Monday, April 30, 2012
The BRAD BLOG : WI UPDATES: Nickolaus Both In AND Out?; Photo ID Disenfranchisment in Recalls Definitely Out; Secret Vote Counts on Flawed E-Systems Still In
The BRAD BLOG : WI UPDATES: Nickolaus Both In AND Out?; Photo ID Disenfranchisment in Recalls Definitely Out; Secret Vote Counts on Flawed E-Systems Still In
Just in case some had been resting a bit easier about recall election results for Waukesha County, based on previous reports --- and in the event that anybody had missed our prior warnings about both the Nickolaus-Yeager axis and the continuing concerns about the oft-failed, easily-gamed e-voting systems in use in Waukesha (and elsewhere in the state) --- you've now been put on notice once again. Read More Here | The BRAD BLOG
Just in case some had been resting a bit easier about recall election results for Waukesha County, based on previous reports --- and in the event that anybody had missed our prior warnings about both the Nickolaus-Yeager axis and the continuing concerns about the oft-failed, easily-gamed e-voting systems in use in Waukesha (and elsewhere in the state) --- you've now been put on notice once again. Read More Here | The BRAD BLOG
Red Cross prepares Chicago for mass exodus during NATO Summit? — RT
Red Cross prepares Chicago for mass exodus during NATO Summit? —
"A memo has been sent out of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Red Cross office that confirms that officials are already taking measures to handle an emergency of epic proportions during the upcoming NATO Summit, scheduled for the week of May 20 in the city of Chicago, 70 miles to the south. In addition to armed security forces expected to begin patrolling Chicago as early as this week, authorities are now making plans to usher residents up to Milwaukee in case the planned NATO protests cause an emergency that warrants an immediate evacuation of the city.
“The American Red Cross in southeastern Wisconsin has been asked to place a number of shelters on standby in the event of evacuation of Chicago,” reads a recent email sent out to Milwaukee-area volunteers of the emergency assistance organization. Chicago’s WLS News reports that the email states that the reason for stand-by is that the NATO Summit “may create unrest or another national security incident.”" Read More Here | RT
"A memo has been sent out of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Red Cross office that confirms that officials are already taking measures to handle an emergency of epic proportions during the upcoming NATO Summit, scheduled for the week of May 20 in the city of Chicago, 70 miles to the south. In addition to armed security forces expected to begin patrolling Chicago as early as this week, authorities are now making plans to usher residents up to Milwaukee in case the planned NATO protests cause an emergency that warrants an immediate evacuation of the city.
“The American Red Cross in southeastern Wisconsin has been asked to place a number of shelters on standby in the event of evacuation of Chicago,” reads a recent email sent out to Milwaukee-area volunteers of the emergency assistance organization. Chicago’s WLS News reports that the email states that the reason for stand-by is that the NATO Summit “may create unrest or another national security incident.”" Read More Here | RT
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Daily Kos: The Wisconsin Teacher Story Nobody is Covering
Daily Kos: The Wisconsin Teacher Story Nobody is Covering
Davis says that it is possible, however, for school districts to volunteer to give teachers bonuses for their additional education. This hypothetical make-up pay, to bring wages back up to their current level, would have to occur outside of a union contract. But, even this scenario is implausible considering that the budget will be worse this year than last year and the vast majority of school districts will not have any money left for bonuses after the contracts have been signed.
As an example of how this will play out, below is the pay scale for the Monticello School District's teachers. Previously, the maximum a teacher could earn in the district was $52,927-- which is what someone who has a Masters degree, 24 hours of college credit and 12 years of experience is paid. Under the new rule, the maximum a teacher will be able to earn in future contracts is $38,167, which is the maximum for a teacher that has the minimum educational requirements, but many years of experience.
Tue Apr 24, 2012 at 04:51 PM PDT
The Wisconsin Teacher Story Nobody is Covering
Over at Uppity Wisconsin we are dumbfounded that we seem to be the only media outlet in the state that is covering this story - From our fine blogger Jud Lounsbury, full story and an audio interview from Wisconsin progressive host Sly In The Morning on the topic available here.
Under Act 10, public workers can't negotiate health care benefits, work conditions, or really anything. The one thing they can "negotiate" is whether or not their wages will be adjusted for inflation.
But, now we find that this was just the tip of the iceberg.
The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) General Counsel Peter Davis has confirmed that a new rule recently approved by Governor Walker, together with Act 10, will prohibit school districts and other governmental bodies from including most so-called "add-ons" in the pay scales of new contracts. While years-of-experience add-ons largely will be preserved, additional education, advanced degrees and most other add-ons will be prohibited from being put in the contract.
This will hit all public sector workers hard, but will teachers the hardest.
Davis agreed and said that a commonly used "guesstimate" for the effect of the changes was that about 30% of the wages actually paid to teachers would not be counted as part of the total wages.
Under Act 10, public workers can't negotiate health care benefits, work conditions, or really anything. The one thing they can "negotiate" is whether or not their wages will be adjusted for inflation.
But, now we find that this was just the tip of the iceberg.
The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) General Counsel Peter Davis has confirmed that a new rule recently approved by Governor Walker, together with Act 10, will prohibit school districts and other governmental bodies from including most so-called "add-ons" in the pay scales of new contracts. While years-of-experience add-ons largely will be preserved, additional education, advanced degrees and most other add-ons will be prohibited from being put in the contract.
This will hit all public sector workers hard, but will teachers the hardest.
Davis agreed and said that a commonly used "guesstimate" for the effect of the changes was that about 30% of the wages actually paid to teachers would not be counted as part of the total wages.
As an example of how this will play out, below is the pay scale for the Monticello School District's teachers. Previously, the maximum a teacher could earn in the district was $52,927-- which is what someone who has a Masters degree, 24 hours of college credit and 12 years of experience is paid. Under the new rule, the maximum a teacher will be able to earn in future contracts is $38,167, which is the maximum for a teacher that has the minimum educational requirements, but many years of experience.
Jon Corzine Is the Original George Zimmerman | Matt Taibbi | Rolling Stone
Jon Corzine Is the Original George Zimmerman | Matt Taibbi | Rolling Stone
"But these people stole over a billion dollars, right out in the open, and nobody is doing anything about it. Instead, we get a lot of chin-scratching legislative hearings, and an almost academic-style public discussion about whether or not a crime even took place. If there aren’t arrests in this case soon, ordinary people will correctly deduce that it simply isn’t a crime to steal in America, if the thefts are executed with a computer by white people in suits.
Just as it was incredible when Florida authorities dragged their feet in the Zimmerman case, it’s incredible that people in Washington don’t see the implications of this continual non-decision on MF Global. Apparently they hope no one notices. The sad thing is, they might be right." Matt Taibbi
"But these people stole over a billion dollars, right out in the open, and nobody is doing anything about it. Instead, we get a lot of chin-scratching legislative hearings, and an almost academic-style public discussion about whether or not a crime even took place. If there aren’t arrests in this case soon, ordinary people will correctly deduce that it simply isn’t a crime to steal in America, if the thefts are executed with a computer by white people in suits.
Just as it was incredible when Florida authorities dragged their feet in the Zimmerman case, it’s incredible that people in Washington don’t see the implications of this continual non-decision on MF Global. Apparently they hope no one notices. The sad thing is, they might be right." Matt Taibbi
Let Them Eat Cupcakes Flash Mob: We Are Not Moving (in solidarity with the General Strike)
From Brooks Brothers, past Chanel to Van Cleef & Arpels - stand against this Eat the Poor, Feed the Rich world and join us as we reclaim Rodeo Drive this May Day. We will be silent no more! We are the people; we have our cake and we're going to make THEM eat it too!
To indulge your imagination, please view the Grand Central Flashmob video for reference @ http://www.youtube.com/
This video had over 30 MILLION hits. This flash mob could be a powerful piece that spreads our message far and wide. Please join us, invite peeps and spread the word!
EVENT DETAILS:
9:30 AM: Meet, brief and get ready in the park on Rodeo Drive & Santa Monica Blvd.
11:50 AM: Flashmob commences & heads to Wilshire & Rodeo Drive to join the West Wind Caravan into downtown L.A.
What to bring: yourself, friends and whatever you need to display how you feel about what greed is doing to our world (creativity, props, signs, etc). Materials will also be available at the briefing. For inquiries or to join the cupcake preparation team, please contact us at maydayflashmob@gmail.com. Your help at any level is greatly appreciated.
Hope to see you there.
Team Cupcakes
Follow us on Twitter: @MayDayFlashMob
Evite: www.pingg.com/rsvp/
Meetup Page: www.meetup.com/
The Costs of Fracking - NYTimes.com
The Costs of Fracking - NYTimes.com
To the Editor:
As regulators weigh the benefits of drilling 40,000 gas wells across New
York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s scant
analysis of fracking’s potential costs overstates job benefits and omits
state Transportation Department estimates of road maintenance costs
exceeding $375 million.
Numerous studies show that drill-friendly communities underperform their
neighbors in income, employment, education and investment. The D.E.C.
now admits that its review was inadequate. Worse, the department
completely ignores fracking’s health effects despite compelling evidence
from Texas of asthma levels three times higher in areas affected by
fracking.
Pennsylvanians are sick from arsenic, benzene and toluene from nearby
fracking wells. Two hundred fifty medical professionals petitioned New
York State last year for a health assessment and received no response.
The director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Christopher Portier,
recently urged, “More research is needed for us to understand public
health impacts from natural gas drilling and new gas drilling
technologies.”
It is an unwise gamble for New York State to make its fracking decision without the facts.
ROBERT F. KENNEDY Jr.
PAUL GALLAY
White Plains, March 23, 2012
PAUL GALLAY
White Plains, March 23, 2012
The writers are presidents of, respectively, the Waterkeeper Alliance and Hudson Riverkeeper.
John Nichols: How Republican scheming could help Arthur Kohl-Riggs
John Nichols: How Republican scheming could help Arthur Kohl-Riggs
Last year, Wisconsin state Rep. Robin Vos was a prime mover in the Republican effort to pass voter ID legislation that was so restrictive that the courts have rejected it as anti-democratic. Vos, the co-chair of the powerful legislative Joint Finance Committee, said the draconian measure was necessary in order to maintain the integrity of Wisconsin elections.
So Vos must be really serious about election integrity, right?
Wrong.
The Republican who hopes to become the next speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly is urging fellow partisans to cross over and vote in the Democratic primary in order to undermine Democratic prospects in the upcoming recall elections.
"We are encouraging Republicans to vote in the Democratic primaries," says Vos.
The hope, Vos explains, is that Republicans will nominate the weakest Democratic contenders in Democratic primaries, this making it possible for Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and targeted Republican state senators to prevail in the June 5 recall election where they would otherwise be defeated. Read Full Article Here | John Nichols
Last year, Wisconsin state Rep. Robin Vos was a prime mover in the Republican effort to pass voter ID legislation that was so restrictive that the courts have rejected it as anti-democratic. Vos, the co-chair of the powerful legislative Joint Finance Committee, said the draconian measure was necessary in order to maintain the integrity of Wisconsin elections.
So Vos must be really serious about election integrity, right?
Wrong.
The Republican who hopes to become the next speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly is urging fellow partisans to cross over and vote in the Democratic primary in order to undermine Democratic prospects in the upcoming recall elections.
"We are encouraging Republicans to vote in the Democratic primaries," says Vos.
The hope, Vos explains, is that Republicans will nominate the weakest Democratic contenders in Democratic primaries, this making it possible for Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and targeted Republican state senators to prevail in the June 5 recall election where they would otherwise be defeated. Read Full Article Here | John Nichols
State posts largest percentage job loss in U.S. over past year, report shows - JSOnline
State posts largest percentage job loss in U.S. over past year, report shows - JSOnline
Wisconsin is the only state that had "statistically significant" job losses over the most recent 12-month period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
From March 2011 to March 2012, Wisconsin lost 23,900 jobs. That was the largest decrease in percentage terms in the country.
