Monday, September 30, 2013

RedState's Erickson To GOP: Just Pass A Clean Continuing Resolution

RedState's Erickson To GOP: Just Pass A Clean Continuing Resolution

If they've lost Erick-squared, they've lost America :)

Why the Tea Partiers Think They'll Win

Why the Tea Partiers Think They'll Win

The key is their enduring faith that conservatism can never fail, it can only be failed.

5 Industries That Are Mercilessly Robbing the American People | Alternet

5 Industries That Are Mercilessly Robbing the American People | Alternet

This system is tearing our once-great society to shreds.

Wall Street Predators Wage Secret War on American Retirements | Alternet

Wall Street Predators Wage Secret War on American Retirements | Alternet

Financiers are lying their way to another giant theft of public money.

7 of the Most Pathetic Arguments for Prohibiting Marijuana Appearing in a Newspaper Near You | Alternet

7 of the Most Pathetic Arguments for Prohibiting Marijuana Appearing in a Newspaper Near You | Alternet

Leading anti-cannabis advocate Dr. Kevin Sabet's new book 'Reefer Sanity' is used as ammunition by enemies of drug reform. Let's stop them now.

It's Time to Finally Admit We're an Empire | Alternet

It's Time to Finally Admit We're an Empire | Alternet

Then we need to take the necessary steps to start shedding that label for good.

From the Mean-Spirited to the Asinine: 7 Prime Examples of Right-Wing Lunacy This Week | Alternet

From the Mean-Spirited to the Asinine: 7 Prime Examples of Right-Wing Lunacy This Week | Alternet

It wasn’t just Ted Cruz -- conservative Christians, Fox Newsians and Tea Partiers were off the hook this week.

GOP Launches Race War to Boost the 1 Percent | Alternet

GOP Launches Race War to Boost the 1 Percent | Alternet

From Newt's epithets to the gutting of food stamps, Republicans try to unite white people to serve a hideous agenda.

Noam Chomsky: 'The Foundations of Liberty Are Ripped to Shreds' | Alternet

Noam Chomsky: 'The Foundations of Liberty Are Ripped to Shreds' | Alternet

The U.S. openly brags about boom times for its drone wars, while casually abandoning our 800 year-old system of due process.

Daily Kos: No good deed goes unpunished

Daily Kos: No good deed goes unpunished

Andrew Anderson, a 19-year-old employee at a Goodwill store in East Naples, Florida, was arrested and charged with felony grand theft. His crime? Providing discounts to customers who appeared to be in desperate need...

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Maddow: Republicans like ‘a bag of blindfolded, hungry weasels’ on angel dust | The Raw Story

Maddow: Republicans like ‘a bag of blindfolded, hungry weasels’ on angel dust | The Raw Story

On Monday night’s edition of “The Rachel Maddow Show,” host Rachel Maddow and guest Nicole Wallace took a look at the spreading disaster that is the Republican Party’s battle with itself over Obamacare. Maddow opined that the GOP is going at each other like a “bag of blindfolded, hungry weasels” on PCP...

First Cargo Ship To Use The Northwest Passage | Crooks and Liars

First Cargo Ship To Use The Northwest Passage | Crooks and Liars

Irony sucks.

The Myth of Just Deserts | Rcooley123's Blog

The Myth of Just Deserts | Rcooley123's Blog

Attacks on the social safety net, workers’ rights, raising the minimum wage and basically anything aimed at eradicating or ameliorating the enormous economic, political and social inequality in this country tend to rest largely on one tenet – blame the victim.

The 3 Most Absurdly Outdated Internet Laws | Mother Jones

The 3 Most Absurdly Outdated Internet Laws | Mother Jones

When federal tech law is inspired by a Cold War-era hacker flick starring Matthew Broderick, it's probably time for an update.

Researcher: Extent of BP oil spill's damage to sea-floor life "astounding" - CBS News

Researcher: Extent of BP oil spill's damage to sea-floor life "astounding" - CBS News

The vast 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill damaged the tiny animals that live on the sea floor for about 57 square miles around the blown-out BP oil well, with severe damage in about nine square miles of that area, says a researcher from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi...

Thursday, September 26, 2013

NSA Spied on MLK, US Senators and Other Vietnam War Critics, Documents Show | Common Dreams

NSA Spied on MLK, US Senators and Other Vietnam War Critics, Documents Show | Common Dreams

Agency's self-proclaimed 'disreputable if not outright illegal' practices threaten civil liberties then and now, critics warn

The American Exceptionalism Sweepstakes | Common Dreams

The American Exceptionalism Sweepstakes | Common Dreams

But when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act.  That’s what makes America different.  That’s what makes us exceptional.  With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth.” -- Barack Obama, address to the nation on Syria, September 10, 2013

Let’s be Americans, which means being exceptional, which also means being honest in ways inconceivable to the rest of humanity.  So here’s the truth of it: the American exceptionalism sweepstakes really do matter. Here. A lot.

Florida Woman Jailed for Firing 'warning Shot' at Husband Wins New Trial

Florida Woman Jailed for Firing 'warning Shot' at Husband Wins New Trial

A woman sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing a "warning shot" during an argument with her abusive husband won a new trial on Thursday in a case under Florida's controversial self-defense law.

Texas Police Repeatedly Shot and Tasered a 67-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient - In Her Own Home | Alternet

Texas Police Repeatedly Shot and Tasered a 67-Year-Old Alzheimer's Patient - In Her Own Home | Alternet

Her husband begged the police to "put the gun away" as they fired the shotgun again and again

Krugman: Rich Are Waging “Pure Class Warfare” | Alternet

Krugman: Rich Are Waging “Pure Class Warfare” | Alternet

The Nobel Prize-winning New York Times columnist argues the rich are even more selfish than you thought

The National Memo » 5 Worst Moments Of Ted Cruz’s Fake Filbuster

The National Memo » 5 Worst Moments Of Ted Cruz’s Fake Filbuster

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) promised the Republican Party a fight — and he gave them a show.

Cruz thrilled the Republican base with some absurd Nazi references and by humbly comparing his effort with the Bataan Death March – while enraging the Republican Party’s donor class.

Observers are debating whether the junior senator technically engaged in a filibuster of the bill he encouraged House Republicans to pass after it was stripped of the language that would defund Obamacare.

It’s worth pointing out that Cruz didn’t actually filibuster, because that would have required him to have the support at least 41 senators from his own party. He doesn’t...

The National Memo » Poll: Overwhelming Majority Supports Major Gun Reforms

The National Memo » Poll: Overwhelming Majority Supports Major Gun Reforms

According a United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection poll, Americans haven’t given up on reforming the country’s gun laws, even if Congress has.

The National Memo » In Media Coverage Of Clintons, Anonymous Gossip And Fact-Free Cynicism Still Rule

The National Memo » In Media Coverage Of Clintons, Anonymous Gossip And Fact-Free Cynicism Still Rule

For the American media—and especially for “the liberal media”—even the possibility of a Hillary Clinton presidential nomination, however distant, seems to invite a reversion to bad old habits. During the presidency of Hillary’s husband, all too many Washington journalists lived by “the Clinton rules,” which meant applying the most cynical interpretation to everything Bill and Hillary Clinton (and anybody associated with them) did or had ever done.

