Tag Archives: Barack Obama

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a message from .. Lindsey Twombly


Human Rights Campaign

Thank you for all you did to secure marriage equality in Washington

Planning on getting married? Or know someone who’s getting ready to walk down the aisle?

This past election, people across the county watched as you made history in Washington. Washingtonians voted to approved Referendum 74, which allows loving same-sex couples to legally marry in the state. This law will take effect tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, 2012. We wanted to make sure you have access to this information about implementation of marriage equality in Washington.

How do I obtain a marriage license in Washington?
Once licenses are made available to same-sex couples, the procedures will be the same as the existing ones for other married couples. They are issued at the county level and procedures/fees may vary slightly; links to information from individual counties is available online. Marriage licenses will be available starting Thursday, December 6. Don’t forget about the three-day waiting period – marriages will begin to take place on Sunday, December 9.

What rights and responsibilities do same-sex couples who legally marry receive in Washington?
Same-sex spouses receive the same rights and responsibilities provided to different-sex spouses under Washington law, including health care decision-making, property and inheritance rights. Married same-sex couples do not receive access to the more than 1,100 federal rights and responsibilities based on marriage because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and the new law in Washington does not change that.

What do I have to do if I’m a Washington resident who is legally married in another jurisdiction?
You do not have to get married in Washington or otherwise register your marriage in Washington. Washington’s marriage equality law recognizes as valid lawful marriages between same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.

What does the law mean if I have entered into a domestic partnership with my partner in Washington?
In 2007, Washington enacted statewide domestic partnerships, and expanded them in 2009 to grant all the rights and benefits of marriage to registered domestic partners. A couple who is currently in a registered domestic partnership can marry and their domestic partnership will dissolve. On June 30, 2014, the remaining domestic partnerships will automatically convert to marriages unless they are dissolved. Domestic partnerships will continue, however, for couples (gay and straight) where at least one partner is at least 62.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Twombly

Lindsey Twombly
Associate Director, Online Mobilization
And soon-to-be married Seattle, WA resident

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Workers Under Attack — Again


By ThinkProgress War Room

Last Minute Attack on Unions in Michigan

After sweeping into complete control of state government for the first time in almost a decade following the 2010 election, Michigan Republicans wasted little time before pursuing numerous pieces of right-wing legislation, including

*The emergency manager law was repealed via referendum by Michigan voters last month; however, the Michigan legislature is rushing to pass a new version as we speak.

Despite pursuing this extreme agenda and other anti-union measures, Republicans had chosen to set aside one of the right’s favorite goals: a so-called “right to work” anti-union law. Indiana Republicans passed such a law in 2011 and well-known fights over anti-union measures occurred in numerous other states including Ohio and Wisconsin. For his part, Snyder even went so far as to say that right to work legislation was “divisive” and not “appropriate for Michigan in 2012.”

Mere months after making those comments, Snyder has flip-flopped and endorsed a last-minute, lame duck effort by Republicans in the legislature to push through a right to work bill. Worse yet, Republicans are including a provision in the bill that will make it impossible for voters to repeal the measure via referendum.

ThinkProgress’ Travis Waldron explains why such laws are accurately referred to as “right to work for less” by unions and pro-worker groups:

Though Snyder refers to his agenda as “pro-worker,” a quick glance at studies of “right-to-work” legislation paints a different picture. According to the Economic Policy Institute, right-to-work laws have virtually no impact on job growth and have a negative impact on both union and nonunion workers, reducing wages by up to $1,500 a year. A Ball State University study conducted during Indiana’s push to pass right-to-work found that “no impact is likely” for job growth or wages in the manufacturing sector. Another EPI study suggests that right-to-work laws had a negative impact on Oklahoma’s economy and that right-to-work is “is ineffective as a strategy for increasing a state’s employment.”

The right-to-work experiment failed miserably the last time it was tried in the Midwest. Indiana originally passed right-to-work laws in 1957, but workers hated the new laws so much that they were repealed just eight years later.

Check out this recent Center for American Progress report for more on why right to work is wrong.

It should come as no surprise that the Koch Brothers and their Americans for Prosperity front group are heavily involved in this anti-union push, just as they have been in other states like Wisconsin, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Unfortunately, it appears that the measure could become law within the next few days. A bill narrowly cleared the Michigan House just within the past hour. Since several Republicans opposed the measure and Democrats actually picked up seats in the Michigan House in last month’s elections, it’s clear why Republicans are rushing this and other controversial measures through at the last minute during a lame duck session.

The situation on the ground is evolving very quickly and the state capitol in Lansing has been the site of large protests today. Earlier today, the doors of the capitol were locked in order to prevent demonstrators from entering; however, an injunction ordering the capitol to be re-opened. A few demonstrators able to make it inside were arrested and pepper-sprayed after they attempted to enter the senate chamber.

Stay tuned to ThinkProgress for the latest updates.

BOTTOM LINE:Stronger unions mean a stronger middle class, so right-wing attacks on unions are really just attacks on all working and middle-class Americans.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

11 reason why you should be glad Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) is resigning in order to head the Heritage Foundation.

5 Republicans who could replace Jim DeMint.

As of today, you can legally get same-sex married and smoke pot (at least under state law) in Washington State.

Former Bush press secretary: female domestic abuse victims should “make better decisions.”

Extending emergency unemployment benefits will support far more jobs than extending the Bush tax cuts would.

Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell filibustered his own bill to lift the debt ceiling.

The GOP’s bad fiscal cliff hand, by the numbers.

GOP Rep. says there is a growing sense President Obama has won on tax rates for the wealthy.

7 upcoming television dramas to get excited about.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tar Sands …


 

A secret deal could allow China’s energy companies to take over an enormous toxic oil reserve with devastating consequences for the planet. A lawsuit is our big chance to stop it. Click to chip in and Avaaz will only process your donation if we raise enough money to make this important case happen :

Pledge now

Right now, the tar sands, a toxic oil reserve almost the size of Saudi Arabia’s but over 3 times as dangerous for climate change, sits landlocked in Northern Canada. People power has twice blocked new pipelines into this poison, but now we have a bigger challenge.

A new trade deal, negotiated in secret with China, could allow China’s companies to take over the tar sands and sue the Canadian government if it hampers their exploitation with environmental or health laws. Canada’s right-wing Prime Minister is an oil-man with a history of climate-denial, and he’s using this tactic to bypass democracy, with potentially devastating consequences for the planet.

Our big chance to stop this is that the deal may not be legal. It’s likely to be signed in the coming days or weeks and we need to be ready to hit back when that happens. If 20,000 of us pledge now to help hire outstanding lawyers and fund research and public campaigning, we can be sure to hit the ground running when the government acts — Avaaz will only process the pledge if we get enough to make this important case happen. Our climate is already under grave threat, and tar sands could push it over the edge. Pledge now to defend the planet:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/canada_fipa_pledge_en_nrc/?biEWLbb&v=19706

Tar sands oil would harm all of us: The emissions from this dirty oil are up to 35% greater than regular crude oil, the process for getting it out of the ground alone emits three times the pollution, and the production of one gallon of oil poisons up to 35 gallons of fresh water. Not to mention that the exposure of another huge oil reserve would skyrocket the destruction of our planet.

That’s why experts and campaigners all over joined the fight to stop pipelines from being built in the US and Canada that would unlock this toxic sludge from the ground. Now those hard-fought victories could be wiped out.

We have already reached out to one of the top constitutional law firms in Canada and they are standing by to help us fight this dirty deal. But it’s going to take a powerful legal fund to stand up to the government’s deep pockets, campaign to win in the court of public opinion and make sure we keep dirty oil in the ground. Let’s all pledge our support now. Then, if the deal goes through, we’ll be able to get started right away defending our planet in Canada’s courts. Chip in to join the fight for our planet:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/canada_fipa_pledge_en_nrc/?biEWLbb&v=19706

We’ve taken on the Canadian government before, and won — striking a blow against a Fox News-style television network and beating back attempts to stop Canadian Avaaz members from campaigning during federal elections. This is our chance to win a battle for the entire world’s survival against a trade deal that threatens our water, air and land.

With hope and determination

Dalia, Ricken, Emma, Morgan, Rewan, Ari, Grant and the rest of the Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION:

Chinese FIPA now a lose-lose proposition (Vancouver Sun)
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/OPINION+Chinese+FIPA+lose+lose+proposition/7545141/story.html

What if the Canada-China investment treaty is unconstitutional? (The Globe and Mail)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/what-if-the-canada-china-investment-treaty-is-unconstitutional/article4629972/

Even Canada doesn’t believe its own spin on tar sands (Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2011/dec/20/oil-sands-tar-canada-uk-lobbying-emissions

Canadian Government: Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Tar Sands May Double by 2020 (Think Progress)
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2011/08/08/291116/canadian-government-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-tar-sands-will-double-by-2020/

Background: Environmental Impacts of Tar Sands Development (Sierra Club)
http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/factsheets/tarsands.asp

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a message from Senator Sanders


National Buz Banner UPDATE

Stop Media Consolidation

Stop Media Consolidation

Photo: Dale Robbins, Moyers & Company

Bernie is leading a fight against a Federal Communications Commission proposal to allow fewer and fewer news media conglomerates to control more and more television stations, radio stations and newspapers. “We’re going to do everything we can to prevent it from happening,” Bernie told Bill Moyers in an interview that will air this weekend on Moyers & Company.

