May 6, 2014

That it is. Fox has been called out on it:

This entire mess was promoted by FNN to take attention away from Reid's Koch-busting revelations:

The Facts About The Koch Brothers

1. The Kochs want to abolish Social Security.

“In 1980, David Koch ran in and funded a presidential campaign that called Social Security “The Ultimate Pyramid Scheme” and promised to abolish and replace it.” Read more.

2. The Kochs want to eliminate minimum wage laws.

“According to Charles Koch, the U.S. needs to get rid of the minimum wage, which he counts as a major obstacle to economic growth.” Read more.

3. The Kochs are against extending emergency unemployment benefits.

“It causes employers to face higher taxes, too, which discourages them from hiring new employees.” Read more.

4. The Kochs spent $400 million on misleading attack ads in the last election cycle.

via Republic Report

“A labyrinth of tax-exempt groups and limited-liability companies helps mask the sources of the money, much of which went to voter mobilization and television ads attacking President Obama and congressional Democrats, according to tax filings and campaign finance reports.” Read more.

5. The Kochs want to put insurance companies back in charge of your health care.

“It articulated a take-no-prisoners legislative strategy that had long percolated in conservative circles: that Republicans could derail the health care overhaul if conservative lawmakers were willing to push fellow Republicans — including their cautious leaders — into cutting off financing for the entire federal government. … The billionaire Koch brothers, Charles and David, have been deeply involved with financing the overall effort. A group linked to the Kochs, Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, disbursed more than $200 million last year to nonprofit organizations involved in the fight.” Read more.

6. The Kochs are trying to dismantle our public education system.

“National advocacy groups powered by the Koch brothers and other conservative megadonors have found a new cause ripe with political promise… Push to expand school choice by offering parents tax credits or vouchers to help pay tuition at private and religious schools. Next, rally the troops to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Then it’s on to eliminating teacher tenure.” Read more.

7. The Kochs want to dismantle Medicare as we know it.

“The Ryan plan to eliminate traditional Medicare was described in the media as a ‘Tea Party proposal.’ But it would be more accurate to call it a ‘Koch proposal,’ an ideological scheme to realize long-standing ultra-right hopes to privatize and radically shrink a major national social program.” Read more.

8. The Kochs are against measures that would reduce the gap between the wages women and men earn for the same work.

“IWF-affiliated writers have argued that the gender gap in income exists because of women’s greater demand for flexibility, fewer hours, and less travel in their careers, rather than because of sexism.” Read more.

9. The Kochs want even more tax breaks for themselves.

“They are known for bankrolling conservative, Libertarian and Tea Party causes and became poster boys for corporate tax reform last year when an Obama Administration official suggested Koch is organized as an S Corp. and so pays no corporate level taxes.” Read more.

UPDATE: The Kochs have issued a statement disputing the claim made by the official. The Kochs have supported the Ryan budget, which provides tax cuts for the wealthy and protects taxpayer subsidies for big businesses and oil companies.
kochs_unionmembers

via The New Republic

10. The Kochs made improper payments to win contracts in Africa, India and the Middle East. And they sold millions of dollars of equipment to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Internal company records show that Koch Industries used its foreign subsidiary to sidestep a U.S. trade ban barring American companies from selling materials to Iran. Koch-Glitsch offices in Germany and Italy continued selling to Iran until as recently as 2007, the records show.” Read more.

11. The Kochs lobbied against recognition of formaldehyde as a cancer-causing carcinogen because it might be bad for their business.

“A prominent philanthropist, cancer survivor, and American businessman, David Koch, has given millions to the cause of cancer research, while his company—Koch Industries—has lobbied against formal recognition of formaldehyde as a carcinogen, The New Yorker reported in a piece published today.” Read more.

12. The Kochs rank as one of America’s most toxic air polluters.

13.The Kochs have received over $88 million in government subsidies.

