Category Archives: ~ 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

Syria’s Assad running low on credibility: U.N. chief

Bachmann’s 2012 Kickoff Set for Monday in Iowa

Department of binary choices, Newt Gingrich edition

Transocean blames BP’s oil well design for Gulf of Mexico disaster

CSPAN

Congressional Budget Office Releases Long Term Budget Outlook

Obama to Outline Afghanistan Troop Reduction

Bernanke Holds Second Press Briefing as Fed Chief

FDIC’s Bair Makes Final Appearance on Capitol Hill

House resolution to remove U.S. troops from Libya

House resolution authorizing “limited” U.S. role in Libya

~ my 2cents ..., ~ Recent Post

mashup Monday &some News

06/20/2011 Nativegrl77

The featured picture is of the I-5 Peace Arch.

I needed some feeling of peace today. Actually, we probably will all feel the need for some peaceful thoughts as we watch members of Congress play politics with American lives. Congress might have until August to raise the debt ceiling but the evidence is becoming quite clear that Republicans have absolutely no intention of helping their Fellow Americans and or the Economy move toward that path of progress let alone the 21^st Century, so the picture on the left is of our I-5 Peace Arch on the Canadian Border.

In 2010, right around this time a vote was taken and while the Democratic Party was trying to get Americans back to work by introducing legislation to be passed Republicans acted and continue to act as if Corporate America is the only people, they trust and the following was what happened. Last night, June/2010 the following comments were made after the jobs/tax extenders bill failed in the Senate again 56-40 -”Tonight, every single Republican voted to deny states critical aid that would keep firefighters, police offices and teachers employed,” said Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). “And tonight, every single Republican voted to tell the one in ten Americans who have lost their jobs that they are on their own.” Please call your representative in Congress. The American people are about tired of the BS offered up by both sides of the aisle but after watching listening to TV and or radio the sad sad reality is that people are willing to vote against their best interest.

Apparently, folks have forgotten that it has been a Republican mission to vote against their fellow Americans calling it unnecessary spending though if anyone recalls that these are the same folks who voted against stimulus money while taking the stimulus money, shoot every state was going to get it whether they said no because it was an emergency. It was slightly amusing though shortly lived and definitely offensive now that the number of Politicians with negative comments about the stimulus funds even though they held elaborate ceremonies with ribbon cutting, offering huge checks, took responsibility for the effort and some even asked for more money. I am not sure how anyone else feels but knowing that the number of Governors that took the stimulus money to balance their budgets was disturbing enough. It was not just disturbing but hearing how Republican Governors made a choice of Profits over the People in their states by giving money to private sector who turned out to be friends like the Koch brothers is felonious at best . It is also quite possible some of those very Republican Governors have businesses that received direct or non- direct advantages sort of like those drug testing clinics that belong to the governor who has decided that all state employees be tested for drug use. I may be wrong but reports are he is the only one with those clinics and this past weekend there were reports that rep. Paul Ryan stands to make a lot of money if his plan is implemented. If all that we have heard about our so-called Public Servants is correct, the stimulus money was obviously misused and some folks in office abused their positions. We have Governors saying their states are broke though some had surpluses while the private sector being a Republicans best friend is still unwilling to open up the purse strings or stop sending jobs offshore until Americans accept lower wages and or compete for what used to be Public Service jobs turned private and fee based . The current attitudes coming from Republicans will only drive unemployment up. The obvious choice would be to place a Public Jobs Works bill on the table that would create jobs that will take care of our crumbling infrastructure, accept that at this moment in time we need everyone to participate. The idea that people are actually against fair share is beyond me but that Republican view currently being forced upon our fellow Americans in some states right this very moment is a reality. It’s the 21^st Century people. We need members of Congress to walk through a feature like our Arch to bring peace over them and maybe they will all come to the same conclusion two and a half years later. That all members of Congress need to participate in fair share as well as vote yes to Jobs bills that include county, state, or federal workers. Since when do we have to tell companies like BP or other big Corporations that they should be held completely accountable for their errors; let us hope all Americans heard the Barton, Bachmann; cable heads and Boehner comments about a year ago because those- Corporatist-Republicans are still at it. The escrow was for We the People and was not a Chicago style take down as suggested. Republican Congressmen like Barton came out in support and the protection of a company that has ruined not only the Gulf Coast, the livelihoods, the environment the Marshes, Estuaries and now the beaches in Louisiana are suffering, which may affect every aspect of their economy for decades. Barton pulled those comments back but as I have said, those comments cannot be put back into any bottle and hopefully Americans will not forget or forgive.

If you just cannot enjoy our I-5 Peace Arch on the Canadian Border try breathing deeply in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth … repeat as needed

Other News ….

Your tributes to the Big Man, Clarence Clemons

Casey Anthony Trial Update: Defense case continues after dramatic beginning

Protesters take to streets in Syria after Assad speech

Euro, Stocks Recover as Debt Concern Eases

Tunisia’s Ousted President Says He Was Tricked Into Leaving

Is Rick Perry Going to Run for President?

Inappropriate Jokes

CSPAN

Governors Discuss Job Creation

Study released on states and job growth

A Look at “Mystery Phone Fees”

Huntsman announcement, Panetta Vote, Clinton on Capitol Hill

Senate to vote Tuesday on Panetta as SecDef
Issue for Jon Huntsman: His family’s Iran Business

~ my 2cents ...

Wednesday &some News

06/15/2011 Nativegrl77

Today,President Obama and The First Lady host a Congressional Picnic at the White House at 7pm ET.

My rant today … Two and a half years ago the democratic party controlled both chambers in Congress and both leaders of the House and Senate were on their way to establishing a new path toward the 21st Century with several bills that included among others a jobs bill, dream act, dadt, start treaty, UI and health-care reform. The legislation our representatives brought to the floor of Congress were supposed to address American issues. However, great legislation has been difficult to pass due to Republican filibusters and more recent the lies that won them control of the House of Representatives. While we now know what the true Republican mission is, the Democratic Party has stated they will not give up trying to help the middle class.

Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressing the status of the middle class stated that in the near future people would be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care. Nancy Pelosi also stated that the problem of health-care costs will not go away and we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase, and lower cost and improves choices for all Americans. Though the new health care law allows children under 26 to be covered under their parents insurance, has eliminated discrimination that includes pre-existing conditions, more coverage for our elders and maintaining the health care rights for women. The Republican Tea Party continues to berate the achievement call it Obamacare in order to demean it. Thankfully, the new Affordable Health Care Law passed though the new Congress has made cutting, slashing, and burning it their main mission along with so many other social programs without giving Americans any idea how they will replace hcr or social security, Medicare/Medicaid. The new effort to attack a woman’s right to choose has become more important than creating jobs and as Republicans offer up bills, amendments and comments, it is obvious it should embarrass Americans at how narrow this new party has become since the last guy was in office. The party of no has become the party of let us cut spending, decrease the deficit but they are and or will do so in on the backs of the middle class, poor and we all know minorities by giving them less. The obvious culture wars have become an issue and while candidates running for Congress not only engaged in race baiting, exclusion and outright discrimination. Most if not all were defeated at the polls thankfully but some did get through and are sitting either in the Senate or House. Honestly, I want Republican constituents to ask themselves if these people are true public servant and how upset were you when your own party voted against helping firefighters, teachers, and police while stripping away worker rights. The idea to help maintain these jobs, helping those who lost jobs by voting yes to unemployment and or create them until the lame duck session happened because the RTP wanted something, not that they wanted to help their fellow American. The Republican Tea Party, as we all know managed to hold the middle class hostage and traded the bush bonus dollars for helping Americans even though the house of bush set a date for the bush bonus dollars to expire. Is it just me or does it seem less than American to hold or use money as a tool to insure those Bush bonus tax cuts …That top 2% of our population got those tax cuts but have failed to significantly improve the job numbers even though speaker Boehner stated they were the job creators.

Two and a half years ago, in a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government is borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure. The then Speaker Pelosi reminded people that among other things that the Democratic Party, focused on jobs, concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, proud that the lily Ledbetter law passed as well. Well, that was two years ago. After gaining control of the House of Representatives, the Republican Tea Party decided that taking apart any legislation that has President Obama’s stamp of approval is the only thing the people elected them for last November. This is not just offensive it is one of several issues that has divided Americans and will continue to until the Republican Tea Party stops playing games with the lives of all Americans and gets to work for the citizens of the United States instead of what seems like only for Corporate America.

Two and a half years ago, in an effort to make it hard to fill the Obama Administrations cabinet, like appointee Martha Johnson. Now, with half of President Obama’s term over, the Republican Tea Party has managed to hold up over 20% of his appointments and some have withdrawn completely, the result is a less than complete cabinet for the governing party.

This behavior by the Republican Tea Party is just not acceptable and be considered un-American. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at the time,” that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.”

Yes, some good things came out of the hard work that the House and Senate Democrats performed but it is obvious they need to do more while the Republican Tea Party has put the future of America at risk and will continue to do so unless Americans begin to push back.

