Tag Archives: harry reid

As you may know, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has decided not to bring the PROTECT IP Act (the Senate’s version of SOPA) up for a vote next week. And since I’ve heard from many of you about this issue, I wanted to take a moment to share why I support copyright protection legislation – as well as why I believe holding off on this bill is the right thing to do.

As someone who has worked hard to protect net neutrality, I understand as well as anyone the importance of keeping the Internet free from undue corporate influence. There are millions of Americans who rely on a free and open Internet to learn, communicate with friends and family, and do business.

At the same time, there are millions of Americans whose livelihoods rely on strong protections for intellectual property: middle-class workers – most of them union workers – in all 50 states, thousands of them here in Minnesota, working in a variety of industries from film production to publishing to software development.

If we don’t protect our intellectual property, international criminals – as well as legitimate businesses like payment processors and ad networks – will continue to profit dishonestly from the work these Americans are doing every day. And that puts these millions of jobs at serious risk.

That’s reason enough to act. But these criminals are also putting Minnesota families in danger by flooding our nation with counterfeit products – not just bootleg movies and software, but phony medications and knockoff equipment for first responders.

We cannot simply shrug off the threat of online piracy. We cannot do nothing.

I have supported the approach Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy has taken in crafting legislation to respond to the threat of online piracy – and I appreciate his leadership on this important issue.

But I’ve also been listening carefully to the debate – and to the many Minnesotans who have told me via email, Facebook, Twitter, and good old fashioned phone calls that they are worried about what this bill would mean for the future of the Internet.

Frankly, there is a lot of misinformation floating around out there: If this bill really did some of the things people have heard it would do (like shutting down YouTube), I would never have supported it.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take seriously the concerns people have shared. And if holding off on this legislation gives us an opportunity to take a step back and try to bring everybody back to the table, I think it’s the right thing to do. This is a difficult issue, and also an important one. It’s worth getting this right.

I strongly believe that we need to protect intellectual property – and protect the free and open Internet. I think most people, even those who have expressed concern about this particular bill, agree. And it’s my hope that we can now build a stronger consensus around how to accomplish these two important goals.

Thanks for reading. And for those of you who have written to me about this issue (even if it was an angry letter), thanks for being honest with me. I’ll always return the favor.

~ my 2cents ...

tempest Tuesday &some News

12/27/2011 Nativegrl77

below is my response to a comment on the message from Harry Reid article on 12/23 …

HIM: markmcinturfsaid:

In January of 2009, Joe Biden said the middle class was left out of the last economic boom in America and now suffer because of it and President Obama supposedly initiated a task force to improve the quality of life for the American Middle Class. ** Many such comments have been made by several administrations over the last several decades.

I think the best advice is not to impose federal programs/regulations that work toward transforming the middle class into the rest of a society that denies itself nothing regardless of the ability to pay for it. To truly help the middle class, start by reducing and limiting federal subsidies for the less fortunate and completely eliminate them for the lazy. At the same time scrap tax & investment programs only the upper crust can take advantage of. Reward fiscal responsibility by leveling the playing field (make the words “equal opportunity” mean something again). Promote individual responsibility to mortgage only what can be repaid, applaud the ability to recognize the difference and put on a pedestal the integrity to put both in play.

Government cannot create jobs or wealth. You have seen first hand how command economies have run the rest of the planet into the ground while America became the envy of the world. What’s happened to us is corruption. Corruption with the size and scope to turn Freedom and Liberty asunder.

Harry, I am the Middle Class…. but it’s not a measure of my wealth – rather it’s a mind-set and it’s what’s in my heart. I rarely think about being rich because deep down inside I do believe it’s not possible to get that way without at some point wrongfully taking advantage of others and/or breaking the rules BUT I DON’T WANT TO BE POOR EITHER FOR EXACTLY THE SAME REASON. I don’t want to lead… I don’t want to follow…. I don’t want anything to do with politics. All I want is to be left alone to peaceably be responsible for myself and no-one else unless I see fit and I despise the desires of government to treat me otherwise. I am not your enemy nor am I an enemy of anyone… however you Sir, have proven a thousand times over to be mine.

