All posts by Nativegrl77

WATCH & SPEAK UP NOW!

Nativist, racist and fear-mongering hate groups are working hard to drive their narrative on immigration. We couldn’t just stand idly on the sidelines. So…

We confronted them directly and this is what they had to say!

We know very well that if we don’t speak up, they will speak for us!

The worst part of it is that our politicians are using the narrative as anti-immigration reform arguments, sometimes even word for word! For years now, these groups have successfully infused their message into the national immigration debate. They have co-opted local politicians and national figures which then turn the absurd into acceptable talking points:”More punishment”, “Militarize the border”, “Massive deportations”, “More Enforcement.” This has resulted in dangerous policies that have led to flagrant violation of human rights. We need to spread the word and counter this absurdity.

Share this with your friends and family; let them know where the anti-immigrant rhetoric is born!

Once again and thanks to you, together we are making an impact.

Yours,
Axel Caballero and the Cuéntame team

PS – Please help support our work. Cuéntame depends on your support to continue investigating issues and producing content. We are a non-profit and we take no money from the government, lobbyists, or corporations. You can contribute any amount here so we can continue to uncover stories that are important to you. Every dollar helps. Thanks!

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They locked us out and fired us

02/25/2013 Nativegrl77

Below is an email from La’kesia Johnson, a Cablevision technician who worked with the Communication Workers of America to create a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.

Dear MoveOn member,

I got fired just for speaking my mind about my working conditions. That’s not just wrong, it’s illegal.

I’ve worked as a Cablevision/Optimum technician for more than 6 years. A year ago, my coworkers and I voted to form a union, so we could have a voice on the job. But a year has come and gone, and Cablevision/Optimum management hasn’t negotiated in good faith for a contract.

Along with my co-workers, I asked to talk to my managers. They say they have an “open door” policy, but when we wanted to talk, they said they were too busy. Then they fired 22 of us, telling us we were “permanently replaced”.

They locked us out and fired us for speaking out about working conditions. That’s illegal and just plain wrong.

I’m without my paycheck just as my rent is going up. I have two children, Alexis and Rayshawn, one of whom has had serious medical care needs which has left us with a stack of bills. Meanwhile, Cablevision’s CEO, James Dolan, made $11.5 million last year alone.

That’s why I created a petition on SignOn.org to James Dolan, the CEO of Cablevision/Optimum, which says:

I urge Cablevision/Optimum to reinstate all 22 of the workers they illegally fired and locked out on January 30 and to bargain with the union in good faith.

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Thanks!

–La’kesia Johnson

This petition was created on SignOn.org, the progressive, nonprofit petition site. SignOn.org is sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action, which is not responsible for the contents of this or other petitions posted on the site. La’kesia and the Communication Workers of America didn’t pay us to send this email—we never rent or sell the MoveOn.org list.

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After the Oscars … and off the rack

02/25/2013 Nativegrl77

So, it was a whole night off from the Sequester and the next fiscal cliff, which is looming … March madness is at hand people and I’m not talking bball!

Oscar night! Uh, I mean Oscar day and night, started at 3pm maybe earlier, as Ryan seacrest and his team from Eonline chat about fashion, trending manicures, hair or makeup and right about then seasoned actor Helen Hunt walks up to be interviewed. While seacrest admires the $7000 jewels acknowledges her movie “Sessions” the question about whose dress are you wearing comes up and as Helen smiles smirks states guess who guess where I got my dress – H&M. It looked like seacrests eyes glaze over and his face goes stony, showing a bit of distaste seemingly dismissing the actor as no real response was made on the dress. It’s not lost on me that Helen got no head to toe shot and was nowhere to be seen on the Red Carpet though her dress seemed to fit she probably will not be on tonight’s list of must see ,something new , economy friendly dressing up . It seemed as if team seacrest moved on, possibly ignoring the idea, continuing to throw out elite brand names that graced their Red Carpet, sounding like the label mafia so, don’t hold your breath. I definitely won’t be, but the idea of wearing off the rack clothing is worthy of a shout out in my humble opinion. I missed the intro due to the hour and making dinner was much more important then I tuned in when Waltz was on and twitter seemed delighted, it sounds like the show itself is boring … too much ad-lib a bad sense of humor. Actually, pre-Oscar interviews suggested Seth McFarlane was prepared and funny, guess his comedic voice is not being heard very well tonight if at all, could be folks are still debating voting and determining the fashion losers or the guy is just an acquired taste because the one he is leaving tonight is bad.

