~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Why won’t they test the DNA? … Jon Perri, Change.org


Change.org
Kirstin Lobato was sent to prison for a crime she says she didn’t commit — and DNA tests could prove it. Tell the District Attorney to allow the tests immediately.
      Sign Michelle’s Petition

The “all time champ in wrongful convictions”? Kirstin Lobato was 19 when she was sent to prison for murder — despite the fact that no physical evidence tied her to the crime scene, multiple witnesses testified that she was almost 200 miles away at the time, and other evidence pointed to a completely different person.

Crucial DNA evidence ignored: For ten years, law enforcement officials have refused to test DNA evidence from the crime scene, even though it could exonerate Kirstin and find the real killer. Kirstin’s friend Michelle Ravell says the reason is clear: they know it could prove they’ve kept an innocent woman in prison for ten years. But now, there is new hope.

You can help exonerate an innocent woman: A new District Attorney has just been appointed, and he has the power to agree to new DNA tests. Michelle says it’s a chance for him to right an historic wrong — and she knows that if he hears from thousands of people across the country, he’ll be convinced to take this opportunity to uncover the truth.

Click here to sign Michelle’s petition asking District Attorney Stephen Wolfson to allow DNA testing in Kirstin’s case.

——————

Here’s more information about Michelle’s campaign, in her own words.

Kirstin Blaise Lobato is an innocent woman stuck in prison while evidence in her case goes untested for DNA.

In 2002 at 19 years old, Kirstin was convicted for the murder and sexual assault of a homeless man named Duran Bailey in Las Vegas. But there was no physical evidence tying Kirstin to the crime and the evidence that was tested for DNA actually excluded her. There were four identifiable crime scene fingerprints – none matched Kirstin’s. A bloody shoe print was found next to the body and a footprint expert testified that it came from a “U.S. men’s size 9 athletic shoe.” Pubic hair found on the victim was tested for DNA and the results excluded both Blaise and the victim as the hair’s source. Multiple people testified that Kirstin was nearly 200 miles away from Las Vegas at the time of the crime.

What happened to Kirstin could happen to anyone. But now, Kirstin has the opportunity to prove her innocence if Clark County District Attorney Stephen Wolfson makes two very reasonable decisions: to allow DNA testing of crime scene evidence and to not file any opposition to Kirstin’s appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

The Innocence Project, an organization whose DNA testing work has freed 292 innocent people from prison, has offered to pay to test and re-test 13 pieces of evidence related to the crime using the latest in DNA technology and Wolfson still won’t allow it.

In addition to the DNA evidence, Kirstin has proven her innocence by way of her Habeas Corpus petition‘s new evidence grounds. If the State of Nevada District Attorney doesn’t oppose her Appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court, justice will finally be served and she can regain her life.

Clark County District Attorney Stephen Wolfson has a chance to do the right thing and to seek true justice in the murder of Duran Bailey.

Please sign this petition and ask District Attorney Wolfson to allow DNA testing of crime scene evidence and to not file any opposition to Kirstin’s appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Click here to sign the petition.
~ Culture & History

Postponed – July Save Our African American Treasures Program in New York City


NMAAHC -- National Museum of African American History and Culture

Postponememt-Announcement.gif

Dear Charter Members and Friends of the Museum,

The museum regrets to announce the postponement of the July 2012 Save Our African American Treasures program scheduled at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City.

Discussion is underway to establish a new date. Once the date has been confirmed, we will post it on our website at www.nmaahc.si.edu under Programs.

We look forward to bringing Save Our African American Treasures to New York City soon.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Will your Members of Congress stand with the women of Wal-Mart?


National Women's Law Center - Stop Discounting Women
Tell Your Members of Congress to Stand with the Women of Wal-Mart
Betty Dukes with Senator Franken, lead Senate sponsor of the bill
                Co-sponsor the Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012.
Take Action

One year ago today, we told you devastating news: the Supreme Court had ruled against Betty Dukes and the courageous women of Wal-Mart.
In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that the Wal-Mart women could not band together as a single class to challenge discrimination in pay and promotions.
But that’s not the end of the story.
For the last year, the National Women’s Law Center and advocates across the country have pushed Congress for a solution. Today, Congress offered one!
Tell your Members of Congress to stand by the women of Wal-Mart by co-sponsoring the Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012.
Getting co-sponsors on this bill will help it to gain momentum — and we need you to help us move forward!
So what would this bill do?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012 would remove the obstacles the Supreme Court placed in the way of ordinary Americans seeking their day in court. It offers a clear path for women workers to come together as a group to challenge discrimination. And it would make sure that no employer is too big to be held accountable.
Individual workers — many of whom live paycheck to paycheck — should not be required to stand alone against some of the largest corporations in the world to end discrimination. This bill recognizes the reality of workers’ lives and offers an alternative.
Please tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012. Act now for Betty Dukes, the women of Wal-Mart, and all women workers who suffer from discrimination in pay, in hiring, and in promotions.
Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Martin Emily J. Martin Vice President and General Counsel National Women’s Law Center   

P.S. For more information, check out NWLC’s new fact sheets on the Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act of 2012 and the extreme wage gap for retail workers.
Black History

Congress: the Republican led House … the Senate – S.3240,Farm bill & S.1940,Flood Ins bill


the Senate Convenes: 10:30amET June 21, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • Following the remarks of the two Leaders, the time until 11:00am will be equally divided and controlled.
  • At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3240, the Farm bill and the votes on the remaining amendments to the bill.
  • Therefore, Senators should expect the following series of roll call votes at approximately 11:00am:
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill.

11:09am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Boxer #2456 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 47-48

Senators should expect a series of up to 10 roll call votes beginning at 11am today. The possible votes can be found below. Senators Murray and McCain are working on a compromise sequestration amendment that we hope to consider by voice vote.

Yesterday Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance extension. We are working on an agreement with respect to that bill. If we are unable to reach an agreement to consider amendments, we would have to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Flood Insurance. That vote is scheduled for tomorrow, however, we are working on an agreement to move the vote to today.

11:00am Votes:

–          Boxer #2456 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold)

–          Johanns #2372 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold)

–          Toomey #2247 (paperwork)(60-vote threshold)

–          Sanders #2310 (genetically engineered food) (60-vote threshold)

–          Coburn #2214 (convention funding) (60-vote threshold)

–          Murray #2455 (sequestration) (60-vote threshold)

–          McCain #2162 (sequestration report-DOD) (60-vote threshold)

–          Rubio #2166 (RAISE Act) (60-vote threshold)

–          Passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold)

–          Cloture on the motion to proceed to 1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act

11:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on on Johanns amendment #2372 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-43

11:55am The Senate began a roll call vote on Toomey amendment #2247 (water report notification) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 58-41

12:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sanders amendment #2310 (genetically engineered food) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 26-73

12:58pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #2214 (convention funding)(60-vote thresold); Agreed to: 95-4

The following amendments have been considered to S.3240, the Farm bill:

1:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 45-54

By consent, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1940, Flood Insurance, will occur upon disposition of the Farm bill. Further, it is in order for the Majority Leader to lay before the body the House Message with respect to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act.

1:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act) (60-vote threshold).

On deck:

–          Passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold)

–          Cloture on the motion to proceed to 1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act.

1:50pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended; Passed: 64-35

2:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill; Invoked: 96-2

Today Senator Reid moved to concur in the House amendment to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, and filed cloture on the motion to concur.

At 5:30pm on Monday, June 25, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act.

At 11:00am on Tuesday, June 26, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Executive Calendar #652, the nomination of Robin Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.  There will be 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. Senators should expect the vote to begin at approximately noon on Tuesday.

By unanimous consent, on Monday, June 25, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, but no later than 5:30pm, the motion to proceed to S.1940 will be agreed to.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Boxer amendment #2456 (aerial inspections)(60-vote threshold) to S.3240, the Farm bill; Not Agreed To: 47-48

2)      Johanns amendment #2372 (aerial inspections)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-43

3)      Toomey amendment #2247 (water notifications)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 58-41

4)      Sanders amendment #2310 (genetically engineered food)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

5)      Coburn amendment #2214 (convention funding)(60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 95-4

6)      Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 45-54

7)      Passage  of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold); Passed: 64-35

8)      Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act; Invoked: 96-2

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed H.R.33, the Church Plan Investment Clarification Act.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and adopted S.Res.471, commending the efforts of the women of the American Red Cross Clubmobiles for exemplary service during the Second World War with a Collins amendment.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

And all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #779 William B. Pollard, III, of New York, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review. (New Position)

Executive Calendar #780 Scott L. Silliman, of North Carolina, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review. (New Position)

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #781 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Michael R. Moeller

Executive Calendar #782 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay

Executive Calendar #783 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Thomas W. Travis

Executive Calendar #784 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew

Executive Calendar #785 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge

ARMY

Executive Calendar #786 to be Major General: Brigadier General Edward M. Reeder, Jr.

Executive Calendar #787 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland, Jr.

Executive Calendar #788 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett, III

Executive Calendar #789 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg

Executive Calendar #790 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins, Jr.

