Be Happy the Saudis are Getting Involved

Years from now, whoever we decide was right or wrong in the context of US politics and foreign policy, I imagine we will see the current history of th... Read more

GOPer: Gays, Like Slave Owners, Are 'Good People' Who Made Bad Choices

Idaho state Rep. Paul Shepherd (R) reportedly compared gay people to slave owners by noting that both were "good people" who made terrible decisions, ... Read more

The Risks Of Police Collecting Licence Plate Numbers

"The positive of it is at least you're seeing what the police is storing, but the other side is the sensitivity of the ... Read more

Thai Junta Leader Vows To Fight Slave Labor In Fishing Industry

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's junta leader has vowed to take legal action against companies using forced labor, after an Associated Press investigation re... Read more

GOP State Rep. Says It's a 'Really Great Party' If You Witness Rape on Campus

Connecticut Rep. Mike Bocchino made some truly tasteless comments about campus sexual assault.
...  Read more

This Is the Real Human Toll of the Western 'War on Terror'

At least 1.3 million people in the Middle East and South Asia have been killed because of Western military action.
...  Read more

San Francisco Prison Guards Forced Inmates to Fight 'Like Game of Thrones'

The Department of Justice has been asked to investigate claims of ‘sadistic’ treatment, including threats of violence if inmates did not comply.
...  Read more

The Glaring, Brazen Hypocrisy at the Heart of American Right-Wing Christianity

For a faith that professes to value "life" many right-wing Christians seem strangely blasé about children's rights and lives.
...  Read more

More Than 4 Out Of 10 Farmworkers In These Three States Are Undocumented

Nationally, more than one out of four farmworkers are undocumented.  ... Read more

Rand: 'Moral Crisis' Led To Gay Marriage, US Needs Religious Revival

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Thursday told a group of pastors and religious leaders that the debate over gay marriage was a symptom of a "moral crisis" in... Read more

How To Kill A Discriminatory ‘Religious Liberty’ Bill: Call The Bluff

Georgia's "religious freedom" bill may be dead. Here's how it was stopped in its tracks. ... Read more

‘Enough Is Enough': There’s A New Push To Stop Incarcerating So Many People

New bills in Congress aim to reduce arrests and police brutality.  ... Read more

Ted Cruz Is Trying To Gut The Clean Air Act And Repeal All Climate Regulation

The bill seeks to prevent the federal government from regulating greenhouse gas emissions through any of its executive ... Read more

Subsidy Tracker 3.0 | Good Jobs First

Some politicians tell us we can't afford welfare programs for poor and hungry people.  We can't afford education, health care, Medicare, Social Security, etc.  But look how much "welfare" we give to corporations.  Your tax dollars.  Should they be required to create more jobs and pay more taxes?

Taxpayer dollars subsidizing private corporations: Discover Where Corporations are Getting Taxpayer Assistance Across the United States.
http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/subsidy-tracker

Stewart Mocks US Joining Up With Iran: We're 'Punching Ourselves In The D*ck' (VIDEO)

Jon Stewart declared complete bafflement on Thursday night's edition of "The Daily Show" as the U.S. entered into a bizarre entanglement in the Middle... Read more
Interview:

The Daily Show
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GOP Rep: Cruz Supporters Won't Stop Pestering Me With 'Vulgar' Phone Calls

Because they are all good Christians...

Rep. Peter King (R-NY) said Friday that supporters of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) had inundated his office with "vulgar, rabid and adolescent-type phone call... Read more

Judge In Texas Hands Down Mean-Spirited, Last-Ditch Attempt To Strip Gay Couples Of Marriage Rights

Anti-gay marriage discrimination in the United States is almost certainly in its final days, but one federal judge didn't get ... Read more

Number Of Palestinian Civilians Killed By Israelis Reaches Nearly 50-Year High

Israel killed 2,314 Palestinians in 2014, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. ... Read more

Week In The News: Germanwings Crash, Ted Cruz 2016, Yemen Unravels (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

An airline stunner this week. Horror. Germanwings, down. The co-pilot, we’re told, did it. Now what? In Yemen, Saudi jets go bombing. Fears of a face-off with Iran. In Tikrit, US jets go bombing, ISIS – coordinating with Iran. It’s complicated. Ted Cruz looks for an edge with an early formal announcement for the presidency. Bowe Bergdahl faces charges for desertion. Medicare gets a “doc fix.” Heinz and Kraft will become one great big huge food giant, but Americans are turning elsewhere. This hour On Point: our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines. / Tom Ashbrook
Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/03/27/germanwings-ted-cruz-congress-doc-fix-yemen-chaos

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show -- March 27)

