Tag Archives: MJ

Senate Democrats V Senate Republicans …reality v mis-information


Prior to a vote on the small business jobs bill, Senator Olympia Snowe, who eventually voted no, described her frustration with the countless delays this legislation has encountered, by her Republican colleagues nonetheless.

Tonight on the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell claimed that the small business jobs bill was “all snarled up.” This is the same Senator who complained about taking a vote on the DISCLOSE Act just a day before because it was taking away time from small business legislation. Well, you can’t have it both ways Senator McConnell. Republicans need to stop holding up this job-creating legislation and join Democrats in standing up for small businesses. ..

Following a failed cloture vote on the DISCLOSE Act, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Chuck Schumer, and his colleagues Senators Ron Wyden and Al Franken held a press conference to explain that they won’t give up this fight. “We will keep fighting and fighting until this passes, until we get that one courageous Republican,” said Schumer.

Washington State …Tell WA Senators to Support Kagan


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Tell Your Senator(s) to Confirm Elena Kagan

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Tell your Senator(s) to declare their support of Elena Kagan’s nomination to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

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We haven’t heard from your Senator yet.

The Senate will soon be voting on Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Many Senators have come out in support of her nomination, but your Senator(s) has not announced his or her position.

It is time for the Senate to take swift action on this outstanding nominee. The Senate may leave Washington for the August recess as soon as the end of next week. Urge your Senator(s) to declare their support and to act quickly to confirm the nomination of Elena Kagan before the Senate adjourns.

Elena Kagan’s sterling credentials, outstanding accomplishments, exceptional legal abilities, and testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee inspire great confidence that her approach to legal questions will be open-minded and scrupulously fair. Moreover, her record demonstrates that she will respect the intent of the law and understands the impact of the law, including the constitutional and legal rights upon which women rely, upon all Americans.

With Elena Kagan’s confirmation, three women will serve together on the Supreme Court for the first time in 221 years. In addition, she will be just the fourth woman to ever serve on the highest court in the land.

Many Senators have announced their support of Elena Kagan’s nomination, but there are still some Senators who have not indicated where they stand on her nomination.

Tell your Senator(s) to support the confirmation of Elena Kagan today.

As always, thank you for all you do to advance the rights of women and girls.

Marcia GreenbergerSincerely,

Marcia Greenberger
Co-President
National Women’s Law Center

willful Wednesday &some News


Today, The President meets with a group of small business owners to discuss the economy and urge Congress to pass support for small businesses then delivers a statement to the press at 2pmET and ends his evening at a DNC finance event.

We are now one day away from finding out  if SB1070 will become law, a huge amount of use who can say we know people who have been subjected to “reasonable suspicion” but never told by a police officer that we have the right this now SB1070 is a law; giving the police the authority to act like ICE and right to racially profile legally. This is an unbelievable thing happening in the 21st Century and throws us all back a few years when you think about what civil rights…wrongfully detained…paper please should not be happening in a state that originally started out being owned by people of colour …It is just offensive to think this solves the real issue and that is a system started by employers decades ago willing to pay little or nothing to people looking for work across the border…this continued for decades and needs a solution but it should be comprehensive not a seemingly opened ended law like SB1070.

Yesterday …on the floor of the Senate, Republicans voted No for cloture 57-41 on Campaign finance reform, which means the bill will not even get debated  but Republicans voted Yes to giving up more money to fund a War our President inherited but will draw down in 2011. The other thing Republicans managed to do was to strip the bill of things that would have helped so many people… late Thursday, the Senate stripped $1.2 billion for the claims from an emergency spending bill, along with $3.4 billion in long-overdue(14 years) funding for a settlement with American Indians who say they were swindled out of royalties by the federal government and the Senate refused to pay the $1.2billion settlement ( 20 years)  to Black Farmers;originally settled in 1999.

The vote to fund the War in Afghanistan clearly was a disappointment to progressives. The problem i have and wonder is anyone else confused about whose side progressives are truly on lately because in 100 days, the November elections will be upon us and sometimes the noise from our own party has me thinking everyone is either nutty or more willing to engage in that circular squad folks talk about and that is wrong for democrats to be involved in. The notion that most of the ones who have a platform state they are challenging the President, holding this President accountable. I do not see it quite like that because challenging someone does not include threats of throwing a person or in this case the President under the bus. Is this an attempt to scare the President into being a puppet that only does what his base wants him to do not what might be good for Americans. It really seems some are smiling at him while predicting his fate for 2012 if he forgets his base. Senator Bernie Sanders stated, the progressives who worked the hardest to get him elected; and yes that comment is upsetting to me as a democrat who worked hard like other democrats and those of us of colour who may not consider themselves progressives worked hard support this President in high numbers.

Considering the state of our nation and most if not all the 53% voted for more transparency in government -it will not happen because Republicans are the Party of No

At the end of the day, you have to stay true to what you believe in. Those that support this President should not run away from a fight just because there might be some trouble. We are in a moment when we need to push our Congress to pass legislation the President offered up in his campaign. I have to say Senate democrats need to stop complaining about his leadership, and get theirs in control. It is beyond me to think any sane person would vote against Democrats. We all must think of the what the future will look like if Republicans grab control with all the vitriol coming from the right;  people of colour, women who like having the right to choose, family members who are gay and or are in the military with lack of resources mental or financial could be left behind big time. The list above is just part of a whole that Republicans are willing to throw under the bus…yes i say that a lot…it is true. We may not all agree on funding any War let alone the one that our President feels is the right war but by contrast Republicans choose to fund a war but not fund its own people and that has to make some people worry. I actually understand the reason we are in Afghanistan but like everyone else, it is time to get out. It is possible that the 37mil will give this President a chance, and then as promised, the drawn down begins in 2011 and should be kept in place unless the environment changes and the drawn down be done sooner. It is not lost on me that Russia was unable to get anything done …it is an area that is ancient and terrain impossible. The fact that we had to have a general step down based on some questionable ethics could mean a change of plans even though the commander in chief many not tell us things were learned from the breach of ethics.

Speaking of Ethics… Well, the root word…ethic can be transformed into many usages. by definition ethic: a set of principles of right conduct, a theory  or a system of moral values ,then we move into ethics, is a general study of the general nature of morals and of specific moral choices, rules or standards governing the conduct of a person  or the members of a profession -ethical: being in accordance with the accepted principles that govern the conduct of a profession.

It is with the definitions and descriptions listed above my problem with the word ethics used by cable heads on what seems like a daily basis. If Charles Rangel has unacceptable behavior which has not only become media fodder but is going through an investigation why haven’t the member of Congress dealt with the crap that Enzi, Stanford, who left his post to go to Argentina by lying with no one in charge did not get into trouble…why?

Other News …

**Macy’s continues to be a problem for it’s workers due to possible unfair hiring practices. the union is asking people to call the Tacoma location and ask them to stop

**The BP oil disaster moves into 100 days

**France declares war against Al-qaida

**The Blago jury went into deliberation and will have to go through 7weeks of testimony

**NH GOP senate front runner has been unmasked …Kelly Ayotte is being backed by Sarah Palin. apparently, not the best thing because even a conservatives newspaper wrote a negative article and the Sept 14th Primary may have a surprise winner


C-SPAN …

watch White House Briefing

watch Pres. Obama Remarks

watch Hearing on Consumer Online Privacy

watch Hearing on Moratorium and Small Business

watch Hearing on Oil Spill Impact on Tourism

Report: Minority Communities Most Affected by Recession

Speakers at today’s National Urban League convention in Washington discuss the group’s annual report on economic and racial disparities, which finds that the recession has negatively impacted minority communities more than the rest of the nation.The “State of Black America” convention marks the civil rights organization’s centennial. Participants in this year’s conference include Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty (D), and NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Jealous.

Former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) is also expected to address the group, one day before a House committee is scheduled to hear ethics charges against him.