Media concentration limits the public’s access to unbiased information about important issues, drowns out independent voices, hurts local news and community affairs coverage, eliminates competition and discourages diversity in ownership. The FCC could issue an order on the rule change as early as January.

You can help stop the FCC by signing Bernie’s petition.

Watch a preview of Moyers & Company »
Check your local listings for Moyers & Company »
Watch Bernie’s news conference »
Sign Bernie’s petition »
Read the senators’ letter to the FCC (pdf) »
Take the poll »

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF …


Official photographic portrait of US President...
Official photographic portrait of US President Barack Obama (born 4 August 1961; assumed office 20 January 2009) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, it’s Friday very cold but we definitely are not snowbound. ..

Yet, considering all the stuff going on … it’s a  good day to reach for the sky while breathing deeply through your nose then slowly exhale through your mouth while slowly lowering your arms, head, shoulders, chest and waist bend knees -repeat when needed …

Just another rant …

I’m beyond tired of “main stream media malarkey”, is anyone else yet and can I just say the only grown-ups on the floor of Congress lately are from the Democratic Party but hey that is just my opinion. Though watching the Republican/tea party shakeup or the art of turning on each other is exciting! 6 Out …  38 to go?

 I would like to thank our President for doing such a great job despite the 24/7 News cycle bashing him.  I say, we must constantly remind low informationvoters that President Obama does not make, create or pass legislation into laws, our Congress does, so, all complaints about bills not getting on the floor of Congress should be directed at Republican Tea Partiers who have held most if not all of them up or blocked, stalled and just said no to. It is a sad day to realize that a Political Party would put their ideology above the needs of their fellow Americans but the Republican Tea Party did without flinching, thinking of their constituents I guess and all for the love of money. The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001&2003 were given, scheduled to expire 12/31/10 and unpaid for a long with the two wars waged which cost Americans trillions of our money.

The fact is the tax cuts, 2Wars, Wall Street bets, AIG insurance selling banking products as well as too much deregulation sent our economy over the cliff -sigh

 In a time when things are tough and a large number of voters leaned left voted for PBO though Republicans kept telling the public lies and now the joke is on them. They say their focus is on Jobs, economy and doing the work of the People yet these RWNJs continue to vote against issues facing Americans; stating people on UI do not look for jobs are still lazy and don’t pay taxes among other ugly words from elitists. I have to say every time one of them makes a statement that is obviously outrageous; I wonder where the outrage is.  Then I only have to see photos from Election2012 to know that Americans voted, early and stood in line while Republicans decided a long time ago that not only would they refuse to cooperate with the First Black President they will do whatever is necessary to bring him down even if it means taking American Voters down and today provided a peek at what these fools planned the night President Barack Obama was sworn into office. !

Well, the Democratic Party did not gain control back of both Chambers, but contrary to RWNJs current behavior, PBO won decidedly and should be given the right to govern though they continue to filibuster… still

Congress gets back from  break on an odd note, passing the Vets bill but then a week later with a vote of 61- 38, on the Disability Treaty, a bill that was supposed to protect ALL people with disabilities gets killed by Republicans.  Unfortunately, Leader Reid decided that he will hold the bill until the 113th Congress.  It feels like Republicans have decided to hold onto their status quo hanging it out to dry… “Hostage” along with other legislation that would not only protect Americans it could have been a bill that passed with bipartisanship but that clearly was too much to ask for from Republicans.  While that was taking place, we all wait for the Farm bill to pass among other legislation. Again, I wonder where the outrage toward Congress is as they are solely responsible for making and passing laws, not the President though he keeps getting the blame.

The fault and blame for any lack of real progress lies at the feet of the Republican/Tea party. Though it is unfortunate that the Republican Tea Party has apparently decided to continue to thumb their noses at our President demanding those Bush Tax Giveaways before they will cooperate, which most Americans feel we cannot afford or allow to happen again … ever.

 The lame duck session, notoriously known as the session when things get done in Congress but we need that conciliatory behavior to start now …maybe before December 31st definitely before Jan.1st.

Unfortunately, the Lame Duck is more lame than we have ever experienced and this #righttoworkbill … is becoming the right for Govs. to make American Workers work for less

 We need some sanity in Congress !!