Those job losses came from both the public and private sector, but the public sector job losses (17,800) were larger than the private-sector job losses (6,100).
At the same time, Wisconsin was one of 18 states that had a statistically significant drop in the unemployment rate during the same period, from 7.6% to 6.8%. Read Full Article Here | JSOnline
From March 2011 to March 2012, Wisconsin lost 23,900 jobs. That was the largest decrease in percentage terms in the country.
Those job losses came from both the public and private sector, but the public sector job losses (17,800) were larger than the private-sector job losses (6,100).
At the same time, Wisconsin was one of 18 states that had a statistically significant drop in the unemployment rate during the same period, from 7.6% to 6.8%. Read Full Article Here | JSOnline
Monday, April 23, 2012
Supreme Court to Hear Arizona Immigration Case This Week
Supreme Court to Hear Arizona Immigration Case This Week
The US Supreme Court Building. (Photo: matt.h.wade) Washington — Immigration politics will hit the Supreme Court this week as justices weigh how much border-control clout the states can deploy.
In their latest highly charged faceoff, the justices must decide whether Arizona went too far with a crackdown that includes ordering police to routinely check the legal residency status of people they stop. The court's final answer this election year could ignite Capitol Hill, other states and, not least, Hispanic voters.
"This is a huge case, of great importance," said Andrew I. Schoenholtz, a visiting professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center. Read Full Article Here | Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court Building. (Photo: matt.h.wade) Washington — Immigration politics will hit the Supreme Court this week as justices weigh how much border-control clout the states can deploy.In their latest highly charged faceoff, the justices must decide whether Arizona went too far with a crackdown that includes ordering police to routinely check the legal residency status of people they stop. The court's final answer this election year could ignite Capitol Hill, other states and, not least, Hispanic voters.
"This is a huge case, of great importance," said Andrew I. Schoenholtz, a visiting professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center. Read Full Article Here | Supreme Court
A Panicked and Desperate ALEC Admits that They Are Being Defeated
A Panicked and Desperate ALEC Admits that They Are Being Defeated
"The main stream media has been remiss to do their job and inform the public about who is writing and pushing legislation to disenfranchise voters, lengthen prison sentences, expand the war on drugs, privatize prisons, criminalize immigrants, and “thwart pre-trial release programs in favor of for-profit bail bonding” that all serve to enrich corporations. In lieu of responsible journalism, activists have turned to social media to enlighten the public on the anti-democratic agenda of the corporation-funded ALEC and the activists have “encouraged” eleven (at last count) large corporation to dump ALEC out of fear of consumer boycotts and public relation disasters that affect their profits. " Read More Here | ALEC Admits that They Are Being Defeated
"The main stream media has been remiss to do their job and inform the public about who is writing and pushing legislation to disenfranchise voters, lengthen prison sentences, expand the war on drugs, privatize prisons, criminalize immigrants, and “thwart pre-trial release programs in favor of for-profit bail bonding” that all serve to enrich corporations. In lieu of responsible journalism, activists have turned to social media to enlighten the public on the anti-democratic agenda of the corporation-funded ALEC and the activists have “encouraged” eleven (at last count) large corporation to dump ALEC out of fear of consumer boycotts and public relation disasters that affect their profits. " Read More Here | ALEC Admits that They Are Being Defeated
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sensationalist Media Miss the Mark by Ralph Nader « Dandelion Salad
Sensationalist Media Miss the Mark by Ralph Nader « Dandelion Salad
"The presenters were among the most experienced and articulate activists in the country regarding these important areas of American concerns. The media were informed in advance, yet no major news reporters, feature writers or columnists showed up.
Among the many leaders in fields of corporate injustice who spoke at the conference were: Harvey Wasserman, Rob Richie, Patrick Burns, Robert Weissman, Phineas Baxandall, David Morris, Wenonah Hauter, Jamie Love, Margaret Flowers, Greg LeRoy, Gayle McLaughlin, Michael Gecan, Russell Mokhiber, Chris Hedges and David Freeman.
Ever hear of them? Do you know how much better, safer, economically-secure, freer and more influential your lives would be were these and other civic leaders given print and airtime like the scoundrels and distracters that daily fill the screens and pages of newspapers, television and radio?" Ralph Nader
"The presenters were among the most experienced and articulate activists in the country regarding these important areas of American concerns. The media were informed in advance, yet no major news reporters, feature writers or columnists showed up.
Among the many leaders in fields of corporate injustice who spoke at the conference were: Harvey Wasserman, Rob Richie, Patrick Burns, Robert Weissman, Phineas Baxandall, David Morris, Wenonah Hauter, Jamie Love, Margaret Flowers, Greg LeRoy, Gayle McLaughlin, Michael Gecan, Russell Mokhiber, Chris Hedges and David Freeman.
Ever hear of them? Do you know how much better, safer, economically-secure, freer and more influential your lives would be were these and other civic leaders given print and airtime like the scoundrels and distracters that daily fill the screens and pages of newspapers, television and radio?" Ralph Nader
ALEC Disbands Task Force Responsible for Voter ID, 'Stand Your Ground' Laws | The Nation
ALEC Disbands Task Force Responsible for Voter ID, 'Stand Your Ground' Laws | The Nation
Pressured by watchdog groups, civil rights organizations and a growing national movement for accountable lawmaking, the American Legislative Exchange Council announced Tuesday that it was disbanding the task force that has been responsible for advancing controversial Voter ID and “Stand Your Ground” laws.
