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[ninety9percent]

Comments on Joe Biden’s Ad soliciting donations

Joe Biden sponsored this ad on FB. There were interesting comments. Sharing some. Not surprisingly only “Vote Blue No Matter Who” people support him. Comments are being presented as is - no editing. First his ad:

As a top Democrat, you’ve been selected by the Biden for President campaign to share your top priorities with Joe! We need your answers by midnight tonight, so don’t delay. Click below to begin the survey:

MaryBeth Sjostrom Pasmore 

✅Opposes Medicare For All ✅Opposes legalizing marijuana ✅Supports the death penalty ✅Wrote the 1994 crime bill ✅Voted for DOMA ✅Voted for NAFTA ✅Voted for Iraq War ✅Voted for PATRIOT Act. Takes money from health insurance, corporations. ... no, I won't vote Joe.

Jenny Miles 

Sorry Joe, you are exactly the opposite of what's needed. Too many reasons: 1. “The younger generation now tells me how tough things are—give me a break... No, no, I have no empathy for it, give me a break.” 2. “Trump is not a bad man” 3. Biden praises former Republican Senator who was forced to resign after 19 sexual harassment complaints. 4. Referred to immoral moneylenders as Shylocks - insulting and offending Jews 5. Supported attacks on Anita Hill (who had accused Clarence Thomas of “ inappropriate sexual behavior“) and refused to call witnesses who could testify in support of her claim. 6. Wrote 1994 Crime Bill heralding “the era of mass incarceration“ 7. Wrote 1995 Omnibus Counter Terrorism Bill “ allowing the Government to use evidence from secret sources in deportation proceedings “ (despite claiming to oppose that section he introduced the bill), and included 1st Amendment violating “anti freedom of association” provisions (became Patriot Act) 8. Opposed marriage equality; “ No. Barack Obama nor I support redefining from a civil side what constitutes marriage” (has since changed) 9. Voted in 1999 to repeal Glass Steagall - leading to (as expected) the financial crisis 10. In 2001 voted for Patriot Act, emphasizing that it was essentially a copy of his 1995 Omnibus Counter Terrorism Act 11. In 2002 Voted for “illegal” Iraq War 12. In 2005 Voted to end bankruptcy protection for students [ Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) ] 13. In 2018 Presented George Bush with Liberty Medal “presented to individuals for their commitments to veterans “ 14. “I am not Bernie Sanders. I don't think 500 billionaires are the reason we're in trouble. The folks at the top aren't bad guys”. 15. Supported Civil Asset forfeiture, even without an arrest or conviction 16. Pushed for “Cabinet Level Drug Czar” to punish “drug crime” 17. “The punishment should fit the crime. But I think [marijuana] legalization is a mistake. I still believe [marijuana] is a gateway drug.” 18. Opposed spending money on drug research (including medical) on any Schedule 1 drug 19. Supported and introduced mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses that saw “the average federal drug sentence for African Americans was 11% higher than for whites. Four years later, the average federal drug sentence for African Americans was 49% higher”. 20. Despite the strong anti drug stance, his daughter was arrested for drugs (and a decade later caught on video allegedly snorting cocaine), but there is no evidence of a conviction or asset seizure. 21. Again, despite the above, when his son tested positive for cocaine, there was no conviction and no asset seizure. 22. Supported Militarization of the Police - that had no effect on reducing crime, but is correlated with higher rates of police discrimination against minorities (blacks) 23. Unable to “think of any reason not to run for President” 24. MBNA Credit Card Company in his home state was his biggest donor between 1989 amnd 2000. Biden voted against a measure requiring credit card companies to warn consumers of the consequences of making only minimum payments (and others). MBNA hired Biden’s son, Hunter, as a lobbyist straight out of law school, and later hired him as a consultant from 2001 to 2005 — the same years Biden was helping to pass the bill 25. Ukraine’s biggest private gas producer (whilst under investigation for corruption) hired his son to serve on its board while Biden was acting as the Obama administration’s point man on Ukraine policy. 26. A mid-sized construction firm Hill International won a $1.5 billion contract to build 100,000 homes in Iraq had Biden’s brother, James, as its executive vice president, despite lacking any experience in residential construction prior to joining the firm. 27. One of the Senate’s top twenty-five earners of outside income — and, along with twenty-two others on that list (of top earners), voted against a bill to limit such earnings. 28. In 1979, after receiving donations from Coca-Cola, Biden cosponsored and voted for legislation that let the soft-drink industry get around antitrust laws. 29. The same year, he voted against a measure before the Judiciary Committee to expand consumers’ rights to sue over price-fixing — one of only two Democrats to do so. 30. Has a very close “revolving door” relationship with lobbyists 31. Vehement opponent of school busing implemented to tackle racial segregation 32. Opposed a deficit reduction military spending freeze, and supported an increase in the retirement age 33. “I have the most progressive record of anybody running" 34. Has NOT signed pledge not to accept money from fossil fuels industry 35. “rejection of the whole movement of black pride.” 36. After being accused by seven women of “inappropriate touching” , hugs kids, and makes jokes about it. 37. Offered Ukraine $1Bn to sack their prosecutor 38. Supports a number of anti abortion measures 39. Proud of his support for the death penalty for a wide range of offenses 40. No statement on pledge rejecting corporate money 41. No statement on GND (Green new Deal) 42. No statement on fossil fuel money pledge 43. No statement on support for universal healthcare 44. No statement on "free" college education 45. No statement on abolishing Electoral College 46. No statement on supporting whistelblowers exposing government criminality 47. No published tax returns for 10 years 48. No declared statement opposing Israel genocides in gaza 

- via Dennis Freeland

Lindsay Shugerman 

Don't run. Please don't run. We don't need another corporate paid shill. Medicare for ALL, no fracking, free public college, livable wages (for real), end to Citizens United and lobbyists buying power. Renewable energy, not oil. In other words, NOTHING you support.