Honestly, how do you make an awards night like the Oscars more than a formal get together celebrating films in all its forms. It could be time management or lack thereof is the enemy and while the jaws theme was amusing watching someone come out to actually pull an Oscar winner off stage is not that funny amusing or necessary. Award shows like Sports is a good/bad day situation where humans are never a sure thing when it comes to working outside the box or their personal comfort zone. Anyway, the dresses were ok watched for haterator action and there was some for Anne Hathaway and gotta say watching coopers mom sit in between him and Lawrence was interesting , captain kirk looked like he was snoozing Halle berry looked like a metalic referee and well, Kirsten Stewart was a hot mess. If you were watching, you know who won… The men looked ok though some just looked greasy.

Seth wrapped up the Oscars with a song, Affleck got his and as we were about to turn it to the E channel until jimmy, ABC announces they are now going to their OTRC after show only to hear Lawrence Zairian giving a big shout out to Helen Hunt and the H&M dress she wore …loved it!

I have to make a correction … yep, the H&M dress was wrinkled the pin on the back and train … not good. I was excited for off the rack dressing for an awards night … keep trying ladies and i agree … fabric choice is important,though it’s clear Anne Hathaway’s dress was very expensive she made a bad choice in fabric as well.

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: Republican led House :::::: Senate led by Democrats

02/24/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, February 25, 2013.

Following the prayer and the pledge, Senator Ayotte will deliver Washington’s Farewell Address. Upon the conclusion of the reading, 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 Executive Calendar #7, the nomination of Robert Bacharach, of Oklahoma, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit with up to 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 a roll call vote on confirmation of the Bacharach nomination

5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #7, the nomination of Robert E. Bacharach, of Oklahoma, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit;

Confirmed: 93-0

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #7, Robert E. Bacharach, of Oklahoma, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit; Confirmed: 93-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.298, A bill to prevent nuclear proliferation in North Korea, and for other purposes with committee-reported amendments.

Adopted S.Res.41, Supporting the designation of March 2013, as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

At 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, the Senate will proceed to vote on
the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy
Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense, upon reconsideration. If cloture
is invoked on the nomination, post-cloture debate time will count during the
recess for the caucus recess, any period of morning business or adjournment.

———————————————————————————————————

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 25, 2013.

2:00:12 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:30 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:43 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:57 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. Ms. Foxx 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. Ms. Foxx demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
2:02:34 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:47 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:10:42 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.

5:00:35 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 25.
5:05:43 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:05:57 P.M.	H.R. 667	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 667 — “To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.”
5:06:15 P.M.	H.R. 667	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:06:18 P.M.	H.R. 667	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 667.

5:06:15 P.M.	H.R. 667	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:06:18 P.M.	H.R. 667	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 667.
5:33:50 P.M.	H.R. 667	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:34:19 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:37 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 25.
6:30:40 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and on a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 667, both of which had been postponed from earlier in the day.
6:56:25 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 303 – 91, 1 Present (Roll no. 46).
6:56:30 P.M.	H.R. 667	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 667 — “To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.”
7:04:31 P.M.	H.R. 667	action_description>On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 47).
7:04:32 P.M.	H.R. 667	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:06:13 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
9:18:05 P.M.		Mr. Horsford moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:18:52 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:18:53 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2013.

« Previous Day

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Weekly Women’s Update: Averting the Sequester and Reducing the Deficit

02/24/2013 Nativegrl77

Greetings All-

We hope this message finds you well.

Just 7 days from now, Congress might permit a series of severe and automatic budget cuts, called the “sequester,” to go into effect. Read the President’s proposal to resolve the sequester and reduce our deficit by over $4 trillion dollars in a balanced way. You can also view the President’s remarks on the importance of Congress finding a balanced approach to deficit reduction that doesn’t harm our economy or the middle class.

