Amazon BLOCKED From Filming Union Voting
3 years ago
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Editorial: On Tuesday, vote No, No, No, No and No : News
Editorial: On Tuesday, vote No, No, No, No and No : News
click link
snip
In a letter opposing Amendment 1, the so-called “right-to-farm” constitutional amendment on Tuesday’s ballot, former Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell shared a sentiment that applies to all five issues before voters:
“I have always held the view that our Missouri Constitution should be amended only in the rarest and most compelling of circumstances,” wrote the former state senator and lieutenant governor. He also happens to own a hog farm near Mexico, Mo., a pertinent fact, as we shall see.
Here are the two questions we suggest voters ask before voting on each of the five amendments before them: One, what is the compelling state problem requiring a change to the constitution? And two, if a problem exists, will this change provide a lasting solution?
The answer to both questions as it relates to each of the five ballot initiatives, is no. We’ve already shared in detail our reasons for opposing each of them, but Mr. Maxwell’s point helps bring them all into focus.
None of the ballot issues were brought forward by citizens, which is rare. They are on the ballot because the Missouri Legislature, and the special interests that control it, want them there. In most cases, the only reason they are on the ballot is political gain. Again: Just say no.
click link
snip
In a letter opposing Amendment 1, the so-called “right-to-farm” constitutional amendment on Tuesday’s ballot, former Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell shared a sentiment that applies to all five issues before voters:
“I have always held the view that our Missouri Constitution should be amended only in the rarest and most compelling of circumstances,” wrote the former state senator and lieutenant governor. He also happens to own a hog farm near Mexico, Mo., a pertinent fact, as we shall see.
Here are the two questions we suggest voters ask before voting on each of the five amendments before them: One, what is the compelling state problem requiring a change to the constitution? And two, if a problem exists, will this change provide a lasting solution?
The answer to both questions as it relates to each of the five ballot initiatives, is no. We’ve already shared in detail our reasons for opposing each of them, but Mr. Maxwell’s point helps bring them all into focus.
None of the ballot issues were brought forward by citizens, which is rare. They are on the ballot because the Missouri Legislature, and the special interests that control it, want them there. In most cases, the only reason they are on the ballot is political gain. Again: Just say no.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Arnold council takes stand against Right-to-Work laws : News
Arnold council takes stand against Right-to-Work laws : News
click link
snip
click link
snip
ARNOLD • The
City Council on Thursday night approved a resolution to oppose laws on
“Right to Work” and/or “Freedom to Work” that would prohibit requiring
payment of union dues as a condition of employment.
It states that
“the Arnold City Council believes there is no reason why the Missouri
General Assembly should overturn decades of successful labor-management
practice, jeopardize the success and stability of working class families
and the American middle class, ignore the will of the people, and
pander to out-of-state corporate special interests by adopting so-called
right-to-work policies."
About
40 union members, represented by Bart Velasco, former president of the
Jefferson County Labor Club, attended the meeting in support of the
Arnold resolution. State Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, thanked the
council for its “courageous action to protect families.”
The resolution was unanimously approved.
City Council on Thursday night approved a resolution to oppose laws on
“Right to Work” and/or “Freedom to Work” that would prohibit requiring
payment of union dues as a condition of employment.
It states that
“the Arnold City Council believes there is no reason why the Missouri
General Assembly should overturn decades of successful labor-management
practice, jeopardize the success and stability of working class families
and the American middle class, ignore the will of the people, and
pander to out-of-state corporate special interests by adopting so-called
right-to-work policies."
About
40 union members, represented by Bart Velasco, former president of the
Jefferson County Labor Club, attended the meeting in support of the
Arnold resolution. State Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, thanked the
council for its “courageous action to protect families.”
The resolution was unanimously approved.
Crack a beer, crack a case of labour rights violations | NOW Magazine
Crack a beer, crack a case of labour rights violations | NOW Magazine
click
snip
The next time you open a can of beer, remember that can was probably
made by a “scab.” Crown Holdings is the primary producer of beer cans in
southern Ontario, and their 120 employees have been on strike for eight
months.
The U.S.based international company produces 5 million cans per day at
the plant on Fenmar Drive, primarily for Molson and Labatt.
Crown wants a two-tier wage system that would permanently pay new hires
$9 an hour or 42 per cent less than existing employees. That was the
starting wage 28 years ago, according to many veteran employees. For
context, 28 years ago a two-four of beer cost about $15.
As a result of Crown’s unmoving stance on the new hire system, United Steelworkers Local 9176 went on strike in September 2013.
click
snip
The next time you open a can of beer, remember that can was probably
made by a “scab.” Crown Holdings is the primary producer of beer cans in
southern Ontario, and their 120 employees have been on strike for eight
months.
The U.S.based international company produces 5 million cans per day at
the plant on Fenmar Drive, primarily for Molson and Labatt.
