Diane Ravitch Tells Bill Moyers Why School Privatization Is Turning into a Disaster | Alternet:
The high cost of turning schools into profit centers.
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Reason Republicans Love War So Much | Alternet
The Reason Republicans Love War So Much | Alternet:
The GOP and the South can’t stand the fact that Obama seeks diplomacy.
The GOP and the South can’t stand the fact that Obama seeks diplomacy.
Another Round Of Food Stamp Cuts Hits States - The National Memo
Another Round Of Food Stamp Cuts Hits States - The National Memo
How lawmakers are jeopardizing benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans.
How lawmakers are jeopardizing benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Hobby Lobby Case Is A Slippery Slope - The National Memo
Hobby Lobby Case Is A Slippery Slope - The National Memo
Why the latest challenge to Obamacare is even scarier than you think.
Why the latest challenge to Obamacare is even scarier than you think.
Who Cares About The Value Of Work? - The National Memo
Who Cares About The Value Of Work? - The National Memo
How Democrats can call Paul Ryan's (and the GOP's) bluff on the importance of labor.
How Democrats can call Paul Ryan's (and the GOP's) bluff on the importance of labor.
Former Bush Strategist Rips GOPers For 'Kissing The Ring' Of Sheldon Adelson
Former Bush Strategist Rips GOPers For 'Kissing The Ring' Of Sheldon Adelson:
Matthew Dowd, the former George W. Bush strategist, chided Republican presidential contenders for "kissing the ring" of super donor Sheldon Adelson at a Las Vegas confab the billionaire casino magnate hosted this weekend.
I don't think it was his 'ring' they were kissing :)
Matthew Dowd, the former George W. Bush strategist, chided Republican presidential contenders for "kissing the ring" of super donor Sheldon Adelson at a Las Vegas confab the billionaire casino magnate hosted this weekend.
I don't think it was his 'ring' they were kissing :)
LATimes: This fault could bring an earthquake worse than 'The Big One'
This fault could bring an earthquake worse than 'The Big One'
According to estimates by the USGS and Southern California Earthquake Center, a massive quake on the Puente Hills fault could kill from 3,000 to 18,000 people and cause up to $250 billion in damage. Under this worst-case scenario, people in as many as three-quarters of a million households would be left homeless.
Jesus, and I live right on top of it!!!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Virginia Christian school forces eight-year-old girl to leave because she looks too much like a boy
Virginia Christian school forces eight-year-old girl to leave because she looks too much like a boy:
Surprised no one's mentioned this, but a Christian school in Virginia is in the spotlight after all but forcing an eight-year-old student to leave because she looks like a boy. Eight-year-old Sunnie Kahle has had her hair cut short since she was five years old, and makes no secret she's a tomboy. Well, Sunnie's appearance didn't sit too well with administrators at Timberlake Christian School in Forest, near Lynchburg. Last month, her grandparents pulled her out of school after she was told her appearance didn't line up with "biblical standards."
Can't be barefoot and pregnant if you're a tomboy! Into the kitchen with you, wench!
Surprised no one's mentioned this, but a Christian school in Virginia is in the spotlight after all but forcing an eight-year-old student to leave because she looks like a boy. Eight-year-old Sunnie Kahle has had her hair cut short since she was five years old, and makes no secret she's a tomboy. Well, Sunnie's appearance didn't sit too well with administrators at Timberlake Christian School in Forest, near Lynchburg. Last month, her grandparents pulled her out of school after she was told her appearance didn't line up with "biblical standards."
Can't be barefoot and pregnant if you're a tomboy! Into the kitchen with you, wench!
"Staunch" Republican: ObamaCare Works!
"Staunch" Republican: ObamaCare Works!:
This is precisely what Ted Cruz feared; this is what he warned about: Once people knew what it meant to have health insurance, and what ObamaCare can do for them, they will not allow the GOP to take it from them
This is precisely what Ted Cruz feared; this is what he warned about: Once people knew what it meant to have health insurance, and what ObamaCare can do for them, they will not allow the GOP to take it from them
Bridget Anne Kelly Strikes Back: Christie is "Venomous and Sexist"
Bridget Anne Kelly Strikes Back: Christie is "Venomous and Sexist":
The GOP War on Women takes a new front. Bully Chris Christie has called his former employee, "stupid", "a liar", and now, an emotional slut. Well, even if you're a loyalist, you can only be scapegoated so far. Kelly just responded to Christie's slut shaming smear tactics.
Her attorney just released a statement:
Nice to see a Repug who agrees with us on Christie's (lack of) character.
The GOP War on Women takes a new front. Bully Chris Christie has called his former employee, "stupid", "a liar", and now, an emotional slut. Well, even if you're a loyalist, you can only be scapegoated so far. Kelly just responded to Christie's slut shaming smear tactics.
Her attorney just released a statement:
“The report's venomous, gratuitous, and inappropriate sexist remarks concerning Ms. Kelly have no place in what is alleged to be a professional and independent report.”
Nice to see a Repug who agrees with us on Christie's (lack of) character.
Homepage | The Planetary Society
Homepage | The Planetary Society
Speaking of Bill Nye.... join the 21st Century and support the Planetary Society.
Speaking of Bill Nye.... join the 21st Century and support the Planetary Society.
Bill Nye Becomes Point Guy for Climate Change Cause
Bill Nye Becomes Point Guy for Climate Change Cause:
These days, he's Bill Nye, the liberal pundit guy.
Funny... these days if you accept science, knowledge, and education, you're a liberal.
These days, he's Bill Nye, the liberal pundit guy.
Funny... these days if you accept science, knowledge, and education, you're a liberal.
Report: Big Tax Cuts Have Been A Disaster For Kansas - The National Memo
Report: Big Tax Cuts Have Been A Disaster For Kansas - The National Memo
Tea Party economics aren't a great idea in theory -- but they're a catastrophe in practice.
Tea Party economics aren't a great idea in theory -- but they're a catastrophe in practice.
LOL Of The Week: Billionaires Go Shopping For 'Not Totally Crazy' Republicans - The National Memo
LOL Of The Week: Billionaires Go Shopping For 'Not Totally Crazy' Republicans - The National Memo
Who will play the role of Newt Gingrich in the 2016 presidential election?
Who will play the role of Newt Gingrich in the 2016 presidential election?
Companies Are Not Churches, And Must Conform To Modern Laws - The National Memo
Companies Are Not Churches, And Must Conform To Modern Laws - The National Memo
And, like it or not, they must conform to modern laws.
And, like it or not, they must conform to modern laws.
In Midterm Campaign, Bill Clinton Urges Democrats To Embrace Health Care Reform - The National Memo
In Midterm Campaign, Bill Clinton Urges Democrats To Embrace Health Care Reform - The National Memo:
Defending the Affordable Care Act in his memorable nominating speech at the 2012 Democratic convention, Bill Clinton did as he often advises his party’s elected officials: Don’t run away from the argument; confront it directly instead. During his own political career, the former president has done both.
Defending the Affordable Care Act in his memorable nominating speech at the 2012 Democratic convention, Bill Clinton did as he often advises his party’s elected officials: Don’t run away from the argument; confront it directly instead. During his own political career, the former president has done both.
“When the president asked me to speak for him in North Carolina, I said that I would do it — but that I could only do it and be effective if he let me explain and defend the health care deal,” Clinton recalled this week, speaking not only about the 2012 election but the midterm campaign now underway.
I thought that Democrats had a tendency to shy away from things they had done that were unpopular, [and] talk about positions they had that were popular. And that my own experience had convinced me — going back to ’94 and even more when I was governor — that that was always a terrible mistake. That you had to turn in toward all controversies and embrace them — even if you said you were wrong or a mistake was made. You couldn’t not deal with it.”
Piers Morgan DESTROYS U.S. Gun Lobby And Politicians On Final Sign-Off (VIDEO) | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers
Piers Morgan DESTROYS U.S. Gun Lobby And Politicians On Final Sign-Off (VIDEO) | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers:
It’s no secret that the British host of the recently cancelled Piers Morgan Live on CNN is no fan of U.S. gun laws.
During the course of his show’s 3 year run, Morgan has had some epic on-air exchanges with the “2nd-amendment patriot” types, and – in a moment that will go down in US history – prodded the king of gun nuts InfoWars Alex Jones to have a colossal meltdown that blew across the internet at breakneck speed. One Republican Oklahoma state Senator went as far as naming pro-gun legislation after him.
It’s no secret that the British host of the recently cancelled Piers Morgan Live on CNN is no fan of U.S. gun laws.
During the course of his show’s 3 year run, Morgan has had some epic on-air exchanges with the “2nd-amendment patriot” types, and – in a moment that will go down in US history – prodded the king of gun nuts InfoWars Alex Jones to have a colossal meltdown that blew across the internet at breakneck speed. One Republican Oklahoma state Senator went as far as naming pro-gun legislation after him.
Friday, March 28, 2014
4 Shocking Examples of Police Militarization in America's Small Towns | Alternet
4 Shocking Examples of Police Militarization in America's Small Towns | Alternet:
For nearly half a century, the general trend within America’s police precincts has been toward greater militarization, a transformation initiated by the culture wars of the 1960s and facilitated by the war on drugs, fear of inner-city crime, and anxieties over the threat of terrorism.
For nearly half a century, the general trend within America’s police precincts has been toward greater militarization, a transformation initiated by the culture wars of the 1960s and facilitated by the war on drugs, fear of inner-city crime, and anxieties over the threat of terrorism.
What’s Really Behind the Koch Attacks on Democrats | The Nation
What’s Really Behind the Koch Attacks on Democrats | The Nation:
For the next eight months, America will be awash in campaign ads funded by Americans for Prosperity, the political action committee backed by Charles and David Koch. With a combined net worth of $80 billion, the Koch brothers have already funneled more than $30 million into congressional races. As of February, AFP had spent more money on ads attacking North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan than Democratic groups had spent on all Senate races in the country combined.
For the next eight months, America will be awash in campaign ads funded by Americans for Prosperity, the political action committee backed by Charles and David Koch. With a combined net worth of $80 billion, the Koch brothers have already funneled more than $30 million into congressional races. As of February, AFP had spent more money on ads attacking North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan than Democratic groups had spent on all Senate races in the country combined.
The Obamacare Mandate Republicans Could Actually Kill Next Year
The Obamacare Mandate Republicans Could Actually Kill Next Year:
Of the many ways Republicans might target Obamacare if they win the Senate this fall, at least one should have a decent chance of earning the approval of the White House: repealing the law's employer mandate.
Of the many ways Republicans might target Obamacare if they win the Senate this fall, at least one should have a decent chance of earning the approval of the White House: repealing the law's employer mandate.
10 Weirdest Things the Christian Right Thinks Will Turn Your Kids Gay | Alternet
10 Weirdest Things the Christian Right Thinks Will Turn Your Kids Gay | Alternet
This could actually be confused for another 'crazy list' :)
This could actually be confused for another 'crazy list' :)
This Week In Crazy: Only Racists Hate Ted Nugent, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right - The National Memo
This Week In Crazy: Only Racists Hate Ted Nugent, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right - The National Memo
If it's Friday, it must be time for some crazy lists :)
If it's Friday, it must be time for some crazy lists :)
South Dakota's Ugly New Law Based On Racial Stereotypes About Asian Immigrants | ThinkProgress
South Dakota's Ugly New Law Based On Racial Stereotypes About Asian Immigrants | ThinkProgress:
This week, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) approved an unnecessary abortion restriction that reinforces racial stereotypes about the Asian American community. House Bill 1162 bans abortions based on a fetus’ sex, and makes it a felony for doctors to perform this type of “sex-selective” procedure — based on the misperception that Asian women are more likely to terminate a pregnancy if they find out the fetus is a girl.
This country has just gone fucking crazy. It's everywhere. Used to be just the rabid South. Now it's everywhere you can rub to Repugs together (although, who'd want to?) :)
This week, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) approved an unnecessary abortion restriction that reinforces racial stereotypes about the Asian American community. House Bill 1162 bans abortions based on a fetus’ sex, and makes it a felony for doctors to perform this type of “sex-selective” procedure — based on the misperception that Asian women are more likely to terminate a pregnancy if they find out the fetus is a girl.
