TGIF &some News

07/22/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant

This morning, if you haven’t already been swayed against President Obama had a great town hall and though folks in my own Political Party seem to be bashing him and or questioning what side of the aisle he really is on. I gotta say how much it made me proud to have voted for him, understand that he has been visiting state after state even before the Midterms telling folks do not give the gives to Republicans and push the need for jobs and while people made choices that hurt us. At the end of the day, we all know that people did not listen or trust President Obama enough to get out the vote for the Midterm elections. It is my contention that Democratic members of Congress needed to do their jobs first then focus on their on re-elections. I guess we all should remind them that their action directly impacts our votes. I want Congress to create and pass a Jobs Bill as only they can.

Yet, as Major changes are happening and though progressives do not seem too excited about today … I am very excited over what has been the sum total of accomplishments by President Obama.

However, if you listen to the Right … they are fraught with fear

McConnell, Cantor, Boehner, Limbaugh other Conservatives , Conservadems and some Progressives continue to attack Obama for any move toward collaboration with other countries, compromising and seem to be twisting his words and their meaning, practicing fear mongering, discrimination and otherwise being obstacles of change. What we need is a way forward to 21st Century living and an implementation of the changes “We the People” (53%) put President Obama into office for but have been stalled, blocked and scaled down by Republicans. Now, our Democracy is being cut slashed and burn now that we have a group of Tea Party Freshman who not only seem heartless but inept and too childish too be considered public servants … come on, do they even remember the oath they took? or did they skip out too like the other Republican Senators.

I feel like what was the past has to be accepted, exorcised and released for room to provide change we can believe in and given the group that calls themselves Republicans, they are not the patriotic souls who disagree but know when the good of the many definitely outweighs the good of only one or a select few. This group of unruly, undisciplined and politically uneducated have been the villains of all who want compromise, fair share and an America that is looked at with greatness again. In a year of much progress even without Republicans and some conservadems the fact is the Democratic Congress needs to do more to get legislation passed for the people. It is important people know, understand, and believe that President Obama cannot produce jobs alone. It is the job of Congress to create, and pass legislation … JOBs JOBs Jobs but that ain’t happening. I gotta say given what we have all seen over the last 24months our President has no chance to please progressives but maybe people who might be less likely to engage in preemptive strikes will hold President Obama’s feet to the fire but remain calm and support him.

I have this saying …” It is the Republicans Stupid” and those who are not aware of what the Republican Tea Party is doing to our Democracy will only make all our lives even worse. It is a moment in time when we must unite as Americans to fight back the crap that is being thrown at us by Republicans in Congress and Governors with a clear mission of taking us back to the Jim Crow days.

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed Citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Other News …

Oslo explosion kills at least 2

Obama vows “hard choices” on debt as Democrats fume

State blames NY coaster operator for vet’s death

West Point cadet dies during training exercise

New Numbers in Republican Race

General Electric turns $3.7B quarterly profit

Gale Crater next landing site for Mars rover

CSPAN

Panetta Formally Sworn-In at Pentagon

Meets with President Obama today on “Don’t ask, don’t tell”

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Senate Rejects “Cut, Cap and Balance” Act

Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain

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Middle East

Aftermath of Political Uprising in Egypt

Discussions held on threats to religious minorities

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Public opinion favors compromise on deficit deal | Reuters

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Policing School Districts: The New Separate but Equal

07/21/2011 Nativegrl77

In our last correspondence we received an overwhelming response to the Op-Ed articles about the struggles between traditional public and charter schools being housed in the same facilities. Your responses show that you are fully aware that the issues surrounding barriers to quality education are multifaceted at best. Our current blog discusses problems faced by parents who have attempted to place their children in better neighboring school districts. Share your feedback and respond to other responses posted.