Exactly five weeks from today, Wisconsin voters will finally have a chance to stop Scott Walker and the Republican war on working families dead in its tracks.

All six Republican Senators are up for recall and we must replace at least three of them with progressive Democrats to flip control of the Wisconsin Senate.

We can win, but it’s up to each of us to make it happen. Will you sign up to make phone calls from your home this week to voters in Wisconsin?

Making calls is easy. All you need is a phone and your computer.

Your shift starts with a short campaign conference call to make sure you have the most up-to-date news happening on the ground. And, of course, any questions you have get answered. Then it’s on to making calls.

Working together, we will win these elections and get out the vote — can you help by signing up for a two-hour phone shift?

Yes, sign me up to make calls this week!
Sorry, I can’t call right now but I’ll contribute $5 fund the campaign to win.

Thank you for working to win in Wisconsin.

– Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change™

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77


	The Flip Side of the Coin



	Add your voice to our storybank to support critical domestic programs for women that are at risk.

The temperature is rising in Washington over negotiations on cutting federal spending as part of a deal to reduce the deficit and raise the country’s legal borrowing limit, known as the debt ceiling.

There’s a lot on the line for women and families: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, maternal and child health programs, Head Start, unemployment insurance, and more are at risk of being cut dramatically. At the same time, some political leaders are threatening to cause the United States to default in order to protect tax breaks for the super-duper rich.

It’s a price we can’t afford to pay. Hedge fund managers and CEOs with corporate jets are one side of the coin. The rest of us are the Flip Side of the Coin, and we want to hear from you. Tell us what domestic programs have meant for you and your family!

Women and their families should not bear the brunt of deficit reduction — women need fair change to survive and thrive. Instead of drastic spending cuts, Congress should protect key domestic programs and services and increase revenues from the wealthiest in our society.

Help us protect these critical investments by putting a face on them: add your voice to our “Flip Side of the Coin” storybank! We will compile the stories we gather and use them in our advocacy efforts, from testimony before Congress to important written materials, to protect vital programs.

With your help, we’re going to Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change™ for women and families in the budget debate.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher
Vice President, Family Economic Security
National Women’s Law Center

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF &some News

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77

We are all waiting, watching, listening, and judging not only the behavior of President Obama but comparing and contrasting it to the current rhetoric and behavior coming from the Republican Party. It is obvious for me that Republicans put Party and Profit before the People; folks like Senator John McCain, who called himself a maverick throughout the 2008 campaign turned out to be a big flip flopper. I am not sure which Republican came out first but the flip flopping of Republicans definitely caused their own constituents to blink then rise up at most of the town hall meetings in disbelief. I have to say it took way too long for the truth to come out but a certain amount of buyer’s remorse has set in- Finally. Now, mostly in Republican controlled states American workers have had to fight back against the lie that is the Republican Political Party. Who knew that a Grover Norquist maybe some other outsiders have such a power over the people we call public servants, and their votes. I have to say any candidate willing to sign off on a document that would only serve or give an advantage to their Political Party and not be good for “We the People” sounds like a candidate unworthy of being in public service. The 2012 election season is one that will affect all our lives in that this President could continue the move toward the 21^st Century, nominate, and confirm another left leaning justice maybe two which could counter anything like Citizens United. It cannot be lost on anyone that it is even more important now that those of us on the left make sure our neighbors know what is at stake as the Republicans continue to pull Americans back to the days when the privilege were in control the middle class barely living while the poor live on the street. We must all take responsibility for making sure the truth about healthcare reform, climate change, immigration reform and what positive things equality can do for All Americans not some or a selected few. Instead, we are now facing a default on our debt because of the Political Party of No who feels not cooperating with the Democratic members of Congress or the Obama Admin and get them a win in 2012. I think stripping away worker rights, trying to ban abortion, strip Veteran funding, union rights, programs that will help the elderly and the poor should be enough to prove who is incapable of governing based on that agenda alone . The Republican Party and its leaders have managed to fool the public and side step their responsibilities while tossing double speak with a substantial amount of the vitriol. Americans have seen members of Congress and some of our Supreme Court Justices engage in what seems like a lot of negative activism, overt discrimination, exclusion, and lack of compassion over the last two years. I have been saying, It’s the Republicans Stupid and all you have to do to believe that is to get the facts … get informed and while Republicans managed to trick their constituents into believing they are the ones who will save them just look at states like WI,FL,IA,OH,TX,ME,TN, ID,NH,NC, and lean left in 2012

It is clear, at least for me that the right person is in the office of President. But it’s just my rant

Other News …

Atlantis roars into space on final shuttle mission

US jobs stall, setting back recovery hopes

Sudan officially recognizes South Sudan

Violence erupts in Karachi, Pakistan; at least 80 dead

Oakland Athletics (39-50) at Texas Rangers (48-41), 8:05 p.m.

Taxes and Billionaires

CSPAN …

Space Shuttle Launches for the Final Time

Atlantis heads into orbit for 12 day mission

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

Lawmakers Examine Social Security Cuts

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

Debt Talks Continue

Debt ceiling deal still uncertain

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

Egypt protests: Speedier trials, reforms demanded in protests across Egypt – latimes.com

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Sign the petition to congressional Democrats asking them to stop a terrible debt deal

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77

BREAKING: Reports say the president just offered to cut Social Security benefits, if Republicans agree not to let the U.S. default on its debts.¹

It’s his offering to the out-of-control Republicans, who are threatening to crash the economy in order to ram through savage cuts to crucial government programs.

It’s sickening to think that millions of seniors would have to sacrifice in order to appease Republican hostage-takers. Especially because every poll shows overwhelming majority of Americans support raising taxes on the rich and protecting Social Security and Medicare.²

But there’s still time to stop this “bargain” in its tracks. Whatever deal the president offers Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass Congress. So we need Democrats in Congress to stand strong and oppose any benefit cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

Can you sign our emergency petition to Democrats in Congress and tell them to stand up and tell the President they will not vote for Social Security and Medicare benefits cuts? Add your name here.

President Obama is making a huge mistake that will cost our country dearly.

This is one of those moments where we either stand up and demand that the Democrats in Congress show a real spine. Or we sit back and watch the Republicans destroy decades’ worth of progress.

Will you help send a message demanding that Democrats draw a clear line in the sand: no cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits?

Click here to add your name: http://pol.moveon.org/bad_debt_deal/?id=28665-17809870-IiKa5ex&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Wes, Elena, Julia, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. “In Debt Talks, Obama Offers Social Security Cuts,” The Washington Post, July 6, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210871&id=28665-17809870-IiKa5ex&t=5

2. “Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans say Tax the Rich More,” CBS News, January 3, 2011
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20027036-503544.html

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What’s going on in Congress … the Republican led House -the Senate

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate re-Convenes on 7/11/2011 @2pmET

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323.

The next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, July 11, 2011 on the motion to proceed to S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

**********************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 8, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:25 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 11, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

1:26 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

1:24 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

H.R. 2354:

making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354 as unfinished business.

1:23 P.M. –

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the committee rise.

12:45 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2354.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 337 and Rule XVIII.

12:44 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2354 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 337.

12:43 P.M. –

MEMBERS TO PERFORM DUTIES OF THE CHAIR – Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that the Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration of the period from August 8, 2011, through September 6, 2011, as though under clause 8(a) of rule I. Agreed to without objection.

12:42 P.M. –

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, July 8, 2011, it adjourn to meet on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 340:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1309) to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes

12:10 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 269 – 146 (Roll no. 533).

12:04 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 340, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 2219:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 336 – 87 (Roll no. 532).

11:55 A.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 234 (Roll no. 531).

11:38 A.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

11:30 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Barrow motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to increase funds for the Department of Defense-Wide Yellow Ribbon Program by $200 million.

Mr. Barrow moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

11:29 A.M. –

The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:28 A.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2219.

On motion to rise and report Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise and report.

11:23 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 251 (Roll no. 530).

11:19 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 113 – 307 (Roll no. 529).

11:16 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Huelskamp amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 184 (Roll no. 528).

11:11 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 100 – 321 (Roll no. 527).

11:05 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 118 – 295 (Roll no. 526).

11:01 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 39 – 380 (Roll no. 525).

10:35 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kucinich amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:29 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 320, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kucinich amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Kucinich.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds for military operations in or against Libya except under a declaration of war against Libya pursuant to clause 11 in section 8 of article I of the Constitution.

10:28 A.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 337:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2354) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

10:25 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

10:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 337.

10:00 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 340:

9:59 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 340, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

9:19 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 340.

Considered as privileged matter.

9:04 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.

9:03 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleming to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

9:02 A.M. –

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

9:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.