Tag Archives: Senate

thrumming Thursday &some News


i hope that people who have yet to decide who they will be voting for understand the need for a change in the way the mid-term elections are viewed in the year 2010. The idea that the midterms are no big deal is just old school politics because the end result or impact was usually in your own particular state. We all have to accept that the mid-terms are a beacon of the change some of us voted for in 2008 because the fact is …what happens on Nov. 2 will determine our future and could move us forward into the 21st Century or the middle and lower class could continue living with the status quo. It will be the difference between moving stem cell research along, standing up and speaking out for the current Hyde amendment, agreeing to move immigration reform to the table and keeping laws like SB1070 and the birther law out of the hands of states willing to engage in racial profiling to control their reasonably suspicious people, btw the idea that being undocumented here in the US  refers to Hispanics only is absurd. The US is going through non-partisan realities that need to be handled by people(All of Congress) who care about health care reform and all the corrections that are needed, equal wages for equal work, maintain religious freedom as well as the separation of church and state, a woman’s right to choose, oil prices, our environment,education, local and national disaster response time improvements. We are ten years out and parts of New Orleans still look like such a disaster. We told Haiti we would help but not only is that not moving forward quick enough there are reports that money donated have yet to become a reality. It is obvious we all need to be watchdogs of our own destiny, vote out Republicans who have a history of definitely making bad decisions or things will get worse. We have people who claim to be lobbying when in fact they are bribing officials and embezzling funds not just from Wall Street, Main Street or even Average Joe but from 1st nation people and Black Farmers, we have sexual predators who are in charge of and who make laws that will guarantee the safety of our kids, government officials making passes at young men in what should be safe environments for anyone while at work. We have candidates from the right who clearly are on the extremist side of the issues trying to get into positions of power who obviously only plan to represent only a select few and will repeal, replace and eliminate as soon as they grab power. If you listen to both sides of any political debate, interview or panel discussion it all seems extremely simple to me… a change has to be made and yes, I definitely am biased. I believe for change, positive change for All Americans is to get truer Dems on the floor of Congress… our vote on November is the way to start showing our power as Americans… Vote Dems November 2nd

im just sayin

Other News …

**Jobless claims fall below 450thousand

**CO’Donnell complains the media is assassinating her

**President Obama will be in Maryland and Illinois to do some campaigning

**Today is the annv of the Afghanistan war

**Apple will be making their version of the iPhone

**October is Breast Cancer awareness month

**Reports are that Karzai and Taliban have been meeting

**The NRA will endorse 58 Democrats stating it’s useful and good practice to support those politicians that support them no matter what side of the aisle

**Insurance companies are by passing HCR rules

**Desmond Tutu retires

CSPAN

Senate HELP Cmte. Hearing on Retirement Security Senate HELP Cmte. Hearing on Retirement Security
Today
Sen. Carl. Levin (D-MI) Press Conference on Private Security Contractors in Afghanistan Sen. Carl. Levin (D-MI) Press Conference on Private Security Contractors in Afghanistan
Today
Pres. Obama Remarks at MD Gov. O'Malley Rally Pres. Obama Remarks at MD Gov. O’Malley Rally
Today
International Monetary Fund and World Bank Press Conferences International Monetary Fund and World Bank Press Conferences
Today
White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Today
U.S. Energy Association Annual Energy Supply Forum U.S. Energy Association Annual Energy Supply Forum
Today
Nat'l Foundation for Infectious Diseases Press Conference on Influenza Prevention Nat’l Foundation for Infectious Diseases Press Conference on Influenza Prevention
Today
Connecticut Senate Debate Connecticut Senate Debate
Today
Nat'l Foundation for Infectious Diseases Press Conference on Influenza Prevention Nat’l Foundation for Infectious Diseases Press Conference on Influenza Prevention
Today
Connecticut Senate Debate Connecticut Senate Debate
Today
Delaware House At Large Race Debate Delaware House At Large Race Debate
Wednesday
Debate for Florida's U.S. Senate Seat Debate for Florida’s U.S. Senate Seat
Wednesday
Pennsylvania 7th House District Debate Pennsylvania 7th House District Debate
Friday
Council on Foreign Relations Discussion on Global Finance Council on Foreign Relations Discussion on Global Finance
Wednesday
Bipartisan Policy Center Conference on National Security Bipartisan Policy Center Conference on National Security
Wednesday
Pres. Obama Presents Medal of Honor Pres. Obama Presents Medal of Honor
Wednesday
State Department Press Briefing State Department Press Briefing
Wednesday
British P.M. David Cameron Remarks at Conservative Party Conference British P.M. David Cameron Remarks at Conservative Party Conference
Wednesday

Stop auto makers from weakening fuel efficiency laws


 

Change.org

Do you want new cars and trucks sold in America to get 60 MPG by 2025?  

