Monthly Archives: June 2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

summer off …Jason Rosenbaum, DSCC Director of Online Communications


Just want to drop you a quick note from headquarters. Right now the DSCC’s a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation. It feels like Election Day is next week.
        
        That’s because the work that it takes to win is being done now. In fact, our ability to beat the GOP will be determined by whether we have enough money today and through these summer months. And because 90% of our contributions come from grassroots donors, your willingness to give to emails like this one will have a direct effect on whether we hold the Senate.

        Democrats are protecting Medicare, Planned Parenthood funding and keeping the GOP from sending the economy into an abyss. But you can forget all of it if we take the summer off. This is when we all need to be aggressive with our donations, because the Republicans are not slowing down.
        
Can you help us with $5? We only have 7 days to hit our goal.

        Thanks,
        Jason

—

Jason Rosenbaum
        DSCC Director of Online Communications

~ my 2cents ...

MJ –


In this age of the 24/7 news cycle: the massive coverage of the death of MJ and memorial was frustrating and very disappointing to say the least…

It was surprising to see someone like ac360 star join up with so many news outlets that chose to exploit MJ. The negative aspects of this great entertainer and human being are apparent. MJ lived a different life that was subject to ridicule, disdain, and contempt. What was surprising at the time was that most, not all but most who did have the opportunity to use their “media platform” to do any type of story on MJ made a sad ending ugly. In the end, we all know they decided to follow a very negative biased flavour and it was quite clear most if not all of these vultures, I mean reporters made sure the viewer knew in no uncertain terms that they felt MJ was guilty of all previous charges lodged against him, though the charges were dropped. The coverage was awkward and while “the media” continued to spew ugly rhetoric, they acted as if MJ had no family, no children, and no friends out there watching and or listening to the offensive and devoid of compassion coverage viewers heard.

I did a lot of channel surfing to see exactly what folks were saying and though there were several instances of nasty, the comments that were beyond the pale were of the Cali representatives who said they just did not have the money to pay for this thing. There was even a plea for donations as well as several stations stating asking demanding to know just who was paying for what part of this thing and even more said the Jackson’s should have to pay for all of it.

I know that no matter how “the media” in Cali decided to get hood. It was incredible so see how places like the UK, Germany, Berlin, and France celebrated MJ. It was far better than the US and comforting to hear and see fans, some friend or fellow entertainers not just see the obvious side reporters chose and go out of their way to respond with comments about the negative “ MEDIA coverage” by letting them know fans are not happy or listening to the vultures, i mean panels? Dissect his life. I was also happy that most radio stations went a different direction… the controversial images and video chosen by “reporters” were definitely a part of this man’s life but it was not his whole life…

http://youtu.be/HzZ_urpj4As

The number of reporters opting to engage in shameful behavior in my opinion were many but Cooper chose to end his so-called report with the images and comments by a so- called friend stating how lonely MJ was and my first thought was how much did this guy get paid. I do not know if he was lonely, I do know he loved his children and they all seemed happy but that’s just me. I definitely heard someone implying something and that was not the actions of a true friend. So, I changed the channel to MSNBC, unfortunately they made a decision to run some old comments by so-called reporter Toure made years ago and apply them to current videos, seemed truly disrespectful to his family and children. It was sad to see how it all played out. I felt myself wanting to scream have some RESPECT … why all the anger he was gone and then while this was going on folks on radio played MJ’s music and made sure their audience knew just who essentially ran MJ out of the US of A and why did he choose London to jump off his tour.

I cannot begin to understand or accept the comment made by the likes of diane diamond, and no, i do not feel that Courtney Hazlet/entertainment news reporter is correct when she said, “comments made on his past were fair”. I know she said many many times she has had conversations with folks close to MJ, which I guess, is supposed to quantify her credentials. I get it, a lot has been said, done, and reported on regarding the life of MJ, obviously, no one knows what went on behind closed doors though folks in “the media” did act as if they had the facts without MJ able to defend himself. It was evident in most if not all the coverage not one interview was seen or done with an Actual MJ family member only so-called family friends who when pressed stated that they had not spoken to him for a while. Ok .Then a plethora of MJ know-it-all interviews, more scandal, reckless misinformation and his children totally disrespected until the televised memorial. That was sad enough but more “reporters” like Keith O seemed to treat the whole event like a sideshow and if memory serves Chris matthews compared OJ Simpsonto MJ. The fact is not everyone believed MJ was guilty but that angle barely got any play at all and contrary to all those reports past or present, not all black folks disowned him.