This country has just gone fucking crazy. It's everywhere. Used to be just the rabid South. Now it's everywhere you can rub to Repugs together (although, who'd want to?) :)
WATCH: Daily Show Mocks 'Morning Joe' as Dysfunctional Suburban Family in Hilarious Satire | Alternet
WATCH: Daily Show Mocks 'Morning Joe' as Dysfunctional Suburban Family in Hilarious Satire | Alternet:
On Last night’s The Daily Show, Samantha Bee paid tribute to MSNBC’s Morning Joe in a hilarious, melodramatic performance, insisting the show is much more than a news program – it’s a family!
On Last night’s The Daily Show, Samantha Bee paid tribute to MSNBC’s Morning Joe in a hilarious, melodramatic performance, insisting the show is much more than a news program – it’s a family!
Hollywood Conservatives Claim IRS Harassment: Documents Show They Were Gaming the System | Alternet
Hollywood Conservatives Claim IRS Harassment: Documents Show They Were Gaming the System | Alternet:
Before Republican Senator Ted Cruz flew to Los Angeles to speak to Hollywood’s secretive right-wing organization, Friends of Abe (FOA), Cruz suggested to the Hollywood Reporter that IRS’s reluctance to immediately ordain FOA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-free charity was a left-wing government conspiracy. (IRS exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) charities can be found here.)
The online Hollywood Reporter quotes Cruz on 2/20/2014 saying, “FOA should respond to the IRS as it would any McCarthyite request for information.” Invoking Joseph McCarthy in the negative seems particularly odd for extreme right-winger Ted Cruz. Other prominent FOA members defend McCarthy as a heroic victim of traitorous communists who pose as being members of the Democrat Party. Ann Coulter, a Friends of Abe darling who spoke at one of its events, wrote a book called Slander that defends McCarthy as the ultimate patriot and insults McCarthy’s opponents, who included the five-star General George Marshall, as traitors.
Before Republican Senator Ted Cruz flew to Los Angeles to speak to Hollywood’s secretive right-wing organization, Friends of Abe (FOA), Cruz suggested to the Hollywood Reporter that IRS’s reluctance to immediately ordain FOA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-free charity was a left-wing government conspiracy. (IRS exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) charities can be found here.)
The online Hollywood Reporter quotes Cruz on 2/20/2014 saying, “FOA should respond to the IRS as it would any McCarthyite request for information.” Invoking Joseph McCarthy in the negative seems particularly odd for extreme right-winger Ted Cruz. Other prominent FOA members defend McCarthy as a heroic victim of traitorous communists who pose as being members of the Democrat Party. Ann Coulter, a Friends of Abe darling who spoke at one of its events, wrote a book called Slander that defends McCarthy as the ultimate patriot and insults McCarthy’s opponents, who included the five-star General George Marshall, as traitors.
First Amendment Train Wreck in the Making: U.S. Senate Tries to Define Who Is a Journalist | Alternet
First Amendment Train Wreck in the Making: U.S. Senate Tries to Define Who Is a Journalist | Alternet:
After the revelation that the Department of Justice had taken phone records from Associated Press journalists as part of a leak investigation, members of Congress reintroduced the Free Flow of Information Act, also known as the federal media shield law. The basic purpose behind the law is to protect journalists from having to reveal confidential sources to the government.
After the revelation that the Department of Justice had taken phone records from Associated Press journalists as part of a leak investigation, members of Congress reintroduced the Free Flow of Information Act, also known as the federal media shield law. The basic purpose behind the law is to protect journalists from having to reveal confidential sources to the government.
Dick Cheney On Torture: 'If I Would Have To Do It All Over Again, I Would'
Dick Cheney On Torture: 'If I Would Have To Do It All Over Again, I Would':
Former Vice President Dick Cheney revealed he has no regrets about the Bush administration's use of enhanced interrogation techniques like waterboarding, telling a crowd at American University in Washington, D.C. he would "do it all over again."
Fucking heartless, useless, destructive bastard.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney revealed he has no regrets about the Bush administration's use of enhanced interrogation techniques like waterboarding, telling a crowd at American University in Washington, D.C. he would "do it all over again."
Fucking heartless, useless, destructive bastard.
Russian Troop Buildup Raises Fears of Military Action | Common Dreams
Russian Troop Buildup Raises Fears of Military Action | Common Dreams:
Fears of potential military action loom as U.S. and Ukrainian officials are pointing to Russia's reported troop buildup on the Ukraine border.
Fears of potential military action loom as U.S. and Ukrainian officials are pointing to Russia's reported troop buildup on the Ukraine border.
Ukraine’s IMF Deal Means Greece-Like Depression | Common Dreams
Ukraine’s IMF Deal Means Greece-Like Depression | Common Dreams:
On Thursday, the IMF released the broad outlines of its terms and conditions for loans and other measures for the Ukrainian economy. What those terms and conditions mean is less a rescue of the Ukrainian economy than the onset of a Greece-like economic depression for the Ukrainian populace.
I understand what the IMF THINKS it's doing, but I wonder if they understand what they are ACTUALLY doing?
On Thursday, the IMF released the broad outlines of its terms and conditions for loans and other measures for the Ukrainian economy. What those terms and conditions mean is less a rescue of the Ukrainian economy than the onset of a Greece-like economic depression for the Ukrainian populace.
I understand what the IMF THINKS it's doing, but I wonder if they understand what they are ACTUALLY doing?
Thursday, March 27, 2014
This Is How You'll Feel When the GOP Wins the Senate | Blog, Perspectives | BillMoyers.com
This Is How You'll Feel When the GOP Wins the Senate | Blog, Perspectives | BillMoyers.com:
It’s the morning after.
You stayed up late watching election results on TV. By the time you went to bed, the Republicans had won five of the six Senate seats they needed to take control of both houses of Congress. As the networks called each state for the GOP, it felt like a trap door had opened beneath your feet, like a Munch scream, like a nightmare — a nauseating, slow-motion wreck you were powerless to prevent.
It’s the morning after.
You stayed up late watching election results on TV. By the time you went to bed, the Republicans had won five of the six Senate seats they needed to take control of both houses of Congress. As the networks called each state for the GOP, it felt like a trap door had opened beneath your feet, like a Munch scream, like a nightmare — a nauseating, slow-motion wreck you were powerless to prevent.
Right Wing Extremists Want to Destroy What Remains of The Voting Rights Act
Right Wing Extremists Want to Destroy What Remains of The Voting Rights Act:
Right Wing extremists continue to claim they care about free and fair elections while advocating for and establishing “laws” that effectively restrict voting by non-Republicans. So far they’ve passed restrictive voter ID laws, restricting or eliminating voting days and hours, moving poll stations to obscure and inaccessible locations. A recent ruling allowing states to make registering to vote more challenging for young people and especially for naturalized citizens with restrictive ID requirements, is the latest setback for free and fair elections.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
NY Fed Study: 'Too Big To Fail Banks' Profit on Taxpayers' Backs | Common Dreams
NY Fed Study: 'Too Big To Fail Banks' Profit on Taxpayers' Backs | Common Dreams:
Federal Reserve study shows that megabanks receiving discounts because of 'implicit government subsidy'
Federal Reserve study shows that megabanks receiving discounts because of 'implicit government subsidy'
#USMFuture: How One Small School Is Resisting 'Corporate War on Public Education' | Common Dreams
#USMFuture: How One Small School Is Resisting 'Corporate War on Public Education' | Common Dreams:
Ongoing student and faculty organizing sit-ins and protests against 'austerity' cuts and mass faculty firings receive outpouring of support
Ongoing student and faculty organizing sit-ins and protests against 'austerity' cuts and mass faculty firings receive outpouring of support
John Boehner: States That Give Food Aid to Neediest Are 'Cheating' | Alternet
John Boehner: States That Give Food Aid to Neediest Are 'Cheating' | Alternet
It's not about the money. It's about fucking poor people because they can. Fucking Bastards!
It's not about the money. It's about fucking poor people because they can. Fucking Bastards!
Robert Reich on the Billionaires Who Are Warping Our Political System | Alternet
Robert Reich on the Billionaires Who Are Warping Our Political System | Alternet:
Charles and David Koch should not be blamed for having more wealth than the bottom 40 percent of Americans put together. Nor should they be condemned for their petrochemical empire. As far as I know, they’ve played by the rules and obeyed the laws.
They’re also entitled to their own right-wing political views. It’s a free country.
But in using their vast wealth to change those rules and laws in order to fit their political views, the Koch brothers are undermining our democracy. That’s a betrayal of the most precious thing Americans share.
Charles and David Koch should not be blamed for having more wealth than the bottom 40 percent of Americans put together. Nor should they be condemned for their petrochemical empire. As far as I know, they’ve played by the rules and obeyed the laws.
They’re also entitled to their own right-wing political views. It’s a free country.
But in using their vast wealth to change those rules and laws in order to fit their political views, the Koch brothers are undermining our democracy. That’s a betrayal of the most precious thing Americans share.
Another Financial Crisis Is Looming—Here's Why and How It Will Play Out | Alternet
Another Financial Crisis Is Looming—Here's Why and How It Will Play Out | Alternet:
Bloomberg financial reporter Bob Ivry has written an entertaining new book, “ The Seven Sins of Wall Street,” which, instead of rehashing the various illegal activities that triggered the financial meltdown, focuses on what the banks have been up to since the crisis. Much of it would be familiar to readers of this space: the Bank of America whistle-blowers who were instructed to lie to homeowners, and received gift card bonuses for pushing them into foreclosure; the London Whale derivatives trade that lost JPMorgan Chase more than $6 billion; the investment banks who traded commodities while also operating physical commodity warehouses and facilities; and more. All the while, megabanks continue to enjoy subsidies on their borrowing costs because of the (accurate) perception that they will get bailed out in the event of any trouble.
The odds are that trouble will present itself soon.
Bloomberg financial reporter Bob Ivry has written an entertaining new book, “ The Seven Sins of Wall Street,” which, instead of rehashing the various illegal activities that triggered the financial meltdown, focuses on what the banks have been up to since the crisis. Much of it would be familiar to readers of this space: the Bank of America whistle-blowers who were instructed to lie to homeowners, and received gift card bonuses for pushing them into foreclosure; the London Whale derivatives trade that lost JPMorgan Chase more than $6 billion; the investment banks who traded commodities while also operating physical commodity warehouses and facilities; and more. All the while, megabanks continue to enjoy subsidies on their borrowing costs because of the (accurate) perception that they will get bailed out in the event of any trouble.
The odds are that trouble will present itself soon.
Insane New Gun Law in Georgia Will Allow Guns in Bars, Schools, Churches—Just About Anywhere | Alternet
Insane New Gun Law in Georgia Will Allow Guns in Bars, Schools, Churches—Just About Anywhere | Alternet:
Straight out of Georgia comes one of the most far-reaching gun laws to ever surface in a legislative body. The bill passed both the state House and Senate last week, and Governor Nathan Deal is expected to sign it into law soon.
The law allows those with a weapons permit to carry a firearm virtually everywhere: airports, schools (for staff members) and even bars, so long as gun-carriers abide by the curious condition that they not drink while patronizing a drinking establishment.
Georgia! <shrug>
Straight out of Georgia comes one of the most far-reaching gun laws to ever surface in a legislative body. The bill passed both the state House and Senate last week, and Governor Nathan Deal is expected to sign it into law soon.
The law allows those with a weapons permit to carry a firearm virtually everywhere: airports, schools (for staff members) and even bars, so long as gun-carriers abide by the curious condition that they not drink while patronizing a drinking establishment.
Georgia! <shrug>
Disturbing New Report: Air Pollution Killed 7 Million People in 2012—Or About 1 in 8 Premature Deaths | Alternet
Disturbing New Report: Air Pollution Killed 7 Million People in 2012—Or About 1 in 8 Premature Deaths | Alternet:
About 7 million deaths were attributable to air pollution in 2012, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization. This more than doubles the figure from 2011.
About 7 million deaths were attributable to air pollution in 2012, according to new estimates released by the World Health Organization. This more than doubles the figure from 2011.
You go right ahead, GOP, and scorn every woman in America. Good luck with that
You go right ahead, GOP, and scorn every woman in America. Good luck with that:
If I am Reince Prebius I am praying to the god of sniveling corporate shits that this Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case crashes and burns.
You want to lose every woman who is smarter than Sarah Palin for a generation? I mean you are almost already there, but still.
If I am Reince Prebius I am praying to the god of sniveling corporate shits that this Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case crashes and burns.
