The center’s clout grew even more in advance of last year’s presidential election. The largest chunk of the center’s funding to date has come from one group, Freedom Partners, another Koch-linked money machine to promote small-government ideas, which contributed $115 million to the center in the year prior to the 2012 elections, according to Internal Revenue Service records.
Along the way, Noble, a devout Mormon, father of five and former chief of staff to then-Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), became a prominent player in conservative circles. Noble, who seems to relish flying under the public radar, has spoken at several of the Kochs’ semi-annual conferences and, according to attendees, often represented the Koch network of conservative groups at periodic strategy meetings hosted by Karl Rove’s American Crossroads during the last election cycle. One GOP operative told HuffPost that in 2012, Noble was “the wizard behind the screen,” serving as a key strategist for Koch-allied groups and donors working to unseat President Barack Obama.
The consultants who spoke to HuffPost asked for anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss private donations. Neither Kendrick nor Noble responded to calls seeking comment.
Now, however, according to three GOP operatives, Noble appears to have fallen out of favor with many in the Koch world. Even as he continues to leverage his “dark money” ties with his private consulting business, Noble’s center has become entangled in an ongoing California probe that a state election regulator has called the largest case of “campaign money laundering” in California history.
As a result, one GOP operative said, “Noble has had his wings clipped.”
*****
The Center to Protect Patient Rights, whose only address is a P.O. box outside Phoenix, Ariz., is emblematic of the Koch network’s penchant for secrecy and its increasing complexity and opaqueness.
So the problem facing even non-Social Security dependent retirees (who have earned their checks by paying into the fund) is due to personal debt not national debt. What people owe money on are non-government expenses such as college, housing, cars, credit cards, etc. This is private indebtedness that is contributing to a looming personal retirement shortfall of funds.
Ironically, Social Security is one of the few programs that is keeping most seniors from economic impoverishment, as meager as the average monthly check is. […]
Since the Reagan era, wages have been relatively stagnant in the United States as debt has risen. It is indeed this growing personal (again not national) debt that has been a primary source of profit for the banks too big to fail. Persons who owe large amounts of money are paying off interest at often exorbitant sums (think credit cards) while in many cases barely scratching away at principal. This is all easy money for banks that are paying out literally .01 % on savings accounts. […]
So, let this WP article be a mini-lesson on what the oligarchy and their minions on the Hill, such as Paul Ryan, have been up to. Since the Reagan era, they have been promoting policies that increase personal debt while stagnating wages (except for themselves, of course). In turn, a likely majority of the 99% has to go into debt and borrow money at high interest rates, while those who save receive virtually no interest on their savings. This, in turn (except for Social Security) limits what they can save for retirement.
Then the financial titans sponsor think tanks and give campaign contributions to blame “entitlements” for all the personal indebtedness which has fueled their profits. So, if a “grand bargain” of Social Security and Medicare cuts are enacted, the elderly become indebted and poorer, while the Wall Street barons make even a greater profit from increased borrowing as the national debt is lowered in the name of “austerity” (without revenue increases in the form of higher progressive taxes on the rich).
If you think a law to make sure most people can get health insurance (in a market-based system built on the fundamental premises of individual responsibility and the power of competition to control costs and stop waste) — that was invented by your own party 24 years ago, was introduced by your party as a bill 20 years ago, then again 19 years ago, and again 6 years ago, was a central issue in two presidential elections (with the supporter winning both), closely resembles the signature achievement of your own presidential candidate, was passed by both houses of Congress after eight months of debate and negotiation, was signed by the president, was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court controlled by your party, and has survived 67 (and counting) legislative attempts to kill it – is illegal, unconstitutional, and warrants both shutting down the government and forcing it to default on its debts and jeopardizing the economic recovery, and a trigger for “Armageddon” (especially if you, personally, enjoy government-guaranteed health insurance)….
….you’re an extremist. Get real.
I took a cab to the airport today. I started to chat with the cab driver ( looong drive) and unvariable with me ( such a political junkie), we started talking about politics. Now, in potential stressful situations ( and a plane ride definitely qualifies), I really avoid getting into any arguments with people. He looked exactly what the caricature of the “base” of the tea party seems like these days: male, mid-50s, white, a little “plump” , blue collar with what looks like a bit of a forceful nature. I was not going to get into it with him at any cost. I was prepared to just let him rant and tune him out.
He completely surprised me. He told me he hadn’t had healthcare for over 10 years. He had medical issues before and he could not get into any plan without paying an arm and a leg. He said initially, he was very mad at President Obama and the Democrats for forcing him to get healthcare when he knew he could never afford it on a cab driver salary. His son, also apprehensive, talked him into looking at the options since he’s going to have to get healthcare, because of the mandate. They looked at the options and lo and behold, he found a plan that he COULD afford.
He was almost emotional thinking that the terror of having an accident, an unexpected disease or illness without insurance ( leading to bankrupcy) … that terror will go away. I had tears in my eyes. He didn’t say but I think the guy was a republican ( at least) and after this, maybe just maybe he’s rethinking some things.
Obama Cares for real. And the fact that republicans are willing to throw the whole world into turmoil so that people like this poor cab driver doesn’t get to have affordable healthcare ( A RIGHT FOR ALL) drives me to madness and rage. These ” CHRISTIANS” who have absolutely no empathy for their fellow men disgust me.
Thank you for sharing this story. This completely illustrates the fact that President Obama sees the people in this country. He really sees them. He cares for them. And he’s in the job of President to do something for these people. He’s getting it done. This was a lovely story.
Melissa, thank you for sharing the story. Each day, more and more Americans are going to realize just how much – in real, tangible to them terms – OBAMA CARES.
That is the WORST nightmare for the Kochs & all those working for them the transform the USA into Kochville.
We the People … will never allow plutocrats like the Kochs to destroy the American Promise. Anyone, anywhere in America trying to build a #Kochville must be stopped.
Gotta get to bed – but was browsing Twitter, and finally found an article of merit on the awful episode of nasty remarks from Sessions to President Obama. May have been posted before, not sure.
This article intensifies the pride I feel in our President, if that’s possible. (The only thing I would disagree with is that the author makes a differentiation in how Jackie Robinson was treated versus how President Obama is treated, by the racists. There really is no difference. A man is a man is a man.)
I love the ” ’twas ever thus” intro to the tweet …
Again, goodnight, TODville! Barack Obama is our President and sometimes it feels like ’twas ever thus!
Great find JOB! President Obama has the good sense to know that he is President of the United States, which, sadly, includes bigots like Pete Sessions, Joe Wilson and some of the WH Press Corp! It’s really up to us citizens to call out and shame these midgets who think that insulting and disrespecting the President of the United States, just because he is not white, makes them appear superior than him. No matter how much they try, there is one historical reality they will never be able to erase from the history records: Barack H. Obama is the 44th, two term, President of the United States. When the history books are written about the years 2007-2017, President Obama will be the dominant story. Pete Sessions would be lucky to be mentioned in the footnotes.
I deeply apologize for using the word “midgets.” I should know better because a vast majority of short people are, smart, truly descent, and respectable people who did not choose their size. Again, that was very poor choice of words on my part. All I wanted to say, and should have said plainly, was that these racist members of Congress and the media, who insist on denigrating President Obama, are very shallow and small minded people.
Anyone who read your thoughts, nath, knows you didn’t mean to offend anyone (I’m sure we all knew you meant small-minded people). But thanks for your comment, anyway, because all of us need the gentle reminder at times.
As to your thoughts on President Obama in the history books: Bravo!!! X2
this is b.s. 33M for an entirely social media campaign?! They decided to stay Silent for a month so as NOT to encourage interest?!? no tv, no radio ads, no mailing?! No effort on the part of Illinois to get info or help to people to sign up without internet? no info on other options? If you dont have a computer, you know NOTHING about ACA. unless you listen to Fox News.
The state couldn’t have found a way to get plan information to citizens?
when it snows in Chicago the city tells the media that they are plowing the side streets. This is in lieu of actually plowing the side streets. The message becomes truth even if it is a total lie. Unless there is an election. Then you see a snow plow for the first time.
…verrrrry late to the party. i guess there’s no more cheezy puffs left?
anyway, here’s more evidence that our president just keeps moving his agenda forward, in spite of all the noise and hogwash in the news.
