~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Get your Occupy Wall Street yard sign …

10/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Occupy Wall Street hasn’t made specific demands yet but they’ve already won their first big fight — big banks and their right-wing allies in Congress have taken notice… and they’re scared of what they see.

Occupy Wall Street has inspired occupations in hundreds of cities across the country — from Atlanta to Boston to Los Angeles. Now, it’s time to expand the fight beyond major cities and into the suburbs, the countryside — everywhere.

The problem is local occupations outside of major cities may never be able to reach the kind of critical mass that will turn heads and force elected leaders to respond. Yet small towns and rural areas standing up and getting involved is the most likely way to help build this movement to the next level.

So we’ve spent the week asking members of Occupy Wall Street and DFA what’s the best thing we could do right now to help build the movement for the long term. The answer was clear. Help us show support for Occupy Wall Street everywhere — including our own front yard. That’s why we put together “We are the 99 percent” lawn signs so Americans everywhere can join the movement.

Start your own occupation to support and grow the movement — Get an Occupy Wall Street yard sign right now.

Normally we give merchandise away for free, but yard signs are expensive.

It costs $1.29 to print each sign. It costs $2.50 to package them. It can cost up to $9.75 to ship them, depending on where you live. And when buying signs in large quantities, it costs up to $1,000 just to add a second color to the sign.

When it’s all said and done — each sign costs $13.76 to print, package and ship directly to your home. So, we’re asking for a contribution of at least $16 to help cover all the costs. If you contribute more, we’ll use the additional money raised to support our continued involvement, spreading the message, and supporting the people on the ground in New York and beyond who started this bold movement.

It’s October. In New York, Boston, and even Atlanta, Occupy Wall Street needs sleeping bags, blankets, medical supplies and so much more. Making a contribution today not only gets you a yard sign so you can show your support, it will help us deliver more of the resources that people on the ground need right now.

Get your “We are the 99 percent” yard sign right now.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America

P.S. Our lawyers say we need to make it clear that the total amount of your purchase is a contribution to Democracy for America under the Federal Election Campaign Act. Please contribute now and get your lawn sign today.

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Congress: the Republican led House focus H.Res.431 – the Senate back on 10/17

10/14/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET October 17, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until
4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of H.R.2112,
the vehicle for the Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, and Science; and
Transportation/HUD Appropriations bills.
At 5:15pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider
Executive Calendar #271, Cathy Bissoon, of PA, to be United States District
Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania with 15 minutes of debate equally
divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on
confirmation of the Bissoon nomination.

