Tag Archives: reviews

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Rape … in India

06/08/2014 Nativegrl77

Two young girls were hanged from a tree after being gang raped in the fields outside their home in India and a high ranking government official just responded by saying that rape “is a social crime … sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong.” Let’s make sure India’s leader knows that this is unacceptable and demand he acts now to stop the rape epidemic. Sign now:

That is the government’s response! It’s disgusting and we can change it.

India’s new leader was just elected on a pro-business platform with increased tourism as one of his top economic growth goals. If two million of us, right now, pledge not go to India until something is done about the rape epidemic across the country, we could get his attention and force him to prioritise urgent action.

Sign now and at two million signers, Avaaz will bring our call to the major Indian tourist companies that have Prime Minister Modi’s ear and lobby for travel advisories until something is done to protect this generation of girls and women:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_21/?biEWLbb&v=40655

When the 14 and 15 year old girls went missing, one girl’s dad went to the police and fell in front of them on his hands and knees pleading for them to do something. They laughed at him and told him to go home. This appalling inaction happens to countless families across India that face this horror. The police, the judiciary, and even ministers are failing them! It’s a culture of acceptance of rape!

Before the elections there was a massive movement building to get urgent action to stop violence against women. Experts drafted a Womanifesto — a common sense plan for urgently needed reforms to stop the rape epidemic. It covers law, policing, medical and psychological support, and crucially — public education. Other major parties signed up to it, but Modi ignored it focusing on economics, and it is still languishing on his desk.

Even Modi’s staff agree with the plan. Now we just need Modi to put it into action.

If millions pledge to not visit India now until action is taken, and that call is bolstered by targeted calls to the mega travel businesses that support Modi and calls to our own governments to issue travel warnings, we could force Modi to act to save his political future. Click below to sign now:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_21/?biEWLbb&v=40655

The shock and horror of opening the newspaper and reading this story can sit with us, or it can spur us into action. This is our chance to come together as a global community and use our power and our hope to help and entire nation set out on the journey towards equality and safety for all.

With hope,

Alice, Alaphia, Dalia, Laura, Shreya, Ricken and the rest of the Avaaz team

More Information:

India State Minister on rape: ‘Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong’
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/05/india-state-minister-rape-crimes-comment

Another girl found hanging in Uttar Pradesh. Rape attempt on judge
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-another-girl-found-hanging-in-uttar-pradesh-rape-attempt-on-judge-1993315

Modi unveils ‘Five Ts’: BJP’s PM candidate says Talent, Tourism, Tech, Trade and Tradition are the watchwords for India’s future
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2542285/Modi-unveils-Five-Ts-BJPs-PM-candidate-says-Talent-Tourism-Tech-Trade-Tradition-watchwords-Indias-future.html

Horrified at reports of violence against women in India: US on Badaun Rape case
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/horrified-at-reports-of-violence-against-women-in-india-us-on-badaun-rape-case-535671

UN condemns gang rape and murder of teenage girls in Uttar Pradesh and calls for justice
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_73685.html

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Keystone XL: Where Things Stand

06/07/2014 Nativegrl77

It’s been four weeks since the climate movement won a significant delay on the Keystone XL pipeline. Since then, the oil industry and their political and media backers have gotten increasingly desperate:

Oil companies tried to ram a vote on Keystone through the U.S. Senate. This week, that effort collapsed in disarray and finger-pointing among the fossil fuel industry’s biggest political boosters.
TransCanada, the Canadian company behind Keystone, even resorted to threats to sue the U.S. government under NAFTA. Early this month, they were forced to disavow that outrageous tactic.
Pro-Keystone commentators are truly grasping at straws, including claiming that President Obama is delaying a decision to pave the way for a government takeover of the energy sector,¹ and arguing that it’s the poor, under-resourced oil industry—and not the environmental movement—that’s the real underdog in the fight over the pipeline.²

These bottom-of-the-barrel tactics signal that fossil fuel corporations will do anything to avoid facing up to the view that one prominent analyst voiced last week: “We have been of the opinion for nearly a year now that Keystone XL is dead.”³

This delay means another year that tar sands oil stays in the ground, instead of flowing through the pipeline. This delay is another nail in the coffin of this disastrous project. And you—the incredible grassroots tide of resolve and determination—are the ones who made this happen.

