A WASTE OF SPACE

Rand Paul declares for President - yay! What is the response?

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/04/rand_paul_for_president_why_the_libertarian_candidate_doesn_t_stand_a_chance.html
Rand Paul Will Not Be the GOP Nominee

http://www.thedailysheeple.com/why-rand-pauls-campaign-is-not-going-to-succeed_042015
Why Rand Paul’s Campaign Will Never Succeed

http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/can-rand-paul-win-n325141
Why Rand Paul Probably Can't Win Republican Nomination

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117147/rand-paul-doesnt-stand-chance-libertarians-and-republican-party
Rand Paul Doesn't Stand a Chance

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/04/10-reasons-rand-paul-will-never-set-foot-in-the-white-house-except-on-a-tour/
10 reasons Rand Paul will never set foot in the White House

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/07/rand_paul_is_already_doomed_the_simple_reason_why_he_will_never_ever_be_president/
Rand Paul is already doomed: The simple reason why he will never, ever be president 

http://www.salon.com/2013/05/04/rand_paul_will_never_be_president/
Rand Paul will never be president 

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/07/the_world_according_to_rand_paul_7_moments_that_tell_you_everything_you_need_to_know/
7 ludicrous Rand Paul moments that tell you everything you need to know 

Those who forget history are condemned to be laughed at

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/quote-o-day-rand-paul.html
[Rand Paul] "I support the Reagan approach to the Iran negotiations." 

More: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/rand-paul-promises-iran-weapons-for-hostages.html

Where Rand Paul stands on the issues

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/07/a-brief-guide-to-what-rand-paul-actually-believes/

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/7/8361219/rand-paul-issues

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/7/8360691/rand-paul-budget-president

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/7/8360047/rand-paul-president-reform-justice

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/us/politics/rand-paul-on-the-issues.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

The best responses on Twitter

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/07/leading_among_dead_people_twitters_best_rand_paul_burns/
“Everything on Rand Paul’s website looks like it was written satirically” [read on for more]

The Republican Right has no use for him

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/07/neocons_comical_rand_paul_slam_hes_worse_than_hillary/
Neocons’ comical Rand Paul slam: He’s worse than Hillary! 

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/08/rand_pauls_stubborn_neocon_problem_why_warmongers_still_wont_accept_the_newly_converted_hawk/
Rand Paul’s Fox News problem: Why warmongers still won’t accept the newly converted hawk

Obama calls out Scott Walker's know-nothing approach to foreign policy

http://www.npr.org/2015/04/07/397933577/transcript-president-obamas-full-npr-interview-on-iran-nuclear-deal
"And, you know, I am confident that any president who gets elected will be knowledgeable enough about foreign policy and knowledgeable enough about the traditions and precedents of presidential power that they won't start calling to question the capacity of the executive branch of the United States to enter into agreements with other countries. If that starts being questioned, that's going to be a problem for our friends and that's going to embolden our enemies.  And it would be a foolish approach to take, and, you know, perhaps Mr. Walker, after he's taken some time to bone up on foreign policy, will feel the same way."

Bill O'Reilly, professional clown

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/07/1376195/-Bill-O-Reilly-I-trust-Iran-more-than-I-trust-the-American-press
Bill O'Reilly: 'I trust Iran more than I trust the American press'

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/bill-oreilly-compares-anti-discrimination
Bill O'Reilly Compares Anti-Discrimination Protections For LGBT People To The Klan

Bonus item: Before and after

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/oh-god-not-another-one.html
[Before] On Saturday the police released a statement alleging that Scott had attempted to gain control of a Taser from Slager and that he was shot in a struggle over the weapon. . . .

[Tuesday, after the discovery of the video] A white police officer in North Charleston, S.C., was charged with murder on Tuesday after a video surfaced showing him shooting and killing an apparently unarmed black man in the back while he ran away. . . .

More: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/8/8368197/walter-scott-police-shooting

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

Why the right hates the Iran deal

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/6/8354057/iran-deal-republicans-netanyahu
The thing about some of these arguments is that they are basically objections to any feasible deal with Iran. Many critics, particularly Netanyahu, have taken pains to deny that they oppose any deal altogether — but it seems quite clearly that they do. . . .