With no Democratic support, the House and Senate pass budgets setting the stage for negotiations for a final deal. With bi-partisan support, the House passes a bill that changes how Medicare pays doctors. Democratic Senator Harry Reid says he won’t seek re-election. On the 5th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama says the law is working. Republican Senator Ted Cruz promises to repeal “every word” of it, as he announces he will run for president in 2016. And the Army charges Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with disertion. Diane and her panel of reporters discuss the week in news.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-03-27/friday-news-roundup-domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show -- March 27)

Authorities look for clues to why a German co-pilot would intentionally crash a passenger airplane in the French Alps. The victims were from more than a dozen countries, including the U.S. Saudi Arabia leads airstrikes in Yemen against Shiite rebels allied with Iran. President Barack Obama announces the U.S. will slow the withdrawal of American troops in Afghanistan. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks to the U.S. Congress, expressing gratitude for American support. Allegations that Israel spied on Iran nuclear talks further strain relations with Washington. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-03-27/friday-news-roundup-international

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show -- March 20)

House and Senate Republicans release their 2016 budgets. While both proposals set up a stark contrast with President Obama’s budget, GOP lawmakers clash over defense and Medicare spending. Loretta Lynch’s confirmation fight takes on racial overtones. Secret Service Director Joe Clancy says his agency may have erased surveillance video of agents driving through a bomb threat investigation at the White House. Stocks rally on news the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates. And Virginia’s governor orders an investigation into the bloody arrest of a black University of Virginia student. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top national news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-03-20/friday-news-roundup-domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show -- March 20)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps back from fully opposing a Palestinian state, following his election to a fourth term. ISIS and other militant groups claim responsibility for the deadly museum attack on tourists in Tunisia. International negotiators in Switzerland continue to work toward a deal on Iran’s nuclear program. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin returns after a curious absence and shrugs off rumors. And Ambassador Caroline Kennedy receives death threats in Japan. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-03-20/friday-news-roundup-international

9 Things Many Americans Just Don’t Grasp (Compared to the Rest of the World)

Americans' lack of worldliness clouds their views on everything from economics to sex to religion.
Read more

Jon Stewart demolishes Fox News: “You have a massive ego and spend 24 hours a day jerking yourself off”

Fox News is demanding a pat on the back from mainstream media, so Jon Stewart is giving it to them. VIDEO  http://www.salon.com/2015/03/27/jon_stewart_demolishes_fox_news_you_have_a_massive_ego_and_spend_24_hours_a_day_jerking_yourself_off/

The Daily Show
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Bills aim to block D.C. laws opponents say violate religious liberty

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Two U.S. senators have sponsored joint resolutions to try to block two new laws in the District of Columbia that they say prevent religious institutions, pro-life groups and individuals from operating within their own belief systems.
http://catholicphilly.com/2015/03/news/national-news/bills-aim-to-block-d-c-laws-opponents-say-violate-religious-liberty/

U.S. court halts Labor Dept. same-sex couple protections

"...The state of Texas, which has a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, last week sued the Labor Department over the rule that would grant family medical leave protections to all married same-sex couples..."
http://www.capitalbay.com/news/764616-u-s-court-halts-labor-dept-same-sex-couple-protections.html

What Do Politics Have to Do with Meaning and Purpose in Life?

How can we gain a richer life purpose and meaning through rational political engagement?
http://intentionalinsights.org/what-do-politics-have-to-do-with-meaning-and-purpose-in-life

How do you know? - The Atheist Experience #790

http://youtu.be/p29Twt2fjY0

RWW News: Cruz: Non-Believers Overtook Conservative Christians In Public Arena

http://youtu.be/eT1umDKWTkE

The Kochs take millions in subsidies in Montana, then try to block Medicaid expansion

Even GOP legislators are pissed at AFP's campaign to deprive the poor and uninsured of healthcare in this red state...
http://www.salon.com/2015/03/25/the_kochs_take_millions_in_subsidies_in_montana_then_try_to_block_medicaid_expansion/

Arizona May Force Doctors To Tell Women Their Abortion Can Be Reversed

"This is another example of politicians practicing medicine without a license."  ... Read more

After National Church Makes A Move On Marriage Equality, Presbyterian Congregations Receive Threats

Oh, look!  More Christian terrorists.   Any word of it on Fox News?

"I find myself praying for the person, and hoping we can discourse," Rev. Nelson said. The post After National Church Makes A ... Read more

Arctic Death Spiral: Sea Ice Extent Hits Record Winter Low As Thickness Collapses

Arctic sea ice has been in a death spiral for over 30 years with serious implications for extreme weather, sea level rise and ... Read more

The "Miracle" of the Sun

http://youtu.be/rOsXAkp1liE

Ferguson-Area Police Agree To Stop Tear Gassing Without ‘Reasonable Warning’ And Exit Route

In the days after the shooting of Michael Brown became national news, images of the protests and police response portrayed a ... Read more

Senate Votes To Help States Sell Off Public Lands

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski's (R-AK) budget amendment would support and fund state efforts to seize and sell America's public ... Read more

Discussion of Evolution Gets Heated - Atheist Experience

http://youtu.be/YWZQiRdFXDM

Bankers Given ‘Honesty Test’ & The Result Explains Everything

"The banking industry seems to bring out dishonesty in people, a new study suggests.

