~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A look back at what you built in 2012

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

When we launched the campaign in April 2011, I hoped to be able to send something like this.

Enjoy this compilation of some of our finest moments together:

http://my.barackobama.com/Our-Journey

I can’t wait to see how much more we will accomplish. Our next chapter is just beginning, and President Obama is counting on us to help finish what we started.

Thank you for an amazing 2012 — and have a very happy new year.

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Take Action 2013

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

With the encouragement and support of friends like you I founded the Black Institute, a think tank that takes action, purposed to shape intellectual discourse and dialogue and impact public policy uniquely from a black perspective in the US and throughout the Diaspora.
I am pleased to share that 2012 has proven to be just that – a year of action, filled with exciting campaigns and movements that have brought about change in our communities and cities, and have put our brothers and sisters at the forefront of issues such as immigration, worker rights, consumer rights, and voter suppression.
The contributions that we received from you and other generous supporters have made an incredible difference in our efforts to:

Create and implement our first research, data, and training projects
Assist in leading the Walmart Free NYC Coalition in its victory to keep Walmart out of East New York
Stand in solidarity with local unions, elected officials, and community groups to demand fair labor practices for Cablevision workers and fair consumer practices for Verizon and Cablevision consumers
Elevate the profile of Black immigrants by organizing recruited Caribbean professionals and their aged-out children, launching a campaign for these Caribbean Dreamers, and publishing a report on this topic
Organize a clergy social justice network that has been instrumental in the support and advocacy of low wage workers and the movement for low wage workers rights that is now taking this country by storm
Start our Adopt A Dreamer Sponsorship Program

Though we have accomplished much in 2012 there is still much more to do. The generous gift that you give today will make it possible for us to continue our work to shed light on the various issues that plague our Black communities, and to help empower our men, women and children to speak out against maltreatment, injustice, ineffective government, poor public policy, and inadequate and inefficient social service programs.
Please make a tax deductible donation or become a monthly Sustainer TODAY. https://theblackinstitute.nationbuilder.com/make_a_donation

~ my 2cents ...

Gun Safety

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

I am against hand guns in the hands of teachers let alone the home because of incidents my family and friends have experienced. I am without a doubt totally against automatic weapons because I don’t think we civilians need to have them at all. I definitely understand how folks interpret the 2nd Amendment and states’ rights but after the Gifford’s attack and all attacks afterward, it is beyond time to sit up right move into genuine outrage, use the sadness with a determination to at least ban assault weapons, retrofit K-12 School buildings and act rationally about creating registries, better permit process, close the gun show loophole and in my opinion every state should be required to impose a state of the art background check. I am not an expert on the NRA, ALEC or gun safety, but I do receive newsletters and interesting articles that are meant to start a dialogue. I will admit I cringe anytime I hear states’ rights and while I did post an article by a Mayor I did not say he was speaking up for any citizen but what he has experienced as a Mayor. I, am certain your 2nd Amendment rights will stay intact but the facts are what they are guns in the wrong hands kill innocent people. I don’t think the rules laws or Policies State by state should be different unless there are statics to back maybe a strict process. I just feel a dialogue is needed now not later and all guns should be registered and the owner vetted …everyone.

I respect the rights of Americans, though I don’t understand how our “Government is damaging the whole country” as Republicans Conservatives and the Tea Party seems to spew every time they get on camera.

The Second Amendment, states:

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

We the People deserve good faith effort from our members of Congress; specifically the Republican Party to do the People’s Business , move our democracy into the 21st Century yet it goes without saying … They have failed Americans miserably

~ pop culture

The end of 2012

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

2012 Year in Review

Take a look back at 2012 and some of the famous people who made the biggest headlines this year. Watch videos about Barack Obama, Michael Phelps, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Whitney Houston.

Watch the 2012 In Memoriam Video »

More from BIO.com

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933 and drafted the New Deal programs to help the country recover from the Great Depression.

Watch his mini bio »

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt became one of the most outspoken First Ladies in the White House.

Watch her mini bio »

Cast of Hyde Park on Hudson

Learn more about the cast of the 2012 Franklin D. Roosevelt biopic Hyde Park on Hudson. The film stars Bill Murray as FDR, Olivia Williams as Eleanor Roosevelt and Samuel West as King George VI.

Get to know the cast »

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House : acts out ::: the Senate led by Dems : debates

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 11:00amET December 31, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair. A caucus meeting is still expected this evening.

—————————————————————-

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action:
9:01:07 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 10:00 a.m. for the start of legislative business.

