PERRspectives: GOP Always Feared Obamacare's Success, Not Its Failure
"With sign-ups for private insurance nearing 7 million on the final days of open enrollment for Obamacare, Republicans are once again trying to unskew the polls. While Wyoming Senator John Barrasso accused the White House of "cooking the books," Ted Cruz (R-TX) pretended the number of uninsured Americans is actually rising.
Sadly, this conservative whimpering doesn't mean the GOP's all-out war on the Affordable Care Act is over. The avalanche of court challenges continues. The 50-plus repeal votes will continue to grow. The conservative misinformation campaign about mythical "death panels" and a bogus "government-takeover of health care" left millions of Americans fearful and confused--the uninsured most of all--about Obamacare. Thanks to the refusal of many Republican-led states to accept the ACA's Medicaid expansion, over 7 million red staters will needlessly remain uninsured--and thousands of them will needless die as a result. Many of the same GOP-dominated states are blocking the work of Obamacare "navigators," despite supporting the same federal outreach program for Medicare for over two decades."
Monday, March 31, 2014
Here’s The Exact Plan The Cheating GOP Is Using To Steal The 2014 Elections
Here’s The Exact Plan The Cheating GOP Is Using To Steal The 2014 Elections
"As uncompromising conservative candidates belittle people of color, immigrants, women and lower-class individuals, it’s no surprise that in the midst of self-mutilation, Republicans are obviously trying to alter the game with their selfish needs in mind – as always."
"As uncompromising conservative candidates belittle people of color, immigrants, women and lower-class individuals, it’s no surprise that in the midst of self-mutilation, Republicans are obviously trying to alter the game with their selfish needs in mind – as always."
Christie, Walker, Kasich, Bush: Sheldon Adelson's Toadies
Christie, Walker, Kasich, Bush: Sheldon Adelson's Toadies
"The race for Billionaire Blessings is on! Top winner gets lots and lots of Billionaire Bucks to spend in the Great White House Auction of 2016, brought to you by the likes of Sheldon Adelson."
"The race for Billionaire Blessings is on! Top winner gets lots and lots of Billionaire Bucks to spend in the Great White House Auction of 2016, brought to you by the likes of Sheldon Adelson."
How to Vote Against the Koch Brothers | The Nation
How to Vote Against the Koch Brothers | The Nation
"The Koch Brothers don't actually run for office—at least not since David Koch's amusingly ambitious 1980 bid for the vice presidency on a Libertarian Party ticket that proposed the gutting of corporate taxes, the minimum wage, occupational health and safety oversight, environmental protections and Social Security.
That project, while exceptionally well-funded for a third-party campaign, secured just 1.06 percent of the vote. The Kochs determined it would be easier to fund conservative campaigns than to pitch the program openly. Initially, the project was hampered by what passed for campaign-finance rules and regulations, to the frustration of David Koch, who once told The New Yorker, "We'd like to abolish the Federal Elections Commission and all the limits on campaign spending anyway"."
"The Koch Brothers don't actually run for office—at least not since David Koch's amusingly ambitious 1980 bid for the vice presidency on a Libertarian Party ticket that proposed the gutting of corporate taxes, the minimum wage, occupational health and safety oversight, environmental protections and Social Security.
That project, while exceptionally well-funded for a third-party campaign, secured just 1.06 percent of the vote. The Kochs determined it would be easier to fund conservative campaigns than to pitch the program openly. Initially, the project was hampered by what passed for campaign-finance rules and regulations, to the frustration of David Koch, who once told The New Yorker, "We'd like to abolish the Federal Elections Commission and all the limits on campaign spending anyway"."