Join us for a call about the sequester on Tuesday, February 26 at 10:30am. RSVP details are below.

President Obama was in Chicago last Friday to talk about the importance of making sure every child in America has every chance in life to succeed. The President laid out a plan to rebuild ladders of opportunity for every American who is willing to work hard and climb them.

The White House Champions of Change program highlights the stories and examples of citizens who are moving their communities forward. This March’s event will focus on Women Veterans’ contributions within the veterans’ community. Nominate a woman veteran as a Champion of Change by midnight on Tuesday, February 26.

Best wishes,

The White House Council on Women & Girls

Engage With The White House About The Sequester

You are invited to join a call with senior White House officials on Tuesday, February 26 at 10:30am EDT to discuss the President’s call for Congress to replace harmful cuts with a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

Participants must preregister for this teleconference at http://ems6.intellor.com?p=600025&do=register&t=1. Once the participant registers, a confirmation page will display dial-in numbers and a unique PIN, and the participant will also receive an email confirmation of this information. This call is off the record and not for press purposes.

President Obama: Automatic Budget Cuts Will Hurt Economy, Slow Recovery, and Put People Out of Work.

Just 7 days from now, Congress might permit a series of severe and automatic budget cuts, called the “sequester,” that will hurt our economic growth, add hundreds of thousands of Americans to the unemployment rolls, and threaten military readiness. President Obama said Tuesday morning:

“Now, if Congress allows this meat-cleaver approach to take place, it will jeopardize our military readiness; it will eviscerate job-creating investments in education and energy and medical research. It won’t consider whether we’re cutting some bloated program that has outlived its usefulness, or a vital service that Americans depend on every single day. It doesn’t make those distinctions.”

But, these cuts don’t have to happen — Congress has the power to stop them. The President has called on Congress to find a balanced approach to deficit reduction that combines tax reform with additional spending reforms – an approach that doesn’t harm our economy or the middle class.

View the President’s complete remarks on the sequester here:

A Balanced Plan to Avert the Sequester and Reduce the Deficit

The President and Congressional Democrats have put forward solutions to avoid the sequester’s severe cuts and allow time for both sides to work on a long-term, balanced solution to our deficit challenges.

The President is serious about cutting spending, reforming entitlements and the tax code to reduce the deficit in a balanced way. The question is, will Congressional Republicans come to the table to get something done?

The President’s proposal resolves the sequester and reduces our deficit by over $4 trillion dollars in a balanced way- by cutting spending, finding savings in entitlement programs and asking the wealthiest to pay their fair share. As a result the deficit would be cut below its historic average and the debt would fall as a share of the economy over the next decade. View the President’s plan here.

We can’t just cut our way to prosperity. Even as we look for ways to reduce deficits over the long term, we must grow the economy in a way that strengthens the middle class and everyone willing to work hard to get into it.

We hope that Congressional Republicans come to the table for the sake of middle class families, our national security and our future today.

Deficits as a share of GDP

Giving Every Child a Chance in Life

President Obama was in Chicago on Friday to talk about the importance of making sure every child in America has every chance in life to succeed. Speaking at the Hyde Park Career Academy, which is less than a mile from the Obama’s home in that city, the President laid out a plan to rebuild ladders of opportunity for every American who is willing to work hard and climb them. This includes making sure every child in America has access to high-quality pre-K, and raising the minimum wage so that no family that works hard and relies on a minimum wage is living in poverty. But creating a path into the middle class also means transforming high-poverty communities into places of opportunity that can attract private investment, improve education, and create jobs.

Read the President’s remarks on his plan to make that happen.

Champions of Change: Women Veterans

The White House Champions of Change program highlights the stories and examples of citizens across the country who are “Winning the Future” with projects and initiatives that move their communities forward.

This March, the White House Office of Public Engagement will host a Champions of Change event for Women Veterans to highlight their contributions within the veterans’ community, especially female veterans who served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. We know many Women Veterans continue to role model leadership and a dedication to service, often continuing engagement within the veterans’ and military families’ community.

We are asking for your help to identify women veterans that may be “Champions of Change.”

For example, a champion’s work may entail: