Tag Archives: United States

I’ve noticed something when talking to Democratic legislators about marriage equality: They’re afraid that they’ll lose reelection if they vote for equality, but they’re not afraid they’ll lose if they vote against it.

They’ll tell me that they think voting for marriage equality is the right thing to do, but all too often they vote “No” because it’s easier.

It’s disgusting.

A lot of folks are thinking of 2012 as the big election year, but there’s actually elections going on in a lot of places this year — including in New Jersey, where one local DFA member is challenging an anti-gay Democrat for State Senate.

Jeff Gardner has been working to elect progressive Democrats up and down the ballot across New Jersey for years — and now he’s a progressive Democratic candidate himself.

Please join me in supporting Jeff’s people-powered campaign and contribute $10 to beat an anti-gay Democrat right now. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/613?akid=647.1480546.RddnWi&t=1

Listen, I know you don’t live in New Jersey, but trust me when I tell you that Democratic legislators in other states are watching this race. They know that Jeff’s opponent — anti-gay State Sen. John Girgenti, who is part of the Senate Democratic Leadership — is an entrenched incumbent. And they know that if Jeff wins, it’ll open the floodgates for pro-marriage grassroots candidates across New Jersey and other states across the country.

Let’s send all those Democrats who are watching a message: You can’t vote against equality and get away with it.

Contribute $10 now to help a progressive beat a conservadem in the primary.

This will be a tough race against an entrenched incumbent backed by a powerful political machine — but people power done right can beat anything. Contribute today to make it happen.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/613?akid=647.1480546.RddnWi&t=2

-Arshad

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director

Democracy for America

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF &some News

03/25/2011 Nativegrl77

We had two great days of sunshine the weather folks said our NW temps got up to 60 but it didn’t feel that way to me … ahhhhh spring time includes a whole lot of rain as well to feed the grass , flowers and whatever else out thar.

Today the White House briefing with Jay Carney starts at 1:00pmET and later on today about 4:35pmET President Obama hosts reception for Greek Independence.

In response to an article i posted “Help protect the right to choose” …written by MoveOn.org

I thought my interaction with a writer who thinks choosing to kill a baby is not right was over but more questions more responses more enlightenment? I do not mind, hopefully the information however brief helps a person right of center get it even if it takes several online interactions which continues but having said we are at an impasse we do not agree i received another or what they said was one last question …my last entry and maybe just maybe it helped give a new view that can provide some food for thought…. Having the right to choose is just that “A Right” not a priviledge

On 3/18 I received a comment that was a little disturbing because it seemed to have questioned my sensibilites, intelligence and definitely gave me the impression that my health care as a woman needs to be regulated, controlled kind of like those death panels that were started by Conservatives and pushed hard by folks like sarah palin etc,. I definitely like getting comments and appreciate most especially with a different opinion it makes you decide why you feel the way you do ,stand up, speak out and this current war being waged on us women will take all of us because the alternative is not an option.

3/18 Choosing to kill a baby is not a right. http://www.abortiontruth.com/pictures.html

3/18 My response …

…I can only say that we can debate at what point a fetus becomes a baby and at what point a fetus becomes anything after conception. Then we have to ask at what point is conception and if you believe a baby or life begins at conception, then we have nothing to discuss because i do not believe that at conception whenever that is, creates a baby. I believe an egg becomes a fetus then after the first tri-mister, a baby is developed. Even with all this rhetoric i do not believe you or anyone else has the right to tell me what to do with my body-and if you do feel comfortable telling me what to do with my body; what could be bigger Government then that? The fact is and just so you know desperate women have used instruments, back alley doctors, drugs to abort and suicide when it becomes too much. It is my wish that legal, safe and credible places remain available for all women because no one should have to feel so stressed out about a personal choice and no woman chooses abortion because it is fun believe me.

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3/21 An additional comment/question …

When do you believe life begins? Let us start with your measuring stick for life.

FYI: The word fetus (plural fetuses) is from the Latin fetus, meaning offspring, bringing forth, hatching of young. It has Indo-European roots related to sucking or suckling, from the Aryan prefix bheu-, meaning “To come into being”.

I prefer to speak English and just call the developing life form in women, I don’t speak Latin in my daily use of language.