Why You're a Lot Better Off with Obamacare Than You Might Think | Alternet

Why You're a Lot Better Off with Obamacare Than You Might Think | Alternet

The ACA's may offer truly dramatic savings.

Breaking Their Will: The Sick Biblical Literalism That Leads to Child Abuse and Even Death | Alternet

Breaking Their Will: The Sick Biblical Literalism That Leads to Child Abuse and Even Death | Alternet

Authoritarian parenting and abusive practices are all too common in some Evangelical households.

DeMint Says GOP 'Did Not Litigate The Obamacare Issue' In 2012, Blames Romney

DeMint Says GOP 'Did Not Litigate The Obamacare Issue' In 2012, Blames Romney

As Jim DeMint sees it, Mitt Romney precluded Republicans from truly campaigning against the Affordable Care Act in last year's election.

Have I mentioned recently that Jim DeMint is an idiot?!?!

Obamacare Premiums Look Good, But Medicare-For-All Would Be Better | Common Dreams

Obamacare Premiums Look Good, But Medicare-For-All Would Be Better | Common Dreams

New data shows that many will be paying less for-profit insurance. The bads news... it's still for-profit insurance.

A Fair Shot | ThinkProgress

A Fair Shot | ThinkProgress

There is no question that the role of women in the United States has changed dramatically over the past few decades. More and more women have entered the workforce, won public office, earned victories for their health rights, and accomplished many other advancements. But substantial inequalities remain in all of these areas. As we rebuild our economy and seek to rise to the challenges of the future, we cannot afford to leave women behind.

Ted Cruz's Brilliant Stupid Plan | Alternet

Ted Cruz's Brilliant Stupid Plan | Alternet

His faux filibuster will be great for his career—unless he actually aspires to be president.

Obamacare: It's Better Than You Think | Alternet

Obamacare: It's Better Than You Think | Alternet

With so much misinformation floating around, here's the straight dope.

RIP, the Middle Class: 1946-2013 | Alternet

RIP, the Middle Class: 1946-2013 | Alternet

The 1 percent hollowed out the middle class and our industrial base. And Washington just let it happen

Richard Dawkins Says that Humanity Has Only 50% Chance of Surviving Into the Next Century | Alternet

Richard Dawkins Says that Humanity Has Only 50% Chance of Surviving Into the Next Century | Alternet

The leading atheist cites religious fanatics and intense weapons as destructive combo.

DC Republicans in Full Panic Mode: Obamacare Will Be Hugely Popular and There's Little the GOP Can Do to Stop It | Alternet

DC Republicans in Full Panic Mode: Obamacare Will Be Hugely Popular and There's Little the GOP Can Do to Stop It | Alternet

The money is already moving down the pipeline, and Americans are about to get much cheaper healthcare.

Jon Stewart Eviscerates Cruz and Republicans on Anti-Obamacare Crusade | Alternet

Jon Stewart Eviscerates Cruz and Republicans on Anti-Obamacare Crusade | Alternet

"Obamacare is your 'Springtime for Hitler.'"

The National Memo » Senate Moves Forward With Spending Bill After Cruz Ends Marathon Speech

The National Memo » Senate Moves Forward With Spending Bill After Cruz Ends Marathon Speech

The Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to move ahead with the bill passed by the House of Representatives last Friday, which averts a government shutdown while defunding the Affordable Care Act.

Unanimously? So Cruz voted to pass the bill he just filibustered? Hypocrisy much?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Daily Kos: Think your plastic is being recycled? Think again.

Daily Kos: Think your plastic is being recycled? Think again.

How Progressives Won Four Important Victories in 10 Days | Alternet

How Progressives Won Four Important Victories in 10 Days | Alternet

Are there some lessons here for future fights?

State Department Is Keeping Pakistani Drone Victim's Lawyer Out of the Country So Survivors Won't Testify in Front of Members Of Congress (with Video and Petition) | Alternet

State Department Is Keeping Pakistani Drone Victim's Lawyer Out of the Country So Survivors Won't Testify in Front of Members Of Congress (with Video and Petition) | Alternet:

 The State Dept. prevented the lawyer challenging U.S.-led drone attacks from appearing before Congress.

How Conservatives Win In The Government Shutdown Fight Anyway

How Conservatives Win In The Government Shutdown Fight Anyway

Even if conservatives lose the battle to defund Obamacare -- and it's a foregone conclusion that they will -- they appear to have already won the real policy fight over a government shutdown, which was about spending.

Robert Reich: We Can Save the Economy If We Get Serious About Taxing the Rich | Alternet

Robert Reich: We Can Save the Economy If We Get Serious About Taxing the Rich | Alternet

New documentary "Inequality for All," starring Reich explains how to fix America's income inequality.

20 White Males from the Power Elite Who Belong in the American Hall of Shame | Alternet

20 White Males from the Power Elite Who Belong in the American Hall of Shame | Alternet

A hodge podge of corporate conservatives and moderates, right-wing reactionaries and racists and lunatic libertarians.

How America’s 401(k) Revolution Rewarded the Rich and Turned the Rest of Us Into Big Losers | Alternet

How America’s 401(k) Revolution Rewarded the Rich and Turned the Rest of Us Into Big Losers | Alternet

A failed public policy experiment is tearing the country apart.

Monday, September 23, 2013

The National Memo » Ted Cruz’s Plan For Dummies: Government Shutdown Or Bust The House GOP

The National Memo » Ted Cruz’s Plan For Dummies: Government Shutdown Or Bust The House GOP

If Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) wanted to divide the GOP and put House Republicans in an impossible position, he’s already succeeded.

9 Nastiest Things In the Meat You Eat | Alternet

9 Nastiest Things In the Meat You Eat | Alternet

Meat contaminants are not likely to go away because they stem from Big Meat's desire to maximize profits by growing animals faster.

Big Meat?!?!?!

Nowhere to Hide: The Government's Massive Intrusion Into Our Lives | Alternet

Nowhere to Hide: The Government's Massive Intrusion Into Our Lives | Alternet

The NSA isn’t the only government agency exploiting technology to make privacy obsolete.

Fox's Chris Wallace: 'Top Republicans' Urged Me To 'Hammer' Ted Cruz (VIDEO)

Fox's Chris Wallace: 'Top Republicans' Urged Me To 'Hammer' Ted Cruz (VIDEO)

Fox News anchor Chris Wallace said Sunday that top Republicans urged him to go after Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the latest indication that the junior senator from Texas has alienated members of his own party over his strategy to defund Obamacare and risk a government shutdown.

Ted Cruz To GOP: Shut Down The Government Or You're Voting For Obamacare

Ted Cruz To GOP: Shut Down The Government Or You're Voting For Obamacare

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) isn't backing down from his quixotic quest to defund Obamacare or shut down the government. Far from it, he seems willing to take the Republican Party down in a desire to protect his status as a conservative grassroots hero.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

AmericasDemocrats.org

AmericasDemocrats.org

Democratic pollster Celinda Lake says the top issue on the political horizon isn’t the economy or education, but rather which crazy thing Republicans will do next.

You'll never guess who's trying to take away food from hungry kids

http://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/snap_infograph/?akid=613.198233.ZBXa0c&rd=1&t=2#

The National Memo » Ted Cruz’s Citizenship Is A Lot Murkier Than President Obama’s

The National Memo » Ted Cruz’s Citizenship Is A Lot Murkier Than President Obama’s

The birther controversy was the worst.

Not only was the horrible lie that President Obama is not a citizen thinly veiled racism masquerading as an “integrity” movement — much like voter ID — it was also nonsense. Even if President Obama had been born in Kenya — he wasn’t — he still would be a citizen.

Why? His mother was a citizen....

The National Memo » 5 Things The House GOP Should Cut Instead Of Food Stamps

The National Memo » 5 Things The House GOP Should Cut Instead Of Food Stamps:


As you’ve certainly heard, House Republicans voted Thursday night to cut SNAP (better known as food stamps) benefits by approximately $40 billion over 10 years, about $4 billion a year. I know you’re saying: Republicans used to spend $4 billion in less than a week on the Iraq War. Why cut less than $5 a day in food assistance to some of the neediest Americans while millions are still out of work? How dare they consider such a thing when congressmembers — as Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) explains in the video above — get over $100 a day to eat when they’re traveling?




The National Memo » Weekend Reader: Change They Can’t Believe In: The Tea Party And Reactionary Politics In America

The National Memo » Weekend Reader: Change They Can’t Believe In: The Tea Party And Reactionary Politics In America

This weekend, The Weekend Reader brings you Change They Can’t Believe In: The Tea Party and Reactionary Politics in America by Christopher Parker and Matt Barreto. Like most of us, the authors are both fascinated and confused by the Tea Party — what makes them tick and why they vehemently oppose any and all ideas from the left...

The National Memo » Reasonable Laws Could Solve Shooting Rampages

The National Memo » Reasonable Laws Could Solve Shooting Rampages

Last week’s horror at the Washington Navy Yard barely interrupted the stale political chatter, the dueling poll-tested messages, the sensational reports on the latest celebrity divorce or stint in rehab. While the newest mass shooting did preoccupy reporters for a couple of days, its import — at least judged in headlines and cable hours — quickly faded...

Another Mass Shooting—This Time in Chicago—Leaves Three-Year-Old, Shot in Face, in Critical Condition | Alternet

Another Mass Shooting—This Time in Chicago—Leaves Three-Year-Old, Shot in Face, in Critical Condition | Alternet

13 were wounded in latest mass gun-related incident close on the heels of Navy Yard shooting.

Republicans Block Science Laureate Vote Over Fear of Climate Stance | Alternet

Republicans Block Science Laureate Vote Over Fear of Climate Stance | Alternet

Why, you ask? Because a conservative lobbyist told them to.

Pelosi: GOP's 'Anti-government Ideology Making a Mess'

Pelosi: GOP's 'Anti-government Ideology Making a Mess'

The wing of the Republican Party pushing to defund Obamacare really just wants to shut down the government, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says.

"The anti-government ideology is making a mess of what goes on in Congress now," Pelosi said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."

Dollarocracy: How Big Money Undermines Our Democracy | Common Dreams

Dollarocracy: How Big Money Undermines Our Democracy | Common Dreams

And how we can take it back

Calling 911 Shouldn't Get You Evicted | American Civil Liberties Union

Calling 911 Shouldn't Get You Evicted | American Civil Liberties Union

Believe It! Resistance to Corporate Power and Warmongering Is Growing All Around Us | Alternet

Believe It! Resistance to Corporate Power and Warmongering Is Growing All Around Us | Alternet

There are reasons to celebrate despite continued economic stagnation and growing debt: the culture of resistance in the US is here and it’s having an effect.

7 Vile and Ridiculous Moments From the Country's Right-Wing Fringe This Week | Alternet

7 Vile and Ridiculous Moments From the Country's Right-Wing Fringe This Week | Alternet

Right-wingers really outdid themselves this week.

10 Farm Subsidy Recipients Who Voted to Cut Food Stamps | Alternet

10 Farm Subsidy Recipients Who Voted to Cut Food Stamps | Alternet

The proposed bill would cut food stamps by nearly $40 billion over a decade.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Ted Cruz’s bullying formula - Salon.com

Ted Cruz’s bullying formula - Salon.com

Why is Ted Cruz so successful at bullying the Republican Party? What we’re seeing, in part, is a cost of going post-policy for mainstream conservatives.

7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet

7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet

What a week: Ted Cruz wishes America had 100 more senators like Jesse Helms.

The Senate Is Busy Creating a Privileged 1st Amendment Club for 'Official' Journalists | Alternet

The Senate Is Busy Creating a Privileged 1st Amendment Club for 'Official' Journalists | Alternet

The Senate is skirting the the substantial investigative role served by independent journalists, bloggers, and nontraditional media.

Don't shut down the government | U.S. Senator Harry Reid, Nevada

Don't shut down the government | U.S. Senator Harry Reid, Nevada | Take Action

GOP Rep: Cruz Has 'Abused,' 'Bullied' House Republicans

GOP Rep: Cruz Has 'Abused,' 'Bullied' House Republicans

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) continued to draw the scorn of House Republicans on Friday when Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) fumed that Senate conservatives have "bullied" and "abused" their counterparts in the lower chamber throughout the push to defund Obamacare.

Daily Kos: Hatemonger Pastor Terry Jones Jailed In Failed Attempt to Burn 2,998 Qur'ans

Daily Kos: Hatemonger Pastor Terry Jones Jailed In Failed Attempt to Burn 2,998 Qur'ans

A Florida pastor was arrested Wednesday as he drove a pickup truck towing a large barbecue-style grill filled with kerosene-soaked Qurans to a park, where the pastor had said he was planning to burn 2,998 of the Muslim holy books— one for every victim of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Daily Kos: Rep. Phil Gingrey is 'stuck here' in Congress making only $172,000 a year

Daily Kos: Rep. Phil Gingrey is 'stuck here' in Congress making only $172,000 a year

Oh, the sadness. I think we all need to get together tonight and light a candle for Rep. Phil Gingrey

Daily Kos: Jon Stewart blasts Republicans over gun hypocrisy and the Constitution

Daily Kos: Jon Stewart blasts Republicans over gun hypocrisy and the Constitution

Last night, Jon Stewart looked at the aftermath of the D.C. Navy Yard shooting, and how Republicans seem to only care about the Second Amendment in the Constitution.

Beating Swords Into Solar Panels | Common Dreams

Beating Swords Into Solar Panels | Common Dreams

Re-Purposing America's War Machine

Daily Kos: STUNNER from Pope: Church Should Stop Being "Obsessed" with Abortion, Gay marriage and Contraception

Daily Kos: STUNNER from Pope: Church Should Stop Being "Obsessed" with Abortion, Gay marriage and Contraception

I really like this new Pope. A lot.