U.S. Envoy Expected to Discuss Leaked Afghan War Documents

A House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing was scheduled to hear today from the U.S. envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, about American civilian aid to the region. The topic may now be overshadowed by questions regarding more than 91,000 leaked documents related to the war there. Some of the documents, made public Sunday by the website WikiLeaks.org, disclose possible support for al Qaeda and Afghan insurgents by Pakistani intelligence services. Ambassador Holbrooke has previously criticized the relationship between Pakistani officials and the militants. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Rajiv Shah will also appear at the hearing to discuss aid programs managed by his agency. A recent audit by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction found significant challenges to the sustainability of U.S. aid programs in the war-torn country.

Commission to Assess Deficit Causes and Solutions

The presidential commission charged with finding bipartisan solutions to lowering the nation’s trillion-dollar budget deficit is meeting for the fourth time since April.The 18-member commission is hearing from Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and Barry Anderson, who recently served as head of the Budgeting and Public Expenditures Division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). They will discuss the fiscal outlook for the United States and global economy.

The commission is co-chaired by former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) and former Clinton White House Chief of Staff and Senate candidate Erskine Bowles (D-NC). Its non-binding recommendations are due in December.

Rebuilding Haiti, rebuilding hope


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Together, we can make a positive impact in the lives of poor people around the world -- Make a gift today.

When the massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti last January, Jacques Wilkens’ 2-year-old son became a prisoner of his own home.

Using a sledgehammer and his bare hands, Jacques was able to free his frightened son, found lying next to his grandparents — both killed when the house caved in.

In the span of a minute, the quake affected not only the Wilkens’ family, but three million people — destroying homes, cutting off food supplies and safe water and shutting down hospitals and other public services.

Fortunately, the outpouring of public support for relief and recovery efforts was immense, and CARE is proud to be a part of a response that has helped alleviate suffering for hundreds of thousands of people.

But even before the quake, the people of Haiti were among the poorest people in the world. For so many Haitians, every day is a struggle to survive.

The earthquake in Haiti reminds us all of the challenges that poor people all over the world face with hunger, job security, health care and schooling.

CARE works to help empower poor families to build better lives for themselves. This is no easy task — especially in a country as poor as Haiti. Today, one of the most pressing needs is to help families secure a sturdy roof over their heads as the hurricane season is upon them. At the same time, we are looking ahead to the future — reopening schools, helping children traumatized by the disaster, creating jobs and supporting the health of expectant and new mothers.

The forces of nature are out of our control, but we hold the power to strike at the causes of poverty that amplify disasters like the one in Haiti. When you make a gift today, we can help people all over the world get a basic education, earn an income to support their family, prevent gender-based violence, access quality health care and so much more. CARE partners with local families and communities to help them create sustainable solutions to poverty.

While we can’t stop disasters like the Haiti earthquake from happening again, we can join together to help build a brighter future for all. Today, you can make a world of difference with your gift to CARE.

Sincerely,


Melanie Brooks
Emergency Communications Coordinator

News from Hands Up Holidays …


July 2010

Post World Cup Glory in S Africa & Ghana

In This Issue
A whale of a time
Ghana the hidden gem
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Ghana
South Africa
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Kakum National Park

15 days from:
US$: 3990.00

Mhondoro Bedroom

9 days from:
US$: 5000.00

Cheetah
Kenya in Style

15 days from:
US$: 8400.00

Sailing boat

12 days from:
US$: 4150.00

Pool Namibia
Namibia in Style

15 days from:
US$: 10,850.00

With the drone of the vuvuzelas now silenced it is time for the magnificent continent of Africa to bask in the world’s admiration.

South Africa were great hosts and ambassadors, whilst Ghana, that small West African nation, did a splendid job and carried the hopes of a continent into the final rounds of the cup.

In recognition of their respective achievements, we think they deserve even more attention, especially as voluntourism destinations.

Have a whale of a time in South Africa
Enjoy the sights whilst making a difference

Whale off South Africa coast

The World Cup has offered South Africa a chance to shine, and it has come up trumps. The critics have been proven wrong and now it is your chance to enjoy this country’s natural delights and at the same time help the people that did not benefit from the arrival of the World Cup in Africa.

With the final game now decided, it is time to usher out the football crowds and welcome the giants of the sea. The arrival of the graceful Southern Right whales in Walker Bay (near Cape Town) each year, marks the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere spring and is a fantastic time to visit this magnificent country.

The season has already begun and runs through to November, but from the 24th to the 28th of September the sleepy town of Hermanus swells with thousands of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of these magnificent whales and revel in the local Whale Festival.

For those of you that enjoy a drop of the delectable South African wines you are in luck, because Hermanus is not only the best place on the coast to spot the whales, it is also located in the middle of a fantastic wine region. Picture yourself sitting on the edge of a cliff, chilled wine in hand captivated by a whale breaching the glassy waters of Walker bay.

Combine this special moment with the knowledge that you chose to not only enjoy a wonderful holiday, but to make a difference in someone’s life, by volunteering in Cape Town. You helped the poorest of the poor and made their life just that little bit better. An experience you will treasure and they will be thankful for.

You can help teach in an impoverished school and give the children that much greater chance of leading a fulfilled life. You can also choose to assist in a community kitchen in one of the townships, gaining fascinating insights into local life, or help on a community conservation and environmental education project.

To find out more, visit our website or contact us to tailor make your South African Adventure.

Ghana the surprise nation

Bech in Ghana

Ghana is much smaller and a more off the beaten track than its more celebrated African neighbours, but then that is just part of its charm. The reason for its reduced profile is the lack of an iconic calling card, such as Table Montain, but don’t let this fool you.

Hundreds of kilometres of beautiful beaches and coast line are dotted with rustic fishing shacks and ruined forts such as Cape Coast Castle, which hark back to a dark period when the country served as a way station for African slaves.

It is only fitting that this melting pot of diverse cultures should become the focus for African nations in the World Cup. You can almost watch it change and adapt as the modern world expands its foothold. Old and new are now so interwoven that you can see people in traditional clothes text messaging friends, whilst suit clad businessmen take offerings to tribal chiefs. Accra is the commercial and cultural centre, whilst Kumasi, the traditional home of the Ashanti, is famous for its crafts.

Ghanaians are very friendly so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a warm and welcoming embrace as they show their appreciation for your time and effort as a volunteer.

You have three inspiring areas where you can make a difference:
1. Teaching
Help teach in a primary or secondary school tutoring in English, math, or any other subject agreed to ahead of time. Most classrooms have too many students and your assistance is highly appreciated. If you have a special talent to share the children are always eager to discover new things, such as playing an instrument, singing, sports skills, etc.

2. Working in an Orphanage
These orphanages work not only to house and feed children but also to offer the empowering benefits of education and healthcare. Your main responsibility at any of the orphanages is to spend time with the children and give them the attention and love they need. You will organize games and activities for the children and can help teach in the schools associated with the orphanage. Working in an orphanage requires motivation, energy, patience, and resourcefulness. Of great benefit would be if you could help to develop creative programs such as art, music, dance, and sports.
Additional help on day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration may be needed.

3. Healthcare
If you are medically qualified, you can support the local healthcare providers to record attendance, offer first aid, basic healthcare, record patients’ history, temperatures, perform examinations, provide pre-natal care, assist in deliveries, offer education to clinic attendants and community groups. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become familiar with the challenges and health issues of developing countries.

Ghana is one of those diamonds in the rough, all it needs is a little polish and it too sparkles like some of its more famous African relatives. So this is a good time to explore it before the rest of the world catches on. Come and join us!

So don’t just enjoy the beaches of Ghana or the magnificent whales in South Africa, ‘be the change’ and make a difference in peoples lives!
Yours in Adventures That Count,


Christopher Hill
Hands Up Holiday