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/06/bibis_iran_shocker_how_he_accidentally_revealed_his_desire_for_more_war/

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/an-aggressive-solution.html

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/6/8344403/iran-deal-breakthrough

Muy confuso

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/04/06/jeb-bush-listed-himself-as-hispanic-on-voter-form/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Jeb Bush Listed Himself as ‘Hispanic’ on Voter Form

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/06/jeb-bush-corrects-the-record-no-hes-not-actually-hispanic/?wprss=rss_politics
Jeb Bush corrects the record: No, he’s not actually Hispanic

Here's why Bush is going to win the nomination

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/6/8354331/jeb-bush-fundraising
Jeb Bush is stretching the limits of campaign finance law

More: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-campaign-cash-20150406-story.html#page=1

Theocracy watch

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/hey-christian-business-owners-the-government-isn-t-forcing-you-to-do-anything
Hey, Christian Business Owners: The Government Isn’t ‘Forcing’ You To Do Anything

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/07/6_modern_day_christian_terrorist_groups_our_media_conveniently_ignores_partner/
Christian terrorist groups

Facebook divorces (yes they really happen)

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/07/facebook-divorce-is-a-new-level-of-awful.html
 
News from Rushville!

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/06/5_worst_right_wing_moments_of_the_week_%E2%80%94%C2%A0rush_limbaugh_is_pretty_sure_rape_and_racism_dont_actually_exist_partner/
Rush Limbaugh is pretty sure rape and racism don’t actually exist 

Fox World makes us stupider

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/how-fox-making-people-stupider-today
"Patriots demand removal of communist flag"

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/07/new-gop-lie-food-stamps-on-cruise-ships.html
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is poised to sign a bill that would, among other things, bar people on food stamps from using them on cruise ships—a problem that has never really existed.

Bonus item: A new money-making scheme from The Daily Show

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/daily-show-makes-mockery-fundraiser-anti

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

ON A RAMPAGE

Why is the GOP so angry?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/05/why-is-the-gop-so-angry-at-everything-these-days.html

I suppose it's a good sign that so many conservatives are furious with the Indiana "religious freedom" fix

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/05/1375188/-The-religious-right-hates-the-Indiana-RFRA-compromise-That-s-why-it-s-good-news

More: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/4/8344455/indiana-rfra-memories-pizza
Conservatives lost in Indiana. But they're not going down without a fight.

In Fox World: religious people need protection from discrimination, but not non-religious people

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/fox-friends-says-protecting-atheists
Fox & Friends Says Protecting Atheists From Discrimination Is Anti-Christian! 

More: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/06/atheism-the-next-civil-rights-movement.html
 
Theocracy watch

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/bizarro-world-jindal-says-gays-dont-need
Jindal Says Gays Don't Need 'Special' Laws, But Christians 'Face Discrimination'

More: http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/rick-santorum-uses-god-hate-fags-slogan

How to raise wages

http://prospect.org/article/raising-wages-bottom

Krugman: the problem with austerity policies

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/06/paul_krugman_uh_oh_were_just_this_screwed/

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/23/paul_krugman_no_great_britain_isnt_an_austerity_success_story/

Some people are better at running for president than BEING president. Which is Hillary?

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/hillary-clinton-2016-campaign.html

Rand Paul, chameleon

http://politicalwire.com/2015/04/05/paul-blurs-his-positions-ahead-of-gop-primary/

http://politicalwire.com/2015/04/06/the-palatable-paul/

Bonus item: That's a lot of pizza

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/memories-pizza-gofundme-campaign-collects

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

IF YOU BREAK IT, YOU OWN IT

What happens if Congress scuttles the Iran deal?

http://firedoglake.com/2015/04/04/obama-prepares-for-showdown-with-congress-over-iran-deal/

More: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/4/8344115/iran-deal-congress

The growing rift between the corporate right and the GOP extremists

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/01/thanks_corporate_america_for_shaming_mike_pence_now_heres_a_reality_check/

http://politicalwire.com/2015/04/02/cruz-rips-big-business-over-religious-freedom/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/05/a-conservative-case-against-big-business.html

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/05/wall_street_and_the_wingnuts_win_again_radical_right_and_radical_wealth_have_captured_both_parties/