Crown wants a two-tier wage system that would permanently pay new hires
$9 an hour or 42 per cent less than existing employees. That was the
starting wage 28 years ago, according to many veteran employees. For
context, 28 years ago a two-four of beer cost about $15.
As a result of Crown’s unmoving stance on the new hire system, United Steelworkers Local 9176 went on strike in September 2013.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Missouri GOPers are still trying to impeach Dem Gov. Jay Nixon
Missouri GOPers are still trying to impeach Dem Gov. Jay Nixon
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snip
Nixon is potentially facing three charges, all put forward by Republicans.
One
is for an executive order Nixon released in 2013 that directed state
officials to accept joint tax returns from same-sex couples who are
married in other states. One charges that Nixon has been too slow in
calling special elections. The third says Nixon’s punishment for state
officials who released a database of permits for residents in the state
who carry concealed weapons was too lenient.
Nixon’s
administration has previously described the impeachment effort as a
“publicity stunt,” and observers say there’s little chance that any of
the articles of impeachment raised will actually make it to the floor
for a vote. Even if they were to somehow clear the House and the Senate,
however, Missouri law mandates that impeachment would have to be
approved by five of seven Senate-appointed judges.
click
snip
Nixon is potentially facing three charges, all put forward by Republicans.
One
is for an executive order Nixon released in 2013 that directed state
officials to accept joint tax returns from same-sex couples who are
married in other states. One charges that Nixon has been too slow in
calling special elections. The third says Nixon’s punishment for state
officials who released a database of permits for residents in the state
who carry concealed weapons was too lenient.
Nixon’s
administration has previously described the impeachment effort as a
“publicity stunt,” and observers say there’s little chance that any of
the articles of impeachment raised will actually make it to the floor
for a vote. Even if they were to somehow clear the House and the Senate,
however, Missouri law mandates that impeachment would have to be
approved by five of seven Senate-appointed judges.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Paul Ryan’s reverse-Robin Hood spending plan: Rob from the poor and give to the rich
Paul Ryan’s reverse-Robin Hood spending plan: Rob from the poor and give to the rich
click link
snip
Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan, who authored the anti-Robin Hood spending plan, said the budget “comes down to a matter of trust.”
Trust, Ryan believes, should be placed in the rich and Washington
politicians like him, a Prince John man who devised a spending scam
enriching the rich and depriving the rest. Ryan asked, “Who knows better: the people or Washington?” The GOP answer: Washington, of course. A place purchased by the very, very rich.
Ryan’s
anti-Robin Hood spending plan takes health care from the poor and
elderly and gives tax breaks to the rich and super rich. Really.
Republicans voted to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires from
39.6 percent to 25 percent. Nice, right? Except for Americans who depend
on Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare.
Republicans voted to
voucherize Medicare, which would force senior citizens to pay thousands
of dollars more each year. Ryan and his fellow House Republicans voted
to kill Obamacare, which means the 7.1 million who got insurance on the
exchanges would lose it; the 3.1 million young people covered under
Obamacare’s extension of their parents’ plans would lose insurance, and
the 3 million who got insurance under Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion would lose it.
That’s
13 million without health insurance, in addition to low-income seniors
struggling to pay premiums as Ryan’s vouchers lose value. But, hey,
billionaires get a tax break!
click link
snip
Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan, who authored the anti-Robin Hood spending plan, said the budget “comes down to a matter of trust.”
Trust, Ryan believes, should be placed in the rich and Washington
politicians like him, a Prince John man who devised a spending scam
enriching the rich and depriving the rest. Ryan asked, “Who knows better: the people or Washington?” The GOP answer: Washington, of course. A place purchased by the very, very rich.
Ryan’s
anti-Robin Hood spending plan takes health care from the poor and
elderly and gives tax breaks to the rich and super rich. Really.
Republicans voted to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires from
39.6 percent to 25 percent. Nice, right? Except for Americans who depend
on Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare.
Republicans voted to
voucherize Medicare, which would force senior citizens to pay thousands
of dollars more each year. Ryan and his fellow House Republicans voted
to kill Obamacare, which means the 7.1 million who got insurance on the
exchanges would lose it; the 3.1 million young people covered under
Obamacare’s extension of their parents’ plans would lose insurance, and
the 3 million who got insurance under Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion would lose it.
That’s
13 million without health insurance, in addition to low-income seniors
struggling to pay premiums as Ryan’s vouchers lose value. But, hey,
billionaires get a tax break!
Jimmy Carter takes a stance against Keystone XL
Jimmy Carter takes a stance against Keystone XL
click link
snip
Former President Jimmy Carter came out publicly against the Keystone
XL pipeline Wednesday, joining an international group of Nobel laureates
in urging President Obama to reject the project.
“You stand on
the brink of making a choice that will define your legacy on one of the
greatest challenges humanity has ever faced — climate change,” reads the
letter, which was addressed to President Obama and Secretary Kerry and which ran as an ad in Politico.
“You
know as well as we do the powerful precedent that this would set. This
leadership by example would usher in a new era where climate change and
pollution is given the urgent attention and focus it deserves in a world
where the climate crisis is already a daily struggle for so many.”
click link
snip
Former President Jimmy Carter came out publicly against the Keystone
XL pipeline Wednesday, joining an international group of Nobel laureates
in urging President Obama to reject the project.
“You stand on
the brink of making a choice that will define your legacy on one of the
greatest challenges humanity has ever faced — climate change,” reads the
letter, which was addressed to President Obama and Secretary Kerry and which ran as an ad in Politico.
“You
know as well as we do the powerful precedent that this would set. This
leadership by example would usher in a new era where climate change and
pollution is given the urgent attention and focus it deserves in a world
where the climate crisis is already a daily struggle for so many.”
Monday, April 14, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Did This Mom Die Because Her State Refused To Expand Medicaid?
e
some bad language
note: we have death panels in Missouri===gop in jeff city
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
rep clay and chinese trade
1.
If Congressman William Lacy Clay Jr. Is so serious about cutting the budget deficit, why hasn’t he done anything about our trade deficit? It reached $456 billion last year, with $318 billion of it racked up by trade with China alone. That’s a lot of money headed directly out of the country instead of toward paying our bills.
Here’s one thing Congressman Clay Jr. could do: Get tough on currency manipulation. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says ending currency manipulation would reduce the budget deficit by $266 billion and create11, 900 jobs in Missouri congressional district 1
In fact, there’s a bill in the House of Representatives right now, HR 1276, that would help crack down on currency manipulators. But REP Clay hasn’t added his name to it. What’s keeping him?
Congressman Clay Jr. you’re all for fiscal responsibility. So help stop currency manipulation and put people to work in Missouri!
2. Here’s the biggest weight on the economy that you’ve never heard of: Currency manipulation. By illegally undervaluing their exchange rates, countries like China make American exports expensive and their own exports cheap. That creates unbalanced trade, hurts American businesses and workers, and it’s not fair. But a new report from the Economic Policy Institute says that ending currency manipulation would do a lot. It would cut Washington’s budget deficit by $266 billion and create up to 5.8 million American jobs, including 11,900 in Missouri congressional district 1 There’s a bill in the House of Representatives right now, HR 1276/, that would crack down on currency manipulators. But Congressman Clay Jr. hasn’t added his name to it. What’s keeping him? Enough is enough. We need to stop currency manipulation and put people to work in Missouri. We’ll need Congressman Clay Jr. help to do so.
3. Missouri is home to a proud manufacturing tradition. But unless we do something to create more jobs, that tradition will be a thing of the past. We’ve lost 38,800 manufacturing jobs since 2001! Here’s how we start getting jobs back: Cracking down on currency manipulation. It’s one of the chief reasons America’s trade deficit was $456 billion last year. But a new report says that Missouri Congressional district 1 could create 11,900 jobs alone by 2015 if we stamped out currency manipulation. There is a bill in Congress that would do that. HR 1276 would take countries like China to task for rigging their exchange rate to cheat American companies and workers out of business. But it needs more support, and Congressman Lacy hasn’t added HIS name yet. REP Clay Jr.: Will you help fight currency manipulation? We need to get serious about job creation, and these issues go hand-in-hand.
4. Manufacturing jobs and the middle class go hand in hand. But Missouri DISTRICT 1 has lost plenty of them since 2001. So what can we do to get more of them? A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says “fight currency manipulation.” According to its study, DISTRICT 1 could create 11,900 jobs over the next three years if we took countries like China to task for manipulating their currency exchange rates. There’s a bill in Congress right now called HR 1276 that would do just that. But REP Clay Jr. hasn’t supported it yet. REP Clay has fought for jobs in Missouri DISTRICT 1 before. We need him to do so again. REP Clay Jr., support this bill!
5. Wall Street seems to be doing just fine in 2014, but how about Main Street? Not so hot: If our annual trade deficit is any indication – $456 billion last year – it’s not easy to be a manufacturer in America these days. It’s hard to create jobs if America is shipping all of its wealth overseas. But there’s a way we can bring that trade deficit down, and the budget deficit too. We can fight currency manipulation, which countries use to keep American goods pricey and their own dirt cheap. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says we could cut the budget deficit by $266 billion and create11, 900 jobs in Missouri DISTRICT 1 by 2015 if we ended currency manipulation. There’s a bill in Congress right now called HR 1276 that would take currency manipulators to task, and it needs more signatures. Unfortunately, REP Clay Jr. hasn’t added HIS signature yet. What’s the hold up? REP Clay Jr., add your name to this bill! If we take currency manipulation seriously, we can get our fiscal house in order and create a lot of new jobs in DISTRICT 1 Missouri.