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Plutocracy without end: Why the 1 percent always defeats the middle class
Plutocracy without end: Why the 1 percent always defeats the middle class
"There are more of us than them. But income inequality keeps getting worse -- and there is sadly no end in sight"
"There are more of us than them. But income inequality keeps getting worse -- and there is sadly no end in sight"
In US GOP Runaway Voting Laws Gain Steam | Common Dreams
In US GOP Runaway Voting Laws Gain Steam | Common Dreams
"With mid-term elections fast approaching and the next presidential bid seemingly around the corner, Republican lawmakers around the country have ramped up efforts to restrict voting rules and regulations in ways that favor GOP voters and discriminate against those who traditionally vote democrat"
"With mid-term elections fast approaching and the next presidential bid seemingly around the corner, Republican lawmakers around the country have ramped up efforts to restrict voting rules and regulations in ways that favor GOP voters and discriminate against those who traditionally vote democrat"
The Shame of American Politics: GOP Presidential Hopefuls now Trek to Las Vegas seeking Adelson Blessing | Common Dreams
The Shame of American Politics: GOP Presidential Hopefuls now Trek to Las Vegas seeking Adelson Blessing | Common Dreams
"A series of pro-corporation Supreme Court decisions and the latter’s disingenuous equation of money with speech, including “Citizens United”, have turned the United States from a democracy to a plutocracy."
"A series of pro-corporation Supreme Court decisions and the latter’s disingenuous equation of money with speech, including “Citizens United”, have turned the United States from a democracy to a plutocracy."
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Ryan Unsuited To Lead ‘Adult Conversation’ About Poverty
Ryan Unsuited To Lead ‘Adult Conversation’ About Poverty
"The problem is that a prerequisite for any adult conversation is telling the truth and it is there the congressman falls monumentally short."
"The problem is that a prerequisite for any adult conversation is telling the truth and it is there the congressman falls monumentally short."
Why Dark Money Groups Refused Generous IRS Limits On Political Activity
Why Dark Money Groups Refused Generous IRS Limits On Political Activity
"This week saw House Republican leadership kill legislation to help Ukraine rather than accept an IRS investigation into dark money groups, thus putting party before country yet again on behalf of their billionaire sponsors. As Darrell Issa knows, it is great work if you can get it."
"This week saw House Republican leadership kill legislation to help Ukraine rather than accept an IRS investigation into dark money groups, thus putting party before country yet again on behalf of their billionaire sponsors. As Darrell Issa knows, it is great work if you can get it."
Friday, March 28, 2014
GOP Steps Up Attack on Early Voting in Key Swing States | The Nation
GOP Steps Up Attack on Early Voting in Key Swing States | The Nation
"The waits in Florida and Ohio were no accident, but rather the direct consequence of GOP efforts to curtail the number of days and hours that people had to vote."
"The waits in Florida and Ohio were no accident, but rather the direct consequence of GOP efforts to curtail the number of days and hours that people had to vote."
What's The Matter With Kansas? Austerity.
What's The Matter With Kansas? Austerity.
"Results in Kansas lay waste to the lie that cutting taxes increases prosperity."
"Results in Kansas lay waste to the lie that cutting taxes increases prosperity."
The Next Domino’s To Fall: Pizza Chain Will Pay A Half-Million Dollars Over Stolen Wages
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/27/3419848/dominos-wage-theft-momentum/
"Drivers and pizza cooks will share a $448,000 payout from 23 Domino’s Pizza franchise owners around New York state under a settlement announced Thursday by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman."
"Drivers and pizza cooks will share a $448,000 payout from 23 Domino’s Pizza franchise owners around New York state under a settlement announced Thursday by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman."
Corporate Profits Hit A New Record High Last Year
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/27/3420092/corporate-profits-record-2013/
"The profits have helped boost CEO pay: Among 50 public companies, they saw a 4.1 percent increase in pay at the median last year, netting $9.8 million at that mark. That’s after average CEO pay hit a record high in 2012.
But this wealth hasn’t trickled much further down. Despite the fact that workers have been increasing their productivity — helping to drive those corporate profits — they haven’t seen much of a reward."
"The profits have helped boost CEO pay: Among 50 public companies, they saw a 4.1 percent increase in pay at the median last year, netting $9.8 million at that mark. That’s after average CEO pay hit a record high in 2012.
But this wealth hasn’t trickled much further down. Despite the fact that workers have been increasing their productivity — helping to drive those corporate profits — they haven’t seen much of a reward."
