Tag Archives: Military

Support Maria Cantwell for Senate …


With just 27 days until Election Day, I’ve got big news:

We just launched our first TV ad of the general election, highlighting one of the many ways that Maria has made life better for the people of our state: by working with businesses to create jobs here in Washington, including for our veterans.

Too many veterans serve our country and then find it difficult to secure jobs when they return home. Maria knows that we’ve got to change that.

Click here to see our new ad, “Great People,” and see what Maria is doing to boost job creation and get veterans working again in Washington.

Maria was a cosponsor of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a law that’s helping veterans find jobs here in Washington and around the country.

This law:

  • Offers tax incentives to businesses that hire unemployed veterans;
  • Created a retraining program to help veterans transition to new jobs back at home; and
  • Provides new pathways to make the jump back into civilian life a little easier.

While we still have more work to do to create jobs for veterans and non-veterans alike, this is a program that we can all be proud of.

Filmed in Tacoma at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, our new ad shows why Maria is the right choice for Washington — watch it and then share it with everyone you know.

In 27 days, we have a chance to send a champion of Washington back to the Senate. We know that Maria will fight for us day-in and day-out to increase employment opportunities and bring back jobs to Washington.

But we still need to get the word out in these final weeks of the campaign — please watch our new ad, then forward this email to your friends so that they can watch it, too!

Thank you,

Robin Brand Campaign Manager Friends of Maria

a message from Jay Inslee … For Gov. of Washington State


I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s celebration of our nation’s independence — the sun certainly helped!

Our campaign, led by our tremendous team of field organizers, visited close to 30 Fourth of July events across the state yesterday. It was inspiring to see so many Washingtonians decked out in their best red, white, and blue, celebrating our proud national heritage together. It was also an opportunity to thank the members of our Armed Forces and their families for all that they do to protect the independence we celebrate each Fourth of July.

It’s an important reminder, especially during campaign season: no matter what our political beliefs, we’re all Americans.

I’m particularly proud of our organizing team — Team Inslee was out in force across the state! Thank you to all of our supporters who shared their day with us.

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And of course, thanks to you again for standing with our campaign. We couldn’t do it without you.

Very truly yours,

Jay Inslee

Honoring Fallen Servicemem​bers … a message from Senator Patty Murray


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June 2, 2011

Honoring Fallen Servicemembers

Honoring Fallen Servicemembers

In honor of Memorial Day last week, I spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to the men and women who died serving our country in the armed forces. I also took time to discuss the need to take care of our nation’s veterans and urge my colleagues to pass my legislation to help veterans find employment.

Watch the speech |Readthe speech


Improving Care for Veterans through Agency Coordination

Last week, I heard from veterans and top VA and Pentagon officials about challenges that remain in the care for amputees, rising suicide rates, poor coordination between the departments, and delays in disability evaluations. During the hearing, I heard first-hand accounts from veterans about what went well but also about how they were negatively impacted by the lack of collaboration between DoD and VA and what they believe can be done to improve the transition for the thousands upon thousands of servicemembers still to come home.

Watch the hearing

Read more

“Concern grows over ‘epidemic’ veteran suicide rate” – The News Tribune


Benefits Program for Caregivers of Veterans Now Accepting Applications

Earlier this month, I applauded the announcement made by the Department of Veterans Affairs that they have started accepting and processing applications for the critical caregiver benefits program. After only a week and a half, the VA helped over 625 veterans, servicemembers, and caregivers apply to receive the new benefits. This program will provide much-needed and long-awaited financial and health care support to family members caring for severely wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Read more

Eligible veterans, servicemembers, and family caregivers can apply for benefits online at: www.caregiver.va.gov


Lowering our Military’s Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Last week, Senator Maria Cantwell and I introduced legislation to extend the length of contracts between the DoD and biofuel producers. The act, which is companion legislation to a bipartisan bill sponsored in the U.S. House by Rep. Jay Inslee, would allow the military to increase long-term contracts with biofuel producers from 5 years to 15 years for the purchase of advanced biofuel fuels. Not only will this unlock opportunities to make investments in the construction and development of private biofuel refineries in the Northwest, it will also lower our military’s dependence on fossil fuels and increase the security of troops.

Read more

“Industry study says Northwest ideal for production of biofuels”
– The Everett Herald


Providing Greater Access to Affordable Health Care

Last week, I applauded the announcement that Washington State will be one of the first states to receive funding to help implement a Health Insurance Exchange, a key provision of the Affordable Care Act. The award of $22 million will help Washington state implement an Exchange that will provide individuals and small business with a one-stop shop to find and compare health insurance options.

Read more

a message from Michelle Obama


Veterans Day provides us with the chance to mark the debt of honor we owe to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States. We remember those who gave their lives beneath our flag, in service of our freedom.

And with so many still fighting, we owe special thanks to the courageous families of those who serve.

Because when our servicemen and women deploy overseas, their loved ones are left to undertake heroic battles of their own at home. The unique challenges they face in support of men and women in uniform allow us all to enjoy the freedoms of our democracy.

Every time I have a chance to meet with these families, I’m struck by their strength and their quiet dignity — they are truly some of the most selfless, courageous people I’ve met.

And today is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day, and pray for the safe return of those they love.

I’ve felt their calling personally, and I want to encourage Americans across the country to step up and do more for our military families. Take the time to stay informed about the concerns and activities of the families of service members in your community. Let them know you recognize their struggles and appreciate all they do.

You can help by finding out the needs of the military families in your community and volunteering, from working with your local school’s PTA to hiring a military spouse.

Today and every day, I am moved by the personal sacrifices made by service families. And I’m humbled by the patriotism of those they support — our soldiers and airmen, our sailors and Marines.

Today, if you can, please take a moment to offer your gratitude for the families of the veterans and active service members that you know. Or go online to serve.gov to find out how you can serve military families in your area.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Weekend wrap-up &some News …


To be sure MTV Movie Awards  tonight at 9pm in Cali… im thinking pop culture will meet with a lot of political outburst as well… the Sunday buzz … Republicans have a lot more to worry about now …what with jim greer averting funds, more and more Republicans are stating they have ties to the Military… Not  There are reports of a connection between the RNC chairman and jim greer too… oops.

We have another week of elections this Tuesday and hopefully the outcome is that voters get out there and vote for the Democratic Party who wants what is best for Americans not just a select few as it seems Republicans seem to feel.  It’s that old saying “do as i say not as i do,” because Big Banks, Big Oil, Big Insurance and Wall Street …de-regulation are still elements Republican Politicians want for themselves but say …Americans need to be ween themselves from.. strange philosophy coming from a group who just this last week was reported taking money from BP/Halliburton…last month Republicans like Mitch Mcconnell/Boehner Pence and Cantor  were reported  having meetings with Wall Street/Big Banks  asking for advice and money …

For about 39 days the  press/Media were saying President Obama needs to be in Louisiana, on the Gulf Coast talking to this person doing this or that… Now they are saying because he has been down there 2days in one week… he and his political capital is in deep trouble?okay i’ll bite… that is absurd and just one of many comments by the Media that is in my opinion stupid…yes, it’s to make people upset, maybe call in and make comments but the need for Press/Media self control is on the up swing as far as im concerned… it’s election season and talking heads are out to stir whatever trouble among the two Political Parties and among the parties themselves … i get it… but opinion news is tired and old.  If something looks and smells then reporter journalists are great but to latch on to a story that has no legs but meets all the talkingpoints so it gets played and played on national tv …old tired and maybe the reason some cable hosts numbers are way down.  Personally, was proud to see President Obama in Louisiana talking to people and definitely felt his frustration and reject the crap cable is force feeding the viewer…The President might be going to the Gulf Coast again this week and in my opinion it’s a great thing to see because the last guy seemed to have gone out of his way to  avoid places where the needy worked, or lived and needed real help real connection to what was going on and looked for himself.   It might be a hard thing to do but President Obama has and then some… because what folks conveniently forget is the plate full of problems that continuously need fixing and or that keep sprouting up and definitely were left by the last guys in office … do people get that.

Congress will be back in session this coming week and things like Cobra, Medicare payments, unemployment were dropped like a wet rat because it was recess time; the stalling, blocking by Republicans was offensive but will probably continue as they have decided the only way to bring down this President is to stop appointments, vote no on things they wanted and supported before and while Republicans state they want big government, socialized medicine and entitlements out of our lives; fact is most Republicans took the Stimulus money and not only took credit for it they passed it out like candy… i  wonder how many actually used the money to balance their budgets instead of creating jobs and or stopping the layoffs of teachers, police and first responders.  Republicans continue to want the rest of us to do without government until Republicans need it… for themselves and a select few

It’s obvious something strange happened last week and the reports about jobs that came mostly from census workers was wierd …the employment numbers for May were strange and call for some investigation … is the Private Sector holding back hiring …responding to the verbal beating by the Administration and others… if you watch or read enough on cable or newspapers/online it’s obvious that the Private Sector has changed the way they have hired in the past …jobs that were once paid and paid well because they actually are career oriented positions are mostly being offered up as internships to students …other jobs, some don’t necessarily turn into careers are offering commissions and less hours per week; which, is a strange and surprising thing to see because these are jobs that were “regular” Private Sector jobs  still offering insurance coverage but you have to wait 3 to 6 months… since the economy crashed and the verbal beat downs Wall Street and the Private Sector have gotten over the last 18months… the hiring process has changed and  outsourcing has again become the quiet norm

Other News …

**Unified Command in Mobile, AL announced deployment of a program to put unemployed to work  in areas affected by the spill http://ht.ly/1UB29

**Israel rejects an int’l commission to investigate the Gaza ship raid

**Chrysler recalled 25thou cars for pedal problems

**Don Cheadle has been named goodwill UN ambassador

**Dems need to support real Dems … Halter vs Blanche Lincoln

C-SPAN …

Portion of Leaking Oil Collected

Since the cap was placed over the leaking oil well Friday, it is believed that a quarter to half of the leaking oil from nearly a mile below the surface is being captured. In a press conference Saturday, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen estimated that about 252,000 gallons of oil has been collected in its first full day of use. Six weeks after the Deepwater Horizon accident, the government estimates nearly 50 million gallons of oil has leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Oil is washing up on the shores of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

watch Adm. Allen Press Conference (6/5)

watch LIVE Undersea ROV Cameras

visit Deepwater Horizon Response

Agriculture Secretary Discusses Future Farm Concerns

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Newsmakers from Des Moines, IA to discuss the Obama Administration’s Rural Tour and how the public response will affect the 2012 Farm Bill. Feedback gained from the tour helped confirm “that we are headed in the right direction,” Sec. Vilsack said. He stressed the importance of educating America on the need for thriving rural economies and shared preliminary proposals on trade agreements and food safety.

In Depth with Martha Nussbaum

The author of 16 books, Martha Nussbaum joins Book TV’s In Depth to discuss her various works, including “Women and Human Development”, “Frontier of Justice”, and “Liberty of Conscience: In Defense of America’s Tradition of Religious Equality.” Martha Nussbaum is the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago Law School.

Saturday morning and the great news … the weather is going to finally feel like May and not like the end of Winter.  It will be nice to  see the sunshine; hopefully the temperature will get up to 70 because it would help put a smile on anyone here in the 206; which has been very rainy…typical, but this year spring and summer has been way too cool… cold at times.

The wait for BP’s latest contraption to work is an ongoing feeling of helplessness for most of the country … a lot of misinformation and manipulation to pull the truth to one side or the other is happening on a daily basis and while it’s nice to get any information it should be accurate. The cap is on but the oil will continue to flow and some sort of ship is taking in the oil …maybe there should be more skimmers out there …enough oil plumes to siphon. Reports are that there are about 2000 boats ships on the Gulf working to siphon the oil currently and an update came in … 1% added today to Gulf fishing closure due to Horizon/BP oil spill effective 6pmET…if you have questions call 800-627-NOAA

The news about Republicans using words like backroom deals and or Obama definitely is not removed from Chicago Political behavior and or political manipulation is absurd.  I am not so naïve to think that the political deals being done are new or that both sides of the aisle don’t dabble in playing Chest. It’s obvious that deals are done everyday, so don’t let folks in the Media make you believe otherwise.   Though what is not so clear is who really is working in the best interest of our President ;maybe somebody needs to get moved aside… even more; maybe somebody or some people need to get fired.  I would hope folks remember the deals made by the Bush/Cheney group had a impact played a major difference to all our lives as Americans… like the War in Iraq…why did we go there instead of Afghanistan …why did the top 2% get tax breaks and count how many times they got them, who went out of the way to de-regulate Big Oil, Big Banks, Wall Street and look where it got us… The impact made by really bad decisions has been horrendous and any reporter who gets paid to start the oooooooooooh oh no he didn’t is getting on my nerves.  The offer of a paid job or not to a person in your own party …should be dealt with among the Political Party we all know Republicans do it …they probably make deals among themselves daily and are definitely able to keep it all quiet; however when it comes to We the People and the Peoples work?  we see Republicans who say they don’t want big government, don’t want entitlements for the People they represent that most people should do for themselves and let the market do what is has to and it will correct itself .

… What happened to doing the Peoples business, helping Americans? we see the dirty deals by Republicans every time there is a vote in Congress to help Americans move into the 21st Century except Republicans choose to be the Political Party of No because their agenda is … to bring down this President and sacrifice any and all things that would get America back on track… that is a huge smack in the face … to all Americans not just those who choose to be apart of the Democratic Party … it’s all us …we all lose when Republicans vote No on all things American …what do they represent when they are holding meetings with big Banks Wall Street characters and lobbyists determined to keep their control on all of Congress not just a part of it… what do Republicans represent when they vote No for helping Americans …the No votes affect Republicans out of work, doctors who aren’t getting helped, people who are discriminated by the insurance industry the list is way too long … and does anyone out there get it… if they continue to say No our system will continue on the same path the last guy left us on… that’s my take on what they want …when did he know the crash was coming, where was he and why didn’t he and his group stop it or stall it or do what people vote a person in for? people say oh when will we all stop blaming the last guy and make President Obama responsible? when Republicans realize that the governing body was voted in by 53% and let the governing begin… but it hasn’t  …the corrections Democrats feel are needed to fix our entire Financial system are being blocked and stalled by Republicans; unless and until they accept our President and who is in office… The Democratic Party, everything done before this administration still belongs to the house of Bush and his Republicans.

It’s sad that Republicans want government out of all our lives unless they need it personally and scream and yell about it and when government is supposed to help when no one or entity can…  they vote No on the floor of Congress but hold ribbon cuttings give out big stimulus checks and take credit for any and all monies given to their community, actually its not just sad it’s offensive.