You want to lose every woman who is smarter than Sarah Palin for a generation? I mean you are almost already there, but still.
SCOTUS: Hobby Lobby oral argument, first takes
SCOTUS: Hobby Lobby oral argument, first takes:
But it demonstrates yet again that the Supreme Court is nothing more than politics clothed in black robes. This is an easy case. Hobby Lobby's argument is absurd. The ramifications of accepting it could be monumental. But the extreme partisan conservatives will do anything to hit at President Obama, damn the consequences.
But it demonstrates yet again that the Supreme Court is nothing more than politics clothed in black robes. This is an easy case. Hobby Lobby's argument is absurd. The ramifications of accepting it could be monumental. But the extreme partisan conservatives will do anything to hit at President Obama, damn the consequences.
National Review: Black children have 'weak impulse control' compared to white children
National Review: Black children have 'weak impulse control' compared to white children:
A new report from the Department of Education shows that even from preschool, black students in America tend to receive disproportionately severe disciplinary actions. To most people this was taken as signal that something might be severely amiss in our classrooms; to the National Review, it is evidence that black children are inherently predisposed to disruptive behavior and crime.
Somewhere, Bill Buckley is spinning in his grave...
A new report from the Department of Education shows that even from preschool, black students in America tend to receive disproportionately severe disciplinary actions. To most people this was taken as signal that something might be severely amiss in our classrooms; to the National Review, it is evidence that black children are inherently predisposed to disruptive behavior and crime.
Somewhere, Bill Buckley is spinning in his grave...
Janis Lane, female head of MS Tea Party, doesn't want women to vote
Janis Lane, female head of MS Tea Party, doesn't want women to vote:
Mississippi Tea Party leader Janis Lane thinks the women’s vote is bad for the country. And yes, Janis Lane is a woman herself, who benefits from the women’s vote. After being asked whether she thought there were too many male politicians deciding women’s issues back in 2012, she said:
PUBLICIZE THE HELL OUT OF THIS!
Mississippi Tea Party leader Janis Lane thinks the women’s vote is bad for the country. And yes, Janis Lane is a woman herself, who benefits from the women’s vote. After being asked whether she thought there were too many male politicians deciding women’s issues back in 2012, she said:
“I’m really going to set you back here. Probably the biggest turn we ever made was when the women got the right to vote. Our country might have been better off if it was still just men voting. There is nothing worse than a bunch of mean, hateful women. They are diabolical in how than can skewer a person. I do not see that in men. The whole time I worked, I’d much rather have a male boss than a female boss. Double-minded, you never can trust them.
Because women have the right to vote, I am active, because I want to make sure there is some sanity for women in the political world. It is up to the Christian rednecks and patriots to stand up for our country. Everyone has the right to vote now that’s 18 or over (who is) a legal citizen, and every person that’s 18 and over and a legal citizen should be active in local politics so they can make a change locally, make a change on the state level and make a change in Washington, D.C.”
PUBLICIZE THE HELL OUT OF THIS!
Rumsfeld charges that Obama isn't as good as a 'trained ape' on Afghanistan
Rumsfeld charges that Obama isn't as good as a 'trained ape' on Afghanistan:
"You might almost welcome someone with that record criticizing your diplomatic record. Although that "trained ape" business is something else. Maybe we can be generous about Rumsfeld's intent there and assume that, rather than having crude racist overtones, that term was merely a reflection of how Dick Cheney saw George W. Bush."
First Doctor Visit in Five Years: Why Repubs Want Us Broke or Dead
First Doctor Visit in Five Years: Why Repubs Want Us Broke or Dead:
"Hang with me as I do the math here on paper. It isn't a small number.
13.5 hours of work for the visit + 100 hours for standard preventative lab work + 360 hours for one year of a generic medication = 473.5 hours of work.
At 40 hours a week, that's nearly 12 weeks of work. Or 3 full months. IF you can find full-time work. For one visit, normal lab work, and a necessary medication.
Let that sink in."
Message Fatigue Dooms Rush Limbaugh's Business Model
Message Fatigue Dooms Rush Limbaugh's Business Model:
Speaking on the Ed Schultz radio show, industry insider Holland Cooke recently broke down the precipitous decline of right wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh's popularity and profitability.
Cooke noted that Limbaugh has been moved to the #36 rated station in Los Angeles and the #17 ranked station in San Francisco.
Speaking on the Ed Schultz radio show, industry insider Holland Cooke recently broke down the precipitous decline of right wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh's popularity and profitability.
Cooke noted that Limbaugh has been moved to the #36 rated station in Los Angeles and the #17 ranked station in San Francisco.
Directly Destroying Democracy | Alternet
Directly Destroying Democracy | Alternet:
In the olden days, buying votes was a risky business. That’s not because the purchaser faced felony charges. No, the real peril was that the guy bribing voters wouldn’t get what he wanted.
The process was too indirect. The man with “walking around money” would tell voters what he wanted them to do in exchange for a few beers or bucks. But Americans, being the contrarians they are, could cast their secret ballots for the exact opposite candidates, then accept the booze anyway, thank you very much.These days, there’s a much more direct process.
In the olden days, buying votes was a risky business. That’s not because the purchaser faced felony charges. No, the real peril was that the guy bribing voters wouldn’t get what he wanted.
The process was too indirect. The man with “walking around money” would tell voters what he wanted them to do in exchange for a few beers or bucks. But Americans, being the contrarians they are, could cast their secret ballots for the exact opposite candidates, then accept the booze anyway, thank you very much.These days, there’s a much more direct process.
What's Really Tearing America Apart | Alternet
What's Really Tearing America Apart | Alternet:
We are witnessing a reversion to tribalism around the world, away from nation states. The the same pattern can be seen even in America – especially in American politics.
We are witnessing a reversion to tribalism around the world, away from nation states. The the same pattern can be seen even in America – especially in American politics.
BP Whiting crude oil Lake Michigan spill - chicagotribune.com
BP Whiting crude oil Lake Michigan spill - chicagotribune.com:
Less than a year after BP started up a new unit to process Canadian tar sands at its Whiting refinery, the company reported today that a malfunction allowed a slug of crude oil into Lake Michigan a few miles away from the Chicago city limits.
More joy from BP!
Less than a year after BP started up a new unit to process Canadian tar sands at its Whiting refinery, the company reported today that a malfunction allowed a slug of crude oil into Lake Michigan a few miles away from the Chicago city limits.
More joy from BP!
Conservative Justices Appear Ready To Strike Birth Control Mandate
Conservative Justices Appear Ready To Strike Birth Control Mandate:
During oral arguments Tuesday, conservative Supreme Court justices appeared broadly ready to rule against the birth control mandate under Obamacare, and their line of questioning indicated they may have a majority to do it.
During oral arguments Tuesday, conservative Supreme Court justices appeared broadly ready to rule against the birth control mandate under Obamacare, and their line of questioning indicated they may have a majority to do it.
Debunking the Top 10 Most Egregious Republican Lies | Alternet
Debunking the Top 10 Most Egregious Republican Lies | Alternet:
"I spend a lot of time debunking various myths, slogans and lies, and the undisputed champion of easily debunkable myths continues to be the Republican Party. But, until now, I don't think I've ever fully summarized the most glaring examples of GOP myths and lies. To be sure, this isn't to suggest that all Republicans are easily-misled simpletons. They're not. Yet their party consistently panders to its easily-misled simpleton base with the most egregiously dishonest ideas in American politics."
"I spend a lot of time debunking various myths, slogans and lies, and the undisputed champion of easily debunkable myths continues to be the Republican Party. But, until now, I don't think I've ever fully summarized the most glaring examples of GOP myths and lies. To be sure, this isn't to suggest that all Republicans are easily-misled simpletons. They're not. Yet their party consistently panders to its easily-misled simpleton base with the most egregiously dishonest ideas in American politics."
Monday, March 24, 2014
Here's What Happens When Public Defenders Are Overworked and Underpaid | TakePart
Here's What Happens When Public Defenders Are Overworked and Underpaid | TakePart:
We all know how celebrity justice goes: Thanks to high-powered and pricey attorneys, troubled stars routinely exercise their get-out-of-jail-by-paying-big-bucks card. But some 80 percent of Americans charged with a crime can't afford a lawyer. The legal counsel they end up with might just be an overworked and underpaid public defender.
How underpaid? You can probably guess they’re not cashing $1 million retainer checks like the Mark Geragoses of the world. Not only are these public defenders not living a life of luxury, but many live paycheck to paycheck, just like the folks they’re representing. That's what the documentary Gideon's Army reveals as it follows three Southern public defenders—Travis Williams, Brandy Alexander, and June Hardwick. The film details their struggles to uphold justice, despite caseloads of hundreds of defendants and rock-bottom salaries.
We all know how celebrity justice goes: Thanks to high-powered and pricey attorneys, troubled stars routinely exercise their get-out-of-jail-by-paying-big-bucks card. But some 80 percent of Americans charged with a crime can't afford a lawyer. The legal counsel they end up with might just be an overworked and underpaid public defender.
How underpaid? You can probably guess they’re not cashing $1 million retainer checks like the Mark Geragoses of the world. Not only are these public defenders not living a life of luxury, but many live paycheck to paycheck, just like the folks they’re representing. That's what the documentary Gideon's Army reveals as it follows three Southern public defenders—Travis Williams, Brandy Alexander, and June Hardwick. The film details their struggles to uphold justice, despite caseloads of hundreds of defendants and rock-bottom salaries.
Is the GOP Suicidal? - Matt Barber - Page 1
Is the GOP Suicidal? - Matt Barber - Page 1:
Leave it to the Republican Party to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
While nearly every poll definitively affirms that Democrats are in deep doo-doo come November, and as leftist talking heads like Chris Matthews have already conceded a likelihood that Republicans will take the Senate in the 2014 mid-term elections, many of the GOP’s highest profile personalities obtusely refuse to take yes for an answer. They’re evidently hell-bent on disenfranchising the party’s pejoratively tagged “social issues” majority.
Stupid, stupid and stupid.
Leave it to the Republican Party to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
While nearly every poll definitively affirms that Democrats are in deep doo-doo come November, and as leftist talking heads like Chris Matthews have already conceded a likelihood that Republicans will take the Senate in the 2014 mid-term elections, many of the GOP’s highest profile personalities obtusely refuse to take yes for an answer. They’re evidently hell-bent on disenfranchising the party’s pejoratively tagged “social issues” majority.
Stupid, stupid and stupid.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
How the States Are Trying to Rein in Dark Money | Blog, Money & Politics | BillMoyers.com
How the States Are Trying to Rein in Dark Money | Blog, Money & Politics | BillMoyers.com:
The Supreme Court has eviscerated our already thin federal campaign finance rules, so reformers have turned to the states — the “laboratories of democracy” — to do better.
Their efforts were born of frustration at the lack of movement in Washington. According to Public Citizen, 16 states have now passed resolutions calling for a US constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. But the arduous amendment process makes that effort unlikely to come to fruition.
The Supreme Court has eviscerated our already thin federal campaign finance rules, so reformers have turned to the states — the “laboratories of democracy” — to do better.
Their efforts were born of frustration at the lack of movement in Washington. According to Public Citizen, 16 states have now passed resolutions calling for a US constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. But the arduous amendment process makes that effort unlikely to come to fruition.
Sen. David Vitter: Koch brothers 'most patriotic Americans in the history of the Earth'
Sen. David Vitter: Koch brothers 'most patriotic Americans in the history of the Earth':
Sen. David Vitter (R-$$$), for who all his faults I think we can agree is one of the gilded institution's most accomplished experts on the subject of what might make for a good and thoughtful whore, cannot lavish praise on the billionaire conservative-bankrolling Koch brothers thickly enough. But Lord knows he'll try.
Sen. David Vitter (R-$$$), for who all his faults I think we can agree is one of the gilded institution's most accomplished experts on the subject of what might make for a good and thoughtful whore, cannot lavish praise on the billionaire conservative-bankrolling Koch brothers thickly enough. But Lord knows he'll try.
Friday, March 21, 2014
EFF Fights Destruction of Spying Evidence in Court Wednesday | Electronic Frontier Foundation
EFF Fights Destruction of Spying Evidence in Court Wednesday | Electronic Frontier Foundation:
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) will fight disturbing new government claims in an emergency court hearing Wednesday – claims that may imply records documenting ongoing government surveillance have been destroyed despite a judge's order.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) will fight disturbing new government claims in an emergency court hearing Wednesday – claims that may imply records documenting ongoing government surveillance have been destroyed despite a judge's order.
