Ted Cruz Cements His Position As The GOP’s Master Troll | The National Memo
Nobody infuriates his fellow Republicans more than the man who wants to be their next presidential nominee.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Why Growing Harassment of Scientists by Climate Change Deniers Is So Dangerous | Alternet
Why Growing Harassment of Scientists by Climate Change Deniers Is So Dangerous | Alternet:
Climate change denialists are suing scientists, seeking access to their private emails. It will stifle scientific inquiry.
Climate change denialists are suing scientists, seeking access to their private emails. It will stifle scientific inquiry.
Why the Republican Strategy to Set Working Class Whites Against the Poor is Backfiring | Alternet
Why the Republican Strategy to Set Working Class Whites Against the Poor is Backfiring | Alternet:
Divide-and-conquer isn't working out so well these days.
Divide-and-conquer isn't working out so well these days.
It's Time for People to Start Paying Insurance Premiums on the Guns They Own | Alternet
It's Time for People to Start Paying Insurance Premiums on the Guns They Own | Alternet:
if we started treating guns like cars, people would think twice about leaving their shotgun hanging around the house.
GREAT idea!
if we started treating guns like cars, people would think twice about leaving their shotgun hanging around the house.
GREAT idea!
Why Chris Christie's Emergence as a National Political Figure Is So Troubling | Alternet
Why Chris Christie's Emergence as a National Political Figure Is So Troubling | Alternet:
The most retrograde capitalists love Christie because they understand they have a real vindictive bastard on their hands.
The most retrograde capitalists love Christie because they understand they have a real vindictive bastard on their hands.
If Employers Like Staples Use Obamacare as Excuse to Cut Worker Hours, Their Plans May Backfire | Alternet
If Employers Like Staples Use Obamacare as Excuse to Cut Worker Hours, Their Plans May Backfire | Alternet:
Bullying bosses may find that sidestepping the ACA is not without risk.
Bullying bosses may find that sidestepping the ACA is not without risk.
N.J. Lawmaker: No, 'Democratic Power Brokers' Aren't Messing With Bridge Investigation
N.J. Lawmaker: No, 'Democratic Power Brokers' Aren't Messing With Bridge Investigation:
Longtime New Jersey lawmaker Richard Codey said Monday that certain "Democratic power brokers" are making an effort to derail the investigation into lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, but one of his colleagues hasn't felt any such pressure.
Longtime New Jersey lawmaker Richard Codey said Monday that certain "Democratic power brokers" are making an effort to derail the investigation into lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, but one of his colleagues hasn't felt any such pressure.
Report: Christie Officials Hiding Key Details On 'Stronger Than The Storm' Ads
Report: Christie Officials Hiding Key Details On 'Stronger Than The Storm' Ads:
Gov. Chris Christie's (R) office hid crucial details in newly released documents that could shed light on how a firm won a prized contract for an advertising campaign promoting New Jersey tourism in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
Gov. Chris Christie's (R) office hid crucial details in newly released documents that could shed light on how a firm won a prized contract for an advertising campaign promoting New Jersey tourism in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
The Aide At The Center Of The Other Chris Christie Controversy
The Aide At The Center Of The Other Chris Christie Controversy:
The scandal over lane closures on the George Washington Bridge aside, a separate investigation into New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's use of Hurricane Sandy funds involves a former Christie aide who has been embroiled in several of his past controversies.
The scandal over lane closures on the George Washington Bridge aside, a separate investigation into New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's use of Hurricane Sandy funds involves a former Christie aide who has been embroiled in several of his past controversies.
Why the GOP Is Pretending to Care About the Poor | Alternet
Why the GOP Is Pretending to Care About the Poor | Alternet:
Why the sudden interest in poverty? It's about rebranding more than anything else.
Why the sudden interest in poverty? It's about rebranding more than anything else.
Krugman: The Republican Party Is An Enemy Of The Poor | Alternet
Krugman: The Republican Party Is An Enemy Of The Poor | Alternet:
Don't believe the hype about Marco Rubio's and Paul Ryan’s recent moves to address poverty.
Well, duh!
Don't believe the hype about Marco Rubio's and Paul Ryan’s recent moves to address poverty.
Well, duh!
Creation Museum Chief Offers Advice on Fighting the "Homosexual War" | Alternet
Creation Museum Chief Offers Advice on Fighting the "Homosexual War" | Alternet:
Religious leader uses military analogies to rally anti-LGBT followers.
Religious leader uses military analogies to rally anti-LGBT followers.
Chomsky: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Will Lower Wages And Increase Insecurity | Alternet
Chomsky: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Will Lower Wages And Increase Insecurity | Alternet:
The political theorist and linguist slams the agreement that has little to do with free trade.
The TPP is just wrong on so many levels.
The political theorist and linguist slams the agreement that has little to do with free trade.
The TPP is just wrong on so many levels.
Look Closely and You'll See That America Remains a Deeply Racist Nation | Alternet
Look Closely and You'll See That America Remains a Deeply Racist Nation | Alternet:
Gone is the overt, violent, and legal racism of my childhood in the 1960s. It's been replaced by a subtler, still ugly version.
Gone is the overt, violent, and legal racism of my childhood in the 1960s. It's been replaced by a subtler, still ugly version.
Christie Allegedly Diverted Millions In Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds To Pay For TV Ads Starring Himself | Alternet
Christie Allegedly Diverted Millions In Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds To Pay For TV Ads Starring Himself | Alternet:
Television commercials promoting tourism on the Jersey Shore starred the Governor and his family.
May be a repost, if so, sorry!
Television commercials promoting tourism on the Jersey Shore starred the Governor and his family.
May be a repost, if so, sorry!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Christie Allegedly Diverted Millions In Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds To Pay For TV Ads Starring Himself | ThinkProgress
Christie Allegedly Diverted Millions In Hurricane Sandy Relief Funds To Pay For TV Ads Starring Himself | ThinkProgress:
The Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has opened a federal investigation into whether New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) improperly used Hurricane Sandy relief funds to produce commercials starring himself and his family ahead of his re-election campaign.
The Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has opened a federal investigation into whether New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) improperly used Hurricane Sandy relief funds to produce commercials starring himself and his family ahead of his re-election campaign.
Christie’s Conservative Problem | The National Memo
Christie’s Conservative Problem | The National Memo
The governor's own party may be the biggest roadblock to escaping his George Washington Bridge scandal.
The governor's own party may be the biggest roadblock to escaping his George Washington Bridge scandal.
Newt And Rush Are Twin Towers Of Dysfunction | The National Memo
Newt And Rush Are Twin Towers Of Dysfunction | The National Memo:
Getting back to polarization: As I previously mentioned, to the extent governing isn’t working well today I very much agree with Sean Theriault that “partisan warfare is the problem” (see also Ed Kilgore). The trouble with Washington isn’t that the parties are each internally cohesive or that Democrats are too liberal or Republicans too conservative. The problem resides in a Republican Party that too often treats hostility to compromise as an end in itself, and that has come to value destroying opponents more than enacting its public policy preferences. (Theriault properly uses Republican senator Ted Cruz of Texas as an example of this mindset.)
So how did Republicans get that way? It basically comes down to two names: Newt and Rush.
Getting back to polarization: As I previously mentioned, to the extent governing isn’t working well today I very much agree with Sean Theriault that “partisan warfare is the problem” (see also Ed Kilgore). The trouble with Washington isn’t that the parties are each internally cohesive or that Democrats are too liberal or Republicans too conservative. The problem resides in a Republican Party that too often treats hostility to compromise as an end in itself, and that has come to value destroying opponents more than enacting its public policy preferences. (Theriault properly uses Republican senator Ted Cruz of Texas as an example of this mindset.)
So how did Republicans get that way? It basically comes down to two names: Newt and Rush.
The Worst Thing About Chris Christie’s Bullying? He Doesn’t Have To Hide It | The National Memo
The Worst Thing About Chris Christie’s Bullying? He Doesn’t Have To Hide It | The National Memo:
Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) doesn’t want you to think he’s the kind of guy who would use his power to secretly exact petty revenge against a local official by punishing the people of his own state. No, he’d rather you believe he’s just the kind of guy whose staff thought he was that kind of guy.
Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) doesn’t want you to think he’s the kind of guy who would use his power to secretly exact petty revenge against a local official by punishing the people of his own state. No, he’d rather you believe he’s just the kind of guy whose staff thought he was that kind of guy.
4 Reasons Why the Corporate Income Tax Should be Doubled—Not Abolished | Alternet
4 Reasons Why the Corporate Income Tax Should be Doubled—Not Abolished | Alternet:
U.S. corporations need to pay for the many years of employee productivity and public research that built their trillion-dollar industries.
U.S. corporations need to pay for the many years of employee productivity and public research that built their trillion-dollar industries.
Factory Farms Are Accelerating an Antibiotics Nightmare | Alternet
Factory Farms Are Accelerating an Antibiotics Nightmare | Alternet:
Science only gets clearer: Factory farms are accelerating an antibiotics nightmare. Political ties help it happen.
Science only gets clearer: Factory farms are accelerating an antibiotics nightmare. Political ties help it happen.
Are Young People Getting Sexually Warped by Online Pornography? | Alternet
Are Young People Getting Sexually Warped by Online Pornography? | Alternet:
Isolation and voyeurism have big downsides.
Isolation and voyeurism have big downsides.
How the GOP Became the 'White Man's Party' | Alternet
How the GOP Became the 'White Man's Party' | Alternet:
The GOP's manipulation of racial fears ensured they became a party for whites.
The GOP's manipulation of racial fears ensured they became a party for whites.
How Big Money Keeps Populism at Bay | Alternet
How Big Money Keeps Populism at Bay | Alternet:
Did the ball that dropped in Times Square at midnight on January 1 really signal a new political era?
Headlines in the major media proclaim that a wave of “populism” is building. Inequality and the minimum wage are suddenly front-burner political issues. Cities like New York and Boston have just elected progressive mayors with strong ties to unions and are now being touted as liberal laboratories for testing the limits of the grudging free-market conservatism and neo-liberalism that have been the sun and moon of our political system for decades.
Did the ball that dropped in Times Square at midnight on January 1 really signal a new political era?
Headlines in the major media proclaim that a wave of “populism” is building. Inequality and the minimum wage are suddenly front-burner political issues. Cities like New York and Boston have just elected progressive mayors with strong ties to unions and are now being touted as liberal laboratories for testing the limits of the grudging free-market conservatism and neo-liberalism that have been the sun and moon of our political system for decades.
Other Jersey Mayors Say They May Have Been Punished For Not Endorsing Christie
Other Jersey Mayors Say They May Have Been Punished For Not Endorsing Christie:
Aides close to Chris Christie shut down lanes on the George Washington Bridge last summer, the popular theory goes, as a means of revenge against a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse the governor for re-election. But other Democratic mayors may have received similar political payback.
Aides close to Chris Christie shut down lanes on the George Washington Bridge last summer, the popular theory goes, as a means of revenge against a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse the governor for re-election. But other Democratic mayors may have received similar political payback.
Supreme Court Sides With 'Notorious Patent Bully Monsanto' | Common Dreams
Supreme Court Sides With 'Notorious Patent Bully Monsanto' | Common Dreams:
'Monsanto's reign of intimidation is allowed to continue in rural America,' says Food Democracy Now!'s Dave Murphy
'Monsanto's reign of intimidation is allowed to continue in rural America,' says Food Democracy Now!'s Dave Murphy
Sunday, January 12, 2014
The Ugly Truth about Charter Schools: Padded Cells, Corruption, Lousy Instruction and Worse Results | Alternet
The Ugly Truth about Charter Schools: Padded Cells, Corruption, Lousy Instruction and Worse Results | Alternet:
Charter schools are sold as an answer. With awful discipline and shocking scandals, many really cause new problems.
Charter schools are sold as an answer. With awful discipline and shocking scandals, many really cause new problems.
Some Folks Say It's the Beginning of the End for the Christian Right -- Dream On, They're Getting More Powerful | Alternet
Some Folks Say It's the Beginning of the End for the Christian Right -- Dream On, They're Getting More Powerful | Alternet:
The Christian Right is seizing control of state legislatures and governors' mansions while we laugh at Ted Cruz.
The Christian Right is seizing control of state legislatures and governors' mansions while we laugh at Ted Cruz.
How a Spate of Blunders by the Private Sector Screwed Over Consumers Last Month | Alternet
How a Spate of Blunders by the Private Sector Screwed Over Consumers Last Month | Alternet:
Deloitte Consulting, FedEx and UPS are all outclassed by the public sector, and hurting more than helping.