From the NYT:
Pope Francis, in the first extensive interview of his six-month-old papacy, said that the Roman Catholic church had grown “obsessed” with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception, and that he has chosen not to speak of those issues despite recriminations from some critics.

Daily Kos: Two concealed carry permit holders shoot and kill each other in Michigan

Daily Kos: Two concealed carry permit holders shoot and kill each other in Michigan

It's a start :)

Literary Classic "Invisible Man" Banned in North Carolina | Alternet

Literary Classic "Invisible Man" Banned in North Carolina | Alternet

In the latest crazy move by Republicans in North Carolina, the National Book Award winning novel has been banned for having no "literary value."

Stupid white people be crazy!

Scientists Plead to Education Board "Not to Let Texas Once Again Become a National Embarrassment" | Alternet

Scientists Plead to Education Board "Not to Let Texas Once Again Become a National Embarrassment" | Alternet

Scientists urge Texas to adopt textbooks supporting evolution over creationism.

JP Morgan Slammed with $920 Million Fine Over Trading Loss - But Where Are the Charges Against Senior Bankers? | Alternet

JP Morgan Slammed with $920 Million Fine Over Trading Loss - But Where Are the Charges Against Senior Bankers? | Alternet

In a rare admission of wrongdoing, US's biggest bank admits fault in major trading bungle -- but still no top-level executives are punished.

Young People's Unhappiness Comes from Our Broken Economic System -- And They Shouldn't Shut Up About It | Alternet

Young People's Unhappiness Comes from Our Broken Economic System -- And They Shouldn't Shut Up About It | Alternet

Wait But Why's blog that tells Generation Y to “stop complaining” about their situation only works to prop up a system of inequality.

Moyers: 'Inequality for All' — New Documentary Starring Robert Reich Exposes the Staggering Inequality in the USA | Alternet

Moyers: 'Inequality for All' — New Documentary Starring Robert Reich Exposes the Staggering Inequality in the USA | Alternet

Director Jacob Kornbluth helps us see how wealth in the hands of the few is destroying the country.

The National Memo » Is America Crazy?

The National Memo » Is America Crazy?

Is America crazy?

Twelve people killed at a secure naval installation virtually on the front porch of the federal government, eight others hurt, the shooter shot to death, and it’s just another manic Monday, another day in the life of a nation under the gun. So yes, maybe it’s time we acknowledged that gorilla in the back seat, time we asked the painfully obvious.

Is America crazy?

The National Memo » How Obama Left The Neocons Feeling Foolish

The National Memo » How Obama Left The Neocons Feeling Foolish

Before you make the mistake of taking President Obama’s most strident critics regarding the Syrian deal too seriously, ponder this: With few exceptions, those calling the Russian-American agreement to eliminate Bashar al-Assad’s nerve gas arsenal a capitulation, a sellout, and a shameful retreat also think bombing Damascus wouldn’t have been nearly enough.

The National Memo » Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley Rips Rick Perry In Washington Post Op-Ed

The National Memo » Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley Rips Rick Perry In Washington Post Op-Ed

Maryland governor Martin O’Malley thinks Texas governor Rick Perry should take a page from his governing record — not a tour of his state — to spur job creation in Texas.

The National Memo » 5 Republicans Calling BS On Ted Cruz’s Plot To Defund Obamacare

The National Memo » 5 Republicans Calling BS On Ted Cruz’s Plot To Defund Obamacare

Let’s start with a reminder: Defunding Obamacare won’t stop Obamacare.

For President Obama’s signature legislative achievement to go away, both houses of Congress must pass a bill… that he agrees to sign. Or the president will have to refuse to enforce the law completely, using a tactic like the waivers for all 50 states that Mitt Romney promised during the campaign.

In short, to stop Obamacare, you need Obama’s help. And that’s never going to happen.

The National Memo » The Shutdown’s Real Goal

The National Memo » The Shutdown’s Real Goal

But it’s also important to understand why the Republican right is so fixated on killing or delaying Obamacare before it goes into effect. Their central worry is not that it will fail, but that it will succeed.

How Chicken Is Killing the Planet | Alternet

How Chicken Is Killing the Planet | Alternet

Processed chicken is already bad for the environment, workers and consumers -- and it's about to get a lot worse.

Underpaid 83-Year-Old Professor Died Trying to Make Ends Meet by Working Night Shift at Eat an' Save | Alternet

Underpaid 83-Year-Old Professor Died Trying to Make Ends Meet by Working Night Shift at Eat an' Save | Alternet

The sad financial straits of Margaret Mary Vojtko is the latest tragic example of how adjunct professors are mistreated.

6 Things You Need to Know About the Woman Who May Soon Be the Most Powerful Economist on Earth | Alternet

6 Things You Need to Know About the Woman Who May Soon Be the Most Powerful Economist on Earth | Alternet

Janet Yellen may turn attention to unemployment if she becomes Federal Reserve chair.

Holy Freeloading! 10 Ways Religious Groups Suck on the Public Purse | Alternet

Holy Freeloading! 10 Ways Religious Groups Suck on the Public Purse | Alternet

Religion is big business, especially with the help of your tax dollars.

Meet the Disgraceful, Anti-Gay, U.S. Pastor Behind Russia’s Gay Ban | Alternet

Meet the Disgraceful, Anti-Gay, U.S. Pastor Behind Russia’s Gay Ban | Alternet

Scott Lively, the outspoken head of Abiding Truth Ministries which is listed as an active anti-gay hate group, has taken credit for President Putin’s ban on homosexual propaganda this summer, NBC reported.

Boehner Caves to Tea Partiers as House Pledges to Delay Obamacare | Alternet

Boehner Caves to Tea Partiers as House Pledges to Delay Obamacare | Alternet

And Cantor says fight will continue with debt limit negotiations.

Gutsy High School Student Exposes Teacher Who Compared Atheism to Smoking—Wins Scholarship | Alternet

Gutsy High School Student Exposes Teacher Who Compared Atheism to Smoking—Wins Scholarship | Alternet

Teacher compared atheism to smoking and advocated prayer in unconstitutional class rantings

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Far-right House Republicans expect Obama to cave - The Maddow Blog

Far-right House Republicans expect Obama to cave - The Maddow Blog

After President Obama spoke on the economy yesterday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) issued a curious press statement. After getting past some of the policy gibberish -- Boehner wants to "grow our economy" by cutting "spending" -- the Speaker added that the president "should work with us to delay his health care law for everyone."

That's not a typo...

Monday, September 16, 2013

The Hill: House GOP in 'Civil War,' Leaderless

The Hill: House GOP in 'Civil War,' Leaderless

A serious rift that has been called a "civil war" in House GOP ranks threatens to challenge House Speaker John Boehner's leadership as Congress grapples with Obamacare and a new spending bill.

