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Dear Avaaz friends,

10/10/2013 Nativegrl77

In just 2 days’ time, African leaders could kill off a great institution, leaving the world a more dangerous place.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the world’s first and only global court to adjudicate crimes against humanity. But leaders of Sudan and Kenya, who have inflicted terror and fear across their countries, are trying to drag Africa out of the ICC, allowing them the freedom to kill, rape, and inspire hatred without consequences.

I know that together we can change this. But we have to join hands and call on the voices of reason at the African Union (AU) – Nigeria and South Africa – to speak out and ensure that the persecuted are protected by the ICC. Join me by adding your name to the petition now and share it with everyone — when we have hit 1 million our petition will be delivered straight into the AU conference hall where Africa’s leaders are meeting in Addis Ababa.

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/justice_for_africa_icc/?biEWLbb&v=30043

In my years of work, life and travel, the fight for justice has been a long and arduous one. I have seen the very worst in Darfur and Rwanda, but also the very best with the reconciliation in South Africa. During this journey, I have seen great gains made that protect the weak from the strong and give us all hope. The ICC is one of these beacons of hope.

This threat to the ICC started precisely because the court was doing its job. It charged Kenya’s Deputy President for killing people who rallied against him during an election and Sudan’s President for murdering women and children in Darfur. Now Kenya and Sudan are lobbying all of Africa to pull out of the court and destroy its chance of success.

But in Darfur, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire and Kenya, the ICC has played a key role in bringing hope to those terrified by the armies, militias and madmen that have waged war against the innocent. It’s a light in the darkness that cannot be allowed to go out.

The main argument by some leaders with a guilty conscience is that the ICC is a Western witch-hunt as most of the investigations have happened in Africa. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. This was an institution that was created by 20 African countries, 5 of the court’s 18 judges are African and the chief prosecutor is African.

Friday is a key judgement day. Will our African leaders stand on the side of justice or injustice? With survivors and fallen victims or with tyrants and oppressors? This is the moment to choose. Join me in calling on African leaders to stand on the side of justice and support the International Criminal Court:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/justice_for_africa_icc/?biEWLbb&v=30043

I’ve seen some of the brightest moments in human history, moments where we together brought hope to so many. This is our chance to do that again, together.

With hope and appreciation for this community,

In 2 days, African leaders could vote to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, crippling one of the world’s best hopes for confronting genocide and crimes against humanity. I know together we can stop this. Join me in urging the voices of reason within the African Union to stand up for justice and accountability — let’s protect this great institution:

Desmond Tutu

More information:

Botswana Supports International Criminal Court (Voice of America)
http://www.voanews.com/content/botswana-supports-international-criminal-court/1764960.html

130 Groups Across Africa Call for Countries to Back ICC (Human Rights Watch)
http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/07/130-groups-across-africa-call-countries-back-icc

Kenya pushing for African split from International Criminal Court (Irish Times)
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/kenya-pushing-for-african-split-from-international-criminal-court-1.1549427

Annan defends International Criminal Court (News 24)
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Annan-defends-International-Criminal-Court-20131007

Africa to debate ICC role amid growing opposition (Yahoo News)
http://news.yahoo.com/africa-debate-icc-role-amid-growing-opposition-103053710.html

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 10/10 the House

10/10/2013 Nativegrl77

matthew 25

The Senate stands adjourned under the provisions of S.Res.267 as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Rod Grams of Minnesota until 10:30am on Thursday, October 10, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, it is expected that the Majority Leader will move to proceed to S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014.

The time until 1:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 1:00pm, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to allow for special caucus meeting with the President.

This morning Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #211, S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014. The time until 1:00pm is equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. As a reminder, the Senate will recess at 1:00pm subject to the call of the Chair.

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014.

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The Senate has reconvened and has resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013. The time until 6pm is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees, and with senators on the majority side limited to 10 minutes each.

The time until 7pm on the motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013, is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

This evening Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1569, the Default Prevention Act of 2013. Unless an agreement is reached, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday, October 12.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

Passed S.1276, a bill to increase oversight of the Revolving Fund of the Office of Personnel Management with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Carper title amendment.

Adopted H.Con.Res.58, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for the continued availability of religious services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during a lapse in appropriations with Levin amendments to the resolution and the preamble.

Completed the Rule 14 process of:

– H.J.Res.84, Head Start Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014;

– H.J.Res.89, Making appropriations for the salaries and related expenses of certain Federal employees during a lapse in funding authority for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes;

– H.J.Res.90, Federal Aviation Administration Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014; and

– H.J.Res.91, Making continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

*************************************************************

Last Floor Action:
5:09:47 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

10:00:15 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:26 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kerry L. Bentivolio to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:36 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:55:13 A.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:24 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
12:00:27 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Guillermo Maldonado, King Jesus International Ministry, Miami, FL
12:01:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:48 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kildee to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:17 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:43:17 P.M.		Congressional Award Board – Pursuant to section 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Eductation Act (2 U.S.C. 803 (a)), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Mitchell Draizin, New York, NY.
12:43:33 P.M.		Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy – Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51312(b), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Mrs. McCarthy of NY.
12:43:48 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 371. H.J. Res. 79 — “Making continuing appropriations for certain components of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
12:44:29 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 79.
1:05:15 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.J. Res. 91 and agreed to S. Res. 267.
1:05:59 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.J. Res. 79.
1:25:03 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:25:18 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on H.J. Res. 79 had been postponed.
1:25:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
1:35:46 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
1:35:53 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on further consideration of H.J. Res. 79
1:36:07 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 79 — “Making continuing appropriations for certain components of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
1:36:19 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Ms. Shea-Porter moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
1:36:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.
1:43:04 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Mr. Carter raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Carter stated that the proposed amendment contained in the motion to recommit with instructions was not germane. Sustained by the Chair.
1:43:04 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
1:45:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Ms. Shea-Porter appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
1:45:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Mr. Carter moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
2:12:11 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 196 (Roll no. 539).
2:19:50 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 249 – 175 (Roll no. 540).
2:19:50 P.M.	H.J. Res. 79	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:23:51 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The Chair recognized the Minnesota delegation to lead a moment of silence in remembrance of former Representative and Senator Rod Grams.
2:31:43 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:38:18 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:09:47 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair

5:09:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:59:55 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 10.
7:00:10 P.M.		Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:00:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:00:17 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 11, 2013.

———————————————————————————

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Meet Butch

10/09/2013 Nativegrl77

Dear Friend,

The new health care marketplaces established by Obamacare opened on October 1, and they’ve already had an incredible impact.

Last week, ThinkProgress brought you the story of a man named Butch Matthews. He’s an Arkansas Republican and former small business owner, never liked Obamacare, but he learned to love the law when he found out it would save him $13,000 a year.

Still, the tea party in Congress have used misinformation about Obamacare to justify shutting down the government. Now, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are going without a paycheck.

So, before I go on, I just want to say: If you’re affected by the shutdown, then ignore this email. We understand, you can’t give during this difficult time. Thank you for your service.

But if you aren’t affected and you count on our coverage, then we need you. We have plans to expand our work during this critical time, but need to hit our $25,000 goal in the next week to put them into action.

Click here to give $5 or more so ThinkProgress can keep bringing you stories like Butch’s. We can’t do this work without your help.

Part of the reason we have this government shutdown is because so many people are misinformed about the impact of Obamacare. Good information will help lead us out of the crisis. That’s why stories like Butch Matthews’ matter so much, and that’s why we need to redouble our efforts.

We want to keep finding the people like Butch who tell us the real story of Obamacare, but we need the funding to do that. Without ThinkProgress on the case, these stories simply will not be told.

Even as little as $5 can make a difference, so act right now if you value our hard-hitting coverage. We need your support to hit our $25,000 goal.

Donate $5 or more so ThinkProgress can fight back against the conservative misinformation machine. We can get the truth out, but only with your help.

It’s not enough to bemoan the conservative misinformation machine—fight back!

Please give what you can—together we cut through the DC echo chamber with the stories of real people and an unflinching commitment to the truth.

Sincerely,

Tom Perriello

~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

I ask that we ALL Help STOP the drilling in Yasuni National Park

10/09/2013 Nativegrl77

Português | Español | Deutsch | More

It’s true. The Ecuadorian government is planning to allow oil drilling in one of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet – Yasuní National Park – home to Ecuador‘s last remaining indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. Together we can stop this. Please sign and share this global petition today!Thousands have mobilized in Ecuador to protest President Correa‘s decision to drill. In response the government has cracked down on dissent, launched a nationwide media campaign pitting poverty against leaving oil underground, and just last week it convinced the National Assembly to approve drilling in the most biodiverse part of Yasuní. If drilling were to move forward it would be a disaster for the rainforest and indigenous rights, and it would pave the way for drilling in 6.5 million acres of indigenous territory in the southern Ecuadorian Amazon.

Our partners are mobilizing for a national referendum on the government’s plans to drill in Yasuní and need our support in calling for global action. They have just launched a global petition to save Yasuní-ITT. Please sign and share to let President Correa know that the world won’t stand for drilling in the last remaining pristine rainforests.

Thank you for your support!

For Yasuní,

Adam Zuckerman
Environmental and Human Rights Campaigner

P.S. Download and Play The Age of Yasuní on your iPhone or Android smartphone. All proceeds support local groups that are defending Yasuní National Park.

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Evan died in Nikki’s arms

10/09/2013 Nativegrl77

Attorney General Beau Biden: Investigate Evan’s death

On November 3rd, 2012, my friend Nikki Dudley was days away from returning from her Air Force deployment when she found out her 21-month-old son Evan was in critical care. Nikki rushed home to find that Evan was in a coma and was not expected to live. The doctors told her Evan’s condition was so severe that he would have had to fall from an 8-story building, straight down to sustain such injuries. Evan died in Nikki’s arms two days later.

Evan died 10 months ago and Nikki still doesn’t know what happened the day her son was taken to the hospital. I started a petition asking Attorney General Beau Biden’s office to complete their investigation to bring justice to my friend.

Nikki left Evan with two military families she trusted while on deployment. She received regular updates from his daycare saying Evan was doing well and she spoke to him every day on Skype. Evan was in the care of one of the families when he sustained his injuries that ultimately killed him. The person who was looking after Evan told 911 that the boy fell down eight carpeted stairs, but his death certificate indicates that the immediate cause of death was “blunt force injury to the head” and that Evan “was assaulted to death.”

An investigation into Evan’s death has been ongoing for nearly a year, and Nikki still doesn’t know how her son died.

She’s even called the attorney general’s office but is brushed off when she asks for more information in Evan’s case. Nikki’s been patient, but it’s been 10 months since Evan died and no one has been held accountable. Join me in asking Attorney General Biden’s office to complete their investigation and bring justice to my friend and her son.

By Keri Marshall

Wilmington, Delaware