Deloitte Consulting, FedEx and UPS are all outclassed by the public sector, and hurting more than helping.
Why the Infatuation with Bullies Like Chris Christie? | Alternet
Why the Infatuation with Bullies Like Chris Christie? | Alternet: Christie reveals a dark side of our society -- a public enchanted by his tough guy antics and the press who encourages his sadism.
Christie reveals a dark side of our society -- a public enchanted by his tough guy antics and the press who encourages his sadism.
Christie reveals a dark side of our society -- a public enchanted by his tough guy antics and the press who encourages his sadism.
"Christie taps into something dark in the American political soul – a desire not just for order or efficiency, but pleasure in humiliating the weak. Is it surprising women are a frequent target of his abuse, who are pathologized in our society as weak?"
9 Right-Wingers Who Said and Did Colossally Stupid Things This Week | Alternet
9 Right-Wingers Who Said and Did Colossally Stupid Things This Week | Alternet:
Limbaugh claimed the recent front of freezing temperatures was a media invention.
More "Best" from the worst!
Limbaugh claimed the recent front of freezing temperatures was a media invention.
More "Best" from the worst!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Remembering Aaron | Electronic Frontier Foundation
Remembering Aaron | Electronic Frontier Foundation:
One year ago, we lost Aaron Swartz, a dear friend and a leader in the fight for a free and open Internet. The shock was, and remains, a profound one. It's a testament to the power of his commitments and ideals that both in life and in death he has inspired millions around the world, including all of us at EFF, to redouble our own efforts to advance the causes that he believed in, and to untangle the twisted and brutal computer crime laws that were used to persecute him.
One year ago, we lost Aaron Swartz, a dear friend and a leader in the fight for a free and open Internet. The shock was, and remains, a profound one. It's a testament to the power of his commitments and ideals that both in life and in death he has inspired millions around the world, including all of us at EFF, to redouble our own efforts to advance the causes that he believed in, and to untangle the twisted and brutal computer crime laws that were used to persecute him.
How the Corporate Class Is Using Teach for America to Turn K-12 Teaching Into a Temporary, Low-Paying Job | Alternet
How the Corporate Class Is Using Teach for America to Turn K-12 Teaching Into a Temporary, Low-Paying Job | Alternet:
Having seen how it operates from the inside, I’m convinced that TFA serves to privatize public education.
Having seen how it operates from the inside, I’m convinced that TFA serves to privatize public education.
Chris Christie Revenge Scandal Deepens a Day After Brash Governor Apologizes | Alternet
Chris Christie Revenge Scandal Deepens a Day After Brash Governor Apologizes | Alternet:
New motives, damaging documentation and a federal investigation suggest the Christie revenge scandal isn't going away soon.
New motives, damaging documentation and a federal investigation suggest the Christie revenge scandal isn't going away soon.
Rich People on Spending Sprees May Find One Day That Income Inequality Bites Them in the Wallet | Alternet
Rich People on Spending Sprees May Find One Day That Income Inequality Bites Them in the Wallet | Alternet:
The richer they get, the more blind the 1 percent is to the consequences of their greed.
The richer they get, the more blind the 1 percent is to the consequences of their greed.
American Privacy Is Vanishing as the Government and Corporations Raid Our Online Lives | Alternet
American Privacy Is Vanishing as the Government and Corporations Raid Our Online Lives | Alternet:
And Big Brother is hardly the only bad actor in a world of vanishing privacy.
And Big Brother is hardly the only bad actor in a world of vanishing privacy.
Lesson From December’s Jobs Report: Turn On The Fiscal Jets | The National Memo
Lesson From December’s Jobs Report: Turn On The Fiscal Jets | The National Memo
It's clearer than ever that America needs to drop its obsession with full-fledged austerity.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Psychiatrists Deeply Concerned For 5% Of Americans Who Approve Of Congress | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Psychiatrists Deeply Concerned For 5% Of Americans Who Approve Of Congress | The Onion - America's Finest News Source:
Noting that the individuals in question may be extremely mentally disturbed or suffering from a serious psychological illness, the nation’s psychiatrists announced Wednesday that they are deeply concerned for the estimated 5 percent of Americans who were found in nationwide polls this week to approve of the U.S. Congress
Noting that the individuals in question may be extremely mentally disturbed or suffering from a serious psychological illness, the nation’s psychiatrists announced Wednesday that they are deeply concerned for the estimated 5 percent of Americans who were found in nationwide polls this week to approve of the U.S. Congress
More Juvenile Judges than Public Defenders? The Sorry State of Justice in Georgia | Alternet
More Juvenile Judges than Public Defenders? The Sorry State of Justice in Georgia | Alternet: Adults who cannot afford a lawyer stay in jail for months after arrest, and children at risk for detention go through the courts without access to a public defender, according to the 85-page complaint.
If we were a just society, the budget for the public defenders' offices would be the same as those for the district attorneys. But....
If we were a just society, the budget for the public defenders' offices would be the same as those for the district attorneys. But....
WATCH: What Income Inequality? Stewart Slams GOP for Whining that the Rich are Unfairly Demonized | Alternet
WATCH: What Income Inequality? Stewart Slams GOP for Whining that the Rich are Unfairly Demonized | Alternet:
“They don’t like the fact the rich are being demonized especially given how compassionate they are to the disgusting poor,” mocked Stewart.
“They don’t like the fact the rich are being demonized especially given how compassionate they are to the disgusting poor,” mocked Stewart.
Daily Kos: Christie: Vindictive ass or incompetent buffoon
Daily Kos: Christie: Vindictive ass or incompetent buffoon:
Don't shoot me, but I'm willing to entertain the possibility that Christie had nothing to do with the original lane closings. Not saying he didn't know, because if he did and investigators make the connection, it's over for him. Nothing controversial about that. But let's say he didn't know and game this out from that assumption ...
Don't shoot me, but I'm willing to entertain the possibility that Christie had nothing to do with the original lane closings. Not saying he didn't know, because if he did and investigators make the connection, it's over for him. Nothing controversial about that. But let's say he didn't know and game this out from that assumption ...
