Tag Archives: Democratic

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Forcing the poor and middle-cla​ss to pay … Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org


 
Republicans are trying to push forward a plan that would gut America‘s social safety net — and unless we act now, they may get their way.

Congress needs to raise the debt ceiling before August 2nd so that the government doesn’t default on its debts, which would wreak havoc on the economy. But Republicans are refusing to vote to raise the debt ceiling unless they can also pass massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, student aid, and other important programs that create opportunity and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Democrats in Congress are holding the line, saying that they won’t accept any cuts to these programs without asking huge corporations, millionaires and billionaires to contribute their fair share.

But as the deadline approaches, Congressional Democrats will be under immense pressure to compromise their principles, even if it means giveaways for the rich while most Americans suffer.

Please join us in calling on the White House and Congress to say NO to any deal that asks people who are already struggling in this economy to sacrifice even more, without asking corporations and the rich to pay their fair share. And please ask your friends and family to join us as well:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/907?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=3

The moral line is clear: the budget must not be balanced on the backs of poor and working folks while millionaires and billionaires pay lower taxes than ever. Americans oppose cuts to Medicare and Social Security by a 2-to-1 margin, and a large majority thinks that keeping benefit levels the same is a bigger priority than short-term deficit reduction.1 And an amazing 72% of Americans are united behind the idea of asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.2

By speaking out, we can help give the President and Congressional Democrats the political space they need to stand strong against the GOP‘s dangerous demands. It’s especially important that we deliver this message to the House of Representatives, because it’s likely that any budget deal will have to happen with the blessing of Democrats there. If they stand strong, we can avoid the worst of the cuts.

Why do we need to raise the debt ceiling?

Congress sets the maximum amount the federal government can borrow to pay its bills on time. If our debt rises above the limit, the government will begin to default on its commitments. And when that happens, there will be far-reaching consequences for everyone, but especially poor and working folks.

If the government doesn’t pay its bills, it’s a lot like when you or I don’t pay our bills — it ruins our credit, and makes buying goods and services more expensive. Worse, it makes even having debt more expensive, which means that money the government will have to pay higher interest rates — money that won’t go to economic stimulus or preserving the social safety net.

Most reputable economists say that a government default would wreck the nation’s economy, halting the already-weak recovery and possibly taking the world’s economy down with it.3

That fact hardly matters to most Republicans in Washington, who are treating the prospect of default like a high-stakes game of chicken. Many see an opportunity to gut programs that they never could otherwise, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. It’s a disgusting, cynical strategy.

If enough of us speak out, we can help save the social safety net and force corporations and the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. Please join us now:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/907?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=5

Thanks and Peace,

— Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
    July 24th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU–your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=7

1. GOP Divided Over Benefit Reductions: Public Wants Changes in Entitlements, Not Changes in Benefit,” Pew Research Center for People and the Press, 7-7-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/908?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=9

2. “Poll: Taxing the rich favored over Medicare cuts,” Politico, 4-20-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/909?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=11

3. “To the limit,” New York Times, 7-1-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/910?akid=2071.1174326.rdN0yZ&t=13

~ my 2cents ...

mashup Monday &some News


just another rant …

A Gallup Poll done in April reported that if a vote were taken from We the People for the current members of Congress it would result in 32% voting for Democrats and 31% Republicans. If this is true, folks we definitely need to prepare for Election 2012. I gotta say given the number of folks who stayed home or voted right of center for the Midterms, it is important that those living in states engaging in voter suppression get the ID that will enable you to make your voice count. We all know there is so much more work to do, so much at stake and to be honest the thought of living under a Republican ruler makes me sick. I voted for and know that President Obama is the right one for the position of commander in chief and while my support continues beyond 2012. I do not always agree with what President Obama does and I still have questions about NAFTA, the Public Option and some other things that remain a mystery. I do know that the Democratic members of Congress have  either not wanted or are not able to go big or bold enough to move us into the 21st Century but given a choice for 2012 and fact is there is no option; we have to get Democrats back in control. The process of changing the way things get done on the Hill, policy and or making laws are not easy or pleasant but it should not be the reason for changing your attitude or your vote because of it.

Two years ago the HCR Bill, HR3962/HR3590 considered an impossible dream is surrounded by a lot of misinformation as well as being just one of several pieces of legislation that President Obama has presented, urged, and finally passed after much push back from the Republican Tea Party and some Conservadems. I wonder, do people remember the contentious dividing issues like that 15 Dems said they would oppose the HCR bill, that Senator Ben Nelson’s amendment to add abortion language like the stupak-pitts amendment, which, would probably block public or federal funds to women.  Thus blocking women the right to buy and or pay for their own insurance that may cover abortions and it may also penalize companies that include it in their HC plans; luckily, Congress tabled it. We also know that Lieberman wanted a Medicare buy in and HCR before he didn’t; and ended up showing how Politicians can easily put aside the rights of their constituents and fellow Americans by voting no, or that in the end the House passed HCR with the issue and problem being in the Senate

It is obvious the new HCR bill will improve the lives of many rather than a select few or keep the status quo. The fact is our President has done more to improve out state here in the US and the journey has been tough and quite long but what President Obama did in his 1st term is historic and a moment that everyone cannot possibly forget, unless you have been living under a rock or listening to the naysayers. The Media continues to speculate or re-enforce the negative impact on voting yes for good faith legislation that no doubt would be good but impacts all Americans; mocking President Obama’s so-called improbable agenda that includes climate change, immigration overhaul as well as stating that Democrats keep wavering on a votes.

