Tag Archives: news and events cable tv

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In the Library: 51 day War

09/07/2015 Nativegrl77

The 51 Day War: Ruin and Resistance in Gaza

Book by Max Blumenthal

Published: June 30, 2015

On July 8, 2014, Israel launched air strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza, followed by a ground invasion. The ensuing fifty-one days of war left more than 2,200 people dead, the vast majority of whom were Palestinian civilians, including over 500 children. During the assault, at least 10,000 homes were destroyed and, according to the United Nations, nearly 300,000 Palestinians were displaced. Max Blumenthal was in Gaza and throughout Israel–Palestine during what he argues was an entirely avoidable catastrophe. In this explosive work of intimate reportage, Blumenthal reveals the harrowing conditions and cynical deceptions that led to the ruinous war—and tells the human stories.

Blumenthal brings the battles in Gaza to life, detailing the ferocious clashes that took place when Israel’s military invaded the besieged strip. He radically shifts the discussion around a number of highly contentious issues: the use of civilians as human shields by Israeli forces, the arbitrary targeting of Palestinian civilians, and the radicalization of Israeli public officials and top military personnel. Amid the rubble of Gaza’s border regions, Blumenthal recorded the testimonies from scores of residents, documenting potential war crimes committed by the Israeli armed forces while carefully examining the military doctrine that led to them.

More than a chronicle of war and devastation, The 51 Day War is an urgent warning that the aftermath of the conflict has made another military assault on Gaza almost inevitable. And while the people of Gaza will once again prove their resilience, the world can no longer just stand aside and watch.

Resource: Amazon.org

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Breaking News: Victory for Pregnant Workers at Supreme Court

09/03/2015 Nativegrl77

Take Action

Rally at the Supreme Court in Support of Peggy Young

ABB’s Elizabeth Gedmark MC’ing the rally in support of pregnant workers before the Supreme Court.

Photo Credit Jeffrey Martin

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Peggy Young, a pregnant worker, in the Young v. UPS case today.

Today marks a significant victory for Peggy Young and for the principle that pregnant women cannot be treated worse than many of their peers in the workplace. The Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed the intent of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, as we argued in our amicus brief this fall.

Peggy’s case is still alive, and will return to the lower court to determine, as the Court put it, “why, when the employer accommodated so many, could it not accomodate pregnant women as well?”

While we celebrate the Court’s opinion, pregnant workers seeking accommodations still face an uphill battle, in many instances. Today’s decision leaves much uncertainty surrounding their rights, especially when they have no way to know how other comparable workers are being treated.

Now that the Court has weighed in, it’s time for Congress to step up.

Please send an urgent message to Washington in support of pregnant workers.

Urge your representatives to support and co-sponsor the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would ensure that all workers with medical needs arising out of pregnancy have a right to accommodations—just as workers with disabilities do. States and cities across the country have passed similar laws and now Congress must act so that all women have the same right.

Today’s families rely on women’s salaries to make ends meet. They need the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act–they simply cannot afford anything less.

Thank you for all that you do to support women and families,

The A Better Balance Team,

Sherry, Dina, Phoebe, Jared, Elizabeth, Risha, Morenike, Rachel, Jake, Molly & Lynn

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wife and unborn baby

09/03/2015 Nativegrl77

Petitioning Colorado Governor, Colorado State House, Colorado State Senate

Allow special enrollment periods for pregnant women

Petition by Sean Jenks

Broomfield, Colorado

6,569

Supporters

Sign Sean’s petition

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Everytown for Gun Safety … Donate for ads that lawmakers cannot IGNORE

09/03/2015 Nativegrl77

People across the country have been sharing how they feel about gun violence in America. Now, with your help, we’re going to make sure Congress hears us loud and clear.

When members of Congress head back to DC next week, we want them to see your messages everywhere they turn. Take a look at the ads below, and make a gift of $15 or more to make sure lawmakers can’t look away.

Here’s what will greet them at the airport: