Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

I can’t believe the weather right now — the Midwest and East Coast are suffocating from the heat, while those in the Pacific Northwest are complaining about chilly temperatures and unseasonable rain (yes, there are some times of the year it doesn’t usually rain there). The Southwest is in the grips of a horrible drought, made worse by wildfires and dust storms, while parts of the Midwest and South are battling destructive floods.

As we’re increasingly seeing, extreme weather is the new normal and that’s one of the reasons AlterNet‘s newest book, Water Matters: Why We Need to Act Now to Save Our Most Critical Resource is so important. Our book assembles some of the best minds out there to break down what we are facing with a growing water crisis, and to connect the dots between climate change and our water woes. (You can buy the book here)

Beautiful photography and infographics, combined with essays from some of my favorite writers like Barbara Kingsolver, Bill McKibben, Maude Barlow, Tina Rosenberg, Sandra Postel, Elizabeth Royte and Wenonah Hauter, illustrate the dangers we’re facing, but also tell us what we need to be doing right now to get this planet back on track. This is a crisis affecting the U.S. and the rest of the world — from the California Delta to the Niger Delta and from Midwest to the Middle East.

This issue is literally life or death for millions of people and for the planet we call home. I hope you’ll choose to fight to save our most critical resource by buying a copy of Water Matters for yourself or a friend. Leading commentator Jim Hightower put it in perspective: “About two-thirds of our bodies are H2O, so water doesn’t just matter to us — it literally is us. So why are we letting our corporate and governmental leaders treat this essential life-sustaining resource so carelessly? That’s the core question posed by this beautifully written and beautifully designed book. Water Matters will engage, enrage and inspire you. Read it — and take action.”

You can buy your copy of Water Matters here — enjoy it while you’re trying to beat the heat (or cold, or rain, or drought or …).

Tara Lohan

Senior Editor
Environment, Food, and Water

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau -Thank President Obama & Elizabeth Warren

07/22/2011 Nativegrl77

This morning, a group of public servants showed up to work at a brand-new agency created to protect everyday Americans from the abuses of Wall Street.

They’re the folks of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they’ll be the cops on the beat protecting consumers from predatory credit card and mortgage lenders, bait-and-switch creditors, and anyone trying to make a quick buck by deceiving or manipulating Americans who are just trying to secure their financial future.

Many Americans don’t know it, but this bureau is just one part of a sweeping Wall Street reform law — the most pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer reform of our financial system since the Great Depression — that President Obama signed a year ago today.

Watch this video to get a quick overview of the law, and a briefing on the special interests trying to undermine it:

http://youtu.be/STAm_6csuxc
Whether you watch the video or not, please share this email with someone.

It’s important that everyone knows what this law means for all of us. Simpler mortgages. Clearer credit card rates, fees, and rules. Fairer loan terms. It’s based on the simple idea that if you make sure that people get clear information, they’ll make the financial decisions that work best for them.

And we can all rest a little easier knowing that our common financial future is more protected from the irresponsibility of a few. This law made structural reforms to ensure that the financial crisis we experienced in 2008 never happens again and that taxpayers aren’t on the hook to pay for Wall Street’s risky bets.

It’s up to you to make sure more people know about this. Most Americans don’t have all the details on how this law is working for them, and it’s our job to change that.

Take a look, and be sure to pass this one on:

Amazingly, each and every Presidential candidate on the other side opposes this law.

And the same opposition that tried to block it more than a year ago is still alive and well.

Right now, lobbyists are at work trying to weaken the tough regulations this law imposes.

That’s no accident — its provisions are designed to rein in the Wall Street, credit card, and mortgage banking interests these people represent.

As we know, there aren’t a whole lot of high-powered lobbyists in Washington looking out for the common good of everyday families.

That’s exactly why this law is necessary, and why our growing organization in all 50 states is so important. It’s up to us to make sure our friends and neighbors know about it.!!!

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina

Campaign Manager

Obama for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Raw Politics: ‘This is no time to compromise,’ Republican says (via Anderson Cooper 360)

07/22/2011 Nativegrl77

Editor’s note: CNN’s John King speaks with Rep. Tom Graves, R-GA, about the debt ceiling, deficits, taxes, and spending. Related: Possible deficit reduction deal emerging, sources say Related on CNNMoney.com: What happens if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling? … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Ten Minutes…Until Evacuation

07/22/2011 Nativegrl77

Community and neighborhood evacuations are more common than you might think. A wildfire, hurricane, tornado, mudslide, toxic industrial accident or other imminent disaster could force you to leave your home—in some cases, within minutes of the evacuation order.Knowing what to do and what to take with you should the order come can help you preserve your most important possessions.

Plan it out.
Discuss an evacuation plan with members of your household well in advance of an emergency. Ask everyone to make a list of items they consider essential to bring and then prioritize.

Prepare a box with essential documents such as birth certificates, insurance records, passports, tax returns, wills and cherished photographs. Be sure to place this box in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe.

Create or update a home inventory list to accurately record your possessions and add the list to your essential document box.