6. Like all Missouri RESIDENTS, I want to see more jobs created in my state. That’s why I was disappointed to learn that REP Clay hasn’t supported HR 1276 yet. It’s a bill that would help American manufacturers and workers fight back against currency manipulation, one of the biggest reasons the U.S. runs a huge trade deficit each year. In the last year alone, it was $456 billion. Currency manipulation is a big deal. Other countries rig their exchange rates to make the goods they sell cheaper and America’s more expensive. One recent study found that we could create 11,900 jobs in Missouri congressional district 1in three years. It’s hard to create good-paying jobs when we’re shipping all of our wealth overseas. Missouri needs REP Clay to support HR 1276 so we can start keeping our wealth and our jobs here at home.
2. Here’s the biggest weight on the economy that you’ve never heard of: Currency manipulation. By illegally undervaluing their exchange rates, countries like China make American exports expensive and their own exports cheap. That creates unbalanced trade, hurts American businesses and workers, and it’s not fair. But a new report from the Economic Policy Institute says that ending currency manipulation would do a lot. It would cut Washington’s budget deficit by $266 billion and create up to 5.8 million American jobs, including 11,900 in Missouri congressional district 1 There’s a bill in the House of Representatives right now, HR 1276/, that would crack down on currency manipulators. But Congressman Clay Jr. hasn’t added his name to it. What’s keeping him? Enough is enough. We need to stop currency manipulation and put people to work in Missouri. We’ll need Congressman Clay Jr. help to do so.
3. Missouri is home to a proud manufacturing tradition. But unless we do something to create more jobs, that tradition will be a thing of the past. We’ve lost 38,800 manufacturing jobs since 2001! Here’s how we start getting jobs back: Cracking down on currency manipulation. It’s one of the chief reasons America’s trade deficit was $456 billion last year. But a new report says that Missouri Congressional district 1 could create 11,900 jobs alone by 2015 if we stamped out currency manipulation. There is a bill in Congress that would do that. HR 1276 would take countries like China to task for rigging their exchange rate to cheat American companies and workers out of business. But it needs more support, and Congressman Lacy hasn’t added HIS name yet. REP Clay Jr.: Will you help fight currency manipulation? We need to get serious about job creation, and these issues go hand-in-hand.
4. Manufacturing jobs and the middle class go hand in hand. But Missouri DISTRICT 1 has lost plenty of them since 2001. So what can we do to get more of them? A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says “fight currency manipulation.” According to its study, DISTRICT 1 could create 11,900 jobs over the next three years if we took countries like China to task for manipulating their currency exchange rates. There’s a bill in Congress right now called HR 1276 that would do just that. But REP Clay Jr. hasn’t supported it yet. REP Clay has fought for jobs in Missouri DISTRICT 1 before. We need him to do so again. REP Clay Jr., support this bill!
5. Wall Street seems to be doing just fine in 2014, but how about Main Street? Not so hot: If our annual trade deficit is any indication – $456 billion last year – it’s not easy to be a manufacturer in America these days. It’s hard to create jobs if America is shipping all of its wealth overseas. But there’s a way we can bring that trade deficit down, and the budget deficit too. We can fight currency manipulation, which countries use to keep American goods pricey and their own dirt cheap. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says we could cut the budget deficit by $266 billion and create11, 900 jobs in Missouri DISTRICT 1 by 2015 if we ended currency manipulation. There’s a bill in Congress right now called HR 1276 that would take currency manipulators to task, and it needs more signatures. Unfortunately, REP Clay Jr. hasn’t added HIS signature yet. What’s the hold up? REP Clay Jr., add your name to this bill! If we take currency manipulation seriously, we can get our fiscal house in order and create a lot of new jobs in DISTRICT 1 Missouri.
6. Like all Missouri RESIDENTS, I want to see more jobs created in my state. That’s why I was disappointed to learn that REP Clay hasn’t supported HR 1276 yet. It’s a bill that would help American manufacturers and workers fight back against currency manipulation, one of the biggest reasons the U.S. runs a huge trade deficit each year. In the last year alone, it was $456 billion. Currency manipulation is a big deal. Other countries rig their exchange rates to make the goods they sell cheaper and America’s more expensive. One recent study found that we could create 11,900 jobs in Missouri congressional district 1in three years. It’s hard to create good-paying jobs when we’re shipping all of our wealth overseas. Missouri needs REP Clay to support HR 1276 so we can start keeping our wealth and our jobs here at home.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Arizona governor vetoes anti-gay billAnti-Gay Bill In AZ Could Be Killed...
missouri has sch a bill, introduced last week.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
meth labs of democracy----missouri
The Daily Show
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Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Medicaid applications from HealthCare.gov called flawed; Mo. enrollment dips : News
Medicaid applications from HealthCare.gov called flawed; Mo. enrollment dips : News
click link
snip
JEFFERSON CITY • Missouri’s Medicaid program expected to see an uptick in enrollment with the rollout of HealthCare.gov because outreach efforts would attract more people — particularly children — who were already eligible.