~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on October 18, 2011.4:26:28 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.4:26:11 P.M. -Mr. Reyes moved that the House do now adjourn.3:27:40 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.3:27:15 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader. Pursuant to Section 1002 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-306) as amended by section 701(a)(3) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Ms. Pelosi notified the House that she had appointed the following individuals to the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the U.S. Intelligence Community: The Honorable Rush D. Holt of New Jersey and Ms. Samantha Ravich of Clark, New Jersey. Ms. Ravich was appointed at the recommendation of Speaker John Boehner.3:26:47 P.M. -DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 431 note and the order of the House of January 5, 2011 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION: Mr. Bishop of GA .3:25:20 P.M. -CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913 an the order of the House of Jnauary 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Mr. Walz of MN .2:24:39 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:15:00 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.2:14:02 P.M. -Mr. Chabot asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, October 21, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:14:01 P.M. -Mr. Chabot asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:14:00 P.M. -Mr. Chabot asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, October 14, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:13:05 P.M. -H.R. 822Mr. Chabot asked unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary have until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2011, to file a report to accompany H.R. 822.2:13:04 P.M. -H.R. 2273Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:13:04 P.M. -H.R. 2273On passage Passed by recorded vote: 267 – 144 (Roll no. 800).2:06:41 P.M. -H.R. 2273On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 172 – 238 (Roll no. 799).1:50:19 P.M. -H.R. 2273The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.1:39:39 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to implement a warning system in the event of a catastrophic failure at a coal ash disposal site. Under this amendment, the EPA Administrator must require the owner or operator of a surface coal ash disposal site, such as a disposal pile or lagoon, to equip such site with a sufficient system to monitor for, and notify the public of a potentially hazardous condition that could lead to failure of the site’s ability to contain coal ash.1:39:07 P.M. -H.R. 2273Mr. Cicilline moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.1:38:18 P.M. -H.R. 2273The 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.1:37:56 P.M. -H.R. 2273The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.1:37:41 P.M. -H.R. 2273The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2273.1:37:00 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 235 (Roll no. 798).1:32:52 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Rush amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 241 (Roll no. 797).1:29:42 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 223 (Roll no. 796).1:26:03 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 231 (Roll no. 795).1:21:37 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Waxman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 171 – 236 (Roll no. 794).12:55:45 P.M. -H.R. 2273UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of amendments which had previously been debated and on which further proceedings were postponed.12:54:50 P.M. -H.R. 2273POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:46:23 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment.12:46:21 P.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-244 to require the Administrator of the EPA to submit a report to Congress on the long-term impacts of State coal combustion residuals permit programs on human health and the environment within five years of enactment of the legislation.12:45:34 P.M. -H.R. 2273POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:35:43 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.12:35:27 P.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Mr. Rush, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-244 to provide federal enforcement authority so that if the EPA Administrator determines that a structure is in violation of a State coal combustion residuals permit program, and the State has not taken appropriate action to enforce such permit program with respect to such structure, the Administrator may inspect such structure and enforce the requirements of such permit program with respect to such structure.12:34:44 P.M. -H.R. 2273POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:26:57 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment No 4.12:26:55 P.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-244 to require the States to notify the public and the EPA and offer the opportunity to comment before a State establishes a program to regulate coal combustion waste.12:26:20 P.M. -H.R. 2273POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:18:27 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment No. 3.12:18:25 P.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-244 to establish a time frame for bringing existing surface impoundments into compliance with revised criteria for design, groundwater monitoring, and corrective action. Will maintain state flexibility to opt-out (with certification) and provide up to 10-year compliance window.12:16:00 P.M. -H.R. 2273POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Waxman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:08:54 P.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman amendment.12:08:51 P.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Mr. Waxman, numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-244 to require state programs to meet a legal standard of protection to ensure that human health and the environment are protected.12:08:27 P.M. -H.R. 2273On agreeing to the Shimkus amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.11:57:22 A.M. -H.R. 2273DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 431, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shimkus amendment.11:57:20 A.M. -H.R. 2273An amendment, offered by Mr. Shimkus, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-244 to provide additional detail to the certification requirements that States provide to EPA; add certain operating criteria from Part 258 of 40 CFR, clarify that states may request technical assistance from EPA; add a savings clause for citizen suits; add additional constituents for groundwater monitoring; reiterate in the definition of revised criteria that the criteria were promulgated to protect human health and the environment. The amendment makes other technical and clarifying changes to H.R. 2273.10:49:11 A.M. -H.R. 2273GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2273.10:49:01 A.M. -H.R. 2273The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Chairman of the Committee.10:49:00 A.M. -H.R. 2273House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 431 and Rule XVIII.10:48:21 A.M. -H.R. 2273Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2273 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce shall be considered as an original bill.10:48:16 A.M. -H.R. 2273Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 431. H.R. 2273 — “To amend subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to facilitate recovery and beneficial use, and provide for the proper management and disposal, of materials generated by the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels.”10:47:43 A.M. -H. Res. 431Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:47:42 A.M. -H. Res. 431On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 244 – 163 (Roll no. 793).10:37:24 A.M. -H. Res. 431On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 166 (Roll no. 792).9:15:20 A.M. -H. Res. 431DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 431.9:15:10 A.M. -H. Res. 431Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 431 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2273) to amend subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to facilitate recovery and beneficial use, and provide for the proper management and disposal, of materials generated by the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels.”9:02:00 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.9:01:29 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleischmann to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:01:26 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:00:26 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:12 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Voter Suppression … Crystal King, DSCC Political Director

10/13/2011 Nativegrl77

We told you last week about Republican efforts to suppress the vote nationwide that could prevent 5 MILLION Americans from voting. According to the New York Times, the voter fraud Republicans say they’re preventing simply isn’t an issue. “The only reason Republicans are passing these laws is to give themselves a political edge by suppressing Democratic votes.”

The scary thing is, it just might work. Enough votes could be lost to states like Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Nevada and Virginia to hand the Senate – and the White House – to the GOP.

This news really struck a nerve with grassroots activists – we’re nearly halfway to our goal of 150,000 signatures. Are we missing your name – will you click here and sign?

WWW.DSCC.ORG

After you’ve signed, check out our brand new 2012 Election Protection Project website, where you can view maps of affected states, learn facts about the new laws, share information on Twitter and, most importantly, register to vote. http://dscc.org/epp

We’re starting to put together our voter outreach plans based on these new GOP laws, and I sure could use your help. Thanks in advance for signing and sharing. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Crystal King
DSCC Political Director

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

President Obama: “I will not take no for an answer” …Jim Messina, BarackObama.com

10/13/2011 Nativegrl77

Last night, the American Jobs Act was filibustered by Senate Republicans. There was no vote on the actual bill.

But it would have succeeded: the American Jobs Act has at least 51 votes — a clear majority — to pass the Senate. And a new poll shows that 63 percent of Americans support it, too.

Today the President recorded a message he wants you to see, laying out where we go from here in the fight for jobs

The Republicans who voted yesterday to block this bill weren’t thinking about middle-class families. In fact, at last night’s GOP debate, one of their leading candidates actually refused to say he’d extend a payroll tax cut that puts more than $1,000 in the pockets of everyday working Americans.

They might believe it’s in their political interest to oppose whatever the President proposes for the next 13 months, but we know that when it comes to jobs and restoring economic security, Americans can’t afford to wait.

The American Jobs Act would get to work now, providing incentives for businesses to hire unemployed veterans, helping hire tens of thousands of teachers, cops, and firefighters, and rebuilding and modernizing our schools, railways, bridges, and airports. Even though it’s fully paid for and made up of proposals both parties have supported, Republicans yesterday said no.

Now the President wants you to hear directly from him about what’s next.

Watch the video — and make sure your friends do, too:

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

thirsty Thursday &some News

10/13/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant … but it’s not all mine!

First, a plug for Supporting the Jobs Bill and then the rant … People need to realize this Jobs bill will help almost 1.9 million people and that is a number that cannot be ignored though Socially Conservative Republicans choose to attack the rights of Women instead Teapublicans continue holding our Democracy hostage near the edge of disaster. It is important that people get the facts which show that President Obama is the best choice for Americans among any Teapublican on that stage claiming they can govern as President of this great Nation… There is not one Teapublican i would trust if that 3am call comes or one that believes in real freedom and or liberty … think about it

Reports are that only 30% of Americans support the President’s JOBs bill until they are given all the details then the support
rises to over 60% support … It is upon all of us who support #theAmericansJOBsAct to spread the word about what is in this bill … Print
out the President’s JOBs bill and pass it out to friends and relatives. It is clear to me that the surrogates to get our Fellow Americans back to work are WE
THE PEOPLE so just do it. It has not been lost on me that the media has proven themselves to be the purveyor of limited information especially if it is positive and gives President Obama a chance of
winning … therefore, read the Bill, copy it and hand it out >> http://www.whitehouse.gov/jobsact/read-the-bill

Below is a comment about concealed weapons by Mayor Michael Nutter and my response … but of course! ( :

HIM: educateyourselfbeforeblogging
educateyourselfbeforeblogging.wordpress.com

x
xxxlorddantexxx@aol.com
74.101.107.210

According to you, “dangerous people, including sex offenders and domestic abusers, could get a permit in one state and then carry hidden, loaded guns nationwide.” Now, read the facts for yourself:

Congress passed the first blanket prohibition on felons carrying guns in the Gun Control Act of 1968, which made it illegal for felons to possess a gun any under circumstances. The Firearm Owners’ Protection Act, passed in 1986, reinforced the ban on felons carrying guns, and also banned people who have been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment from possessing guns.

Congress later expanded federal gun control laws by passing what is commonly known as the Lautenberg Amendment, which prohibits persons who are subject to protective or restraining orders as a result of domestic violence, or who have been convicted of misdemeanor crimes involving domestic violence. Incidentally, these federal laws not only ban felons from possessing guns, but also from possessing any type or amount of ammunition.

In addition to the long-standing federal prohibition on felons possessing guns, there are also many state laws that limit the ability of a felon to legally carry a gun, some of which even predate the federal law. At one extreme, some states prohibit anyone who has been convicted of a felony, and even of certain misdemeanor crimes involving violence, from ever legally carrying a gun.

ME: First, you assumed i wrote the article, yet the title has
the Mayor’s name on it, did you even bother to read it? NO … don’t be so
willing to be nasty to people unless and until or before you try and convict
folks -try to get the facts … That article was written by Mayor Nutter – It
says … “Listen to Philly’s top Cop Mayor Michael Nutter” …So, write a nasty
letter or whatever to him. FYI – I get information that i share from various newsletters,
email and subscriptions… I post most because I think some are very
informative others are of topics close to me and feel need more PR , i get
Petitions and some articles are meant to produce a dialogue but i find it
interesting that folks feel like they assume this that or the other … don’t . I
get it, you do not agree with what he wrote but it was his opinion as a Mayor.
I have to say your comment was just rude and if you had read it all the way to
the end, you would have seen he signed off with his full name and position.

I do not believe in concealed weapons because i (had) friends and relatives who
were victims of concealed handguns and I will admit i totally want auto-mastic
weapons out of the hands of civilians.

Educateyourselfbeforeblogging … you owe me an apology

Other News …

Transportation Secretary LaHood on Jobs and Transportation

Press Secretary Jay Carney conducts a daily briefing at the White House. Topics of discussion include free trade agreements, President Obama’s jobs plan and the disruption of an assassination attempt on the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S.

More Info »

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