Support Fair Trade

06/11/2015 Nativegrl77

Current logo of Ten Thousand Villages. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

just another rant …

The first time I heard the term” Fair Trade”, I was still living at home. I have to admit that I did not understand nor relate to the conversation but i knew it was having an impact on someone in my family. While I may not have understood it then, I could hear the passion in my mom’s voice; she was adamant about laborers and wages, yes, it is tough to compete but we must support those who labour, are environmentally and socially aware while making products people can buy sell and use that do no harm.

Fair Trade by definition: Although not universally accepted definition of fair trade exists… definition of fair trade developed by FINE, as a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers –especially in the South. Fair trade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

The company or industries I remember most talked about while living at home was Ten Thousand Villages’, which is a non-profit organization. They have always encouraged artisans to employ production methods that are environmentally sustainable or recycled and natural materials whenever possible. The thing that was impressive as a kid was that Ten Thousand Villages offered products from all over the world are diverse and true treasures from places we probably would never go while helping disadvantaged artisans at the same time. I loved the small gifts, goodies and handmade toys but I was too young to appreciate the home decor at the time but believe me I have bought and enjoyed scarves, baskets and gadgets from Ten Thousand Villages over the years. I remember the coffee not only smelled different it was very exotic, which is part of why I love some fair trade coffees. Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade company has been a leader in the quest to help the disadvantaged, respect for our environment by using sustainable products in all their forms. I have to say that growing up knowing that most of the people who benefited from Ten Thousand Villages premise were people of colour was major to my family and as the 90’s started to love retro. The “everything old is new again” industry and its revenue has and still is doing far better than those who probably are really supporting and working in the Free Trade world. I believe Free Trade needs to be reformed on all levels, which means reducing tariffs quotas and upping regulatory policies according to supply&demand including size of the company.

Free trade by definition: is a policy in international markets in which governments do not restrict imports or exports. Free trade is exemplified by the European Union / European Economic Area and the North American Free Trade Agreement, which have established open markets. Most nations are today members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) multilateral trade agreements. However, most governments still impose some protectionist policies that are intended to support local employment, such as applying tariffs to imports or subsidies to exports. Governments may also restrict free trade to limit exports of natural resources. Other barriers that may hinder trade include import quotas, taxes, and non-tariff barriers, such as regulatory legislation.

While in college, I discovered The Body Shop, a Fair Trade company trying to bring environmental and sustainable product awareness to young women. The products cost more than the big box stores but the quality was and still is better. I know that my family felt good about supporting free trade companies that help folks earn reasonable wages, is environmentally aware; where sustainable products are readily available. I have beyond sensitive skin; suffice it to say they became a part of my life over the last few years.

I believe in the free enterprise system, but what we have heard lately, suggests corruption is on the rise. We need to have as much transparency in the Free Trade industry as possible. The old attitude of “I will help you if you help me” is definitely an issue with countries and this problem continues today when the art of politics and money gets in the way causing the seller, buyer and workers to become collateral damage.

Since 2008, Ten Thousand Villages has been named one of World’s Most Ethical Companies annually by the Ethisphere Institute. www.Ethisphere.com

Support Fair Trade… the information below is from their website

www.tenthousandvillages.com

Ten Thousand Villages

is an exceptional source for unique handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, serve ware and personal accessories representing the diverse cultures of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. One of the world’s largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), about us the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

Founded in 1946, the company has grown from the trunk of founder Edna Ruth Byler’s car to a network of more than 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products. The company encourages artisan partners to use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources and recycled materials to ensure each product offered has been crafted responsibly. Ten Thousand Villages is a partner of Mennonite Central Committee.

Ten Thousand Villages is an independent nonprofit, charitable organization (501(c)3, with an independent, nine member board of directors. All sales revenue generated by Ten Thousand Villages and any surplus earned by operations is retained within Ten Thousand Villages. Surpluses are used to increase purchases from artisans and to finance the growth of Ten Thousand Villages retail network.

Our Vision

One day all artisans in the developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.

Our Mission

Ten Thousand Villages’ mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.

Our Name

The inspiration for our name—Ten Thousand Villages—came from a Mahatma Gandhi quote: “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.” To us, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people…offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.

Our Logo

Our logo represents the values we want to invest in the name Ten Thousand Villages. The continuous line of rooftops reminds us we are all linked together as we live on this earth. The light in the doors and windows reminds us of homes of people with whom we work in many villages. The warm red color and hand-etched edge represent the materials and methods used to make the quality handicrafts we sell. Multiply the village idea by ten thousand and it represents the world we are working to build. We invite you to join us in making this vision a reality.