A team of Swiss economists tested the honesty of bank employees in a lab game that would pay off in cash if they cheated. When workers at an unnamed bank were asked about their home life, they were about as honest as the general public. But employees who had just been asked about work at the bank cheated 16 percent more.

"Bank employees are not more dishonest than others," said Ernst Fehr of the University of Zurich, author of the study published Wednesday by the journal Nature. But he said when reminded of their job they become more dishonest, so something about the culture of banking "seems to make them more dishonest."

The American Bankers Association dismissed the study: "While this study looks at one bank, America's 6,000 banks set a very high bar when it comes to the honesty and integrity of their employees. Banks take the fiduciary responsibility they have for their customers very seriously."

Researchers studied 128 employees at a single bank (even the country where it is located was not revealed)."* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and John Iadarola (TYT University) break it down.
http://youtu.be/YQF6ZJDIovw

We Are Koch

Koch Industries, considered Public Enemy Number One by many environmentalists, is blanketing the airwaves with an ad campaign touting its contribution...  Read more

‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Fantasizes About Atheist Family’s Brutal Rape And Murder

Who would Jesus rape and murder? What a sick, sick man. 'Duck Dynasty' Star Imagines Vivid Rape And Murder Scenario For Atheist Family: "Duck Dynast...  Read more

A Guy Many Republicans Would Trust With The Nuclear Launch Codes Only Found Out Recently That Israel Has A Parliamentary System

Writing for GQ, Jason Zengerle accompanies Ben Carson on a trip to Israel and finds that Carson's foreign policy education is proceeding a tad slowly:...  Read more

Republicans Object To Tighter Regulations On Shady Businesses

Today's Fox and Friends segment with the Doocy, tries to rile up their gun- crazed audience over the feds cracking down on the banking practices of th...  Read more

Stewart Slams Dem 'Dumbassery' And GOP 'F**kery' Over Sex-Traffic Bill (VIDEO)

On Tuesday, Jon Stewart returned to his particular terminology for Senate Democrats and Republicans, with "dumbassery" in one corner and "fuckery" in ... Read more

The Daily Show
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How Bush-Appointed Ivy Leaguer Ted Cruz Became A Tea Party Darling

Ted Cruz, who has become one of the Tea Party's most prominent voices, has officially announced his bid for president. But how is it that a graduate of Princeton and Harvard, a Bush appointee, can pass muster as the standard-bearer for a movement that is supposed to represent anti-elitist, anti-establishment, “real America”?
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/how-did-ted-cruz-become-a-tea-party-darling

Museums’ Ties To The Koch Brothers Are Not OK, Scientists Say

Leading climate scientists and museum experts called on science and natural history museums to "cut all ties with the fossil ... Read more

Ted Cruz Wants You To Believe He’s Legally Required To Sign Up For Obamacare. He’s Not.

"I believe we should follow the text of every law, even laws I disagree with," Cruz said. "It's one of the real differences -- ... Read more

This Is NOT How Science Works

http://youtu.be/skRSrGX543M

Ted Cruz’s Worst Nightmare Is Al Franken Explaining The Internet

"On Sunday, Minnesota Senator Al Franken appeared on CNN's "State Of The Union" with Candy Crowley and launched into a ripping critique of Texas Senator Ted Cruz's net neutrality position, basically saying that Cruz doesn't understand the issue at all.

Following President Obama's November 10 statement urging the FCC to enforce regulations to protect net neutrality, Senator Cruz wrote a strong-minded opinion in the Washington Post.

"In short, net neutrality is Obamacare for the Internet. It would put the government in charge of determining Internet pricing, terms of service and what types of products and services can be delivered, leading to fewer choices, fewer opportunities and higher prices," Cruz said in the Washington Post.

