justify all of the coverage of Trump because he is number one in the Republican polls. His point ignored the reality that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the United States. According to Gallup, 46% of the country identifies itself as Democratic, and 41% identify themselves as Republicans. Democrats have won five of the last six popular votes. If being number one in the polls really does matter, Hillary Clinton should be getting Trump level coverage, because she has higher national polling than the billionaire. Bernie Sanders should be second in coverage to Clinton because his support is higher than every Republican candidate. Sanders was correct. The Trump coverage isn’t about Trump at all. The tilt in coverage is based on several pro-Republican biases that exist in the media."
"The big bias that Cuomo revealed was the media’s pandering to Republicans. Cuomo tried to justify all of the coverage of Trump because he is number one in the Republican polls. His point ignored the reality that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the United States. According to Gallup, 46% of the country identifies itself as Democratic, and 41% identify themselves as Republicans. Democrats have won five of the last six popular votes. If being number one in the polls really does matter, Hillary Clinton should be getting Trump level coverage, because she has higher national polling than the billionaire. Bernie Sanders should be second in coverage to Clinton because his support is higher than every Republican candidate. Sanders was correct. The Trump coverage isn’t about Trump at all. The tilt in coverage is based on several pro-Republican biases that exist in the media."
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Bernie Sanders Just Made Presidential Campaign Contribution History
Bernie Sanders Just Made Presidential Campaign Contribution History
"The Bernie Sanders campaign announced Sunday that it "reached a major milestone in grassroots financial support" during the third Democratic presidential debate. A statement posted on its website says the campaign has now received over 2.3 million contributions. That means Sanders now holds the record for highest number of contributions for a White House bid, breaking the record held by President Barack Obama in 2011. The statement adds that "grassroots supporters flooded" the campaign site during the debate, with the average contribution amount being below $25."
"The Bernie Sanders campaign announced Sunday that it "reached a major milestone in grassroots financial support" during the third Democratic presidential debate. A statement posted on its website says the campaign has now received over 2.3 million contributions. That means Sanders now holds the record for highest number of contributions for a White House bid, breaking the record held by President Barack Obama in 2011. The statement adds that "grassroots supporters flooded" the campaign site during the debate, with the average contribution amount being below $25."
Bernie Sanders Sets New Fundraising Record As Network News Blackout Can’t Stop Him
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/20/bernie-sanders-sets-fundraising-record-network-news-blackout-stop.html
"His campaign has now received more contributions than any other candidate at this point in any White House bid. President Barack Obama was the record holder. Through Dec. 31, 2011, his re-election campaign reported 2,209,636 donations. The Sanders campaign crossed that mark during the debate as grassroots supporters flooded the BernieSanders.com website. The average contribution for the night to the Sanders campaign was below $25."
"His campaign has now received more contributions than any other candidate at this point in any White House bid. President Barack Obama was the record holder. Through Dec. 31, 2011, his re-election campaign reported 2,209,636 donations. The Sanders campaign crossed that mark during the debate as grassroots supporters flooded the BernieSanders.com website. The average contribution for the night to the Sanders campaign was below $25."
The double devolution of the GOP and the U.S. media
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/13/1458777/-The-double-devolution-of-the-GOP-and-the-U-S-media
"The hate machine that Donald Trump embodies isn’t an aberration, but the natural culmination of the intertwined, downward spirals of the conservative movement and its U.S. media enablers. After all, the GOP long ago entered an era of “post-fact” politics in which morality tales and stories of good and evil replaced facts and science as the basis for winning elections and setting public policy. And as it turns out, the Republicans’ largely successful descent into degeneracy was only made possible by the concurrent decline of American journalism. Having abandoned the search for objective truth as its mission, most of the U.S. media are now solely in the entertainment business. In this new environment, all issues are framed as having two—and only two—sides, with the loudest voice in the “debate” being declared the winner."
"The hate machine that Donald Trump embodies isn’t an aberration, but the natural culmination of the intertwined, downward spirals of the conservative movement and its U.S. media enablers. After all, the GOP long ago entered an era of “post-fact” politics in which morality tales and stories of good and evil replaced facts and science as the basis for winning elections and setting public policy. And as it turns out, the Republicans’ largely successful descent into degeneracy was only made possible by the concurrent decline of American journalism. Having abandoned the search for objective truth as its mission, most of the U.S. media are now solely in the entertainment business. In this new environment, all issues are framed as having two—and only two—sides, with the loudest voice in the “debate” being declared the winner."