Thursday, March 27, 2014
The Third-Largest Bank Isn’t Adequately Prepared For A Crisis
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/27/3419581/citigroup-stress-test/
"It is the second such “stress test” that the megabank has failed in the past three years."
"It is the second such “stress test” that the megabank has failed in the past three years."
A Democrat-Sponsored Tax Cut Calls the GOP’s Anti-Poverty Bluff | The Nation
A Democrat-Sponsored Tax Cut Calls the GOP’s Anti-Poverty Bluff | The Nation
"For months now, as congressional Republicans have blocked repeated attempts to extend benefits to the long-term unemployed, as they’ve fought to deny low-income Americans access to health insurance, as they’ve advocated to cut tens of billions from the food stamp program, as they’ve resisted proposals to raise the minimum wage, they have simultaneously professed their commitment to American workers and the poor."
"For months now, as congressional Republicans have blocked repeated attempts to extend benefits to the long-term unemployed, as they’ve fought to deny low-income Americans access to health insurance, as they’ve advocated to cut tens of billions from the food stamp program, as they’ve resisted proposals to raise the minimum wage, they have simultaneously professed their commitment to American workers and the poor."
With Eyes on 2016, Walker Courts Sheldon Adelson Cash in Sin City
With Eyes on 2016, Walker Courts Sheldon Adelson Cash in Sin City
"Despite claims to be focused exclusively on this year's gubernatorial election, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and other GOP presidential hopefuls are jetting off to Las Vegas for an exclusive gathering with billionaire Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, who is reportedly assessing the field for 2016 after plowing $92 million into the 2012 presidential election cycle."
"Despite claims to be focused exclusively on this year's gubernatorial election, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and other GOP presidential hopefuls are jetting off to Las Vegas for an exclusive gathering with billionaire Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, who is reportedly assessing the field for 2016 after plowing $92 million into the 2012 presidential election cycle."
Fox Pundits Carp About Government Contractors Being Paid Prevailing Wage
Fox Pundits Carp About Government Contractors Being Paid Prevailing Wage
"Fox's Greta Van Susteren and the Washington Examiner's Luke Rosiak are very upset that government workers are being paid the prevailing wage for their area as opposed to poverty wages. It's a scandal everyone! The government is actually paying these workers a living wage. The horror!"
"Fox's Greta Van Susteren and the Washington Examiner's Luke Rosiak are very upset that government workers are being paid the prevailing wage for their area as opposed to poverty wages. It's a scandal everyone! The government is actually paying these workers a living wage. The horror!"
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Walmart Admits: 'Our Profits' Depend on 'Their Poverty' | Common Dreams
Walmart Admits: 'Our Profits' Depend on 'Their Poverty' | Common Dreams
"Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, is notorious for paying poverty wages and coaching employees to take advantage of social programs. In many states, Walmart employees are the largest group of Medicaid recipients."
"Walmart, the nation's largest private employer, is notorious for paying poverty wages and coaching employees to take advantage of social programs. In many states, Walmart employees are the largest group of Medicaid recipients."
Billionaire's 'Break California' Measure Inches Closer To The Ballot
Billionaire's 'Break California' Measure Inches Closer To The Ballot
"Billionaire Tim Draper has almost got all of the signatures he needs for a ballot measure to break California, but that doesn't mean it will become reality."
"Billionaire Tim Draper has almost got all of the signatures he needs for a ballot measure to break California, but that doesn't mean it will become reality."
Another Financial Crisis Is Looming—Here's Why and How It Will Play Out
www.alternet.org/economy/another-financial-crisis-looming-heres-why-and-how-it-will-play-out
"Thanks to bank misconduct, odds are that big trouble is on its way."
"Thanks to bank misconduct, odds are that big trouble is on its way."
NY Fed Study: 'Too Big To Fail Banks' Profit on Taxpayers' Backs | Common Dreams
NY Fed Study: 'Too Big To Fail Banks' Profit on Taxpayers' Backs | Common Dreams
"Although not news to progressive critics of Wall Street, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed research Tuesday that underscores why "too-big-to-fail" banks are bad for the economy.
