Tag Archives: United States

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

People Power vs Big Oil

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

Pascal V – Avaaz.org

In days, Nigeria’s Parliament could approve a $5 billion fine against giant oil polluter Shell and set in motion a law that would hold oil companies to account for the first time ever. The President endorses the penalty, but Big Oil are lobbying MPs like crazy to vote against reform. Our voices can drown them out to win justice for Nigeria’s people. Join the urgent call now!

In days, Nigeria’s Parliament could approve a $5 billion fine against giant oil polluter Shell for a spill that devastated the lives of millions of people, and pass a law to hold all oil companies to account for polluting and plundering. This is a watershed moment, but unless we all speak out, oil giants will crush it.

Finally, Big Oil is having to pay for the wasteland and violence that they’ve created. President Jonathan supports the Shell fine, and progressive Senators are pushing for strong regulations, but oil companies are slick, and without huge international support MPs could buckle under the pressure.

Politicians are deciding their positions right now — sign the urgent petition for the Nigerian Parliament to fine Shell and support the bill, and then forward this to everyone — when we hit a million signers we’ll bring our unprecedented global call to the steps of Nigeria’s Parliament:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/make_shell_pay_b/?biEWLbb&v=19059

Experts say that every year Big Oil spills as much crude into the Niger Delta as an Exxon Valdez, but as it is Africa, it gets little media play. After a leak occurred at Shell’s Bonga oil facility last December, millions of gallons poured into the ocean and washed up on the densely populated coast — resulting in one of the largest African oil spills ever. The fine and bill on the table are a once in a lifetime chance to stand up to Big Oil.

Oil companies have made $600 billion in the last 50 years in Nigeria, but locals don’t see the benefits. Their land, drinking water and fishing grounds are ruined. And Shell has spent hundreds of millions of dollars a year on security forces, repressing protest against its harmful practices.

The oil industry is crucial to the economy, but companies have never been held to account for the devastation of drilling. Now, the Nigerian President and a few brave MPs are speaking out and they could finally slam the oil giants with tough fines and give fair pay outs to the victims. If we show MPs that the world supports these crucial steps, we can literally change the lives of millions. Click below to sign the urgent petition:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/make_shell_pay_b/?biEWLbb&v=19059

Avaazers have stood up to Big Oil all over the world, from Chevron in Ecuador, to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, to ending fossil fuel subsidies at the Rio Summit. Now let’s do it for Nigeria too. Make sure the politicians send a message to Big Oil: your days of impunity are over.

With hope and determination,

Pascal, Patricia, Alex, Ricken, David, Rewan, and the Avaaz team

Shell Faces $5 Billion Nigeria Fine (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303933704577532723563488122.html

Shell urged to pay Nigeria $5bn over Bonga oil spill (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18875731

Shell’s grip on Nigerian state revealed (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/08/wikileaks-cables-shell-nigeria-spying

U.N. slams Shell as Nigeria needs biggest ever oil clean-up (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/04/us-nigeria-ogoniland-idUSTRE7734MQ20110804

Nigeria: Oil spill investigations ‘a fiasco’ in the Niger Delta (Amnesty International)
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-oil-spill-investigations-fiasco-niger-delta-2012-08-02

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

So Who Were Those 14 People Standing Behind the President?

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

On Friday, President Obama laid out his strategy for moving our country forward and reducing our deficit in a balanced way. Speaking from the East Room of the White House, the President was joined by Vice President Joe Biden – and 14 others stood behind him at the podium.

So who were those 14 people anyway? One was Pam, a school administrator. Another, Sara, is a veteran recovering from open-heart surgery. Barry has six children and Steve is an orthopedic assistant. Estela recently became an American citizen and voted in a U.S. election for the first time on Tuesday.

What they all have in common, however, is an interest in helping find answers to some of the big questions we face as a nation.

Find out more about the 14 people who stood behind the President.

President Barack Obama delivers a statement to the press on the economy, in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

CONGRESS: the House Republicans – the Senate Democrats

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes at 2:30pmET November 14, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
The filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act is 4:00pm on Wednesday.
During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on S.3525. Under the rule, that cloture vote will occur on Thursday morning.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012, is 4:00pm today. If your senator has a germane amendment and would like to preserve their ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you.

The Senate has reached an agreement that at 4:30pm today the motion to proceed to the motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on S.3414, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be agreed to; and that there be 60 minutes for debate divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3414; and that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to the cloture vote on S.3414, upon reconsideration.

As a result of this agreement, at approximately 5:30pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012, upon reconsideration.

5:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012, upon reconsideration;

Not Invoked: 51-47

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.3414, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, upon reconsideration; Not Invoked: 51-47

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.6118, the Taking Essential Steps for Testing Act of 2012 (TEST Act).

Passed H.R.6131, a bill to extend the Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006, and for other purposes (SAFEWEB Act) by voice vote.

Adopted S.Res.596, a resolution permitting the solicitation of donations in the Senate buildings for the relief of victims of Superstorm Sandy.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 14, 2012.

Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

10:00:12 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:18 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:08 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:16:49 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:50 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.
12:00:58 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Donna Kafer, Arizona Legislative Chaplaincy, Peoria, Arizona.
12:02:21 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:26 P.M.		Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:49 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:27:20 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:28:11 P.M.	H.R. 2606	Mr. Amodei moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
12:28:27 P.M.	H.R. 2606	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2606.
12:33:54 P.M.	H.R. 2606	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:33:55 P.M.	H.R. 2606	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:34:19 P.M.	H.R. 6570	Mr. Garrett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6570 — “To amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to consolidate certain CBO reporting requirements.”
12:34:35 P.M.	H.R. 6570	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:34:38 P.M.	H.R. 6570	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6570.
12:41:30 P.M.	H.R. 6570	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
12:41:33 P.M.	H.R. 6570	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:42:24 P.M.	H.R. 2453	Mr. Luetkemeyer moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
12:42:36 P.M.	H.R. 2453	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2453.
12:48:33 P.M.	H.R. 2453	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
12:49:17 P.M.	H.R. 6116	<MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6116 — “To amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to provide for direct appeals to the United States Supreme Court of decisions of the Virgin Islands Supreme Court.”
12:49:50 P.M.	H.R. 6116	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:49:55 P.M.	H.R. 6116	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6116.
1:04:35 P.M.	H.R. 6116	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:04:38 P.M.	H.R. 6116	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:04:41 P.M.	H.R. 6116	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:05:03 P.M.	H.R. 5934	Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5934 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include certain territories and possessions of the United States in the definition of State for the purposes of chapter 114, relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.”
1:05:21 P.M.	H.R. 5934	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:05:23 P.M.	H.R. 5934	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5934.
1:17:16 P.M.	H.R. 5934	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:17:18 P.M.	H.R. 5934	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:17:51 P.M.		that that body had agreed to the House amendment to S. 743.
1:18:16 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
1:18:35 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:58:44 P.M.		Mr. Paul moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:58:58 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:58:59 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 15, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Support Obama

10/26/2012 Nativegrl77

**Guess what? Since this supporter put together this list, our economy has continued to add jobs. To date, we’ve added nearly 5.2 million private sector jobs over 31 consecutive monthsWhat is this?Every day from now until Election Day, we’ll send you something that
makes the case for voting for Barack Obama. Today, it’s a supporter’s
handmade list of why they support our president.

What can I do?

If you like it, we ask that you share it with any friends, family
members, and neighbors you know who are still making up their mind about
who to vote for (and everyone knows some). All you have to do is pass
it on — forward it, share on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Done. What else?

If you spot something that’s especially persuasive or inspiring, or if
you want to share your own graphic, essay, or personal story, send it on
to forwardthis@barackobama.com and we’ll pass the best ones along.

With 12 days to go in this election, and millions of voters still making
up their minds, it’s the job of everyone who supports President Obama
to let everyone else know who they’re voting for this year — and why.

Thanks for your help.

Obama for America

—-

Time is running out. Chip in today, when your donation can make the biggest difference.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Alejandra and David – Facing Foreclosure

10/26/2012 Nativegrl77

by pjl4545

From Occupy Homes MN:
“Sign this petition from Alejandra to help her family save her home:

http://www.change.org/petitions/pnc-bank-and-freddie-mac-negotiate-and-keep-o…
Join the national day of action as Alejandra and David caravan to PNC’s national headquarters in Pittsburgh to deliver their loan modification documents and demand a meeting with CEO Jim Rohr: http://www.occupyhomesmn.org/june-19-21-cruz-family-caravan-national-day-of-a… ”

Please ask PNC Bank to negotiate and keep our family in our home.

My family and I have lived in our South Minneapolis home for the past 7 years, but now, because of a bank error, we fell into foreclosure and were evicted from our home, despite being willing and able to pay a mortgage.

Our family fell into foreclosure when PNC Bank failed to withdraw an online mortgage payment submitted by my father. Unable to pay more than the current month’s payment, we couldn’t afford the two months’ payment the bank demanded as punishment.

After our home fell into foreclosure, we began working with a local nonprofit that was supposed to be working out a loan modification. Despite this, in February, without warning, an agent of the bank came to our house and told us we had 48 hours to leave the property, terrifying our family and ignoring our right to a legal eviction process.

We want to keep our home and want the bank to negotiate a reasonable settlement for our mortgage based on the actual value of the property. Together with Occupy Homes MN we will defend our home from foreclosure and force the bank to do what is right. Until now, many families in the Latino community have been afraid to stand up when they are being mistreated by the banks that fraudulently foreclose on families across the country. The banks have used this fear and manipulation of a complicated legal system to profit from honest, hardworking people.

Because of the support from Occupy Homes MN, community members, and our neighbors and friends, PNC Bank executives committed to looking into our case “to help and rectify the situation.” Despite this, PNC Bank has not yet worked with us to find a solution, but instead has worked with Freddie Mac to push five eviction attempts and twenty-three arrests at our home.

On June 19th, my brother and I are going to PNC Bank’s Pittsburgh headquarters with our modification documents to meet with CEO Jim Rohr and ask him to renegotiate our family’s mortgage. We will not remain silent because we know that if more people are inspired by our example and stand up for their rights the banks will be forced to do what is right for all homeowners. Please sign this petition to support my family in our fight to keep our home!