14. The Kochs have admitted they have “a radical philosophy.”

“Charles Koch seems to have approached both business and politics with the deliberation of an engineer. ‘To bring about social change,’ he told Doherty, requires ‘a strategy’ that is ‘vertically and horizontally integrated,’ spanning ‘from idea creation to policy development to education to grassroots organizations to lobbying to litigation to political action.’ The project, he admitted, was extremely ambitious. ‘We have a radical philosophy,’ he said.” Read more.

http://www.reid.senate.gov/koch-facts#.U0AZsa1dUi4

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024781021#post14

Think what this means in terms of what the GOP has been doing. They all need to be voted out of office at the local, state and federal level. To claim both parties are doing the same, belies the path of the money being put out by the Koches. And the intent of each legislative action put forward by ALEC and the GOP.

You Better Believe It that Fox did the Koch brothers' bidding. They took up days and made this grifter's story international news and took the public eye off the truths Harry spoke.

When people start the routine that Democrats aren't fighting back, it's not true. At times the only air time we get is CSPAN video of a person speaking and putting in the record the truth of those who need a voice, to an empty house as the GOP boycotts the nation's needs.

We don't own the media, the Koch brothers do, and Americans have been played once again. Most of DU has completely forgotten in the Bundy fuss what Reid said and why they are gunning for him in his own backyard.

We have to think several steps ahead to get ahead of the ubiquitous GOPropaganda. It comes in many forms, all made to fit any demographic, and that includes progressives and liberals who don't think about the results of what they doing.

May 6, 2014

Nobody is that ignorant!

Maddow: Posse Comitatus, "sovereign citizens", Jim Crow, the Reconstruction, and Cliven Bundy.

Published on Apr 26, 2014

Radical racist context missed in rancher hype

Rachel Maddow points out that Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's racist remarks are unsurprising in the context of his apparent adherence to the philosophy of the Posse Comitatus and Sovereign Citizen movements, rooted in post-Civil War reconstruction.

to Quixote1818.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017190307

May 6, 2014

He knows exactly what the truth is... Pollution, democracy, poverty, the Commons. Also tells truth

about Tea Party and Bundy and the 'nostalgia for the plantation economy...'

'Big government is a threat... but the bigger threat is corporate power.' And he calls out 'the Koches,' 'the carbon cronies...' and that 'they don't want a black man in the White House.'

His voice is weak, but his words are strong...

And when we went out into the streets, 20 million strong, 10% of the population, that is when change took place. And the work of generations is not over with yet.

Thanks for this series of videos!

May 5, 2014

As promised, will keep adding the memes:

That's gonna leave a mark...



Two vultures with one stone...



Except, I see three potted plants...



Pretty good tip there...



Ah, the GOPutin lovefest...



Last but not least..

And thanks to DUers for posting so much on this event and finding all these memes.

May 5, 2014

2014 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner (VIDEO and Transcript)

President Obama at the 2014 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, D.C. May 3, 2014

Last night, the President made his way to the Washington Hilton for the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, headlined this year by comedian Joel McHale. Yesterday marked the sixth time President Obama has addressed the organization of journalists who cover the White House.

In keeping with the dinner's tradition, the President assumed the role of Comedian-in-Chief during his remarks, poking fun at himself as well as a number of other politicians and news organizations. He joked about everything from the roll-out of HealthCare.gov — saying that his slogan changed from "Yes We Can" to "Control-Alt-Delete" — to how Fox News will cope with the end of his presidency.

"Let's face it, Fox, you'll miss me when I'm gone," the President said. "It will be harder to convince the American people that Hillary was born in Kenya."

Ending his speech on a more serious note, the President also remarked on how fortunate we are to live in a country with free press, and reminded us how the "fight for full and fair access goes beyond the chance to ask a question."

For over 100 years, even as the White House Correspondents Association has told the story of America’s progress, you’ve lived it, too — gradually allowing equal access to women, and minorities, and gays, and Americans with disabilities. And, yes, radio, and television, and Internet reporters, as well. And through it all, you’ve helped make sure that even as societies change, our fundamental commitment to the interaction between those who govern and those who ask questions doesn’t change. And as Jay will attest, it’s a legacy you carry on enthusiastically every single day.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/05/04/watch-president-obama-2014-white-house-correspondents-dinner

Remarks by the President at White House Correspondents' Dinner

10:21 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Have a seat, have a seat. Before I get started, can we get the new presidential setup out here?