Indeed, the federally run marketplace has turned over to the Missouri Department of Social Services more than 25,000 applications from people who seemed to meet the state’s income criteria.
But the state hasn’t added any of them to the Medicaid rolls.
Rather, the number of Missourians on Medicaid has actually decreased by about 14,000 since the marketplace launched on Oct. 1.
The state says application data forwarded by the online exchange is fraught with errors and duplication. “We’re in the process of sorting it out,” said Brian Kinkade, acting director of the social services department.
click link
snip
JEFFERSON CITY • Missouri’s Medicaid program expected to see an uptick in enrollment with the rollout of HealthCare.gov because outreach efforts would attract more people — particularly children — who were already eligible.
Indeed, the federally run marketplace has turned over to the Missouri Department of Social Services more than 25,000 applications from people who seemed to meet the state’s income criteria.
But the state hasn’t added any of them to the Medicaid rolls.
Rather, the number of Missourians on Medicaid has actually decreased by about 14,000 since the marketplace launched on Oct. 1.
The state says application data forwarded by the online exchange is fraught with errors and duplication. “We’re in the process of sorting it out,” said Brian Kinkade, acting director of the social services department.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Federal appeals court may halt Shell’s plans to “drill, baby, drill”
Federal appeals court may halt Shell’s plans to “drill, baby, drill”
click link
snip
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
ruled Wednesday that when the U.S. government sold leases to Shell back
in 2008—during the final days of the Bush administration—it did a
spectacularly bad job of assessing the amount of oil available in
Alaska’s Chukchi Sea and the potential environmental impact of removing
it.
For $2 billion, the Interior Department sold Shell the rights
to drill for oil over nearly 30 million acres of the sea floor,
estimating that there were 1 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the
lease areas. Native Alaskan tribes and environmental groups, including
NRDC (which publishes OnEarth), fought the leases on the
grounds that 1 billion barrels was an extreme understatement. The
three-judge panel agreed Wednesday, calling the estimate “arbitrary and capricious”.
The
case now goes back to U.S. District court in Alaska for further review,
which has the potential to seriously jam up Shell’s Chukchi plans for
the foreseeable future. The attorney representing Shell told Reuters:
“It’s unlikely that the government could authorize drilling activities
on leases the court says were improperly awarded.” In other words: Shell
will likely have to take its massive drilling rigs and go home, at
least for another summer.
click link
snip
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
ruled Wednesday that when the U.S. government sold leases to Shell back
in 2008—during the final days of the Bush administration—it did a
spectacularly bad job of assessing the amount of oil available in
Alaska’s Chukchi Sea and the potential environmental impact of removing
it.
For $2 billion, the Interior Department sold Shell the rights
to drill for oil over nearly 30 million acres of the sea floor,
estimating that there were 1 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the
lease areas. Native Alaskan tribes and environmental groups, including
NRDC (which publishes OnEarth), fought the leases on the
grounds that 1 billion barrels was an extreme understatement. The
three-judge panel agreed Wednesday, calling the estimate “arbitrary and capricious”.
The
case now goes back to U.S. District court in Alaska for further review,
which has the potential to seriously jam up Shell’s Chukchi plans for
the foreseeable future. The attorney representing Shell told Reuters:
“It’s unlikely that the government could authorize drilling activities
on leases the court says were improperly awarded.” In other words: Shell
will likely have to take its massive drilling rigs and go home, at
least for another summer.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Congressman Moneybags: Darrell Issa and Washington’s epidemic of wealth
Congressman Moneybags: Darrell Issa and Washington’s epidemic of wealth
click link
snip
Over the holidays, I was watching that old Marilyn Monroe comedy “How to Marry a Millionaire” on Turner Classic Movies (okay, I have no life). This week, a new report suggests (to me, at least) that if Hollywood were to produce a remake of that 1953 film, the variety of now politically incorrect tactics Ms. Monroe and her friends deploy to land a well-to-do partner could be reduced to one: start dating a member of Congress.
An analysis of personal financial disclosure data by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics reveals that “for the first time in history” a majority of senators and representatives are millionaires:
click link
snip
Over the holidays, I was watching that old Marilyn Monroe comedy “How to Marry a Millionaire” on Turner Classic Movies (okay, I have no life). This week, a new report suggests (to me, at least) that if Hollywood were to produce a remake of that 1953 film, the variety of now politically incorrect tactics Ms. Monroe and her friends deploy to land a well-to-do partner could be reduced to one: start dating a member of Congress.
An analysis of personal financial disclosure data by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics reveals that “for the first time in history” a majority of senators and representatives are millionaires:
Of 534 current members of Congress, at least 268 had an average net worth of $1 million or more in 2012, according to disclosures filed last year by all members of Congress and candidates. The median net worth for the 530 current lawmakers who were in Congress as of the May filing deadline was $1,008,767 — an increase from last year when it was $966,000. In addition, at least one of the members elected since then, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), is a millionaire, according to forms she filed as a candidate. (There is currently one vacancy in Congress.)