When freakin' Newsmax notices (and REPORTS!) the internecine warfare amongst their faves, it must be really awful behind the scenes :)

7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet

7 Totally Crazy Statements by Right-Wing Lunatics From This Week | Alternet

C'mon! You know you love 'em! :)

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Detroit Emergency Manager Created Black Out To 'Teach A Lesson' | Occupy America

Detroit Emergency Manager Created Black Out To 'Teach A Lesson' | Occupy America

Daily Kos: The states that get the most natural disaster aid sent 47 climate-change deniers to Congress

Daily Kos: The states that get the most natural disaster aid sent 47 climate-change deniers to Congress

Interestingly, many of the states that received the most federal recovery aid to cope with climate-linked extreme weather have federal legislators who are climate-science deniers. The 10 states that received the most federal recovery aid in FY 2011 and 2012 elected 47 climate-science deniers to the Senate and the House. Nearly two-thirds of the senators from these top 10 recipient states voted against granting federal emergency aid to New Jersey and New York after Superstorm Sandy.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Fox's Perino: Bush White House Did Not Engage In Partisan Politics | Video | Media Matters for America

Fox's Perino: Bush White House Did Not Engage In Partisan Politics | Video | Media Matters for America

Florida Police Chief Worries George Zimmerman Is ‘A Sandy Hook Waiting To Happen’ -

Florida Police Chief Worries George Zimmerman Is ‘A Sandy Hook Waiting To Happen’  

George Zimmerman’s police chief has expressed concern that Zimmerman might be a “ticking time bomb” who could turn into a mass shooter.

Dave Carney, Perry Aide, Tweets Article Declaring Wendy Davis 'Too Stupid To Be Governor' | TPM LiveWire

Dave Carney, Perry Aide, Tweets Article Declaring Wendy Davis 'Too Stupid To Be Governor' | TPM LiveWire

A former political strategist to Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) tweeted an article Thursday that celebrated the results of the Colorado recall and declared state Sen. Wendy Davis (D) "too stupid" to be governor.

Obamacare Furor Stymies The GOP’s Spending Goals | TPMDC

Obamacare Furor Stymies The GOP’s Spending Goals | TPMDC

Let’s face it. Republicans are unlikely to defund Obamacare in a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open when the fiscal year ends Sept. 30. They’re even less likely to succeed in delaying the implementation of Obamacare for a full year in return for not sending the U.S. government into default on its debt when the debt limit is reached in mid-October.

But what is becoming increasingly clear is that conservatives’ headlong pursuit of their Obamacare whale is jeopardizing the GOP’s ability to secure their own arguably achievable spending goals.

3 Infuriating Facts About CEOs 5 Years After the Financial Crisis | Alternet

3 Infuriating Facts About CEOs 5 Years After the Financial Crisis | Alternet

Unlike the rest of America, the financial industry has bounced back rapidly, with record profits and near-record bonuses for its executives.

Secret Quarter-Billion-Dollar Koch Brothers Political Operation Revealed | Alternet

Secret Quarter-Billion-Dollar Koch Brothers Political Operation Revealed | Alternet

The top 1 percent has an investment in destroying middle-class America.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Daily Kos: Sugary drinks are FREEDOM, unless poor people are involved

Daily Kos: Sugary drinks are FREEDOM, unless poor people are involved

Daily Kos: Thomas Perez: 'Strong unions reduce inequality and build the middle class'

Daily Kos: Thomas Perez: 'Strong unions reduce inequality and build the middle class'

Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, sworn in just last week, outlined a serious agenda in a speech to the AFL-CIO convention Tuesday. Pledging to work with President Obama on priorities such as immigration reform, raising the minimum wage, and implementing Obamacare effectively, Perez also forcefully linked the health of unions and labor rights with the health of the American middle class...

The National Memo » Will A Divided GOP Shut Down The Government? All Signs Point To ‘Yes’

The National Memo » Will A Divided GOP Shut Down The Government? All Signs Point To ‘Yes’

House Republicans made a government shutdown much more likely on Wednesday, when they delayed the vote on a continuing resolution that would fund the government for three months.

5 Years Later, Wall Street Still Sucking Life Out of America Like Vampires at a Blood Drive | Alternet

5 Years Later, Wall Street Still Sucking Life Out of America Like Vampires at a Blood Drive | Alternet

Only massive reform and no-holds-barred prosecutorial assault will drive a stake into the heart of this monster.

How Weird Christian Right Beliefs Impact America | Alternet

How Weird Christian Right Beliefs Impact America | Alternet

What you see on Breitbart or the Blaze or the 700 Club is just the tip of a massive iceberg of what’s really going on in conservative Christian circles.

11 Questions You Should Ask Libertarians to See if They're Hypocrites | Alternet

11 Questions You Should Ask Libertarians to See if They're Hypocrites | Alternet

We aren’t suggesting every libertarian is a hypocrite, but there’s an easy way to find out.

Feds Fight To Prevent NSA Disclosures In Criminal Cases | TPMDC

Feds Fight To Prevent NSA Disclosures In Criminal Cases | TPMDC:

 Solicitor General Donald Verrilli and Sen. Dianne Feinstein have put federal prosecutors in quite a bind after they made public comments about the use of secret NSA surveillance in terrorism investigations.

The Silent Military Coup That Took Over Washington | Common Dreams

The Silent Military Coup That Took Over Washington | Common Dreams

This time it's Syria, last time it was Iraq. Obama chose to accept the entire Pentagon of the Bush era: its wars and war crimes

Americans for Financial Reform » New Poll Shows Strong Support for Financial Regulation Five Years after the Crisis

Americans for Financial Reform » New Poll Shows Strong Support for Financial Regulation Five Years after the Crisis

Five years after the start of the economic crisis, public opinion continues to solidly favor both strong regulation of banks and financial companies and the need for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to a national telephone survey of likely voters conducted this summer.

Police: Either George Zimmerman Or His Lawyer Is Not Telling The Truth

Police: Either George Zimmerman Or His Lawyer Is Not Telling The Truth

The Florida police chief that is actively investigating a confrontation between George Zimmerman, his wife and his father-in-law says someone is lying: either George Zimmerman or his lawyer.

Lefty Apple Fans, Prepare to Support the Koch Brothers | Alternet

Lefty Apple Fans, Prepare to Support the Koch Brothers | Alternet

Right-wing billionaire brothers to buy Apple iPhone supplier – what is a liberal to do?

VIDEO: Jon Stewart Eviscerates "Succubus-Like" Fox, and Dissects Improbable Rise of a Diplomatic Solution to the Syrian Crisis | Alternet

VIDEO: Jon Stewart Eviscerates "Succubus-Like" Fox, and Dissects Improbable Rise of a Diplomatic Solution to the Syrian Crisis | Alternet

After a build-up to war, media got a case of the "blue bombs."

Wealthiest Americans Take Home Biggest Share of Income Ever Recorded | Alternet

Wealthiest Americans Take Home Biggest Share of Income Ever Recorded | Alternet

Whose recovery, you ask? Why, the top 1 percent's, of course.

The top ten percent of earners in the United States took home more than 50 percent of all income in 2012, the highest amount ever recorded since data was first collected in 1917, according to an updated report from economists Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty.