Ted Cruz Blasted by Fact-Checking Site for Making Ridiculous Claim About the First Amendment
Ted Cruz Blasted by Fact-Checking Site for Making Ridiculous Claim About the First Amendment
"Well, non-partisan fact-checking site Politifact blasted Cruz for a recent statement he made where he accused Democrats of trying to repeal the “freedom of speech” protections given to us in the First Amendment. “The Democrats in the Senate last year introduced a constitutional amendment to repeal the free speech protections of the First Amendment,” Cruz said. Before going forward, I would like to point out that this is one of those statements that only an idiot would believe without actually fact-checking it for themselves. To hear something this radical without questioning the validity of it only proves that those who believed Cruz when he said it are absolutely brainwashed. Of course, it’s not at all true. Politifact cited scholars who said Cruz “ignored critical facts” for the sake of blatantly misrepresenting what this amendment actually would have done. What Ted Cruz is referring to is an amendment Democrats supported to help get money out of politics by allowing states (you know, the whole states’ rights thing) to set their own reasonable limitations on campaign finance laws. Though as many of you might know, because Republicans want more money in politics (which is comically hypocritical considering these are the folks who whine about “big government” and how corrupt it is) they’ve taken up the ludicrous notion that money is “free speech.” Even though it’s fairly obvious that our Founding Fathers did not mean for “freedom of speech” to include the right for the richest among us to buy elections. Freedom of speech is the right for people to say basically anything without the fear or prosecution – it has nothing to do with money."
"Well, non-partisan fact-checking site Politifact blasted Cruz for a recent statement he made where he accused Democrats of trying to repeal the “freedom of speech” protections given to us in the First Amendment. “The Democrats in the Senate last year introduced a constitutional amendment to repeal the free speech protections of the First Amendment,” Cruz said. Before going forward, I would like to point out that this is one of those statements that only an idiot would believe without actually fact-checking it for themselves. To hear something this radical without questioning the validity of it only proves that those who believed Cruz when he said it are absolutely brainwashed. Of course, it’s not at all true. Politifact cited scholars who said Cruz “ignored critical facts” for the sake of blatantly misrepresenting what this amendment actually would have done. What Ted Cruz is referring to is an amendment Democrats supported to help get money out of politics by allowing states (you know, the whole states’ rights thing) to set their own reasonable limitations on campaign finance laws. Though as many of you might know, because Republicans want more money in politics (which is comically hypocritical considering these are the folks who whine about “big government” and how corrupt it is) they’ve taken up the ludicrous notion that money is “free speech.” Even though it’s fairly obvious that our Founding Fathers did not mean for “freedom of speech” to include the right for the richest among us to buy elections. Freedom of speech is the right for people to say basically anything without the fear or prosecution – it has nothing to do with money."
Fox News’ new war on truth: This is why Donald Trump and GOP field get away with lies
Fox News’ new war on truth: This is why Donald Trump and GOP field get away with lies
"So how is a racist liar like Trump still a thing? And why is Carson still in the race? He even made the loony claim that the Egyptian pyramids were used to store grain! But rather than end his political career Carson’s pyramid claim might have actually helped him. What’s going on? The answer is due, in part, to the mainstream news media and the increased power of Fox News. The folks that support Trump and Carson largely get their news from Fox News– the network that uses the trademark “fair and balanced” to hawk lies and fear. Fox News has been shown to be a major agent of disinformation. Politfact explains that they lie about 60 percent of the time. Only 10 percent of the Fox News claims they rated were true. This is why their viewers score so badly on tests of their knowledge with one study suggesting that people who watched no news of any kind scored higher on aptitude of current events than Fox News viewers. But that’s not all of it. Fox News viewers don’t only suffer from a network that lies; they are also victims of the increasing politicization of truth. It is no longer the case that we have commonly accepted truths from which we derive our political beliefs. Now every truth is itself ideological. Truths are not drawn from evidence and fact; they are culled from deep belief systems."
"So how is a racist liar like Trump still a thing? And why is Carson still in the race? He even made the loony claim that the Egyptian pyramids were used to store grain! But rather than end his political career Carson’s pyramid claim might have actually helped him. What’s going on? The answer is due, in part, to the mainstream news media and the increased power of Fox News. The folks that support Trump and Carson largely get their news from Fox News– the network that uses the trademark “fair and balanced” to hawk lies and fear. Fox News has been shown to be a major agent of disinformation. Politfact explains that they lie about 60 percent of the time. Only 10 percent of the Fox News claims they rated were true. This is why their viewers score so badly on tests of their knowledge with one study suggesting that people who watched no news of any kind scored higher on aptitude of current events than Fox News viewers. But that’s not all of it. Fox News viewers don’t only suffer from a network that lies; they are also victims of the increasing politicization of truth. It is no longer the case that we have commonly accepted truths from which we derive our political beliefs. Now every truth is itself ideological. Truths are not drawn from evidence and fact; they are culled from deep belief systems."
Michigan Repubs pass last-minute bill creating longer voting lines — to stifle turnout
Michigan Repubs pass last-minute bill creating longer voting lines — to stifle turnout
"Another bill passed by the GOP-dominated legislature will allow more money from outside political groups into local and state elections."
"Another bill passed by the GOP-dominated legislature will allow more money from outside political groups into local and state elections."