This Week In Crazy: Obama Is Starting World War III, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right - The National Memo
This Week In Crazy: Obama Is Starting World War III, And The Rest Of The Worst Of The Right - The National Memo
It's Friday, so it's time for all the crazy reports! Read and weep :)
It's Friday, so it's time for all the crazy reports! Read and weep :)
Despite Vows Of Help, White House Withholds Thousands Of Documents From Senate CIA Probe - The National Memo
Despite Vows Of Help, White House Withholds Thousands Of Documents From Senate CIA Probe - The National Memo:
The White House has been withholding for five years more than 9,000 top-secret documents sought by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for its investigation into the now-defunct CIA detention and interrogation program, even though President Barack Obama hasn’t exercised a claim of executive privilege.
The White House has been withholding for five years more than 9,000 top-secret documents sought by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence for its investigation into the now-defunct CIA detention and interrogation program, even though President Barack Obama hasn’t exercised a claim of executive privilege.
Millennials Spend 18 Hours a Day Consuming Media -- And It's Mostly Content Created By Peers | Entrepreneur.com
Millennials Spend 18 Hours a Day Consuming Media -- And It's Mostly Content Created By Peers | Entrepreneur.com:
How many hours a day do you spend on Facebook? How about texting friends? Reading magazines? If you're a millennial, it may be more time than you think. New research by social-influence marketing platform Crowdtap indicates that individuals ages 18 to 36 spend an average of 17.8 hours a day with different types of media.
How many hours a day do you spend on Facebook? How about texting friends? Reading magazines? If you're a millennial, it may be more time than you think. New research by social-influence marketing platform Crowdtap indicates that individuals ages 18 to 36 spend an average of 17.8 hours a day with different types of media.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Republicans Reveal They Don't Just Hate the Poor and Jobless—They Hate Hard-working Americans! | Alternet
Republicans Reveal They Don't Just Hate the Poor and Jobless—They Hate Hard-working Americans! | Alternet
Republicans despise America’s poor and jobless. The GOP made that
perfectly clear by repeatedly denouncing them and cutting food stamps
and unemployment benefits. But last week, Republicans revealed that they
also hate hard-working Americans!
Republicans condemned President Obama for proposing to extend
mandatory overtime pay to more workers. The GOP doesn’t believe that
Americans who work longer hours should be paid more.
Republicans despise America’s poor and jobless. The GOP made that
perfectly clear by repeatedly denouncing them and cutting food stamps
and unemployment benefits. But last week, Republicans revealed that they
also hate hard-working Americans!
Republicans condemned President Obama for proposing to extend
mandatory overtime pay to more workers. The GOP doesn’t believe that
Americans who work longer hours should be paid more.
Measles Are Back! Vaccine Truthers Officially a Public Health Menace | Alternet
Measles Are Back! Vaccine Truthers Officially a Public Health Menace | Alternet:
It’s back. Three years after public health officials realized that they had been preemptive in declaring that measles was eliminated in the U.S., new outbreaks of the highly infectious disease are once again cropping up in cities across the country. And it wold be a mistake, epidemiologists warn, not to take this extremely seriously.
As expected, the outbreaks have caused plenty of outrage directed against Jenny McCarthy and the crowd of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children...
It’s back. Three years after public health officials realized that they had been preemptive in declaring that measles was eliminated in the U.S., new outbreaks of the highly infectious disease are once again cropping up in cities across the country. And it wold be a mistake, epidemiologists warn, not to take this extremely seriously.
As expected, the outbreaks have caused plenty of outrage directed against Jenny McCarthy and the crowd of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children...
'US Foreign Policy Blowback': How US Disregard for Intl Law Set Stage for Crimean Crisis | Common Dreams
'US Foreign Policy Blowback': How US Disregard for Intl Law Set Stage for Crimean Crisis | Common Dreams:
Eleven years ago this week, the U.S. decided to sidestep international law in its rush to invade the sovereign nation of Iraq. In doing so, charge critics, it has helped open a pandora's box of imperial lawlessness that is now rearing its head in Ukraine.
Eleven years ago this week, the U.S. decided to sidestep international law in its rush to invade the sovereign nation of Iraq. In doing so, charge critics, it has helped open a pandora's box of imperial lawlessness that is now rearing its head in Ukraine.
Westboro Baptist Church Founder Fred Phelps Dead At 84 | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers
Westboro Baptist Church Founder Fred Phelps Dead At 84 | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers
I'm betting that ole Fred is finding out what Hell looks like about now...
I'm betting that ole Fred is finding out what Hell looks like about now...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Deadly Influence: Powerful Oil Companies Force EPA to Undercount Methane Emissions | Alternet
Deadly Influence: Powerful Oil Companies Force EPA to Undercount Methane Emissions | Alternet:
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that the Environmental Protection Agency has been drastically undercounting the amount of global temperature-boosting methane gas in the air by as much as 50%--the amount equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 252 coal power plants over a 20-year time period.
Can you say oligopoly? (or is that oil-ogopoly?)
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that the Environmental Protection Agency has been drastically undercounting the amount of global temperature-boosting methane gas in the air by as much as 50%--the amount equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 252 coal power plants over a 20-year time period.
Can you say oligopoly? (or is that oil-ogopoly?)
Why Generation Y Is Having Less Sex | Alternet
Why Generation Y Is Having Less Sex | Alternet: S
ex is pretty good, isn't it? Not just because it is useful for making babies, but also recreationally. It makes you happy. In a lot of ways, it keeps you sane, makes you feel excellent about yourself and reinforces your love of others.
So, it might come as a bit of a shock that, statistically, young people are doing a lot less of it.
ex is pretty good, isn't it? Not just because it is useful for making babies, but also recreationally. It makes you happy. In a lot of ways, it keeps you sane, makes you feel excellent about yourself and reinforces your love of others.
So, it might come as a bit of a shock that, statistically, young people are doing a lot less of it.
Populism Is Growing—Just Look at the Fast-food Workers Protests, Anti-frackers and More | Alternet
Populism Is Growing—Just Look at the Fast-food Workers Protests, Anti-frackers and More | Alternet:
Mass movements don't just appear out of the fog, fully grown, structured and mobilized. They emerge in fits and starts over many years, just as the American Revolution did, and as did the Populists' original idea of a "cooperative commonwealth." A successful people's movement has to take the long view, to learn about itself as it builds, nurture the culture of its people, take chances, create fun for all involved, adapt to failures and successes, stay steadfast to its principles, have a stoic tenacity -- and organize, organize, organize. A little serendipity helps, too, so grab it when you can.
Mass movements don't just appear out of the fog, fully grown, structured and mobilized. They emerge in fits and starts over many years, just as the American Revolution did, and as did the Populists' original idea of a "cooperative commonwealth." A successful people's movement has to take the long view, to learn about itself as it builds, nurture the culture of its people, take chances, create fun for all involved, adapt to failures and successes, stay steadfast to its principles, have a stoic tenacity -- and organize, organize, organize. A little serendipity helps, too, so grab it when you can.
Scalia Licks His Chops: Upcoming SCOTUS Case May Be Even Worse than Citizens United | Alternet
Scalia Licks His Chops: Upcoming SCOTUS Case May Be Even Worse than Citizens United | Alternet:
Sometime in the next three months – perhaps as early as next week – the Supreme Court will issue its next big campaign finance decision, a ruling that reformers worry will further open floodgates of one-percenter campaign cash. The case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, concerns a challenge by the RNC and conservative CEO Shaun McCutcheon to the federal laws restricting how much one person can donate to candidates and party committees each cycle.
Sometime in the next three months – perhaps as early as next week – the Supreme Court will issue its next big campaign finance decision, a ruling that reformers worry will further open floodgates of one-percenter campaign cash. The case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, concerns a challenge by the RNC and conservative CEO Shaun McCutcheon to the federal laws restricting how much one person can donate to candidates and party committees each cycle.
Hillary's Friends Not Sure She Should Seek Presidency
Hillary's Friends Not Sure She Should Seek Presidency:
Many of Hillary Clinton's closest friends and advisers aren't so sure she should seek the presidential nomination in 2016, despite the growing number of polls and activists who say her candidacy is a sure win for the Democratic Party.
Some are concerned that a campaign would test Clinton's health and stamina as she approaches her late 60s and would remove her from the causes she holds dear, such as women's empowerment and childhood development, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Many of Hillary Clinton's closest friends and advisers aren't so sure she should seek the presidential nomination in 2016, despite the growing number of polls and activists who say her candidacy is a sure win for the Democratic Party.
Some are concerned that a campaign would test Clinton's health and stamina as she approaches her late 60s and would remove her from the causes she holds dear, such as women's empowerment and childhood development, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Federal Judge Hands Republicans In Kansas, Arizona A Big Win In Voting Rights Fight
Federal Judge Hands Republicans In Kansas, Arizona A Big Win In Voting Rights Fight:
A federal judge in Kansas on Wednesday ruled that the federal agency which oversees the federal voter registration form must include the state-specific proof-of-citizenship requirements requested by both Kansas and Arizona.
The ruling was hailed by Republican officials in both states. And it also does away with the need for the "two-tier" voting systems that were proposed while the case was pending.
A federal judge in Kansas on Wednesday ruled that the federal agency which oversees the federal voter registration form must include the state-specific proof-of-citizenship requirements requested by both Kansas and Arizona.
The ruling was hailed by Republican officials in both states. And it also does away with the need for the "two-tier" voting systems that were proposed while the case was pending.
Inflation Theorist Andrei Linde Hears BICEP2 News - Business Insider
Inflation Theorist Andrei Linde Hears BICEP2 News - Business Insider
Very kewl. Proves that some scientists CAN deal with other people :)
Very kewl. Proves that some scientists CAN deal with other people :)
Rush Limbaugh Ridiculously Claims Government is Using Public Transportation to Control People
Rush Limbaugh Ridiculously Claims Government is Using Public Transportation to Control People:
"Whenever I meet someone who listens to Rush Limbaugh for “information,” I typically just dismiss them as being willfully ignorant. He’s such an absolute joke that’s it’s hard for me to really wrap my mind around the fact that there are millions of people who listen to him to get “informed” about events that are going on.
Take for instance his belief that the government is using public transportation to control people. You know, because these vessels aren’t controlled by us, but the government!
Limbaugh actually said that things like commuter trains are “leftist” because they want to control where everyone goes. That liberals care more about control than they do the environment or global warming because sometimes when these trains are being constructed, trees are cut down.
"Whenever I meet someone who listens to Rush Limbaugh for “information,” I typically just dismiss them as being willfully ignorant. He’s such an absolute joke that’s it’s hard for me to really wrap my mind around the fact that there are millions of people who listen to him to get “informed” about events that are going on.
Take for instance his belief that the government is using public transportation to control people. You know, because these vessels aren’t controlled by us, but the government!
Limbaugh actually said that things like commuter trains are “leftist” because they want to control where everyone goes. That liberals care more about control than they do the environment or global warming because sometimes when these trains are being constructed, trees are cut down.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Beware of This Dangerously Convincing Google Docs Phishing Scam
Beware of This Dangerously Convincing Google Docs Phishing Scam:
A very tricky phishing scam that takes advantage of Google Docs is making its way around the web. And since it uses a google.com URL and even makes use of Google's SSL encryption, it's almost impossible to tell that it's a hack. Your best safeguard, as always, is a little bit of common sense.
A very tricky phishing scam that takes advantage of Google Docs is making its way around the web. And since it uses a google.com URL and even makes use of Google's SSL encryption, it's almost impossible to tell that it's a hack. Your best safeguard, as always, is a little bit of common sense.
GOP Lawmaker Says Businesses Should Be Allowed To Deny Services To Black People
GOP Lawmaker Says Businesses Should Be Allowed To Deny Services To Black People:
State Sen. Phil Jensen (R-S.D.) doesn't believe governments should interfere in the private sector’s ability to engage in race-based discrimination, according to an interview published in the Rapid City Journal on Sunday.
"If someone was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and they were running a little bakery for instance, the majority of us would find it detestable that they refuse to serve blacks, and guess what? In a matter of weeks or so that business would shut down because no one is going to patronize them,” Jensen told the Journal, advocating for the free market's role in promoting civil rights.
State Sen. Phil Jensen (R-S.D.) doesn't believe governments should interfere in the private sector’s ability to engage in race-based discrimination, according to an interview published in the Rapid City Journal on Sunday.
"If someone was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and they were running a little bakery for instance, the majority of us would find it detestable that they refuse to serve blacks, and guess what? In a matter of weeks or so that business would shut down because no one is going to patronize them,” Jensen told the Journal, advocating for the free market's role in promoting civil rights.
Were North Carolina Regulators Helping Duke Energy Avoid Big Fines? | Blog, Connecting the Dots | BillMoyers.com
Were North Carolina Regulators Helping Duke Energy Avoid Big Fines? | Blog, Connecting the Dots | BillMoyers.com:
News broke last week that Duke Energy and its North Carolina regulator had worked together to minimize penalties the utility would have to pay for leeching chemicals into the drinking water. And this was before a coal ash spill last month dumped thousands of tons of poisonous coal slurry into the Dan River.
News broke last week that Duke Energy and its North Carolina regulator had worked together to minimize penalties the utility would have to pay for leeching chemicals into the drinking water. And this was before a coal ash spill last month dumped thousands of tons of poisonous coal slurry into the Dan River.
FreedomWorks announces new list of preferred Freedom Morons
FreedomWorks announces new list of preferred Freedom Morons:
America's biggest astroturfers look to make their mark: FreedomWorks PAC (The Tea Party Was A Totally Spontaneous Uprising of Not-Bigoted White Folks Who Suddenly Discovered Taxes (TM)) is out with their newest listing of preferred arsonists and morons.
What a Rogues' Gallery!!!
America's biggest astroturfers look to make their mark: FreedomWorks PAC (The Tea Party Was A Totally Spontaneous Uprising of Not-Bigoted White Folks Who Suddenly Discovered Taxes (TM)) is out with their newest listing of preferred arsonists and morons.
The list, shared first with POLITICO, names a dozen Republican lawmakers, including: Sens. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Jim Risch of Idaho; and Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Matt Salmon of Arizona, Tom Graves of Georgia, Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Louie Gohmert of Texas, Tim Huelskamp of Kansas, and Ron DeSantis and Ted Yoho of Florida.
What a Rogues' Gallery!!!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Koch Group Abandons Obamacare 'Horror' Stories After Fact-Check Backlash
Koch Group Abandons Obamacare 'Horror' Stories After Fact-Check Backlash:
Have we heard the last Obamacare "horror" story? If new ads from the Koch Brothers-backed group are any indication, we might have.
Americans for Prosperity, the well-funded conservative group that has been attacking Democrats in battleground states over the health care reform law, put out TV ads Monday against Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Mark Udall (D-CO).
Have we heard the last Obamacare "horror" story? If new ads from the Koch Brothers-backed group are any indication, we might have.
Americans for Prosperity, the well-funded conservative group that has been attacking Democrats in battleground states over the health care reform law, put out TV ads Monday against Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Mark Udall (D-CO).
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Senate Dems Launch All-Out Offensive Against The Dirty KOCH Money Machine (VIDEO) | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers
Senate Dems Launch All-Out Offensive Against The Dirty KOCH Money Machine (VIDEO) | The Everlasting GOP Stoppers:
While it may seem a little late in the game, it appears that Harry Reid (NV) and other Senate Democrats are launching an all-out assault against the nefarious oil billionaire Koch brothers.
For the uninitiated, Charles and David Koch are the driving force behind the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and Americans For Prosperity. Together with the slew of puppet politicians that do their bidding, the Koch’s secretive dark-money machine is funding the climate change denial movement, the assault on women’s rights and LBGT rights, “right-to-work” legislation, “stand your ground” laws, restricting voting rights, de-funding public education, privatizing prisons, and a host of other issues that threaten the American Dream.
While it may seem a little late in the game, it appears that Harry Reid (NV) and other Senate Democrats are launching an all-out assault against the nefarious oil billionaire Koch brothers.
For the uninitiated, Charles and David Koch are the driving force behind the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and Americans For Prosperity. Together with the slew of puppet politicians that do their bidding, the Koch’s secretive dark-money machine is funding the climate change denial movement, the assault on women’s rights and LBGT rights, “right-to-work” legislation, “stand your ground” laws, restricting voting rights, de-funding public education, privatizing prisons, and a host of other issues that threaten the American Dream.
Cyber Dust - Disappearing Chat Messenger on the App Store on iTunes
Cyber Dust - Disappearing Chat Messenger on the App Store on iTunes:
Cyber Dust is the newest and hottest way to chat. Don't leave a trail of everything you say. Messages disappear forever and cannot be traced. Send safe, secure & fully encrypted messages.
Cyber Dust is the newest and hottest way to chat. Don't leave a trail of everything you say. Messages disappear forever and cannot be traced. Send safe, secure & fully encrypted messages.
Pilot Spoke to Air Controllers After Shutoff of Data System - NYTimes.com
Pilot Spoke to Air Controllers After Shutoff of Data System - NYTimes.com
Most indepth reporting I've seen so far
Most indepth reporting I've seen so far
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Ten Things Elizabeth Warren's Consumer Protection Agency Has Done for You | Blog, News & Notes | BillMoyers.com
Ten Things Elizabeth Warren's Consumer Protection Agency Has Done for You | Blog, News & Notes | BillMoyers.com:
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the watchdog agency conceived of and established by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in the wake of the financial crisis, had a hard time getting on its feet. The GOP tried everything it could to hobble the bureau, but to no avail. Over the past couple of years, the CFPB has issued dozens of protections shielding consumers from shady practices by mortgage lenders, student loan servicers and credit card companies. Here are ten things the CFPB, which was created in 2011, has done to protect the little guy
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the watchdog agency conceived of and established by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in the wake of the financial crisis, had a hard time getting on its feet. The GOP tried everything it could to hobble the bureau, but to no avail. Over the past couple of years, the CFPB has issued dozens of protections shielding consumers from shady practices by mortgage lenders, student loan servicers and credit card companies. Here are ten things the CFPB, which was created in 2011, has done to protect the little guy
Conflict in Crimea: Is Russia Poised to Invade Ukraine? | Mother Jones
Conflict in Crimea: Is Russia Poised to Invade Ukraine? | Mother Jones:
Russia has deployed 10,000 troops to multiple locations along the Ukraine-Russia border, deepening fears that the simmering crisis in the Crimean peninsula is about to escalate into full-scale warfare
Russia has deployed 10,000 troops to multiple locations along the Ukraine-Russia border, deepening fears that the simmering crisis in the Crimean peninsula is about to escalate into full-scale warfare
Friday, March 14, 2014
Conservatives’ backward view of liberty: Why they’re so stubborn about discrimination - Salon.com
Conservatives’ backward view of liberty: Why they’re so stubborn about discrimination - Salon.com:
The right sees threats to religious freedom because they want to preserve the past. But we don't live there anymore
The right sees threats to religious freedom because they want to preserve the past. But we don't live there anymore
Watch 15 Magically Awkward Seconds Roll By While A Man Panics After Accidentally Insulting America
Watch 15 Magically Awkward Seconds Roll By While A Man Panics After Accidentally Insulting America
Best take-down ever of the hideous scum-sucking slime that infest the GOP and its backers (I'm looking at YOU, Chuck and Dave!) and the ecosystem of think tanks and intellectually (and morally) bankrupt Christian 'churches' and universities that feed off them and shovel ideas at them like so much horse manure (too many mixed metaphors? ya think?) Watch it. The look of vacuous panic on the Fox commentator's face is PRICELESS!
Best take-down ever of the hideous scum-sucking slime that infest the GOP and its backers (I'm looking at YOU, Chuck and Dave!) and the ecosystem of think tanks and intellectually (and morally) bankrupt Christian 'churches' and universities that feed off them and shovel ideas at them like so much horse manure (too many mixed metaphors? ya think?) Watch it. The look of vacuous panic on the Fox commentator's face is PRICELESS!
Who Has the Right to Track You? | Blog, Perspectives | BillMoyers.com
Who Has the Right to Track You? | Blog, Perspectives | BillMoyers.com:
Do corporations have a legal right to track your car? If you think that is a purely academic question, think again. Working with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, states are considering laws to prevent private companies from continuing to mass photograph license plates.
This is one of the backlashes to the news about mass surveillance. However, this backlash is now facing legal pushback from the corporations who take the photographs and then sell the data gleaned from the images.
Do corporations have a legal right to track your car? If you think that is a purely academic question, think again. Working with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, states are considering laws to prevent private companies from continuing to mass photograph license plates.
This is one of the backlashes to the news about mass surveillance. However, this backlash is now facing legal pushback from the corporations who take the photographs and then sell the data gleaned from the images.
GOP Senate Candidate Says Planned Parenthood Has Secret Plan to Kill Newborns | I Acknowledge
GOP Senate Candidate Says Planned Parenthood Has Secret Plan to Kill Newborns | I Acknowledge:
The front-runner in the North Carolina Senate race told a group of donors that Planned Parenthood has a secret plan to start killing newborn babies up to the age of three months.
Where do they find these guys? Is there a secret GOP Idiot Factory out there somewhere? Amazing!
The front-runner in the North Carolina Senate race told a group of donors that Planned Parenthood has a secret plan to start killing newborn babies up to the age of three months.
Where do they find these guys? Is there a secret GOP Idiot Factory out there somewhere? Amazing!
5 Things We Learned From Today's Senate Hearing On Keystone XL | ThinkProgress
5 Things We Learned From Today's Senate Hearing On Keystone XL | ThinkProgress
Read the article. Some amazingly stupid stuff and some pretty good rebuttals. And, yes, Ted Cruz is an idiot. Can we put him in the pipeline and send him back to Canada? :)
Read the article. Some amazingly stupid stuff and some pretty good rebuttals. And, yes, Ted Cruz is an idiot. Can we put him in the pipeline and send him back to Canada? :)
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Judge Who Took Away Immigrant's Baby Said Lack Of English Would Cause 'Developmental' Problems | ThinkProgress
Judge Who Took Away Immigrant's Baby Said Lack Of English Would Cause 'Developmental' Problems | ThinkProgress:
Cirila Baltazar Cruz gave birth to a healthy girl in November 2008. But she was discharged from the Pascagoula, Miss. hospital without her baby, after social services officials who didn’t speak her language claimed she traded sex for housing, was undocumented, and concluded she intended to give her child away.
These social 'service' workers should be horsewhipped out of town. The judge they should merely crucify.
Cirila Baltazar Cruz gave birth to a healthy girl in November 2008. But she was discharged from the Pascagoula, Miss. hospital without her baby, after social services officials who didn’t speak her language claimed she traded sex for housing, was undocumented, and concluded she intended to give her child away.
These social 'service' workers should be horsewhipped out of town. The judge they should merely crucify.
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm: Not Voting? The Koch Brothers Thank You
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm: Not Voting? The Koch Brothers Thank You:
"I don't know what's worse: Is it that a party would deliberately seek to deny American citizens the right to vote knowing full well the extraordinary sacrifices that went into securing those rights? Or is it that there are so many Americans who - with that same knowledge of sacrifice and for whatever unsatisfactory reason -- decide to give in to apathy and simply choose not to vote?
I do know this: our history demands we do better."
I love Jen! GET OUT THE VOTE!
"I don't know what's worse: Is it that a party would deliberately seek to deny American citizens the right to vote knowing full well the extraordinary sacrifices that went into securing those rights? Or is it that there are so many Americans who - with that same knowledge of sacrifice and for whatever unsatisfactory reason -- decide to give in to apathy and simply choose not to vote?
I do know this: our history demands we do better."
I love Jen! GET OUT THE VOTE!
Rachel Maddow Hammers Michigan's 'Rape Insurance' Law
Rachel Maddow Hammers Michigan's 'Rape Insurance' Law:
Rachel Maddow was dismayed on Wednesday by new Michigan legislation that opponents call the "rape insurance" law.
The legislation, passed in December, makes it illegal for insurance plans to cover abortion. Instead, women now have to purchase riders to their insurance in order to obtain coverage for abortion services. The law goes into effect Thursday.
Except that as of now, no insurers in Michigan sell the riders. Between Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin, the midwest is starting to smell like the south.
Rachel Maddow was dismayed on Wednesday by new Michigan legislation that opponents call the "rape insurance" law.