Is Jeb the inevitable nominee?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/05/us/politics/jeb-bush-as-inevitable-choice-republicans-say-not-so-fast.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2015_04/no_jeb_bush_does_not_have_an_e054937.php

In case you were wondering: Fidel Castro is still alive

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/fidel-castro-reportedly-out-and-about.html

Theocracy watch: some people should just shut up about religion

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/05/phil_robertsons_barbaric_faith_duck_dynasty_star_and_fox_news_sean_hannity_turn_drivel_into_gods_word/

The Sunday talk show line-ups

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/05/1375376/-Sunday-Talk-Queer-and-present-danger
NBC Meet the Press: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT); Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R); Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan; Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

CBS Face the Nation: Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz; Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA); Sarah Warbelow (Human Rights Campaign); Roundtable: David Sanger (New York Times), Ruth Marcus (Washington Post), Jeffrey Goldberg (The Atlantic), David Ignatius (Washington Post) and Margaret Brennan (CBS News).

ABC This Week: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; California Gov. Jerry Brown (D); Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput; Major League Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig; Keith Olbermann (ESPN); Roundtable: Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile, Republican Strategist Matthew Dowd, Julie Pace (Associated Press) and Jonathan Karl (ABC News).

CNN State of the Union: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA); Others TBD.

Bonus item: A gluten-free world?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/04/someone-finally-found-the-perfect-way-to-make-fun-of-the-gluten-free-movement/

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

LITMUS TESTS

Opposing the Iran deal is becoming a litmus test for 2016 GOP candidates

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/the-emerging-gop-war-platform

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/04/03/republican-voters-want-a-president-who-will-oppose-climate-action-immigration-reform-iran-nuke-deal/
 
Rand Paul clams up: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/03/1375359/-Sen-Rand-Paul-has-no-opinion-on-Iranian-nuclear-deal-will-get-back-to-you-later
Sen. Rand Paul has no opinion on Iranian nuclear deal, will get back to you later

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/03/obama-s-iran-nuke-deal-winners-losers.html
The pragmatists are triumphant for the moment, but the hawks are circling.

Really? Are you just only getting around to this now?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/04/03/is-it-already-all-over-for-chris-christie/?wprss=rss_politics
Is it already all over for Chris Christie?

Indiana passes a "fix" to their gay discrimination law . . . that isn't

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/indianas-pence-only-partially-resolves-discrimination-fight

Georgia on my mind

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/03/1375444/-Georgia-watches-Indiana-and-Arkansas-then-lets-discrimination-bill-die-quietly
Georgia watches Indiana and Arkansas, then lets discrimination bill die quietly

Anti-gay discrimination isn't the only bad consequence of "religious freedom" laws

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/lgbt-discrimination-isnt-only-heinous.html

Why poor people can't have nice things

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/03/missouri-republicans-are-trying-to-ban-food-stamp-recipients-from-buying-steak-and-seafood/?hpid=z4
Missouri Republicans are trying to ban food stamp recipients from buying steak and seafood

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/03/3_ways_inequality_is_making_life_worse_for_everyone/
3 ways inequality is making life worse for everyone 

Theocracy watch

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/03/ted-cruzs-first-campaign-ad-invokes-the-transformative-love-of-jesus-christ/?wprss=rss_politics
Ted Cruz’s first campaign ad invokes ‘the transformative love of Jesus Christ’

In Fox World: "A Deal with the Devil"

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/03/1375410/-Fox-News-subtle-as-always

Ha: join the club

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/03/barack_obamas_kids_think_hes_a_total_dork/
Barack Obama’s kids do not think he’s cool 

Bonus item: Sometimes you just have to laugh

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/04/03/the-best-late-night-jokes-about-indianas-controversial-law/
The best late-night jokes about Indiana’s controversial law

More laughs: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/03/funny_or_die_tackles_indiana_rfra_in_hilarious_home_shopping_spoof/

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

SO FAR, SO GOOD

A "framework" for an Iran nuclear deal (okay, but we're nowhere near the endgame)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/02/1375173/-President-Obama-cautious-but-upbeat-in-assessment-of-the-understanding-with-Iran-announced-today

What's in it: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/2/8336219/iran-nuclear-deal-plain-english
The Iran nuclear deal, translated into plain English

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/2/8337347/iran-deal-good
This is an astonishingly good Iran deal

What next? http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/02/congress-reacts-to-iran-nuclear-framework-with-cautious-optimism-renewed-skepticism/?wprss=rss_politics
Congress reacts to Iran nuclear framework with cautious optimism, renewed skepticism

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/diplomats-announce-deal-with-iran.html
Diplomats Announcing Deal With Iran Eager to Soon Hear Why Everyone Hates It

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/02/it-ll-be-a-miracle-if-this-iran-nuke-deal-really-gets-done.html
It’ll Be a Miracle If This Iran Nuke Deal Really Gets Done

Bill O'Reilly! http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/bill-oreilly-iran-deal-obama-might-be
“You don’t want a war with Iran,” he explained. “You don’t want to bomb that country because the unintended consequences will set the world aflame. So if you can get something that’s decent, you give it a shot. I think that’s a legitimate point,” O’Reilly said to a surprised Gretchen Carlson, host of the network’s daytime show, The Real Story.

Pat Buchanan! http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/watch-pat-buchanan-school-hannity-iran
I’m not scared of Iran, for God’s sakes. They don’t have an atomic bomb. …Bibi’s sitting on 200 atom bombs and he’s fretting over Iran, which hasn’t even produced weapons grade uranium?  The United States could finish off Iran in an afternoon. What are you frightened of, Sean? …I think you’re hysterical . . .

The Republican Senate might reject the deal

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/02/gop-iran-bill_n_6996464.html

ISIS loses Tikrit

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/2/8331601/iraq-isis-tikrit
Its worst defeat yet . . .

Scott Walker once again wanders aimlessly onto the very thin ice of his foreign policy understanding

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/scott-walker-will-never-be-elected

California deals with a devastating drought

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/04/02/heres-how-california-expects-its-citizens-to-save-400-billion-gallons-of-water/?wprss=rss_politics

More: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/1/8326555/california-water-restrictions

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/01/1374903/-California-just-ordered-unprecedented-water-restrictions


Only the Republicans could take a slam-dunk principle like religious freedom and turn it into an ugly, divisive -- and losing -- controversy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/04/02/why-republicans-lost-the-religious-freedom-debate-badly/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/04/02/republicans-needs-to-get-away-from-the-religious-freedom-debate-now/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/03/the-conservative-coalition-gets-cracked.html

More: http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/what-religious-freedom-really-means

The GOP presidential contenders who were so eager to jump on board with Indiana's law are now . . . well . . . you know

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/jeb-bush-flip-indiana-law

What about you, Ted?

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/02/ted_cruz_goes_ballistic_over_radical_idea_that_gay_people_should_enjoy_equality/
Ted Cruz goes ballistic over “radical” idea that gay people should enjoy equality 

For Mike Huckabee, religious conservatives are a group on the verge of extinction, threatened with annihilation by the powerful pro-gay lobby

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/mike-huckabee-gay-no-churches

"Homofascism" http://www.salon.com/2015/04/02/the_right_faces_a_ridiculous_new_menace_how_mike_huckabee_and_others_are_fighting_homofascism/

But for real insight we need to go to the GOP's new poster boy, Tom Cotton

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/tom-cotton-gay-arkansas-iran
At Least Arkansas Doesn't 'Hang You For The Crime Of Being Gay' 

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/02/tom_cottons_iran_humiliation_how_the_talking_points_robot_short_circuited_on_gay_rights/

Say what?

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/obvious-similarity-between-iran-indiana-news.html

[Laura Ingraham] If only the secular Left put as much trust & faith in the people of Indiana as they do in the rulers in Iran.

Keeping track

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/04/02/there-have-been-12-u-s-senators-indicted-while-in-office-heres-a-list
There have been 12 U.S. senators indicted while in office. Here’s a list.

More from DR (thanks for the link)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/economic-inequality-it-s-far-worse-than-you-think/
Economic Inequality: It’s Far Worse Than You Think 

More: http://prospect.org/article/crisis-black-unemployment-still-higher-pre-recession-levels
The Crisis of Black Unemployment

Bonus item: Ah, spring!

http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/04/baseball_road_trip_use_slate_s_itinerary_generator_to_map_a_30_day_trip.html
Two summers ago, my friend Eric and I indulged in the ultimate expression of baseball fandom: We attended 30 ballgames in 30 different stadiums in 30 days. Twenty-two thousand miles in a 2008 Toyota RAV4 later, it was clear we’d never again look at peanuts and Cracker Jack in quite the same way. . . .