ALEC, the shadowy corporate-funded proponent of so-called “model legislation” for passage by pliant state legislatures, announced that it would disband its “Public Safety and Elections” task force. The task force has been the prime vehicle for proposing and advancing what critics describe as voter-suppression and anti-democratic initiatives—not just restrictive Voter ID laws but also plans to limit the ability of citizens to petition for referendums and constitutional changes that favor workers and communities. The task force has also been the source of so-called “Castle Doctrine” and “Stand Your Ground” laws that limit the ability of police and prosecutors to pursue inquiries into shootings of unarmed individuals such as Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
The decision to disband the task force appears to get ALEC out of the business of promoting Voter ID and “Stand Your Ground” laws. That’s a dramatic turn of events, with significant implications for state-based struggles over voting rights an elections, as well as criminal justice policy. But it does not mean that ALEC will stop promoting one-size-fits-all “model legislation” at the state level. Read Full Article Here | The Nation
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Executive Order: Feds To Take Control of Domestic Natural Gas Production :
Executive Order: Feds To Take Control of Domestic Natural Gas Production :
The Obama administration is taking new steps to increase federal oversight of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, a drilling method that has helped usher in a natural-gas boom but brought with it environmental concerns.
The Environmental Protection Agency is slated to unveil final oil-and-gas air pollution regulations next week that would cut smog-forming and toxic emissions from wells developed with fracking. Separately, the Interior Department will soon float rules for fracking on public lands.
Source: The Hill
Read Full Article Here | Executive Order: Feds To Take Control of Domestic Natural Gas Production :
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Teamster Nation: Huge anti-Walker rally in IL underway
Teamster Nation: Huge anti-Walker rally in IL underway
A large, loud crowd is converging in Springfield, Ill., right now to protest the jaw-droppingly dishonest governor of Wisconsin. He's speaking to the Illinois Chamber ofForeign Multinationals Commerce. Full Post Here | Huge anti-Walker rally in IL underway
A large, loud crowd is converging in Springfield, Ill., right now to protest the jaw-droppingly dishonest governor of Wisconsin. He's speaking to the Illinois Chamber of
On Equal Pay Day, Lena Taylor Endorses Tom Barrett for Governor
On Equal Pay Day, Lena Taylor Endorses Tom Barrett for Governor
MILWAUKEE -- Barrett for Wisconsin released the following statement today from progressive champion and 'Wisconsin 14' member state Senator Lena Taylor, who has announced her endorsement of Tom Barrett for governor.
"At this pivotal moment in Wisconsin's history, we need a governor who will focus on jobs, not extreme partisanship and an ideological agenda. We need a governor who will strengthen our classrooms, not slash funding for them. We need a governor who will honor and respect working people, not wage an assault on the rights that protect them. And on Equal Pay Day, we need a governor who understands that we must all be treated fairly, and that we cannot discriminate against women, or anyone for that matter, in the workplace.
"Tom Barrett will be this governor. He will fight for jobs, for education, for restoring collective bargaining rights. And as we recognize Equal Pay Day, I know he will fight to restore the state protections against workplace pay discrimination that Scott Walker took away. He will fight to end Scott Walker's war on women."
"During the historic protests last year, Wisconsin men and women made their voices heard against Walker's radical agenda. The Wisconsin 14 stood up to his assault on our values. And Tom Barrett will continue this fight as our next governor. He will defeat Scott Walker, end the ideological civil war and get Wisconsin moving forward."
MILWAUKEE -- Barrett for Wisconsin released the following statement today from progressive champion and 'Wisconsin 14' member state Senator Lena Taylor, who has announced her endorsement of Tom Barrett for governor.
"At this pivotal moment in Wisconsin's history, we need a governor who will focus on jobs, not extreme partisanship and an ideological agenda. We need a governor who will strengthen our classrooms, not slash funding for them. We need a governor who will honor and respect working people, not wage an assault on the rights that protect them. And on Equal Pay Day, we need a governor who understands that we must all be treated fairly, and that we cannot discriminate against women, or anyone for that matter, in the workplace.
"Tom Barrett will be this governor. He will fight for jobs, for education, for restoring collective bargaining rights. And as we recognize Equal Pay Day, I know he will fight to restore the state protections against workplace pay discrimination that Scott Walker took away. He will fight to end Scott Walker's war on women."
"During the historic protests last year, Wisconsin men and women made their voices heard against Walker's radical agenda. The Wisconsin 14 stood up to his assault on our values. And Tom Barrett will continue this fight as our next governor. He will defeat Scott Walker, end the ideological civil war and get Wisconsin moving forward."
Letter From a Friend Supporting Arthur Kohl-Riggs
Letter From a Friend Supporting Arthur Kohl-Riggs
I’ve been friends with Arthur Kohl-Riggs for 8 years and one thing continually sticks out in my mind: Art’s ability to listen and to engage in dialogue. Art was elected to consecutive terms as Student Body President at my high school, because instead of making outrageous promises he campaigned on tenents of transparency and receptiveness in all decision making. And he delivered. His education since then has been practical—Art has traveled the country working for, and more importantly listening to, the voice of the little guy. The fact that Art was able to secure a place on the ballot given less than a week to compile the required signatures is a testament to the kind of person he is. Art has friends everywhere because of his open mind and his dedication to uncovering the truth at all costs. I believe that Art’s candidacy is inspirational and groundbreaking. Due to the social media technology utilized by Arts campaign (as well as revolutionaries all over the world) we are entering an age where the power of knowledge is beginning to counter entrenched political institutions that have historically relied on funding from the few to misinform and manipulate the many. Read More Here | Letter From a Friend
More about Arthur Kohl-Riggs by John Nichols | http://blogablebev.blogspot.com/2012/04/john-nichols-lincoln-la-follette.html
I’ve been friends with Arthur Kohl-Riggs for 8 years and one thing continually sticks out in my mind: Art’s ability to listen and to engage in dialogue. Art was elected to consecutive terms as Student Body President at my high school, because instead of making outrageous promises he campaigned on tenents of transparency and receptiveness in all decision making. And he delivered. His education since then has been practical—Art has traveled the country working for, and more importantly listening to, the voice of the little guy. The fact that Art was able to secure a place on the ballot given less than a week to compile the required signatures is a testament to the kind of person he is. Art has friends everywhere because of his open mind and his dedication to uncovering the truth at all costs. I believe that Art’s candidacy is inspirational and groundbreaking. Due to the social media technology utilized by Arts campaign (as well as revolutionaries all over the world) we are entering an age where the power of knowledge is beginning to counter entrenched political institutions that have historically relied on funding from the few to misinform and manipulate the many. Read More Here | Letter From a Friend
More about Arthur Kohl-Riggs by John Nichols | http://blogablebev.blogspot.com/2012/04/john-nichols-lincoln-la-follette.html
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
John Nichols: ‘A Lincoln La Follette Republican’
John Nichols: ‘A Lincoln La Follette Republican’
Now and again the media get something wrong, and that was certainly the case with the Associated Press report that identified gubernatorial candidate Arthur Kohl-Riggs as a “fake Republican.”
In fact, Kohl-Riggs is a real Republican, a true champion of the party of Abraham Lincoln and Robert M. La Follette.
An early and determined protester against Gov. Scott Walker’s assaults on labor rights, public education, public services and the right to vote, the 23-year-old Kohl-Riggs had never been involved with either political party before he joined the hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who have built a movement to recall Walker.
“People who talk to me know I am not a Democrat. That comes through right away. And they know I’m not a Scott Walker Republican,” says Kohl-Riggs. “But as I’ve studied the history of the two parties, and of Wisconsin, I’ve come to realize that Scott Walker is not a real Republican. He’s part of the crowd that took over the Republican Party and made it into something Abraham Lincoln would not recognize.”
America´s Democracy Stolen by Voting Machines! ! **MUST SEE !!** - YouTube
America´s Democracy Stolen by Voting Machines! ! **MUST SEE !!** - YouTube
"People keep pointing out the OBVIOUS that this is NOT Ron Paul.. DUH! This is Metaphorically speaking and it's FAR WORSE today.. I would BET he's had many times this amount stolen given his enormous popularity..
Watch as the Deibold Machine FIXES the total..
This should be FRONT PAGE NEWS! We CAN NOT ALLOW THIS! Open LIVE TV Broadcast while they count ballots is the only way!!!
One lady breaks down crying she is so upset..
A MUST WATCH.."
"People keep pointing out the OBVIOUS that this is NOT Ron Paul.. DUH! This is Metaphorically speaking and it's FAR WORSE today.. I would BET he's had many times this amount stolen given his enormous popularity..
Watch as the Deibold Machine FIXES the total..
This should be FRONT PAGE NEWS! We CAN NOT ALLOW THIS! Open LIVE TV Broadcast while they count ballots is the only way!!!
One lady breaks down crying she is so upset..
A MUST WATCH.."
Friday, April 13, 2012
10 Big Companies That Pay No Taxes (and Their Favorite Politicians) | Mother Jones
10 Big Companies That Pay No Taxes (and Their Favorite Politicians) | Mother Jones
"Between 2008 and 2011, 26 major American corporations paid no net federal income taxes despite bringing in billions in profits, according to a new report (PDF) from the nonprofit research group Citizens for Tax Justice."
"Between 2008 and 2011, 26 major American corporations paid no net federal income taxes despite bringing in billions in profits, according to a new report (PDF) from the nonprofit research group Citizens for Tax Justice."
Here's a look at the 10 most profitable tax evaders and the politicians their CEOs, employees, and PACs give the most money to.
Verizon Communications
Profits: $19.8 billion Effective tax rate: -3.8%
Top recipients, 2011-2012
President Barack Obama: $51,493
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ): $24,450
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): $23,700
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio): $22,500
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY): $15,000
General Electric
Profits: $19.6 billion Effective tax rate: -18.9%
Top recipients, 2011-2012
Mitt Romney: $53,750
President Barack Obama: $30,493
Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.): $23,900
Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.): $21,860
Rep. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.): $19,750
Courting the crossover vote in the recall primaries
Courting the crossover vote in the recall primaries
"The recall primary is shaping up as a game of strategy, with some backers of Gov. Scott Walker urging Republicans to vote for Democrat Kathleen Falk, who they think will be easier for Walker to beat in the general election than Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
No less than Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has suggested that GOP voters might take their votes to the Democratic side.
"There's nothing to keep the Republicans from messing around," Fitzgerald recently told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel." Read Full Article Here | Courting the crossover
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Justice For John McNeil
Justice For John McNeil
"John McNeil, a father who was defending his teenage son, himself, and his home, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in November 2006 for killing Brian Epp, a white trespasser. The Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court found that Epp, an armed trespasser on McNeil’s property had already threatened McNeil’s son with a box cutter. When McNeil arrived home to protect his son, he told the trespasser to get off the McNeil property. Eyewitnesses saw the trespasser, with the box cutter still on his person, keep advancing toward McNeil. McNeil warned him again, and when the trespasser got within a few feet of McNeil, the homeowner fired a warning shot into the ground. The trespasser continued to advance in a threatening manner toward McNeil, ignoring McNeil’s command to back up. When the trespasser was within arm’s distance where he could injure or kill McNeil with the box cutter, or grab McNeil’s weapon, McNeil fired one shot, which was fatal." Full Article Here | Justice For John McNeil
"John McNeil, a father who was defending his teenage son, himself, and his home, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in November 2006 for killing Brian Epp, a white trespasser. The Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court found that Epp, an armed trespasser on McNeil’s property had already threatened McNeil’s son with a box cutter. When McNeil arrived home to protect his son, he told the trespasser to get off the McNeil property. Eyewitnesses saw the trespasser, with the box cutter still on his person, keep advancing toward McNeil. McNeil warned him again, and when the trespasser got within a few feet of McNeil, the homeowner fired a warning shot into the ground. The trespasser continued to advance in a threatening manner toward McNeil, ignoring McNeil’s command to back up. When the trespasser was within arm’s distance where he could injure or kill McNeil with the box cutter, or grab McNeil’s weapon, McNeil fired one shot, which was fatal." Full Article Here | Justice For John McNeil
The BEAST » Blog Archive » VOTE REPUBLICAN!
