Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

TGIF … &some News

07/01/2011 Nativegrl77

Today, being the first day of July with a slow roll into Independence
Day next Monday, which most of us celebrate some do not with sparklers and fireworks just
seems sad in a way. I guess it does sound very dramatic but think about it will
this be the last real Independence Day some States will have faced with all the
changes Republicans are trying to implement and force upon their fellow
Americans all over the country. The change we can believe in
is just one less Republican in office, one less lobbyist , one less huge
insurance corporation like AIG or bank between Americans wanting Health-Care,
Energy and Educational REFORM.

The change we need is one that can be implemented incrementally and will probably take
years to complete. Yet Congress seemsto prefer to debate, stall, block the obvious and or go on break at least 2
times a month am i alone in wondering if they are even serious about getting
anything done or understand that this will take time and it will need
continuous tweaking. The financial crash has taken years to surface as well as expose
what has to be the most complicated and somewhat corrupt system that branches
out globally. I am still asking why the public is not willing to give President
Obama time to work on unwinding the crap the last guy left but it is obvious people have forgotten who did what and
when. While it has been a couple of years we cannot afford to forget who slowed down the stimulus, who said let’s
stop and do tax cuts and who not only threatened filibusters but have done so
on everything that could help Americans and will continue to hold the middle
class hostage until the election of a new President. I know most folks know
that the Obama admin tried to get the stimulus out there quickly but the party
of no held it up knowing no matter what happened Republicans would get money as
well. It was a disappointing, sad and an offensive awakening to watch as the
party of no acted so calculating. Reports of Republicans taking credit for the stimulus,
others asked for more funds while talking trash about the President of the
United States. I was upset about it then and believe now that the stimulus
dollars should NOT have been used to plug state budget holes but for jobs, jobs
jobs or to make stuff, turn to wind and solar plants and or farms with a move
to end our dependence on nuke plants.

I do not understand how anyone with common sense fails to see
the Republican mission for what it is as Mitch McConnell said: to make President Obama a one term President which includes
eliminating the middle and lower classes and who used to be their fellow
Americans. The joke that was called The Pledge to America has now become a rude and scary reality filled with what looks
like an attempt to ban abortions, eliminate worker rights, Medicare/Medicaid
and social security just to name a few while making sure those with public
service positions become unemployed. If you need reminding that would be our
Teachers, Police, Firefighters, and other first Responders. I don’t know about you but the scam that is
the Republican party is somewhat scary. I wake up wondering just which
Republican controlled state is moving so far to the far right that its citizens
will lose their rights every day. I have concerns that people are not taking this thing as serious as Republican Mayors,
Governors, legislators and their flunkies are. There was a time when we could
depend on a correction by the upper court system or what used to be a fair and
balanced application to whatever the issue was. Now, the Court Systems seem
filled with republican activists given too much power by the Bushies. I get it
not all of my fellow democrats agree with what President Obama is doing we need
people to connect the dots maybe think about the bigger picture. I want folks
to think about what your neighborhood will look like if Republicans are
successful in their mission and it cannot be a good image. For example, I know
we all heard about the man who failed to pay his fire protection fee so the
local fire department let his house burn down. I have to admit i was stunned by
that story and clearly take some things for granted because I like other
Washingtonians pay into a system, which we assume covers all things related to
911. I am still shocked and amazed that some States managed to privatize such
services and should be re-assessed as folks across the country pay their
Government Representatives to Represent them which as we are all finding out
lately that seems to be less and less of a reality. I don’t understand. Is this
not their USA too? Why not help create solutions for your fellow American. I ask those people
who voted for Republicans in November if these are the kinds of politicians we
need or want as public servants. If you believe in equality, the right to choose and the pursuit of happiness, you
cannot continue to vote against your best interests. We are still a Country in trouble that needs
both political parties to solve this crisis and yes, the crisis is still in
effect; what is happening in Congress is unacceptable. Republicans are acting
like the USA is a playground drawing and redrawing lines in the sand instead of
agreeing to help solve the problem that we face and while they throw out nasty
rhetoric they have decided to put Grover Norquist, Koch Brothers , Chamber of
Commerce, Wall Street and others with Corporate interests first.

Other News …

Dominique Strauss-Kahn released on own

Minnesota government shuts down over

Wall Street on track for best week in nearly a year

Nine killed as Syrian protests spread

Clinton: ‘The Syrian government is running out of
time’

US debt ceiling deadline still August

New York set to lift fracking
ban

CSPAN …

NASA Administrator Discusses Space Shuttle Program at National Press Club

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senate Cancels July 4th Break

Debt negotiations continue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prime Time on the C-SPAN Networks

Debate on China, National Organization of Women conference among the events

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Wednesday weather& some News

06/29/2011 Nativegrl77

The World is watching … As Freedom marches ramp up and the violence against protesters breaks out again … people have had enough

Remember … there is always strength in numbers

I think we all take our freedoms for granted here in the US of A though lately the Republican Party is beginning to make me feel a little less free every day. I watched as freedom fighters in Egypt Libya and others in the region did whatever they had to before going out to march against tyranny , but the idea that there are people being killed by their own government for wanting to be free, heard, wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new but it is disturbing. There were mothers with children, older men and women and college students coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change and given what these dictators will lose they have chosen to “crackdown” on the protesters which we all know is pure bs and a lack of respect for life.

Months ago, we saw some of the people of Iran try to rise up and claim a voice of independence. Unfortunately, what came out of that was the loss of freedom fighters with Neda becoming their symbol of strength. However, in the end after a few days those freedom fighters had to retreat which had to be the only way to save lives. It was a rude awakening at how a dictator only respects his position and is still willing to sacrifice the many for his title, power, and money. Then we heard of an uprising in Tunisia Egypt and many others in possible transition with talk of more and more people willing to risk their lives to gain their freedom. It was definitely clear that a movement against the Ancient practice of dictatorship by freedom fighters for a move into the 21st Century was breaking out all over. The voice and votes of millions have gone uncounted and or compromised for decades. The demand to be heard great but to get the change they need and want … means that the fear of authority was, is, cannot be an option… and the possibility of death likely.

The quick response from dictators was surprising, disturbing, and totally unacceptable. I have to say it was strange to see how fast they were able to cut off most if not all connections to the outside world, stating the US meddled in the process to divert responsibility while using extreme force on their own people. In the case of Libya, we heard their government make threats of slaughtering all who will not stand down and going house to house, which was after reports of thousands already killed by Gadhafi forces. The demand to move into the 21st Century continues to be met with bullets bombs and death. It has to make you wonder if the money the militia gets is worth killing their own people, don’t they want personal freedom , do they dare dream or wonder what living in a more modern society would be like. I guess being an American, the thought of remaining silent under force let alone 40years of dictatorship is just not an option. These men of so-called power showed the World how horrible they were and as days and weeks went by their own military forces began to crumble. It was enlightening to see just how nefarious these dictators were and still are. I have to say it was stunning to hear that under pressure a dictator was willing to kill Military forces who wanted out and or refused to kill civilians. It was equally stunning that some managed to flee the region and others definitely in elite positions asked for refuge while workers, outsourced from other countries became shields, trapped, or lacked funds to go home, as some countries did not help their people out others took that long walk across the border to temporary safety and freedom in refugee camps.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

pray for all those involved

Other News

Egypt probes Tahrir Square
clash

Instant view: Greek parliament votes

NM Wildfire Burns Near Nuke Facility

Roche seeks more time for Avastin in
breast cancer

Taliban claims credit for hotel
attack

Burma warns Aung San Suu Kyi to halt
all political activities

Conservative blogger Breitbart sees
Sarah Palin jumping into White House race

CSPAN …

President Obama Holds News Conference

Will take questions on Afghanistan, Libya, deficit talks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

White House Releases National Counterterrorism Strategy

Deputy Nat’l Security Adviser John Brennan on U.S. plan to defeat al-Qaeda

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senate Panel Looks at Supreme Court Rulings

Sen. Leahy said the Court sided with corporations

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Federal Reserve To Issue Final Rules on Debit Card Fees

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GAO Reports on Diplomatic Security

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

for austerity plan

~ my 2cents ...

State senator: Gay marriage in Washington State ‘closer to reality’

06/27/2011 Nativegrl77

In May of 2009 A Note from Dan Savage was sent … and a warning against Ref71, stating :

We need to take a stand for equality.

All of us. In Washington, committed same-sex couples and their families now enjoy the same legal protections granted to married couples under state law. The radical right just filed a referendum—Referendum 71—to repeal many of those protections and benefits.

In Washington, today, we need everyone who believes in equality to take a stand for civil rights and decline to sign the Referendum 71 petitions. Especially straight people.

Everyone.

Yes, a lot has been done since then but in this year of 2011
Washington State is still a few votes away from marriage
equality. However, with news that the NYC State Senate approved gay
marriage the article below offers hope for the people of Washington State
to finally move into the 21st century. I have to say the thing that came to my
mind is how much revenue NYC is about to see in the next few weeks, months and
years. It will be incredible for those in the Wedding Business as well as
anything associated. It is just one more state that is willing to see that old
habits can die because our youth just do not see life, love, and equality as
something that should only be legal for a select few. I think equality is a
right not a privilege and while some folks are slow, others should know that
they have to separate church from state and act according. Anyway, the article
below is from the SeattlePI blog

State sen.: Gay marriage in Wash. ‘closer to reality’

One of the architects of a law that gave broad rights to same-sex couples in Washington state says New York’s recognition of gay marriage will make it easier to pass similar legislation in the Evergreen State.

Murray

Late Friday the New York state Senate approved a gay marriage bill, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign. New York will become the sixth and largest state to recognize marriages between gay couples.

State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said in a statement that New York provides “momentum for the rest of the nation, including Washington, to follow suit.

“Over the past several years, the Legislature and the public together have been steadily building a bridge to equality for gay and lesbian families. Gay and lesbian families in Washington now enjoy the same state spousal rights that their married straight friends enjoy – except for the name ‘marriage’. Though we have yet to realize full marriage equality, with today’s vote that goal seems more achievable than it was yesterday and closer to reality than ever before.”

Murray helped pass Washington state’s original domestic partnership law in 2007, which provided inheritance rights in cases where there was no will, hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations.

In 2009, Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, were among the main proponents of the “everything but marriage” bill that passed the Legislature, greatly expanding the rights of same-sex couples to include things like workers’ compensation coverage, the right to use sick leave to care for a spouse, victims’ rights, including the right to receive notifications and benefits allowances. Business succession rights and legal process rights, such as the ability to sign certain documents, the requirement to join in certain petitions, rights to cause of action, and ability to transfer licenses without charge.

FUSE …Together for Progress

	Rob McKenna’s $5.76 Billion Education Plan Flunks Basic Math In his campaign announcement last Wednesday, Rob McKenna proposed $5.76 billion in new spending but left voters in the dark about how he would pay for it. He’s even relying on budget projections he repeatedly criticized just two months ago. Read more >
	Rob McKenna: A Career Fighting Against Progress Rob McKenna has announced his candidacy for Governor of our state, and we believe he would roll back years of progress that we’ve worked for in Washington. He has established a clear track record of rewarding conservative corporate interests and pandering to Tea Party extremists, all while trying to sound like a moderate in public. Check out our rapid response video exposing McKenna’s conservative record. Read more >
	2011 Legislature: What happened? After nearly five months of regular and special session, the state Legislature finally passed a budget late last week and adjourned for the year. We’re not going to sugarcoat things – it was a very tough session. As progressives, we definitely took our lumps, especially on the budget. But we also generated real hope for the future with a powerful, sustained wave of grassroots energy and an impressive level of collaboration among progressive groups. And we helped pass a few other sweet bills that make the budget a little easier to swallow. Click here for the rundown on some key legislation from this year. Read more >
	Workers deserve paid sick leave! The Seattle City Council is considering an ordinance that would give every worker the right to take sick leave without sacrificing wages. Workers would earn leave that could be used for preventative care, for sick days, or to care for a family member. Businesses also benefit from healthier, happier, more productive employees. Let the City Council and the Mayor know that you support paid sick leave! Click here to send a mesage! Read more >
	Keep Eastside light rail moving forward! Fuse members overwhelmingly supported light rail on the Eastside and are ready to campaign for it. People in Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Renton, Seattle, and dozens of other cities will benefit from this critical transit hub. And taking thousands of cars off the road every day will lead to healthier neighborhoods for all of us. Click here to sign our petition to the Bellevue City Council telling them to keep our communities moving forward with light rail! Read more >
	Tell Rob McKenna: Not in Washington! Attorney General Rob McKenna called unionization of teachers, firefighters, and other public employees unnecessary and “dangerous.” And last year he tried to block a voter-approved minimum wage increase. McKenna is the poster child for union busting conservatives and big corporations here in Washington, and his clear goal is to be our next governor. Click here to sign our petition calling on Rob McKenna to stop attacking working families! Read more >
	LivingGreedy: The best deals on closing tax loopholes, guaranteed We’ve launched a fun new website called LivingGreedy.com to turn the table on greedy special interests, and to show exactly which essential services we could save by closing their loopholes. Read more >
	How are we doing? Take our survey! 2010 has been quite a year. As we develop our plans and priorities for 2011, we want to know what you’d like to see us do in the upcoming year, and would like your feedback on what we’ve done well and what we can improve on. Read more >

~ my 2cents ...