Keystone would have been just another routine dirty energy infrastructure project if not for public pressure—like the unprecedented 2.5 million public comments submitted into the approvals process. People all along the pipeline route, from Alberta to the Gulf Coast—especially Indigenous communities and farming communities—mobilized against the project.

Another key factor has been the threat of massive civil disobedience if President Obama approves the pipeline—one veteran environmental campaigner called it the “sharpest arrow in the quiver” of the Keystone opposition movement. Almost 100,000 people signed Keystone XL Pledge of Resistance, committing to take direct action if the administration lights the fuse of the continent’s biggest carbon bomb.

So while we’re proud that the movement won a major delay, the struggle is far from over. Here at Rainforest Action Network, we’re staying vigilant on Keystone. We’re continuing to hone the cutting edge of the climate movement by training committed activists. And we’re taking fast, strategic action to block dirty energy deals.

Thank you for all you’ve done.

		For a healthy climate,
		Amanda Starbuck Energy and Finance Program Director

P.S. Alongside our work on Keystone, RAN is engaged in a range of dirty energy fights. We’ve successfully pressured banks like JPMorgan Chase to move away from mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining, and we’re approaching a tipping point with Barclays, the world’s biggest financier of MTR. Add your voice!

Sources:

1. “Obama Blocks Keystone To Start Energy Takeover,” Investor’s Business Daily, May 13, 2014 (http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-perspective/051314-700702-obama-wants-energy-markets-fossil-fuels-under-government-heel.htm)
2. “Mainstream media don’t know Big Green has deeper pockets than Big Oil,” Washington Examiner, May 13, 2014 (http://washingtonexaminer.com/mainstream-media-dont-know-big-green-has-deeper-pockets-than-big-oil/article/2548405)
3. “The Keystone Pipeline is Quickly Becoming Obsolete,” Business Insider, May 7, 2014 (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-keystone-pipeline-is-quickly-becoming-obsolete-2014-5)

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Meet Brad Hutto …

06/05/2014 Nativegrl77

running against Lindsay Graham … who we all know but need some reminders …

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced a bill in November of 2013, that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the United States unless the woman is a victim of rape or incest or her life is in danger. He also stated, “Nothing bad is going to happen,” Graham said. “Good things will happen. Babies will be born that wouldn’t have made it otherwise, and only God knows who they will grow up to be.”

I don’t know about you but women should be treated just like men … as individuals ! Instead the GOP continues to put us all in one basket claim we are too emotional and then tell us what is good for us … #Midterm2014Matters it is time for a change … Nativegrl77

Brad Hutto is running for the United States Senate because Washington DC is broken.

Congress doesn’t listen to the voters anymore. Big money, powerful special interest groups, and extremist agendas are blocking progress. Brad will reject the culture that makes Washington DC dysfunctional and will take South Carolina values to Capitol Hill.

Brad is a problem solver who will work with both sides to get Congress working for us again. Rather than appearing on the Sunday talk shows and manufacturing stunts to make the national news, Brad believes the people back home should be the highest priority for a Senator representing South Carolina.

It’s time for our allies abroad to take more responsibility for their own security. He disagrees with our current Senator, Lindsey Graham, who believes the United States should be the policeman for the world. Instead Brad realizes that we should do more to improve our own infrastructure and create jobs here. Brad would make improving education a national priority so our country doesn’t slip further behind the rest of the world. He thinks South Carolinians deserve a US Senator who cares about their concerns and about where they live. Brad understands what it’s like to live, work and raise a family right here in South Carolina.

Jobs – Brad has a long history of fighting for jobs and small businesses. He received a perfect score of 100% from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce for his hard work and leadership for creating jobs. As our Senator, he will roll up his sleeves on day one to help bring good paying jobs with benefits here in South Carolina. Instead of obsessing over international politics, Brad will work to ensure that South Carolina workers are properly trained and that the business environment is attractive for job creators. He will work to restore and improve the state’s crumbling infrastructure and to rebuild failing schools in the state’s rural areas.

Valuing Work – All able-bodied Americans should work, and their hard work should be rewarded. Too many people who work full time to support their family have to rely on food stamps to put food on their tables. Brad supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10, getting people off of food stamps and once again honoring hard work in this country. Brad will stand up for working families.