ME:

I read and re-read your comment and while I believe what VP Joe Biden said is true; it is obvious that you do not and if I may take it even farther you sound like a Ron Paul supporter who I feel… let me say that again … whom I feel is an isolationist deep down and some other things that really have no place here. The government is there when the People cannot do for themselves and if you have watched listened and heard what happened while G.Bush was President you might side with me though he did prove that he had absolutely no control of the government. The idea that he and” his people” decided to wait until the very last minute as Americans prepared to vote in 2008 Presidential election to let us know quite vaguely that our economy was at risk. I know I was not alone -wondering and sensing something was wrong and while Hank Paulson held several pressers telling everyone that we need $$ because our Countries economic stability was about to collapse or was and that taxpayers had to help the banks etc. because they were too big to fail and we cannot tell you how the money will be used or how much -which really meant that the Private Sector had done something and it wasn’t good. The damage done need government intervention … maybe not the way Hank Paulson& George Bush handled it but the tangled weave woven of our monetary system is not only a national problem but an international one which is still at risk … you may not have felt it …I did …my state government started laying off people and while it was not given a lot of PR … I have to say way too many co-workers working for the state lost half if not more of their 401S ….and the climb up was slow . The House of Bush lost its credibility by waging 2Wars and giving his rich friends 2 tax cuts and a lack of regulation by an unqualified 8yr tenure of spending …This could not have been recalibrated by the market or private sector … because they were the problem right they didn’t figure it in … bankers etc. org like country wide did some awful things and that dragged not just the middle class it managed to create “the new working poor” unable to pay their housing mortgages …and though folks in the know say people should not have gotten into loans they could not afford there is a lot more to that story than meets the eye… BofA knows and so does country wide … Sir, there are at least 300 million people in the US of A and the Government thank goodness is there to take up where others cannot …I like and want FEMA,FDA regulations regulating food,FAA, the dirty air and water because i know i cannot regulate these things. I am happy our Government takes care of those things and let us not leave out Teachers, Firefighters, EMTS or the Police … all usually government jobs …I still cannot believe any state would and should privatize such important jobs …and to know that in this yr. of 2011,people who don’t or cannot pay for the protection of their homes or belongings gets absolutely no service while their house burns down is far beyond my understanding of any libertarian ideology and as far as corruption? I still feel like America got raped by our fellow Americans by the financial system and those JOB Creators the banksters abused their power and while VP Biden is your enemy he and President Obama has been our savior in my eyes. The governing body has had to put aside the status quo for trying something new, pushing, promoting a balanced call to action … Unfortunately, the status quo is far more acceptable than doing the right thing … We can all see that by tuning into the rhetoric from Republicans and the Tea party who just tried to take our economy and our Democracy down again. I am certain that we are our brothers keepers and with the right balance…. Capitalism will live on only in a lower case c; If we have learned anything it is that absolute power can create absolute corruption …like banksters and anyone affiliated should be warned and our future better when the proper amount of regulations are implemented … so that AIG, BP, the Massey mine and disaster like it are regulated …and the keystone pipeline as well. I believe we need a Congress that is concerned about our fiscal issues but who don’t forget the past and the damage done … Republicans seem bent on the status quo and VP Biden and President Obama want ALL Americans to do well- I support that. It is all about balance … just think if in President Obama’s first few months or 2yrs in Congress had acted for the good of ALL Americans instead of Rs deciding to take the President down, or those bluedogs and yes some clintonites held grudges …imagine if all these members of Congress had done what we taxpayers actually pay them to do
– put People of Profit Country over Political Party. No task forces no filibusters no personal BS – I wager more regulation but balanced and a respect for the People’s vote in 2008- I do not live in an isolationist country though we all have the right to privacy. I would say that income inequality, racism, the war waged on worker and women’s rights are the enemy of mine

HIM:

Submitted on 2011/12/24 at 3:01 PM

No, quite the contrary…. the middle class has indeed been kicked in the teeth for nearly 5 decades. Year after year, decade after decade the middle class has lost ground to the wealthy and yet forced to pay more for the poor because government tries to feed, clothe and house them yet at the same time turns it’s back on corrupt manipulation of the economy. Both sides of the political aisle in the US have been equally vile and corrupt for a long long time. Until we address this and rid ourselves of it, we will never be able to right ourselves. Arguing Democrat vs Republican nonsense is just the rhetoric used to feed the fire… to keep your focus off all the criminal intent between Washington and business. There’s nothing wrong with honest Democrat/Republican doctrine/values. What’s going on today has little to do with with either and it’s time we grow up… face it…. and do something about it.

There are plenty of laws to provide for a decent and civil society as long as we are willing to enforce them. The problem today with asking our government to capture and punish the bad guys is that many in government ARE the bad guys. USA Today reports that 57 members of Congress are included in the top 1% of the wealthiest Americans. In fact the report says that in all, Congress holds 249 millionaires. Interesting that both Republicans and Democrats pretty evenly make up the list and gee what a surprise to find out that most of them amassed their wealth after taking office. We know these guys are all just astute investors/businessmen because they’ve told us so. There’s no taking advantage of non-public market information going on in Washington. This is America – remember…. the land of equal opportunity for all who are willing to work.