Shocking UN Report Reveals 1 in 4 Men Admit to Raping Women for 'Fun' and Because of 'Sexual Entitlement' | Alternet

Shocking UN Report Reveals 1 in 4 Men Admit to Raping Women for 'Fun' and Because of 'Sexual Entitlement' | Alternet

As prosecutors fight for death penalty in Delhi fatal rape case, UN study finds disturbing facts about prevalence of sex crimes in Asia.

America Has a Triple-Decker Jobs Crisis | Alternet

America Has a Triple-Decker Jobs Crisis | Alternet

The lack of good jobs isn't an unavoidable fact of life -- it's the product of our politics ruling in favor of the richest Americans.

Cops Are Beating Up an Unarmed Suspect Almost Every Day in Houston | Alternet

Cops Are Beating Up an Unarmed Suspect Almost Every Day in Houston | Alternet

A shocking expose on the total lack of accountability in the Houston police department.

Syria Crisis Hasn't Been Magically Resolved -- There's a Lot More Cruel Tricks and War Games Coming Down the Pike | Alternet

Syria Crisis Hasn't Been Magically Resolved -- There's a Lot More Cruel Tricks and War Games Coming Down the Pike | Alternet

Russia throws a lifeline to save Barack Obama from his self-spun "red line" on Syria, but nothing's over yet.

7 Rip-offs You Need to Know About | Alternet

7 Rip-offs You Need to Know About | Alternet

From germ-fighting household products to college textbooks, let the buyer beware.

Pelosi: 'New Low' For GOP 'Dysfunction And Disarray' | TPM LiveWire

Pelosi: 'New Low' For GOP 'Dysfunction And Disarray' | TPM LiveWire

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) tore into Republicans on Wednesday after they decided to postpone consideration of their proposal to keep the government funded while calling for a Senate vote to defund Obamacare.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Dems Getting Ready to Roll Over on Budget Yet Again | Mother Jones

Dems Getting Ready to Roll Over on Budget Yet Again | Mother Jones

Hey, it's only for two months. What could be the harm?

The National Memo » DNC Chair On Colorado Recalls: ‘This Was Voter Suppression, Pure And Simple’

The National Memo » DNC Chair On Colorado Recalls: ‘This Was Voter Suppression, Pure And Simple’

Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz says that the results of Tuesday’s recall election in Colorado — in which voters ousted two state senators who had voted to toughen gun laws — are a product of “voter suppression, pure and simple.”

Demand Progress | Tell the Justice Department: Stop the war on journalists, Free Barrett Brown!

Demand Progress | Tell the Justice Department: Stop the war on journalists, Free Barrett Brown!

Obama's Rogue State Tramples Over Every Law It Demands Others Uphold | Common Dreams

Obama's Rogue State Tramples Over Every Law It Demands Others Uphold | Common Dreams

Do as we say, not as we do... or else?

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

What Happened At The Net Neutrality Oral Argument | Public Knowledge

What Happened At The Net Neutrality Oral Argument | Public Knowledge

Today[note - yesterday 9/9/13], Verizon and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had an oral argument before the D.C. Circuit Court debating the network neutrality rules. The argument took place before Judge Rogers, Judge Tatel, and Senior Judge Silberman (“senior” means “technically retired but still hearing cases when I feel like it”). You can listen to the 2+ hour oral argument I sat through this morning here...

Monday, September 09, 2013

Elizabeth Warren: Supreme Court In the Pocket of Big Business | Alternet

Elizabeth Warren: Supreme Court In the Pocket of Big Business | Alternet

The progressive Senator from Massachusetts denounced the courts at a labor convention over the weekend.

John Kerry's Extremely Unconvincing Case for Syria Attack | Alternet

John Kerry's Extremely Unconvincing Case for Syria Attack | Alternet

Kerry says this will be an "unbelievably small, limited kind of effort." So what will it accomplish then?

How Southern Slavery Turns White People Into Republicans 150 Years Later | Alternet

How Southern Slavery Turns White People Into Republicans 150 Years Later | Alternet

The legacy of slavery continues to drive voters in areas that once housed large numbers of slaves to vote Republican.

The Wealthy 'Make Mistakes', the Poor Go to Jail | Alternet

The Wealthy 'Make Mistakes', the Poor Go to Jail | Alternet

I left my Wall Street trader job and began photographing drug addicts in NYC. These two worlds have entirely different rules.

Syria Welcomes Russian Proposal to Hand Over Chemical Weapons: A Diplomatic Opening or a Head-Fake? | Alternet

Syria Welcomes Russian Proposal to Hand Over Chemical Weapons: A Diplomatic Opening or a Head-Fake? | Alternet

An off-the-cuff remark by Secretary of State John Kerry may have provided the best way out of U.S. military intervention in Syria.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Daily Kos: Campaigns

Daily Kos: Campaigns

Tell OSHA to inspect Texas chemical plants that kicked out inspectors

ENGAGEMENT: 1309 McCutcheon | U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio -- Official Campaign Website

ENGAGEMENT: 1309 McCutcheon | U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio -- Official Campaign Website

Stand with Sherrod — join the grassroots movement to stop more spending in our elections.

The National Memo » 5 Crises That Could Explode In The Next Few Weeks

The National Memo » 5 Crises That Could Explode In The Next Few Weeks

Since September 11, 2001, America has either been recovering from a crisis or on the verge of another one.

Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia?

The National Memo » Armchair Hawks Should Have No Role In Syria Debate

The National Memo » Armchair Hawks Should Have No Role In Syria Debate

To listen to Donald Rumsfeld chastise President Obama over Syria is to listen to a man stunning in his chutzpah and pathological in his arrogance. He has never taken responsibility for the disastrous invasion of Iraq, nor has he ever acknowledged its horrors.

Friday, September 06, 2013

Snowden's Latest Major Leak: The NSA’s Secret Campaign to Crack, Undermine Internet Security | Alternet

Snowden's Latest Major Leak: The NSA’s Secret Campaign to Crack, Undermine Internet Security | Alternet

The NSA has secretly and successfully worked to break the widely used technology that is supposed to make it impossible to read intercepted communications.

How a University's Attempt to Teach Unionizing Professors a Lesson Could Backfire, Big Time | Alternet

How a University's Attempt to Teach Unionizing Professors a Lesson Could Backfire, Big Time | Alternet

Heavy-handed tactics by the university may galvanize, rather than chill, organizing efforts.

How to Keep Sex Alive in a Long-Term Relationship | Alternet

How to Keep Sex Alive in a Long-Term Relationship | Alternet

MDMA or "Molly" Is Not the Enemy | Alternet

MDMA or "Molly" Is Not the Enemy | Alternet

Yes, the drug has risks -- but it's possible to use it responsibly. And dance culture is about so much more.

Former Christian Fundamentalist: How Science Made Me Lose My Religion | Alternet

Former Christian Fundamentalist: How Science Made Me Lose My Religion | Alternet

Bible literalists have good reason to feel threatened by modern science.

9 Ways America Has Fueled the Bloody Civil War in Syria | Alternet

9 Ways America Has Fueled the Bloody Civil War in Syria | Alternet

America has undermined opportunities for ceasefire in Syria and a peaceful political transition.