3/21 And my response

Again, do you believe in less government? If so, my uterus should be outside your control, especially if i pay for the abortion it is my personal business –you really should mind your own business right. It is my opinion that the Hyde amendment is enough for everyone to accept and has been for years. The question for you is why you feel it is your right to dictate to a woman as it relates to woman’s health or contraceptive choices. It is this kind of attitude by folks with that family values platform that most if not all Republicans subscribe to in the House of Representatives that wanted to defund Planned Parenthood. First, it makes no sense to take social services away from those who are in need then say if you become pregnant, you might have to go full-term. In my opinion, life without places like Planned Parenthood,would mean more young women suffering unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and or worse. I do not think you get it, you are using words Latin words instead of emotions, and that is because you have no idea what it takes to decide and or go through. While you may think abortion services are used improperly, the point is women are smart enough to decide on their own; having a choice to make a personal decision that is definitely not the same for all women is the point. I do not think most women have abortions for fun but it is far more than the clinical crap you are spewing. The fact is women girls desperate enough to use coat hangers drugs or fake doctors is a reality-having unwanted births is not the answer and a woman’s body does not belong to you or the government. I think the current laws rules and attitudes are so disgusting …just read your comment you act like the decider the guy/gal who thinks women should be pregnant & barefoot -pure BS- i don’t understand this logic. The clinical and or professorial attitude you seem to have shows just how little you know about the topic and or experience and giving up my personal control to you or my government is definitely a definition of big Government.

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3/22 My final response to the question …

So, when do you believe life begins? 3/22

I believe it probably is when a heartbeat can be heard, which is about at 9weeks depending on the woman. I do not know what you want from me but even with the facts about when life begins does not change my mind about abortion. I believe women should not lose the right to choose be treated as intelligent enough to decide and contrary to popular thought doctors actually do counsel and discuss options but those choices options have been taken away by the Republican Tea Party under the platform of family values when in reality it is family enforcement. It makes no sense to think this is anyone’s business except for the woman and her doctor, it baffles my mind to think a member of congress, a stranger thinks my uterus should be controlled by them because of their own personal beliefs, religion, values. I do believe that the Senate will respect a woman’s right to choose though Republicans feel women should be seen and not heard i guess with the cutting slashing and burning of safe, clean and truly great facilities that help girls, young women and older women on a daily basis for all kinds of things not just abortion. The fact is that places like Planned Parenthood also talk to young men about their responsibilities too regarding contraceptive etc. trying to keep a strong hold on information, procedures and personal choice can only be detrimental to the progress in the realm of women’s health

3/23 -Comment:

You really need to relax, if you can’t handle someone disputing your opinion you need to stay away from blogs. Or just censor those that comment on your blog if that makes it easier for you.

You complain about a lot of things that I never brought up. I state that I do not think that the choice to kill a baby is not a right. Am I wrong?

I gathered from your rant that you consider an embryo with a heart beat is now a baby. Am I right?

To save time, I am going to ask the next question as if the last statement is true. Would you then still believe a women has the right to end the life of a baby, as long as it is in her womb?

I am not asking these questions out of hostility and I hope you are not offended by me asking them. I really do what to know what you stance is and how you justify that stance. It is too easy to box someone into a pro-life or pro-choice label, when that label probably does not fit.

Response -That’s funny. If what you said were true i wouldn’t have even responded to your comment,” choosing to kill a baby is not a right.” I actually responded each time even with the first question because you sounded way too clinical to professorial and if it sounded hostile that is because of the 1st comment with pictures. The question you asked in itself brings up abortion. The hilarityof just reading the comment, “choosing to kill a baby is not right” and the sadness of the tremendous hold that men and or politicians from the Republican Tea Party

Actually, i did not say embryo equals a baby … i answered that when a heart beat is heard i would deem it as a baby, which is usually at 9wks could be more … I am saying anything before that i would say is not a baby … and i would say a woman has the right to choose to do whatever she and her doctor have agreed to in private without outside forces to interrupt because whatever is going on in a woman’s body, womb, uterus is hers unless she so choses to share. I am somewhat offended because you don’t get it. I don’t think you, me , the government or anyone else for that matter has a say in what a woman does with her body. I am both pro-life …i have kids and pro-choice because women have the intelligence to decide what they want don’t you agree? what’s missing is your justification for saying choosing to kill a baby is not right is any of your business to begin with. I know where i stand and why but i have no idea why you feel the way you do.

