Daily Archives: 01/20/2015

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Alice Jay – Avaaz


Avaazpix

Boko Haram just used a 10-year-old girl as a bomb-detonator right after massacring up to 2,000 people. But the government and the international community are hardly responding. Let’s call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting now:

SIGN THE PETITION

Boko Haram just used a 10-year-old girl as a bomb-detonator right after massacring up to 2,000 people. There is a reign of terror in Northern Nigeria.

But Nigerian President Jonathan has said almost NOTHING about this in his election campaign, and his brutal army, instead of protecting civilians, is fuelling the insurgency.

The world has put this crisis in the ‘too hard to solve’ box — the UN Security Council hasn’t even issued a Presidential Statement on Nigeria!

The only good news: escalating violence has renewed pressure to act.

Let’s multiply that pressure now and persuade our leaders and the United Nations to convene an emergency Security Council meeting and prioritise this crisis.

Join this urgent call — for the sake of that tiny, innocent girl, and all those like her at risk:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_boko_haram_terror_en/?biEWLbb&v=51541

Nigeria is deep into a brutal conflict that’s ostensibly a Muslim/Christian war, but underlying it are tensions between an oil-rich, corrupt, ruling elite and a poor, disenfranchised and neglected North. Over 10,000 people were killed in 2014, and over 1.6 million Nigerians have fled their homes. Boko Haram now controls an area the size of Denmark.

Politicians have fed this divide, and the recent surge in violence comes in the middle of a deadly election campaign. Shockingly, President Jonathan’s under-resourced response could be part of a dark game — if there is chaos in the North and low voter turnout, he is more likely to stay in power since his support base is in the South.

International military advisers and special forces have been sent in, but there is hesitation about working with Nigerian units with terrible human rights records. The UN Council should now prioritise a comprehensive plan that includes cleaning up and training security forces to contain Boko Haram; investing in the poorest regions; and prioritising an anti-corruption programme.

This is not a short, sharp, shock strategy — this crisis cannot be solved in days — but it is immoral to ignore it any longer. Our global community can ensure the UN Security Council finally lays out a genuine plan for peace.

If we do nothing, thousands more will be killed, and the Boko Haram threat will spread. The attacks in Paris have reminded us that terror has no borders. Join the call:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_boko_haram_terror_en/?biEWLbb&v=51541

With elections looming and violence escalating, Nigeria is like a boiling pot. Politicians have failed their people, and the international community has allowed the situation to deteriorate. We cannot wait any longer and with enough backing, a strong UN statement could begin to change the game. Let’s make it happen.

With hope and determination,

Alice, Pascal, Mike, Melanie, Marigona, Ricken and the rest of the Avaaz team

Sources:

Nigeria: two suspected child suicide bombers attack market (The Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/11/child-suicide-bombers-nigeria-market

UNOWA Briefing and Consultations
http://www.whatsinblue.org/2015/01/unowa-briefing-and-consultations.php

Nigeria’s Jonathan Slams Paris Attack, Ignores Baga Massacre (Bloomberg)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-12/nigeria-s-jonathan-slams-islamist-raids-abroad-is-muted-at-home.html

Nigeria’s Boko Haram: Baga destruction ‘shown in images’ (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30826582

Uniting Against Boko Haram (BloombergView)
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-13/boko-haram-can-be-stopped-by-a-nigeria-united-again

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

GoFundMe


It’s been a few months since we sent you an update about our GoFundMe-Darren Wilson campaign. In that time we’ve been in dialogue with the company and its lawyers, and here’s where we’re at:

In October, GoFundMe donated its profits from the hateful Darren Wilson fundraisers to the Ferguson-Florissant school district. This was one of our top-line asks: for GoFundMe to stop profiting from racially-motivated donors. This donation was an important step and would not have happened without the actions of 130,000 ColorOfChange members. Collectively, we spoke up and put pressure on the crowdfunding company that they could not ignore, including this billboard right outside their offices:


Moving forward, tech companies like GoFundMe know what the ColorOfChange community is capable of. And they know we’ll remain vigilant. Since the launch of our campaign, we haven’t seen anything like the Darren Wilson fundraisers on GoFundMe’s platform. If a similar fundraising drive does show up, the company knows that it will have to answer to us.

Our campaign targeting GoFundMe began when people started giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to Michael Brown’s killer, celebrating his death. We were disgusted and outraged. We know that these types of fundraising drives lower the social and financial costs of taking Black lives. They send the message that shooters will be supported in the aftermath of killing Black men and boys.

In 2015, we’ll continue our work combating the culture of hostility against Black folks that’s present across our country. Thank you for being part of it every step along the way.

Onwards!

—Arisha, Rashad, Matt, Bhavik, and the ColorOfChange team

~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org


President Obama has the power — and responsibility — to help end the nationwide crisis of police violence and its unjust consequences.

Dr. King quote: Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Urge Pres. Obama to issue an executive order directing the Department of Justice to rigorously enforce and expand civil rights law and federal bans on violent and discriminatory policing:

Take Action

~ the Senate ~ Congress ~Republican led House

The Senate ~~~ CONGRESS 1/20 ~~~ The House


redpeacesign The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for one hour, with Democrats controlling the first half and Republicans controlling the final half. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to all for the weekly caucus meetings. Prior to adjourning, Senator McConnell announced that senators should expect votes on pending amendments to S.1 starting shortly after the lunches.

On Tuesday, January 20, at 9:00pm, the President will deliver the State of the Union address. Senators will gather in the Senate Chamber at 8:30pm and proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives at 8:40pm.

The following amendments are pending to S.1:

  1. Murkowski #2 (substitute)
  2. Markey #13 (Keep Oil in America)
  3. Portman-Shaheen #3 (Energy Efficiency)
  4. Franken #17 (Keep Jobs in America)

 

The Senate is in a period of morning business until approximately 10:30am. Following morning business, we will resume consideration of S.1, a bill to approve the Keystone pipeline. Currently, we have 3 amendments pending to the bill in addition to the substitute. Discussions continue on a path forward today. During his opening statement, Senator McConnell announced that we will begin voting on those amendments and any other amendments in the queue shortly after lunch today. No agreement has been reached at this point, but we expect McConnell, or his designee, will move to table the amendments if no agreement can be reached.

 

Pending amendments:

  1. Murkowski #2 (substitute)
  2. Markey #13 (Keep Oil in America)
  3. Portman-Shaheen #3 (Energy Efficiency)
  4. Franken #17 (Keep Jobs in America)

We expect Senator McConnell, or his designee, to move to table the Markey amendment around 2:45pm today. We may also vote in relation to the Portman amendment and Franken amendments at that time as well. Discussions continue on the next amendments that may be offered to the bill.

The Portman amendment #3 (energy efficiency) was modified. The modification strikes the Efficient Government Technology title;

Agreed To: 94-5

 

At 2:50pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Murkowski motion to table Markey amendment #13 (Keep Oil in America);

Tabled: 57-42

 

We could also vote in relation to the Portman-Shaheen amendment #3, as modified, and the Franken amendment #17 (Keep Jobs in America) (not necessarily in that order).

3:15pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Murkowski motion to table Franken amendment #17 (Keep Jobs in America);

Tabled: 53-46

 

While we thought the Portman-Shaheen amendment could be agreed to by a voice vote, we now expect a roll call vote.

 

Next roll call vote: Portman-Shaheen amendment #3, as modified (energy efficiency)

The following amendments are pending to S.1, Keystone XL Pipeline:

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Murkowski motion to table Markey amendment #13 (Keep Oil in America); Tabled: 57-42.
  2. Murkowski motion to table Franken amendment #17 (Keep Jobs in America); Tabled: 53-46.
  3. Adoption of Portman-Shaheen amendment #3, as modified (Energy Efficiency); Agreed To: 94-5.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.29, Condemning the terrorist attacks in Paris, France

Adopted S.Res.30, National School Choice Week

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.240, DHS Appropriations.

Executive Business

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Last Floor Action:
8:35:48 P.M. – JOINT SESSION – The House convened in Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving an address from the President of the United States on the subject of the state of the Union.

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of January 20, 2015

Last Floor Action:1/16
4:04:06 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 20, 2015.

12:00:30 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:34 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable David W. Jolly to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:04 P.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:13:43 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:01 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 20.
2:00:13 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:59 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:07 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cummings to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:26 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:12:03 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:12:14 P.M. H. Res. 37 Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 37 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Paris that resulted in the deaths of seventeen innocent persons and offering condolences to those personally affected by this cowardly act.”
2:12:33 P.M. H. Res. 37 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:12:44 P.M. H. Res. 37 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 37.
2:34:57 P.M. H. Res. 37 On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
2:35:01 P.M. H. Res. 37 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:36:42 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
4:25:14 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 20.
4:25:21 P.M. Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 38.
4:26:03 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.The next meeting is scheduled for 8:35 P.M. today at which time the House will meet in Joint Session with the Senate to receive a communication from the President of the United States on the subject of the state of the Union.
8:35:40 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 20.
8:35:48 P.M. JOINT SESSION – The House convened in Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving an address from the President of the United States on the subject of the state of the Union.

10:20:50 P.M. JOINT SESSION DISSOLVED – The Speaker declared the Joint Session of the two Houses dissolved.
10:21:00 P.M. Mr. McCarthy moved that the President’s message be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered printed as a House document (H. Doc. 114-1). Agreed to without objection.
10:21:12 P.M. Mr. McCarthy moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:21:14 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:21:15 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 21, 2015.

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