The National Memo » Failed Policy — The 401(k) Shrinks In A Growing Economy

The National Memo » Failed Policy — The 401(k) Shrinks In A Growing Economy

Disturbing new evidence that government policies are propelling us toward a poorer future turns up in a first-ever government examination of retirement savings plans like 401(k)s.

The report, from the Internal Revenue Service, shows that even though the economy is improving, the number of workers saving out of their paychecks for old age is shrinking. So is the amount they save, down 6 percent in real terms from 2008 to 2010.
 
The 401k is great IF you access to one (about half don't) and IF you fund it fully and ESPECIALLY IF your company has a good match policy. The problem is that most people don't a) have access to one and/or b) don't have the discipline to fully fund it and/or c) fail to roll it over properly when faced with a job change, so they end up with little or nothing in their accounts. While I'm very fond of the 401k 'scheme', I would prefer we went to (properly funded, regulated and administered) pension program. But then, I want single payer health insurance, so I spend a lot of time disappointed :)

How Syria Affects The Government Funding And Debt Limit Debates | TPMDC

How Syria Affects The Government Funding And Debt Limit Debates | TPMDC

The congressional debate over whether to authorize President Barack Obama’s push to attack Syria is poised to bleed into at least next week, when Congress officially returns to session and faces tight deadlines to avert fiscal Armageddon this fall.

McConnell’s Huge Obamacare Gamble Could End His Career | TPMDC

McConnell’s Huge Obamacare Gamble Could End His Career | TPMDC

Perhaps nobody was more responsible for making Obamacare a partisan bill than Mitch McConnell. During the grueling debate that began in 2009, the Senate minority leader worked diligently to ensure no Republican voted for health care reform.

Did I mention I love it when they fight each other? :)

VIDEO: McCain Faces Heated Opposition On Syria At Arizona Town Halls | TPM LiveWire

VIDEO: McCain Faces Heated Opposition On Syria At Arizona Town Halls | TPM LiveWire

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was grilled at a pair of town halls Thursday in Arizona by constituents who expressed strident opposition to military intervention in Syria.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Daily Kos: The Republican House of Saboteurs

Daily Kos: The Republican House of Saboteurs

"Sabotage." "Intimidation." Or, what the Republican House of Representatives is doing instead of its job. They haven't been able to repeal Obamacare, so they're going to be dead-set on sabotaging it, with an assist from Republican state officials. As I wrote Monday, Republicans nationally and at the state level have homed in on one key program for the run-up to the law's implementation: the "navigators" who are working for community groups to spread the word and help would-be new insurance customers navigate the new system.

Daily Kos: Texas fire marshals turned away by five facilities with big ammonium nitrate stockpiles

Daily Kos: Texas fire marshals turned away by five facilities with big ammonium nitrate stockpiles

In the months since the fertilizer plant blast that killed 15 and injured 200 in West, Texas, in April, the state has been trying to check for fire hazards at similar facilities. But five facilities storing 10,000 pounds or more of ammonium nitrate, the same dangerous fertilizer chemical that made the West explosion so deadly, have turned fire marshals away. And that's just fine, under Texas state law.

Daily Kos: Liz Cheney compares self to Winston Churchill standing up to Hitler

Daily Kos: Liz Cheney compares self to Winston Churchill standing up to Hitler

Florida GOP-Led Voter Fraud Investigation Finds Nothing—Except GOP Fraud | Alternet

Florida GOP-Led Voter Fraud Investigation Finds Nothing—Except GOP Fraud | Alternet

Anyone shocked? Anyone? ANYONE?!?!?!

In the Drumbeat for War, Kerry Offers Questionable Analysis of Syrian Opposition | Alternet

In the Drumbeat for War, Kerry Offers Questionable Analysis of Syrian Opposition | Alternet

Many are calling Kerry's description of Syrian rebels as "moderate" inaccurate, and a desperate bid to gain support for U.S. military intervention.

The National Memo » Obamacare Premiums Better Than Expected — But GOP Sabotage Is Worse

The National Memo » Obamacare Premiums Better Than Expected — But GOP Sabotage Is Worse

Premiums for insurance plans offered in the Affordable Care Act exchanges will be lower than expected, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation study of the 17 states — and the District of Columbia — that have published their rates.

Fox Asks Rumsfeld About Extending "Hand Of Friendship" To Dictators, Forgets About Saddam Hussein | Blog | Media Matters for America

Fox Asks Rumsfeld About Extending "Hand Of Friendship" To Dictators, Forgets About Saddam Hussein | Blog | Media Matters for America

Fox & Friends invited former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld onto the program this morning for an unintentionally awkward round of Obama bashing regarding the situation in Syria. (The "so-called commander in chief" is how Rumsfeld mocked the president.) As part of Fox's relentless critique of the president's handling of Syria, and his call for military strikes in response to the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons against its own people, Fox & Friends attacked Obama for moving too slowly.

Jerry Brown Creating Private Prisons so Prison Guards Have More Prisoners to Guard | Alternet

Jerry Brown Creating Private Prisons so Prison Guards Have More Prisoners to Guard | Alternet

At a time when most states are reducing the number of inmates and closing prisons, California is preparing to expand the number of prison beds.

Jailed Activist Barrett Brown Fights Government Attempt to Gag Him | Alternet

Jailed Activist Barrett Brown Fights Government Attempt to Gag Him | Alternet

Media observers will be watching the hearing closely as it is widely seen as the latest in a succession of prosecutorial moves under the Obama administration to crack down on investigative journalism, official leaking, hacking and online activism.

The Ted Cruz Effect: How One Man Destabilized the Government | Alternet

The Ted Cruz Effect: How One Man Destabilized the Government | Alternet

Certain norms have held together America's legislative governance for nearly a century. They're now being destroyed.

Secret Agenda in Syria? Larry Summers and Cronies Opening the World to Criminal Banksters | Alternet

Secret Agenda in Syria? Larry Summers and Cronies Opening the World to Criminal Banksters | Alternet

Iraq and Libya have been taken out, and Iran has been heavily boycotted. Syria is now in the cross-hairs. Why? Here is one overlooked scenario.

6 Major Players Who Turned the Syrian Crisis Into a Devastating Proxy War Nightmare | Alternet

6 Major Players Who Turned the Syrian Crisis Into a Devastating Proxy War Nightmare | Alternet

What started out as a civil uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s regime has turned into a regional proxy war that is engulfing the Middle East.

The National Memo » Jeb Bush To Honor Hillary Clinton, Tea Partiers’ Heads To Explode

The National Memo » Jeb Bush To Honor Hillary Clinton, Tea Partiers’ Heads To Explode

Jeb Bush is set to present Hillary Clinton with the National Constitution Center Liberty Medal on September 10.

Anti-Pot Crusaders Warn America Will Go to Hell in a Handbasket as the Govt. Embraces Sane Drug Policies | Alternet

Anti-Pot Crusaders Warn America Will Go to Hell in a Handbasket as the Govt. Embraces Sane Drug Policies | Alternet

Despite the bitter disappointment of the prohibitionists, marijuana law reform is moving forward, and the momentum is only likely to accelerate in the years to come.