As a woman, the passion or as you say hostility i show for a woman’s right to choose is because the Republican led House cut slashed and burnt women and children lately, these actions give me a bad feeling and could possibly create situations where women of all ages will resort to desperate measures. I believe in providing choices for women and we all know or should know that limiting or controlling choice is definitely a path no one in this 21st Century should even try to take.

3/23 Comment –

Comment:

“and i would say a woman has the right to choose to do whatever she and her doctor have agreed to in private without outside forces to interrupt because whatever is going on in a woman’s body, womb, uterus is hers unless she so choses to share.” Do you hold to the standard then that a women may only have freedom of choice before 9wks, or do you believe that they may choose to kill a baby as long as it is in their body? Is there a point in the development of a baby that you believe that a women no longer has the choice to kill the baby while it is in their body?

Submitted on 2011/03/23 … One last question.

Is there any point where you believe a baby has a right to life while it is in a women’s body?

This is based on normal pregnancy and not considering medical complications that put a women’s life in danger.

I thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and I am finding your answers very educational. I understand that we will not come to an agreement based on this discussion, but I do believe that if we understand each other more that we can eventually come to an understanding.

Other News …

**Breach in Reactor -grave news

**Libyan airspace under control with new airstrikes by

**Syrians hold demonstrations as media is banned from key locations

**Leader in Yemen says he’ll go if left in safe hands

**Powerful 6.8 earthquake in Myanmar today

killing at least 70

**A big rise in violence & quite a few Israeli and Palestinians hurt

**Salazar announces land acquisition at Gettysburg

**Washing state’s King5 investigators found welfare Fraud,so the States dept of Soc Health Serv is overhauling how it does it’s services

**USPS set to cut jobs offer up 20thou $in buyouts and will close about 6 post offices all over the country

**Government expands by 3.1%

CSPAN …

NATO To Take Lead in Libya

White House to brief Congress

http://c-span.com/Events/NATO-To-Take-Lead-in-Libya/10737420505/

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Canadian Parliament Close to Rejecting Govt. Budget

National election may be called

http://c-span.com/Events/Canadian-Parliament-Close-to-Rejecting-Govt-Budget/10737420493/

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GDP Up to 3.1% from 2.8%

Slight economic gains

http://c-span.com/Events/GDP-Up-to-31-from-28/10737420492/

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Home sales for February fell 16.9% percent, the lowest since records began in 1963, according to a new figures released by the Commerce Department. In light of this announcement, the Atlantic and National Journal hosted an economic summit today on the future of homeownership in the U.S.

http://c-span.com/Events/Panel-Questions-Home-Ownership-amp-the-American-Dream/10737420482/

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On March 29, the Supreme Court will hear an oral argument in Wal-Mart v. Dukes, a job discrimination case involving more than one million female workers. The group alleges that the company’s bias against them has negatively affected their salary and promotions.

http://c-span.com/Events/A-Look-at-Employment-Discrimination-Class-Actions/10737420483/

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The U.N. Security Council held a meeting to discuss the situation in Libya. A recently passed resolution approved military action against Libya, while calling for a cease fire on the ground. A U.N. envoy to Libya said that there was no evidence that the cease fire was established. The U.N. also warned Moammar Gadhafi that the Security Council was prepared to take additional action.

http://c-span.com/Events/United-Nations-Security-Council-Meeting/10737420499/

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

William, was born with a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex

03/24/2011 Nativegrl77

I want to tell you about a family in Minnesota.

Justin and Kari live in Brooklyn Park, right outside of Minneapolis. They’re parents to three children. Their three-year-old, William, was born with a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex.

For the rest of his life, William will wrestle with tumors in his brain, his heart, his kidneys, his skin, and possibly other major organs. He must take medication to control seizures and faces the threat of kidney disease.

What Justin and Kari want for William is a future. And because of health reform, that’s what he’ll have.

Today, insurance companies are no longer able to discriminate against William because of the condition he’s dealt with since birth. Now, Justin and Kari know they’ll be able to get the kind of care that William needs — today and into the future.