A study focusing on the five largest banks—JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs—found that these firms benefit from significant discounts on bond issues due to an assumption on the part of investors of government bailout protection."
"Although not news to progressive critics of Wall Street, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed research Tuesday that underscores why "too-big-to-fail" banks are bad for the economy.
A study focusing on the five largest banks—JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs—found that these firms benefit from significant discounts on bond issues due to an assumption on the part of investors of government bailout protection."
How Billionaire Bucks Secretly Convert To Campaign 'Walking Money'
How Billionaire Bucks Secretly Convert To Campaign 'Walking Money'
"And zero accountability to taxpayers, who picked up the tab for that nonprofit cash moving through dark streams into nowhere.
This is why wingers are working the refs so hard on the ginned-up IRS non-scandal. If the IRS were to actually doits job, they would never approve this organization as a 501c3 nonprofit that allows for deductible contributions because it served no charitable purpose.
These dark money organizations are shapeshifters and churned on a regular basis. The machine that fueled the 2010 Koch machine morphed into a different machine, with the first entity terminated. For 2014, Americans for Prosperity is taking the lead for now, but that will change after the primaries when new organizations will spring forth, undiscovered until sometime in the middle of 2016."
"And zero accountability to taxpayers, who picked up the tab for that nonprofit cash moving through dark streams into nowhere.
This is why wingers are working the refs so hard on the ginned-up IRS non-scandal. If the IRS were to actually doits job, they would never approve this organization as a 501c3 nonprofit that allows for deductible contributions because it served no charitable purpose.
These dark money organizations are shapeshifters and churned on a regular basis. The machine that fueled the 2010 Koch machine morphed into a different machine, with the first entity terminated. For 2014, Americans for Prosperity is taking the lead for now, but that will change after the primaries when new organizations will spring forth, undiscovered until sometime in the middle of 2016."
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Hundreds of Students & Faculty Occupy Campus to Fight Cuts to Public Higher Ed | Common Dreams
Hundreds of Students & Faculty Occupy Campus to Fight Cuts to Public Higher Ed | Common Dreams
"University of Southern Maine student Meagan LaSala and professor Rachel Bouvier explain how cuts disproportionately target faculty and will trigger a decline in quality public eduction."
"University of Southern Maine student Meagan LaSala and professor Rachel Bouvier explain how cuts disproportionately target faculty and will trigger a decline in quality public eduction."
Our Plutocracy Problem
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16475/our_plutocracy_problem
"These days, there’s a much more direct process. One percenters and corporations can secretly buy politicians. Using front groups, the wealthy can “donate” unlimited millions to elect a candidate and remain completely anonymous."
"These days, there’s a much more direct process. One percenters and corporations can secretly buy politicians. Using front groups, the wealthy can “donate” unlimited millions to elect a candidate and remain completely anonymous."
Bernie Sanders Calls Out Ugly Class Warfare Being Waged By Republicans
Bernie Sanders Calls Out Ugly Class Warfare Being Waged By Republicans
"Bernie Sanders: What kind of nation are we when we give tax breaks to millionaires but we can’t take care of the elderly and the children?"
"Bernie Sanders: What kind of nation are we when we give tax breaks to millionaires but we can’t take care of the elderly and the children?"
When the Government Outsources to Private Companies, Inequality Gets Worse | Common Dreams
When the Government Outsources to Private Companies, Inequality Gets Worse | Common Dreams
"State and local officials nationwide are responding to budget crunches by siphoning off public services to private contractors — the classic “market-based solution” for a fiscal crisis. But on balance, the savings of these supposedly cost-saving outsourcing measures often turn out to be less than advertised."
"State and local officials nationwide are responding to budget crunches by siphoning off public services to private contractors — the classic “market-based solution” for a fiscal crisis. But on balance, the savings of these supposedly cost-saving outsourcing measures often turn out to be less than advertised."
Goldman Sachs' Outrageous Scheme to Profit off Jailed Young Offenders' Recidivism Rate
www.alternet.org/economy/goldman-sachs-outrageous-scheme-profit-jailed-young-offenders-recidivism-rate
"Too-big-to-jail Wall Street is ripping off taxpayers with a "social impact bond"."