9:00:23 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:00:29 A.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

9:01:07 A.M.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 10:00 a.m. for the start of legislative business.

9:41:49 A.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. today.

10:00:09 A.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 31.

10:00:18 A.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

10:01:41 A.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01:45 A.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:01:54 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

10:27:14 A.M.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

10:27:25 A.M.

S. 3454

Mr. Rogers (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3454 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.”

10:27:58 A.M.

S. 3454

Considered under suspension of the rules.

10:28:05 A.M.

S. 3454

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3454.

10:57:34 A.M.

S. 3454

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Rogers (MI) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

10:58:54 A.M.

H.R. 6612

Mr. Hall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6612 — “To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.”

10:59:13 A.M.

H.R. 6612

Considered under suspension of the rules.

10:59:19 A.M.

H.R. 6612

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6612.

11:19:47 A.M.

H.R. 6612

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Edwards objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

11:21:18 A.M.

H.R. 443

Mr. Young (AK) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

11:21:38 A.M.

H.R. 443

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 443.

11:23:26 A.M.

H.R. 443

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Grijalva objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

11:24:23 A.M.

H.R. 2076

Mr. Gowdy moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

11:24:47 A.M.

H.R. 2076

>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2076.

11:44:57 A.M.

H.R. 2076

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scott (VA) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

11:45:31 A.M.

S. 3666

>Mr. Griffin (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3666 — “To amend the Animal Welfare Act to modify the definition of “exhibitor”.”

11:46:01 A.M.

S. 3666

Considered under suspension of the rules.

11:46:02 A.M.

S. 3666

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3666.

11:51:14 A.M.

S. 3666

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:51:21 A.M.

S. 3666

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

11:51:58 A.M.

H.R. 6364

Mr. Chaffetz moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

11:52:09 A.M.

H.R. 6364

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6364.

12:04:45 P.M.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 114, S. 140, S. 264, S. 499, S. 970, S. 1047, S. 1421, S. 1478, S. 2015, S. 3250, S. 3563, S. 3715, H.R. 3263, H.R. 3641, and H.R. 4073.

12:06:20 P.M.

H.R. 6364

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Norton objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

12:06:57 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 145

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Con. Res. 145 — “Calling for universal condemnation of the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012.”

12:07:10 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 145

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:07:12 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 145

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 145.

12:18:41 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 145

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Berman objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

12:19:03 P.M.

H. Res. 134

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 134 — “Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.”

12:19:46 P.M.

H. Res. 134

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:19:47 P.M.

H. Res. 134

<DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 134.

12:33:42 P.M.

H. Res. 134

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Engel objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

12:34:05 P.M.

H. Res. 834

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 834 — “Urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas.”

12:34:19 P.M.

H. Res. 834

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:34:20 P.M.

H. Res. 834

<>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 834.

12:57:08 P.M.

H. Res. 834

were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

12:57:46 P.M.

H. Res. 193

>Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 193 — “Calling on the new Government of Egypt to honor the rule of law and immediately return Noor and Ramsay Bower to the United States.”

12:57:59 P.M.

H. Res. 193

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:58:00 P.M.

H. Res. 193

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 193.

1:07:38 P.M.

H. Res. 193

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:07:41 P.M.

H. Res. 193

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:07:44 P.M.

H. Res. 193

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

1:08:20 P.M.

H.R. 6649

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6649 — “To provide for the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign recipients.”

1:08:28 P.M.

H.R. 6649

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:08:30 P.M.

H.R. 6649

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6649.

1:37:06 P.M.

H.R. 6649

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:37:10 P.M.

H.R. 6649

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:37:58 P.M.

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

5:44:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 31.
5:44:30 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:45:24 P.M.	S. 3454	Considered as unfinished business. S. 3454 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.”
6:09:21 P.M.	S. 3454	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 373 – 29 (Roll no. 652).
6:09:22 P.M.	S. 3454	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:09:24 P.M.	H.R. 6612	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6612 — “To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.”
6:16:10 P.M.	H.R. 6612	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 653).
6:16:10 P.M.	H.R. 6612	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:17:07 P.M.	H.R. 6364	Considered as unfinished business.
6:25:31 P.M.	H.R. 6364	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 401 – 5 (Roll no. 654).
6:25:32 P.M.	H.R. 6364	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:25:42 P.M.		Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on January 1. Agreed to without objection.
6:25:50 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:25:51 P.M.		Mr. Duffy moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:25:53 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:25:55 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 1, 2013.