Daily Kos: At the risk of making Chris Christie sad, one more question
Daily Kos: At the risk of making Chris Christie sad, one more question:
The main takeaway from Thursday's marathon press conference by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on the bridge scandal that's rocked his administration, is that he's sad. Really, really sad. He said so, no less than 10 times. (And for the record, Christie was also feeling blindsided, disappointed, embarrassed, heartbroken, humiliated, sick, upset and was doing a lot of soul searching.)
But there was one thing that Christie wanted to talk about even more than his feelings, and that was the study that caused four days of massive traffic jams and delays in emergency services in Fort Lee, New Jersey, last September.
The main takeaway from Thursday's marathon press conference by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on the bridge scandal that's rocked his administration, is that he's sad. Really, really sad. He said so, no less than 10 times. (And for the record, Christie was also feeling blindsided, disappointed, embarrassed, heartbroken, humiliated, sick, upset and was doing a lot of soul searching.)
But there was one thing that Christie wanted to talk about even more than his feelings, and that was the study that caused four days of massive traffic jams and delays in emergency services in Fort Lee, New Jersey, last September.
Daily Kos: Christie asked Cuomo to back off investigating Fort Lee. In mid-December.
Daily Kos: Christie asked Cuomo to back off investigating Fort Lee. In mid-December.:
In what seems like ages ago in the Chris Christie Gina Close-a-your-bridgeda scandal saga, the WSJ reported something that looked exceptionally fishy at the time; that Christie had talked with Andrew Cuomo and asked him to get Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to back off investigating the Fort Lee bridge closure.
In what seems like ages ago in the Chris Christie Gina Close-a-your-bridgeda scandal saga, the WSJ reported something that looked exceptionally fishy at the time; that Christie had talked with Andrew Cuomo and asked him to get Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to back off investigating the Fort Lee bridge closure.
How the Media Marketed Chris Christie's Straight Shooter Charade | Alternet
How the Media Marketed Chris Christie's Straight Shooter Charade | Alternet:
"A political bombshell detonated in my home state of New Jersey yesterday when published emails and text messages revealed that Gov. Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff conspired with a Christie transportation appointee to create a four-day traffic jam last September, allegedly to punish a local Democratic mayor who refused to endorse the governor's re-election. The unfolding drama not only raises doubts about Christie's political future but also about the way the mainstream press has presented him over the years."
"A political bombshell detonated in my home state of New Jersey yesterday when published emails and text messages revealed that Gov. Chris Christie's deputy chief of staff conspired with a Christie transportation appointee to create a four-day traffic jam last September, allegedly to punish a local Democratic mayor who refused to endorse the governor's re-election. The unfolding drama not only raises doubts about Christie's political future but also about the way the mainstream press has presented him over the years."
You're Likely Eating Seafood That Came into the US Illegally (And Here's Why That's Really Bad) | Alternet
You're Likely Eating Seafood That Came into the US Illegally (And Here's Why That's Really Bad) | Alternet:
It would contributed to the death of hundreds of thousands of dolphins, whales, and sea lions. But that's not all.
It would contributed to the death of hundreds of thousands of dolphins, whales, and sea lions. But that's not all.
Multi-millionaire Steve Forbes Has a Cynical Plan to Keep Working People Down | Alternet
Multi-millionaire Steve Forbes Has a Cynical Plan to Keep Working People Down | Alternet:
A minimum would help millions of Americans and the economy. Forbes wants to falsely spin it as a job killer.
If Malcolm were alive today, he'd disown Steve.
A minimum would help millions of Americans and the economy. Forbes wants to falsely spin it as a job killer.
If Malcolm were alive today, he'd disown Steve.
Now We Know: JPMorgan Chase Is Worse Than Enron | Alternet
Now We Know: JPMorgan Chase Is Worse Than Enron | Alternet:
From foreclosure fraud to market-rigging, JPMorgan has perfected the art of the Wall Street crime.
From foreclosure fraud to market-rigging, JPMorgan has perfected the art of the Wall Street crime.
50 Years After the War on Poverty, Will the Middle Class Become the New Poor? | Alternet
50 Years After the War on Poverty, Will the Middle Class Become the New Poor? | Alternet:
If destructive policies continue, more Americans will come to know poverty firsthand.
If destructive policies continue, more Americans will come to know poverty firsthand.
Protect phone privacy! - Common Cause
Protect phone privacy! - Common Cause:
Mobile phone providers across America think it's okay to sell your personal information to the highest bidder -- from private companies to the CIA.
Please sign the petition!
Mobile phone providers across America think it's okay to sell your personal information to the highest bidder -- from private companies to the CIA.
Please sign the petition!
The Senate's New Unemployment Deal Is Already Falling Apart
The Senate's New Unemployment Deal Is Already Falling Apart:
Just as it appeared the Senate was poised for a breakthrough on extending federal unemployment insurance for another year, things took a turn for the worse, and lawmakers left the chamber Thursday afternoon without holding a vote.
Just as it appeared the Senate was poised for a breakthrough on extending federal unemployment insurance for another year, things took a turn for the worse, and lawmakers left the chamber Thursday afternoon without holding a vote.
House Republicans Just Quietly Passed A Bill Gutting Hazardous Waste Legislation
House Republicans Just Quietly Passed A Bill Gutting Hazardous Waste Legislation:
The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday overhauling the country's hazardous waste laws.
The bill, called the Reducing Excessive Deadline Obligations Act, amends both the Solid Waste Disposal Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (which is commonly known as Superfund). It would remove requirements that the EPA periodically update and review solid waste disposal regulations, and would make it harder for the government to require companies that deal with hazardous substances to carry enough insurance to cover cleanup. The bill would also require more consultation with states before the government imposes cleanup requirements for Superfund sites -- places where hazardous waste is located and could be affecting local people or ecosystems.
The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday overhauling the country's hazardous waste laws.
The bill, called the Reducing Excessive Deadline Obligations Act, amends both the Solid Waste Disposal Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (which is commonly known as Superfund). It would remove requirements that the EPA periodically update and review solid waste disposal regulations, and would make it harder for the government to require companies that deal with hazardous substances to carry enough insurance to cover cleanup. The bill would also require more consultation with states before the government imposes cleanup requirements for Superfund sites -- places where hazardous waste is located and could be affecting local people or ecosystems.
Chris Christie Is Sorry, But Let's Not 'Comeback Kid' Ourselves Just Yet
Chris Christie Is Sorry, But Let's Not 'Comeback Kid' Ourselves Just Yet:
Crack-ups and comebacks. There are no two commodities that the political media loves more. Their culture now moves seamlessly between, "What about your gaffes?" to, "When and how will you turn this around?" Strung between these vicissitudes are what we conventionally refer to as "The Narrative," which reduces our politics to a pulpy telenovela concerning our cast of affluent political celebrities as they rise, fall, rise again, lather, rinse, repeat.
Crack-ups and comebacks. There are no two commodities that the political media loves more. Their culture now moves seamlessly between, "What about your gaffes?" to, "When and how will you turn this around?" Strung between these vicissitudes are what we conventionally refer to as "The Narrative," which reduces our politics to a pulpy telenovela concerning our cast of affluent political celebrities as they rise, fall, rise again, lather, rinse, repeat.
Marco Rubio Accidentally Made A Good Argument For Gay Marriage
Marco Rubio Accidentally Made A Good Argument For Gay Marriage:
Marco Rubio just made a pretty great argument for gay marriage, though he may not realize it.
Marco Rubio just made a pretty great argument for gay marriage, though he may not realize it.
Star-Ledger's Mulshine: Christie 'Too Smart' Not to Know About Bridge-gate
Star-Ledger's Mulshine: Christie 'Too Smart' Not to Know About Bridge-gate:
Paul Mulshine, a top columnist at the Newark Star Ledger, which broke the bridge-gate scandal wide open by baring incriminating emails between Chris Christie's staffers — says he doesn't believe the New Jersey governor's claim he knew nothing about the misdeeds.
"Christie today was maintaining that he didn't until he saw those emails conclude that there was retaliation … Until Wednesday he thought there was a legitimate traffic study," Mulshine told "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV.
"He's too smart for that."
Paul Mulshine, a top columnist at the Newark Star Ledger, which broke the bridge-gate scandal wide open by baring incriminating emails between Chris Christie's staffers — says he doesn't believe the New Jersey governor's claim he knew nothing about the misdeeds.
"Christie today was maintaining that he didn't until he saw those emails conclude that there was retaliation … Until Wednesday he thought there was a legitimate traffic study," Mulshine told "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV.
"He's too smart for that."
This Is Why The GOP Should Be Afraid Of The Minimum Wage In 2014 | The National Memo
This Is Why The GOP Should Be Afraid Of The Minimum Wage In 2014 | The National Memo:
Illinois businessman Bruce Rauner, a top candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, demonstrated this week why Democrats are eager to use the minimum wage as a political cudgel in the 2014 midterm elections.
On Tuesday, Rauner suggested reducing the state’s $8.25-per-hour minimum wage to the national level, a $1-per-hour reduction.
Illinois businessman Bruce Rauner, a top candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, demonstrated this week why Democrats are eager to use the minimum wage as a political cudgel in the 2014 midterm elections.
On Tuesday, Rauner suggested reducing the state’s $8.25-per-hour minimum wage to the national level, a $1-per-hour reduction.
For The First Time, Most Members Of Congress Are Millionaires | The National Memo
For The First Time, Most Members Of Congress Are Millionaires | The National Memo:
Why has Congress let emergency unemployment insurance expire for first time ever during a long-term unemployment crisis?
Maybe their wealth is insulating them from reality.
And, for good measure, a gratuitous pic of Neighbor Darrell.
Why has Congress let emergency unemployment insurance expire for first time ever during a long-term unemployment crisis?
Maybe their wealth is insulating them from reality.
And, for good measure, a gratuitous pic of Neighbor Darrell.
This Week In Crazy: ‘Bridgegate’ Is The Least Of Christie’s Concerns, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right | The National Memo
This Week In Crazy: ‘Bridgegate’ Is The Least Of Christie’s Concerns, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right | The National Memo:
Welcome to “This Week In Crazy,” The National Memo’s weekly update on the wildest attacks, conspiracy theories, and other loony behavior from the increasingly unhinged right wing.
Everyone's fave post ;)
Welcome to “This Week In Crazy,” The National Memo’s weekly update on the wildest attacks, conspiracy theories, and other loony behavior from the increasingly unhinged right wing.
Everyone's fave post ;)
It Was Only a Matter of Time Before Chris Christie's Temper Got Him in Trouble | Alternet
It Was Only a Matter of Time Before Chris Christie's Temper Got Him in Trouble | Alternet:
The bridge scandal is just one of many instances where Christie couldn't control his temper. He lacks discipline for higher office.
The bridge scandal is just one of many instances where Christie couldn't control his temper. He lacks discipline for higher office.
Roger Ailes' Explosive New Biography: 5 Biggest Shockers | Alternet
Roger Ailes' Explosive New Biography: 5 Biggest Shockers | Alternet:
Roger Ailes has a panic room and threatened a woman with a chair -- and other scoops from Gabriel Sherman's book.
Roger Ailes has a panic room and threatened a woman with a chair -- and other scoops from Gabriel Sherman's book.
A Tale of Two Jobs: How Low Wages Are Bad for Business | Alternet
A Tale of Two Jobs: How Low Wages Are Bad for Business | Alternet:
Companies that pay employees more have higher profits.
Companies that pay employees more have higher profits.
How the Big Cell Phone Companies Are Getting Away with Ripping You Off Each Month | Alternet
How the Big Cell Phone Companies Are Getting Away with Ripping You Off Each Month | Alternet:
Until we get serious about taking on oligopolies, consumers have little power.
Until we get serious about taking on oligopolies, consumers have little power.
December Jobs Report: U.S. Creates 74,000 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Down To 6.7%
December Jobs Report: U.S. Creates 74,000 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Down To 6.7%:
The U.S. economy added 74,000 jobs in December, as the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
The U.S. economy added 74,000 jobs in December, as the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Your Gmail Is About To Get Even Less Private
Your Gmail Is About To Get Even Less Private:
If you're a Gmail user, you probably also have a Google+ account.
Until now, that likely meant nothing to you. However, with a new Gmail update, random people on Google+ will be able to send emails to your Gmail account without you ever having given them your email address, according to a new post on the Official Gmail Blog.
If you're a Gmail user, you probably also have a Google+ account.
Until now, that likely meant nothing to you. However, with a new Gmail update, random people on Google+ will be able to send emails to your Gmail account without you ever having given them your email address, according to a new post on the Official Gmail Blog.
