~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Harassing scientists needs to stop — now


{UCS

The Virginia Supreme court just agreed to hear a disturbing case. The question: whether to hand over the private emails of climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann to people who have been trying to destroy him professionally for a decade—all because they disagree with his research.1

When Dr. Mann’s scientific findings angered the oil industry, an industry “think tank” sued for access to Dr. Mann’s private correspondence.2 Another “think tank” compared him to a convicted child molester.3 His research has been twisted again and again by the media.

Researchers are often ill-equipped to deal with media or politicians. That’s where we come in—to help them defend their science in the court of public opinion. Thanks to you, UCS is the first place many scientists turn when they’re targeted.

There are only a few days left, and we need you with us to help provide scientists the training and resources they need to stand up to attacks and effectively counter misinformation in 2014. Make a tax-deductible donation today.

Sadly, Dr. Mann is just one of many scientists under threat. Luckily, they can count on UCS members to have their backs. In fact, thanks to you, we’re often the first group scientists turn to when dragged into court or defamed in the media:

  • Climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe was called a “babe” by Rush Limbaugh and sued by a Koch-affiliated group for access to her emails.4 We provided Dr. Hayhoe with extensive media training in order to handle the firestorm she faced.
  • Researcher Dr. Shaun Marcott was sent hate mail and online bloggers twisted his groundbreaking findings to obscure the facts.5 We helped Dr. Marcott overcome the misreports and take his actual findings directly to Congressional leaders.

For Dr. Mann, we were able to fact check the court filings in his case. We’re here to support researchers as they defend their work—and these scientists are counting on you to stand with them.

Help do even more for scientists in 2014—make your year-end gift before December 31!

The climate deniers aren’t resting—so neither can we. Almost every day, there’s a new need to stand up for scientific facts or to expose the money and influence behind a lobbyist, ideologue, or corporation out to undermine scientists in pursuit of their own private interest. That won’t change in the New Year, so I’m glad you’re on our side.

Kathleen Rest Sincerely, Kathleen Rest Kathleen Rest, PhD, MPA Executive Director

P.S. I wanted to share something Dr. Hayoe told us: “I received a lot of advice about how to respond to the attacks, but the Union of Concerned Scientists was the group that had my best interests as a scientist at heart.” Hearing that scientists value our work always inspires me, and I hope you understand the powerful impact you have as a part of this community. Thank you for considering a year-end gift today.

1. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/local/wp/2013/10/09/prince-william-foia-case-on-global-warming-headed-for-virginia-supreme-court/ 2. http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/abuses_of_science/va-ag-timeline.html 3. http://blog.ucsusa.org/cei-compares-climate-scientist-to-a-child-molester 4. http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2012/01/newt-dumps-leading-climate-scientist 5. http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2013/03/response-by-marcott-et-al/
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

They murdered my son

Protect Wisconsin Families and Honest Police: Support Fair Investigations  
  By Michael Bell Team : Plea for a Change
                                                Madison, WisconsinI will never forget the day I lost my son at the hands of 4 police officers who betrayed the honor and trust of the badge they wore. Our family’s tragedy was only made worse when the officers were cleared of all wrongdoing, after being investigated by their peers instead of an independent panel. The sworn testimony of each officer directly opposed irrefutable forensic evidence provided by the medical examiner. Still, no fault. As we struggled to understand this miscarriage of justice we discovered we were not alone, many families were denied an independent investigation when their loved ones were taken. We decided that together we could make their deaths mean something.

Families who have lost loved ones at the hands of officers are coming together across the nation to demand unbiased investigations.  Nationwide, officer involved deaths are routinely investigated by their coworkers resulting in an impossible record of perfection. In Wisconsin alone, an “unjustified” ruling by an officer’s department or commission cannot be found in 125 years.

The people of Wisconsin have before them a Bill to bring independent review to all officer-involved fatalities in addition to drug testing of all officers involved.

Please help Wisconsin set a much-needed precedent for all states across the nation with AB 409, the Citizens and Law Enforcement Safety Act.

Police depend on community trust in order to succeed at their jobs. Yet an antiquated system allows bad cops to avoid accountability and tarnish the image of all law officers.  AB 409 is designed to build and strengthen community trust via transparent review by experienced and independent professionals. If we come together and make AB 409 law, the public will have rock-solid confidence that their police force is being held to uniform and consistent standards and law enforcement will be protected from speculation and suspicion.

The entire bill can be seen on the state website: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab409

Please sign this petition to ensure independent and fair investigations for all officer-involved fatalities!
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

FDA Alerts & Recalls ~~ Dec 2013


FDA (trade union)
12/29/2013 02:47 PM EST
ZIP INTERNATIONAL GROUP LLC, 160 Raritan Center Parkway #6, Edison, NJ 08837, is recalling herring fillet in oil (FOSFOREL, ATLANTIKA) 200 grams in plastic packaging due to Listeria contamination.

Giant Eagle Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Peanut Allergen In Candy Place Chocolate Santas

12/28/2013 05:54 PM EST
Candy Place Chocolate Santas packages were voluntarily recalled by Giant Eagle due to an undeclared peanut allergen. While the individual peanut butter filled candies reference “peanut butter�, peanuts are not listed as an ingredient on the primary package label, creating the potential for a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if consumed by those with a peanut allergy. The product is safe for consumption by those who do not have a peanut allergy

Baxter Initiates Worldwide Voluntary Recall Of Select Lots Of 5 percent Dextrose Injection, USP And 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Intravenous (IV) Solutions

12/26/2013 09:38 PM EST
Baxter International Inc. announced today it has initiated a voluntary recall to the hospital/user level of one lot of 5 percent Dextrose Injection, USP and four lots of 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection, USP due to particulate matter found in the solutions. Injecting a product containing particulate matter may result in blockages of blood vessels, which can result in stroke, heart attack or damage to other organs such as the kidney or liver.

Hospira Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Lidocaine HCl Injection, USP, 2%, 5 Ml in 5 Ml Vial, Due to Presence of Particulate Matter

12/23/2013 03:45 PM EST
Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), announced today it will initiate a voluntary nationwide recall to the user level for one lot of Lidocaine HCl Injection, USP, 2%, 5 mL Single-Dose Vial (NDC 0409-2066-05), Lot 32-135-DD, expiration date 1AUG2015. The recall is due to a reddish orange particulate on the inner surface and floating in the solution.
12/20/2013 04:08 PM EST
Concertos in Chocolate of Boulder, Colorado is recalling 450 solid milk chocolate Santas. Because of possible mislabeling it may contain undeclared milk products.
12/21/2013 10:42 AM EST
Spokane Produce, Inc., of Spokane Washington is recalling approximately 59 lbs of Victor’s Sesame Hummus due to concerns about possible Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
12/13/2013 09:59 PM EST
December 13, 2013 – Cheshire, Conn., – Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) today is providing further information regarding a previously communicated voluntary recall of two lots of Soliris (eculizumab) Concentrated Solution for Intravenous Infusion. As stated on Nov. 12, 2013, the two lots were found to contain visible particles.
12/16/2013 03:03 PM EST
Megabusiness LLC of Danbury, CT is recalling Del Campo Papa seca / DRY POTATO 24×14 oz. because they contain undeclared sulfites. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume these products.
12/16/2013 04:47 PM EST
Bee International, Inc. of Chula Vista, CA is recalling its 2oz. packages of candy “Sweet Spots” because they may contain undeclared egg protein. People who have allergies to egg may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
12/16/2013 12:46 PM EST
Stone Independent Research, Inc. of Syracuse, NY is recalling 15,657 units of EnhanceRx, a dietary supplement, because it contains undeclared milk (whey protein). People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
12/16/2013 12:43 PM EST
Stone Independent Research, Inc. of Syracuse, NY is recalling 1,040 units of Zanocap Scientific Weight Loss 500 mg capsules because it contains undeclared milk (whey protein). People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected product.
12/13/2013 03:35 PM EST
ee International, Inc. of Chula Vista, CA is recalling its 2oz. packages of candy “Sweet Spots” because they may contain undeclared egg protein. People who have allergies to egg may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
12/16/2013 12:50 PM EST
Blooming Import Inc at 45 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 is recalling Farmer Brand Dried Lily Flowers because they contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
12/12/2013 02:18 PM EST
Blooming Import Inc at 45 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 is recalling Golden Lion Brand Dried Ziziphus Jujuba Mill (Dried Dates) because they contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Nipple Aspirate Test is No Substitute for Mammogram

12-12-13 3:46 pm

Some companies are marketing a new test, the “nipple aspirate test,” as the latest and greatest tool in early breast cancer screening.

But FDA warns that the nipple aspirate test is no substitute for a mammogram.
Read the Consumer Update to find out why.
12/12/2013 09:43 AM EST
HEALTH MATTERS AMERICA INC. of Cheektowaga, New York is recalling specific lots of ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE HAZELNUTS WITH CHILI, ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS, and ORGANIC TRADITIONS DARK CHOCOLATE ALMONDS WITH CHILI because they were found to contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
12/12/2013 12:16 PM EST
Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Region is recalling an organic creamy spinach dip because it contains eggs, an undeclared allergen.
12/03/2013 10:28 PM EST
Cargill‘s animal nutrition business today announced a voluntary recall of two of its Nutrena NatureWise poultry feeds due to incorrect levels of calcium. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s facilities in Flora, Ill., Oklahoma City, Okla., Abilene, Texas, and Mineola, Texas, between May 1, 2013 and Nov. 21, 2013.

Huxtable’s Kitchen Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens in Butternut Squash & Creamed Spinach Gratin

12/02/2013 05:15 PM EST
Huxtable’s Kitchen Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash & Creamed Spinach Gratin (SKU 96541) sold in the refrigerated section with “Use By 12/13/13” date, because it may not list wheat and egg in the ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat and egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The 2013 Misinforme​r of the Year is…


Media Matters for America
Best holiday wishes from everyone at Media Matters. I want to personally thank you for subscribing to and (hopefully) reading this email weekly. If there’s anything I can do to improve your email interaction with us, please let me know.

John Whitehouse Twitter: @existentialfish

Misinformer Of The Year: CBS News

MisinformerWhen it came time to decide the 2013 Media Matters Misinformer Of The Year, there was only one choice: CBS News. From 60 Minutes‘ failures on Benghazi, Social Security Disability, and the NSA to other network failures on pushing misleading Republican talking points, CBS News truly had a black eye in 2013. Eric Boehlert audits CBS’ grizzly 2013: http://mm4a.org/1fKEPZm

A Year On The Fringe

Alex JonesMatt Drudge wasn’t the only one to mainstream Alex Jones this year. CNN, Fox News and even the House of Representatives did the same, even as Jones pushed wild conspiracies (like how a government weather weapon may have been responsible for the devastating Oklahoma tornado). Ben Dimiero tours the year on the fringe: http://mm4a.org/19bOOTp

Priorities Reversed

Hands OffBeltway pundits far too often focus on the debt while sneering at the social safety net. Unemployment, food stamps, disability, Social Security, and Medicaid have all been attacked in 2013. Craig Harrington explains what the pundits are getting wrong: http://mm4a.org/1carqKn Related: One of the most common mistakes journalists make is conflating centrist policy with objectively good policy. But sometimes the center is wrong. Columbia Journalism Review‘s Brendan Nyhan explains what deficit hysteria misses: http://bit.ly/192SGck 

FEATURED VIDEO

KilmeadeFox regularly promotes Islamophobia, and 2013 was no different. We look back at the network’s hate in 2013: http://youtu.be/qVl3QrVVc0o

HELP US FIGHT BACK

MMFA We’re wrapping up our year-end fundraiser. Fighting conservative misinformation is a big job – and we can’t do it without you. Please support our work here: http://bit.ly/1h2JGpL

RECIDIVIST MISOGYNY

WomenIt seems conservative media can’t open their mouth without saying something horrible about women. Here are the worst of their moments in 2013, from “Abortion Barbie” to “something about the female brain.” http://mm4a.org/1ligoDZ

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Death By Bicycle The Most Absurd Attacks On Clean Tech In 2013
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The Week in Crazy … and a Reminder for 2014 Voters


This is a repost from June 2013 …

10 Crazy Things the Right Did … This Week

By  ThinkProgress War Room

Another week of the insane, inane, and outright offensive. Here’s your top ten:

  1. House Republicans pass plan to deport DREAMers. Just as the Senate is about to consider a bipartisan immigration reform plan, House Republicans, led by virulently anti-immigrant Rep. Steve King (R-IA), passed a mean-spirited plan to deport DREAMers. Boos filled the chamber as the vote was gaveled.
  2. GOP Senator says we can’t pass immigration reform because of government spying programs. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) used the revelations regarding the NSA’s spying programs as his latest excuse for not passing immigration reform.
  3. Republican-appointed federal judge says blacks and Hispanics are “predisposed to crime.” Judge Edith Jones, a member of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, a circuit overseeing a large number of death penalty cases, made her outrageous comments about minorities during a speech earlier this year. The judge, who has a long history of troubling behavior, added that the death penalty is a public service because it’s the only way an inmate can “make peace with God.”
  4. Congressman loses it on the House floor. Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) lost it during a rant on the House floor during which he accused the president of “dishonesty, incompetence, vengefulness and lack of moral compass [that] lead many to suggest that he is not fit to lead.”
  5. Senator suggests porn is to blame for military sexual assaults. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), most recently known for being the chief opponent of immigration reform, suggested that porn is responsible for the epidemic of sexual assault plaguing the military.
  6. Republican governor schedules costly special election to lower Democratic turnout during the general election. Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) is far head in the polls in his bid for re-election, yet he appears to have scheduled a special election to fill the seat of recently deceased Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to keep Democratic turnout low the day he and Republican state legislators will be on the ballot. The election will cost $12 MILLION or more and is taking place less than a month before the November general election.
  7. Fox Business refuses to run an ad critical of Fox contributors. After a spate of male Fox contributors made disparaging and sexist comments about female breadwinners, the group UltraViolet sought to run an ad on Fox Business critical of their comments. The network refused to air it.
  8. Anti-Obamacare states pass up billions in funds meant to help the poor get health insurance. The red states that are refusing to expand Medicaid under Obamacare are set to lose out on $8 BILLION in funding, which will cause them to leave an additional 3.6 MILLION Americans uninsured simply out of spite.
  9. Wall Street Journal editorial board member says bike share is a “totalitarian” plot. Dorothy Rabinowitz assailed the newly unveiled bike share plan being rolled out in New York City. She complained that the city’s best neighborhoods were being “begrimed” by the bikes put in place by “totalitarian” Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She also described the “bike lobby” as an “all-powerful enterprise.”
  10. Congressional inquisitor-in-chief goes overboard on CNN. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has been endlessly pursuing conspiracy theories and alleged Obama administration scandals for years, but he went more overboard than usual this week. During an appearance on CNN, Issa called White House Press Secretary Jay Carney “a paid liar.” Issa’s fellow Republicans reportedly told him to cool it following the incident.

BONUS: A Texas jury acquitted a man for the murder of a woman he hired as an escort, after his lawyers claimed he was authorized to use deadly force because she refused sex.

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