I know even though this should be yet another teaching/learning moment for those that work in the business or watch MEDIA coverage we all know that “the media” knows and bets on great revenue from celebrities alive or dead demand is high … they also know the supply does not have to be fair … or balanced.

I know fans will respect and remember the King of Pop as a great World entertainer who was also a human being, may he rest in peace.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Murder in the Amazon …Emma Ruby-Sachs – Avaaz.org

1 Comment

The Amazon is in serious danger — the lower house of the Brazilian congress has approved a gutting of Brazil’s forest protection laws. Unless we act now, vast tracts of our planet’s lungs could be opened up to clear-cutting devastation.

  

The Amazon forest is at risk. The Brazilian Congress has watered down strict forest protection laws and brave Brazilian activists are being murdered for speaking out. It’s time for us to take this critical battle global — if we all call on President Dilma to veto the bill, we could save the Amazon.

The move has sparked widespread anger and protests across the country. And tension is rising — in the last few weeks, several prominent environmental advocates have been murdered, purportedly by armed thugs hired by illegal loggers. The timing is critical. They’re trying to silence criticism just as the law is discussed in the Senate. But President Dilma can veto the changes, if we can persuade her to overcome political pressure and step onto the global stage as a leader.

79% of Brazilians support Dilma’s veto of the forest law changes, but their voices are being challenged by logger lobbies. It’s now up to all of us to raise the stakes and make Amazon protection a global issue. Let’s come together now in a giant call to stop the murders and illegal logging, and save the Amazon. Sign the petition below — it’ll be delivered to Dilma when we reach 500,000 signers:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_amazon/?vl

People love Brazil! The sun, the music, the dancing, the football, the nature — it’s a country that inspires millions around the world. This is why Brazil is hosting the next World Cup, why Rio has the 2016 Olympics and next year’s Earth Summit, a meeting to stop the slow death of our planet.

Our love is not misplaced — the Amazon Is vital to life on earth — 20% of our oxygen and 60% of our freshwater comes from this magnificent rainforest.  That’s why it’s so crucial that we all protect it.

But Brazil is also a rapidly developing country, battling to lift tens of millions out of poverty, and the pressure to clear-cut and mine for profit on its political leaders is intense. This is why they’re dangerously close to buckling on environmental protections. Local activists are being murdered, intimidated and silenced, it’s up to Avaaz members across the world to stand with Brazilians and urge Brazil’s politicians to be strong.

Many of us have seen in our own countries how growth often comes at the expense of our natural heritage, our waters and air get polluted, our forests die. 

For Brazil, there is an alternative. Dilma’s predecessor massively reduced deforestation and cemented the country’s international reputation as an environmental leader, while also enjoying huge economic growth.  Let’s come together now, and urge Dilma to follow in those footsteps — sign the petition to save the Amazon, then forward this email to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_amazon/?vl

In the last 3 years, Brazilian Avaaz members have taken massive leaps towards the world we all want: They won landmark anti-corruption legislation, and have lobbied their government to play a leadership role at the UN, protect human rights and intervene to support democracy in the Middle East, and help protect human rights in Africa and beyond.

Now, as brave Brazilian activists are being killed for protecting a critical global resource, let’s come together, and build an international movement to save the Amazon and herald Brazil as a true international leader once more. Sign the petition, then forward this email to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_amazon/?vl

With hope,

Emma, Ricken, Alice, Ben, Iain, Laura, Graziela, Luis and the rest of the Avaaz Team
MORE INFORMATION

BBC — Brazil passes ‘retrograde’ forest code:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13544000

AP — Another Amazon activist killed in logging conflict:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gpeblqINNdOyGwLJOL2QRXInY4bA?docId=CNG.b3569aafd06fe78f58be73c5faaa97a5.71

Mongabay — Majority of Brazilians reject changes in Amazon Forest Code:
http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0611-amazon_code_poll.html

Science Insider — Furor Over Proposed Brazilian Forest Law:
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/05/furor-over-proposed-brazilian.html

Guardian — Death in the Amazon: a war being fought for us all:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2011/jun/15/amazon-rainforest-brazil-murder

Washington Post — Brazil’s lower house approves looser forest protections:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/brazils-lower-house-approves-looser-forest-protections/2011/05/25/AGgXnaBH_story.html

Brazil’s forest bill threat to Amazon
http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2011/05/26/brazils-forestry-bill-threat-to-amazon/
Support the Avaaz community! We’re entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way — donate here.