This is a moment that the Democratic Party should be willing to create change that has been needed for quite some time and as the President has stated many times …if not now when -because we may never get this chance for a long time if ever.

CSPAN …

 

Congress Has Full Week of Hearings Ahead

 

Joint Chiefs nominee, tax code among the topics

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Greek Minister Speaks on Financial Crisis

 

Comes to Washington to meet with head of the IMF

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Speaker Boehner Calls GOP Members Back to Washington

 

No deal with President Obama possible.

 

&&&&&&&&&&

 

Other News …

 

Amy Winehouse Died in Bed with No Sign of Drugs Nearby

 

Somalia: U.N. Hosts Emergency Meeting

 
Sources: NFL, players reach deal to end lockout

 

 

Amanda Knox Appeal: No DNA Evidence Found on Murder Weapon

 

 

 

Split Personality Disorder

 

 

 

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Issa’s witch hunt flops – demand accountabi​lity …Ben Betz, People For the American Way


House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrel Issa has led one partisan witch hunt after another since his party became the majority and he became committee chair. But his latest grasping-at-straws attempt to shame Democrats has blown up in his face.

Rep. Issa accused Democratic appointees on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) — the independent commission established in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis — of financial mismanagement, disclosing confidential information, conflicts of interest and unethically pursuing a partisan agenda. But the documents produced in this investigation not only failed to substantiate these claims, they actually demonstrated improprieties by some of the Republicans on the Commission.

Now, Chairman Issa wants to brush it all under the rug and look the other way. We can’t let him!

Join PFAW‘s petition to the Government Reform and Oversight Committee now demanding that they investigate improprieties by Republican members of the FCIC.

Outrageously, upon canceling a committee hearing on the FCIC accusations, an Issa staffer was quoted as saying, “they had found some documents at the last minute that didn’t fit the narrative.” A report by committee Democrats, based on 400,000 internal FCIC emails, memos and other documents, shows that those documents didn’t just “not fit” Issa’s narrative, they outright refuted them!

Issa’s allegations of financial mismanagement, inappropriate disclosure and partisan conflicts of interest on the part of Democratic commissioners all turned out to be bogus — frivolous charges not based on evidence of any impropriety. HOWEVER, the same could not be said of Republican members of the Commission.

There is evidence that Republican FCIC Commissioners Peter Wallison and Bill Thomas violated ethics guidelines and shared confidential information about the commission’s work with political insiders and Republican consultants. And contrary to the FCIC’s mission, Republican Commissioner Wallison repeatedly urged his GOP colleagues on the FCIC to use their positions on the Commission to help Republicans in their efforts to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill.

Don’t let Chairman Darrel Issa get away with this blatant hypocrisy. His witch hunt failed, but now he, and his committee, MUST investigate evidence of improprieties and conflicts of interest by Republicans on the FCIC.

Thanks for standing up for justice and accountability — the American Way.

— Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. It’s hardly a surprise that partisan and corporate conflicts of interest have been found among Republican FCIC members — these are the same people who insisted on issuing a minority report of the Commission’s findings that whitewashed the findings of phrases like “Wall Street” and “deregulation” in an attempt to rewrite the history of the financial meltdown. But Chairman Issa decided to open this can of worms with his own ideologically driven attacks on the Commission’s Democratic members. Now, it’s his responsibility to do the right thing and hold the real culprits accountable.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Weather Wednesday &Some News

