Disappeare​d in Syria … S Brancaforte – Avaaz.org


Muntaha’s sixteen year old son was abducted from a peaceful democracy protest by Syrian security forces. She has spent the last eight weeks scouring the country for her child — braving warnings from the Syrian regime that her other son would also be “disappeared” if she continued with her search. Our urgent action now can help her son and the thousands of other disappeared Syrians.

Since March, almost 3000 people have been taken by regime forces and disappeared into secret jails. The international community has spoken out, but done little to stop this attack — but India, Brazil and South Africa have close ties to Syria and could push for an international human rights delegation to find the missing and reunite families with their loved ones.

Our massive global membership can force key leaders to act now, pressuring Syria to allow an international delegation to investigate the thousands of disappeared. Sign the petition — it is being delivered by high profile media outlets around the world including the Times of India, the Guardian, CNN, and Der Spiegel:

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

India, Brazil and South Africa dragged their heels on a Security Council resolution that would have allowed for strong international action on Syria. Still, they remain committed to democracy and peace and have called for an end to the brutality of Assad’s regime. We can hold them to account for their actions and demand they use their close Syrian ties to protect the democracy activists. An international human rights delegation could effectively reunite Syrian families and end the terror of disappearances for good.

The international media has already stepped in to help with our call. Today, major newspapers are launching massive interactive web tools that tell the stories of disappeared people like Muntaha’s son, explain the political crisis in Syria and link to our petition for urgent action. These newspapers not only reach readers around the globe, but also reach opinion makers, world leaders and decision makers directly. Our campaign makes this all possible!

When democracy protests rocked the Arab world, Avaaz sprung into action and, with thousands of donations from around the world, we broke a media blackout in the Middle East — supporting protesters across Syria and Yemen. Since then, our network of citizen journalists has generated almost 20% of all TV coverage out of Syria and our work with the emerging democracy movements has helped build a real alternative to the dictators that refuse to step down. But brutal regimes are still clinging to power and the courageous activists need our help now. Sign the petition to find Syria’s disappeared and forward to everyone:

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

Egypt and Tunisia showed that people power can win against oppression. Our global community has supported these democracy revolutions, helped broadcast the stories of the brave activists and the violence against them, and forced our governments to action. Now if we act together we can help find Yazan and the thousands of other stolen Syrians and see the dawn of a peaceful, democratic nation in Syria.

With hope and determination,

Stephanie, Sam, Wissam, Maria Paz, Rewan, Benjamin, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team

More information:

Syrian protesters seized at rate of one every hour, say activists (Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/28/syria-protesters-disappeared-avaaz

International activism comes to the rescue to find missing Syrians (Al Arabiya)
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/07/28/159687.html

Almost 3,000 Syrians listed as ‘disappeared’ (Financial Times)
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/bb3055fc-b872-11e0-b62b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1TO2QmeIX

Protesters killed amid huge Syria protests (Al Jazeera)
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/07/2011722171756722811.html

Videos Appear to Show Violence in Syria (New York Times)
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/videos-appear-to-show-violence-in-syria/?scp=4&sq=syria&st=cse

Syria protests to intensify during Ramadan-activists (AlertNet)
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/syria-protests-to-intensify-during-ramadan-activists

In Syria-Qatar rift, a ‘shrewdly calculated divorce’ (France24)
http://www.france24.com/en/20110720-syria-qatar-rift-shrewdly-calculated-divorce-jazeera-assad

Call Congress: Tell them to do their job


The President spoke Monday night about the need for Congress to come together to meet our financial obligations by raising the so-called “debt ceiling” — that is, to make sure our country can pay the bills Congress has already racked up.

You’d think this would be fairly straightforward. For many years, regardless of party affiliation, presidents have asked Congress to do this when it’s been necessary — and every time, Congress has acted. Just as an example, Congress granted Ronald Reagan’s request to raise the debt ceiling 18 different times.

Here’s what’s happening: President Obama proposed the balanced approach of raising the debt ceiling paired with responsible steps to reduce our country’s long-term debt — asking oil companies, corporations, and the richest Americans to do their part rather than placing the entire burden on seniors and the middle class.

A deal has been close at times, but an ideological faction of House Republicans has been effectively holding our economy hostage — making extreme demands like ending Medicare as we know it, gutting Social Security, and rejecting any compromises that might make millionaires or big corporations pay their fair share to get our debt under control.

So when President Obama spoke to the nation the other night, he made a suggestion to everyone watching: Call Congress and ask them to do their job. Since then, there have been reports that the flood of calls and emails has been slowing down the phone systems and websites on Capitol Hill.

Our records show you have only Democratic representatives in Congress. But House Speaker John Boehner — who is leading the Republicans in negotiations — needs to hear what Americans like you think.

Call Speaker Boehner‘s office now at (202) 225-0600 — and tell him we can’t afford to let politics hold our economy hostage. It’s time to put ideological demands aside and agree to a balanced approach.

Then click here to let us know how it went.

Here’s what the President said on Monday:

“The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn’t vote for a dysfunctional government. So I’m asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message.”

The President doesn’t make a direct request of all of us like this very often. Take a minute right now to call Speaker Boehner — then let us know how it went:

http://my.barackobama.com/Debt-Deal-Calls

Thanks,

Messina

P.S. — If you missed it, here’s the full video of the President’s speech. Watch it and spread the word:

Bankrate.com


 
 
Home equity loan rates for July 28, 2011 | 2011-07-28
Here are the average home equity rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
CD rates for July 28, 2011 | 2011-07-28
Here are the average CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
Auto loan rates for July 28, 2011 | 2011-07-28
Here are the average auto loan rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
National mortgage rates for July 28, 2011 | 2011-07-28
See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards.
 