Chris Christie Is the True Face of the Republican Party | Richard (RJ) Eskow
Chris Christie Is the True Face of the Republican Party | Richard (RJ) Eskow:
Some Republicans are claiming Chris Christie isn't really one of them. Some pundits are claiming, even as scandal erupts around him, that he's a "different kind of Republican." He's more than that: He is the archetypal Republican, the incarnation of its arrogant, corporatist soul.
Some Republicans are claiming Chris Christie isn't really one of them. Some pundits are claiming, even as scandal erupts around him, that he's a "different kind of Republican." He's more than that: He is the archetypal Republican, the incarnation of its arrogant, corporatist soul.
Note
No, I'm not obsessed with Chris Christie (well, not MUCH, anyway), but the story is dominating the web today :)
Chris Christie Looks To Recover Amid George Washington Bridge Traffic Scandal
Chris Christie Looks To Recover Amid George Washington Bridge Traffic Scandal:
A wounded Chris Christie is working to move beyond the most challenging test of his political career, a traffic scandal that rocked his administration this week and threatens to tarnish his national image ahead of the next presidential contest.
A wounded Chris Christie is working to move beyond the most challenging test of his political career, a traffic scandal that rocked his administration this week and threatens to tarnish his national image ahead of the next presidential contest.
New Jersey Residents File Lawsuit Against Christie Over Traffic Jam
New Jersey Residents File Lawsuit Against Christie Over Traffic Jam:
Six New Jersey residents have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Chris Christie, the state of New Jersey, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and others over traffic jams in September.
Six New Jersey residents have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Chris Christie, the state of New Jersey, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and others over traffic jams in September.
Jersey's Top Paper Isn't Buying Christie's Story: It 'Stretches The Bounds Of Belief'
Jersey's Top Paper Isn't Buying Christie's Story: It 'Stretches The Bounds Of Belief':
The editorial page of the largest newspaper in New Jersey has some serious doubts that Gov. Chris Christie (R) only learned this week that a close aide signed off on lane closures that caused paralysis on the George Washington Bridge last summer.
The governor's claim, wrote the editorial board of The Star-Ledger on Thursday, "stretches the bounds of belief."
The editorial page of the largest newspaper in New Jersey has some serious doubts that Gov. Chris Christie (R) only learned this week that a close aide signed off on lane closures that caused paralysis on the George Washington Bridge last summer.
The governor's claim, wrote the editorial board of The Star-Ledger on Thursday, "stretches the bounds of belief."
This Supreme Court Case Could Upend The Separation Of Powers
This Supreme Court Case Could Upend The Separation Of Powers:
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Monday in a case with potentially dramatic long-term implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
The legal question is whether the president may temporarily appoint people to staff executive branch agencies when Congress is not conducting business but also not technically in recess -- known as pro forma sessions.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Monday in a case with potentially dramatic long-term implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
The legal question is whether the president may temporarily appoint people to staff executive branch agencies when Congress is not conducting business but also not technically in recess -- known as pro forma sessions.
Could Christie's Bridge Scandal Really Lead To Criminal Charges?
Could Christie's Bridge Scandal Really Lead To Criminal Charges?:
The next big question in the George Washington Bridge scandal that has rattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: determining whether or not anybody should be charged with a crime.
The next big question in the George Washington Bridge scandal that has rattled New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: determining whether or not anybody should be charged with a crime.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Christie’s Access Lane Onto the Presidential Trail Gets Gridlocked | The Nation
Christie’s Access Lane Onto the Presidential Trail Gets Gridlocked | The Nation:
Despite the fantasies of the pundits and political operatives who imagine Chris Christie as some kind of moderate, he is more than sufficiently conservative to secure the Republican presidential nomination. By most reasonable measures, Christie is a strikingly consistent social and economic conservative. So it is not ideology that is most likely to trip up Christie in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
It is his style. The New Jersey governor’s take-no-prisoners approach to politics has always been his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
Despite the fantasies of the pundits and political operatives who imagine Chris Christie as some kind of moderate, he is more than sufficiently conservative to secure the Republican presidential nomination. By most reasonable measures, Christie is a strikingly consistent social and economic conservative. So it is not ideology that is most likely to trip up Christie in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
It is his style. The New Jersey governor’s take-no-prisoners approach to politics has always been his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
Dershowitz: Christie Could Face Criminal Prosecution for Bridge-gate
Dershowitz: Christie Could Face Criminal Prosecution for Bridge-gate:
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie could face criminal prosecution over the George Washington Bridge lane closures if it is found anyone was harmed because of them, Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz says.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie could face criminal prosecution over the George Washington Bridge lane closures if it is found anyone was harmed because of them, Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz says.
Peak Oil Is Dead, Long Live Peak Oil! | Common Dreams
Peak Oil Is Dead, Long Live Peak Oil! | Common Dreams:
Among the big energy stories of 2013, “peak oil” -- the once-popular notion that worldwide oil production would soon reach a maximum level and begin an irreversible decline -- was thoroughly discredited. The explosive development of shale oil and other unconventional fuels in the United States helped put it in its grave.
Peak oil may or may not be dead, but cheap oil is ;)
Among the big energy stories of 2013, “peak oil” -- the once-popular notion that worldwide oil production would soon reach a maximum level and begin an irreversible decline -- was thoroughly discredited. The explosive development of shale oil and other unconventional fuels in the United States helped put it in its grave.
Peak oil may or may not be dead, but cheap oil is ;)
Democratic Sens. Boxer, Whitehouse Look to Revive Climate Debate
Democratic Sens. Boxer, Whitehouse Look to Revive Climate Debate:
Two of the U.S. Senate's biggest environmental boosters have launched a drive to revive the issue of climate change in Congress and defend President Barack Obama's climate action plan against opposition from Republicans.
Two of the U.S. Senate's biggest environmental boosters have launched a drive to revive the issue of climate change in Congress and defend President Barack Obama's climate action plan against opposition from Republicans.
AT&T’s New “Sponsored Data” Scheme is a Tremendous Loss for All of Us | Public Knowledge
AT&T’s New “Sponsored Data” Scheme is a Tremendous Loss for All of Us | Public Knowledge:
AT&T announced a new “sponsored data” scheme that lets content creators buy their way around the company’s data caps. It’s bad news for everyone—but AT&T.