1 Comment

just another rant …

I listen to mostly left of center radio by choice if my radio device(s) will let the reception through. However, lately the airwaves seem filled with a lot of progressive talk that is less than tolerable at least for me. I got it progressives and or the professional elite have control of the airwaves and have decided to put the rest of us who lean left at risk … well, maybe i don’t get it because as a shusterbot says Mr. Obama will run on the things could be a lot worse if you don’t vote for me platform. If it were up to me progressives would all take a huge chill pill and stop assuming you know what President Obama has decided to do before it actually happens. It is offensive not to mention who you are willing to give more credit to than the President .. Come on -get informed first, hear the plan and then have a tantrum, rant rave and then do all those things that are against your and the Democratic Parties best interest if you can. I support President Obama and while I do not always agree with him, I do wait for the facts and his move to change healthcare was great even with all the blue dogs siding and voting with republicans. The fact is President Obama has had Republicans blocking our move toward the 21st Century living and the Political Party of NO wants to hold the middleclass hostage. The response from my fellow leftie, well, maybe not my friends but people who call themselves progressives and or liberals told Americans to sit out the 2010 midterm elections and here we are. Oh – Oh i am quite sure they know who they are but some seem to act as if they have no responsibility at all. Unfortunately, these people are stirring up all kinds of negative nonsense, which as a voter makes absolutely no sense to me. Btw, I am so tired of the word capitulation and its use by so-called Obama supporters. I have to ask – is anyone else offended by those radio jocks who have been suggesting the left primary President Obama or that they will sit out 2012 out, they sound like childish BS and the obvious question is. In my opinion, if you are so easily swayed by folks you just might be a part of those waiting for President Obama to fail all along. I ask, do they all suffer from amnesia and what about all those people they stir up that listen and decide they are done with President Obama just because they heard some radio or TV host, talking head, pundit or whatever say this that and the other ? Will people please use your own brain and maybe ask yourself what did your member of Congress do to help the President or our left of center causes. I am only a human being but progressive talk is not always right, not always sincere and some not all get personally jazzed if they see their own voice can change what others are feeling or saying while others get paid to divided and conquer the Democratic Party. The problem is, well among several problems is that we need to circle the wagons not vote against our own best interest and make sure that President Obama gets an opportunity to change the faces of the Supreme Court as well as widen what the Democratic Party stands for.

The other thing that has been out there for a while and offensive is NPR maybe others like them have been addressing President Obama as Mr. Obama in most if not all their stories. I don’t know about you but I sincerely feel that “the media” address Obama as President Obama.  I am only one American but it sure seems as if “the media” was given orders to say Mr. Obama because most lean right of center and if not they need to be told they are being disrespectful to President Obama and of the office of President. The biggest group of our population having a problem with it was minorities but as we reach President Obama’s 3rd year in office others are noticing the somewhat subtle nuance and in some cases, the use of Mr. Obama becomes a tool for bashing him with a club filled with nastiness. I really feel your station and employees should address him as President Obama not Mr. Obama. So, I wrote to NPR and their response is below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for contacting NPR.

 We appreciate your thoughts regarding NPR protocol in referencing the President of the United States.

 For decades, it has been the broadcast practice of NPR to refer to the President by title on first reference and simply by “Mr. (last name)” or as “the President” for subsequent references within the same report. Such practice bestows optimal, non-partisan, respect upon America’s leader.

 We encourage you to view this column by the NPR Ombudsman for additional information about our policy: http://www.npr.org/ombudsman/2009/12/why_do_you_call_him_mr_obama.html

 Thank you for listening, and for your continued support of public broadcasting. For the latest news and information, visit NPR.org.

Sincerely,
Alan
NPR Services
202-513-3232
www.npr.org

Other News …

UN declares famine in Somalia: How to help

Comic-Con 2011: Emma Stone: ‘Spider-Man’ Trailer Is ‘Amazing’ (Video)

Rights Group Fears Syrians Tortured After Mass Arrests

Flotilla activist: Arrest in Israel was humiliating

Birth control should be fully covered under health plans, report says

Tiny fourth moon discovered in Pluto’s orbit

Minn. governor signs budget to end government shutdown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CSPAN …

House Passes Bill to Cap, Cut and Balance Budget; Senate to Take It Up

‘Gang of six’ release $3.7T deal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cameron Addresses House of Commons

P.M. vows to ‘clear up this mess”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senators Get Update on Oil Spill in Yellowstone River

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Democrat Sandy Pasch has pulled ahead of Republican Alberta Darling in Wisconsin State Senate District 8


Democrat Sandy Pasch has pulled ahead of Republican Alberta Darling in Wisconsin State Senate District 8, closing a nine-point gap since entering the race, according to a new poll released Friday.

This is huge news — District 8 is one of the toughest districts for Democrats in the WI recall elections.

But we can’t stop now. Democrats need a win here to take back the State Senate and Pasch is up just 47-46 according to the Mellman Group poll with only three weeks left before the August 9 recall. Can you join thousands of DFA and PCCC volunteers across the country and make calls to Wisconsin voters this Thursday?

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters this Thursday!   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=1

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters this weekend!  http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=2

Sorry, I can’t make calls, but I’ll contribute $5 to fuel the call campaign.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/920?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=3

These calls are important. Republicans have big corporate interests propping them up, ready to spend millions of dollars on sleazy attack ads. But talking directly to voters on the phone cuts through the corporate spin by putting real people in touch with voters.

These calls are also easy to make. Sign up today and a DFA staff member will be in touch with you to see if you have any questions about the calls. There’s also a quick conference call before your shift starts to give you an update on the campaign, so you have plenty of chances to ask any questions you might have.

So, can you join us and help Call Out The Vote?  

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters!   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=4

Sorry, I can’t make calls, but I’ll contribute $5 to fuel the call campaign.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/920?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=5

We’re going to win these recalls with people power like this. Please join us today.

Thanks for all that you do.

– Michael

Michael Langenmayr, Deputy Political Director

Democracy for America