Matthew Pace

There is only one priority. Get the Orange Menace evicted from squatting in the WH; stabilize the government and pass it off to peaceful elections in 2024. The insanity in the WH has to end.

Josh Ruppert - Matthew Biden is just as bought why don't you research before running your mouth. Biden is put as a candidate because the DNC wants to loose. If Bernie wins their slush money goes bye bye.

Hugh Stearns  - This anti-intellectual trope is brought to you by the DNC. How, before the primary, does it make any sense to interject anyone but Trump? Of course, we want anyone but Trump. This is an attempt to suggest that we must suffer another centrist candidate or risk losing to Trump. This is the same argument that was used against the more progressive candidate last time. If we want to beat Trump and future Trumps we better think critically about the elitist element of the Democratic Party and question their authority.

Allen Heinzer 

My top priority is for Biden to withdraw and support Bernie

Allen Heinzer - Biden is a republican lite there is no establishment democrats they all just democrats in name only Fdr was a democrat Look up his record If democrats would run on that they’d never lose

Allen Heinzer - Ask yourself if he is a democrat why didn’t him and Obama give us universal healthcare when they had super majority in all 3 branches

Nancy Hollister Kozlenko -  Allen Heinzer I hope you support who ever represents the Democratic Party and not go off in a huff if your guy or gal doesn’t win. That’s how Trump got in!

Lin Bower - Martha Korte Get real,Bernie is a back stabber.He was such a good friend to Hillary until she beat him .Then he wasn’t.A person like that is not Presidential material.

D Kim Sayre-Arnold  - Gary Bailey And Bernie WAS THE SPLITTER IN 2016!!! HE NEEDS TO STICK TO HIS OWN PARTY, and please, stay out of mine.!

Pamela Jarvis - Allen, that about sums it up. Biden announced his run at $2,000 a plate fund raiser with corporate CEO's. I am voting Bernie. I may be old but I am hanging with the young progressive's choice..feel the Bern

Tammy Fox Sorry 

my top priority is getting Bernie Elected.

Charlotte Arnold - Bernie cost us the last election. Republicans have a lot of crap on Bernie they are going to release if he wins the primary. Bernie will not win.

Lezli Magnani - Charlotte Arnold Bernie did not cause that loss!! The DNC shoving Hillary down people’s throats caused that loss. Again, the clearest candidate that can beat Trump is being ignored by the corporate democratic party. Joe will not be shoved down our throats either. Please just follow the money-look where Joe is getting his money from-always follow the money

Rebecca Sake - D Kim Sayre-Arnold once you take your corporate owned Republicans out of our Democratic Party then you’ll see Bernie is in the right place. And Bernie didn’t split anything, your candidate was too weak to win. #BernieWouldHaveWon

Rebecca Sake - Me too, #HealthCareForAll will only be attainable with #Bernie2020 Biden is backed by big pharma & Comcast. He's not a man of the people and he's out to make his corporate donors happy.

Rebecca Sake - Kim Crane they weren’t her votes to begin with. And every chance she had to earn those votes were blown by her own decisions, remember she said she didn’t need the progressive dems. You can think he took away millions of votes all you want, doesn’t make it true. The truth is, she never earned the votes she needed to win. End of story. Stop blaming everyone but the one who lost the easiest victory ever.

Rebecca Sake - Kim Crane actually it was Hillary supporters who, in larger numbers refused to vote for Obama. In 2016, Hillary failed to even try to court progressive votes. Most of us had very specific reasons to not vote for her, and her cheating her way into the nomination made it very easy to vote third party. A very small percent voted Trump but the majority voted third party. Btw you earn votes, they aren’t given because of the fear of the other candidate. It might also surprise you to know Hillary helped trump in the early primaries because she felt he’d be the easiest to beat. You guys forget that a lot while you’re trying to shame people for not voting for the most owned candidate in history. Your lack of insight and foresight is more to blame for a trump presidency than our educated choice of voting.

Anita Concilio 

Health care Joe - and parity for women in the workplace and as citizens of the world. Child care, education, and for goodness sake, job training for the families in the midwest who have lost manufacturing and farming. Oh, and also, immigration reform, like amnesty maybe? Middle class needs some significant help. And campaign financing reform, oh, the list is so long. But I have faith that a Biden administration would focus on the things that will make America respected again.