No Science Here: Big Oil Has Turned The House Into Their Private Lobbying Agency
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/no-science-here-big-oil-has-turned-the-house-into-their-private-lobbying-agency/
"It is an absolute travesty that such idiots have been allowed to take over a government committee overseeing what is perhaps the most dangerous issue of our time and run it like a joke, and yet that is exactly what a dangerous combination of unfettered corporate purchasing of lawmakers and delusional conservative anti-intellectualism have produced"
"It is an absolute travesty that such idiots have been allowed to take over a government committee overseeing what is perhaps the most dangerous issue of our time and run it like a joke, and yet that is exactly what a dangerous combination of unfettered corporate purchasing of lawmakers and delusional conservative anti-intellectualism have produced"
"The King Of Whoppers": Fact Checkers Call Out Donald Trump's Year Of "Campaign Misstatements" And Lies
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/12/22/the-king-of-whoppers-fact-checkers-call-out-don/207656
"Fact checkers ended 2015 by calling out Donald Trump's endless "political falsehoods," noting that the GOP presidential frontrunner "stands out not only for the sheer number of his factually false claims, but also for his brazen refusals to admit error when proven wrong"."
"Fact checkers ended 2015 by calling out Donald Trump's endless "political falsehoods," noting that the GOP presidential frontrunner "stands out not only for the sheer number of his factually false claims, but also for his brazen refusals to admit error when proven wrong"."
Donald Trump's Birtherism and Appeal to White Power Are a Road to Fascism
Donald Trump's Birtherism and Appeal to White Power Are a Road to Fascism
"That is why it is entirely understandable that white power proponents are finding a home in the frenzied, bilious Trump mobs."
"That is why it is entirely understandable that white power proponents are finding a home in the frenzied, bilious Trump mobs."
Donald Trump Told So Many Lies Fact Checkers Couldn’t Pick Just One for Lie of the Year
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/21/donald-trump-tells-lies-misstatements-win-lie-year-award.html
"Yes, PolitiFact has chosen the “many campaign misstatements” of Donald Trump as the Lie of the Year because they could not settle on which of his lies was the biggest."
"Yes, PolitiFact has chosen the “many campaign misstatements” of Donald Trump as the Lie of the Year because they could not settle on which of his lies was the biggest."
Prosecutors Set to Appeal Scott Walker "John Doe" Case to U.S. Supreme Court
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/12/13006/JohnDoe_SupremeCourt_Walker
"In July, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a decision rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Yet some justices faced serious conflicts-of-interest in the case, since the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, spending $10 million to elect the court's majority. Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the justices likely should not have heard the case at all. The Special Prosecutor leading the probe, Francis Schmitz, asked two justices to recuse but they refused to do so. Schmitz vowed to appeal, yet earlier this month the Court took the extraordinary step of firing him, rescinding his appointment as Special Prosecutor and hindering any potential appeal. "My career in the military and as a federal prosecutor fighting violent criminals and terrorists did not fully prepare me for the tactics employed by these special interest groups," Schmitz said in a statement. That might have been the end of the story. But Friday's motion suggests that Walker and his allies haven't beaten back the John Doe just yet."
"In July, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a decision rewriting the state's limits on money in politics and ending the "John Doe" investigation into Walker's campaign coordinating with dark money groups. Yet some justices faced serious conflicts-of-interest in the case, since the same groups that coordinated with Walker's campaign were among the majority's biggest financial supporters, spending $10 million to elect the court's majority. Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the justices likely should not have heard the case at all. The Special Prosecutor leading the probe, Francis Schmitz, asked two justices to recuse but they refused to do so. Schmitz vowed to appeal, yet earlier this month the Court took the extraordinary step of firing him, rescinding his appointment as Special Prosecutor and hindering any potential appeal. "My career in the military and as a federal prosecutor fighting violent criminals and terrorists did not fully prepare me for the tactics employed by these special interest groups," Schmitz said in a statement. That might have been the end of the story. But Friday's motion suggests that Walker and his allies haven't beaten back the John Doe just yet."
Mitch McConnell Just Made It Virtually Impossible to Police Dark Money in 2016
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/mitch-mcconnell-budget-bill-campaign-finance
"Provisions slipped into the budget bill kneecapped campaign finance enforcement and transparency."
"Provisions slipped into the budget bill kneecapped campaign finance enforcement and transparency."
Billionaire Americans give out free turkeys so that poor people will shut up already
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/19/1460159/-Billionaire-Americans-give-out-free-turkeys-so-that-poor-people-will-shut-up-already
"the Koch brothers are stepping up their public relations efforts. Americans for Prosperity, the pro-corporate, anti-tax, anti-regulation political organization planning to spend nearly $1 billion dollars to shape the outcome of the 2016 presidential elections, will be dropping a few million on the little people in order to convince them that everything is on the up-and-up."
"the Koch brothers are stepping up their public relations efforts. Americans for Prosperity, the pro-corporate, anti-tax, anti-regulation political organization planning to spend nearly $1 billion dollars to shape the outcome of the 2016 presidential elections, will be dropping a few million on the little people in order to convince them that everything is on the up-and-up."
PERRspectives: Sorry, GOP: Senate Obamacare 'Repeal' Does Not Reduce Deficits
PERRspectives: Sorry, GOP: Senate Obamacare 'Repeal' Does Not Reduce Deficits
"repealing Obamacare increases Uncle Sam's deficits. Unless, that is, you change what the meaning of "repeal" is. Which is precisely the shell game Republicans are playing now. And just like "death panels" and a "government takeover of health care" (Politifact's Lie of the Year for 2009 and 2010, respectively), the Senate's partial Obamacare repeal is just another of the GOP's killer lies on health care."
"repealing Obamacare increases Uncle Sam's deficits. Unless, that is, you change what the meaning of "repeal" is. Which is precisely the shell game Republicans are playing now. And just like "death panels" and a "government takeover of health care" (Politifact's Lie of the Year for 2009 and 2010, respectively), the Senate's partial Obamacare repeal is just another of the GOP's killer lies on health care."
9 Heinous Items Sneaked Into the Budget Bill Congress Doesn’t Want You to See
http://usuncut.com/politics/9-heinous-items-sneaked-into-budget-bill/
"8. Wall Street deregulation In addition to all of the new provisions in this year’s budget bill, one of the worst riders from the 2014 “cromnibus” bill that deregulated derivatives trading on Wall Street will remain in effect. The deregulation bill reverses portions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform act of 2010, and allows big banks to get away with the same high-risk gambling on complex financial instruments that caused the 2008 financial crisis. Wall Street lobbyists actually wrote most of the language in the bill that was snuck into last year’s budget bill."
"8. Wall Street deregulation In addition to all of the new provisions in this year’s budget bill, one of the worst riders from the 2014 “cromnibus” bill that deregulated derivatives trading on Wall Street will remain in effect. The deregulation bill reverses portions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform act of 2010, and allows big banks to get away with the same high-risk gambling on complex financial instruments that caused the 2008 financial crisis. Wall Street lobbyists actually wrote most of the language in the bill that was snuck into last year’s budget bill."
Corporate Sellout Marco Rubio Wants Internet Access Only For The Rich
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/corporate-sellout-marco-rubio-wants-internet-access-only-for-the-rich/
"Recently, many municipalities, such as have begun providing their citizens with broadband access at much faster speeds and much cheaper prices than the major private telecom companies, such as AT&T. Chattanooga, TN, for example, has implemented a municipal broadband network that provides data at one gegabit per second – 50 times faster than the average AT&T customer – for as little as $70 per month. Despite the overwhelming benefits to American citizens that such public broadband networks provide, telecom conglomerates such as Comcast and AT&T have used the tremendous influence that their money buys to force state legislatures into passing laws banning public broadband networks for no conceivable reason. Last week, Marco Rubio joined the massive big-business campaign against Americans’ right to Internet access by signing a letter to the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) urging them to block municipalities from enacting public broadband networks, which, to their credit, the FCC has been reluctant to do."
"Recently, many municipalities, such as have begun providing their citizens with broadband access at much faster speeds and much cheaper prices than the major private telecom companies, such as AT&T. Chattanooga, TN, for example, has implemented a municipal broadband network that provides data at one gegabit per second – 50 times faster than the average AT&T customer – for as little as $70 per month. Despite the overwhelming benefits to American citizens that such public broadband networks provide, telecom conglomerates such as Comcast and AT&T have used the tremendous influence that their money buys to force state legislatures into passing laws banning public broadband networks for no conceivable reason. Last week, Marco Rubio joined the massive big-business campaign against Americans’ right to Internet access by signing a letter to the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) urging them to block municipalities from enacting public broadband networks, which, to their credit, the FCC has been reluctant to do."
Victory: Stewart Defeats McConnell, Gets 9/11 First Responder Funds
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/victory-stewart-defeats-mcconnell-gets-911-first-responder-funds/
"Stewart’s campaign has specifically targeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for obstructing the the renewal of 9/11 first responder healthcare funds for petty and selfish political reasons. Stewart appeared on the Daily Show appearance specifically to call out McConnell for his hypocritical refusal to reauthorize the James Zadroga Act while having passed an identical bill for coal workers in the state of Kentucky (“It’s bullsh*t”). McConnell refused to include the funding with last month’s highway bill, despite support from 66 Senators and 250 House members, in order to use it as a bargaining chip in order to lift the ban on oil exports and please his masters in the fossil fuel industry. It was a despicable act of political maneuvering that only a Republican could stomach. It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Stewart’s efforts have proven successful."