AT&T announced a new “sponsored data” scheme that lets content creators buy their way around the company’s data caps. It’s bad news for everyone—but AT&T.
Daily Kos: Bitter Family Research Council head declares the Southern Poverty Law Center 'terrorists'
Daily Kos: Bitter Family Research Council head declares the Southern Poverty Law Center 'terrorists':
In the history of American hate groups, has this ever worked?
I hope they're terrorizing the hell out of the FRC (speaking of proto-terrorist organizations!)
In the history of American hate groups, has this ever worked?
Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, in an email to supporters late last night decided to label the highly-respected Southern Poverty Law Center a terrorist organization.
I hope they're terrorizing the hell out of the FRC (speaking of proto-terrorist organizations!)
Daily Kos: White guys are an endangered species, and everyone else votes wrong
Daily Kos: White guys are an endangered species, and everyone else votes wrong:
Welcome to 2014, yet another critical election year, in a long line of critical election years. Has there ever been a year that wasn't a critical election year? These things matter. Elections have real consequences.
Welcome to 2014, yet another critical election year, in a long line of critical election years. Has there ever been a year that wasn't a critical election year? These things matter. Elections have real consequences.
Daily Kos: Stephen Colbert mocks Fox News climate change denialism
Daily Kos: Stephen Colbert mocks Fox News climate change denialism:
Last night, it was Stephen Colbert's turn to mock Fox News for bashing the idea of climate change.
Last night, it was Stephen Colbert's turn to mock Fox News for bashing the idea of climate change.
Daily Kos: Bill Nye explains Why
Daily Kos: Bill Nye explains Why:
"Bill Nye the Science Guy" has created a stir with a new online video in which he says adults who deny evolution and teach a literal biblical view are hurting America's future.
"Bill Nye the Science Guy" has created a stir with a new online video in which he says adults who deny evolution and teach a literal biblical view are hurting America's future.
Daily Kos: Al Roker tells Rush Limbaugh to "Stuff It"
Daily Kos: Al Roker tells Rush Limbaugh to "Stuff It":
Rush Limbaugh raised eyebrows this week when he claimed that the polar vortex that swept the nation with record low temperatures this week was a phrase recently invented by liberals in order to advance a political agenda.
Rush Limbaugh raised eyebrows this week when he claimed that the polar vortex that swept the nation with record low temperatures this week was a phrase recently invented by liberals in order to advance a political agenda.
Daily Kos: The new warmongering wing of the Democratic Party
Daily Kos: The new warmongering wing of the Democratic Party:
A group of Democrats are joining Republicans in trying to undermine the White House's negotiations with Iran by imposing a new set of sanctions. Fifteen of them, actually, who prefer status quo bluster and threats to diplomacy that might actually do something to end Iran's nuclear ambitions.
A group of Democrats are joining Republicans in trying to undermine the White House's negotiations with Iran by imposing a new set of sanctions. Fifteen of them, actually, who prefer status quo bluster and threats to diplomacy that might actually do something to end Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Daily Kos: GOP Newspaper: Christie is a "Thug" and "he's Finished"
Daily Kos: GOP Newspaper: Christie is a "Thug" and "he's Finished":
When you've lost the business wing of the party, where can you go? The editorial page of the New York Daily News, the page that robustly endorsed Romney in 2012 and Bush in 2004, just published a blistering editorial calling this scandal "Christie's Waterloo" and pronouncing him finished as a presidential candidate.
The only place he has to go is the Tea Party. Won't THAT be pretty?
When you've lost the business wing of the party, where can you go? The editorial page of the New York Daily News, the page that robustly endorsed Romney in 2012 and Bush in 2004, just published a blistering editorial calling this scandal "Christie's Waterloo" and pronouncing him finished as a presidential candidate.
The only place he has to go is the Tea Party. Won't THAT be pretty?
Debunking Some of the Biggest Myths About Addiction | Alternet
Debunking Some of the Biggest Myths About Addiction | Alternet:
Society is a long way off from understanding the "complex issues for why people really become addicted," says Dr. Carl Hart.
On a related note- more from Dr. Dread (see the Daily Show vid below)
Society is a long way off from understanding the "complex issues for why people really become addicted," says Dr. Carl Hart.
On a related note- more from Dr. Dread (see the Daily Show vid below)
WATCH: The Daily Show Blasts Cable Anchors Over Unwarranted Legal Pot Hysteria | Alternet
WATCH: The Daily Show Blasts Cable Anchors Over Unwarranted Legal Pot Hysteria | Alternet:
Stewart: "I guess you could say, you’re a f*cking idiot”
Stewart: "I guess you could say, you’re a f*cking idiot”
Christie Puts His Political Career On The Line As He Apologizes For Bridge Scandal | The National Memo
Christie Puts His Political Career On The Line As He Apologizes For Bridge Scandal | The National Memo:
New Jersey governor Chris Christie put his political career on the line on Thursday by claiming that he had no knowledge of any political motivation behind the closure of lanes on the George Washington Bridge.
New Jersey governor Chris Christie put his political career on the line on Thursday by claiming that he had no knowledge of any political motivation behind the closure of lanes on the George Washington Bridge.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Addresses Bridge-gate Scandal
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Addresses Bridge-gate Scandal:
An "embarrassed and humiliated" New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday apologized for the bridge-gate scandal and said he has fired a top aide after fresh revelations that his staff played a key role in closing some lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge in what critics say was a political vendetta.
It's kind of scary that Newsmax is moving towards becoming an actual news source :)
An "embarrassed and humiliated" New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday apologized for the bridge-gate scandal and said he has fired a top aide after fresh revelations that his staff played a key role in closing some lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge in what critics say was a political vendetta.
It's kind of scary that Newsmax is moving towards becoming an actual news source :)
10 Things You Might Not Know About Poverty | Alternet
10 Things You Might Not Know About Poverty | Alternet:
From speeding America's desegregation to conservative misinterpretation, some interesting facts about Johnson's poverty initiative.
From speeding America's desegregation to conservative misinterpretation, some interesting facts about Johnson's poverty initiative.
How the Private Sector Is Destroying Our Personal Space | Alternet
How the Private Sector Is Destroying Our Personal Space | Alternet:
Does your airplane seat feel like it's shrinking? It's not in your head.
Does your airplane seat feel like it's shrinking? It's not in your head.
Why Expanding Social Security Is Crucial to Addressing Inequality in America in 2014 | Alternet
Why Expanding Social Security Is Crucial to Addressing Inequality in America in 2014 | Alternet:
The political pendulum is swinging away from Social Security cutters.
The political pendulum is swinging away from Social Security cutters.
Why So Much Religion Is Oppressive | Alternet
Why So Much Religion Is Oppressive | Alternet:
The rules of the Abrahamic religions may have once helped societies survive and thrive. But in a modern context many are change-averse and oppressive.
The rules of the Abrahamic religions may have once helped societies survive and thrive. But in a modern context many are change-averse and oppressive.
Chomsky: How Can We Escape the Curse of Economic Exploitation? | Alternet
Chomsky: How Can We Escape the Curse of Economic Exploitation? | Alternet:
Humans are social beings, and the kind of creature that a person becomes depends crucially on the social, cultural and institutional circumstances of his life.
We are therefore led to inquire into the social arrangements that are conducive to people's rights and welfare, and to fulfilling their just aspirations - in brief, the common good.
Humans are social beings, and the kind of creature that a person becomes depends crucially on the social, cultural and institutional circumstances of his life.
We are therefore led to inquire into the social arrangements that are conducive to people's rights and welfare, and to fulfilling their just aspirations - in brief, the common good.
'You Should Have Shot the Son of a Bitch': Listen to Police Joke About Murdering a Black Man | Alternet
'You Should Have Shot the Son of a Bitch': Listen to Police Joke About Murdering a Black Man | Alternet:
The tragic tale of Ojore Lutalo reveals the depths of racism in the U.S.
The tragic tale of Ojore Lutalo reveals the depths of racism in the U.S.
POLL: Republican Party More Unpopular Than It Has Been In Decades | The National Memo
POLL: Republican Party More Unpopular Than It Has Been In Decades | The National Memo:
Not since 1983, when Gallup conducted all of its polling in person, has the Republican Party been as unpopular as it is today. Only 25 percent of those surveyed identified with the GOP throughout the course of 2013.
Not since 1983, when Gallup conducted all of its polling in person, has the Republican Party been as unpopular as it is today. Only 25 percent of those surveyed identified with the GOP throughout the course of 2013.
Gun Nuts Target One Of Their Own | The National Memo
Gun Nuts Target One Of Their Own | The National Memo:
Here is what he said: “…all constitutional rights are regulated, always have been, and need to be.”
It would seem to be a self-evident truth. After all, your First Amendment right to freedom of speech is regulated. If you don’t believe it, write something libelous about a guy with deep pockets and man-eating lawyers. Your Fourth Amendment right to freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures is regulated and then some. If you don’t believe that, pick up your phone and ask the NSA agent tapping your line.
Unfortunately for him, Dick Metcalf, who made the aforementioned observation, was not referring to the First Amendment or the Fourth. No, he was talking about the Second. He’s been out of work ever since.
Here is what he said: “…all constitutional rights are regulated, always have been, and need to be.”
It would seem to be a self-evident truth. After all, your First Amendment right to freedom of speech is regulated. If you don’t believe it, write something libelous about a guy with deep pockets and man-eating lawyers. Your Fourth Amendment right to freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures is regulated and then some. If you don’t believe that, pick up your phone and ask the NSA agent tapping your line.
Unfortunately for him, Dick Metcalf, who made the aforementioned observation, was not referring to the First Amendment or the Fourth. No, he was talking about the Second. He’s been out of work ever since.
Bob Woodward Attacks President Obama For Getting It Right | The National Memo
Bob Woodward Attacks President Obama For Getting It Right | The National Memo:
Here’s a president who made all the right calls, even though his decisions were often “opposed by his political advisors” or were “unpopular with his fellow Democrats.” Here’s a president who was hesitant to rubber-stamp his military leadership’s decisions. Here’s a president responsible for “one of the most courageous decisions I had ever witnessed in the White House.”
The Washington Post‘s Bob Woodward read about a president who did these things and decided that former Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ new memoir of serving in both the Bush and Obama adminstrations, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War, is a “harsh critique of Obama’s leadership.”
I missed the point at which Woodward became a joke. It just became obvious to me during the Shrub administration when he descended into hagiography. Maybe, like Ron Silver and others, 9/11 drove him insane.
Here’s a president who made all the right calls, even though his decisions were often “opposed by his political advisors” or were “unpopular with his fellow Democrats.” Here’s a president who was hesitant to rubber-stamp his military leadership’s decisions. Here’s a president responsible for “one of the most courageous decisions I had ever witnessed in the White House.”
The Washington Post‘s Bob Woodward read about a president who did these things and decided that former Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ new memoir of serving in both the Bush and Obama adminstrations, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War, is a “harsh critique of Obama’s leadership.”
I missed the point at which Woodward became a joke. It just became obvious to me during the Shrub administration when he descended into hagiography. Maybe, like Ron Silver and others, 9/11 drove him insane.
Boehner’s Stance On Unemployment Insurance Must Be A Joke | The National Memo
Boehner’s Stance On Unemployment Insurance Must Be A Joke | The National Memo:
Earlier this week, the Senate passed a bill to extend long-term unemployment insurance, a measure that would restore assistance to the estimated 1.3 million workers whose benefits expired at the end of December. And while just six Republican senators joined the majority, the bill was pronounced “bipartisan.” Apparently this is what passes for Republican participation these days.
House Speaker John Boehner’s response to the Senate’s action was that the UI extension would need to be paid for with cuts elsewhere, and also include incentives for the unemployed to get back to work. Instead of trying to extend unemployment insurance, Boehner said, the House should “remain focused on growing the economy.” As the Speaker himself might put it: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Earlier this week, the Senate passed a bill to extend long-term unemployment insurance, a measure that would restore assistance to the estimated 1.3 million workers whose benefits expired at the end of December. And while just six Republican senators joined the majority, the bill was pronounced “bipartisan.” Apparently this is what passes for Republican participation these days.
House Speaker John Boehner’s response to the Senate’s action was that the UI extension would need to be paid for with cuts elsewhere, and also include incentives for the unemployed to get back to work. Instead of trying to extend unemployment insurance, Boehner said, the House should “remain focused on growing the economy.” As the Speaker himself might put it: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
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