Education – Brad understands how important education is to improving the lives of South Carolinians. He will fight to ensure South Carolina gets its fair share of national funding and help keep state leaders focused like a laser beam on our schools. He knows that without a properly educated and trained work force, businesses looking to relocate will simply go someplace else.

Fiscal Discipline – Just like families all over America are doing, Brad believes it’s time for Congress to tighten their belts, spend less and cut waste. He believes we should better prioritize spending to reflect the real needs our country faces within its own borders. Brad will fight any attempt to balance the budget on the backs of senior citizens who have already made huge sacrifices for our country. He will oppose any attempt to harm Medicare and Social Security.

Health Care – Brad wants to fix the Affordable Care Act and allow everyone to keep or obtain a plan that best suits their families’ needs. He will not support legislation that will put the insurance companies back in charge or return us to a time when insurance could be denied for pre-existing conditions and families could go bankrupt because of lifetime caps.

Environment – As an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Brad knows that we must do more to protect our natural resources. From the mountains to the lakes, to the coast, South Carolina is blessed with a unique beauty that generates tourism and creates jobs. Brad will fight against those who would do harm for their own short term goals.

Energy – Brad will continue to lead efforts to invest in alternative forms of energy like solar, wind and gas. We can’t continue to rely on foreign countries to supply our energy.

Women’s Health – Government should not dictate health decisions for women in this country. He believes women should be empowered to consult with their families, healthcare providers, and religious advisors to make reproductive health decisions. Women do not need Washington politicians like Lindsey Graham telling them what to do.

Liberty and Justice for All – Everyone should have an equal chance to obtain happiness and fulfill the American Dream. Brad opposes efforts to restrict basic freedoms. Liberty to share love and life is an inherent right, and this includes the right to marry the person that you choose. He believes that America is strongest when everyone is free, respected and valued.

Resources: Huffington Post … state-election site …

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

24 states are blocking millions from access to affordable care

06/05/2014 Nativegrl77

If you care about health care reform, this is a big one.

One of the ways the Affordable Care Act provides access to health coverage is by expanding Medicaid to millions more Americans.

However, 24 states — thanks to leaders playing political games with Obamacare — are still blocking this expansion, and 5.7 million Americans have been locked out from affordable access to health care.

That’s wrong, and we’re going to make sure folks know about it.

Today, OFA supporters across the country are joining in to expose the states with stubborn officials that are blocking access to affordable health care for millions of Americans — share this map on Facebook and Twitter today.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 6/5 the House

06/05/2014 Nativegrl77

Climate Change is real

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, June 5, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 1:45pm with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes and the final 20 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Wyden and Hatch or their designees with Senator Wyden controlling the final 10 minutes.

At 1:45pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to a series of up to 2 roll call votes (one expected):

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #798, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services and

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #519, Carolyn Hessler Radelet, of Virginia, to be Director of the Peace Corps (voice vote expected).

At 1:45pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #798, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services;

Confirmed: 78-17

This will be the last vote of the day.

Executive Calendar #519, Carolyn Hessler Radelet, of Virginia, to be Director of the Peace Corps, was confirmed by voice vote.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Vote

1) Confirmation of Calendar #798, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, of West Virginia, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services; Confirmed: 78-17

Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.468, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Additional Executive items

Confirmed Executive Calendar #519, Carolyn Hessler Radelet, of Virginia, to be Director of the Peace Corps by voice vote.

Senate Floor Schedule for Monday, June 9, 2014

==================================================

Last Floor Action:
3:04:46 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 3(b) of H. Res. 604.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 9, 2014.

Last Floor Action:6/2
12:04:20 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 3(b) of H. Res. 604.

The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on June 5, 2014.

3:00:32 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
3:00:42 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas E. Petri to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
3:00:54 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Oran Warder, St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia.
3:02:25 P.M.		The Chair announced that pursuant to section 3(a) of H. Res. 604, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
3:02:47 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3:02:48 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 4, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 2270.
3:03:50 P.M.		Canada – United States Interparliamentary Group – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276d and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Canada – United States Interparliamentary Group: Mr. Higgins, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Larsen of WA and Mr. DeFazio.
3:04:24 P.M.		World War I Centennial Commission – pursuant to section 4(b) of the World War I Centennial Commission Act and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Ms. Monique Seefried, Atlanta, Georgia.
3:04:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 3(b) of H. Res. 604. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 9, 2014.