"Stewart’s campaign has specifically targeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for obstructing the the renewal of 9/11 first responder healthcare funds for petty and selfish political reasons. Stewart appeared on the Daily Show appearance specifically to call out McConnell for his hypocritical refusal to reauthorize the James Zadroga Act while having passed an identical bill for coal workers in the state of Kentucky (“It’s bullsh*t”). McConnell refused to include the funding with last month’s highway bill, despite support from 66 Senators and 250 House members, in order to use it as a bargaining chip in order to lift the ban on oil exports and please his masters in the fossil fuel industry. It was a despicable act of political maneuvering that only a Republican could stomach. It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Stewart’s efforts have proven successful."
Jon Stewart Successfully Shames Republicans Into Extending 9/11 First Responders Bill
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/17/jon-stewart-successfully-shames-republicans-into-extending-911-first-responders-bill/
"After all of the public shaming, Republicans apparently could no longer afford to be dragging their feet on this issue that most Americans support."
"After all of the public shaming, Republicans apparently could no longer afford to be dragging their feet on this issue that most Americans support."
Friday, December 18, 2015
A Conservative Estimate of ‘The Wal-Mart Effect': Wal-Mart’s growing trade deficit with China has displaced more than 400,000 U.S. jobs
A Conservative Estimate of ‘The Wal-Mart Effect': Wal-Mart’s growing trade deficit with China has displaced more than 400,000 U.S. jobs
"The growing goods trade deficit with China displaced 3.2 million U.S. jobs in the United States between 2001 and 2013, and it has been a prime contributor to the crisis in manufacturing employment over the past 15 years. Due to its own growing trade deficit with China, Wal-Mart alone was responsible for the loss of more than 400,000 U.S. jobs, 13.2 percent of total U.S. jobs lost in this period. The current unbalanced U.S.-China trade relationship is bad for both countries, and Wal-Mart has played a major role in creating that imbalance."
"The growing goods trade deficit with China displaced 3.2 million U.S. jobs in the United States between 2001 and 2013, and it has been a prime contributor to the crisis in manufacturing employment over the past 15 years. Due to its own growing trade deficit with China, Wal-Mart alone was responsible for the loss of more than 400,000 U.S. jobs, 13.2 percent of total U.S. jobs lost in this period. The current unbalanced U.S.-China trade relationship is bad for both countries, and Wal-Mart has played a major role in creating that imbalance."
The truth about GOP tax plans: The real reason why they’re so ridiculous
The truth about GOP tax plans: The real reason why they’re so ridiculous
"Republican donors are dramatically out of line with the general population."
"Republican donors are dramatically out of line with the general population."
Donald Trump supporter wants to burn a black man alive: “Light the motherf**ker on fire”
Donald Trump supporter wants to burn a black man alive: “Light the motherf**ker on fire”
"This is not the first time that either actual physical violence or violent rhetoric has been used at Donald Trump rallies."
"This is not the first time that either actual physical violence or violent rhetoric has been used at Donald Trump rallies."
Senator Bernie Sanders Is Having A Very Good Day
Senator Bernie Sanders Is Having A Very Good Day
"With an historic donor number now reaching two million separate contributions and a very substantial endorsement from the Communications Workers of America, Senator Bernie Sanders is having a memorable day on the campaign trail."
"With an historic donor number now reaching two million separate contributions and a very substantial endorsement from the Communications Workers of America, Senator Bernie Sanders is having a memorable day on the campaign trail."
Bernie Sanders Makes History And Sets A New Record By Surpassing 2 Million Donations
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/12/17/bernie-sanders-history-sets-record-surpassing-2-million-donations.html
"The average donation is $20, and more than 800,000 donors have donated for a second or third time. Only 1.7% of Sanders donors have maxed out and hit the contribution limit. Most impressively, Sanders trails only President Obama 2.2 million donations by the end of 2011 for the overall record."
"The average donation is $20, and more than 800,000 donors have donated for a second or third time. Only 1.7% of Sanders donors have maxed out and hit the contribution limit. Most impressively, Sanders trails only President Obama 2.2 million donations by the end of 2011 for the overall record."
Communities of color hate Republicans more than ever, and GOP seems psyched about that!
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/16/1460788/-Communities-of-color-hate-Republicans-more-than-ever-and-GOP-seems-psyched-about-that
"Clinton leads Rubio 69-18 and Cruz 72-17 among Latinos. This is a GOP-wide rejection. So is Reince Priebus’ Republican party “far better” with communities of color than in 2012? Well, only if the GOP’s goal is to far better alienate non-white demographics. And given the rhetoric from pretty much all Republicans, that’s the only plausible explanation. So good job, guys! Mission accomplished."
"Clinton leads Rubio 69-18 and Cruz 72-17 among Latinos. This is a GOP-wide rejection. So is Reince Priebus’ Republican party “far better” with communities of color than in 2012? Well, only if the GOP’s goal is to far better alienate non-white demographics. And given the rhetoric from pretty much all Republicans, that’s the only plausible explanation. So good job, guys! Mission accomplished."
McConnell's holiday wish: A GOP presidential nominee who could 'carry purple states' ... Ha!