The BEAST » Blog Archive » VOTE REPUBLICAN!"Whether quietly wielding a camera, literally calling “bullshit” on gerrymandered districts at public hearings, or running a rogue primary campaign, Art draws no distinction between politics, journalism, and activism. “They’re just different ways of telling the truth,” he says. Smart, well-informed, and articulate, he’s pretty damn good at it, too — whatever you call it. And for that reason, the Fake David Koch is proud to endorse Arthur Kohl-Riggs for the office of Governor of the State of Wisconsin.
I — he was so inspired by Art’s candidacy that I –he drew up this campaign poster:"
Read Full Article Here | The BEAST » Blog Archive
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Arthur Kohl-Riggs turns in enough signatures, prepares to primary Walker. | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
Arthur Kohl-Riggs turns in enough signatures, prepares to primary Walker. | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op“Finally, I am not working for, nor am I receiving any funds from the Democratic party. The fake Democratic candidates are running as agents for the GOP, their papers were circulated and filled out by members of the GOP, and their presence on the ballot is simply to provide a benefit for the Republican party. In fact, I do not intend to accept money from any special interest group.
“On the subject of fake candidates, Scott Walker is the fake Republican. His policies and the actions of his administration are out of line with the values of La Follette, and Lincoln, and the original principles of the Republican party. Read Full Article Here | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
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Super-Rich Plan To Survive Apocalypse In Underground Luxury Condos (PHOTOS)
Super-Rich Plan To Survive Apocalypse In Underground Luxury Condos (PHOTOS)
"Four buyers have already spent about $7 million on luxurious doomsday-safe condos built in a Cold War-era missile shaft below a Kansas prairie, according to the AFP. The cylindrical underground building not only includes condo space, but its developer is also adding an indoor farm, pool, movie theater, a stockpile of five years worth of dry food, and space for a medical center and school, the AFP reports.
Its inhabitants should be well protected. The condo building, which extends 174 feet underground, hosts concrete walls that are nine feet thick, according to The Daily Mail. The shape of a silo, Forbes adds, also makes it an even more ideal hiding place."Full Article Here | Survive Apocalypse In Underground Luxury Condos
"Four buyers have already spent about $7 million on luxurious doomsday-safe condos built in a Cold War-era missile shaft below a Kansas prairie, according to the AFP. The cylindrical underground building not only includes condo space, but its developer is also adding an indoor farm, pool, movie theater, a stockpile of five years worth of dry food, and space for a medical center and school, the AFP reports.
Its inhabitants should be well protected. The condo building, which extends 174 feet underground, hosts concrete walls that are nine feet thick, according to The Daily Mail. The shape of a silo, Forbes adds, also makes it an even more ideal hiding place."Full Article Here | Survive Apocalypse In Underground Luxury Condos
Breaking News: Gov. Walker Facing Republican Progressive In Recall Primary, May Be Eliminated Early
Breaking News: Gov. Walker Facing Republican Progressive In Recall Primary, May Be Eliminated Early
"In a huge twist, Wisconsin Democrats now have the potential to remove Scott Walker before he even has a chance to face off with a Democratic challenger. With the out-of-nowhere candidacy of progressive activist Arthur Kohl-Riggs on the Republican ticket Democrats could now vote out Walker in the Republican primary. Wisconsin law allows an open primary in which Democrats can vote in the Republican primary, or vice versa.
In recent weeks Democrats have come under fire for not unanimously endorsing a single Walker challenger. That coupled with weeks of speculation that Republicans would vote in the Democratic primary in an attempt to sway the endorsement to the least electable candidate had until Mr. Kohl-Riggs’ candidacy today left Democrats very vulnerable and without many options. With the introduction of this activist candidate Democrats are again back on the offensive." Read More Here | Gov. Walker Facing Republican Progressive In Recall Primary, May Be Eliminated Early
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A State Ripped in Two - GermantownNOW
A State Ripped in Two - GermantownNOW
After Walker "dropped the bomb" on Wisconsin in early 2011, even many moderate Republicans disagreed with his extreme agenda. Stories abound of moderate legislators who were coerced into compliance. State Sen. Bob Jauch (D), who spoke frequently with his friend Tommy Thompson during early 2011, said "Tommy was beside himself that Walker was so dogmatic. We had lots of conversations about this-about how it was going to do nothing but cause chaos, and it was bad for the state. Businesses aren't going to move here in the middle of all this conflict."
After Walker "dropped the bomb" on Wisconsin in early 2011, even many moderate Republicans disagreed with his extreme agenda. Stories abound of moderate legislators who were coerced into compliance. State Sen. Bob Jauch (D), who spoke frequently with his friend Tommy Thompson during early 2011, said "Tommy was beside himself that Walker was so dogmatic. We had lots of conversations about this-about how it was going to do nothing but cause chaos, and it was bad for the state. Businesses aren't going to move here in the middle of all this conflict."
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
How to Expand the Voter Rolls - NYTimes.com
How to Expand the Voter Rolls - NYTimes.com
"Florida, for example, has put stringent restrictions on voter registration drives, imposing fines and even criminal penalties for the slightest infraction of complex rules. Groups like the League of Women Voters and Rock the Vote say they won’t participate in such a system. Election officials say the rules limiting these drives are a significant reason that new registrations are lower than they were four years ago.
Since President Obama was elected with help from a surge of support from new voters, similar laws have been passed or introduced in South Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, and several other states as part of a Republican effort to restrict voting by groups that tend to vote Democratic."
Are The Public Employee Unions Set To Self-Destruct In Wisconsin Walker Recall? - Forbes
Are The Public Employee Unions Set To Self-Destruct In Wisconsin Walker Recall? - Forbes
"So, a big two thumbs down to AFSCME for losing its ability to see the forest for the trees and walking into so grave an unforced error.
The coming recall election is going to be close —very close. Why the leading public employee union would take such a step when it can only help Governor Walker hold onto his seat is simply beyond any reasonable comprehension.