(Aides bring out two ferns.)

It was worked before. (Laughter and applause.) That’s more like it.

It is great to be back. What a year, huh? I usually start these dinners with a few self-deprecating jokes. After my stellar 2013, what could I possibly talk about? (Laughter.)

I admit it -- last year was rough. Sheesh. (Laughter.) At one point things got so bad, the 47 percent called Mitt Romney to apologize. (Laughter.)

Of course, we rolled out healthcare.gov. That could have gone better. (Laughter.) In 2008 my slogan was, “Yes We Can.” In 2013 my slogan was, “Control-Alt-Delete.” (Laughter.) On the plus side, they did turn the launch of healthcare.gov into one of the year’s biggest movies. (Laughter.)

But rather than dwell on the past, I would like to pivot to this dinner. Let’s welcome our headliner this evening, Joel McHale. (Applause.) On “Community,” Joel plays a preening, self-obsessed narcissist. So this dinner must be a real change of pace for you. (Laughter.)

I want to thank the White House Correspondents Association for hosting us here tonight. I am happy to be here, even though I am a little jet-lagged from my trip to Malaysia. The lengths we have to go to get CNN coverage these days. (Laughter and applause.) I think they’re still searching for their table. (Laughter and applause.)

MSNBC is here. They’re a little overwhelmed. (Laughter.) They’ve never seen an audience this big before. (Laughter.)

But, look, everybody is trying to keep up with this incredibly fast-changing media landscape. For example, I got a lot of grief on cable news for promoting Obamacare to young people on Between Two Ferns. But that’s what young people like to watch. And to be fair, I am not the first person on television between two potted plants. (Laughter and applause.)

Sometimes I do feel disrespected by you reporters. But that’s okay. Seattle Seahawk cornerback Richard Sherman is here tonight. (Applause.) And he gave me some great tips on how to handle it. Jake Tapper, don’t you ever talk about me like that! (Laughter.) I’m the best President in the game! (Laughter.)

What do you think, Richard? Was that good? A little more feeling next time?

While we’re talking sports, just last month, a wonderful story -- an American won the Boston Marathon for first time in 30 years. (Applause.) Which was inspiring and only fair, since a Kenyan has been president for the last six. (Laughter and applause.) Had to even things out. (Laughter.)

We have some other athletes here tonight, including Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Jamie Anderson is here. We’re proud of her. (Applause.) Incredibly talented young lady. Michelle and I watched the Olympics -- we cannot believe what these folks do -- death-defying feats -- haven’t seen somebody pull a “180” that fast since Rand Paul disinvited that Nevada rancher from this dinner. (Laughter.) As a general rule, things don’t like end well if the sentence starts, “Let me tell you something I know about the negro.” (Laughter.) You don’t really need to hear the rest of it. (Laughter and applause.) Just a tip for you -- don’t start your sentence that way. (Laughter.)

Speaking of Rand Paul -- (laughter) -- Colorado legalized marijuana this year, an interesting social experiment. I do hope it doesn’t lead to a whole lot of paranoid people who think that the federal government is out to get them and listening to their phone calls. (Laughter.) That would be a problem. (Laughter.)

And speaking of conservative heroes, the Koch brothers bought a table here tonight. But as usual, they used a shadowy right-wing organization as a front. Hello, Fox News. (Laughter and applause.)

I’m just kidding. Let’s face it, Fox, you’ll miss me when I’m gone. (Laughter.) It will be harder to convince the American people that Hillary was born in Kenya. (Laughter and applause.)

A lot of us really are concerned about the way big money is influencing our politics. I remember when a Super PAC was just me buying Marlboro 100s instead of regulars. (Laughter.)

Of course, now that it’s 2014, Washington is obsessed on the midterms. Folks are saying that with my sagging poll numbers, my fellow Democrats don’t really want me campaigning with them. And I don’t think that’s true -- although I did notice the other day that Sasha needed a speaker at career day, and she invited Bill Clinton. (Laughter.) I was a little hurt by that. (Laughter.)