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/15/1460499/-McConnell-s-holiday-wish-A-GOP-presidential-nominee-who-could-carry-purple-states-Ha
"How about we check in with Gallup on where your current field stands, Mitch: Donald Trump: -27 Jeb Bush: -14 Chris Christie: -5 Ted Cruz: -3 Marco Rubio: +5 Ben Carson: +6 Among those candidates, it's worth noting that The Donald and Jeb! are also the most well known candidates, with 91 percent of voters being familiar with Trump to Jeb!'s 78 percent familiarity rating. The lesser known candidates like Rubio and Cruz, who both sit at 61 percent familiarity, almost surely benefit from being, well, lesser known. For context, Hillary Clinton is the best-known candidate in the field at 94 percent and she has a -4 favorability rating. Bernie Sanders is known to 66 percent of respondents and he's at +2 on favorables."
"How about we check in with Gallup on where your current field stands, Mitch: Donald Trump: -27 Jeb Bush: -14 Chris Christie: -5 Ted Cruz: -3 Marco Rubio: +5 Ben Carson: +6 Among those candidates, it's worth noting that The Donald and Jeb! are also the most well known candidates, with 91 percent of voters being familiar with Trump to Jeb!'s 78 percent familiarity rating. The lesser known candidates like Rubio and Cruz, who both sit at 61 percent familiarity, almost surely benefit from being, well, lesser known. For context, Hillary Clinton is the best-known candidate in the field at 94 percent and she has a -4 favorability rating. Bernie Sanders is known to 66 percent of respondents and he's at +2 on favorables."
Reince Priebus: GOP Has Been Fantastic Reaching Out To Minorities In 2016
Reince Priebus: GOP Has Been Fantastic Reaching Out To Minorities In 2016
"he actually praised his own performance and organization by declaring how wonderful the GOP has been in reaching out to minority communities around the country. Much better than 2012! I-kid-you-not."
"he actually praised his own performance and organization by declaring how wonderful the GOP has been in reaching out to minority communities around the country. Much better than 2012! I-kid-you-not."
Can you spot the differences between fact-checking a GOP debate and whack-a-mole?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/16/1460764/-Can-you-spot-the-differences-between-whack-a-mole-and-fact-checking-a-GOP-debate
"There is, of course, much more. Because it was a Republican debate lasting more than two hours, featuring the likes of Trump, Fiorina, Cruz, Ben Carson, and Marco Rubio, and telling the truth is not a strong suit there."
"There is, of course, much more. Because it was a Republican debate lasting more than two hours, featuring the likes of Trump, Fiorina, Cruz, Ben Carson, and Marco Rubio, and telling the truth is not a strong suit there."
The GOP debate fear cauldron: According to the Republican candidates, you’re going to die
The GOP debate fear cauldron: According to the Republican candidates, you’re going to die
"All in all it was a grim, bleak, and frightful debate that saw several leading candidates try to stoke heightened public anxiety over terrorism. There were no acknowledgements that acts of terrorism are exceptionally rare, with just “45 Americans killed in jihadist terrorist attacks” since 9/11. (More Americans have died as a result of homegrown right-wing terrorism, but that threat didn’t earn a single mention at the debate, even though one such attack took place just days before San Bernardino.)
"All in all it was a grim, bleak, and frightful debate that saw several leading candidates try to stoke heightened public anxiety over terrorism. There were no acknowledgements that acts of terrorism are exceptionally rare, with just “45 Americans killed in jihadist terrorist attacks” since 9/11. (More Americans have died as a result of homegrown right-wing terrorism, but that threat didn’t earn a single mention at the debate, even though one such attack took place just days before San Bernardino.)
From 'White Power' To Nazi Salutes: How Toxic Can Trump Rallies Get?
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/timeline-trump-rally-protests-violence
"Racist and bigoted language has become commonplace at the rallies, both from Trump supporters and the candidate himself. But so has violence and degradation against protesters who dare to disagree with the GOP’s heir apparent. The toxicity seemed to peak Monday night in Las Vegas, where Trump supporters reportedly yelled a Nazi salute and called for a protester to be set on fire."
"Racist and bigoted language has become commonplace at the rallies, both from Trump supporters and the candidate himself. But so has violence and degradation against protesters who dare to disagree with the GOP’s heir apparent. The toxicity seemed to peak Monday night in Las Vegas, where Trump supporters reportedly yelled a Nazi salute and called for a protester to be set on fire."
Republicans, where the hell is your outrage?! Despite horrific rally video, GOP leaders won’t stand up against hate and behavior of Donald Trump’s supporters
Republicans, where the hell is your outrage?! Despite horrific rally video, GOP leaders won’t stand up against hate and behavior of Donald Trump’s supporters
"Republicans have trafficked for decades in sowing white resentment for political gain, of course, but until now, Republican leaders had instituted some checks to keep the racism from getting too overt or violent. But now that practice seems to have disappeared."