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

DO-OVER

Arkansas decides it doesn't want to be like Indiana after all

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/04/01/arkansas-governor-to-discuss-religious-liberty-bill/?wprss=rss_politics
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) said Wednesday morning he will not sign a controversial religious liberty bill, saying he wants lawmakers to recall the bill and change it so that it more closely resembles federal law. . . .

Why he changed his mind: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2015/04/01/arkansas-governor-cites-his-son-while-rejecting-religious-freedom-bill-that-says-it-all/?wprss=rss_politics

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/01/1374819/-Walmart-asks-Arkansas-governor-not-to-sign-hate-law 

The end of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's presidential hopes

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/01/1374884/-The-two-main-takeaways-from-Mike-Pence-s-handling-of-Indiana-s-license-to-discriminate-law

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/04/01/1374816/-Mike-Pence-flip-flops-on-Indiana-s-license-to-discriminate-law-says-it-doesn-t-need-to-be-fixed
At Tuesday's train wreck of a press conference to defend Indiana's new license-to-discriminate law, Gov. Mike Pence spent nearly 45 minutes alternating between lies, whining and complaints about being smeared, but he also guaranteed that this law would be fixed:     

"Let me say I believe this is a clarification, but it’s also a fix ... I think it’s important that we take this action this week."

And yet just hours later, Pence scurried over to Fox News to assure Sean Hannity:      

"Well look, I stand by this law, uh, the law doesn't need to be fixed, we need to fix the perception."

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/mike-pences-contradictory-assurances
Over the course of just six days, Pence has endorsed the law, then endorsed changing the law, then opposed changing the law, then re-endorsed changing the law, only to then oppose changes again. . . 

Brilliant move. Really, brilliant

http://politicalwire.com/2015/04/02/cruz-rips-big-business-over-religious-freedom/
Cruz Rips Big Business Over ‘Religious Freedom’ 

Fox World logic

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/04/hannity-and-dsouza-ask-why-gays-mad
Hannity And D'Souza Ask Why Gays Are Mad At Indiana But Silent On Sharia Law?

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/04/01/tucker_carlson_lashes_out_at_critics_of_indianas_anti_gay_law_these_are_jihadis/
Tucker Carlson lashes out at critics of Indiana’s anti-gay law: “These are jihadis!”  

A guide to the Iran nuclear negotiations

http://www.vox.com/2015/4/2/8325447/iran-nuclear-simple-guide

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/04/01/no-the-iran-nuclear-negotiations-arent-munich-in-1938/

Republicans in Congress still want to run U.S. foreign policy

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/mcconnell-obama-emissions-un

"Why the House of Representatives Doesn't Represent the U.S. Public" (thanks to DR for the link)

http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29949-why-the-house-of-representatives-doesn-t-represent-the-us-public

The debate over GMOs

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/03/03/proof-hes-the-science-guy-bill-nye-is-changing-his-mind-about-gmos/

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/26/a_desolate_world_without_gmo_crops_inside_monsantos_demented_spin_campaign_partner/

http://firedoglake.com/2015/04/01/new-report-debunks-myth-that-gmos-are-key-to-feeding-the-world/

Theocracy watch

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/01/the_rights_made_up_god_how_bigots_invented_a_white_supremacist_jesus/
The right’s made-up God: How bigots invented a white supremacist Jesus 

Yes, "deranged" IS the word that comes to mind -- but not in the way that she intends

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/michele-bachmann-obama-deranged-pilot
Michele Bachmann Compares Obama To 'Deranged' Germanwings Pilot

Bonus item: Might be the best excuse we've heard yet

http://www.salon.com/2015/04/01/kentucky_gov_same_sex_marriage_ban_isnt_discriminatory_since_it_also_applies_to_straight_people/

Kentucky Gov.: Same-sex marriage ban isn’t discriminatory since it also applies to straight people 

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

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THE CONTORTIONIST

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is twisted up in knots over the anti-gay "religious freedom" bill

Three days ago: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/29/1374133/-Pence-defends-Indiana-hate-law-refuses-to-say-six-times-that-law-won-t-allow-discrimination
"We're not going to change the law . . . I stand by this law." 

Yesterday: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/mike-pence-wants-clarification-law
"After much reflection and in consultation with leadership of the General Assembly I've come to the conclusion that it would be helpful to move legislation this week that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses to deny services to anyone"

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/31/mike-pence-still-isn-t-telling-the-truth-why-indiana-s-anti-gay-religious-freedom-law-is-different-than-the-other-ones.html
Mike Pence Still Isn’t Telling the Truth

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/31/indiana-could-ve-fixed-its-anti-gay-bill-and-passed-it.html
Insiders say Mike Pence was told about amendments to strengthen LGBT protection before he signed the bill into law. Now he’s trying to “fix” what he broke.
 
More: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/public_pressure_works_the_crucial_lesson_in_mike_pences_call_for_a_religious_freedom_fix/
Public pressure works

Arkansas jumps into the same pool as Indiana

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/01/us/religious-freedom-restoration-act-arkansas-indiana.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/04/why-arkansas-lawmakers-claim-they-need-rfra.html

The "homeland security-industrial complex"

http://www.truth-out.org/progressivepicks/item/27425-james-risen-the-post-9-11-homeland-security-industrial-complex-profiteers-and-endless-war

More: http://on.aol.com/video/james-risen-explains-americas-homeland-security-industrial-complex-518465118

Is the Iran nuclear deal a good thing?

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/03/what-to-worry-about-in-an-iran-nuclear-deal/388970/

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/iran_is_a_mess_what_you_need_to_know_about_crunch_time_for_the_nuclear_deal/

http://www.vox.com/2015/3/31/8319103/iran-nuclear-jeffrey-lewis

The lousy pool of GOP candidates for President

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/ted_cruzs_worst_excuse_ever_this_explanation_of_why_he_misses_committee_hearings_is_a_doozy/
Ted Cruz’s worst excuse ever: This explanation of why he misses committee hearings is a doozy 

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/rand_paul_slams_gay_rights_in_unearthed_2013_interview_i_don%E2%80%99t_really_believe_in_rights_based_on_your_behavior/
Rand Paul slams gay rights in unearthed 2013 interview: “I don’t really believe in rights based on your behavior” 

http://politicalwire.com/2015/04/01/new-group-will-secretly-funnel-money-to-bush/
New Group Will Secretly Funnel Money to Bush 

I keep saying it: be careful what you ask for

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/03/31/leading-gop-critic-of-obamacare-accidentally-shows-why-anti-aca-lawsuit-could-be-disaster-for-gop/
Leading GOP critic of Obamacare accidentally shows why anti-ACA lawsuit could be disaster for GOP, too

In Fox World

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/fox_news_contributor_says_911_was_gods_punishment_for_abortion/
Fox News contributor says 9/11 was God’s punishment for abortion 

Bonus item: Oh, man. One day in and Trevor Noah is already struggling to keep his job as Jon Stewart's replacement

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/trevor-noah-daily-show-tweets
Next Host Of 'The Daily Show' Takes Heat For Old Tweets On Women, Jews

http://www.vox.com/2015/3/31/8319065/trevor-noah-twitter-offensive-jokes
The line between funny and offensive is thin. Trevor Noah is on the wrong side.

More: http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/trevor_noah_fires_back_controversial_tweets_are_not_a_true_reflection_of_my_character/

Trevor Noah fires back: Controversial tweets are “not a true reflection of my character” 

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/trevor_noah_is_more_than_his_worst_joke_yes_its_possible_to_talk_about_those_tweets_without_losing_perspective/
Trevor Noah is more than his worst joke: Yes, it’s possible to talk about those tweets without losing perspective 

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/put_down_the_trevor_noah_pitchforks_his_offensive_unfunny_tweets_shouldnt_cost_him_the_daily_show_just_yet/
Put down the Trevor Noah pitchforks: His offensive, unfunny tweets shouldn’t cost him “The Daily Show” just yet 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/03/31/the-ridiculous-trevor-noah-backlash-the-daily-show-host-has-nothing-to-apologize-for.html
The Ridiculous Trevor Noah Backlash: ‘The Daily Show’ Host Has Nothing To Apologize For

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL: http://pbd.blogspot.com

I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc.). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***