Plan your escape routes. Choose more than one route, going in different directions, as some streets may be blocked off.
Choose a meet-up place for family members should an evacuation order come when you’re not together.
If you have some advance warning, fill your car’s gas tank and keep it topped off. Keep some cash on hand too—ATMs may not be operable in a disaster.

Pack it up.
For efficiency and speed, divide packing duties among household members. The Insurance Information Institute and the Department of Homeland Security offer suggestions for items to bring if you have only minutes to pack:

Your prepared document box
Prescriptions, first aid supplies, basic toiletries
Computers or laptops
Clothing for three days
Comfort items, such as a child’s blanket or stuffed animal
Pet supplies, including food, medicine, toys, vaccination records and a leash or carrier
Bottled water
Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries
Cash

Go to statefarm.com to learn how to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster, and visit the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for a detailed preparedness plan.

Source: StateFarm

5 Easy Ways to Improve Fuel Mileage

As prices at the pump continue to tick higher, everyone is looking to stretch each gallon of gas. Being smarter about the way you drive could help you go a lot farther on each tank. Here are five ways to improve your fuel mileage.

Ease your speed – Your right foot is the key to better gas mileage. According the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph on the highway is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon. Stick to the speed limits and you’ll save big.
Be smooth – Imagine you’ve always got an open cup of hot java in the beverage holder. That could help you avoid pedal-to-the metal acceleration and last-second braking. According to the DOE, driving less aggressively could deliver up to 33 percent better fuel economy.
Don’t idle away – Sitting with your engine idling while waiting to pick up the kids is just a waste of gas. Cutting the engine if you know you’ll be stopped for more than 30 seconds can provide 10 percent better fuel economy. You don’t want to do this at a stop light, of course.
Plan your drive – Run all of your errands in one trip. According to the DOE, several stop-start drives can use twice as much fuel as one trip to the mall. And if you see a parking spot, take it, even if it means a longer walk to the store. Circling the lot wastes fuel.
Lighten your load – That set of golf clubs in your trunk adds weight to your car. That means your engine has to work harder. Also ease the load on your engine by switching off the AC and heated rear screen when you don’t need them.

Visit statefarm.com to learn more gas mileage tips.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House & the Senate debate/vote for or against Americans today

07/22/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes at 9:00amET July 22, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act with the time until 10:00am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
At 10:00am, the Majority Leader will be recognized. At this time, Senator Reid is expected to make a motion to table the motion to proceed H.R.2560, Cut,Cap and Balance Act. Therefore, Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 10:00am. To accommodate Senators on both sides, this vote will be longer than usual.

10:05am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table on the motion to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act; Tabled: 51-46

The cap,cut and balance bill – which doesn’t tell us what would be cut capped or balanced was defeated today.

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 2:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Senator Reid announced next roll call vote is expected at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, July 25, 2011.

Prior to adjournment on Friday, at the request of Senator Rockefeller, Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent that the Senate pass H.R.2553, the FAA extension with a Rockefeller-Hutchison substitute amendment (which is a clean extension of the program). Senator Hatch then objected to the request.

Senator Hatch then asked unanimous consent the Senate pass H.R.2553 (as passed by the House which includes policy riders). Senator Durbin then objected to Senator Hatch’s request on behalf of Senator Rockefeller.

Because the Senate did not agree on HR2553, a bill to extend FAA , 4,000 Federal Workers were put on furlough some parts of travel may feel the impact – fed taxes may be removed

Adopted S.Res.237, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding coming together as a Nation and ceasing all work or other activity for a moment of remembrance beginning at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on September 11, 2011, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks committed against the United States on September 11, 2001.

Passed S.300, the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2011, with committee-reported amendments

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 22, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

Republicans do about 4hrs of work ?

1:01 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 25, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

11:29 A.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

11:25 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, July 22, 2011, it adjourn to meet on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. for morning-hour debate and 12:00 p.m for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 2551:: making appropriations for the Legislative Branchfor the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

11:24 A.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 252 – 159 (Roll no. 629).

11:07 A.M. – The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

11:06 A.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:05 A.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2551.On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 234 (Roll no. 628).

11:01 A.M. – On agreeing to the Holt amendment Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 235 (Roll no. 627).

10:56 A.M. – On agreeing to the Thompson (PA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 130 – 283 (Roll no. 626).

10:50 A.M. – On agreeing to the Stutzman amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 194 (Roll no. 625).

10:45 A.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 153 – 260 (Roll no. 624).

10:40 A.M. – On agreeing to the Hayworth amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 299 – 112 (Roll no. 623).

10:36 A.M. – On agreeing to the Watt amendment Failed by recorded vote: 102 – 302, 7 Present (Roll no. 622).

10:03 A.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments, which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

10:02 A.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

10:01 A.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 22.

9:41 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

9:39 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 1383amended.

H.R. 2551:: making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the committee rise.

9:38 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moran amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Moran demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:27 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moran amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit the use of funds for polystyrene containers in the food service facilities of the House of Representatives.

9:24 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Crenshaw demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:14 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in House Report 112-173 to provide $2.5 million for the congressional Office of Technology Assessment and reduce funding for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund by the same amount.

9:12 A.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

9:02 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:01 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fitzpatrick to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

9:00 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.