"Republicans have trafficked for decades in sowing white resentment for political gain, of course, but until now, Republican leaders had instituted some checks to keep the racism from getting too overt or violent. But now that practice seems to have disappeared."
Wash. Post Editorial Board Slams GOP's Embrace Of "Bigotry, Hatred and Magical Thinking"
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/12/17/wash-post-editorial-board-slams-gops-embrace-of/207573
"Fear-mongering and raw xenophobia were once the hallmarks of fringe candidates."
"Fear-mongering and raw xenophobia were once the hallmarks of fringe candidates."
10 Biggest Lies and Distortions From the GOP Debate @alternet
10 Biggest Lies and Distortions From the GOP Debate @alternet
"Another GOP debate, another steaming pile of half-truths, lies and pseudo-facts. The Republican Party seems to be almost entirely post-truth at this point, and if you call them out, you're the liberal media! It's a brilliant racket and one that led us to the current state of affairs where facts aren't just dispensable, but a political liability."
"Another GOP debate, another steaming pile of half-truths, lies and pseudo-facts. The Republican Party seems to be almost entirely post-truth at this point, and if you call them out, you're the liberal media! It's a brilliant racket and one that led us to the current state of affairs where facts aren't just dispensable, but a political liability."
The Internet, scare tactics and big fat juicy lies: Here are the top 10 bullsh*t moments of the GOP debate
The Internet, scare tactics and big fat juicy lies: Here are the top 10 bullsh*t moments of the GOP debate
"here are the top ten loads of crap or bizarre insanity and the truth you’ll need at the water cooler"
"here are the top ten loads of crap or bizarre insanity and the truth you’ll need at the water cooler"
Summarizing the 5th Republican Debate: An Absurd Sideshow of Propaganda and Dangerous Ideas
Summarizing the 5th Republican Debate: An Absurd Sideshow of Propaganda and Dangerous Ideas
"it’s the same worn out rhetoric Republicans have been using since the 80’s. The same ideas that have proven time and time again to be absolute failures."
"it’s the same worn out rhetoric Republicans have been using since the 80’s. The same ideas that have proven time and time again to be absolute failures."
49 Things You Would Have Sworn A Presidential Candidate Would Never Say. Then You Lived Through 2015
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/12/15/3732161/49-things-republican-presidential-candidates-actually-said-in-2015/
"But in the Republican primary during 2015, the spectacle subsumed the campaign."
"But in the Republican primary during 2015, the spectacle subsumed the campaign."
The GOP poverty PR push: Selling the same old pro-rich policies, but now with free turkeys
The GOP poverty PR push: Selling the same old pro-rich policies, but now with free turkeys
"It was a coordinated effort intended to convey one simple message: the Republican Party cares about the poor. Sending that message became a necessity in the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s defeat at the hands of Barack Obama. Romney lost that election in part because he was a living caricature of a comically out-of-touch plutocrat, and in part because the policies he backed were obviously and inarguably designed to favor the rich. The problem facing Republicans is that those policies – wild tax cuts for the wealthy, massive cuts to social welfare programs – form the backbone of the party’s economic agenda and couldn’t just be jettisoned. So they had to set about changing their image while holding on to the same basic ideas that sunk Mitt “47 Percent” Romney. That’s where Americans for Prosperity, the Koch brothers’ primary outlet for political activism, comes in. Last year, the organization resolved to set about revamping the image of conservatives and Republicans as a party concerned primarily with the wealthy."
"It was a coordinated effort intended to convey one simple message: the Republican Party cares about the poor. Sending that message became a necessity in the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s defeat at the hands of Barack Obama. Romney lost that election in part because he was a living caricature of a comically out-of-touch plutocrat, and in part because the policies he backed were obviously and inarguably designed to favor the rich. The problem facing Republicans is that those policies – wild tax cuts for the wealthy, massive cuts to social welfare programs – form the backbone of the party’s economic agenda and couldn’t just be jettisoned. So they had to set about changing their image while holding on to the same basic ideas that sunk Mitt “47 Percent” Romney. That’s where Americans for Prosperity, the Koch brothers’ primary outlet for political activism, comes in. Last year, the organization resolved to set about revamping the image of conservatives and Republicans as a party concerned primarily with the wealthy."
The GOP can’t believe this is really happening: The 7 biggest establishment freakouts in the wake of Trump’s fascist turn
The GOP can’t believe this is really happening: The 7 biggest establishment freakouts in the wake of Trump’s fascist turn
"The Republican Party, failing to recognize or acknowledge that it might have any part in creating and enabling the rise of the Trump monster, is showing signs of the kind of full-scale freakout that often accompanies extreme forms of denial."
"The Republican Party, failing to recognize or acknowledge that it might have any part in creating and enabling the rise of the Trump monster, is showing signs of the kind of full-scale freakout that often accompanies extreme forms of denial."
Trump Can’t Win in 2016, So Let’s Leave Him to Destroy the Republican Party
http://thedailybanter.com/2015/12/trump-cant-win-in-2016-so-lets-leave-him-to-destroy-the-republican-party/
"John McCain and Mitt Romney spent the primaries in their respective campaigns trying to be as crazy as possible in order to win over the lunatic fringe of Republican voters, then fell flat in the general when the center abandoned them in droves. Post George W. Bush, crazy works only in the short term. As a long term strategy, it is a complete disaster — a fact not lost on the GOP establishment that hoped Jeb Bush would be able to save what is left of their parties White House prospects. While a bewildering number of polls continue to show Trump’s meteoric rise, as Nate Silver wrote recently, they don’t really mean much until the few weeks preceding the primaries — where history shows Trump might be in for a nasty surprise when voters are confronted with the real prospect of Trump being the Republican nominee. Silver puts Trump’s chance at winning the Republican nomination at “higher than 0 but (considerably) less than 20 percent.” So Trump may not even get past the Republican primaries, let alone get to take on Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. And if that happens, you heard it here first: he’ll get annihilated by a unified Democratic party that will work day and night to siphon away every Republican moderate in the country. Donald Trump poses a threat to one particular set of interests in America: the conservative establishment. He is essentially destroying the party from the inside by humiliating the other candidates, refusing to take orders from above, and turning the party into an international laughing stock. Forget Sarah Palin, Hermain Cain, or Michele Bachmann, Trump is the real deal and he’s laying waste to everything around him. Donald Trump is the disease the Republican party created, and unfortunately for them, they forgot to inoculate themselves first."
"John McCain and Mitt Romney spent the primaries in their respective campaigns trying to be as crazy as possible in order to win over the lunatic fringe of Republican voters, then fell flat in the general when the center abandoned them in droves. Post George W. Bush, crazy works only in the short term. As a long term strategy, it is a complete disaster — a fact not lost on the GOP establishment that hoped Jeb Bush would be able to save what is left of their parties White House prospects. While a bewildering number of polls continue to show Trump’s meteoric rise, as Nate Silver wrote recently, they don’t really mean much until the few weeks preceding the primaries — where history shows Trump might be in for a nasty surprise when voters are confronted with the real prospect of Trump being the Republican nominee. Silver puts Trump’s chance at winning the Republican nomination at “higher than 0 but (considerably) less than 20 percent.” So Trump may not even get past the Republican primaries, let alone get to take on Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. And if that happens, you heard it here first: he’ll get annihilated by a unified Democratic party that will work day and night to siphon away every Republican moderate in the country. Donald Trump poses a threat to one particular set of interests in America: the conservative establishment. He is essentially destroying the party from the inside by humiliating the other candidates, refusing to take orders from above, and turning the party into an international laughing stock. Forget Sarah Palin, Hermain Cain, or Michele Bachmann, Trump is the real deal and he’s laying waste to everything around him. Donald Trump is the disease the Republican party created, and unfortunately for them, they forgot to inoculate themselves first."
Study: Mandatory Voting Would Destroy The Republican Party
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/study-mandatory-voting-would-destroy-the-republican-party/
"If our democracy had full participation and our politicians had to respond to all American voters and not just a wealthy few, the power of the Kochs and the other oligarchs would be shattered and broken- and with them, the Republican Party."
"If our democracy had full participation and our politicians had to respond to all American voters and not just a wealthy few, the power of the Kochs and the other oligarchs would be shattered and broken- and with them, the Republican Party."
10 Reasons Why Ted Cruz is the Most Dangerous (and Craziest) Republican Candidate
10 Reasons Why Ted Cruz is the Most Dangerous (and Craziest) Republican Candidate
"Essentially, Cruz is everything that’s deplorable about Trump along with being possibly the biggest religious radical of the whole bunch."
"Essentially, Cruz is everything that’s deplorable about Trump along with being possibly the biggest religious radical of the whole bunch."
Las Vegas Trump Rally Brings Shouts Of 'Seig Heil' -- And Worse
Las Vegas Trump Rally Brings Shouts Of 'Seig Heil' -- And Worse
"This is what they come for, the blatant hate-mongering, the White-supremacy and the chance to show your racism in an open forum. This is what we've come to expect from a Trump rally. And at this one in particular, last night at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, where the choicest cuts of Trump Prime Beef showed up to give us a taste of their brand of government dreams: 1933 Nazi Germany. It gets worse. As the man is dragged out, we can hear a protester proudly shouting 'Sieg Heil!' three times in succession."
"This is what they come for, the blatant hate-mongering, the White-supremacy and the chance to show your racism in an open forum. This is what we've come to expect from a Trump rally. And at this one in particular, last night at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, where the choicest cuts of Trump Prime Beef showed up to give us a taste of their brand of government dreams: 1933 Nazi Germany. It gets worse. As the man is dragged out, we can hear a protester proudly shouting 'Sieg Heil!' three times in succession."
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