Nicole F Sharpe 

Joe, your time has come and gone by. You've made too many "bi-partisan" compromises that have hurt too many people, especially women, in your need to be liked. We can't trust you to do the right things in office because we know you'll cave to political expediency at the people's expense. You may get the DNC nod but you won't be elected, and we need a candidate that can be elected. Please bow out of the race now and put your support where it will do some good instead of sapping the strength of more viable candidates

Ashley Smuts Pizzuti 

Joe - what are you going to do about your history with student loans? I know you love those lenders. We know your history. But you are very out of touch with a problem you helped create.

Mary Nikas 

We have predators on our streets that society has in fact, in part because of its neglect, created," said Biden, then a fourth-term senator from Delaware so committed to the bill that he has referred to it over the years as "the Biden bill." "They are beyond the pale many of those people, beyond the pale," Biden continued. "And it's a sad commentary on society. We have no choice but to take them out of society." In the speech, Biden described a "cadre of young people, tens of thousands of them, born out of wedlock, without parents, without supervision, without any structure, without any conscience developing because they literally ... because they literally have not been socialized, they literally have not had an opportunity." He said, "we should focus on them now" because "if we don't, they will, or a portion of them, will become the predators 15 years from now." Biden added that he didn't care "why someone is a malefactor in society" and that criminals needed to be "away from my mother, your husband, our families."” https://www.google.com/.../biden-1993-speech.../index.html

Laurence Bridge 

Medicare & the cost of long term care is the most important concern for those of us who having worked and saved all our working life,can end up in a facility that was once called the workhouse.Untrained staff, disgusting food,left to lie in our own waste ,to the tune of thousands of dollars from our life time savings,for these disgraceful places called LONG TERM CARE, perhaps our politicians should be forced to take a long look at the Chinese system,who treat the elderly with dignity in the twilight of their lives.

Cathy Sullivan

i'm going with .. go away Joe Biden .. we can't afford to lose to trumpy again. Make sure Hillary leaves with you

Deborah Birdsong

#NoJoe No more corporate democrats who run their campaigns using special interest monies!  #OverturnCitizensUnited#Bernie2020

Mary Nikas 

“Biden, by contrast, has been a bag man for big corporations for his entire career. Delaware is like the Luxembourg of U.S. states — a tiny tax haven and flag of convenience for corporations who own the local political system outright, and Biden is no exception. His economic policy career has been one disgrace after the next — sponsoring or voting for multiple rounds of financial deregulation, trade deals that savaged the American manufacturing base, and bankruptcy "reform" that made it much harder to discharge consumer debt (and nearly impossible to get rid of student debt). It's no surprise at all that on the same day he launched his campaign, Biden held a fundraiser including several corporate lobbyists and Republican donors at the home of a Comcast executive.”

Jeffery Ansani

Perfect example of his stupidity. Did he send this to all the "disaffected" white working class males who voted for trump in 2016 whose votes he needs to capture to beat trump? He's so arrogant he thinks his mere presence in the race is enough. And secondly, if I'm a Right Wing Fuckhead I use this to Demonstrate that he doesn't give a FUCK about ALL Americans' concerns. Like taking candy from a baby dinosaur. It's a transparent attempt to bolster small donor roles, nothing more. Seriously! All he has to do is look at the polls. We overwhelmingly FAVOR a Green New Deal, money OUT of politics, Medicaid for ALL, sensible gun laws, reasonable and humane immigration reform, free college, and just about every other Progressive proposals. WAKE THE FUCK UP DEMOCRATS! And when you do, smarten up too. These people have failed you for thirty years while Bernie has been FIGHTING for you. He's the only choice. For Robert Paul PaulKarla Jen Lynn Jannon and any others who may be thinking Joe is a good option. He's not. Look at the polls. Not the candidate polls but the issues ones. You'll see very clearly, he's out of touch. Don't argue with me, he's not the one.

[ninety9percent]

Jul_5_2018

Need to resume posting here more often and on FB less often.

1. This is textbook neo-liberalism. This shit happens everywhere. People are divided by many different types of distinctions. But the chief division is the Rich and the Poor. So please stop blaming the LEFT when they try to help out the suffering people. - http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/07/05/tuti-j05.html

2. We the people are blissfully unaware and asleep while we are being robbed by our Government. Our Government is Robin Hood in reverse. - http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/07/05/pers-j05.html

[ninety9percent]

Aug_13_2017

“Google intentionally crushing Left Wing websites” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euEMbrFr7kY

[ninety9percent]

Jun_26_2017

“ African Americans Have Lost Untold Acres of Land Over the Last Century“ - https://www.thenation.com/article/african-americans-have-lost-acres/

“Debt is an age-old means of shaming and controlling poor people. The practice is so commonplace, we hardly notice it.“ - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/41063-wage-love-to-end-debt-s-stranglehold

“Sorry, Meals on Wheels, Our War Machine Is Hungry“ - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/41065-sorry-meals-on-wheels-our-war-machine-is-hungry

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/41064-climate-destabilization-causing-thousands-of-new-species-migrations-plant-animal-insect-bird

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/41066-indian-prime-minister-modi-was-once-banned-from-entering-us-today-he-meets-trump

https://socialistworker.org/2017/06/26/why-do-these-survivors-need-help-anyway

http://www.mintpressnews.com/two-years-no-vote-greece-yes-austerity/229231/

http://www.mintpressnews.com/ire-democrat-pulled-plug-californias-single-payer-bill/229239/

