~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A message from Mrs.Obama …Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.

12/06/2011 Nativegrl77

I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news. Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.

Charlotte is a city marked by its southern charm, warm hospitality, and an “up by the bootstraps” mentality that has propelled the city forward as one of the fastest-growing in the South. Vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity, the Queen City is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds. And of course, great barbecue.

Barack and I spent a lot of time in North Carolina during the campaign — from the Atlantic Coast to the Research Triangle to the Smoky Mountains and everywhere in between. Barack enjoyed Asheville so much when he spent several days preparing for the second Presidential debate that our family vacationed there in 2009.

And my very first trip outside of Washington as First Lady was to Fort Bragg, where I started my effort to do all we can to help our heroic military families.

All the contending cities were places that Barack and I have grown to know and love, so it was a hard choice. But we are thrilled to be bringing the convention to Charlotte.

We hope many of you can join us in Charlotte the week of September 3rd, 2012. But if you can’t, we intend to bring the spirit of the convention — as well as actual, related events to your community and even your own backyard.

More than anything else, we want this to be a grassroots convention for the people. We will finance this convention differently than it’s been done in the past, and we will make sure everyone feels closely tied in to what is happening in Charlotte. This will be a different convention, for a different time.

To help us make sure this is a grassroots convention — The People’s Convention — we need to hear from you. We want to know what you’d like to see at next year’s convention, how and where you plan on watching it — and the very best way we can engage your friends and neighbors.

How can we make The People’s Convention belong to you and your community?

http://my.barackobama.com/PeoplesConvention1?keycode=

I can’t believe it has been more than two years since my brother Craig introduced me at the 2008 Convention in Denver. It truly feels like it was yesterday.

As I looked out at a sea of thousands of supporters that night, I spoke about my husband — the man whom this country would go on to elect as the 44th President of the United States. I spoke about his fundamental belief — a conviction at the very core of his life’s work — that each of us has something to contribute to the spirit of our nation.

That’s also the belief at the core of The People’s Convention. That the table we sit at together ought to be big enough for everyone. That the thread that binds us — a belief in the promise of this country — is strong enough to sustain us through good times and bad.

Barack talked at the State of the Union of his vision for how America can win the future. That must be the focus now, and I know so many of you will help talk about our plans with your neighbors — that through innovation, education, reform, and responsibility we can make sure America realizes this vision.

But, conventions take time to plan, so please help us make sure that your thoughts and your ideas will ring all the way to Charlotte. Get started now:

http://my.barackobama.com/PeoplesConvention1?keycode=

Looking forward to sharing this together,

Michelle

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Banks, Guns, Children And Coats

12/06/2011 Nativegrl77

Hello! Here are the three hottest progressive videos and graphics that we found on the web today, December 06, 2011.

The Difference Between A Bank And A Gun

There are a lot of kids like Jonah in the world that need to see this. Please share!

What If This Were Your Child?

Looking for good deals on holiday shopping?

Does Anybody Really Want A Coat This Cheap?

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Payroll Tax Cut: Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Middles Class Washington Families

12/06/2011 Nativegrl77

Payroll Tax Cut: Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Middles Class Washington Families

This week I will continue fighting for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011, a bill that would extend and expand the payroll tax cut for middle class workers. I was disappointed that Republicans blocked this important legislation last week, but I will not give up. I feel very strongly that at a time when so many middle class families are struggling, we owe it to them to extend and expand a provision that puts money back into their pocket – particularly as the holiday season approaches.

Last week, I launched an interactive map on my website to highlight the potential impact on Washington state families if Congress fails to extend the payroll tax cut into next year. The median Washington family has a yearly income of $56,479. Under the current 2% payroll tax cut – that I am fighting to extend – that family is saving approximately $1,130 per year on their tax bill. If the current tax cut expires, their yearly tax bill will go up by that amount. If the payroll tax cut is expanded to 3.1%, as proposed in this bill, that family’s savings will increase to $1,751 per year.

Unacceptable Wait Times for VA Mental Health Care

Last week, I chaired a hearing focused on the long wait for mental health care at some VA facilities across the country – the second hearing on this topic I’ve held this year. At the first hearing, on July 14th of this year, the Committee heard the first-hand stories of two service members, who even after attempting to take their own lives, had mental health care appointments postponed and difficulties cutting through the red tape in order to get care. At last week’s hearing, the Committee heard from a VA psychologist and mental health care coordinator who testified about delays in providing mental health care treatment, including care for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). That hearing also raised questions on whether VA providers were using techniques to ensure initial mental health care appointments fall within the VA’s required 14 day window, without providing true access to care at those appointments.

Following last week’s hearing, I called on the VA’s Inspector General to launch an investigation into wait times for mental health care at VA facilities.