"Too-big-to-jail Wall Street is ripping off taxpayers with a "social impact bond"."
Monday, March 24, 2014
New Lawsuit Alleges That Wells Fargo Has a Manual for Mass Fabrication of Foreclosure Documents
New Lawsuit Alleges That Wells Fargo Has a Manual for Mass Fabrication of Foreclosure Documents
"Catherine Curan of the New York Post has an important new story on a Federal lawsuit that looks to have unearthed a smoking gun about systematic document fabrication at Wells Fargo."
"Catherine Curan of the New York Post has an important new story on a Federal lawsuit that looks to have unearthed a smoking gun about systematic document fabrication at Wells Fargo."
Billionaire Bucks Winning Charter School Debate In New York
Billionaire Bucks Winning Charter School Debate In New York
"As long as the Billionaire Bucks pay for propaganda that convinces people they're really just good people trying to do good things for the little children of Harlem, they're in for the long haul.
I just wish one person would ask the folks in these ads whether or not they think the millions spent on the ads might have done a better work inside their schools."
"As long as the Billionaire Bucks pay for propaganda that convinces people they're really just good people trying to do good things for the little children of Harlem, they're in for the long haul.
I just wish one person would ask the folks in these ads whether or not they think the millions spent on the ads might have done a better work inside their schools."
Money, Money, Everywhere
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16430/money_money_everywhere
"$1,265,836,000,000.
This is the amount of cash that S&P 500 companies (excluding banks and other financial institutions) are currently sitting on. As of the beginning of the third quarter, the largest U.S. companies collectively held $1.27 trillion. That’s about 13.5 percent more than this time last year."
"$1,265,836,000,000.
This is the amount of cash that S&P 500 companies (excluding banks and other financial institutions) are currently sitting on. As of the beginning of the third quarter, the largest U.S. companies collectively held $1.27 trillion. That’s about 13.5 percent more than this time last year."
You call this a meritocracy? How rich inheritance is poisoning the American economy
You call this a meritocracy? How rich inheritance is poisoning the American economy
"No, your economic fortune isn't just based on work ethic and idea quality. It's also a gaping inheritance disparity"
"No, your economic fortune isn't just based on work ethic and idea quality. It's also a gaping inheritance disparity"
Saturday, March 22, 2014
How Corrupt Politicians Like Chris Christie Partner with Wall Street to Rip Off American Retirements
www.alternet.org/economy/how-corrupt-politicians-chris-christie-partner-wall-street-rip-american-retirements
"Wall Street loves to celebrate its knack for innovation, and it's hard to disagree. The ingenuity financiers have mustered to scam Americans out of their retirements is truly a wonder to behold."
"Wall Street loves to celebrate its knack for innovation, and it's hard to disagree. The ingenuity financiers have mustered to scam Americans out of their retirements is truly a wonder to behold."
FOX's Neil Cavuto Attacks Kristen Bell For Saying Rich People Can Afford Higher Taxes
FOX's Neil Cavuto Attacks Kristen Bell For Saying Rich People Can Afford Higher Taxes
"How dare rich people speak out about tax issues that don't fall in line with conservative thinking?"
"How dare rich people speak out about tax issues that don't fall in line with conservative thinking?"
Friday, March 21, 2014
Corporate Welfare and the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
Corporate Welfare and the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"The majority of Americans including conservatives support an increase yet congress continues to drag its feet on doing right by the people they claim to serve. The conservative “pull-yourself up-by your-bootstraps” mentality has become an acceptable excuse to justify kicking people when they’re down. The greedy and elitist attitudes of CEO’s and bankers have created a culture of entitlement in this country in which stealing from others less powerful is the best way to get to the top regardless of the social cost."
"The majority of Americans including conservatives support an increase yet congress continues to drag its feet on doing right by the people they claim to serve. The conservative “pull-yourself up-by your-bootstraps” mentality has become an acceptable excuse to justify kicking people when they’re down. The greedy and elitist attitudes of CEO’s and bankers have created a culture of entitlement in this country in which stealing from others less powerful is the best way to get to the top regardless of the social cost."
Thursday, March 20, 2014
New Report: Fortune 100 Companies Have Received $1.2 Trillion in Corporate Welfare Recently
New Report: Fortune 100 Companies Have Received $1.2 Trillion in Corporate Welfare Recently
"Thanks to Open the Books, the curtain has been lifted and the whole country can now witness the great suckling of corporate America."
"Thanks to Open the Books, the curtain has been lifted and the whole country can now witness the great suckling of corporate America."
Bureaucracy, Autocracy and Neoliberal Canada
Bureaucracy, Autocracy and Neoliberal Canada
"The Harper government authorized and encouraged police to violate fundamental constitutional rights, and indeed the rule of law itself, in order to instil in the public a lasting impression that any kind of individual or group resistance against the corporate elite economic agenda would not be tolerated."
"The Harper government authorized and encouraged police to violate fundamental constitutional rights, and indeed the rule of law itself, in order to instil in the public a lasting impression that any kind of individual or group resistance against the corporate elite economic agenda would not be tolerated."
The Cancer Stage of Reaganomics
The Cancer Stage of Reaganomics
"And it really hit the full-blown "cancer stage" in the 2000's, thanks to George W. Bush, who put Reaganomics on steroids"
"And it really hit the full-blown "cancer stage" in the 2000's, thanks to George W. Bush, who put Reaganomics on steroids"
Corporate 'Engine of Corruption' Destroying Global 'Public Good', says TED Prize Winner | Common Dreams
Corporate 'Engine of Corruption' Destroying Global 'Public Good', says TED Prize Winner | Common Dreams
"The identity of the owners of anonymous companies who work behind closed doors against the "public good" should no longer be kept private, Charmian Gooch, co-founder of Global Witness, said Tuesday as she received the TED Prize at the TED2014 conference."
"The identity of the owners of anonymous companies who work behind closed doors against the "public good" should no longer be kept private, Charmian Gooch, co-founder of Global Witness, said Tuesday as she received the TED Prize at the TED2014 conference."
WOW! Target’s New Anti-Union Propaganda May Be Worse Than Walmart’s (Video)
WOW! Target’s New Anti-Union Propaganda May Be Worse Than Walmart’s (Video)
"Like Walmart, many of Target’s employees are forced to resort to safety nets like SNAP, housing assistance, Medicaid, and EITC. In other words, Target is just another corporate Welfare Queen."
"Like Walmart, many of Target’s employees are forced to resort to safety nets like SNAP, housing assistance, Medicaid, and EITC. In other words, Target is just another corporate Welfare Queen."
Banks Seek To Sway Critical GAO Report
Banks Seek To Sway Critical GAO Report
"The financial industry spends more on federal lobbying than any other, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Financial firms, including banks, hedge funds, mortgage lenders and insurers, last year spent $87.5 million on lobbying from January to through September, the most recent available records show."
"The financial industry spends more on federal lobbying than any other, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. Financial firms, including banks, hedge funds, mortgage lenders and insurers, last year spent $87.5 million on lobbying from January to through September, the most recent available records show."
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Why Harvard Must Divest From Fossil Fuels: A Student’s Open Letter | The Nation
Why Harvard Must Divest From Fossil Fuels: A Student’s Open Letter | The Nation
"The movement for fossil-fuel divestment has swelled to what an Oxford University study calls the fastest-growing divestment movement in history, one with the potential to shift the political ground beneath the fossil-fuel lobby’s feet."
"The movement for fossil-fuel divestment has swelled to what an Oxford University study calls the fastest-growing divestment movement in history, one with the potential to shift the political ground beneath the fossil-fuel lobby’s feet."
Scalia Licks His Chops: Upcoming SCOTUS Case May Be Even Worse than Citizens United
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/scalia-licks-his-chops-upcoming-scotus-case-may-be-even-worse-citizens-united
"The case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, concerns a challenge by the RNC and conservative CEO Shaun McCutcheon to the federal laws restricting how much one person can donate to candidates and party committees each cycle."
