Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Politicians have a slightly different information diet. They spend more time gleaning information from lobbyists and rich donors whose concerns and opinions graft themselves onto representatives as easily as the pithiest economists’ opinions attach themselves to me. If politicians naturally gravitate to the issues rich folks want to talk about, it doesn’t make them bad people. It makes them normal people in a broken system that elevates polarization — both between parties and between the priorities of high-income and low-income families — while subtly concealing the issues that most affect Americans who cannot afford a lobbyists’ luncheon or a number on a congresswoman’s speed-dial. The centrality of big money in politics makes it nearly impossible for an issue like long-term unemployment to buy a sliver of mindshare. Our priorities are shaped not only by the stories we choose to believe, but also the stories we happen to hear, from the ideas we give a hearing … Why Washington Saved the Economy, Then Permanently Destroyed the Labor Market (via azspot)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Reyes wrote that there was evidence [Fox News Washington correspondent James] Rosen had broken the law, “at the very least, either as an aider, abettor and/or co-conspirator.” That fact distinguishes his case from the probe of the AP, in which the news organization is not the likely target. Using italics for emphasis, Reyes explained how Rosen allegedly used a “covert communications plan” and quoted from an e-mail exchange between Rosen and Kim that seems to describe a secret system for passing along information.

A rare peek into a Justice Department leak probe” - Ann E. Marimow in The Washington Post

“Covert communications plan?” Seriously? The Obama administration’s DOJ is out of control. 

Monday, May 20, 2013
randomactsofchaos:

Hajo de Reijger (05/01/2013)

randomactsofchaos:

Hajo de Reijger (05/01/2013)

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Five major scandals the media isn’t obsessing about

think-progress:

Are these things more important than edits to talking points? Judge for yourself.

1. Carbon pollution reaches historic highs, threatening human existence

2. The devastating impact of sequestration on kids, cancer patients and first responders.

3. Massive cuts to food stamps for the most vulnerable.

4. 1,100 workers die in a Bangladesh factory collapse, and American retailers continue business as usual.

5. 4,150 gun deaths from gun violence since Newtown.

I actually think the scandals that have emerged this week (yes, including Benghazi, though not because of the talking points) all deserve media coverage. If we’re not concerned about the Justice Department secretly collecting the phone records of AP journalists, then the country is in a bad place.

Obviously the press should also be covering climate change, gun violence, and the devastating impact of budget cuts on poor people. But those two things don’t have to be in tension.

aljazeeraamerica:

John Meehan joins Al Jazeera America as Sr Executive Producer of Business News & Ali Velshi’s show: http://trib.al/0IhC94s

Exactly what we need more of in the media.

aljazeeraamerica:

John Meehan joins Al Jazeera America as Sr Executive Producer of Business News & Ali Velshi’s show: http://trib.al/0IhC94s

Exactly what we need more of in the media.

nbcsnl:

Stefon’s farewell had, well, everything. We love you Stefon. Thanks for everything!

I just can’t handle Saturday Night Live finales and their sneak attack feels.

Saturday, May 18, 2013
motherjones:

americasgreatoutdoors:

There are some sights that are just too beautiful for words. Like the view from Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.Photo: Kevin Perez (submitted to the www.sharetheexperience.org photo contest)

All the Yosemite.

Have fun this week, SPHS seniors!

motherjones:

americasgreatoutdoors:

There are some sights that are just too beautiful for words. Like the view from Glacier Point overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Kevin Perez (submitted to the www.sharetheexperience.org photo contest)

All the Yosemite.

Have fun this week, SPHS seniors!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield