Tag Archives: Mental health

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Auctioning off assault rifles

04/18/2013 Nativegrl77

by Jaxon Ravens, WA State Democrats

Want to know the Washington State Republican Party‘s position on gun violence?
Look at how they raise money. CLICK HERE and send the message:

Washington voters support common-sense steps to reduce gun violence

Auctioning off an assault rifle to raise money?

I guess we know how the Washington State Republican Party feels about gun violence.

This weekend at their annual Gala Auction and Dinner, the Washington State Republicans actually auctioned off an AR-15 style assault rifle. This is the same type of killing machine used in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO. 1 2

Republicans wonder why they have trouble connecting with suburban, independent, and moderate voters. They wonder why they haven’t sat in the governor’s office since 1985.

It’s because of actions like this. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to all Washington families who fear gun violence.

Click here send the message to the Washington State Republican Party: Washington voters support common-sense steps to reduce gun violence.

It is more important than ever that we hear your voice on gun violence. The United State Senate will vote today on legislation calling for expanded background checks. Even though 90 percent of Americans support expanded background checks, the bill faces an uphill battle. 3 4

Gun control has also faced obstacles on the state level. Expanded background checks failed to pass out of the Washington State House in Olympia this session. 5

But gun control advocates aren’t giving up. They are gearing up for an initiative on background checks that may appear on the ballot in 2014. We need to start building momentum now. 6

The Washington State Democratic Party stands by common-sense steps to reduce gun violence, like expanded background checks. Click here and join us today.

Thank you,

Jaxon Ravens Executive Director Washington State Democrats

1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk1H-mgWhIc&feature=youtu.be

2 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/business/the-ar-15-the-most-wanted-gun-in-america.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

3 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/13/background-checks-poll_n_3070954.html

4 http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/16/17780515-senate-background-check-compromise-in-peril-as-gop-opposition-grows?lite

5 http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/mar/12/gun-bill-proponents-secure-key-washington-vote/

6 http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020782329_guninitiativexml.htmlgun

Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fly Into the Future!

04/18/2013 Nativegrl77

by Lonnie G. Bunch

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Here’s your chance to look into the future! Click on this link to find a very special video I hope you will view.

The video connects you to an exciting two-and-a-half minute computer animation — known as a “fly-through” — that takes you through a conceptual rendering of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The video dramatically depicts what your support is helping to create. It is a vision that you can truly be proud of!

Beginning with a montage of African American history makers, the video flies over our beautiful National Mall in Washington, D.C. You’ll see the Museum itself taking virtual shape at 14^th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, right across from the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. Then you’ll go inside for a “guided tour” of galleries, exhibitions and more, ending with a view of the building glowing with lights at night.

What makes this video so exciting is the knowledge that, thanks to you and your fellow Charter Members and Supporters, the museum building is rapidly becoming a reality. Construction is underway and our doors will open in late 2015!

You are playing a tremendous role in building the National Museum of African American History and Culture already. I offer the heartfelt gratitude to you from all of us here at the Museum.

	All the best,

	Lonnie G. Bunch Director

P.S. I hope you’ll forward this message to friends and family who need to know that, finally, African American history and culture will be getting a much deserved and long overdue place of honor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Again, thank you!

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Addressing the Debt and Deficit will take Shared Sacrifices

07/15/2011 Nativegrl77

July 15, 2011

Addressing the Debt and Deficit will take Shared Sacrifices

As we work to put together a deal to raise the debt limit, reduce the deficit and debt, and stave off an economic crisis – I believe that the sacrifices required need to be shared. It wouldn’t be right to ask middle class families, students, and our seniors to bear this heavy burden alone, while the very wealthiest corporations and individuals get off scot-free. That’s why on Wednesday I delivered a speech on the Senate floor to push for a balanced approach that recognizes that we must make smart cuts while also protecting seniors and addressing our national jobs deficit.

I believe it’s time for all sides to embrace compromise and assure Americans that their benefits and financial safety won’t be jeopardized by petty partisanship or political games. Families, seniors, and businesses in Washington state and across America are counting on us to get this right, and I am proud to stand up for their priorities.

Bridging the Gaps in VA Mental Health Care

On Thursday, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to address shortcomings in VA mental health care that have contributed to unacceptable waiting times for care, rising suicide levels, and a series of negative reports from VA watchdogs. At the hearing I heard from Daniel Williams, an Iraq veteran who described how an IED explosion during his 2003/2004 deployment to Iraq led to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) injuries. Williams told the committee how those experiences then led to a suicide attempt in 2004 that was broken up by his wife and local police. He also discussed how his PTSD was received by fellow soldiers, his concerns over the stigma attached to the mental wounds of war, and his frustrations with the mental health care administered by the VA.

I also heard testimony from Andrea Sawyer, wife and caregiver of Loyd Sawyer, who, after being deployed in Iraq, shared similar stories of frustration, including a failed suicide attempt. These two servicemembers, even after attempting to take their own lives, were met with red tape, wait times for initial appointments at the VA, and additional frustrations in seeking the mental health care they so desperately needed. These undue burdens are unacceptable and I will continue asking the tough questions until our service men and women have access to the quality of mental health care they deserve.

Helping Veterans Get off the Streets and Into Safe and Secure Housing

This week, I announced that public housing authorities in Washington state would receive a total of 175 housing vouchers to help local homeless veterans and their families get off the streets and into permanent housing. The vouchers, which can be used by eligible veterans for rental assistance in their local community, are a key reason why we are making real progress toward goals to finally end veterans homelessness. For some veterans, this support is long overdue, and I’m glad that homeless veterans across Washington state will have an opportunity to secure stable housing.

Commemorating Hanford’s Role in WWII and the Cold War

Earlier this week, I applauded the recommendation by the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and the National Park Service that Congress establish a national historic park to commemorate the Manhattan Project at three sites where much of the critical scientific activity associated with the project occurred, including Hanford, Washington. Hanford’s B Reactor played a critical role in the history of our nation, and establishing a national historical park will attract visitors from across the country and give them an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the contribution made by Hanford and the Tri-Cities during World War II and the Cold War.

“B Reactor recommended for national historical park” – Tri-City Herald

Ending Unfair Mexican Tariffs Once and For All

Last week, I applauded the agreement Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed with the Mexican government that will result in them dropping their tariffs on U.S. agricultural products by 50% in the next few days. Mexico has committed to eliminating the tariffs completely once the agreement becomes operational. This is great news for farmers and growers in Washington who have been suffering under these unfair and deeply damaging tariffs for far too long. Now that the agreement is signed, there is no reason why Washington farmers and growers should have to wait any longer. They have nothing to do with this dispute, and it is deeply unfair that they continue to be punished for it.

“Deal resolves dispute that needlessly hurt growers” – Yakima Herald