The legislation, passed in December, makes it illegal for insurance plans to cover abortion. Instead, women now have to purchase riders to their insurance in order to obtain coverage for abortion services. The law goes into effect Thursday.
Except that as of now, no insurers in Michigan sell the riders. Between Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin, the midwest is starting to smell like the south.
Help Stop Comcast/Time Warner!
When it comes to getting the squeeze from cable companies, it’s time we say enough is enough!
Enough of cable bills higher than
our heating or electric bills. Enough of companies demanding we buy
channels we don’t want, and blocking programs we actually want to watch.
Enough of rotten customer service, pixilated cable, sluggish Internet.
Now, just imagine if Comcast is
allowed to take over Time Warner Cable! This massive cable company will
control two-thirds of the nation’s cable TV customers, and nearly 40
percent of the broadband Internet market. Who among us thinks that will
end up in customers’ favor?
I just took action at Consumers Union’s website demanding the FCC and Department of Justice block this mega-merger. They have the power to stop it, they just need to hear from consumers like us who are sick of getting squeezed by giant cable companies.
You can join me in taking action by going to Consumers Union’s website, and adding your name to their action against the merger. Let’s make sure they know we say “Enough!”
I just took action at Consumers Union’s website demanding the FCC and Department of Justice block this mega-merger. They have the power to stop it, they just need to hear from consumers like us who are sick of getting squeezed by giant cable companies.
You can join me in taking action by going to Consumers Union’s website, and adding your name to their action against the merger. Let’s make sure they know we say “Enough!”
Thank you!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Darrell Issa: GOP’s resident thug - Salon.com
Darrell Issa: GOP’s resident thug - Salon.com:
The farce that is Rep. Darrell Issa continues. He put on an amazing spectacle shutting down the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, Elijah Cummings, on Wednesday, repeatedly cutting off Cummings’ microphone and, finally, turning his back and walking away. I especially loved Issa’s little gesture pulling his finger across his throat like a knife, to cut the mic a second time. I called it “thuggish” on “Politics Nation” and folks on the right aren’t happy. That’s OK; it was thuggish.
There are rumors he's threatening to quit. I'd rather see him expelled, but I'll take anything! :)
The farce that is Rep. Darrell Issa continues. He put on an amazing spectacle shutting down the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, Elijah Cummings, on Wednesday, repeatedly cutting off Cummings’ microphone and, finally, turning his back and walking away. I especially loved Issa’s little gesture pulling his finger across his throat like a knife, to cut the mic a second time. I called it “thuggish” on “Politics Nation” and folks on the right aren’t happy. That’s OK; it was thuggish.
There are rumors he's threatening to quit. I'd rather see him expelled, but I'll take anything! :)
Dianne Feinstein's Bombshell
Dianne Feinstein's Bombshell:
" For about 40 years Dianne Feinstein, aka DiFi, has been either my mayor or my senator. We have not had a happy relationship. I have always figured that if she lived anywhere other then San Francisco she would have been a Republican and much more at home in that political environment. However, she just launched an assault on the American intelligence establishment that I never thought I'd live to see."
" For about 40 years Dianne Feinstein, aka DiFi, has been either my mayor or my senator. We have not had a happy relationship. I have always figured that if she lived anywhere other then San Francisco she would have been a Republican and much more at home in that political environment. However, she just launched an assault on the American intelligence establishment that I never thought I'd live to see."
Delusional Christian Talk Show Host Blasts Disney's 'Frozen' for Turning Children Gay | Alternet
Delusional Christian Talk Show Host Blasts Disney's 'Frozen' for Turning Children Gay | Alternet:
In the 1990s, it was the gay purple Teletubbie who was out to turn innocent children gay. Now Christian right-wing kook Kevin Swanson is convinced that Frozen is trying to turn his 5-year-old daughter into a lesbian.
He really said that.
In the 1990s, it was the gay purple Teletubbie who was out to turn innocent children gay. Now Christian right-wing kook Kevin Swanson is convinced that Frozen is trying to turn his 5-year-old daughter into a lesbian.
He really said that.
Activist: Gay People ‘Don’t Get Extra Rights’… Like Marriage
Activist: Gay People ‘Don’t Get Extra Rights’… Like Marriage:
The LGBT community has the same rights as straight people, according to conservative activist Dr. Ben Carson, just not “extra rights” … like the right to marry.
The LGBT community has the same rights as straight people, according to conservative activist Dr. Ben Carson, just not “extra rights” … like the right to marry.
Rejoice! Pope Francis Hints The Catholic Church Could Accept Gay Civil Unions | Alternet
Rejoice! Pope Francis Hints The Catholic Church Could Accept Gay Civil Unions | Alternet:
The Catholic Church may be opposed to gay marriage, but Pope Francis created waves this week when he hinted in an Italian interview that the church could tolerate same-sex civil unions, CNN reported.
The Catholic Church may be opposed to gay marriage, but Pope Francis created waves this week when he hinted in an Italian interview that the church could tolerate same-sex civil unions, CNN reported.
Who's A Populist? It's Time to Act on the Ingredients of Change Sitting in Our Laps | Alternet
Who's A Populist? It's Time to Act on the Ingredients of Change Sitting in Our Laps | Alternet:
Jim Hightower's humorous journey linking robust populist history to today's grassroots.
Jim Hightower's humorous journey linking robust populist history to today's grassroots.
3 Things That Make Libertarian Heads Explode | Alternet
3 Things That Make Libertarian Heads Explode | Alternet:
Libertarians are proponents of a philosophy that embraces free-market ideology, limited government, and a certain form of individual liberty. They would like to take the government and drown it in the proverbial bathtub. Unfortunately, libertarians tend to ride on theoretical unicorns that don’t take them too far in the real world.
Libertarians are proponents of a philosophy that embraces free-market ideology, limited government, and a certain form of individual liberty. They would like to take the government and drown it in the proverbial bathtub. Unfortunately, libertarians tend to ride on theoretical unicorns that don’t take them too far in the real world.
KY churches withhold $7 million from children’s home to force anti-gay policies | The Raw Story
KY churches withhold $7 million from children’s home to force anti-gay policies | The Raw Story:
Sunrise Children’s Services is working to recover from a massive budget shortfall after Kentucky churches withheld $7 million because the children’s home had proposed ending its policy of discrimination against LGBT employees.
Jesus is so proud!
Sunrise Children’s Services is working to recover from a massive budget shortfall after Kentucky churches withheld $7 million because the children’s home had proposed ending its policy of discrimination against LGBT employees.
Jesus is so proud!
Wall Street's 2013 Bonuses Were More Than All Workers Earned Making the Federal Minimum | Blog, The Poverty Line | BillMoyers.com
Wall Street's 2013 Bonuses Were More Than All Workers Earned Making the Federal Minimum | Blog, The Poverty Line | BillMoyers.com
It's good to be the king, or at least work for the king
It's good to be the king, or at least work for the king
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Millennials prepare to destroy GOP
Millennials prepare to destroy GOP:
Millennials (those born roughly since 1980 or so, depending on your definition) are the most progressive generation since FDR.
That's the headline from this fascinating infographic from Pew, which examines the voting preferences of various generational cohorts over the last two decades. We've heard this before of course. Pew grouped voters into categories not based solely on birth year, but also on the year in which a voter turned 18 -- noting under what President this occurred (fascinating concept). They then looked across the last 10 elections to see where deviations from the national average occurred.
Takeways --
1) The obvious lede -- every election Millennials have voted in, they've skewed Democratic...
Millennials (those born roughly since 1980 or so, depending on your definition) are the most progressive generation since FDR.
That's the headline from this fascinating infographic from Pew, which examines the voting preferences of various generational cohorts over the last two decades. We've heard this before of course. Pew grouped voters into categories not based solely on birth year, but also on the year in which a voter turned 18 -- noting under what President this occurred (fascinating concept). They then looked across the last 10 elections to see where deviations from the national average occurred.
Takeways --
1) The obvious lede -- every election Millennials have voted in, they've skewed Democratic...
Largest Study of Children Raised by Same-Sex Parents Is Bad News for Bigots | I Acknowledge
Largest Study of Children Raised by Same-Sex Parents Is Bad News for Bigots | I Acknowledge:
Bad news bigots. The largest study yet of children raised by same sex couples suggests that not only are these children equal to their peers raised in heterosexual parented households – but on some markers, they are actually doing better.
Bad news bigots. The largest study yet of children raised by same sex couples suggests that not only are these children equal to their peers raised in heterosexual parented households – but on some markers, they are actually doing better.
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Real Story Behind the Detroit Pension Fight and What it Means to America's Future | Alternet
The Real Story Behind the Detroit Pension Fight and What it Means to America's Future | Alternet:
When the city of Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in July 2013, America sucked in a collective gasp. This was the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history by the amount of debt ($18–20 billion), and Detroit was the largest city ever to officially go bust.
When the city of Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in July 2013, America sucked in a collective gasp. This was the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history by the amount of debt ($18–20 billion), and Detroit was the largest city ever to officially go bust.
Disastrous State of Conservative Movement on Full Display at CPAC | Alternet
Disastrous State of Conservative Movement on Full Display at CPAC | Alternet:
This week is the right wing’s annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which is organized by the 50-year old American Conservative Union. CPAC is where conservative stars are born, and where hopeful Republican Party presidential candidates undergo the mandatory rite of passage.
This week is the right wing’s annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which is organized by the 50-year old American Conservative Union. CPAC is where conservative stars are born, and where hopeful Republican Party presidential candidates undergo the mandatory rite of passage.
What Europe Should Know about US Mass Surveillance | Common Dreams
What Europe Should Know about US Mass Surveillance | Common Dreams:
Whistleblower delivers written testimony to European Parliament
Whistleblower delivers written testimony to European Parliament
Rick Perry Urges 'Rebellion' During CPAC Speech
Rick Perry Urges 'Rebellion' During CPAC Speech:
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) pushed for rebellion while speaking at the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference.
"It's time for a little rebellion on the battlefield of ideas!" Perry said.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) pushed for rebellion while speaking at the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference.
"It's time for a little rebellion on the battlefield of ideas!" Perry said.
Young Republicans confirm that their peers hate Republicans
Young Republicans confirm that their peers hate Republicans:
So the college Republicans commission a report to find out why their peers hate their party so much, and we can sit there and laugh that they spent money to discover the obvious:
So the college Republicans commission a report to find out why their peers hate their party so much, and we can sit there and laugh that they spent money to discover the obvious:
Words that up-for-grabs voters associate with the GOP: “The responses were brutal: closed-minded, racist, rigid, old-fashioned.”
Daily Kos :: News Community Action
Daily Kos :: News Community Action:
Crazy-man Paul Broun—the "evolution is lies from the pit of hell" guy—is the man Democrats would very, very badly like to see win the Republican nomination for Georgia's open seat Senate race. And whaddya know, a new Public Policy Polling poll for progressive group Better Georgia shows him leading the pack, in a big jump from last August (shown in parentheses):
This is actually the first survey to show Broun with a meaningful lead,
Crazy-man Paul Broun—the "evolution is lies from the pit of hell" guy—is the man Democrats would very, very badly like to see win the Republican nomination for Georgia's open seat Senate race. And whaddya know, a new Public Policy Polling poll for progressive group Better Georgia shows him leading the pack, in a big jump from last August (shown in parentheses):
Rep. Paul Broun: 27 (19)
Rep. Phil Gingrey: 14 (25)
Rep. Jack Kingston: 13 (15)
Businessman David Perdue: 12 (5)
Former SoS Karen Handel: 9 (13)
Activist Derrick Grayson: 3 (3)
Undecided: 23 (20)
This is actually the first survey to show Broun with a meaningful lead,
U.S. Provokes Russia, Acts Surprised to Get Nasty Reaction | Alternet
U.S. Provokes Russia, Acts Surprised to Get Nasty Reaction | Alternet:
If too many people get sucked in by the current, distorted media coverage of events unfolding now in Ukraine, then there’s a good chance life will get very ugly for a lot of innocent people, since one of the logical end points is the use of nuclear weapons. Everyone in power knows that’s a potential reality, but the urge to demagogue the Russians is presently overwhelming honesty and caution.
Ukraine is NOT a real place. Ukraine has never been a real place, not in the sense that Madascar or Cuba are both undeniably real places with real edges. Ukraine has no real edges, just lines on a map imposed by some treaty or army over the past several thousand years. To speak, as the more pompous do, of Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” is to speak of an imaginary construct, useful for blurring people’s minds for political purposes.
If too many people get sucked in by the current, distorted media coverage of events unfolding now in Ukraine, then there’s a good chance life will get very ugly for a lot of innocent people, since one of the logical end points is the use of nuclear weapons. Everyone in power knows that’s a potential reality, but the urge to demagogue the Russians is presently overwhelming honesty and caution.
Ukraine is NOT a real place. Ukraine has never been a real place, not in the sense that Madascar or Cuba are both undeniably real places with real edges. Ukraine has no real edges, just lines on a map imposed by some treaty or army over the past several thousand years. To speak, as the more pompous do, of Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” is to speak of an imaginary construct, useful for blurring people’s minds for political purposes.
Violent Fascists and Anti-Semites: The Dark Side of the Ukraine Revolt | Alternet
Violent Fascists and Anti-Semites: The Dark Side of the Ukraine Revolt | Alternet:
While most of the Western media describes the current crisis in the Ukraine as a confrontation between authoritarianism and democracy, many of the shock troops who have manned barricades in Kiev and the western city of Lviv these past months represent a dark page in the country’s history and have little interest in either democracy or the liberalism of Western Europe and the United States.
While most of the Western media describes the current crisis in the Ukraine as a confrontation between authoritarianism and democracy, many of the shock troops who have manned barricades in Kiev and the western city of Lviv these past months represent a dark page in the country’s history and have little interest in either democracy or the liberalism of Western Europe and the United States.
Secrets & “Spies”: The Government’s Increasingly Dangerous War on Whistleblowers | Alternet
Secrets & “Spies”: The Government’s Increasingly Dangerous War on Whistleblowers | Alternet:
The Obama administration has just opened a new front in its ongoing war on whistleblowers. It’s taking its case against one man, former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Marshal Robert MacLean, all the way to the Supreme Court. So hold on, because we’re going back down the rabbit hole with the Most Transparent Administration ever.
The Obama administration has just opened a new front in its ongoing war on whistleblowers. It’s taking its case against one man, former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Marshal Robert MacLean, all the way to the Supreme Court. So hold on, because we’re going back down the rabbit hole with the Most Transparent Administration ever.
5 Most Absurd Christian Right Claims of Persecution | Alternet
5 Most Absurd Christian Right Claims of Persecution | Alternet:
You could call it chutzpah, except they’d probably claim that word oppresses them: Conservative Christian film production companies are making not one, but two movies this year called Persecuted, to promote the myth that conservative Christians have reason to fear they are being oppressed by an evil, secularist government.
You could call it chutzpah, except they’d probably claim that word oppresses them: Conservative Christian film production companies are making not one, but two movies this year called Persecuted, to promote the myth that conservative Christians have reason to fear they are being oppressed by an evil, secularist government.
America's New Servant Class | Alternet
America's New Servant Class | Alternet:
In America, many people still think of household servants as something belonging to a distant age, a time less equal and democratic than our own, like the Britain of Downton Abbey. But as we’ve entered a second Gilded Age, the clock seems to be turning back, and the super-rich are increasingly relying on servants to feed, clothe and make them comfy. The economic "recovery" is not producing nearly enough jobs, but the servant sector is certainly growing.
In America, many people still think of household servants as something belonging to a distant age, a time less equal and democratic than our own, like the Britain of Downton Abbey. But as we’ve entered a second Gilded Age, the clock seems to be turning back, and the super-rich are increasingly relying on servants to feed, clothe and make them comfy. The economic "recovery" is not producing nearly enough jobs, but the servant sector is certainly growing.
The 5 Craziest Things That Happened at This Year’s CPAC | I Acknowledge
The 5 Craziest Things That Happened at This Year’s CPAC | I Acknowledge
Every year, thousands of conservatives from around the country flock to Washington, D.C. to meet and mingle with like-minded people. They hold Q and A sessions, they vote in a straw poll, they socialize, but mostly they listen to the craziest people in their party say the craziest things imaginable. This is the bizarre world of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Every year, thousands of conservatives from around the country flock to Washington, D.C. to meet and mingle with like-minded people. They hold Q and A sessions, they vote in a straw poll, they socialize, but mostly they listen to the craziest people in their party say the craziest things imaginable. This is the bizarre world of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Paul Ryan stole his 'brown bag lunch' story from a homeless child
Paul Ryan stole his 'brown bag lunch' story from a homeless child:
...So here are some friendly words of advice for Republicans before they plagiarize: Research, research, research. Otherwise you look like more of a fool than you already are. Also, before you claim that Democrats are out of ideas, you may want to get some original ones of your own.
...So here are some friendly words of advice for Republicans before they plagiarize: Research, research, research. Otherwise you look like more of a fool than you already are. Also, before you claim that Democrats are out of ideas, you may want to get some original ones of your own.
Russia Unlikely To Pull Back In Crimea, Analysts Say
Russia Unlikely To Pull Back In Crimea, Analysts Say:
Russia is unlikely to pull back its military forces in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, analysts and former Obama administration officials say, forcing the United States and Europe into a more limited strategy of trying to prevent President Vladimir Putin from making advances elsewhere in the former Soviet republic.
Russia is unlikely to pull back its military forces in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, analysts and former Obama administration officials say, forcing the United States and Europe into a more limited strategy of trying to prevent President Vladimir Putin from making advances elsewhere in the former Soviet republic.
5 Christian Right Leaders in Desperate Need of a Civics Lesson About How America Works | Alternet
5 Christian Right Leaders in Desperate Need of a Civics Lesson About How America Works | Alternet:
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay captured headlines recently with a claim that God wrote the U.S. Constitution. The strange assertion does a great disservice to James Madison, who is generally acknowledged as the "Father of the Constitution," but it’s hardly the weirdest thing members of the far right have said about U.S. government over the years.
The truth is, many leaders of the Religious Right and their followers could use a civics lesson. Their descriptions of American government and the history behind it are usually bound up more in wishful thinking than reality. Like creationists who made up a fake “science” because they don’t like evolution, Religious Right acolytes are prone to rewrite our nation’s governing documents to fit their preconceived notions.
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay captured headlines recently with a claim that God wrote the U.S. Constitution. The strange assertion does a great disservice to James Madison, who is generally acknowledged as the "Father of the Constitution," but it’s hardly the weirdest thing members of the far right have said about U.S. government over the years.
The truth is, many leaders of the Religious Right and their followers could use a civics lesson. Their descriptions of American government and the history behind it are usually bound up more in wishful thinking than reality. Like creationists who made up a fake “science” because they don’t like evolution, Religious Right acolytes are prone to rewrite our nation’s governing documents to fit their preconceived notions.
The Ukraine Crisis Calls for Less Neocon Bluster, More Common Sense | Alternet
The Ukraine Crisis Calls for Less Neocon Bluster, More Common Sense | Alternet:
The escalating crisis in Ukraine has set off reckless missile-rattling and muscle-flexing in this country. My Post colleague Charles Krauthammer sees this as a Cold War faceoff, calling for the United States to ante up $15 billion for Ukraine and send a flotilla to the Black Sea. A front-page headline in The Post on Sunday said that the crisis “tests Obama’s focus on diplomacy over force,” quoting Andrew C. Kuchins of the Center for Strategic and International Studies decrying President Obama for “taking the stick option off the table.” Right-wing and Republican posturing fills the airwaves.
The escalating crisis in Ukraine has set off reckless missile-rattling and muscle-flexing in this country. My Post colleague Charles Krauthammer sees this as a Cold War faceoff, calling for the United States to ante up $15 billion for Ukraine and send a flotilla to the Black Sea. A front-page headline in The Post on Sunday said that the crisis “tests Obama’s focus on diplomacy over force,” quoting Andrew C. Kuchins of the Center for Strategic and International Studies decrying President Obama for “taking the stick option off the table.” Right-wing and Republican posturing fills the airwaves.
8 of the Most Clueless, Offensive Statements by America's Out-of-Touch Rich People | Alternet
8 of the Most Clueless, Offensive Statements by America's Out-of-Touch Rich People | Alternet:
Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky?
Five years after Wall Street wrecked the economy, the rich are doing better than ever: the Dow is at record highs, while the 1% control more of the country’s (and the world’s) wealth than ever before.
So why are the wealthy so cranky?
Senate Committee Thinks CIA Spied On Staffers Who Worked On Torture Report
Senate Committee Thinks CIA Spied On Staffers Who Worked On Torture Report:
The CIA has launched an internal review after members of Congress complained that the CIA may have been monitoring Senate Intelligence Committee staffers who worked on a report about the agency's detention and interrogation program, according to reports.
The CIA has launched an internal review after members of Congress complained that the CIA may have been monitoring Senate Intelligence Committee staffers who worked on a report about the agency's detention and interrogation program, according to reports.
'Ready For Hillary' Is Ready To Be A 2016 Juggernaut
'Ready For Hillary' Is Ready To Be A 2016 Juggernaut:
It's long past time to start taking Ready for Hillary seriously.
What started as the passion project of two Clinton fanatics with no real ties to the notoriously insular Clinton world now has 18 full-time staff housed in the fifth floor of an office building in Arlington, Va., a few miles from the White House. Numerous Clintonites have signed onto the venture, including top Clinton White House aides and veterans of Clinton's own races for public office.
Now it's ready to expand into a truly national operation.
It's long past time to start taking Ready for Hillary seriously.
What started as the passion project of two Clinton fanatics with no real ties to the notoriously insular Clinton world now has 18 full-time staff housed in the fifth floor of an office building in Arlington, Va., a few miles from the White House. Numerous Clintonites have signed onto the venture, including top Clinton White House aides and veterans of Clinton's own races for public office.
Now it's ready to expand into a truly national operation.
TPM Interview: Why Kentucky's Attorney General Refuses To Defend His State's Anti-Gay Law
TPM Interview: Why Kentucky's Attorney General Refuses To Defend His State's Anti-Gay Law:
Kentucky's chief lawyer Jack Conway went against his governor and arguably the will of his constituents when he tearfully announced on Tuesday he wouldn't defend a Kentucky law banning recognition of out-of-state gay marriages.
Kentucky's chief lawyer Jack Conway went against his governor and arguably the will of his constituents when he tearfully announced on Tuesday he wouldn't defend a Kentucky law banning recognition of out-of-state gay marriages.
Why We Did It, a Rachel Maddow documentary, premieres March 6th | MSNBC
Why We Did It, a Rachel Maddow documentary, premieres March 6th | MSNBC
A brilliant hour of tv... if you missed it, check for repeats!
A brilliant hour of tv... if you missed it, check for repeats!
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
2014 Elections: Poll shows incumbents in trouble - Natalie Villacorta - POLITICO.com
2014 Elections: Poll shows incumbents in trouble - Natalie Villacorta - POLITICO.com:
While an anti-incumbent attitude is prevalent among Americans, Republicans have the upper-hand in the midterm Senate elections, according to a new poll.
While an anti-incumbent attitude is prevalent among Americans, Republicans have the upper-hand in the midterm Senate elections, according to a new poll.
Monday, March 03, 2014
Russia Today Hacked - Business Insider
Russia Today Hacked - Business Insider
Seems appropriate... all the best hackers are in the Ukraine so the Russians may be screwed :)
Seems appropriate... all the best hackers are in the Ukraine so the Russians may be screwed :)
More Americans Than Ever Support Gay Marriage, Leaving Christian Right Behind | Alternet
More Americans Than Ever Support Gay Marriage, Leaving Christian Right Behind | Alternet:
In America today, it's more normal to support gay marriage than not to.
That's according to findings from the Public Religion Research Institute, a non-profit, nonpartisan research organization. By comparing results of a survey it conducted in 2013 with one it did a decade ago, PRRI found that today, over half of Americans support same-sex marriage, up from just 32% in 2003. Its findings are similar to those of the Pew Research Center, Gallup, and other poling organizations, which have all noted a significant increase in support for same-sex marriage in the past 10 years.
In America today, it's more normal to support gay marriage than not to.
That's according to findings from the Public Religion Research Institute, a non-profit, nonpartisan research organization. By comparing results of a survey it conducted in 2013 with one it did a decade ago, PRRI found that today, over half of Americans support same-sex marriage, up from just 32% in 2003. Its findings are similar to those of the Pew Research Center, Gallup, and other poling organizations, which have all noted a significant increase in support for same-sex marriage in the past 10 years.