[ninety9percent]

May_17_2017

“In his first hours of freedom after 36 years behind bars in U.S. prison, Puerto Rican independence leader Oscar Lopez Rivera vowed Wednesday to continue to fight for the freedom and independence of Puerto Rico while expressing solidarity with progressive movements across the Americas.“ - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Oscar-Lopez-Vows-to-Continue-Fight-for-Puerto-Rico-Independence-20170517-0013.html

“After years of living underground, Lopez Rivera was arrested in 1981 and charged with “seditious conspiracy” for his role in a variety of FALN activities, including bombings and armed robberies. During his trial Lopez Rivera and other FALN activists told the court their actions were part of an anti-colonial war against the U.S., declaring themselves prisoners of war and requesting that their cases be handed over to an international court.“ - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Who-Is-Oscar-Lopez-Rivera-20170118-0004.html

“Chelsea Manning, the former army intelligence analyst who leaked U.S. classified documents, was released from military prison Wednesday morning after seven long years.“ - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Chelsea-Manning-Finally-Free-After-7-Years-in-Prison-20170516-0046.html

“The Two Most Dangerous Men in the World: Trump and Crown Prince Salman“ - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/17/the-two-most-dangerous-men-in-the-world-trump-and-crown-prince-salman/

“I could come up with a sixteen-syllable, academic-sounding name for this narrative, but I’m trying to keep things simple these days … so let’s call it The Normals versus The Extremists, (the Normals being the neoliberals and the Extremists being everyone else). The goal of this narrative is to stigmatize and otherwise marginalize opposition to Neoliberalism, regardless of the nature of that opposition (i.e., whether it comes from the left, right, or from religious, environmentalist, or any other quarters).“ - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/17/invasion-of-the-putin-nazis/

“Seth Rich, the DNC, and WikiLeaks: The Plot Thickens“ - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/17/seth-rich-the-dnc-and-wikileaks-the-plot-thickens/

“Chasing Red Squirrels in DC“ - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/17/chasing-red-squirrels-in-dc/

“After Middle Eastern Wars End, the Medical Wars Begin“ - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/17/after-middle-eastern-wars-end-the-medical-wars-begin/

[ninety9percent]

May_13_2017

https://socialistworker.org/2017/05/08/the-portland-police-were-at-faultHappy Mother’s Day to all my friends who are mothers. Don’t mean to ruin your happiness but just a small word of caution. - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Colombian-Moms-Suffer-for-Your-Mothers-Day-Flowers-20170513-0005.html

“The official said the deal will be good for the U.S. economy.” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/US-Nears-100B-Arms-Deal-for-Saudi-Arabia-White-House-Official-20170513-0006.html

“What could be more absurd than Drone War King Barack Obama getting an award for courage?” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/12/the-audacity-of-sleaze-profiles-in-corruption/

“From Bad to Worse: Forecasting the Effects of Republican Health Care Reform” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/12/from-bad-to-worse-forecasting-the-effects-of-republican-health-care-reform/

“They did not vote for Trump because they wanted rank incompetents or thoroughgoing reactionaries installed in high offices.  Insofar as they were not just voting against Clinton or the version of neoliberalism that is almost synonymous with the Clinton name, they voted for Trump because they thought foolishly that on matters affecting jobs, trade, infrastructure, and war and peace, he actually would do what he talked about during the campaign.” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/12/deplorability-now/

“But, collectively, we all have skin in the game. Look at the unmet needs in our country, crumbling infrastructure, toxic environments and the corrosive costs of corporatism escaping law enforcement that would protect consumers and workers.It is the members of Congress who have no skin in the game. Very few of their children are in the armed forces. Were the American people to demand enactment of a one page bill that requires drafting all able-bodied children and grandchildren of members of Congress anytime they or the White House plunges our country into war, you would see a very attentive Congress that pays attention to its Constitutional duties and responsibilities.” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/05/12/the-losing-warfare-state/

http://socialistworker.org/2017/05/12/the-republicans-repeal-and-destroy-mission

“A Texas-sized bigotry bill - Charles Holm reports on Texas' "sanctuary cities ban" that would essentially deputize local police as deportation agents--and on the efforts of activists to resist.” - http://socialistworker.org/2017/05/11/a-texas-sized-bigotry-bill

“The outrageous conviction of a Code Pink protester for laughing during a congressional hearing is a warning to those daring to protest in the Trump era, writes Nicole Colson.” - http://socialistworker.org/2017/05/09/not-a-laughing-matter

“Three participants in the May Day demonstration in Portland, Oregon, that was attacked by police respond to the SW article by Wael Elasady about the police assault and the clashes with the Black Bloc.” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/05/08/the-portland-police-were-at-fault

“Black Bloc tactics weaken our struggle” - http://socialistworker.org/2017/05/11/black-bloc-tactics-weaken-our-struggle

“Socialist Worker is marking the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution with a yearlong series of articles outlining the course and consequences of the revolution." - http://socialistworker.org/2013/06/07/revolt-against-the-tsars-empire

[ninety9percent]

Feb_21_2017

“Energized crowds in New York, South Carolina, and Wisconsin on Saturday morning gave lawmakers a hint of what awaits them in their home districts during the upcoming congressional recess.” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/lawmakers_feel_the_heat_at_town_hall_meetings_201702191

