Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

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

TGIF &some News

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77

We are all waiting, watching, listening, and judging not only the behavior of President Obama but comparing and contrasting it to the current rhetoric and behavior coming from the Republican Party. It is obvious for me that Republicans put Party and Profit before the People; folks like Senator John McCain, who called himself a maverick throughout the 2008 campaign turned out to be a big flip flopper. I am not sure which Republican came out first but the flip flopping of Republicans definitely caused their own constituents to blink then rise up at most of the town hall meetings in disbelief. I have to say it took way too long for the truth to come out but a certain amount of buyer’s remorse has set in- Finally. Now, mostly in Republican controlled states American workers have had to fight back against the lie that is the Republican Political Party. Who knew that a Grover Norquist maybe some other outsiders have such a power over the people we call public servants, and their votes. I have to say any candidate willing to sign off on a document that would only serve or give an advantage to their Political Party and not be good for “We the People” sounds like a candidate unworthy of being in public service. The 2012 election season is one that will affect all our lives in that this President could continue the move toward the 21^st Century, nominate, and confirm another left leaning justice maybe two which could counter anything like Citizens United. It cannot be lost on anyone that it is even more important now that those of us on the left make sure our neighbors know what is at stake as the Republicans continue to pull Americans back to the days when the privilege were in control the middle class barely living while the poor live on the street. We must all take responsibility for making sure the truth about healthcare reform, climate change, immigration reform and what positive things equality can do for All Americans not some or a selected few. Instead, we are now facing a default on our debt because of the Political Party of No who feels not cooperating with the Democratic members of Congress or the Obama Admin and get them a win in 2012. I think stripping away worker rights, trying to ban abortion, strip Veteran funding, union rights, programs that will help the elderly and the poor should be enough to prove who is incapable of governing based on that agenda alone . The Republican Party and its leaders have managed to fool the public and side step their responsibilities while tossing double speak with a substantial amount of the vitriol. Americans have seen members of Congress and some of our Supreme Court Justices engage in what seems like a lot of negative activism, overt discrimination, exclusion, and lack of compassion over the last two years. I have been saying, It’s the Republicans Stupid and all you have to do to believe that is to get the facts … get informed and while Republicans managed to trick their constituents into believing they are the ones who will save them just look at states like WI,FL,IA,OH,TX,ME,TN, ID,NH,NC, and lean left in 2012

It is clear, at least for me that the right person is in the office of President. But it’s just my rant

Other News …

Atlantis roars into space on final shuttle mission

US jobs stall, setting back recovery hopes

Sudan officially recognizes South Sudan

Violence erupts in Karachi, Pakistan; at least 80 dead

Oakland Athletics (39-50) at Texas Rangers (48-41), 8:05 p.m.

Taxes and Billionaires

CSPAN …

Space Shuttle Launches for the Final Time

Atlantis heads into orbit for 12 day mission

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Lawmakers Examine Social Security Cuts

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Debt Talks Continue

Debt ceiling deal still uncertain

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Egypt protests: Speedier trials, reforms demanded in protests across Egypt – latimes.com

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

July 4th & some News …

07/04/2011 Nativegrl77

In the summer of 2010 with a major vote looming we were asked to see our government’s deficit as something comparable to any person who is financially under water with some hard decisions that will hurt many but had to be made. We all know deals were made in the 11th hour and though folks hated what happened i wish people would open their eyes and acknowledge what would have been the alternative with a fresh set of eyes and information.

The Republican Party that was your father’s generation is no longer able to or wants to debate negotiate for …

“The good of the many outweighs the good of the one.” … or few

So, now it is the summer of 2011, with another major vote looming that could either sink us into the ditch that President Obama pulled us out. The Government asked us to be patient, ask ourselves how long it would take to get out of debt given the severity and trust that we will prevail. Neither the problem nor the solution that branches out globally can happen in just 24 months. In addition, we have a Political Party who practices exclusion with obstructionist behavior, some conservadems and not enough mainstream democrats seem willing to vote or fight for the people. It is not lost on most of us how many obstacles the Democratic Party is fighting like that 60-vote rule which has tied the hands of progress for the last 2years, Republicans threatening to bring the whole system to its knees by filibustering on every JOBs bill put on the Floor of Congress while the Democratic Party has promised not to buckle under pressure. It is one year later and the BS continues and the 11th hour is here.

The 4th of July weekend for many is just another day, some use it to contemplate on what Independence Day means to them, some partake in public services while others are thinking about war and the intent for independence and the power that it gives. It feels more like our independence is being compromised every time the Republicans fail to do the right thing for their fellow Americans each and everyday. The 4th is also a time to think about war and how unimaginable what our Soldiers actually go through but it seems like a dose of hell daily. I can only image what Military families experience but we civilians definitely should be aware of their sacrifices and be grateful. It is a feeling civilians in war-torn countries feel, victims of dictatorship and war correspondence cover. So, as we all celebrate our own style of independence give a shout out to those you know, love and miss who serve and protect us.

In other disturbing news that happened right about now back in 2010 and is resurfacing as the Republican Party plows through State Jobs,worker rights and State Parks – in State after State. Apparently, in a procedure that is not getting much news coverage but gained some steam after Governor Dave Freudenthal threatened the sale of the Grand Teton. Now, there are reports that the Governor of Florida wants to privatize some if not all State parks which if you do some research will find that most if not all belonged to the Native Americans and maybe it is just me but this seems like a reckless and disrespectful move. It was disappointing to read how the federal government sets aside land and then while we real people look the other way sells it, privatized for things like mining and or logging which we all know has a whole lot of negative backlash let alone not at all environmentally responsible. Yes, the government took land from the first nation’s people saying one thing doing another back in the day actually wanting to buy sell and or trade it to the highest bidder knowing the value will increase but stop and think about how words and deeds done in the best interest of our countries first people became corrupted. Yes, history repeats itself… like the land set asides in Texas and Florida that they said was placed in a trust for Native Americans only to find out that they can buy it back at fair market value…. dang, If I understand what I read, Congress voted to take land and sell it back at a profit was unbelievable, seemed unchallenged and done quietly. In my opinion, a trust should be a positive thing but reading how some guy voted into a public servant position, probably has no American Native background throw around his plan to sell the land as, “Trash land” to other non-native folk. I do not know what happened after 7/4/2010 but it was clear the interior Department, Bureau of land management and the State fought over control of first nation land and not one mention of first nation being represented at the meeting however the 800 thousand acres taken is impressive …No? Today, the NPS is entrusted with land holdings that have transitioned into plenty of things such as state and national parks made for everyone to use but the fact is these parks are or pieces of them suffer from fires, pollution, crime and are not as green as they should be. In the case of Wyoming, reports are that the Governor is trying to sell pieces of the parks away. I was surprised and disappointed to find that the Gov. of Washington privatized so much of our forests and some water ways in 2005. The disappointment looms from the fact that most if not all forests and waterways in our Evergreen State belonged to native americans and though the intentions went from bad to a supposed good idea of stewardship and production of our own sustainable products our forests seem abused and mishandled. There was a report of a loss of over 700 thousand acres to big corporate developers, right of ways and agriculture since 1978. I gotta ask when will Republican Governors and unfortunately some from the Democratic Party currently shutting down their own governments, planning to privatize parks, public service organizations and jobs and totally responsible for leaving huge deficits with supporting Republican legislators refusing to balance the books learn.

I always say get nervous when people talk States Rights and depending on the issue the impact will hurt and be felt by those covered under the term “protected class.”

“If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” –George Bernard Shaw

Other News …

Essence Music Festival comes to smooth

…

Los Angeles Times

Fed Halves Debit Card Bank Fees

Lack of rain is keeping the mosquito
count down this year

Casey Anthony Trial: State’s Rebuttal

Libya wants volunteers to fight

Exxon Pipeline Oil Spill Cleanup

Big Banks Easing Terms on Loans Deemed
as Risks

CSPAN …

Chief Justice, Dalai Lama on C-SPAN

Discussions on immigration, foreign policy also among Fourth of July highlights

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Highlights From BookTV

special Fourth of July programming

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Senator Akaka introduces bill for financial literacy counseling | Hawaii 24/7

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Bill Clinton Backs U.S. Tax Holiday on Foreign Profits, With Caveats – Bloomberg

~ 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

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Senate Cancels July 4th Break

Debt negotiations continue

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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

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White House Releases National Counterterrorism Strategy

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

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Senate Panel Looks at Supreme Court Rulings

Sen. Leahy said the Court sided with corporations

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Federal Reserve To Issue Final Rules on Debit Card Fees

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GAO Reports on Diplomatic Security

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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 >