Executive Calendar #791 to be Brigadier General: Col. Barry D. Keeling

Executive Calendar #792 to be Brigadier General: Col. Joseph E. Rooney

NAVY

Executive Calendar #793 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Janet R. Donovan

Executive Calendar #794 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Barbara W. Sweredoski

Executive Calendar #795 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Kirby D. Miller

Executive Calendar #796 to be Rear Admiral (Lower Half):

Captain Michael J. Dumont

Captain Robert L. Greene

Captain Lawrence B. Jackson

Captain Scott B. J. Jerabek

Executive Calendar #797 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Clinton F. Faison, III

Executive Calendar #798 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Jonathan A. Yuen

Executive Calendar #799 to be Rear Admiral:

Rear Adm. (lh) Katherine L. Gregory

Rear Adm. (lh) Kevin R. Slates

Executive Calendar #800 to be Rear Admiral:

Rear Adm. (lh) Sandy L. Daniels

Rear Adm. (lh) John E. Jolliffe

Rear Adm. (lh) Christopher J. Paul

Executive Calendar #801 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Bruce A. Doll

Executive Calendar #802 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) David G. Russell

Executive Calendar #803 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Elizabeth L. Train

Executive Calendar #804 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Richard D. Berkey

Executive Calendar #805 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Douglas G. Morton

Executive Calendar #806 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Terry J. Moulton

Executive Calendar #807 to be Rear Admiral (lower half):

Capt. David R. Pimpo

Capt. Donald L. Singleton

Executive Calendar #808 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Paul A. Sohl

Executive Calendar #809 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Bruce F. Loveless

Executive Calendar #810 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Capt. Brian K. Antonio

Capt. Luther B. Fuller, III

Executive Calendar #811 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Robin R. Braun

Executive Calendar #812 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Paul J. Bushong

Executive Calendar #813 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) James W. Crawford, III

Executive Calendar #814 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Nanette M. DeRenzi

Executive Calendar #815 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Michael J. Connor

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #816 to be Brigadier General:

Colonel Edward D. Banta

Colonel Matthew G. Glavy

Colonel William F. Mullen, III

Colonel Gregg P. Olson

Colonel James S. O’Meara

Colonel Eric M. Smith

Executive Calendar #817 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. (Select) William M. Faulkner

—————————————————————————————-

Watch Floor proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives – live or anytime – on http://www.houselive.gov

working out a html issue with House site

sorry for the extra characters … the once copy and paste easy Rs site is now html complicated … will solve that asap

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Please Contribute to Support Charlie Rangel and Alan Grayson



The Rockets’ Red Glare, the Bombs Bursting In Air.

Congressman Charlie Rangel often says that the last bad day he had was way back in 1950.  Let me explain what he means by that.

Rangel joined the US Army at 18.  He was assigned to the segregated, all-African-American 503rd Field Artillery Battalion.  His nickname was “Sarge,” which was funny, because Rangel actually was a private first class, not a sergeant.

On November 27, 1950, Rangel’s commander, General Douglas MacArthur, learned that the Chinese Army was about to surround America’s Eighth Army.  MacArthur ordered the Eighth Army to retreat.  But that could happen only if American units held off the Chinese forces on the Eighth Army’s right flank.  Charlie Rangel’s unit was given that suicide mission, in what became known as the Battle of Kunu-Ri.

The Chinese Army quickly surrounded Rangel’s unit.  His unit kept fighting.

Sundown brought less shooting, but also bitter cold.  The temperature dropped below zero.  Even at night, the Chinese Army’s bugle orders rang out, and the night sky was lit by Chinese flares.  Rangel called it a “waking nightmare.”  He kept fighting.

Having the high ground, the Chinese Army pounded Rangel’s unit with artillery fire.  On the third day, an explosion sent shrapnel into Rangel’s back.  The shrapnel hit him so hard that he was tossed into a ditch.  He kept fighting.

Rangel and his unit could hear American soldiers screaming and moaning.  They could hear American soldiers being taken prisoner.  Rangel said, “We couldn’t see any possible way out of the situation.”  They could have surrendered.  But they didn’t.

Rangel and his unit were trapped behind enemy lines for three days of heavy fighting.  After three terrible days, under cover of darkness, Charlie Rangel, sleepless, wounded, bleeding and freezing, led 40 American soldiers to safety.

Half of Rangel’s battalion died in the fighting.  Rangel spent a long time in the hospital, recuperating.  For his courage and leadership, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, two Presidential Unit Citations, and three battle stars.

And Charlie Rangel was awarded a certain perspective on life itself. As Charlie always says, “Since Kunu-ri, I have never, never had a bad day.”

One week from Tuesday, Congressman Charles Rangel faces the voters in the New York Democratic Primary.  National Public Radio calls it Rangel’s “toughest reelection challenge” since he won the seat in 1970.

Win or lose, it won’t be a bad day for him.  Not after what he went through at Kunu-ri.  But I want it to be a good day for him.  That’s why I’m helping him, and why you should, too.  Click here.

Courage,

Alan Grayson

politics,pollution,petitions,pop culture & purses