~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Destroying a sacred city for a shopping mall?

06/14/2013 Nativegrl77

Help stop the destruction of my home, Lhasa, Tibet

By Ngawang S.

Boston, Massachusetts

www.Change.org

My name is Ngawang Sangdrol and I am a Tibetan born in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Today I live in exile, unable to return to my beloved homeland as a free person. I share my story with you now as my home, Lhasa, is under severe threat.

This magnificent city has stood on the top of the world for 1,500 years. It stands not only as the physical capital but also as the spiritual capital for Tibetan Buddhists. The old city of Lhasa has been the site of many freedom protests and is a symbol of the Tibetan resilience against China’s occupation. When I was 13 years old, I joined a peaceful protest in Lhasa calling for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibetan independence. As a result, I served 11-years in prison for my political actions.

But right now, I am afraid this sacred city faces destruction, environmental risks, and forced evictions to make way for a shopping mall and parking garage.

Please help me defend my home. We must not let Lhasa, a city of immense cultural and historical importance, be destroyed.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee can help prevent China’s wilful destruction of the old city of Lhasa by designating the site as “World Heritage in Danger”. Lhasa’s status as a World Heritage Site is a huge source of pride for China. If Lhasa is listed as being in danger, China must either stop the construction or face losing a World Heritage Site, which would be a major embarrassment.

Don’t let the beauty and historic significance of Lhasa be destroyed!

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

This Again?

06/14/2013 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

GOP War on Women Heats Up

It never really ended, but the GOP’s war on women is definitely back and more misogynistic than ever. Let’s go through a few things that have happened just in the past week:

House of Representatives to consider unconstitutional abortion ban: Today the House Judiciary Committee, whose 23 Republican members are all men, approved an unconstitutional ban on abortion after 20 weeks. The measure, championed by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), is similar to one enacted in his home state of Arizona that was recently found unconstitutional by a federal appeals court. Franks’ present effort would apply nationwide, which is more aggressive than previous years when he only sought to force a 20-week ban on the women of the District of Columbia. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has promised that the full House will vote on it next week.
Congressman revives Akin-like rape talk: During today’s markup of the aforementioned abortion ban, Rep. Trent Franks made comments echoing Todd Akin’s infamous “legitimate rape” remarks. Franks, who defended Akin at the time he made those remarks, explained today that the incidence of pregnancy from rape is “very low.” There are approximately 30,000 pregnancies resulting from rape every year in the United States.
GOP governor revives forced ultrasounds: Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) became the latest Republican governor to embrace forced transvaginal probes for women seeking to exercise their constitutionally-protected right to have an abortion. In addition to forced ultrasounds, the legislation Walker has promised to sign would also close abortion clinics across the Badger State.
Senators suggest offensive explanations for military sexual assault crisis: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) blamed the growing problem of military sexual assault on “the hormone level created by nature.” His colleague, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), instead suggested that perhaps pornography is to blame.
GOP governor attacks working mothers: Gov. Phil Bryant (R-MS) was asked to explain why the American education system “so mediocre.” Bryant responded that working mothers were to blame. This came just days after several Fox News commentators lost their minds over the record number of women who are the primary breadwinners in their household.

BOTTOM LINE: Republicans didn’t learn a single lesson from their string of outrageous attacks on women last year and instead appear to be doubling down on their extreme views and offensive legislative proposals.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

More progress on Facebook’s content policy.

Connecticut passes homeless person’s bill of rights.

Key senator seeks to make immigration bill more LGBT friendly.

Greece is no longer considered a developed country thanks to austerity.

DREAMers fenced off from reuniting with mothers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Obstructionist senator upset at 60-vote threshold for amendments to the immigration bill despite his party requiring it for everything else.

Federal judge being sued over racist comments removed from death penalty case.

NFL commissioner defends racist Redskins nickname as standing for “strength, courage, pride, and respect.

Virginia senator gives first-ever Senate floor speech entirely in Spanish.

Black History

the Senate off until 6/17 ~ CONGRESS ~ the House vote FY2014 Defense Authorization bill 315-108

06/14/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, June 17, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar # #48 Luis Felipe Restrepo– to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and
- Executive Calendar #62 Kenneth John Gonzales – to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico.
There will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations.
Following the votes, the Senate will resume consideration of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.

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Last Floor Action:
10:16:25 A.M. -H.R. 1960
DEBATE –
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded
with 10 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen amendment No. 39.