McDomination: How Corporations Conquered America and Ruined Our Health | Alternet
McDomination: How Corporations Conquered America and Ruined Our Health | Alternet:
On August 23, 1971, Lewis Powell sent a confidential memo to his friend Eugene Sydnor, Jr., the director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The memo was both a call to arms and a battle plan for a business response to its growing legion of opponents.
On August 23, 1971, Lewis Powell sent a confidential memo to his friend Eugene Sydnor, Jr., the director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The memo was both a call to arms and a battle plan for a business response to its growing legion of opponents.
10 Biggest Right-Wing Idiots This Week (Not Even Including Arizona Homophobes) | Alternet
10 Biggest Right-Wing Idiots This Week (Not Even Including Arizona Homophobes) | Alternet:
Putting aside all of the nutjob reactions to the veto of Arizona’s crazy anti-gay law, some of which were chronicled here, right wingers were still plenty busy mouthing off this week.
Putting aside all of the nutjob reactions to the veto of Arizona’s crazy anti-gay law, some of which were chronicled here, right wingers were still plenty busy mouthing off this week.
Scott Walker and the double standard with the truth
Scott Walker and the double standard with the truth:
As a young man my parents taught me not to lie. I as a parent I have stressed to my son that he should always be honest and tell the truth. Now, we all know that there is a gray area with white lies and half-truths we tell everyday to save someone’s feelings or to avoid embarrassing social situations. But those are not the lies we are talking about. We are talking about a double standard when it comes to the truth, Democrats, and Republicans.
As a young man my parents taught me not to lie. I as a parent I have stressed to my son that he should always be honest and tell the truth. Now, we all know that there is a gray area with white lies and half-truths we tell everyday to save someone’s feelings or to avoid embarrassing social situations. But those are not the lies we are talking about. We are talking about a double standard when it comes to the truth, Democrats, and Republicans.
Have American Liberals really surrendered?
Have American Liberals really surrendered?:
Aldoph Reed Jr claims American Liberals have become fixated on election results, on "winning elections," rather than on pursuing their progressive long term goals of transforming society for the better. Is Reed right? I don't think so.
Aldoph Reed Jr claims American Liberals have become fixated on election results, on "winning elections," rather than on pursuing their progressive long term goals of transforming society for the better. Is Reed right? I don't think so.
Troops face devastating one-two punch
Troops face devastating one-two punch:
When you think of someone who receives food stamps you generally do not think of someone serving our nation in uniform as being a recipient of food stamps. Surely we pay our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines enough money each month to support a family. Well, the sad truth is that no, junior enlisted do not make enough money to support a family. Which is why so many military families qualify for food stamps and is also why food stamp use in Commissaries (a grocery store on post) have gone from $26.2 million in fiscal year 2006 to $103.6 million in 2013.
When you think of someone who receives food stamps you generally do not think of someone serving our nation in uniform as being a recipient of food stamps. Surely we pay our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines enough money each month to support a family. Well, the sad truth is that no, junior enlisted do not make enough money to support a family. Which is why so many military families qualify for food stamps and is also why food stamp use in Commissaries (a grocery store on post) have gone from $26.2 million in fiscal year 2006 to $103.6 million in 2013.
More Republican demographic death spiral: 'No religion' a plurality among Americans 18-30
More Republican demographic death spiral: 'No religion' a plurality among Americans 18-30:
For the past two decades, there has been a rapid national shift away from identification with organized religion. And last year, according to the best available measurement of long-term trends in American religious identification, a new milestone was reached. More Americans between the ages of 18-30 now identify with no religion than identify as either Protestant or Catholic.
For the past two decades, there has been a rapid national shift away from identification with organized religion. And last year, according to the best available measurement of long-term trends in American religious identification, a new milestone was reached. More Americans between the ages of 18-30 now identify with no religion than identify as either Protestant or Catholic.
Ted Cruz blows more Obamacare repeal smoke as House GOP throws in towel
Ted Cruz blows more Obamacare repeal smoke as House GOP throws in towel:
In one corner of Washington, D.C., Texas Sen. Ted Cruz blows smoke up the tea party's you-know-what:
Meanwhile, in another corner, House Republicans let the truth out of the bag: They can't come up with something to replace Obamacare, so instead they are lowering their sights and would be happy to get a one-year delay of one aspect of the law.
In one corner of Washington, D.C., Texas Sen. Ted Cruz blows smoke up the tea party's you-know-what:
“I am absolutely convinced we are going to repeal every single word of Obamacare,” Cruz told the Tea Party audience.
Meanwhile, in another corner, House Republicans let the truth out of the bag: They can't come up with something to replace Obamacare, so instead they are lowering their sights and would be happy to get a one-year delay of one aspect of the law.
Obama reversed Tom Delay's ban on Houston Light Rail
Obama reversed Tom Delay's ban on Houston Light Rail:
In 2003, voters in the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority's (HCMTA) service area approved a referendum on the expansion of light rail. Tom Delay intervened, and overrode the voters' choice. Light rail expansion in Houston was blocked by the George W Bush administration for five years. Suddenly, in 2009, the ban was lifted by the President's new FTA. Every year, the FTA has sent the HCMTA at least $150 million for light rail expansion. On December 20, 2013, the first new line, Northline-Houston Community College, went into service. This year, two more light rail lines will open.
Thanks, Tom. Now they're only 2 decades behind Dallas. I'm sure every Houstonian thanks you.
In 2003, voters in the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority's (HCMTA) service area approved a referendum on the expansion of light rail. Tom Delay intervened, and overrode the voters' choice. Light rail expansion in Houston was blocked by the George W Bush administration for five years. Suddenly, in 2009, the ban was lifted by the President's new FTA. Every year, the FTA has sent the HCMTA at least $150 million for light rail expansion. On December 20, 2013, the first new line, Northline-Houston Community College, went into service. This year, two more light rail lines will open.
Thanks, Tom. Now they're only 2 decades behind Dallas. I'm sure every Houstonian thanks you.
Obamacare reality bites Republican butts
Obamacare reality bites Republican butts:
House Republican ineptitude at governing has been no more apparent than in the Obamacare repeal and replace debacle they've imposed on the nation for the past three years. The repeal part, they got that down after 40-some votes. The replace part, however, that takes actual hard thinking and policy making, something the Republican party lost interest in years ago. So it's looking increasingly like they're just going to give up on it.
House Republican ineptitude at governing has been no more apparent than in the Obamacare repeal and replace debacle they've imposed on the nation for the past three years. The repeal part, they got that down after 40-some votes. The replace part, however, that takes actual hard thinking and policy making, something the Republican party lost interest in years ago. So it's looking increasingly like they're just going to give up on it.
When May I Shoot a Student?
When May I Shoot a Student?:
This op-ed in the NYTimes this morning by Prof. Greg Hampikian, Boise State University in Idaho, has written a must-read masterpiece of weaponized snark. The Idaho legislature has a bill pending that would allow students on campus to carry guns
This is GREAT!!
This op-ed in the NYTimes this morning by Prof. Greg Hampikian, Boise State University in Idaho, has written a must-read masterpiece of weaponized snark. The Idaho legislature has a bill pending that would allow students on campus to carry guns
This is GREAT!!
I also lost my father to Fox News
I also lost my father to Fox News
For those of you dealing with the loss of friends or family to the miasma that is Fox News...
For those of you dealing with the loss of friends or family to the miasma that is Fox News...
No Fast Track to TPP: Fix NAFTA First | Dave Johnson
No Fast Track to TPP: Fix NAFTA First | Dave Johnson:
The big corporations and the Obama administration are trying to push through a giant new trade treaty that gives corporations even more power, and which will send even more jobs, factories, industries and money out of the country. This is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and they are pushing something called "fast track" in Congress to help push it through.
The big corporations and the Obama administration are trying to push through a giant new trade treaty that gives corporations even more power, and which will send even more jobs, factories, industries and money out of the country. This is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and they are pushing something called "fast track" in Congress to help push it through.
Maine GOP Rep Apologizes for Saying Men Should Get to Rape Women... Because Abortion
Maine GOP Rep Apologizes for Saying Men Should Get to Rape Women... Because Abortion:
It took 18 years, but Lawrence Lockman finally apologized yesterday for comments he made as press-secretary of a pro-life group on the issue of violence against women
It took 18 years, but Lawrence Lockman finally apologized yesterday for comments he made as press-secretary of a pro-life group on the issue of violence against women
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Texas Women Face Health Disaster Thanks to Right-Wing Politicians | Alternet
Texas Women Face Health Disaster Thanks to Right-Wing Politicians | Alternet:
Last week, the Texas state senate convened a public hearing on women’s health care. The agenda of the committee on health and human services meeting, chaired by Sen. Jane Nelson, was to “build on previous legislative achievements in women’s healthcare” and to “recommend ways to better coordinate the various programs” serving women’s health needs.
Huh? Texas has slashed funding for women’s health, leaving more than 155,000 women statewide without cancer screenings, birth control, and other health care. This shameful status is an “achievement”? The inadequate avenues still standing can be “better coordinated”? Sen. Nelson’s Orwellian doublespeak is a political farce, and it doesn’t fool the savvy women of this state. They are fed up with out-of-touch politicians and ready for change.
Last week, the Texas state senate convened a public hearing on women’s health care. The agenda of the committee on health and human services meeting, chaired by Sen. Jane Nelson, was to “build on previous legislative achievements in women’s healthcare” and to “recommend ways to better coordinate the various programs” serving women’s health needs.
Huh? Texas has slashed funding for women’s health, leaving more than 155,000 women statewide without cancer screenings, birth control, and other health care. This shameful status is an “achievement”? The inadequate avenues still standing can be “better coordinated”? Sen. Nelson’s Orwellian doublespeak is a political farce, and it doesn’t fool the savvy women of this state. They are fed up with out-of-touch politicians and ready for change.
Why Christian Conservatives Love Jesus-Hater Ayn Rand | Alternet
Why Christian Conservatives Love Jesus-Hater Ayn Rand | Alternet:
Earlier this week, CNN reported that American Atheists, an advocacy group for atheists and atheism, would have a booth at the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference. The idea behind the booth was to build bridges between historically faith-motivated conservatives and their politically aligned but religiously different atheist counterparts. David Silverman, the president of American Atheists, called the booth “one of many steps” his organization would take in its “outreach effort” targeted at political conservatives.
Earlier this week, CNN reported that American Atheists, an advocacy group for atheists and atheism, would have a booth at the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference. The idea behind the booth was to build bridges between historically faith-motivated conservatives and their politically aligned but religiously different atheist counterparts. David Silverman, the president of American Atheists, called the booth “one of many steps” his organization would take in its “outreach effort” targeted at political conservatives.
Chomsky: How America's Great University System Is Getting Destroyed | Alternet
Chomsky: How America's Great University System Is Getting Destroyed | Alternet
Faculty are increasingly hired on the Wal-Mart model as temps.
Faculty are increasingly hired on the Wal-Mart model as temps.
7 Most Absurd Things America's Kids Are Learning Thanks to the Conservative Gutting of Public Education | Alternet
7 Most Absurd Things America's Kids Are Learning Thanks to the Conservative Gutting of Public Education | Alternet
This would be funny if it weren't so creepy. But, at least, we find out how a fairy gets his wings ;)
This would be funny if it weren't so creepy. But, at least, we find out how a fairy gets his wings ;)
Obama Froze Biden Out After Gay-Marriage Gaffe
Obama Froze Biden Out After Gay-Marriage Gaffe:
Vice President Joe Biden's role in the administration was virtually frozen after he angered President Barack Obama in 2012 by announcing his support of gay marriage while the president was still on record opposing it.
Vice President Joe Biden's role in the administration was virtually frozen after he angered President Barack Obama in 2012 by announcing his support of gay marriage while the president was still on record opposing it.
Ruling: Police Can Enter Home without Warrant Even if One Person Objects | Alternet
Ruling: Police Can Enter Home without Warrant Even if One Person Objects | Alternet
Ah, conservatives! Love the Second, Hate the Fourth. (To be fair, they really hate ALL the Amendments except the Second, and a few fragments of the First!)
Ah, conservatives! Love the Second, Hate the Fourth. (To be fair, they really hate ALL the Amendments except the Second, and a few fragments of the First!)
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