Other News …

Life expectancy of US women slips in some regions

Washington Day Ahead: Fed Officials Discuss Inflation Target

Why Michele Bachmann is no Sarah Palin

Latest union proposal exempts Wis. transit workers

Pakistan’s arrest of CIA informants exposes Bin Laden raid frustrations …

Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades Amid Fresh Athens Clashes

Despite Crackdown, Syria Calls for Refugees to Return Home

‘US says it won’t support UN Palestinian statehood bid’

CSPAN …

House Panel Continues Look into “Fast and Furious”

Defense Secretary & Joint Chiefs Chairman Testify on Pentagon Spending

Lawmakers Review Islamic Radicalization in Prisons

AP sources: Pakistan arrests 5 CIA informants from bin Laden raid in latest US-Pakistan rift – The Washington Post

F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims – NYTimes.com

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

wicked Wednesday &some News

06/08/2011 Nativegrl77

Today, as the progress of our Nation seems to be slowing down given our Congress is unable to work in a bipartisan way to get our economy growing and Republicans, though in the minority have managed to do their best to stop any effort to create and pass laws that will. Instead, they work, debate and will finally vote on delaying the debit card usage fee caps or the 10% tax on tanning salons; don’t get me wrong those two pieces of legislation definitely are important but it would it would be nice if Leader Reid would introduce Jobs bills whenever possible. If you are like me it seems like every time a Republican speaks now days i flinch, cringe, or say I told you so. I know that in my resentment for the lack of knowledge in the issues, reality and or trust by my fellow Americans, or from those angry voters, even some Democratic members of Congress in President Obama I am not alone. I have to say that it is important that we remind ourselves why and what some of our so-called allies said about the November Midterm elections and not let this happen again. Yes, we are all suffering on some level because they decided to sit out, vote right of center … whatever. Yep, I was worried and now we are all living with a daily barrage of crap on any given platform confirming the worry with good reason. The week before the midterms, I stated … What worries me, is the possibility that people who have no experience, common sense or clarity may get on the floor of Congress and really ruin what use to be a great country. The fact is this group of Republicans is not our parent’s right of center Political Party. This Political Party of No have not only proved themselves to be more concerned about those top 2% by repeatedly holding legislation hostage in the name of those job creators and financial backers since the midterms elections. It is more than obvious they do not care about reducing the deficit, climate change, Jobs, fair share or the middle or lower classes whatsoever they have used the race card though hidden or undetected by most. The conversation from pundits, cable heads and others who engage in coded racial talk have an agenda that will hurt us all in the long term. Though Republicans have not introduced one Jobs bill but have btw voted against all the Jobs bills offered up by the Democratic Party because it will give our President a win. They continue to state that giving them control of the House of Representative is what Americans wanted but they have failed to listen and accept the buyer’s remorse screamed at them at town halls, meet-ups, and or calls from their own constituents. We the People on both sides of the aisle want Congress to put people back to work not to touch Medicare, Planned Parenthood, NPR, or anything else related to a social program that is government run. . I have not heard that slogan as much but the Republican Tea Party has acted as if they will “take back their country,” on all levels of government. In October 2010 I said, I guess you can plug in whatever that means for you though it sounded like an awful way to live if you are a minority on any level. Now, it is obvious that it means a vote against all your best interests. If you live on the Gulf Coast or a State with a Republican Mayor or Governor, it is likely you have been asking yourself not only why you were so easily conned but what have Republicans really done for you lately. If you have family, friends and or co-workers who are Teachers, Cops, Emts, Firefighters or any type of Rescue worker you probably are feeling as if your vote to take back your country was one of the last nails that will or could ruin this country as you know it. Yes, that is my opinion but come on, if you have been paying attention or living under a rock, Republican members of Congress, and some so-called dems started working and voting against their fellow Americans since President Obama Admin took office. The main mission as stated by the likes of a Bachmann is making this President Obama’s only term by voting against all of his policies which will invariably takes us all down.

The midterm elections have affected children, friends, families and our own lives, and if we give them our country, they will ruin our futures.

Other News …

International Community Turns Up Pressure on Syria

David Cameron: UK will ‘not stand silent’ over Syria

Hundreds in Syria flee to Turkey

Gorgeous, smart Huma Abedin is not hanging around town while disgraced hubby …

OIL FUTURES: Crude Oil Gains As OPEC Leaves Output Unchanged

NATO Defense Chiefs to Discuss Libya Campaign

Salmonella cases rise in United States, federal report shows

US OIL INVENTORIES: Crude Inventories Fall More Than Expected

Michelle Obama To Appear On Nickelodeon’s iCarly

Pawlenty says 5 percent growth is “aspirational”