“Bottom line: The tax plan is dressed up as a way to make America more competitive. But underneath it’s just a typical Republican plan that redistributes from the poor and middle class to corporations and the wealthy.” - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/republicans_are_pushing_a_new_corporate_tax_plan_costing_20170219

“On World Day of Social Justice, teleSUR spotlights a few of the many social justice movements resisting repression in Latin America.” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/5-Social-Movements-Resisting-Repression-in-Latin-America-20170215-0042.html

“Viewing Trump's Extreme Climate Denial From a Small Island Nation in Peril” - 39540-viewing-trump-s-extreme-climate-denial-from-a-small-island-nation-in-peril

“China speeds up construction of second railway line to Tibet” - http://www.tibet.ca/en/library/wtn/13645

“Standing Rock: Last Stand at Oceti Sakowin Camp” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/last_stand_at_standing_rock_20170220

“Finance as Warfare: the IMF Lent to Greece Knowing It Could Never Pay Back Debt” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/21/finance-as-warfare-the-imf-lent-to-greece-knowing-it-could-never-pay-back-debt/

“All of my original artwork is on sale 20% to help me with moving costs and building a studio in LA. Please message me if you are interested in any of the pieces!” - https://www.facebook.com/AbbyMartinArt/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1360681880621157

“Inequality deniers and apologists say the Oxfam methodology is flawed, but they're missing the big picture. Whether it's 6 individuals or 62 or 1,000 doesn't really matter. The data from the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Databook (GWD) and the Forbes Billionaire List provide the best available tools to make it clear that inequality is extreme and pathological and getting worse every year.” - http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/morbid-inequality-now-just-six-men-have-as-much-wealth-as-half-the-world-s-population

“Fighting Cops and the Klan: The History and Future of Black Antifascism” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39539-fighting-cops-and-the-klan-the-history-and-future-of-black-antifascism

[ninety9percent]

Feb_19_2017

“The proposed laws seek to criminalize and increase penalties for common protest practices used by the water protectors against the Dakota Access pipeline.” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/North-Dakota-Senators-Approve-Bills-Targeting-DAPL-Protests-20170219-0010.html

“Donald Trump Appears To Make Up Sweden Terror Attack” - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-sweden-terror-lie_us_58a8f397e4b045cd34c263d3?anssl7a58hh44e7b9&

“According to the paper, constituents chanted, "We want your healthcare! We want your healthcare!" as Reed tried to explain how the GOP plans to replace the Affordable Care Act with "a conservative plan that would include health savings accounts." - http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/18/lawmakers-feel-heat-resistance-shows-droves-town-halls

“Standing Rock: DoJ steps up aggression against those still battling the pipeline” - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/18/standing-rock-activists-justice-department-new-arrests

“The Staples boycott is over, and the union won. The Postal Workers (APWU) announced January 5 that the Postal Service will terminate its deal with Staples, closing down the 540 "mini-post offices" inside stores by the end of February and nixing plans to expand them to all 1,600 locations” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39502-staples-removed-how-postal-workers-defeated-a-privatization-scheme

“Few lobbies dedicated to international issues are so active and well-fincanced as the Israel lobby. The question of Israel's future has the right mix to attract monied interests -- it's a highly fractious issue with high stakes and it plays a big role in domestic politics.A powerful pro-Israel force has carved out an influential place in American campaigns in the form of super PAC megadonor Sheldon Adelson. Adelson doled out a whopping $92.8 million to Republican super PACs in 2012, making him the single highest contributor to outside groups that year.” - https://www.opensecrets.org/industries./indus.php?cycle=2016&ind=Q05

[ninety9percent]

Feb_17_2017

“Fed up with the continual anti-choice onslaught, years of ever-increasing legal restrictions and now an emboldened right wing holding rallies at clinics across the country calling for Planned Parenthood to be defunded, pro-choice forces turned out to loudly oppose the anti-choicers and defend the clinics.SocialistWorker.org contributor Leela Yellesetty, a member of Seattle Clinic Defense and the International Socialist Organization, spoke at a rally at a clinic in Kent, Washington, outside of Seattle, about the importance of rebuilding an uncompromising fight for abortion rights. Here, we reprint her speech, with minor editing for publication.” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/13/an-abortion-rights-emergency

“The Oroville Dam could still overflow, with catastrophic consequences, but this nightmare is the result of the system's twisted priorities” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/17/an-emergency-caused-by-neglect

“POLITICIANS AND commentators across the political spectrum are livid. Donald Trump finally made a factual statement. He let the cat out of the bag. There are a lot of killers, Trump responded. Got a lot of killers. What, do you think our country's so innocent? Take a look at what we've done, too. We've made a lot of mistakes, he added, referencing the Iraq War.” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/14/one-thing-trump-got-right

“Capitalism is capable of producing enough to meet the needs of the entire human population and enable the full development of individual human capabilities. However, since its productive forces are directed toward making profits, the wealth of the few comes before the good of all, even if this means mass suffering.” “In The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck described a common scene during the Great Depression:Carloads of oranges dumped on the ground. The people come for miles to take the fruit, but this could not be. How would they buy oranges if they could drive out and pick them up? And men with hoses squirt kerosene on the oranges...A million people hungry, needing the fruit--and kerosene sprayed over the golden mountains.And the smell of rot fills the country.” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/14/where-did-capitalism-come-from

“The White House's War on Science Goes Far Beyond Typical Restrictions” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39519-it-is-not-at-all-typical-to-stifle-basic-scientific-information

“‘‘There is a perception out there that the safety net is only for minorities. While it’s very important to minorities because they have higher poverty rates and face barriers that lead to lower earnings, it’s also quite important to whites, particularly the white working class”. “draggedintoit 02/17/17 09:19 AM The Clintons put in the part IV D child support incentives that raised child support far and above the actual cost of raising the child. Originally, nonwelfare child support was set at 115%of welfare, not 1/3 of the father's income. The Clintons put in place compelling economic incentives for women from every income strata to eject the fathtof their children from the house, and reduce him from parent to visitor when she felt like permitting him to visit instead of parent his own children. It was the Clintons that allowed fake income to be imputed, with mafia loan shark interest and made the debt unforgiveable.(Bradley Amendment). No wonder white men wanted nothing to do with Hilary.” “garymichael02/17/17 08:41 AM Agreed, during Reagan's presidency or maybe it was in his primaries he brought up the black woman buying vodka with food stamps, I learned then that there were more whites than blacks on welfare. It was a mini revelation because I thought erroneously that welfare was only meant for blacks. It was the Dems that had to fight the party of no, the GOP, to extend unemployment benefits. Now watch as the GOP attempts to overhaul and undermine SS.” - http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2017/02/16/the-biggest-beneficiaries-government-safety-net-working-class-whites/mrr6ky3v4F8sUXcIMacoqM/story.html

[ninety9percent]

Feb_16_2017

“In hundreds of cities across the country, supporters of women's right to abortion counterprotested against right-wingers who called for a day of action on February 11 to gather at clinics and demand that the federal government defund Planned Parenthood” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/15/this-is-about-choice-and-more

"Deport Donald Trump!” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/15/standing-up-to-the-specter-of-mass-deportations

“Given what I have witnessed, news with little or no source control reporting that the Syrian government, the Syrian Arab Army and the Russians only massacred innocent civilians, that the president systematically kills his own people, are not the whole truth or worse, they are deliberately untruthful and demonizing. What you have heard about the liberation of Aleppo are either mostly falsifications or a small part of a much larger truth”. “But these ruins – including the old city that was a designated UNESCO World Heritage site – were the result of over 4 years of occupation by the rebels supported predominantly by NATO countries and other “Friends of Syria” including Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/Aleppo-At-Best-a-Small-Part-of-the-Truth-20170215-0012.html

"The great American middle class is disappearing, Trump wrote for USA Today during his campaign. One of the factors driving this economic devastation is America's disastrous trade policies." "But while Trump's proposals for high tariffs might sound good, he plans to combine them with policies that further weaken unions. That means his trade policy reforms will end up increasing corporate profits without improving wages for US workers” - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39486-trump-s-trade-reforms-will-not-increase-us-wages

“Cenk Uygur and the Truthdig Team Question the Future of Progressive Politics” - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/live_at_truthdig_with_cenk_uygur_justice_democrats_the_young_turks_20170214

“Republicans continued their attack on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on Tuesday, as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) again introduced legislation to kill the Wall Street watchdog.” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/republicans_launch_bicameral_salvos_against_wall_street_watchdog_20170215

“Anti-abortion groups called for a national day of action on February 11 in support of their call to defund Planned Parenthood. But instead of a day of the right protesting at clinic doors, February 11 was a day of action for supporters of women's right to abortion, as thousands of people around the country showed up to counterprotest and make sure that pro-choice, pro-women voices were heard.” - https://socialistworker.org/2017/02/16/pro-choice-voices-have-to-be-heard

“End the Slaughter of Yellowstone’s Bison!” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/16/end-the-slaughter-of-yellowstones-bison/

“Still, activists were able to bring out as many as 5 million people for the Women's March last month. If just a fraction of those millions join in on Feb. 17 and March 8, people in this country may learn how to get their strike on again -- in a way that makes sense in this moment and centers those with the most to lose. The best way to start is to show up on Friday ready to learn.” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39511-are-americans-ready-to-strike

“Glenn Greenwald on Flynn-Russia Leaks: Highly Illegal and Wholly Justified” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39516-glenn-greenwald-on-flynn-russia-leaks-highly-illegal-and-wholly-justified

[ninety9percent]

Feb_14_2017

“However, to unions of Mexican farmers and academics, Trump's pledge to end NAFTA will be a good opportunity to boost the agriculture sector in Mexico.The treaty has helped to dismantle Mexico's agricultural production system through neoliberal policies that have left millions of poor farmers without state support and made the country increasingly dependent on food from abroad.” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Mexico-Wont-Buy-US-Corn-in-Response-to-Trump-Protectionism-20170214-0018.html

“Neoliberal governments in Mexico have for decades praised the maquiladora export industry as a symbol of progress and development. However, the reality for many workers implies otherwise, since the profits U.S. companies make don't trickle down into workers' pockets.” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Trump-Trade-Talk-Causes-Unemployment-in-Mexican-Border-Towns-20170214-0008.html