Both sides are doing whatever it takes to win the ruthless game. Republicans -- this is a true story -- Republicans actually brought in a group of consultants to teach their candidates how to speak to women. This is true. And I don’t know if it will work with women, but I understand that America’s teenage boys are signing up to run for the Senate in droves. (Laughter.)

Anyway, while you guys focus on the horserace, I’m going to do what I do -- I’m going to be focused on everyday Americans. Just yesterday, I read a heartbreaking letter -- you know I get letters from folks from around the country; every day I get 10 that I read -- this one got to me. A Virginia man who’s been stuck in the same part-time job for years; no respect from his boss; no chance to get ahead. I really wish Eric Cantor would stop writing me. (Laughter.) You can just pick up the phone, Eric. (Laughter.)

And I’m feeling sorry -- believe it or not -- for the Speaker of the House, as well. These days, the House Republicans actually give John Boehner a harder time than they give me, which means orange really is the new black. (Laughter and applause.)

But I have not given up the idea of working with Congress. In fact, two weeks ago, Senator Ted Cruz and I, we got a bill done together. And I have to say, the signing ceremony was something special. We’ve got a picture of it I think. (Laughter.)

Look, I know, Washington seems more dysfunctional than ever. Gridlock has gotten so bad in this town you have to wonder: What did we do to piss off Chris Christie so bad? (Laughter and applause.)

One issue, for example, we haven’t been able to agree on is unemployment insurance. Republicans continue to refuse to extend it. And you know what, I am beginning to think they’ve got a point. If you want to get paid while not working, you should have to run for Congress just like everybody else. (Laughter and applause.)

Of course, there is one thing that keeps Republicans busy. They have tried more than 50 times to repeal Obamacare. Despite that, 8 million people signed up for health care in the first open enrollment. (Applause.) Which does lead one to ask, how well does Obamacare have to work before you don’t want to repeal it? What if everybody’s cholesterol drops to 120? (Laughter.) What if your yearly checkup came with tickets to a Clippers game? (Laughter.) Not the old, Donald Sterling Clippers -- the new Oprah Clippers. Would that be good enough? (Laughter.) What if they gave Mitch McConnell a pulse? (Laughter.) What is it going to take? (Laughter.)

Anyway, this year, I’ve promised to use more executive actions to get things done without Congress. My critics call this the “imperial presidency.” The truth is, I just show up every day in my office and do my job. I’ve got a picture of this I think. (Laughter and applause.) You would think they’d appreciate a more assertive approach, considering that the new conservative darling is none other than Vladimir Putin. (Laughter.) Last year, Pat Buchanan said Putin is “headed straight for the Nobel Peace Prize.” He said this. Now I know it sounds crazy but to be fair, they give those to just about anybody these days. (Laughter.) So it could happen.

But it’s not just Pat -- Rudy Giuliani said Putin is “what you call a leader.” Mike Huckabee and Sean Hannity keep talking about his bare chest, which is kind of weird. (Laughter.) Look it up -- they talk about it a lot. (Laughter.)

It is strange to think that I have just two and a half years left in this office. Everywhere I look, there are reminders that I only hold this job temporarily. (Laughter.)

But it’s a long time between now and 2016, and anything can happen. You may have heard the other day, Hillary had to dodge a flying shoe at a press conference. (Laughter and applause.) I love that picture. (Laughter.)

Regardless of what happens, I’ve run my last campaign and I’m beginning to think about my legacy. Some of you know -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced he is naming a high school in Chicago after me, which is extremely humbling. I was even more flattered to hear Rick Perry, who is here tonigh, is doing the same thing in Texas. Take a look. (Laughter.) Thank you, Rick. It means a lot to me. (Laughter and applause.)

And I intend to enjoy all the free time that I will have. George W. Bush took up painting after he left office, which inspired me to take up my own artistic side. (Laughter.) I’m sure we’ve got a shot of this. (Laughter.) Maybe not. The joke doesn’t work without the slide. (Laughter.) Oh well. Assume that it was funny. (Laughter.) Does this happen to you, Joel? It does? Okay.

On a more serious note, tonight reminds us that we really are lucky to live in a country where reporters get to give a head of state a hard time on a daily basis -- and then, once a year, give him or her the chance, at least, to try to return the favor.

But we also know that not every journalist, or photographer, or crewmember is so fortunate, because even as we celebrate the free press tonight, our thoughts are with those in places around the globe like Ukraine, and Afghanistan, and Syria, and Egypt, who risk everything -- in some cases, even give their lives -- to report the news.

And what tonight also reminds us is that the fight for full and fair access goes beyond the chance to ask a question. As Steve mentioned, decades ago, an African American who wanted to cover his or her President might be barred from journalism school, burdened by Jim Crow, and, once in Washington, banned from press conferences. But after years of effort, black editors and publishers began meeting with FDR’s press secretary, Steve Early. And then they met with the President himself, who declared that a black reporter would get a credential. And even when Harry McAlpin made history as the first African American to attend a presidential news conference, he wasn’t always welcomed by the other reporters. But he was welcomed by the President, who told him, I’m glad to see you, McAlpin, and I’m very happy to have you here.

Now, that sentiment might have worn off once Harry asked him a question or two -- (laughter) -- and Harry’s battles continued. But he made history. And we’re s proud of Sherman and his family for being here tonight, and the White House Correspondents Association for creating a scholarship in Harry’s name. (Applause.)

For over 100 years, even as the White House Correspondents Association has told the story of America’s progress, you’ve lived it, too -- gradually allowing equal access to women, and minorities, and gays, and Americans with disabilities. And, yes, radio, and television, and Internet reporters, as well. And through it all, you’ve helped make sure that even as societies change, our fundamental commitment to the interaction between those who govern and those who ask questions doesn’t change. And as Jay will attest, it’s a legacy you carry on enthusiastically every single day.

And because this is the 100th anniversary of the Correspondents’ Association, I actually recorded an additional brief video thanking all of you for your hard work. Can we run the video?

(Video fails to play.)

THE PRESIDENT: What’s going on? (Laughter.) I was told this would work. Does anybody know how to fix this? (Laughter.)

(Secretary Sebelius enters from backstage.)

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, thank you. (Laughter and applause.) You got it?

SECRETARY SEBELIUS: I got this -- I see it all the time. There, that should work.

(Video plays.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. And God bless America, and thank you, Kathleen Sebelius. (Applause.)

END
10:40 P.M. EDT

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/03/remarks-president-white-house-correspondents-dinner

Be back with memes later...

May 5, 2014

Just like this 'Pants On Fire' here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024820686#post116

How many times will that one factoid put out by RT without context, then spun into a web of unsupporteed lies from that conclusion, be carried by so many?

Your name for Faux, 'gopropaganda' is so true. Remember how they lock step supported the narrative put out by Putin?

Beware their team for 2016:



All part of Team Faux Noise.

May 5, 2014

My favorite! Other than this gem:

to babylonsister!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024907669

May 5, 2014

Thanks, Babylonsister! I LOVE that graphic and our Prez. Cool under fire, always.

That is just perfect...

May 4, 2014

Plenty of 'Obama the blood thirsty dictator' comments, too? He keeps disappointing them. Enjoy:

Free floating paranoia (er, tumbleweeds). Best comment on KOS, IMO:

The US strategy makes sense, in that respect:

Bundies: We want to defend MURICA!


BLM: We're just trying to do our job.


Bundies: Just itchin' to shoot me a government agent!


BLM: Um...


Bundies: Gonna put the women and children up front so they get shot first on teevee!


BLM: You guys are crazy.


Bundies: You govment folk just try us!


BLM: Screw this, it's hot and we're not getting paid enough to deal with asylum escapees.

(They leave.)


Two weeks later...


Bundies: They're gonna come and attack us any day now.

Aaaaaany day now.


(tumbleweeds float by)


Aaaaaany day now.




by catwho on Mon Apr 28, 2014 at 09:44:04 AM PDT
[ Parent ] 


http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024881669#post29

May 4, 2014

HILARIOUS! Just what I needed to end my evening! Thanks, Cha! That picture...

Reminds me of:



Hope the video gets on youtube soon!