The union should remember that while they will surely benefit from a Walker recall, this is not all about them. But for the efforts of the many people in Wisconsin—union and non-union— who have stood up against the Governor’s policies and agenda, there would be no recall. The least AFSCME, and the other public employee unions, can do is keep faith with all of those who have had their back. That means a little less selfishness and a lot more judgment than what they displayed this past week." Rick Unger Read Full Article Here | Forbes
"So, a big two thumbs down to AFSCME for losing its ability to see the forest for the trees and walking into so grave an unforced error.
The coming recall election is going to be close —very close. Why the leading public employee union would take such a step when it can only help Governor Walker hold onto his seat is simply beyond any reasonable comprehension.
The union should remember that while they will surely benefit from a Walker recall, this is not all about them. But for the efforts of the many people in Wisconsin—union and non-union— who have stood up against the Governor’s policies and agenda, there would be no recall. The least AFSCME, and the other public employee unions, can do is keep faith with all of those who have had their back. That means a little less selfishness and a lot more judgment than what they displayed this past week." Rick Unger Read Full Article Here | Forbes
Monday, April 9, 2012
Don't Just Pressure ALEC's Sponsors, Name and Shame ALEC Legislators | The Nation
Don't Just Pressure ALEC's Sponsors, Name and Shame ALEC Legislators | The Nation
The Maine’s Majority movement has asked legislators in that state to give up their American Legislative Exchange Council memberships: “Given what we now know about ALEC and its detrimental effect on Maine’s public policy, there’s no excuse for Maine legislators to continue their involvement in the organization,” says Maine’s Majority executive director Chris Korzen. “The fact that Coke, Pepsi and Kraft have left ALEC speaks volumes to how toxic the group has become. It’s time for Maine’s ALEC members to follow suit.”
Maine Majority is naming and shaming Maine legislators who are allied with ALEC—identifying “known ALEC members” and urging them to “terminate their ALEC memberships.”
Activists in other states can be just as bold.
The ALEC Exposed project maintains a list of legislators who are allied with ALEC. Here’s the link.
The Maine’s Majority movement has asked legislators in that state to give up their American Legislative Exchange Council memberships: “Given what we now know about ALEC and its detrimental effect on Maine’s public policy, there’s no excuse for Maine legislators to continue their involvement in the organization,” says Maine’s Majority executive director Chris Korzen. “The fact that Coke, Pepsi and Kraft have left ALEC speaks volumes to how toxic the group has become. It’s time for Maine’s ALEC members to follow suit.”
Maine Majority is naming and shaming Maine legislators who are allied with ALEC—identifying “known ALEC members” and urging them to “terminate their ALEC memberships.”
Activists in other states can be just as bold.
The ALEC Exposed project maintains a list of legislators who are allied with ALEC. Here’s the link.
Hoodie Rally Remembers Bo Morrison and Trayvon Martin | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
Hoodie Rally Remembers Bo Morrison and Trayvon Martin | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
“So let’s name what’s terribly wrong in America, and in Wisconsin, today. One obvious thing is racism. It has not gone away. We are not living in the mythical post-racial society. It’s with us like a virus that we just can’t kick, and it flares up in lethal forms. But it’s not just racism we’re dealing with here. There’s another afflicting this country. It’s a virus that hasn’t been here as long as slavery, but almost half as long. It’s called oligarchy. It’s called plutocracy. It’s rule by the rich and by the corporations and by the special interests.” Matthew Rothschild | Read Full Article Here | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
“So let’s name what’s terribly wrong in America, and in Wisconsin, today. One obvious thing is racism. It has not gone away. We are not living in the mythical post-racial society. It’s with us like a virus that we just can’t kick, and it flares up in lethal forms. But it’s not just racism we’re dealing with here. There’s another afflicting this country. It’s a virus that hasn’t been here as long as slavery, but almost half as long. It’s called oligarchy. It’s called plutocracy. It’s rule by the rich and by the corporations and by the special interests.” Matthew Rothschild | Read Full Article Here | Wisconsin Citizens Media Co-op
Not Just the NRA: Former ALEC Leader, the Head of Gun Owners of America, Sides With Shooter of Trayvon Martin | Center for Media and Democracy
Not Just the NRA: Former ALEC Leader, the Head of Gun Owners of America, Sides With Shooter of Trayvon Martin | Center for Media and Democracy
CMD has reported on how the corporations and state legislators on the ALEC Criminal Justice Task Force in 2005 approved the NRA-sponsored "Castle Doctrine Act" as an ALEC model, which was then introduced in statehouses across the country (and has been cited to allow Trayvon Martin's killer to walk free). The ALEC model bill expands the common-law castle doctrine beyond the home to give criminal and civil immunity to a person who uses deadly force "anywhere they have a right to be," whenever they believe themselves to feel threatened. Read More Here | Center for Media and Democracy
Many ALEC Bills Disparately Impact People of Color
Given Pratt's history, ALEC may wish to further distance itself from the Gun Owners of America director. But bills more recently approved at the behest of the NRA or with the NRA in a leadership role on ALEC's Criminal Justice Task Force have been shown to have a racially disparate impact.CMD has reported on how the corporations and state legislators on the ALEC Criminal Justice Task Force in 2005 approved the NRA-sponsored "Castle Doctrine Act" as an ALEC model, which was then introduced in statehouses across the country (and has been cited to allow Trayvon Martin's killer to walk free). The ALEC model bill expands the common-law castle doctrine beyond the home to give criminal and civil immunity to a person who uses deadly force "anywhere they have a right to be," whenever they believe themselves to feel threatened. Read More Here | Center for Media and Democracy
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Demand That Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus Resign!
Demand That Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus Resign!
We demand that Kathy Nickolaus resigns from her position, effective immediately! She has consistently shown time and time again that she is not qualified for the position. We will be visiting Kathy Nickolaus on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to make this demand in person. Please come and join us in making this call for her resignation and stand up for fair elections in Wisconsin!
Occupy Riverwest will be providing a free bus to and from the demonstration. This bus will be leaving the Riverwest Public House (815 E. Locust Street) at 4:00 p.m. on April 11th and leaving to return back to the Public House at 7:00 p.m. If interested in taking the free bus to this event please try and confirm on the wall of the Facebook event page so we have an idea of what our numbers look like.
We demand that Kathy Nickolaus resigns from her position, effective immediately! She has consistently shown time and time again that she is not qualified for the position. We will be visiting Kathy Nickolaus on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to make this demand in person. Please come and join us in making this call for her resignation and stand up for fair elections in Wisconsin!
Occupy Riverwest will be providing a free bus to and from the demonstration. This bus will be leaving the Riverwest Public House (815 E. Locust Street) at 4:00 p.m. on April 11th and leaving to return back to the Public House at 7:00 p.m. If interested in taking the free bus to this event please try and confirm on the wall of the Facebook event page so we have an idea of what our numbers look like.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Police Draw Guns On African-American Baseball Player Outside His Home | ThinkProgress
Police Draw Guns On African-American Baseball Player Outside His Home | ThinkProgress
Torii Hunter, an All-Star centerfielder for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, had an awkward run-in with local police officers outside his Newport, California home Wednesday night after his home security system malfunctioned. Twenty minutes after the alarm went off, Hunter saw police outside his house and walked outside, only to see police draw their weapons and ask him for his ID because “they didn’t believe” he lived there, Hunter tweeted: Read Full Article Here | ThinkProgress
Torii Hunter, an All-Star centerfielder for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, had an awkward run-in with local police officers outside his Newport, California home Wednesday night after his home security system malfunctioned. Twenty minutes after the alarm went off, Hunter saw police outside his house and walked outside, only to see police draw their weapons and ask him for his ID because “they didn’t believe” he lived there, Hunter tweeted: Read Full Article Here | ThinkProgress
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch
The Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch
SPREAD THE WORD. Share information about ALEC through Facebook, e-mail and Twitter. Concerned groups and people in every state need this to investigate how ALEC corporations are rewriting laws for their own advantage. And, please join the conversation on Facebook!
EXPOSE ALEC LEGISLATORS. Demand the truth about which politicians in your state are in ALEC. Uncover whether YOUR tax dollars are paying ALEC "dues." Expose politicians who accept “scholarships” from ALEC's corporate-funded coffers for fancy trips.
EXPOSE ALEC'S ROLE IN YOUR STATE HOUSE. Read these corporate-backed "model bills" NOW and cross-check them with bills in your state legislature. Ask your local media to report on what you have found and write your local newspaper.
Thank you for urging the corporate leadership of ALEC to do what’s right for our democracy!
Your voice will be added to the many others who feel the same way. If you’re looking for more to do you can:
Wisconsin County's Election-Count Meltdown Raises Concerns For Recall | The Nation
Wisconsin County's Election-Count Meltdown Raises Concerns For Recall | The Nation
After Wisconsinites voted Tuesday in presidential primary elections and contests for local posts, other countries across the state reported their returns so quickly that winners were being declared well before 10 pm.
Except in Waukesha County.
Nickolaus, who has frequently been criticized over the years for maintaining convoluted systems for vote counting, was in the middle of another massive screw up.
A new reporting program she had set up—along with a complicated set of procedures that required municipal clerks to deliver voting-machine memory packs and paper tapes with results to her—failed. As a result, according to media reports, "data collectors for election reporting services resorted to tabulating contested races from yards of paper tapes hanging on walls around a meeting room. The process was akin to reading a long grocery receipt where, in some cases, the tape stretched down the wall and onto the floor in a heap."
"Well into Wednesday," long after Republican presidential primary winner Mitt Romney (whose 44–37 victory over Rick Santorum relied on a big boost from Waukesha County), local media reported, "county staffers were entering every vote total for every candidate in every race and every municipality by hand, and then proofed them against the voting machine tapes before posting totals online." Full Article Here | The Nation
PepsiCo Ends Partnership With Right-Wing Front Group ALEC | ThinkProgress
PepsiCo Ends Partnership With Right-Wing Front Group ALEC | ThinkProgress
PepsiCo, the world’s second largest beverage company, has ended its partnership with ALEC, the controversial right-wing group that lobbies for voter suppression efforts. Pepsi’s move, which actually came in January but was first reported this morning by NPR, may also have had a role in compelling Coca-Cola to drop its support for ALEC.
Yesterday, progressive advocacy group Color of Change announced a boycott effort targeting several other corporations that are still members of the group, which for years has partnered with elected officials at a state level to draft and pass controversial, far-right legislation. Just a few hours later, Coke announced that they too are severing ties with the ALEC. As NPR reported today: Read Full Article Here | ThinkProgress
PepsiCo, the world’s second largest beverage company, has ended its partnership with ALEC, the controversial right-wing group that lobbies for voter suppression efforts. Pepsi’s move, which actually came in January but was first reported this morning by NPR, may also have had a role in compelling Coca-Cola to drop its support for ALEC.Yesterday, progressive advocacy group Color of Change announced a boycott effort targeting several other corporations that are still members of the group, which for years has partnered with elected officials at a state level to draft and pass controversial, far-right legislation. Just a few hours later, Coke announced that they too are severing ties with the ALEC. As NPR reported today: Read Full Article Here | ThinkProgress
Waukesha County clerk needs to step down - JSOnline
Waukesha County clerk needs to step down - JSOnline
"In the end, the full results were counted and reported, just as they were last spring. But how can the citizens of Waukesha have any confidence that something else won't go wrong in the next election; something that will call into question the results?
They can't as long as Nickolaus remains in office. She needs to step down or at the very least step aside and ask for the help her office so obviously needs from other county officials or from the state to ensure that questions don't arise about the next election."
"In the end, the full results were counted and reported, just as they were last spring. But how can the citizens of Waukesha have any confidence that something else won't go wrong in the next election; something that will call into question the results?
They can't as long as Nickolaus remains in office. She needs to step down or at the very least step aside and ask for the help her office so obviously needs from other county officials or from the state to ensure that questions don't arise about the next election."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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