9:00:04 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:19 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:01:45 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:01:48 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Matsui to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:02:06 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.
9:11:31 A.M.	H.R. 1960	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1960 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
9:12:00 A.M.	H.R. 1960	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:12:59 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Walorski, numbered 19 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from using any funds authorized to the department for the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees to Yemen.
9:13:22 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walorksi amendment No. 19.
9:23:47 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Walorski amendment No. 19, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:24:12 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Smith (WA), numbered 20 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to provide framework to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by December 1, 2014.
9:24:37 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment No. 20.
9:49:24 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment No. 20, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:50:03 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, numbered 14 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to allow those certified by recognized nontheistic organizations to be appointed as officers in the chaplain core in order to fully serve nontheistic or nonreligious service members.
9:50:24 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 14.
10:01:57 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment No. 14, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:02:48 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, numbered 23 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to limit funding for advanced procurement of inefficient ground-based interceptor rocket motor sets, and the costly refurbishment of Missile Field 1 at Fort Greely, Alaska, until the Secretary of Defense makes certain certifications to Congress, including that the Commander of the United States Northern Command has full confidence in the homeland missile defense system.
10:03:16 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 23.
10:15:19 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Van Hollen, numbered 39 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to match the President’s budget request for Overseas Contingency Operations
10:16:25 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen amendment No. 39.

10:31:28 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Van Hollen amendment No. 39, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Van Hollen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:32:06 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Walz, numbered 53 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to require the Government Accountability office to submit a report to Congress regarding the Department of Defense’s use of Personality/Adjustment disorders as a basis to separate members from the Armed Forces.
10:32:29 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walz amendment No. 53.
10:37:39 A.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Walz amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:37:55 A.M.	H.R. 1960	Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. McKeon, consisting of amendments printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 numbered 73, 146, 149, 150, 152, 153, 156, 157, 158, 161, 163, 166, 170, 171, and 172.
10:38:36 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon en bloc amendments #8.
10:57:29 A.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the McKeon amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:58:11 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Mr. Blumenauer, numbered 123 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to strengthen and reform the Iraq and Afghanistan Special Immigration Visa programs, and expresses the sense of the House that these programs are of significant importance to the US mission, and should be extended and reformed before their expiration.
10:59:04 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 123.
11:08:16 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 123, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Blumenauer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:08:27 A.M.	H.R. 1960	An amendment, offered by Ms. DeLauro, numbered 137 printed in Part B of House Report 113-108 to prohibit the Defense Department from continuing to purchase equipment from the Russian arms dealer Rosoboron export unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that the firm is cooperating with a Defense Contract Audit Agency audit, not delivering S-300 missile defense batteries to Syria, and that no new contracts have been signed by the firm with Syria since January 1, 2013. Provides a national security waiver with a requirement that the Secretary justify the waiver in a report to Congress 30 days prior to the purchase of any equipment from Rosoboron export.
11:08:47 A.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 260, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeLauro amendment No. 137.
11:15:16 A.M.	H.R. 1960	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeLauro amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. DeLauro demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:16:25 A.M.	H.R. 1960	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.
11:44:16 A.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Turner amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 229).
11:53:53 A.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 230).
11:58:02 A.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the McCollum amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 231).
12:02:02 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Nolan amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 232).
12:06:28 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Larsen (WA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 233).
12:10:56 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Gibson amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 234).
12:11:15 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Coffman amendment (A023) Roll Call 235 – Recorded vote pending.

12:14:53 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Coffman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 110 – 313 (Roll no. 235).
12:18:38 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Walorski amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 188 (Roll no. 236).
12:22:18 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 249 (Roll no. 237).
12:25:24 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 150 – 274 (Roll no. 238).
12:28:58 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 146 – 278 (Roll no. 239).
12:32:34 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Van Hollen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 232 (Roll no. 240).
12:35:58 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 420 – 3 (Roll no. 241).
12:39:32 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On agreeing to the DeLauro amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 423 – 0 (Roll no. 242).
12:39:43 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1960.
12:40:40 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
12:41:05 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
12:41:34 P.M.	H.R. 1960	Ms. Duckworth moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.
12:42:00 P.M.	H.R. 1960	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Duckworth motion to recommit with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to require that for any sexual assault or sex-related offense, the commander refers the charges to the staff judge advocate. If the victim chooses not to pursue the case through the commander, the victim can seek to refer the charges to the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of the armed force of which the accused is a member. Finally, the motion would require any armed force which does not currently have a Chief Prosecutor to appoint one.
12:48:52 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
12:55:51 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 225, 1 Present (Roll no. 243).
1:08:54 P.M.	H.R. 1960	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 315 – 108 (Roll no. 244).
1:08:55 P.M.	H.R. 1960	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:08:59 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:09:06 P.M.	H.R. 1960	The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1960.
1:35:12 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 14, 2013, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday, June 17, 2013, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
1:35:25 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

1:46:52 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
3:44:06 P.M.		Mr. Holding moved that the House do now adjourn.
3:44:23 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
3:44:24 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 17, 2013.