MJ –

06/25/2011 Nativegrl77

In this age of the 24/7 news cycle: the massive coverage of the death of MJ and memorial was frustrating and very disappointing to say the least…

It was surprising to see someone like ac360 star join up with so many news outlets that chose to exploit MJ. The negative aspects of this great entertainer and human being are apparent. MJ lived a different life that was subject to ridicule, disdain, and contempt. What was surprising at the time was that most, not all but most who did have the opportunity to use their “media platform” to do any type of story on MJ made a sad ending ugly. In the end, we all know they decided to follow a very negative biased flavour and it was quite clear most if not all of these vultures, I mean reporters made sure the viewer knew in no uncertain terms that they felt MJ was guilty of all previous charges lodged against him, though the charges were dropped. The coverage was awkward and while “the media” continued to spew ugly rhetoric, they acted as if MJ had no family, no children, and no friends out there watching and or listening to the offensive and devoid of compassion coverage viewers heard.

I did a lot of channel surfing to see exactly what folks were saying and though there were several instances of nasty, the comments that were beyond the pale were of the Cali representatives who said they just did not have the money to pay for this thing. There was even a plea for donations as well as several stations stating asking demanding to know just who was paying for what part of this thing and even more said the Jackson’s should have to pay for all of it.

I know that no matter how “the media” in Cali decided to get hood. It was incredible so see how places like the UK, Germany, Berlin, and France celebrated MJ. It was far better than the US and comforting to hear and see fans, some friend or fellow entertainers not just see the obvious side reporters chose and go out of their way to respond with comments about the negative “ MEDIA coverage” by letting them know fans are not happy or listening to the vultures, i mean panels? Dissect his life. I was also happy that most radio stations went a different direction… the controversial images and video chosen by “reporters” were definitely a part of this man’s life but it was not his whole life…

http://youtu.be/HzZ_urpj4As

The number of reporters opting to engage in shameful behavior in my opinion were many but Cooper chose to end his so-called report with the images and comments by a so- called friend stating how lonely MJ was and my first thought was how much did this guy get paid. I do not know if he was lonely, I do know he loved his children and they all seemed happy but that’s just me. I definitely heard someone implying something and that was not the actions of a true friend. So, I changed the channel to MSNBC, unfortunately they made a decision to run some old comments by so-called reporter Toure made years ago and apply them to current videos, seemed truly disrespectful to his family and children. It was sad to see how it all played out. I felt myself wanting to scream have some RESPECT … why all the anger he was gone and then while this was going on folks on radio played MJ’s music and made sure their audience knew just who essentially ran MJ out of the US of A and why did he choose London to jump off his tour.

I cannot begin to understand or accept the comment made by the likes of diane diamond, and no, i do not feel that Courtney Hazlet/entertainment news reporter is correct when she said, “comments made on his past were fair”. I know she said many many times she has had conversations with folks close to MJ, which I guess, is supposed to quantify her credentials. I get it, a lot has been said, done, and reported on regarding the life of MJ, obviously, no one knows what went on behind closed doors though folks in “the media” did act as if they had the facts without MJ able to defend himself. It was evident in most if not all the coverage not one interview was seen or done with an Actual MJ family member only so-called family friends who when pressed stated that they had not spoken to him for a while. Ok .Then a plethora of MJ know-it-all interviews, more scandal, reckless misinformation and his children totally disrespected until the televised memorial. That was sad enough but more “reporters” like Keith O seemed to treat the whole event like a sideshow and if memory serves Chris matthews compared OJ Simpsonto MJ. The fact is not everyone believed MJ was guilty but that angle barely got any play at all and contrary to all those reports past or present, not all black folks disowned him.

I know even though this should be yet another teaching/learning moment for those that work in the business or watch MEDIA coverage we all know that “the media” knows and bets on great revenue from celebrities alive or dead demand is high … they also know the supply does not have to be fair … or balanced.

I know fans will respect and remember the King of Pop as a great World entertainer who was also a human being, may he rest in peace.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Wednesday &some News

06/22/2011 Nativegrl77

Today, President Obama will announce the number of troops that will be in the Military draw down. I already know that no matter what he says, it will not be enough for some. I am not a Military strategist but given the fact that the Bush Admin waged two wars and two 2huge tax cuts that have not been paid for yet and has been dumped on President Obama. Today’s decision is one that the last guy escaped or ran out on and it is not only unfair but people will blame President Obama for crap the last guy failed to take care of.