Sign the Petition

The White House made a major announcement this week about its plan to set new fuel economy standards as high as 62 MPG for cars and trucks by 2025. The new rules could save Americans billions of dollars at the pump and help curb our dangerous addiction to oil.

But the auto industry is expected to put up a big fight to keep the new fuel economy standards as low as possible.

Right now the EPA is accepting public comment, and this is our chance to make sure Washington policymakers hear us loud and clear: We don’t want our country held hostage by Big Auto or Big Oil anymore. It’s way past time to bring more fuel-efficient cars on the market.

Don’t let the car manufacturers drown out the American consumer. Tell the White House and EPA officials to aim high and set new fuel economy standards that put consumers and a cleaner, greener future ahead of corporate profits.

The truth is, the technology exists right now to improve fuel economy for cars and trucks – and automakers know it. But the auto industry has always been slow to adopt new fuel-saving and safety technology in the absence of strong standards. They opposed mandatory seat belts and air-bags and claimed that the first fuel efficiency standards would prevent Americans from being able to choose the kind of car or truck they want to drive. Today, we know that these standards have made Americans safer, saved them money, cleaned up our air, and lessened the country’s dependence on oil.

60 MPG is entirely doable, but the auto industry is lobbying federal policymakers right now to keep new fuel standards low. Make sure the White House and the EPA know where you stand on the new standards.

Tell the EPA and the Obama administration to stand up to Big Auto and set the bar high for fuel economy- at least 60 MPG by 2025!

Thanks for taking action,

– The Change.org Team

Help teach Sarah Palin about the First Amendment


Sarah Palin needs to learn about the true meaning of the First Amendment. And that’s just what our friends at People For the American Way are setting out to teach her.

Palin’s recent statements about the Park 51 Islamic Cultural Center betray a contempt for the Freedom of Religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. And yet Palin has tried to use the First Amendment to stifle legitimate public debate that was critical of radio personality Laura Schlessinger.

Sign the petition to Palin and along with you signature People For the American Way will send Palin a copy of the First Amendment on your behalf.

Matt Lockshin, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action

Palin

Dear Ms. Palin,

Please take the time to read the text of the First Amendment, and try to understand it, before continuing to spread a flawed and ignorant misinterpretation of some of our most cherished constitutional principles.

petition button

Dear People For Supporter,

It is clear from her recent statements defending Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s egregious on-air racial insensitivity and attacking the so-called ‘Ground Zero Mosque’ that Sarah Palin does not know the first thing about the First Amendment.

Maybe she should read it again.

Our goal is to send tens of thousands… or hundreds of thousands… or with the help of Facebook and web users like you, maybe even a million copies of the First Amendment to Sarah Palin. If she reads it a million times, maybe the words will sink in and she might finally start to understand the concepts of Freedom of Religion and Free Speech.

Sign PFAW’s petition now and we’ll send Sarah Palin a copy of the First Amendment on your behalf!

Back when she was campaigning for vice president in 2008, Palin claimed her First Amendment rights were being violated because people criticized her rhetoric and some in the “lamestream media” questioned her scurrilous attacks on then-candidate Obama.

Now she has taken to Twitter to defend Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s repeated use of the “n-word” on her radio show in a screed about how minorities are too sensitive about race and need to have thicker skins. Palin claims that Schlessinger’s First Amendment rights are being denied because of the backlash against her remarks.

Unbelievable!

Someone needs to tell Sarah Palin that just as the First Amendment protects the right of Dr. Schlesinger to make racist, offensive comments, it protects our right to raise our voices in outrage. It’s shocking that we’d need to explain this to any political leader, much less a vice presidential candidate from the most recent election who has since been since granted major spokesperson status in the media!

Send her a copy of the First Amendment now and hopefully a basic understanding of its clauses will sink in with repetition.

But it’s not just the freedom of speech provision of the First Amendment that Sarah Palin doesn’t comprehend — she’s also unclear on the concept of freedom of religion. No one has been a more vocal critic of the planned Park51 Muslim community center in lower Manhattan. She has pointed fingers at Democrats, President Obama, “peace-loving Muslims” and others demanding that they take a position against a community center two blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood. One of the core principles expressed in the Constitution is the belief that people of all faiths, and of no faith at all, are equally welcome in public life. America betrays its deepest values when it says that minorities are welcome only if they know their place.

But Sarah Palin still doesn’t get it! Let’s help her.

Join our petition now to implore Sarah Palin to learn about this crucial piece of our Constitution which she invokes so recklessly and without understanding. We’ll send her one copy of the First Amendment for every signature.

And, please, tell your friends. Our goal for this one is to get a huge response.

Thank you for standing up for freedom of speech, expression, the press, assembly and religion — thank you for standing up for the First Amendment.

Sincerely,

Ben Betz, Online Communications Manager


Meet Senator Daniel Webster ******


Mr. Webster like so many of his fellow Republicans seems to be apart of the repeal replace and eliminate social services like Tchers,Police,Firefighters group if they gain control of Congress …below is from his official website …

Sanctity of Life

  • As affirmed in the Declaration of Independence, the right to life is our first right.  Daniel Webster would support legislation that the Constitutional protections of life and liberty extend to the unborn.
  • Dan would oppose any use of public revenues to promote or perform abortions or to support organizations that promote or perform abortions.

Immigration

  • The greatness of America is based on the American dream– liberty and opportunity, a dream that is made possible by the laws of the land.  Condoning illegal immigration through amnesty or allowing it through passive enforcement destroys the very values that attract immigrants to our nation.
  • Fixing illegal immigration starts by securing our borders and strengthening existing penalties for people entering the country illegally.  The federal government must remove incentives for illegal immigrants and strengthen penalties for employers who hire them.
  • While immigration is a best treated as a federal issue, Daniel Webster supports the right of states like Arizona to enact such laws as necessary to protect their state.

Second Amendment

  • Endorsed by the NRA with a lifetime A+ rating.
  • Daniel Webster believes in the individual, Constitutional right to keep and bear arms and will strongly oppose any attempt to curtail, tax, or impede the free and robust exercise of that right.

Higher utilities, parking fees, layoffs in McGinn budget


Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn‘s 2011 budget proposal calls for layoffs of more than 200 city workers, higher parking fees and library fines, a hiring freeze for police officers and cuts to arts, culture and recreation.

By Emily Heffter

Seattle Times staff reporter

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Mayor Mike McGinn delivers his 2011 city budget address Monday at the Rainier Beach Community Center. Even with cuts, he hopes to rebuild the facility.

Enlarge this photoCLIFF DESPEAUX / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Mayor Mike McGinn delivers his 2011 city budget address Monday at the Rainier Beach Community Center. Even with cuts, he hopes to rebuild the facility.

Enlarge this photo

Enlarge this photo

Seattle budget hearings

The Seattle City Council will hold public hearings on Mayor Mike McGinn’s 2011 proposed budget. All hearings begin at 5:30 p.m., with sign-in at 5 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 29: Northgate Community Center Gym, 10510 Fifth Ave. N.E.

Wednesday, Oct. 13: The Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave S.W.

Tuesday, Oct. 26: Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers, second floor, 600 Fourth Ave.

Watch Mayor Mike McGinn’s budget proposal address

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Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s 2011 budget proposal calls for layoffs of more than 200 city workers, increased parking fees and library fines, a police hiring freeze and cuts to arts, culture and recreation.

Residents also would pay more for electricity and other utilities under McGinn’s plan.

He addressed a roomful of people just after noon Monday at the Rainier Beach Community Center. Amid many cuts to departments, McGinn proposed funding a $20 million rebuild of the aging community center in Rainier Beach — something that was included but unfunded in last year’s budget.