‘ The new program, called Systems-Based Neurotechnology and Understanding for the Treatment of Neuropsychological Illnesses, is part of an Obama administration brain initiative, announced earlier this year, intended to promote innovative basic neuroscience. Participants in the initiative include Darpa, as well as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
~
Dr. Helen Mayberg, a neuroscientist at Emory University School of Medicine who has pioneered work on deep brain stimulation and depression, said, “Darpa’s initiative says in no uncertain terms that we want to concentrate on human beings.” She said she was particularly pleased with the emphasis on deep brain stimulation: “This adds to a growing recognition that this approach to brain disease is a promising strategy.”
~
Darpa’s goal would require solving several longstanding problems in neuroscience, one of which is to develop a detailed model of how injuries or illnesses like depression manifest themselves in the systems of the brain.
The next step is to create a device that can monitor the signs of illness or injury in real time, treat them appropriately and measure the effects of the treatment. The result would be something like a highly sophisticated pacemaker for a brain disorder.
Darpa is asking for research teams to produce a device ready to be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for approval within five years.
“Is it overambitious? Of course,” said Dr. Mayberg, adding that working with the brain is “a slow process.” But she said that it was an impressive first investment and that the clear emphasis on human illness was “stunning.”
~
The Obama administration is budgeting $100 million for the first year of the brain initiative. A committee of the health institutes produced a draft report in September that indicated the agency would concentrate its $40 million share on systems or networks in the brain, not individual cells and not the whole brain.
Darpa is allocated $50 million this year under President Obama’s brain initiative. ‘
The Obama Diary 
ICYMT-
Grayson Ratchets Up Tea Party-KKK Flap Saying ‘The Truth Hurts’
http://abcnews.go.com/politics/t/blogEntry?id=20670632
Damn. I got a first too? I’m gonna buy a lotto ticket. 😀
Evening, Nelson. Congrats on first!
Congratulations, Sir!
It’s almost Friday, so you get this!
congrats, Yardarm!
Who’s on first? Yardarm! Congrats!
Hey Sailor! Congrats on First!
Fiinally. No wimmin. Let’s trash this place.
*Ahem*
dratz.
There will be one less soon – too tired to stay upright!
G’night and enjoy yourself.
[Rustling my taffeta skirt and plopping right down beside ya… squinty-eyed glare ensues] >:-|
Yes, mam.
ATTN Bobfr…….. some more for your KOCHSVILLE arsenal….
I know it’s HP…but it’s a must read anyway…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/02/sean-noble-koch-brothers_n_4017578.html
The center’s clout grew even more in advance of last year’s presidential election. The largest chunk of the center’s funding to date has come from one group, Freedom Partners, another Koch-linked money machine to promote small-government ideas, which contributed $115 million to the center in the year prior to the 2012 elections, according to Internal Revenue Service records.
Along the way, Noble, a devout Mormon, father of five and former chief of staff to then-Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), became a prominent player in conservative circles. Noble, who seems to relish flying under the public radar, has spoken at several of the Kochs’ semi-annual conferences and, according to attendees, often represented the Koch network of conservative groups at periodic strategy meetings hosted by Karl Rove’s American Crossroads during the last election cycle. One GOP operative told HuffPost that in 2012, Noble was “the wizard behind the screen,” serving as a key strategist for Koch-allied groups and donors working to unseat President Barack Obama.
The consultants who spoke to HuffPost asked for anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss private donations. Neither Kendrick nor Noble responded to calls seeking comment.
Now, however, according to three GOP operatives, Noble appears to have fallen out of favor with many in the Koch world. Even as he continues to leverage his “dark money” ties with his private consulting business, Noble’s center has become entangled in an ongoing California probe that a state election regulator has called the largest case of “campaign money laundering” in California history.
As a result, one GOP operative said, “Noble has had his wings clipped.”
*****
The Center to Protect Patient Rights, whose only address is a P.O. box outside Phoenix, Ariz., is emblematic of the Koch network’s penchant for secrecy and its increasing complexity and opaqueness.