ME:

Submitted on 2011/12/24 at 4:28 PM | In reply to markmcinturf.

Well, having read this response means you really did not read mine. I was agreeing that the Middle Class has suffered for quite some time. If I remember, you are against task forces to remedy the issue. I believe we agree on some of the issues but clearly disagree at how those issues can and should be dealt with. I lean left. I believe that I am my brother’s keeper and as a person of colour it is in my own best interest to make sure that not only are minorities treated like others … with respect, equality and access to all the same opportunities to move upward because it makes America an even better place and as far as dem or repub rhetoric ? there is quite a stark difference … getting money out of Washington if that is your main interest means starting on the local level. The status quo pays but it starts in your State where the best or most promising get courted. I have no problem with the idea …”getting money out of Washington” what I do take issue with is how folks act like it just started and blame President Obama for the ills of at least 20yrs of destruction having come to bare on his watch. I am upset Bush was allowed to skate without so much as a question … when did the bs really start why didn’t you pay for the 2Wars waged 2Bush Bonus dollars . I read your comment …did you feel this much about it for the nearly 5 decades you state we have been kicked in the teeth for? I watch various pundits on cable yelling screaming and then blame the Obama Admin …where were they during the House of Bush… and unlike some I have no problem with that 1-2% of self-made million/billionaires who have been trying to give back I do take issues with the Cantor, Boehner and McConnell’s clearly having a positive upward agenda for the 1-2% but not for the Mid-lower classes …like I said I have no problem with capitalism with a small c. I agree Congress is sometimes vile, greedy and speaks for the 1% … but that is usually when Republicans are out of control like Bush. I support President Obama but am not very happy with conservadems , conservative members of Congress , Tea Party members or Republican Governors throwing us under the bus – Ask a Republican … what kind of an America are they trying to move us into when they live love and push income inequality … class warfare – and just so you know … folks are willing to work yet those JOB Creators keep offshoring jobs making life unequal as the opportunities

HIM: I have no further comment other than to wish you a Merry Christmas.

ME: Thank You … and A Happy New Year to you …

Other News ..

World AIDS Day Commemorated by President Oama

Homeless Children Testify at House Hearing

Report: Challenging Times for Young America

President Obama Celebrates Kennedy Center Honorees

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Budget Committee Chair, on Payroll Tax Deal

Google CEO Discusses Internet and Censorship

On AHTV: History of Native American Military Service

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Unicorns …Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America

12/15/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Oh those crazy Republicans.

They love to talk about tax cut this and tax cut that. They love to pretend that only they pass them. And they love to frame any attempt to increase revenue as a job killer.

But last week, when Democrats tried to extend the payroll tax cuts Obama passed last year — you know, the tax cuts that actually benefited poor and middle class workers — Republicans blocked it. They said paying for the cuts by raising taxes on millionaires stops job creation. Senator Harry Reid had a great response:

“Millionaire job creators are like unicorns. They are impossible to find and don’t exist.”

Frankly, Republicans are hypocrites that only care about lining the pockets of their big-money friends and it’s time we called them out for it.

We’re demanding answers. Click here to ask Republicans in Congress — Why do you hate tax cuts for working families?

Republicans are playing games with your money.

The payroll tax cuts are set to expire this month, but rather then pass tax cuts that mean real money in the pockets of working people, Republicans would rather grandstand and let them expire.

Just yesterday, the Republican House passed an extension they know Obama would veto if it made it to his desk. They loaded the bill up with a wish list of Republican goodies that have nothing to do with tax cuts: the Keystone oil pipeline, roll backs to healthcare, you name it — they probably included it.

Republicans have been getting a free pass on this for too long. It’s time that we stand up and called them out for propping up the super rich while pushing working families down.

Join us now and demand answers.
Thank you for everything you do.
-Charles
Charles Chamberlain, Political Director Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Goodbye, Abby Wombach …Shelby Knox, Change.org

12/02/2011 Nativegrl77

Change.org

Tell the US Soccer Federation: Don’t shut down Women’s Professional Soccer

The Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league — home to World Cup stars like Hope Solo and Abby Wombach — could be completely disbanded. Change.org members and fans around the country have just 4 days to save it.

The US Soccer Federation, the governing body for the sport in America, is planning to withdraw it’s top accreditation from the league for having fewer than 6 teams (two recently shut down because of financial hardship during the recession, though expansion is expected next year).

If US Soccer strips the WPS of its “Division 1” status, the league loses key support and credibility, almost undoubtedly leading to full collapse.

Alex Sahlen, a defender for the Western New York Flash, is feverishly trying to save her sport, and her petition on Change.org has already attracted 10,000 signatures. But with US Soccer making a final decision on December 5th, there are just days remaining to amp up the pressure.

Please sign Alex’s petition to save women’s pro soccer in America.

US Soccer’s stated mission is to “make soccer a preeminent sport in the United States,” so they are very sensitive to public opinion. If 20,000 of us stand with Alex, we can make sure the governing body knows that a key part of that goal is making sure that women’s soccer thrives.

Abby, Hope, Alex, and the players, coaches, and owners of the WPS know that building a women’s sports league during a recession is an uphill climb. But the fan base is slowly building, and new TV contracts may be on the way. The league could still fail, but it’s up to you to help give them a fighting chance.

Click here to sign Alex’s petition to save the Women’s Professional Soccer league:

http://www.change.org/petitions/support-womens-professional-soccer-wps-remaining-a-sanctioned-league

Thanks,

– Shelby Knox and the Change.org team

P.S. Thousands of people are changing the world through petitions on Change.org every week. Here are some that need your support now:

D.C. college student Katie Breslin is petitioning to get Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits and trained staff in every D.C. hospital so no sexual assault survivor is turned away without treatment.
Grey2K is petitioning Skechers not to air a new commercial filmed at the the Tuscon Greyhound Park, which has a long record of dog abuse.
Two men in Cameroon were just sentenced to five years in prison for the “crime” of being gay. Now petition starter Stephane Koche is asking Cameroon’s president to drop the charges and let the men go free.
At one school in Massachusetts, students have to carry neon cards in the lunchroom to receive their free or reduced price lunch. Jennifer Kalvinek’s daughter is being bullied for carrying her card, so she started a campaign to get the school to implement a better system.
Leslianne Bouchard is a disabled teacher in California who qualifies for a program to help save her home from foreclosure — but First Mortgage Corporation refuses to let that happen. Leslianne’s daughter is fighting the bank to let her mom keep her home.

Click here to start your own petition.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Campaign 2012

12/02/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Who will win the GOP nomination?

It doesn’t matter.

There has NEVER been a more extreme field of candidates.

Renew your 2012 membership now to help us reach our $250,000 goal and stop extremism from defeating the American Way.

As a member of People For the American Way, you know as well as I do all that’s at stake with the upcoming elections, and that 2012 will be an absolutely critical year for our country.

Our nation has already begun what I believe will be one of the most pivotal presidential elections in American history.

That is why I’m asking you, Carmen, to help People For the American Way be prepared now and have the biggest impact possible in this critical presidential election year.

So please renew your 2012 membership early with a contribution of $49.00, $65.00, $115.00 or more today to help us reach our $250,000 year-end goal.

Our nation is facing a potential sweeping right-wing takeover. This is no exaggeration. With dishonest extremists like Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, and Herman Cain vying for the GOP nomination, and the possibility of a Radical Right-controlled Congress, Supreme Court, and White House, you and I should be very concerned.

So much of what you and I care for is at stake, but you can help us prevent a right-wing victory next year by renewing your membership for 2012 now.

The threats to the issues you and I hold dear are not idle speculation. If you’ve watched any of the GOP presidential debates, you know that these extremists are quite open about their plans for radically changing America.

They want to roll back civil rights, women’s reproductive rights, and recent hard-won progress toward equal rights for gays and lesbians… they block every effort to help the economy and the middle class to protect tax breaks for corporations and the richest 1%… and they seek to undo both separation of church and state AND the separation of corporation and state.

Say “no” to their plans by immediately renewing your membership for 2012 early with a generous donation to our year-end campaign. YOU can help us reach our $250,000 goal and support PFAW’s efforts to beat the right wing in the 2012 elections.

Your membership contribution will finance our opposition campaign in the coming elections as well as our ongoing efforts to battle right-wing legislation on Capitol Hill, and our many other campaigns to fight the increasingly extremist Far Right movement.

Thank you in advance for your continued support, I’m confident you’ll help us close out 2011 strong and be ready for the battles that 2012 brings.

Sincerely,
Michael Keegan

P.S. The Tea Partiers and right-wing extremists have committed themselves to an unyieldingly rigid conservative orthodoxy … tax cuts for the wealthy without compromise, deregulation without common sense, and social conservatism without an ounce of compassion or respect. We cannot let them win. Renew today.