The City Council, which is hearing a budget address from the mayor Monday afternoon, must adopt a budget before the end of the year.

The mayor and council must fill a $67 million shortfall in the $888 million proposed 2011 general-fund budget. In 2010, the general fund was $905 million.

“We did not attempt to balance this budget simply by asking the public for more money. We know it’s tight out there,” McGinn said.

The mayor proposed cutting 294 positions, 214 of which are currently filled.

Parks and community centers

The parks department would take an $8.1 million cut, with 105 jobs on the chopping block.

The good news is that swimming pools wouldn’t close and lifeguards would remain at all public beaches.

But seven of the city’s 22 wading pools would stay closed.

In a move sure to draw criticism from neighborhoods, hours would be reduced at five of the city’s 26 community centers — Alki, Ballard, Laurelhurst, Queen Anne and Green Lake.

“I didn’t take these decisions lightly,” McGinn said.

The Rainier Beach center would close for two years for its renovation.

Parks fees would increase.

Libraries

The library system would absorb 8.5 percent in cuts, but keep hours as they were in 2010. Libraries would be closed for a week in late summer, as they were this year.

His budget would maintain library hours, but remove librarians from eight branches, making them “circulating branches.” Those libraries would remain open for 35 hours a week, but no librarian would be on duty.

Library fines would go up.

Public safety

McGinn called for a halt to police hiring, but proposed re-deploying 30 officers to patrol jobs.

Parking

The mayor called for paying more at the meter, including charging for parking 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays (Sundays are currently free) and extending paid parking for two hours, until 8 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.

The hourly parking meter rate would rise by $1.50 an hour downtown and 50 cents in other parts of the city. Current rates are $2.50 an hour downtown and between 75 cents and $2 an hour elsewhere.

The City Council, meanwhile, voted last week to raise commercial parking taxes by 2.5 percentage points, to 12.5 percent total.

Higher utility rates sought

Seattle City Light rates would increase by 4.3 percent in 2011 and another 4.2 percent in 2012.

Solid-waste rates would increase 7.5 percent, and drainage rates would increase 12.8 percent.

Water rates would increase 3.5 percent.

City employees’ pay

McGinn announced Sept. 11 that he had made a deal with a coalition of the city’s unions to lower their cost-of-living increases to the rate of inflation, saving $2.3 million from the city’s general fund. That deal affected about 6,000 workers, most of the unionized workforce.

The mayor also froze executive salaries. The budget situation could get worse or better depending on what voters do in November.

Mayor made “value decisions”

McGinn said he relied on “values” to make cuts and raise fees in his budget proposal. They included living within the city’s means, being effective, considering race and social justice, maintaining public safety and health, sharing prosperity, and being environmentally sustainable.

For every cut and fee increase, McGinn said, “I’ve made a value decision that I hope reflects the public’s value decisions.”

After the nearly one-hour speech dominated by the nuts and bolts of his plan, McGinn concluded by urging people to use the tough economic times to consider the “shared destiny” of people who live together in a city.

“I believe we will ultimately say to ourselves, ‘Look at our city. Look how proud we are of it. Look what we can do.’ ”

McGinn is delivering his budget to the council amid a power struggle between the two branches of government. Last week, McGinn accused Council President Richard Conlin of violating the city charter by signing a state environmental study about the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. McGinn says only the mayor had the authority to sign that document.

The revenue picture

If voters pass state Initiative 1107, removing new sales taxes on candy, soda, gum and bottled water, the city would lose about $1.2 million next year, according to the city budget office. If one of two liquor-privatization initiatives were to pass, the city projects it would lose between $2 million and $4 million in 2011.

But if a countywide sales-tax increase passes, the city says it would gain $8.7 million, a third of which would have to be spent on public safety.

The council spent much of the city’s rainy-day fund last year, hoping the economy would rebound. It didn’t, and the city still suffers a loss of revenue tied to sales taxes and building permits.

Trying to stay ahead of the falling revenues, the mayor made $12.4 million in midyear budget cuts in June. He closed some wading pools, postponed hiring 21 new police officers and laid off 13 city employees, along with a variety of other cuts.

Staff reporter Sonia Krishnan contributed to this report. Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com