Tag Archives: United States

willful Wednesday &some News

01/11/2012 Nativegrl77

“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education

just another rant …
We all might agree that in an election year the most important thing most voters on the fence should be asking themselves is which politician running for office has been the most authentic, has not just your list of things in mind but that of your family, friends, co-workers and those who are now in need. We know the middle and lower class have been routed and that is on the list of targets the Party of NO has as a mission. I ask you to stop and think about what President Obama has tried to do or has done for ALL Americans not just for a select few like we have seen coming from the Republican Party. The choice for President2012 in my opinion is obvious. Yes, I will support Barack Obama for a 2nd term but it is not because I am a person of colour though I admit no one not one Teapublican person opposing President Obama has minorities in mind; we are all a second thought a group of invisible people who as newt says need paychecks not food stamps and or entitlements. Well, some may know this now since he forced it upon us, but there are more Caucasian people on food stamps than African Americans and or people of colour. if you are a Woman, the war waged against us by Teapublicans has become personal for me and given what this Party of No claims; to be for less government one must search for a codebook to find out exactly what that means and what is it they want from the middle and lower classes because it ain’t equality. I wonder, do they expect us to accept separate but equal. Whatever It is; it is utterly apparent that “these people” feel, act, or negotiate nothing like our parents conservative politicians and here’s hoping We the People do not have to experience what they all have been jabbering about because it does not sound sane efficient or address what all Americans need to move into the 21st Century. I watch, listen, and wonder what kind of education these conservative Teapublican candidates for President have received or have they just become more jaded more narrow minded, as they got older as they appear. I think a President must be willing to fight for the rights of everyone especially for those in need. I still cannot and probably will not forget what Eric cantor and Santorum said to women about health care. It definitely made me realize why I vote for the Democratic Party more often than not. I am no expert and I do not play one or pretend to be one; I just have a lot to say or rant about. In my need to reach out to those who may still be wondering who should be our next President. I ask them to compare and contrast President Obama against the Teapublicans who claim to want to “restore America”“, take back our country”, or insist on if they do get into the WH, that all Americans will conform to their “Family Values” platform. After hearing what they do not want to do for “We the People”, please think about family friend’s co-workers or neighbors who will be negatively affected by this type of attitude and the consequences of such a way of thinking and or living.

The best possible chance for our Democracy to continue forward VOTE for … BarackObama2012

Other News …

DNC Chair Assesses NH Primary, Looks Forward

Administration Holds Jobs Forum

President Obama Goes to Chicago for Campaign Fundraiser

Report on Security of Nuclear Materials To Be Released

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Stand Up to Mortgage Fraudsters and Big Banks

01/10/2012 Nativegrl77

The Big Banks have a lot to answer for. As their greed and recklessness gave us a devastating financial crisis, they also abused and defrauded consumers. There are 7.5 million homes that have entered the foreclosure process, with another 4.8 million homeowners at risk. It’s time to set things right—and not with a slap on the wrist for bankersand fraudsters.Unfortunately, some state attorneys general are considering just that—a small slap on the wrist, not real accountability. To get the best deal for homeowners, and to make sure the banks are held fully accountable, your voice needs to be heard.

Your attorney general has the power to hold the banks accountable. Tell the AG you want real accountability and not another giveaway.

The collapse of the housing market and widespread abuses of homeowners are holding back our economy. Misconduct by the nation’s biggest banks gave us the financial crisis, and your attorney general has the power to hold them accountable. A deal already is being considered—and we have to get this right. We can’t repeat the mistakes of the bailout process.

Your attorney general will be making a decision soon; tell the AG to put homeowners above banker greed.

In Solidarity,

Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO

P.S. Have you checked out Working America‘s 9 Demands of the 99%? View eight commonsense solutions we need to fix the economy, add your own and sign on in support.

~ my 2cents ...

a tempest filled Tuesday &some News …

01/10/2012 Nativegrl77

The NW is either experiencing climate change …it’s Winter and not a snow flake in sight let alone real cold air. I guess all that nasty hot air coming from the mouths of Teapublicans running for President has raised its ugly head of lies I mean skewed, maybe manipulated information they all seem to be giving to Americans, has flowed toward us. We have yet another day and night filled with wicked weather with odd high temperatures, the wind has yet to calm down and the rain is washing away foundation, which is so northwest weather but can do much damage. So, be careful out there.

Given all that is happening in the World a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. is so appropriate right about now. People are dying for the right to speak freely, for a better life and human rights …no one speaks to life’s struggles better than MLK jr and as we move into a New Year let us all find keep or continue the audacity to have hope to change and work hard to give Barack Obama a second term.

“Human Progress is neither automatic nor inevitable even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals without persistent effort, time itself becomes an ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social destruction. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” – MLK Jr.

Other News …

C-SPAN’s New Hampshire Primary Coverage Begins at 8pm ET

President Announces Resignation of Chief-of-Staff; Budget Director Jack Lew to Fill Post

A Look at the Future of the Internet

Book TV on C-SPAN2

“C-SPAN letter to Chief Justice Roberts on TV camera coverage of health care case”

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

President Obama Opens 2012 by Advancing Pipeline Safety

01/04/2012 Nativegrl77

President Obama Opens 2012 by Advancing Pipeline Safety

Posted by Secretary Ray LaHood on January 3, 2012 at 7:04 PM EST

Ed note: This has been cross-posted from the Department of Transportation’s Fastlane blog

When we say at DOT that safety is our number one priority, we are not kidding around. And today, as part of that important goal, President Obama signed into law the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act.

Last April, following several fatal pipeline accidents, we called upon U.S. pipeline owners and operators to conduct a comprehensive review of their oil and gas pipelines to identify areas of high risk and accelerate critical repair and replacement work. We also convened a Pipeline Safety Forum with state officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss steps for improving the safety and efficiency of America’s pipeline infrastructure.

In one of their final actions for 2011, the House and Senate passed a pipeline safety bill consistent with the legislative proposal we submitted to Congress last year. This legislation gives the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an important part of DOT, stronger enforcement tools and increases civil penalties for pipeline operators who do not meet safety regulations. It’s another terrific step forward for greater pipeline safety.

Not only will this legislation help keep America’s communities safer; it also helps give pipeline operators the certainty they need to run their systems more effectively.

To advance pipeline safety, the bill doubles the maximum fines that pipeline operators face for safety violations. The Bill requires PHMSA to issue new pipeline safety standards requiring operators to install automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves and excess flow valves in new or replaced transmission pipelines. As U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller said, “Communities can rest a little easier knowing that Congress has implemented tougher safety rules.”

The bill authorizes PHMSA to award $110 million in safety-related grants each year. These include state damage prevention programs, technical assistance to local communities, emergency response training, and one-call system improvements. And PHMSA is authorized to add a number of new pipeline inspectors to support its investigation and enforcement obligations.

To promote regulatory certainty for the pipeline industry, the new bill prohibits PHMSA during a two to three year Congressional review period, from issuing regulations establishing leak-detection requirements or expanding integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas. However, this restriction would not apply if a condition poses any risk to public safety, property, or the environment.

As the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee observed, “By providing greater regulatory certainty, the bill will help create a better economic environment for U.S. businesses to create jobs.”

This bill is a win for safety and a win for America’s communities. And, by signing it into law on the first business day of the new year, President Obama has sent a clear message that this Administration believes we can achieve greater safety and stronger economic growth at the same time.

I can’t think of a better way to start 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Don’t Put a Coal Mine in Bryce Canyon – Let’s Move to Solar!

01/03/2012 Nativegrl77

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is home to over 100 species of birds, thousands of plant species, and numerous mammals. However, the national park is in danger of being replaced by a coal mine.The city of Los Angeles is set to sap the natural wonder of its biodiversity, but you can help save this natural wonder.»Bryce Canyon has provided a great research area for scientists and a beautiful place for families to visit. Utah tourism is at stake in addition to Bryce Canyon itself.Los Angeles does not need this power. An alternate solution has been proposed — one that wouldn’t require the destruction of a natural haven OR the use and production of dirty energy from coal. People are speaking out about the city of Los Angeles instead creating its own solar energy. Thousands of LA residents have demanded that the city eliminate coal power by 2020, and put LA’s sunny weather to good use.Sign this petition to protect Bryce Canyon National Park, and a brighter, cleaner future for Los Angeles! »