Great photo I had not seen before………. ’09 Innaugural. PBO & HOVA
My man from Auburn just showed out on Thursday night football. 4TD’s-O TO’s. First player in NFL history with 50TD’s Passing 25 Rushing in 1rst 3yrs!
OK no more Cam Newton pics unless they make the playoffs…. “War Eagle”
That’s right Secretary Sebellius – we have your back and support your efforts!
Aw… you old softy you! Ladies Man!
yardarm congrats on #1! and now I gotta go to slee-
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Nite TOD
Memory lane anyone?
Oh course!
Name all the artists singing and I’ll make a $20.14 donation to DCCC right now!
I bet I could do it……BTW, my little notification thingy isn’t working so I may not answer right away.
No prob.
mine isnt working either
Chips…are you awake?????? 🙂 🙂
OMG! Haven’t even gotten halfway through and I’m HOWLING!!!! I know this look WELL! 🙂
ROFLMAO!
I laughed so hard I think I peed…been there, done ALL that:)
🙂
My new pug, Mac, did the nasty just now inside the house. Punishment ? Locked out for the day.
You liked my timing then, right? 🙂
The bugger did his and ran away. Coward.
Poor thing…don’t be too hard on him….
I am gonna kill him. (ok, after he eats his lunch)
http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18271-personal-debt-that-enriches-wall-street-is-greatest-threat-to-retirees-not-national-debt
So the problem facing even non-Social Security dependent retirees (who have earned their checks by paying into the fund) is due to personal debt not national debt. What people owe money on are non-government expenses such as college, housing, cars, credit cards, etc. This is private indebtedness that is contributing to a looming personal retirement shortfall of funds.
Ironically, Social Security is one of the few programs that is keeping most seniors from economic impoverishment, as meager as the average monthly check is. […]
Since the Reagan era, wages have been relatively stagnant in the United States as debt has risen. It is indeed this growing personal (again not national) debt that has been a primary source of profit for the banks too big to fail. Persons who owe large amounts of money are paying off interest at often exorbitant sums (think credit cards) while in many cases barely scratching away at principal. This is all easy money for banks that are paying out literally .01 % on savings accounts. […]
So, let this WP article be a mini-lesson on what the oligarchy and their minions on the Hill, such as Paul Ryan, have been up to. Since the Reagan era, they have been promoting policies that increase personal debt while stagnating wages (except for themselves, of course). In turn, a likely majority of the 99% has to go into debt and borrow money at high interest rates, while those who save receive virtually no interest on their savings. This, in turn (except for Social Security) limits what they can save for retirement.
Then the financial titans sponsor think tanks and give campaign contributions to blame “entitlements” for all the personal indebtedness which has fueled their profits. So, if a “grand bargain” of Social Security and Medicare cuts are enacted, the elderly become indebted and poorer, while the Wall Street barons make even a greater profit from increased borrowing as the national debt is lowered in the name of “austerity” (without revenue increases in the form of higher progressive taxes on the rich).
http://veracitystew.com/2013/10/05/the-extremist-id-test-for-all-political-factions/ You should SEE this list:) Holy Moly!!
If you think a law to make sure most people can get health insurance (in a market-based system built on the fundamental premises of individual responsibility and the power of competition to control costs and stop waste) — that was invented by your own party 24 years ago, was introduced by your party as a bill 20 years ago, then again 19 years ago, and again 6 years ago, was a central issue in two presidential elections (with the supporter winning both), closely resembles the signature achievement of your own presidential candidate, was passed by both houses of Congress after eight months of debate and negotiation, was signed by the president, was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court controlled by your party, and has survived 67 (and counting) legislative attempts to kill it – is illegal, unconstitutional, and warrants both shutting down the government and forcing it to default on its debts and jeopardizing the economic recovery, and a trigger for “Armageddon” (especially if you, personally, enjoy government-guaranteed health insurance)….
….you’re an extremist. Get real.
EXCELLENT!
Tweetage right here:
I do like Kirsten Gillibrand. I hope she considers running in 2016.
Opps! Republicans aren’t going to like this…… http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2013/10/24/insurance-giant-wellpoint-key-player-obamacare-rollout-upbeat-exchanges/
http://www.cagle.com/2013/10/care-mudgeons/ Great toon
Beyonce is from Houston, isn’t she? Even more perfect! 🙂
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/10/23/Smartphone-apps-could-help-immigrants-achieve-citizenship/4731382560320/
Thanks df! Tweeted it!
Thanks! I saw that this morning and remembered to post it here tonight:) This is good stuff…thanks for Tweeting it.
I took a cab to the airport today. I started to chat with the cab driver ( looong drive) and unvariable with me ( such a political junkie), we started talking about politics. Now, in potential stressful situations ( and a plane ride definitely qualifies), I really avoid getting into any arguments with people. He looked exactly what the caricature of the “base” of the tea party seems like these days: male, mid-50s, white, a little “plump” , blue collar with what looks like a bit of a forceful nature. I was not going to get into it with him at any cost. I was prepared to just let him rant and tune him out.
He completely surprised me. He told me he hadn’t had healthcare for over 10 years. He had medical issues before and he could not get into any plan without paying an arm and a leg. He said initially, he was very mad at President Obama and the Democrats for forcing him to get healthcare when he knew he could never afford it on a cab driver salary. His son, also apprehensive, talked him into looking at the options since he’s going to have to get healthcare, because of the mandate. They looked at the options and lo and behold, he found a plan that he COULD afford.
He was almost emotional thinking that the terror of having an accident, an unexpected disease or illness without insurance ( leading to bankrupcy) … that terror will go away. I had tears in my eyes. He didn’t say but I think the guy was a republican ( at least) and after this, maybe just maybe he’s rethinking some things.
Obama Cares for real. And the fact that republicans are willing to throw the whole world into turmoil so that people like this poor cab driver doesn’t get to have affordable healthcare ( A RIGHT FOR ALL) drives me to madness and rage. These ” CHRISTIANS” who have absolutely no empathy for their fellow men disgust me.
It was a good day, Melissa:) I think there are LOTS of people just like this cab driver.
You should have asked him if votes for gop. Make it a teachable moment.
Thank you for sharing this story. This completely illustrates the fact that President Obama sees the people in this country. He really sees them. He cares for them. And he’s in the job of President to do something for these people. He’s getting it done. This was a lovely story.
Great story Melissa! Thanks for sharing it!
The more people get out there and try it, the more they’ll LOVE it!
Melissa, thank you for sharing the story. Each day, more and more Americans are going to realize just how much – in real, tangible to them terms – OBAMA CARES.
That is the WORST nightmare for the Kochs & all those working for them the transform the USA into Kochville.
We the People … will prevail.
Yes We Can
A high court in China has rejected the appeal of top politician Bo Xilai, jailed for life for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-24652525
(hope this works)
(so far so good)
🙂
Finally! It works. My Windows 7 and antivirus stuff went off on their own. Phew!
where’s Nelson? 🙂
That’s on twitter. But I’m still here. The WH is not the only one with glitches. 🙂
🙂
Watch the vid. Asif kills it, especially at the end.
Is it bad to eat cheezy puffs at 10pm?
Just don’t let the new puppy see you. 🙂
HA!
Amazing
Oooooo, that’s neat! So realistic! Amazing!
Please forgive me but the notification thingy isn’t working for me……Loved the pic of MO.
I have nothing more… and so I bid you all adieu! 🙂
Night everyone…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
We the People … will never allow plutocrats like the Kochs to destroy the American Promise. Anyone, anywhere in America trying to build a #Kochville must be stopped.
Yes WE MUST
Gotta get to bed – but was browsing Twitter, and finally found an article of merit on the awful episode of nasty remarks from Sessions to President Obama. May have been posted before, not sure.
This article intensifies the pride I feel in our President, if that’s possible. (The only thing I would disagree with is that the author makes a differentiation in how Jackie Robinson was treated versus how President Obama is treated, by the racists. There really is no difference. A man is a man is a man.)
I love the ” ’twas ever thus” intro to the tweet …
Again, goodnight, TODville! Barack Obama is our President and sometimes it feels like ’twas ever thus!
Rest well #Jacqueline 🙂
For those who may have missed it yesterday evening, especially given the late hour ….
#FORWARD Together
oh well … stuck in awaiting moderator sink hole ………
*stuck in awaiting moderator sink hole*
Too funny! I mean sad (for you).
Brilliant find, Jacq!
It was so touching, wasn’t it, theo67?
Great find JOB! President Obama has the good sense to know that he is President of the United States, which, sadly, includes bigots like Pete Sessions, Joe Wilson and some of the WH Press Corp! It’s really up to us citizens to call out and shame these midgets who think that insulting and disrespecting the President of the United States, just because he is not white, makes them appear superior than him. No matter how much they try, there is one historical reality they will never be able to erase from the history records: Barack H. Obama is the 44th, two term, President of the United States. When the history books are written about the years 2007-2017, President Obama will be the dominant story. Pete Sessions would be lucky to be mentioned in the footnotes.
I deeply apologize for using the word “midgets.” I should know better because a vast majority of short people are, smart, truly descent, and respectable people who did not choose their size. Again, that was very poor choice of words on my part. All I wanted to say, and should have said plainly, was that these racist members of Congress and the media, who insist on denigrating President Obama, are very shallow and small minded people.
Anyone who read your thoughts, nath, knows you didn’t mean to offend anyone (I’m sure we all knew you meant small-minded people). But thanks for your comment, anyway, because all of us need the gentle reminder at times.
As to your thoughts on President Obama in the history books: Bravo!!! X2
https://twitter.com/jovie_jovie653/status/393644150979305472
https://twitter.com/jovie_jovie653/status/393647357390495744
Typo corrected too early can’t see! 🙂
33 million? I wished they would do that nationwide !
this is b.s. 33M for an entirely social media campaign?! They decided to stay Silent for a month so as NOT to encourage interest?!? no tv, no radio ads, no mailing?! No effort on the part of Illinois to get info or help to people to sign up without internet? no info on other options? If you dont have a computer, you know NOTHING about ACA. unless you listen to Fox News.
The state couldn’t have found a way to get plan information to citizens?
when it snows in Chicago the city tells the media that they are plowing the side streets. This is in lieu of actually plowing the side streets. The message becomes truth even if it is a total lie. Unless there is an election. Then you see a snow plow for the first time.
this is typical of IL.
A-10 triple redundant systems. Anti tank 1980 technology 2 defeat Soviet tanks.
…verrrrry late to the party. i guess there’s no more cheezy puffs left?
anyway, here’s more evidence that our president just keeps moving his agenda forward, in spite of all the noise and hogwash in the news.
‘ The new program, called Systems-Based Neurotechnology and Understanding for the Treatment of Neuropsychological Illnesses, is part of an Obama administration brain initiative, announced earlier this year, intended to promote innovative basic neuroscience. Participants in the initiative include Darpa, as well as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
~
Dr. Helen Mayberg, a neuroscientist at Emory University School of Medicine who has pioneered work on deep brain stimulation and depression, said, “Darpa’s initiative says in no uncertain terms that we want to concentrate on human beings.” She said she was particularly pleased with the emphasis on deep brain stimulation: “This adds to a growing recognition that this approach to brain disease is a promising strategy.”
~
Darpa’s goal would require solving several longstanding problems in neuroscience, one of which is to develop a detailed model of how injuries or illnesses like depression manifest themselves in the systems of the brain.
The next step is to create a device that can monitor the signs of illness or injury in real time, treat them appropriately and measure the effects of the treatment. The result would be something like a highly sophisticated pacemaker for a brain disorder.
Darpa is asking for research teams to produce a device ready to be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for approval within five years.
“Is it overambitious? Of course,” said Dr. Mayberg, adding that working with the brain is “a slow process.” But she said that it was an impressive first investment and that the clear emphasis on human illness was “stunning.”
~
The Obama administration is budgeting $100 million for the first year of the brain initiative. A committee of the health institutes produced a draft report in September that indicated the agency would concentrate its $40 million share on systems or networks in the brain, not individual cells and not the whole brain.
Darpa is allocated $50 million this year under President Obama’s brain initiative. ‘
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/science/pentagon-agency-to-spend-70-million-on-brain-research.html?hpw
https://twitter.com/jovie_jovie653/status/393696964451508224