Abortion … my rant today

I want Max Bachcus, who got single payer for his people and Mitt Romney who got universal healthcare for his to tell Americans why they feel their States are more deserving of great healthcare than the rest of their fellow Americans.

We all debate at what point a fetus becomes a baby and at what point an egg becomes a fetus and becomes anything after conception. We have to ask at what point is conception and if you believe a baby or life begins at conception, then we have nothing to discuss because i do not believe that at conception whenever that is, creates a baby. I believe an egg becomes a fetus but when is anyone’s guess, then after the first tri-mister, or at 9weeks, which is when a heartbeat is normally heard, is when we can call the fetus a baby. Even with all this rhetoric and or information i do not believe you or anyone else has the right to tell women what to do with their bodies yet mostly Republican are legislating against women and their right to choose. The fact that Republicans feel comfortable legislating means they do believe in big Government and what could be bigger than opening the door of our private lives and telling us their doctrine of “family values” trumps our rights as Americans. This belief and or doctrine will put women of all ages at risk. The fact is and just so you know desperate women have used instruments, back alley doctors, drugs to abort and when all else fails, some choose suicide when it becomes too much. It is my wish that legal, safe and credible places remain available for women because not only do people have the right to have options no one should have to feel so stressed out about a personal choice and no woman chooses abortion because it is fun believe me.

While it is offensive to even to say it … women are intelligent enough to decide what is best for them and or families and should be treated with respect. I cannot fathom any sitting politician legislating against women wanting anyone invading in their lives for any reason let alone a very personal one like a right to choose. In addition, contrary to popular thought doctors actually do counsel and discuss options with a woman and or family though some States have decided to legislate that in ways that are not only offensive they portray women as feeble, intelligible while lacking a sufficient amount of knowledge. There was a time when personal choice and or the option to have certain healthcare procedures were tedious but taken for granted if you were relatively healthy. It took a while for me to experience the down fall of being a woman until my first important healthcare procedure and learned that as a woman I was not only a liability to my company but the healthcare or insurance company told me they had to make a decision about the procedure I needed. I will not give details but suffice it to say it was difficult for me to get the procedure I needed because as a woman I was a pre-existing condition. I had to battle for my right to have the surgery that would in fact improve my health.

Now, health care is scary because it has become a tool that is abused by insurers and Republicans want to completely privatize it under the platform of “family values” and or in reality, it is family enforcement. It is just my opinion but I do not believe all women want to procreate though they might engage in the act that results in becoming pregnant with or without contraceptives. I have to wonder will all Doctors be subject to constant scrutiny for what types of healthcare they will be providing women and isn’t that what big government is all about. It makes no sense to think healthcare is anyone’s business let alone what is going on between a woman and her doctor, it baffles my mind to think a member of Congress let alone Governors of various States; a stranger thinks they should control my uterus because of their own personal beliefs, religion, values. I have to believe that the Democratic Party will not cross that line and legislate against women like Republicans have on all levels . I don’t know about you but it gives me the feeling that Republicans want women to be seen and not heard. I guess with the cutting slashing and burning of safe, clean and truly great facilities that help girls, young women and older women on a daily basis for all kinds of things not just abortion. I hope that Women will decide to fight back and not hide in the shadows and or put themselves at risk even with these stupid laws if enacted.

The fact is, places like Planned Parenthood also talk to young men about their responsibilities provide contraceptive info etc. because with great information comes intelligent choices though Republicans are trying to keep a strong hold on information, procedures and personal choice and that can only be detrimental to the progress in the realm of women’s health.

Do you believe in less government? It is my opinion that the Hyde amendment is enough for everyone to accept and has been for years. The question for anyone who objects is why you feel it is your right to dictate to a woman as it relates to woman’s health or contraceptive choices. It is this kind of attitude by folks with that “family values platform” that most if not all Republicans subscribe and proceeded to defund Planned Parenthood. It makes no sense to take social services away from those who are in need then say if you become pregnant, you might have to go full-term.

In my opinion, life without places like Planned Parenthood would mean more young women suffering unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and or worse.

Other News …

Fed lets bond-buying stimulus program expire amid weaker economic forecast

Obama’s task: maintaining support for Afghan war

msnbc.com