~ Recent Post

Congress –


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 24, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:16 P.M. – On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 28, 2011.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:10 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:05 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

2:04 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. Under Clause 2(g) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she herewith designates Robert Reeves, Deputy Clerk, and Kirk Boyle, Legal Counsel, to sign any and all papers and do all other acts for her under the name of the Clerk of the House which they would be authorized to do by virtue of this designation, except such as are provided by statute, in case of her temporary absence or disability.

2:03 P.M. – THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE RECORDS OF CONGRESS – Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 2702, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker reappointed Mr. Jeffrey W. Thomas, Columbus, OH.

2:02 P.M. – BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY – Pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 4303, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY: Mr. Yoder and Ms. Woolsey.

2:01 P.M. – The House received a communication from John Mica, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Pursuant to section 194 of title 14, United States Code, as Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Mica notified the House that he was required to designate three Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to serve on the United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors: Mr. Guinta (New Hamshire), Mr. Harris (Maryland), and Mr. Larsen (Washington).

2:00 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2354.

H.R. 2278:
to limit the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for United States Armed Forces in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law 

1:59 P.M. – On passage Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 238 (Roll no. 494).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:35 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:18 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2278.

12:15 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 68 and H.R. 2278with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions is allowed. Will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule provides one hour of debate on H.J.Res. 68 with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. All points of order against consideration and provisions are waived.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 328.

H.J. Res. 68:
authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Failed by recorded vote: 123 – 295 (Roll no. 493).

11:50 A.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

10:35 A.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 68.

10:30 A.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 68 and H.R. 2278with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule provides one hour of debate on H.J.Res. 68 with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. All points of order against consideration and provisions are waived.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 328.

H. Res. 328:
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 68) authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya; and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2278) to limit the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for United States Armed Forces in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 167 (Roll no. 492).

10:05 A.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

9:15 A.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 328.Considered as privileged matter.

Mr. Woodall asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Woodall asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 24, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 2279:
to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

9:14 A.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed without objection.

9:13 A.M. – Considered by unanimous consent.Mr. Mica asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

9:02 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Nunnelee to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

9:00 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • The Senate Convenes: 2pm June 27, 2011
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 6pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the exception of Senator Sanders, who will be recognized at 4pm for up to 90 minutes.
  • As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday. The next roll call vote will occur prior at approximately 12:00pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 on confirmation of the Cole nomination.
  • The Senate previously entered into a consent agreement with respect to the Cole, Monaco and Seitz nominations and has now determined a time to begin debate on the nominations.At 10am on Tuesday, June 28th, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations, en bloc:

    More Senate info for June 28th calendar

  • There will be 2 hours for concurrent debate on the nominations equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), the Senate will proceed to vote on the nominations in the order listed.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Scott Walker vs. Planned Parenthood


This is it, folks. DFA‘s campaign to recall six anti-union, anti-middle class Wisconsin Republican Senators is almost ready to go and it’s the biggest campaign we’ve ever run.

We’re going to be on the air with new hard-hitting television, radio and web ads against these six Republicans for their votes to destroy unions and middle-class families.

We’re going to be on the ground with a massive canvassing operation that will knock on 137,523 doors in 40 days. DFA Deputy Field Director Nick Passanante is on the ground right now hiring staff for our biggest-ever ground campaign.

And we’re going to be on the phones. That’s right, we’re bringing back our hugely successful Call Out The Vote program with our friends at the PCCC — plugging in thousands of volunteers from across the country to make calls to voters in Wisconsin.

We’re putting together a grassroots campaign because people-power is the only thing that can beat big corporate money — it’s the only thing that ever has. But we can’t do it without you.

www.democracyforamerica.org

These six Republican senators reminded us last week exactly what’s at stake when they voted lockstep with right-wing Gov. Scott Walker to defund Planned Parenthood — another attack in the Republican war on middle class families.

Wisconsin isn’t the only state where right-wing Republicans have launched all-out war on middle class families and we’re working right now to organize volunteers in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio and all across the country. But Wisconsin is the first state where we have a chance to go to the polls and recall Republicans.

The Wisconsin recall is our biggest campaign ever — and it’s only the beginning. Join us now and send a clear message to Republicans across the country — attack the middle class and you lose.

www.democracyforamerica.org

On the air, on the ground and on the phone — that’s real people power. Please contribute today and we’ll win this fight together.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America