The deplorable story of how 300,000 West Virginians lost their water
The deplorable story of how 300,000 West Virginians lost their water
click link
snip
Following a 7,500 gallon chemical spill that left 300,000 people without drinkable tap water for five days, West Virginia Gov. Earl Tomblin announced Monday that a nine-county tap water ban would begin to be lifted. The spill spurred a federal emergency declaration, 10 hospital admissions and new scrutiny on industry’s influence over state and federal policy.
To consider the fallout, Salon called up Dr. Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council and lecturer for George Washington University. Sass blasted Freedom Industries’ handling of the emergency, called West Virginia “a state that’s not interested in enforcing … state or federal regulations,” and warned that an initially promising bill in Congress could make the situation worse. A condensed version of our conversation follows.
click link
snip
Following a 7,500 gallon chemical spill that left 300,000 people without drinkable tap water for five days, West Virginia Gov. Earl Tomblin announced Monday that a nine-county tap water ban would begin to be lifted. The spill spurred a federal emergency declaration, 10 hospital admissions and new scrutiny on industry’s influence over state and federal policy.
To consider the fallout, Salon called up Dr. Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council and lecturer for George Washington University. Sass blasted Freedom Industries’ handling of the emergency, called West Virginia “a state that’s not interested in enforcing … state or federal regulations,” and warned that an initially promising bill in Congress could make the situation worse. A condensed version of our conversation follows.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Russia's War in Afghanistan : Documentary on 10 Years of Soviet War in A...
.
note: how much has changed? only fools would want us to stay another decade
also note: brits have fought four times in afghanistan, over 100 years
Friday, January 10, 2014
Why this satanic goat statue has the Christian right so freaked out
Why this satanic goat statue has the Christian right so freaked out
click link
snip
The design for the Satanist statue proposed for the lawn of the Oklahoma state capitol is a delight: Baphomet, a goat-headed pagan idol, sits gracefully on a chair, gazing beatifically forward while holding two fingers aloft. Two children, a boy and a girl, stand on either side of him, looking worshipfully upon the goatly representation of the occult.
For the Satanists who designed the statue and their supporters, the joke is obvious, though no less hilarious. Baphomet is a figure likely made up by the Inquisition for the purpose of accusing its victims of worshipping him. Satanists today use his face as a way to mock modern fundamentalist Christians for their tendency to concoct imaginary enemies to stoke their own paranoid fantasies about being persecuted.
click link
snip
The design for the Satanist statue proposed for the lawn of the Oklahoma state capitol is a delight: Baphomet, a goat-headed pagan idol, sits gracefully on a chair, gazing beatifically forward while holding two fingers aloft. Two children, a boy and a girl, stand on either side of him, looking worshipfully upon the goatly representation of the occult.
For the Satanists who designed the statue and their supporters, the joke is obvious, though no less hilarious. Baphomet is a figure likely made up by the Inquisition for the purpose of accusing its victims of worshipping him. Satanists today use his face as a way to mock modern fundamentalist Christians for their tendency to concoct imaginary enemies to stoke their own paranoid fantasies about being persecuted.
Hilarious as the statue is, it was designed to make a serious point. Christian fundamentalists in Oklahoma managed to get a Ten Commandments monument placed on capitol grounds in 2012. Though the supporters of the monument deny it, it’s an obvious attempt by fundamentalists to get the state government to endorse Christianity above all other religious beliefs, in a direct violation of the Constitution’s ban on state
establishment of religion. The ACLU of Oklahoma has sued, arguing, “When the government literally puts one faith on a pedestal, it sends a strong message to Oklahomans of other faiths that they are less than equal.”
No doubt the Satanists expect Oklahoma to reject their petition, which is the point, of course. By rejecting the petition, the legislature will make it clear they really are elevating one religion over another, strengthening the ACLU’s case against the state.
establishment of religion. The ACLU of Oklahoma has sued, arguing, “When the government literally puts one faith on a pedestal, it sends a strong message to Oklahomans of other faiths that they are less than equal.”
No doubt the Satanists expect Oklahoma to reject their petition, which is the point, of course. By rejecting the petition, the legislature will make it clear they really are elevating one religion over another, strengthening the ACLU’s case against the state.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
9,135 out of 9,136 scientists believe climate change is happening
9,135 out of 9,136 scientists believe climate change is happening
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Contrary to what conservatives might suggest, there really isn’t a debate in the scientific community over whether climate change is real. The commonly cited statistic is that 97 percent of scientists agree that global warming is happening, and that it’s caused by human activity. Another way of looking at that consensus comes courtesy of James Lawrence Powell, who examined a year’s worth of climate-related scientific studies and found that virtually all accept man-made global warming.
