Tag Archives: United States

February 14, 2012

The Fight for Women’s Health Must Continue

When the news got out that the Susan G. Komen foundation had cut off funding for breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood, men and women across the country were outraged. They didn’t understand the decision, they didn’t agree with it—and they did something about it. They made their voices heard loud and clear, and they got results. Komen did the right thing and announced that they had reversed their initial decision—and I want to commend them for that. Their mission— and their great work in the fight against breast cancer— is too important to get mixed up in partisan politics. Although this reversal was a great victory for so many women across America, let’s be clear: Our fight for women’s health does not end here. There are still many who will continue to put partisan politics ahead of women’s health and we need to make sure that the grassroots support and energy that successfully came together to right this wrong continues to stand firm against each and every attack that comes our way.

“Patty Murray Fights for Women’s Rights—Even When It Isn’t the Issue of the Day” – The Stranger

Virtual Town Hall with Disabled American Veterans

This week, I had the opportunity to chat one-on-one with veterans across the country in a Virtual Town Hall Meeting, organized by Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families. In the hour-long chat, I heard from people on a wide range of issues including mental health care, VA claim wait times, women veterans, and veterans jobs. Over 3,000 veterans, members of the military, and family members participated in the chat. I will use the struggles, stories, and suggestions I heard to continue to fight for veterans in Washington, D.C. – Read more

View full transcript of the Virtual Town Hall

~ Culture & History

History Takes Flight! Lonnie G. Bunch at The NMAAHC

02/14/2012 Nativegrl77

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lonnie Bunch, museum director, historian, lecturer, and author, is proud to present A Page from Our American Story, a regular on-line series for Museum supporters. It will showcase individuals and events in the African American experience, placing these stories in the context of a larger story — our American story.

A Page From Our American Story

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Circa May 1942 to Aug 1943 Location unknown, likely Southern Italy or North Africa

Not many people know the entire story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is going to change that. The Tuskegee Airmen epitomize courage and heroism. Their story, however, is more than just their legendary success escorting American bombers over Nazi Germany.

Their story begins more than 23 years earlier. In fact, from the early days of World War I, African Americans wanted to serve as pilots in the Army Air Force. They were repeatedly rejected — because of their race. In 1941, when Congress finally forced the Army Air Force to train African Americans, the powers in the Pentagon created a training program with one purpose — wash out the men who want to be aviators.

However, the Pentagon was in for a surprise — the Tuskegee Airmen did not fail. They would succeed and go on to serve in spectacular fashion. Their success would force military leaders to take a hard look at the policies of segregation that treated black servicemen and women as second class citizens.

Click here to take flight with the Spirit of Tuskegee!

I offer this brief, brief summary of the Tuskegee Airmen story as a way of introducing a short, but fascinating video that features a treasured object in the Museum’s collection — a restored World War II-era PT-13 Stearman used to train many of the Tuskegee Airmen. The video documents this biplane’s historic journey across the nation on its way to being presented to the Museum in the summer of 2011.

The addition of the PT-13 Stearman helps bring the powerful story of the Tuskegee Airmen to life. Together they help fulfill the Museum’s mission to engage, educate, and bring pride to all Americans.

Enjoy!

	All the best,

	Lonnie Bunch Director

P.S. We can only reach our $250 million goal with your help. I hope you will consider making a donation or becoming a Charter Member today.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution’s family of extraordinary museums.The museum will be far more than a collection of objects. The Museum will be a powerful, positive force in the national discussion about race and the important role African Americans have played in the American story — a museum that will make all Americans proud.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Weekly Address: Extending the Payroll Tax Cut for the Middle Class

02/13/2012 Nativegrl77

Feb 11, 2012 by whitehouse

President Obama urges Congress to extend the payroll tax cut to prevent a tax hike on 160 million hardworking Americans.

Tell us what $40 means to you and your family. What would you have to go without or give up if Congress doesn’t act?

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House did 2min of work today – the Senate considers the nomination of Adalberto Jose Jordan for Judge of 11th Circuit

02/13/2012 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET February 13, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #437, the nomination of Adalberto Jose Jordan, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 11^th Circuit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees .
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Jordan nomination.

At approximately 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Adalberto Jordan, of Florida, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

5:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Adalberto Jose Jordan, of FL, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit; Invoked: 89-5

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. By consent, time during morning business and any adjournment or recess will count post cloture. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2012.1:01:56 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:01:50 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:00:37 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.1:00:28 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.1:00:13 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.