“Why did Mexico fare so poorly under NAFTA?” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/14/nafta-has-harmed-mexico-much-more-than-a-wall-will-ever-do/

[ninety9percent]

Feb_13_2017

“Maria Svart of DSA says the U.S. can have a democratic socialist future, but only if we build a movement to challenge both capitalism and racism.” “Bernie Sanders during the Democratic primary exposed millions of Americans to democratic socialist ideas and values. He brought these ideas back into the mainstream of political debate” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/Democratic-Socialists-Using-Sanders-Vision-to-Transform-US-20170212-0039.html

“The four-decade-long assault on our democratic institutions by corporations has left them weak and largely dysfunctional. These institutions, which surrendered their efficacy and credibility to serve corporate interests, should have been our firewall. Instead, they are tottering under the onslaught.” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_elites_wont_save_us_20170212

“On Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it was canceling an environmental review of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline and will grant approval of an easement permitting the construction of the final link in the pipeline to be constructed. The decision, which is a major blow to the Standing Rock Sioux and activists who have been fighting the pipeline, comes after President Donald Trump’s executive order from his first week in office meant to advance the project. The pipeline opponents have vowed to continue the fight.” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/trump_may_have_approved_the_dakota_access_pipeline_fight_20170212

“Melissa McCarthy Skewers Sean Spicer Again on ‘Saturday Night Live’ “ - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/melissa_mccarthy_is_back_on_saturday_night_live_sean_spicer_20170212

“The Irish Water Insurgency: No More Blood From These Stones” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39458-the-irish-water-insurgency-no-more-blood-from-these-stones

“ICE Arrests 600 in Nationwide Raids After Trump Order Expands Criminalization of Immigrants” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39462-ice-arrests-600-in-nationwide-raids-after-trump-order-expands-criminalization-of-immigrants

“As environmental economists, my colleague Anders Fremstad and I were concerned. We crunched the numbers on the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The verdict? Annual emissions associated with the oil pumped through the pipeline will impose a $4.6 billion burden on current and future generations.” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39454-the-dakota-access-pipeline-doesn-t-make-economic-sense

[ninety9percent]

Feb_8_2017

“California Regulators Allow Oil Companies to Continue Injecting Wastewater Into More Than 1,600 Wells in Protected Aquifers” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39375-california-regulators-allow-oil-companies-to-continue-injecting-wastewater-into-more-than-1-600-wells-in-protected-aquifers

“Solidarity Outlasts "Right to Work" in Indiana Shipyard” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39376-solidarity-outlasts-right-to-work-in-indiana-shipyard

“University of California Next in Line to Dump Wells Fargo Contract” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39382-university-of-california-next-in-line-to-dump-wells-fargo-contracts

“Crimes of the Trump Era (a Preview)” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39385-crimes-of-the-trump-era-a-preview

“How Corporate Dark Money Is Taking Power on Both Sides of the Atlantic” - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39374-how-corporate-dark-money-is-taking-power-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic

“Republicans Introduce Bill to Terminate the Environmental Protection Agency" - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39377-republicans-introduce-bill-to-terminate-the-environmental-protection-agency

“The U.S. Is Playing With Fire on Iran” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_us_is_playing_with_fire_on_iran_20170207

“Trump’s Tweets Are a Sideshow: His Executive Orders Are Building a Corporate State” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/trumps_executive_orders_are_building_a_corporate_state_20170207

“Israel’s New Land Law: Clearing the Path to Annexation” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/08/israels-new-land-law-clearing-the-path-to-annexation/

“House Republicans Just Voted to Eliminate the Only Federal Agency That Makes Sure Voting Machines Can’t Be Hacked” - https://www.thenation.com/article/house-republicans-just-voted-to-eliminate-the-only-federal-agency-that-makes-sure-voting-machines-cant-be-hacked/

“We Are This Close to a Constitutional Crisis” - http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/constitutional-crisis-trump-muslim-ban-congress-courts

“Exposing the Myths of Neoliberal Capitalism: An Interview With Ha-Joon Chang” - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39393-exposing-the-myths-of-neoliberal-capitalism-an-interview-with-ha-joon-chang

[ninety9percent]

Feb_4_2017

“Today, there are more African-Americans incarcerated than were enslaved in the 1800s. The causes and enablers of this societal epidemic of mass incarceration are deeply rooted in systems of corporatization and consumerism. The widespread privatization of prisons has resulted in the manipulation of policy and lawmaking by private organizations that lobby Congress for the benefit of corporate sponsors. The scale and persistence of the issue speak to the relentless pursuit of human commodification for profit”. - http://www.truthdig.com/arts_culture/item/ava_duvernays_13th_beginning_of_mass_awakening_for_black_america_20170203

“In an interview with the nonprofit media portal acTVism, University of Massachusetts professor emeritus Richard Wolff—“America’s most prominent Marxist economist,” according to The New York Times—discusses why economic turmoil continues to make headlines while the stock market booms.Wolff also discusses Marxism’s association with Soviet-style communism, Stalinism and Maoism, how the corporate system interacts with democracy, the natural environment and human rights and whether there are alternatives to corporations and capitalism” - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/what_is_marxism_economist_richard_wolff_answers_20170203