“Senators tell VA to speed up mental health help for veterans” – The Seattle Times

A Huge Victory for Aerospace in Washington

Last week, I applauded the announcement by Boeing and the International Association of Machinists that a tentative agreement had been reached over contract negotiations and production of the 737 MAX in Washington state. This is a monumental announcement for the future of aerospace in Washington state. There is no better news for our region’s economy than a contract agreement between Boeing and the Machinists, and confirmation that Renton will remain home to the 737 line. The ramifications of this news will be felt in businesses large and small, around kitchen tables, and in communities throughout the Puget Sound for years to come. I commend the leadership of both IAM and Boeing for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith, and putting the needs of our region and its workers first. Our state has the skilled workforce, infrastructure, and education resources to continue to be the world’s leader in aerospace. But it’s up to us to ensure that leaders across our state continue to work hand-in-hand to maximize all of our resources. When Boeing and IAM work together, our region wins. I look forward to continued cooperation between both sides as they build on the trust and achievements forged in these negotiations.

“A substantial accomplishment for Boeing, Machinists and the state”
– The Seattle Times

“Big win, huge opportunity”
– The Everett Herald

Twitter Round-up

~ Recent Post

Tell Your Friends to Contact President Obama on Birth Control Access

12/06/2011 Nativegrl77

Thank you for recently taking action to tell President Obama that ALL women need affordable access to birth control! Over 10,000 of our supporters joined you in standing up for the nearly 1.5 million women who could lose access to birth control without a co-pay.

But, we need to make sure we keep the pressure on — please forward this message to your friends, family, and others in your life who support women’s access to reproductive health care, so they, too, can tell President Obama that ALL women, regardless of where they work, should have access to contraception without co-pays.

Thank you for helping to protect women’s access to reproductive health care.

Sincerely,

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

P.S. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter to take action today, too.


	Access to Birth Control At Risk



	Tell President Obama that ALL women need access to contraception without co-pays.

Dear Carmen,

They’re at it again. Opponents of birth control are trying to put women’s health at risk.

Over the summer, we secured a big victory when we helped get all forms of FDA-approved contraceptives covered and without a co-pay. However, we were dismayed that the administration allowed some employers to deny this coverage to their employees. Now, some opponents of contraception are pressuring President Obama to deny this critical benefit to more than a million more women.

Tell them NO! When we make progress in women’s health, ALL women deserve to be part of that success. Tell the President that all women should have coverage of contraception without co-pays.

The reality is that nearly all of sexually active women in the U.S., regardless of their religious beliefs, use contraception at some point in their lives, and it is a preventive health service that should be covered regardless of where they work.

Tell President Obama to give all women access to contraception without co-pays.

For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has been working to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans, and we won’t stop now! This summer over 60,000 of you joined our effort to say: birth control — we got you covered! We need your help again to ensure that ALL women have access to affordable contraception — tell President Obama to give ALL women access to contraception without co-pays.

Thank you for continuing to stand up for the health of women and their families.

Sincerely,

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

P.S. Your support allows us to continue to improve the health care of women and their families as well as work on many other critical issues. Please consider making a contribution today.

~ Recent Post

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate

12/06/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET December 6,2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:00am 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 Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Caitlyn Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
At approximately 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Halligan nomination.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At approximately 12:00pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlyn Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit.

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #413, the nomination of Richard Cordray, of Ohio, to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection for a term of five years. If no agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

12:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlyn Halligan to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Not Invoked: 54-45-1 (present)

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on Caitlyn Halligan to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Not Invoked: 54-45-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Unanimous Consent to print H.R.1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, as passed by the Senate on December 1, 2011.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S. S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (Casey).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 6, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-H.R. 2471DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2471.2:52:15 P.M. -H.R. 2471Considered under suspension of the rules.2:51:34 P.M. -H.R. 2471Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2471 — “To amend section 2710 of title 18, United States Code, to clarify that a video tape service provider may obtain a consumer’s informed, written consent on an ongoing basis and that consent may be obtained through the Internet.”2:51:33 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 6.1:54:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:45 P.M. today.1:53:40 P.M. -H.R. 2297Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:53:38 P.M. -H.R. 2297On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:48:10 P.M. -H.R. 2297DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2297.1:48:09 P.M. -H.R. 2297Considered under suspension of the rules.1:48:00 P.M. -H.R. 2297Mr. Gowdy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2297 — “To promote the development of the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.”1:47:34 P.M. -H.R. 3237Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:47:31 P.M. -H.R. 3237On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:44:16 P.M. -H.R. 3237DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3237.1:44:12 P.M. -H.R. 3237Considered under suspension of the rules.1:43:51 P.M. -H.R. 3237Mr. Gowdy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3237 — “To amend the SOAR Act by clarifying the scope of coverage of the Act.”1:43:19 P.M. -H.R. 2405Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:43:15 P.M. -H.R. 2405On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:25:41 P.M. -H.R. 2405DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2405.1:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 2405Considered under suspension of the rules.1:25:02 P.M. -H.R. 2405Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2405 — “To reauthorize certain provisions of the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to public health preparedness and countermeasure development, and for other purposes.”1:24:31 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:23:31 P.M. -H. Res. 479POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 479, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until a time to be announced.12:33:47 P.M. -H. Res. 479DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 479.12:30:20 P.M. -H. Res. 479Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 479 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 10) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law, and for other purposes.”12:04:00 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.12:03:40 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleischmann to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:11 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bryan Thiessen, Journey Church, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania12:00:58 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 6.11:00:37 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:47 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.10:00:37 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.