 
Credit card interest rates for July 28, 2011 | 2011-07-28
Here are the average credit card rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


the Senate Convened at  10:00amET July 28, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Majority Leader will be recognized.

Morning business has been extended until 5pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to ten minutes each. At 5pm, Senator Reid will be recognized.

Senator Reid announced the Senate will vote in relation to Speaker Boehner’s bill this evening. The House is expected to vote between 6pm and 7pm. It will take some time for the message to be received in the Senate. Our best guess is that the Senate will conduct this roll call vote between 7pm and 9pm this evening. Timing is subject to change since it is reliant upon House action.

Despite the delay in the House, the Senate still plans on conducting a roll call vote in relation to the Boehner plan during today’s session. Timing of this vote is uncertain but as stated, it is the Leader’s intention to have the vote tonight.

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the Chair. When the Senate reconvenes, another message will be posted. The unofficial transcript of Senator Reid’s remarks is below.

19:42:42 NSP} (MR. REID) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, WE’RE AWAITING ACTION ON THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR BILL. FOR THAT REASON, I WOULD ASK CONSENT THAT WE RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR AND THAT I’LL MAKE THAT MOTION IN JUST A MINUTE. FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL SENATORS, I DON’T EXPECT OR ANTICIPATE ANY ACTION HERE BEFORE 9:00 SO I DOUBT WE WOULD RECONVENE BEFORE 9:00 P.M. TONIGHT. SO NOW, MR. PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THE SENATE STAND IN RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR.

Passed H.R.2608, the Small Business Program Extension and Reform Act of 2011 w/ Landrieu substitute amendment

 

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 28, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 6:50 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 2548:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6310 North University Street in Peoria, Illinois, as the “Charles ‘Chip’ Lawrence Chan Post Office Building” 

6:49 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

6:48 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 2149:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the “Cecil L. Heftel Post Office Building” 

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

6:38 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2149.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 2062:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Meetinghouse Lane in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, as the “Matthew A. Pucino Post Office” 

6:37 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:32 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2062.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 1843:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 489 Army Drive in Barrigada, Guam, as the “John Pangelinan Gerber Post Office Building” 

6:31 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:23 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 1843.Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H.R. 1975:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 281 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, as the “First Lieutenant Oliver Goodall Post Office Building” 

6:22 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:14 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 1975.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 789:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Main Street in Little Ferry, New Jersey, as the “Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton Post Office” 

6:13 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:08 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 789.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 2213:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 801 West Eastport Street in Iuka, Mississippi, as the “Sergeant Jason W. Vaughn Post Office” 

6:07 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:00 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2213.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 2244:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 67 Castle Street in Geneva, New York, as the “Corporal Steven Blaine Riccione Post Office” 

5:59 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

5:52 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2244.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 2548:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6310 North University Street in Peoria, Illinois, as the “Charles ‘Chip’ Lawrence Chan Post Office Building” 

5:51 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lankford objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

5:44 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2548.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lankford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

5:43 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

5:40 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the Chair postponed further proceedings onS. 627until a time to be announced.

S. 627:
to establish the Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays 

3:01 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours of debate onS. 627.Rule provides for consideration ofS. 627with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the report of the of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, modified by the amendments printed in part B of that report shall be considered as adopted.

3:00 P.M. – Considered under the provisions of ruleH. Res. 375.

H. Res. 377:
electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives 

2:59 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

2:58 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leavingH.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

2:57 P.M. – Mr. Simpson moved that the committee rise.On agreeing to the Walberg amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 670).

2:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 669).

2:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lankford amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 668).

2:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gosar amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 667).

2:31 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lankford amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 666).

2:25 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 665).

2:19 P.M. – On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 664).

2:01 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

2:00 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 375:
providing for consideration of the bill (S. 627) to establish the Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays, and for other purposes 

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 186(Roll no. 663).

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

1:35 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate onH. Res. 375.

12:28 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:27 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of certain persons to undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions is to continue in effect beyond August 1, 2011. – referred to the Committee onForeign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-47).

12:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Lamborn 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.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 28.

11:47 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

11:07 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House continued with further Morning-Hour Debate.The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passedH.R. 2608amended.

10:03 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:02 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passedS. 1188and agreed toS. Con. Res. 26.

10:01 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Death for Profit: Demand An Investigat​ion!


DEATH FOR PROFIT                         

Roberto Martinez-Medina died in CCA’s Stewart Detention Center in Georgia in 2009. Medina had been arrested a month earlier for not having a driver’s license.

CCA whistleblower Brian Holcomb spoke with us exclusively to expose how the company repeatedly ignored Medina’s pleas for care of his heart ailment while he was imprisoned. Their negligence contributed to Medina’s death.

Watch our video and sign the petition to demand an investigation into Medina’s death!
CCA profited off of Medina’s incarceration, and ensured a greater profit by denying him critical health care.  The inhumane conditions at CCA facilities are directly related to their obsession in cutting costs for profit.

CCA has gone to great lengths to hush Medina’s death.

Demand an investigation today. Nobody should die for a corporation to make profit.

Yours,
Axel Caballero and the Cuéntame team