“I see four big issues such a movement could be built around: work and retirement security, health care, climate change, and peace and military spending. The demands can be quite simple: 1) Fair Pay and Retirement Security for Everyone! 2) Medicare for All! 3) Combat Climate Change! 4) Slash US Military Spending and Bring All the Troops Home!” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/03/the-left-needs-to-be-a-movement-not-a-bunch-of-lobbyists/

“Instead of fighting the "global economic power structure," Donald Trump is now hard at work making it even more powerful. For example, he's now asking the Labor Department to scrap the so-called fiduciary rule, which requires investors who manage retirement accounts to act in the best interest of their investors -- not Wall Street”. - http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39358-trump-lends-the-banksters-a-hand

[ninety9percent]

Feb/3/2017

“US Senate Guts Anti-Corruption Law for Big Oil Companies” - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/US-Senate-Guts-Anti-Corruption-Law-for-Big-Oil-Companies-20170203-0011.html

“Seattle City Council Committee Votes to Divest From Pro-DAPL Bank” - http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/seattle_city_council_committee_votes_to_divest_from_pro-dapl_bank_20170201

“Trump Cut Mortgage Aid to Home Buyers During First Day in Office” - http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/trump_cuts_mortgage_aid_to_home_buyers_during_first_day_in_office_20170201

“Rachel Maddow Plays Glenn Beck“ - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/rachel_maddow_plays_glenn_beck_20170201

“Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert Predict Trump’s Next Executive Orders” - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/jon_stewart_stephen_colbert_show_predict_trump_executive_orders_20170201

“UC Berkeley cancels right-wing provocateur’s talk amid violent protest” - http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Protesters-storm-Milo-Yiannopoulos-event-at-UC-10901829.php#photo-12296721

“That is why I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution. I will do that, remember."  - https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/02/03/rambling-trump-national-prayer-breakfast-speech-targets-johnson-amendment/

[ninety9percent]

Feb_1_2017

“Senate Republicans Take the First Step to Defund Planned Parenthood” - http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/republicans-just-took-first-step-defund-planned-parenthood

“President Bannon? Racist, Islamophobic Breitbart Leader Consolidates Power in Trump White House” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39311-president-bannon-racist-islamophobic-breitbart-leader-consolidates-power-in-trump-white-house

“Scott Pruitt Will Make America Great Again -- for Polluters” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39312-scott-pruitt-will-make-america-great-again-for-polluters

“Trump's Choice of Gorsuch Endangers Civil, Human and Environmental Rights” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39310-trump-s-choice-of-gorsuch-endangers-civil-human-and-environmental-rights

“As Trump Advances Dakota Access and Keystone XL, Water Protectors Across the Country Double Down” - http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39257-as-trump-advances-dakota-access-and-keystone-xl-water-protectors-across-the-country-double-down

“In order for feminism to be an effective political discourse, women need to speak unapologetically about their material reality and their bodies while working towards objectives within specific political theatres. They must also refuse to yield to the pressure of neoliberal narratives which seek to break down political momentum for the purposes of incorporating perceived excluded narratives. For if feminism is supposedly “everything,” then it also means absolutely nothing. Women cannot have a movement of empowerment that necessitates our role in conferring our own oppression.” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/01/the-womens-marches-and-neo-liberal-outrage-politics/

“Watch: Betsy DeVos’ Confirmation Hearin” - http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/watch_betsy_devos_confirmation_hearing_20170131

“Meet Neil Gorsuch, the New Antonin Scalia” - http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/meet_neil_gorsuch_the_new_antonin_scalia_20170131

[ninety9percent]

Jan_31_2017

“US troops begin long-planned deployment in Eastern Europe, a signal to Russia” - http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2017/01/30/troops-begin-long-planned-deployment-eastern-europe-signal-russia/rujwb7cMI7KtxJVv6cccDK/story.html

“Trump’s Muslim Ban May Spark a Constitutional Crisis, Says Free Speech Activist” - http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/trevor_timm_the_muslim_ban_may_spark_a_constitutional_crisis_20170130

“Canadian mining companies have a notorious track record of human rights abuses and environmental destruction in Latin America”. - http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Canadian-Mining-Giant-Violently-Evicts-Villagers-in-Mexico-20170131-0007.html

“Does Rachel Maddow Want Russia Bombed?” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/30/does-rachel-maddow-want-russia-bombed/

“Democracy in Exile and the Curse of Totalitarianism” - http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/01/31/democracy-in-exile-and-the-curse-of-totalitarianism/

“In September of last year, Chris Hayes had a panel on MSNBC which included a conservative pundit, and they all agreed that if Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, the GOP would become too fragmented and radicalized to function. And boy howdy if their prediction isn't coming true. The neocons are opposing Trump's unconventional extremism in favor of their own more mainstream extremism at every turn, and battle lines are being drawn right out in the open for everyone to see. If there's anything funnier than watching Lindsey Graham pretending to be heterosexual, it's watching neocons pretending to care about Muslims. These plutocratic hobgoblins have violently ended more Muslim lives than there are stars in the night sky, they're salivating over the prospect of murdering millions more, and we're supposed to believe they care about a few Libyans and Somalis being able to enter the United States?" - http://www.newslogue.com/debate/311