"The case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, concerns a challenge by the RNC and conservative CEO Shaun McCutcheon to the federal laws restricting how much one person can donate to candidates and party committees each cycle."
Expand Overtime Pay? GOP Says No
www.inthesetimes.com/article/16446/expand_overtime_pay_gop_says_no
"Unlike the GOP, the vast majority of Americans believe extra effort should be rewarded. They cherish the idea that their country is one where those who work hard can get ahead. In recent years, however, the actual experience of far too many Americans is that doesn’t happen. They work 50, 60, even 70 hours a week and don’t get paid extra for it. These are not high-roller managers or executives or professionals who don’t expect time and a half for overtime. These are hourly wage earners."
"Unlike the GOP, the vast majority of Americans believe extra effort should be rewarded. They cherish the idea that their country is one where those who work hard can get ahead. In recent years, however, the actual experience of far too many Americans is that doesn’t happen. They work 50, 60, even 70 hours a week and don’t get paid extra for it. These are not high-roller managers or executives or professionals who don’t expect time and a half for overtime. These are hourly wage earners."
The Plutocrats Strike Back
The Plutocrats Strike Back
"Populism is popular with voters, but not with big donors. But the problem for the bankers, Langone, Perkins and the rest is that they no longer operate in secret. The special interest claims no longer have legitimacy. Folks don’t buy the trickle down voodoo anymore."
"Populism is popular with voters, but not with big donors. But the problem for the bankers, Langone, Perkins and the rest is that they no longer operate in secret. The special interest claims no longer have legitimacy. Folks don’t buy the trickle down voodoo anymore."
What's It Like To Raise 3 Kids On $9.49 Per Hour? Watch And See
What's It Like To Raise 3 Kids On $9.49 Per Hour? Watch And See
"HBO is streaming The Shriver Report documentary "Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert" free to all viewers this week. Take the time to watch."
"HBO is streaming The Shriver Report documentary "Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert" free to all viewers this week. Take the time to watch."
Bombshell: How The Fix Was In On Christie's 'Stronger Than The Storm' Ad
Bombshell: How The Fix Was In On Christie's 'Stronger Than The Storm' Ad
"How Michelle Brown, Christie's reputed gal pal, made sure the most expensive bid got the job"
"How Michelle Brown, Christie's reputed gal pal, made sure the most expensive bid got the job"
Wisconsin GOP Introduces Bill To Thwart Dark Money Investigation
Wisconsin GOP Introduces Bill To Thwart Dark Money Investigation
"If enacted, the legislation would not necessarily stop the John Doe probe. It would, however, legalize the conduct under investigation in the John Doe for state elections later this year -- including Scott Walker's hotly-contested reelection campaign."
"If enacted, the legislation would not necessarily stop the John Doe probe. It would, however, legalize the conduct under investigation in the John Doe for state elections later this year -- including Scott Walker's hotly-contested reelection campaign."
Kochtopus Tentacles Hide In Alphabet Soup
Kochtopus Tentacles Hide In Alphabet Soup
"Documents released in recent months show the Kochs have added wrinkles to their network that even experts well versed in tax law and campaign finance say they’ve never seen before — wrinkles that could make it harder to discern who controls each nonprofit in the web and how it disperses its money."
"Documents released in recent months show the Kochs have added wrinkles to their network that even experts well versed in tax law and campaign finance say they’ve never seen before — wrinkles that could make it harder to discern who controls each nonprofit in the web and how it disperses its money."
Monday, March 17, 2014
Wisconsin GOP Heads Off Criminal Probe Into Corporate Election Spending By Trying To Make It Legal
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/03/17/3414121/wisconsin-coordination-probe/
"Wisconsin’s State Senate Majority Leader, who is reportedly under investigation for his role in a possibly illegal campaign finance scheme, has come up with a novel way to shut down the criminal probe: changing the state law to legalize the activity in question."
"Wisconsin’s State Senate Majority Leader, who is reportedly under investigation for his role in a possibly illegal campaign finance scheme, has come up with a novel way to shut down the criminal probe: changing the state law to legalize the activity in question."
Three Dems Ask To Meet With Holder To Discuss Prosecuting Mortgage Fraud
Three Dems Ask To Meet With Holder To Discuss Prosecuting Mortgage Fraud
"Three Democratic lawmakers asked to discuss with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder the Department of Justice's allegedly uneven efforts to prosecute mortgage fraud, according to a letter dated Monday."
"Three Democratic lawmakers asked to discuss with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder the Department of Justice's allegedly uneven efforts to prosecute mortgage fraud, according to a letter dated Monday."
Pensiongate? Christie Campaign Donors Won Huge Contracts | The Nation
Pensiongate? Christie Campaign Donors Won Huge Contracts | The Nation
"While trumpeting “pension reform,” the New Jersey governor placed retiree assets in the hands of hedge fund managers bankrolling his political career."
"While trumpeting “pension reform,” the New Jersey governor placed retiree assets in the hands of hedge fund managers bankrolling his political career."
Christie's Wall St. Donors Won Huge Contracts, Sucked Out Fat Pension Fees
Christie's Wall St. Donors Won Huge Contracts, Sucked Out Fat Pension Fees
"Christie bragged about pension "reform," but outsourced the assets to his Wall St. buddies so they could siphon off large fees."
"Christie bragged about pension "reform," but outsourced the assets to his Wall St. buddies so they could siphon off large fees."
GOP Bill Designed to Disrupt John Doe Dark Money Probe, Court Filings Confirm
GOP Bill Designed to Disrupt John Doe Dark Money Probe, Court Filings Confirm
"New court filings confirm that Wisconsin's John Doe campaign finance investigation hinges on how state election law treats "issue ad" groups coordinating with political campaigns, shedding new light on a Republican effort to quietly change the law in advance of Governor Scott Walker's reelection campaign."
"New court filings confirm that Wisconsin's John Doe campaign finance investigation hinges on how state election law treats "issue ad" groups coordinating with political campaigns, shedding new light on a Republican effort to quietly change the law in advance of Governor Scott Walker's reelection campaign."
PERRspectives: Kentucky Showcases Paul Ryan's Wrong-Way War on Poverty
PERRspectives: Kentucky Showcases Paul Ryan's Wrong-Way War on Poverty
"Paul Ryan tried to put a face--a black face--on American poverty. As it turns out, Ryan's dog-whistle to the GOP's right-wing base wasn't merely cynical, it was also wrong.
After all, about two-thirds of the nation's 46.5 million people living in poverty are white. The U.S. Census Bureau also informs us that the 17.7 percent poverty rate in rural areas is almost three points higher than the national average. (Poverty is highest in the South, which in 2012 was the only part of the country where it increased.) In many cities and across the countryside, tectonic structural changes in regional economies, and not Paul Ryan's "tailspin of culture," are wiping out good paying jobs. The result is that many communities are sustained by a patchwork of federal and state programs helping to provide food assistance, income support, unemployment benefits, health care and more.
To put it another way, the faces of American poverty can be found in Rust Belt cities, in the Mississippi Delta and in Appalachia. And now--just as it did when LBJ launched his War on Poverty 50 years ago--Kentucky shows why."
"Paul Ryan tried to put a face--a black face--on American poverty. As it turns out, Ryan's dog-whistle to the GOP's right-wing base wasn't merely cynical, it was also wrong.
After all, about two-thirds of the nation's 46.5 million people living in poverty are white. The U.S. Census Bureau also informs us that the 17.7 percent poverty rate in rural areas is almost three points higher than the national average. (Poverty is highest in the South, which in 2012 was the only part of the country where it increased.) In many cities and across the countryside, tectonic structural changes in regional economies, and not Paul Ryan's "tailspin of culture," are wiping out good paying jobs. The result is that many communities are sustained by a patchwork of federal and state programs helping to provide food assistance, income support, unemployment benefits, health care and more.
To put it another way, the faces of American poverty can be found in Rust Belt cities, in the Mississippi Delta and in Appalachia. And now--just as it did when LBJ launched his War on Poverty 50 years ago--Kentucky shows why."
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