Powell’s analysis covers 2,258 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between November 2012 and December 2013, written by a total of 9,136 authors. He found but one holdout: S. V. Avakyan who, writing for the Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences, concluded that “contribution of the greenhouse effect of carbon-containing gases to global warming turns out to be insignificant.” Powell discusses Avakyan’s dissenting opinion at his personal blog:
click link
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Contrary to what conservatives might suggest, there really isn’t a debate in the scientific community over whether climate change is real. The commonly cited statistic is that 97 percent of scientists agree that global warming is happening, and that it’s caused by human activity. Another way of looking at that consensus comes courtesy of James Lawrence Powell, who examined a year’s worth of climate-related scientific studies and found that virtually all accept man-made global warming.
Powell’s analysis covers 2,258 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between November 2012 and December 2013, written by a total of 9,136 authors. He found but one holdout: S. V. Avakyan who, writing for the Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences, concluded that “contribution of the greenhouse effect of carbon-containing gases to global warming turns out to be insignificant.” Powell discusses Avakyan’s dissenting opinion at his personal blog:
Most important political news this week: New report kills GOP’s radical agenda
Most important political news this week: New report kills GOP’s radical agenda
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The furthest-reaching political news of the week has nothing to do with who clogged the George Washington Bridge or what Robert Gates thinks of Barack Obama’s completely justifiable skepticism of David Petraeus and the war in Afghanistan.
It came in a seemingly boring actuarial report from a government agency most people probably have never of, showing that for the first time since the 1990s, total U.S. healthcare spending grew at a slower rate than the U.S. economy at the beginning of the current decade
.
This sounds like the kind of thing only wonks and other nerds care about, which is probably why it didn’t become a #hashtag meme on Twitter or whatever, but the implications of the great healthcare spending slowdown are vast, and have thus reignited a long-simmering academic and ideological debate over whether, and to what extent, Obamacare deserves credit.
click link
snip
The furthest-reaching political news of the week has nothing to do with who clogged the George Washington Bridge or what Robert Gates thinks of Barack Obama’s completely justifiable skepticism of David Petraeus and the war in Afghanistan.
It came in a seemingly boring actuarial report from a government agency most people probably have never of, showing that for the first time since the 1990s, total U.S. healthcare spending grew at a slower rate than the U.S. economy at the beginning of the current decade
.
This sounds like the kind of thing only wonks and other nerds care about, which is probably why it didn’t become a #hashtag meme on Twitter or whatever, but the implications of the great healthcare spending slowdown are vast, and have thus reignited a long-simmering academic and ideological debate over whether, and to what extent, Obamacare deserves credit.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Report: North Dakota’s crude oil is particularly explosive
Report: North Dakota’s crude oil is particularly explosive
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When a mile-long train carrying crude oil through North Dakota derailed and exploded in a “giant fireball” Monday, Mayor Ed McConnell of nearby Casselton commented that his town, which evacuated as strong winds blew acrid smoke and soot toward them, had dodged a bullet. This was, after all, the fourth serious derailment in North America in just the past six months, including the July incident that saw 47 killed in Quebec. ”It’s almost gotten to the point that it looks like not if we’re going to have an accident, it’s when,” McConnell told the Associated Press.
It’s probably no coincidence that Warren Buffet — who owns the company that owns the company that operated the derailed train – chose Monday to buy stock in a pipeline company.
And while many are continuing to question the safety of rail transport for crude oil, officials now
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snip
When a mile-long train carrying crude oil through North Dakota derailed and exploded in a “giant fireball” Monday, Mayor Ed McConnell of nearby Casselton commented that his town, which evacuated as strong winds blew acrid smoke and soot toward them, had dodged a bullet. This was, after all, the fourth serious derailment in North America in just the past six months, including the July incident that saw 47 killed in Quebec. ”It’s almost gotten to the point that it looks like not if we’re going to have an accident, it’s when,” McConnell told the Associated Press.
It’s probably no coincidence that Warren Buffet — who owns the company that owns the company that operated the derailed train – chose Monday to buy stock in a pipeline company.
And while many are continuing to question the safety of rail transport for crude oil, officials now
Kinder: ‘The Votes Are There’ For Right-To-Work in 2014 « CBS St. Louis
Kinder: ‘The Votes Are There’ For Right-To-Work in 2014 « CBS St. Louis
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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Missouri Legislature is expected to consider right-to-work legislation when it meets in January and the state’s lieutenant governor says the legislation is likely to pass.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder predicts the House and Senate will pass a plan to allow Missouri voters to decide the issue on the November 2014 ballot.
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Local
Kinder: ‘The Votes Are There’ For Right-To-Work in 2014
December 24, 2013 4:54 AM
Mo. Lt. Governor Peter Kinder greeting seniors in St. Louis County
Election Returns
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder predicts the House and Senate will pass a plan to allow Missouri voters to decide the issue on the November 2014 ballot.