~ my 2cents ...

Fair Trade …

06/11/2015 Nativegrl77

Fair Trade

Fair Trade by definition: Although no universally accepted definition of fair trade exists… It is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers –especially in the South. Fair trade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. [7]Wiki

The company or industries I remember most talked about while living at home was Ten Thousand Villages’, which is a non-profit organization. They have always encouraged artisans to employ production methods that are environmentally sustainable or recycled and natural materials whenever possible. The thing that was impressive as a kid was that Ten Thousand Villages offered products from all over the world are diverse and true treasures from places we probably would never go while helping disadvantaged artisans at the same time. I loved the small gifts, goodies and handmade toys but I was too young to appreciate the home decor at the time but believe me I have bought and enjoyed scarves, baskets and gadgets from Ten Thousand Villages over the years. I remember the coffee was different than at other people’s houses … the exotic smells filled our house …I think that is why I love exotic fair trade coffee, it smelled so good at our house. Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade company has been a leader in the quest to help the disadvantaged, respect for our environment by using sustainable products in all their forms. I have to say that growing up knowing that most of the people who benefited from Ten Thousand Villages premise were people of colour was major to my family and as the 90’s started to love retro. The “everything old is new again” industry and its revenue has and still is doing far better than those who probably are really supporting and working in the Free Trade world. While in college, I discovered The Body Shop, a Fair Trade company trying to bring environmental and sustainable product awareness to young women. The products cost more than the big box stores but the quality was and still is better. I know that my family felt good about supporting free trade companies that help folks earn reasonable wages, is environmentally aware; where sustainable products are readily available. I have beyond sensitive skin; suffice it to say they became a part of my life over the last few years.

Support Fair Trade…

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Your Supreme Court June Preview

06/11/2015 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

The Supreme Court Will Decide Three Critical Cases This Month

Before the end of this month, the Supreme Court will rule on three cases that could affect the lives of millions of Americans and have a lasting impact on our Constitution. Today, the Center for American Progress hosted a panel discussion with legal experts about what’s at stake as the justices prepare to rule on critical issues like marriage equality, health care, and civil rights.

Here’s what you need to know about these three critical cases:

Healthcare—King v. Burwell: We’ve talked a lot about what’s at stake in the lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. But as a refresher: a ruling against the ACA in King v. Burwell would strip premium tax credits away from 6.4 million people and send the health insurance market into chaos. Eliminating federal tax credits could cause more than 8 million people to become uninsured and lead to nearly 10,000 preventable deaths each year.

Marriage Equality—Obergefell v. Hodges: In this case the justices could extend marriage equality to all 50 states. This case combines challenges from four states that have laws that either ban same-sex marriage, fail to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, or both. While the Court is widely expected to rule in favor of marriage equality, the way the opinion is drafted will shape how LGBT rights continue to develop after this case is decided, which will be key given that a ruling for same-sex marriage would mean many LGBT Americans could legally be married one day and legally fired the next.

Civil Rights—Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. The Inclusive Communities Project, Inc. This case challenges the decades-old principle that the Fair Housing Act of 1968 should prohibit housing policies that result in discrimination, regardless of whether they were designed to discriminate. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs in this case it could make it much harder to fight discrimination in housing—and potentially all civil rights cases. For a more detailed explanation of this case, check out this CAP column.

While some politicians remain divided on these issues, public opinion on these cases is pretty settled: 55 percent of Americans believing the court should not block federal health care subsidies and 61 percent of Americans supporting marriage equality.

The Supreme Court is traditionally considered to rise above the partisanship and politicking of Congress and the executive branch. But as we well know, the Roberts Court has handed down a series of ideologically-charged decisions that have advanced a distinctly conservative agenda. And as the justices prepare to issue opinions on such critical issues, it has rarely been more important to have a judiciary that protects the rights of all Americans equally.

BOTTOM LINE: This month the Supreme Court will have the opportunity to issue landmark decisions on health care, civil rights, and marriage equality. As the branch charged with upholding the rights of all Americans, the Supreme Court should apply the core tenets of our Constitution rather than reflect the ideological crusades of the conservative movement.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Alicia Keys – In Manila (Official Behind The Scenes)

06/11/2015 Nativegrl77

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 6/11 the House

06/11/2015 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, June 11, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour with the time equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1735.

As a reminder, during Wednesday’s session of the Senate, Senator McConnell filed cloture on McCain for Burr amendment #1569, as modified, (cyber-security) to McCain #1463 (substitute) to H.R.1735, NDAA. Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on the second legislative day. That vote could occur as early as 1:00am on Friday, June 12.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to the McCain for Burr amendment #1569, as modified, (cyber-security) to McCain #1463 (substitute) to H.R.1735, NDAA, is one hour prior to the cloture vote.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Motion to invoke cloture on Burr amendment #1569, as modified (cyber security and background checks); not invoked: 56-40.

Legislative Business

Passed S.1568, Colorado VA

Passed H.R.615, Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act

Agreed to H.Con.Res.54, Pocket Constitution Reprinting

Executive Business

Confirmed the following nomination by voice vote:

Executive Calendar #145 Douglas J. Kramer, of Kansas, to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

=========================================================

Last Floor Action:
5:29:29 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on June 12, 2015.

Last Floor Action:
10:56:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:05 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable John J. Duncan Jr. to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:00 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.
10:56:07 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:25 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 11.
12:00:30 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:34 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:01:57 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hahn to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:20 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.
12:02:21 P.M.	H.R. 1295	UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Byrne asked unanimous consent that the order of the House of June 10, 2015, regarding consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 1295, be modified by striking “printed” and inserting “submitted for printing”.
12:19:40 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2685 — “Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.”
12:19:52 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
12:19:53 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The Chair directed the Clerk to read the the last two lines of H.R. 2685.
12:20:42 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the committee rise.
12:20:57 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
12:20:58 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2685 as unfinished business.
12:31:30 P.M.	H.R. 1295	Pursuant to a previous special order Mr. Ryan(WI) moved to agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments.
12:33:33 P.M.	H.R. 1295	DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous special order, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Ryan(WI) motion to agree to the Senate amendment to the title and agree to the Senate amendment to the text with an amendment No. 1 printed in the Congressional Record.
1:22:09 P.M.	H.R. 1295	Pursuant to a previous order of the House the previous question was ordered without objection.
1:56:37 P.M.	H.R. 1295	On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 397 – 32 (Roll no. 345).
1:56:38 P.M.	H.R. 1295	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:56:54 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2685 — “Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.”
1:57:06 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
2:01:32 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Schiff amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 196 – 231 (Roll no. 346).
2:04:46 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 157 – 270 (Roll no. 347).
2:08:43 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 264 (Roll no. 348).
2:11:53 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Sablan amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 256 (Roll no. 349).
2:15:08 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 347 (Roll no. 350).
2:18:22 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 265 (Roll no. 351).
2:22:27 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 51 – 378 (Roll no. 352).
2:25:22 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 262 (Roll no. 353).
2:28:27 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 187 – 242 (Roll no. 354).
2:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Smith (MO) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 133 – 297 (Roll no. 355).
2:36:26 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On agreeing to the Massie amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 255 – 174 (Roll no. 356).
2:36:33 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the committee rise.
2:36:46 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
2:36:54 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2685.
2:37:31 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:38:33 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Mr. Moulton moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Appropriations.
2:38:45 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moulton 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 the Army Operation and Maintenance account by a total of $2 million; increase the Defense-Wide Operation and Maintenance account by $2 million; increase the Defense Health Programs account by $5 million; and offsets these increases with a $9 million reduction to the Defense-Wide Operation and Maintenance account.
2:45:10 P.M.	H.R. 2685	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
2:53:00 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 240 (Roll no. 357).
3:00:17 P.M.	H.R. 2685	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 278 – 149 (Roll no. 358).
3:00:17 P.M.	H.R. 2685	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:00:44 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 11, 2015 at 11:26 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 253.
3:02:27 P.M.	H. Res. 305	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 305 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1314) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a right to an administrative appeal relating to adverse determinations of tax-exempt status of certain organizations, and providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 644) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and expand the charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory.”
3:05:40 P.M.	H. Res. 305	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 305.
4:14:54 P.M.	H. Res. 305	The previous question was ordered without objection.
4:51:14 P.M.	H. Res. 305	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 217 – 212 (Roll no. 359).
4:51:15 P.M.	H. Res. 305	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:58:58 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 239 – 172, 1 Present (Roll no. 360).
4:59:34 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:07:49 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:29:25 P.M.		Mr. Sherman moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:29:28 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:29:29 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on June 12, 2015.