Senator Franken was not impressed."* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and John Iadarola (TYT University) break it down.
http://youtu.be/Pj8OUi6IjdM

Maryland Senate Passes Bill To Declare Fracking An ‘Ultrahazardous Activity’

Maryland's House of Delegates also passed a bill Tuesday that would declare a three-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. ... Read more

5 Things President Obama Wants To Discuss With Pope Francis When The Pontiff Comes To Town

The topics on Obama's agenda are ones that both leaders have made top priorities in their careers thus far. Here's what he hopes to chat about with the pope:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/26/president-obama-pope-francis_n_6947456.html

Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science

Hour of code. Anybody can learn. Start today. It is free, and fun for all ages.
http://code.org/index2

Working out with your Girlfriend

http://youtu.be/IMb-EtJiLtQ

Jon Stewart Just Mocked Florida’s Governor for Banning Climate Change

Congratulations everyone, we’ve survived through the warmest winter since 1880! Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Climate change again? I thought we got rid of that. Didn’t someone throw a snowball on the Senate floor? Shouldn’t we just stop talking about it altogether?”...
http://bluenationreview.com/daily-show-climate-change/

The Daily Show
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1 in 4 Americans Don't Believe in God; Lack of Trust in Local Churches Cited as a Reason Why Adults Are Leaving the Faith

...Barna Group has released its 2015 study on the state of atheism in America, and has revealed that one in four unchurched adults in the country now identify as atheists or agnostics. The study also found that rejection of the Bible and lack of trust in the church are two main reasons why people are turning away from faith...
http://www.christianpost.com/news/barnas-2015-state-of-atheism-report-finds-one-in-four-americans-dont-believe-god-exists-136327/

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson Publicly Imagined an Atheist Family Getting Raped, Castrated, and Murdered

"...In his speech, Robertson hypothesized how an atheist father might react to watching his wife get decapitated and his daughters get raped and shot by intruders who broke into his home. He also threw in some extra details like having the fictional intruders cut off the man's penis and dangle it in front of the victim's face, all while saying that they didn't have to be judged for the crimes because the man is an atheist..."
http://www.morningsun.net/article/ZZ/20150325/NEWS/303259985

California Senate panel endorses bill allowing terminally ill to commit suicide

"We understand and share the concern for the dying expressed at today's hearing. It is a natural impulse for human beings," said Ned Dolejsi, executive director of the California Catholic Conference. "But when someone asks for assistance in killing themselves, it is really a call for help, care and compassion during the dying process."
Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/03/25/261008/california-senate-panel-endorses.html#storylink=cpy

Exposed... The Next Great Treasury Raid

Jacobin Magazine contributor, Josh Mound, joins guest hosts Danielle and Shane-O to talk about the Next Great Treasury Raid!
Interview:
https://youtu.be/_0_6N5cz4jI

The problem with Cruz's religious language

"...In fact, we think it best to leave God out of the discourse entirely. Your assertion, for example, that “God’s blessing has been on America from the very beginning of this nation” is problematic, if not offensive to Native and African-Americans whose relatives were murdered and enslaved by those who were sure they were following your (and perhaps their) God’s directives..."
http://tucson.com/news/opinion/column/guest/gil-shapiro-the-problem-with-cruz-s-religious-language/article_39f5829f-6335-57d2-9fce-5b7f4ee9688e.html

Maryland Senate Passes Bill To Declare Fracking An ‘Ultrahazardous Activity’

Maryland's House of Delegates also passed a bill Tuesday that would declare a three-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. ... Read more

Christian Group Is Ready To Boycott Indiana If Governor Signs ‘Religious Liberty’ Bill

"Purportedly a matter of religious freedom, we find RFRA contrary to the values of our faith – as well as to our national and ... Read more

The Republican Budget: Believe it or Not (Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent)

http://youtu.be/e6y5bjcKrpU

UK 'faith' school London Oratory found to discriminate on basis of race and social status

In 2014, the London Oratory School, a Catholic state-funded school in West London, was found to breach the statutory Admissions Code in a whopping 105 different ways through its ridiculously stringent religious admissions criteria. As part of its determination, the schools adjudicator noted that its admissions criteria amounted to selection on racial and socio-economic grounds...
http://youtu.be/-uozBPxhRdg

‘Daily Show’ Host Jon Stewart Takes Down VA, Gains Health Care For Veterans [Video]

Jon Stewart may bill The Daily Show as fake news, but his reporting on Monday night’s show opened up access to health care for thousands of veterans after he schooled the Department of Veterans Affairs on the Choice Program.
Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1954009/daily-show-host-jon-stewart-takes-down-va-gains-health-care-for-veterans-video/#9fVMcXORsLYHXIIE.99

The Daily Show
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Obama celebrates Affordable Care Act; Rubio publishes alternative

"Over the last five years, Obamacare has revealed the painful consequences of placing our faith in big government," Rubio wrote. "Government's ambitions may be limitless, but its abilities are not. The free market, when allowed to function as intended, has no such limitations. It has an inexhaustible ability to empower our people and meet their needs. We need leaders in Congress -- and in the White House -- who will recognize that fact."...
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2015/03/25/Obama-celebrates-Affordable-Care-Act-Rubio-publishes-alternative/3681427299744/#ixzz3VUQqTFyA