Obamacare’s real problem: Right-wing defeatism
Obamacare’s real problem: Right-wing defeatism
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Whatever happened to American can-do optimism? Even before the Affordable Care Act covers its first beneficiary, the nattering nabobs of negativism are out in full force.
“Tens of millions more Americans will lose their coverage and find that new ObamaCare plans have higher premiums, larger deductibles, and fewer doctors,” predicts Republican operative Karl Rove. “Enrollment numbers will be smaller than projected and budget outlays will be higher.”
Rove is joined by a chorus of conservative Cassandra’s, from Fox News to the editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal, all warning that the new law will be a disaster.
Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, anticipates a shortage of doctors. “There just aren’t going to be enough of them.”
click
snip
Whatever happened to American can-do optimism? Even before the Affordable Care Act covers its first beneficiary, the nattering nabobs of negativism are out in full force.
“Tens of millions more Americans will lose their coverage and find that new ObamaCare plans have higher premiums, larger deductibles, and fewer doctors,” predicts Republican operative Karl Rove. “Enrollment numbers will be smaller than projected and budget outlays will be higher.”
Rove is joined by a chorus of conservative Cassandra’s, from Fox News to the editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal, all warning that the new law will be a disaster.
Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, anticipates a shortage of doctors. “There just aren’t going to be enough of them.”
McDonald’s CEO Donald Thompson named Scrooge of the Year | The Labor Tribune
McDonald’s CEO Donald Thompson named Scrooge of the Year | The Labor Tribune: "McDonald’s CEO Donald Thompson, nominated by the St. Louis Organizing Committee and the “St. Louis Can’t Survive on $7.35” campaign, was elected Scrooge of the Year for 2013 in St. Louis Jobs with Justice’s annual election and “Holiday Party with Attitude” recognizing the greediest, cold-hearted CEO, politician, corporation or 1 percenter who truly exemplifies the Spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge. This year’s party was held at Painters District Council 2 Hall.
Thompson, who received 4,783 votes, was named CEO of McDonald’s in 2012 and, according to Bloomberg Business Week had a total calculated compensation over $13 million.
According to the St Louis Post Dispatch, “McDonald’s posted $1.5 billion in third-quarter profits. Taxpayers paid $1.2 billion last year for public assistance to the McDonald’s workforce. That’s $300 million per quarter, a 20 percent contribution to the company’s bottom line.”"
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Thompson, who received 4,783 votes, was named CEO of McDonald’s in 2012 and, according to Bloomberg Business Week had a total calculated compensation over $13 million.
According to the St Louis Post Dispatch, “McDonald’s posted $1.5 billion in third-quarter profits. Taxpayers paid $1.2 billion last year for public assistance to the McDonald’s workforce. That’s $300 million per quarter, a 20 percent contribution to the company’s bottom line.”"
'
Democratic legislators file ALEC Transparency Act | The Labor Tribune
Democratic legislators file ALEC Transparency Act | The Labor Tribune: "Bill would require corporate group to disclose its activities like other lobbying organizations
Jefferson City – The right-wing, corporate funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) claims not to lobby, but recently disclosed documents and the group’s own actions show otherwise.
Missouri representatives Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City), Bill Otto (D-Maryland Heights) and Charlie Norr (D-Springfield) recently filed an ALEC Transparency Act to require ALEC staff and any other organizations or individuals who distribute “model legislation” to register as lobbyists with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Under the legislation, ALEC would finally be required to register as a formal lobbying group and to regularly disclose the junkets it provides to legislators, just like all other lobbying interests in the state."
'
Jefferson City – The right-wing, corporate funded American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) claims not to lobby, but recently disclosed documents and the group’s own actions show otherwise.
Missouri representatives Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City), Bill Otto (D-Maryland Heights) and Charlie Norr (D-Springfield) recently filed an ALEC Transparency Act to require ALEC staff and any other organizations or individuals who distribute “model legislation” to register as lobbyists with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Under the legislation, ALEC would finally be required to register as a formal lobbying group and to regularly disclose the junkets it provides to legislators, just like all other lobbying interests in the state."
'
GOP leaders introduce union busting RTW (for less) bill | The Labor Tribune
GOP leaders introduce union busting RTW (for less) bill | The Labor Tribune: "Jefferson City – Instead of focusing on creating jobs and strengthening Missouri’s economy, Republican House leaders in the House of Representatives, under the influence of radical right-wing extremists, have once again filed legislation that would authorize a phony right-to-work (for less) law in Missouri.
In the very first hours of pre-filing for the 2014 legislative session, House Speaker Tim Jones of Eureka and Republican floor leader John Diehl of Town & Country joined Rep. Donna Lichtenegger of Jackson, in introducing the union-busting legislation."
In the very first hours of pre-filing for the 2014 legislative session, House Speaker Tim Jones of Eureka and Republican floor leader John Diehl of Town & Country joined Rep. Donna Lichtenegger of Jackson, in introducing the union-busting legislation."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
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