The National Memo » Why Unions Are Essential To Tackling The Technology Challenge To Good Jobs

The National Memo » Why Unions Are Essential To Tackling The Technology Challenge To Good Jobs

New technology is keeping more and more workers stuck in low-wage jobs, and it’s society’s responsibility to make sure those jobs still have dignity and fair wages.

New technology is keeping more and more workers stuck in low-wage jobs, and it’s society’s responsibility to make sure those jobs still have dignity and fair wages.

Syria is a Distraction From Our Moral Choices At Home | Alternet

Syria is a Distraction From Our Moral Choices At Home | Alternet

The use of chemical weapons against Syrian citizens is abominable, but have we learned nothing from our mistakes in the past?

Amen... anything to distract the masses and clutter up Fox Noise 

10 Weirdest Fundamentalist Christian Conspiracy Theories | Alternet

10 Weirdest Fundamentalist Christian Conspiracy Theories | Alternet

The world of fundamentalist Christians is crawling with conspiracy theories, urban legends, and just plain bizarre beliefs.

Stuff to think about over the weekend :)

The Conservative Crackup: How the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Alternet

The Conservative Crackup: How the Republican Party Lost Its Mind | Alternet

How a major, diverse political party became so dependent on the Tea Party's narrow range of strident voices.

Upcoming Votes in Colorado and Missouri Will Test Power of Gun Nuts | Alternet

Upcoming Votes in Colorado and Missouri Will Test Power of Gun Nuts | Alternet

There are big upcoming electoral decisions on gun control that could have national repercussions. 

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

The Poor and the Middle Class Will Save America Yet | Alternet

The Poor and the Middle Class Will Save America Yet | Alternet

Why there's still reason to hold out hope for social justice in this country despite growing income inequality.

Larry Summers and the Secret "End-Game" Memo | Alternet

Larry Summers and the Secret "End-Game" Memo | Alternet

If the confidential memo is authentic, then Summers shouldn't be serving on the Fed, he should be serving hard time. Hint: It's authentic.

As Kerry Makes Obama's Flimsy Case for War, Where Is Congress? | Common Dreams

As Kerry Makes Obama's Flimsy Case for War, Where Is Congress? | Common Dreams

Statements from Secretary of State John Kerry reveal White House determined to convince public that war serves national interest, but will public demands for debate take place before the missiles fly?

7 Outrageous and Downright Horrific Statements From the Right-Wing Fringe Just This Week | Alternet

7 Outrageous and Downright Horrific Statements From the Right-Wing Fringe Just This Week | Alternet:

 “I’m against homosexuals pretending like they’re married." Will the homophobic, racist, sexist conservative noise never cease?

How Does This Make ANY Sense At All?


The Latest Stupidity of the Right-Wing: "Medicare is Un-American" | Alternet

The Latest Stupidity of the Right-Wing: "Medicare is Un-American" | Alternet:

 Heritage Foundation president and former senator Jim DeMint humiliates himself, and the Republican party, at a town hall in Delaware.

Neo-Nazi and KKK Grand Dragon Seek to Turn Small North Dakota Town into White Supremacist Enclave | Alternet

Neo-Nazi and KKK Grand Dragon Seek to Turn Small North Dakota Town into White Supremacist Enclave | Alternet

A fugitive wanted for hate crimes in Canada has bought over a dozen properties in small town, plans to introduce neo-Nazis into city council.

Apparently, ND is the new Idaho ;)

The National Memo » Kerry: ‘Murderer’ Assad Must Be Punished [Video]

The National Memo » Kerry: ‘Murderer’ Assad Must Be Punished [Video]

Secretary of State John Kerry forcefully condemned the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons as a “crime against humanity” and said that President Barack Obama would hold Syrian president Bashar al-Assad accountable, as he made the case for military intervention from the State Department on Friday.

The Burrito Chain That Pays Entry-Level Workers $10 An Hour And Wants To Pay More | ThinkProgress

The Burrito Chain That Pays Entry-Level Workers $10 An Hour And Wants To Pay More | ThinkProgress

One restaurant that pays higher wages in order to make more profits.

Are We Being Ruled by Self-Centered Jerks? What New Studies Reveal About the Ultra Wealthy | Alternet

Are We Being Ruled by Self-Centered Jerks? What New Studies Reveal About the Ultra Wealthy | Alternet

And why increasing economic disparities will make it worse.

Why Coca-Cola's New Ad Campaign May Be Dangerous to Your Health | Alternet

Why Coca-Cola's New Ad Campaign May Be Dangerous to Your Health | Alternet

Coke has rolled out an ad campaign, disguised as public service announcements. Here's what you should know.

Massive Nationwide Walkout By Fast-Food Workers Signals Growing Backlash Against Low-Wage Employers | Alternet

Massive Nationwide Walkout By Fast-Food Workers Signals Growing Backlash Against Low-Wage Employers | Alternet

The corporate mainstays of the industry have a rebellion in their kitchens and dining rooms that’s not going away.

The National Memo » No Republicans In Sight — Eric Cantor Ditches March On Washington Ceremony To Meet With Oil Lobbyists

The National Memo » No Republicans In Sight — Eric Cantor Ditches March On Washington Ceremony To Meet With Oil Lobbyists

President Obama, former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, and dozens of political and social leaders joined a crowd of thousands at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to honor the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Among the thousands of people at the event, however, there was not a single Republican elected official in attendance.

The National Memo » Why We Need Democrats

The National Memo » Why We Need Democrats

"I became a Democrat because the defining issue of my formative years was race. In fact, it was almost the exclusive issue. It is hard to believe now, but when there was even a possibility that an African-American might turn up, back then the first reaction of the administrators was to close the swimming pool. It might sound surreal, but that actually happened when I was an undergrad. My understanding was that black people were getting a bad deal, and it gave my already existing interest in politics a sharp point on which to focus. My views and my party affiliation have remained the same ever since."

The National Memo » This Week In Crazy: Special AIDS Rings, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right

The National Memo » This Week In Crazy: Special AIDS Rings, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right

The National Memo » Making ‘Too Big To Fail’ Banks Help Poor Borrowers

The National Memo » Making ‘Too Big To Fail’ Banks Help Poor Borrowers

Predatory lenders are folding fast in New York State, thanks to a savvy banking regulator who takes his duty to protect the public as seriously as his duties to the financial industry — and knows how to use the law to get quick action.

Sunday, September 01, 2013

How Louie Gohmert Is Fueling An Anti-American Conspiracy Theory In Egypt | TPMDC

How Louie Gohmert Is Fueling An Anti-American Conspiracy Theory In Egypt | TPMDC

When Rep. Louie Gohmert floats conspiracy theories, Americans across the political spectrum tend to roll their eyes and ignore him. But one of his more feverish conspiracy theories about President Barack Obama’s ostensible ties to the Muslim Brotherhood could be fueling dangerous anti-American sentiments in Egypt and potentially complicating U.S. foreign policy in the region, experts say.