Their story isn’t unique, but it’s one of many that need to be told. We all know people whose lives have been changed because of the Affordable Care Act, even if we don’t realize it. So we’ve found a way to show exactly how reform is working for all of us — for our parents, our siblings, our kids, ourselves.

Will you take a minute to take our Health Reform Checkup and let the people you love know how reform is working for them? http://my.barackobama.com/Checkup5?email=lifestyle2000cc@yahoo.com&zip=98115

Before the Affordable Care Act, Justin and Kari weren’t sure about the future. They worried that they’d never be able to find coverage for William again if Justin lost his job. They worried about the life that William would lead — whether he’d ever be able to work or support a family.

Not anymore. William’s condition isn’t going away, but he’ll always be able to get care. The Affordable Care Act is one year old today, and it has already changed William’s life — and this country — for good.

Today, there are families who feel better about the future than they did a year ago. They’ve found some security, some relief. And these are people we know. They’re our neighbors, our colleagues, our friends, our families — the people next to us every day.

On the one-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I think we have a duty to discuss how reform is already working.

Watch Justin and Kari tell their story, and take a moment to learn how health reform is changing the lives of those you know:

http://my.barackobama.com/Checkup

A year ago, I stood next to the President as he signed health reform into law — and we have you to thank for making that possible.

Yours,

Joe

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

From Gallup.Com: Americans’ Worries About Economy, Budget Top Other Issues

03/24/2011 Nativegrl77

Americans have more anxiety about the economy than about any other major national issue Gallup tracks, with 71% saying they worry a great deal about it. “Federal spending and the budget deficit” spark nearly as much concern, at 64%. The environment and race relations rank lowest of 14 issues tested.

a message from Barney Frank

03/24/2011 Nativegrl77

Here we go again – at least here I go again, and I hope you can join me.

In January I announced that I would run for reelection in 2012 because I want to fight for the values I have been committed to throughout my career. The events in Washington since that time have reinforced my view that those values are under greater attack than at any time in my life.

Over the past few weeks, Congress has gone through a bizarre, grueling, and ultimately very sad budget process. This has been a disaster for those who believe that we have the capacity as a people to come together and cooperate on measures that are essential to improving the quality of all of our lives.

Republicans are attempting to weaken the financial reform bill we passed last year, and the far right has succeeded in passing through the House budgets that will re-deregulate derivatives and to weaken the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

At the same time, they resisted any effort to make significant cuts to our swollen military budget. Instead, they chose to inflict enormous harm on virtually all domestic programs, proudly stating that they had debated the entire US government in less than three days. I stood up in the House late at night after a marathon debate and I denounced their orgy of self-congratulation over their senseless budget cutting. http://images.myngp.com/LinkTracker.aspx?crypt=IVi0ax2%2b6UBSinc%2fCPYaKdaJwsMh0V5KnXpbYo0o6usIzZHtMm7avT6xh2PId64V3H1TXg9cveHz4X4iWQX%2f8nWBmlzPYqFO9PL61K1FacAU6VN1fqldK8%2fB3jnGOwZrHdqMotfOShGgWdUy45CNXMIOiDGBo%2fQ1q6IH2PgZSlM%3d

But the battle is not over — we will spend the next two years and more fighting this gross distortion of our budget priorities and of our values. I will give everything I can to this effort, and with your help I will do so through 2012 and beyond.

http://images.myngp.com/LinkTracker.aspx?crypt=IVi0ax2%2b6UDLpC3olJXC48%2fv%2ftqtQFGd1pYD7HCwFY6cLDeH7plfweSCOUD3b7%2bTOi%2fuQC6cVGOAYPHw4BpKsfjf%2bjAR8Nv%2bsR9N%2fCerQ9cX%2bkyg6Q8rGv72%2bTm3xKI7Gz2fKi9myl%2fpb9GfTSw4%2b0INbmIjEf4YF28eX0DMwEEjCNjlRR8ItugWUePxfSgjyYegnqay8HMtAcAUj7q6N%2bc%2bW%2fmQrZgc

Last year, you helped me defend against coordinated attacks by national right-wing organizations which had been empowered to spend freely on elections by the recent Supreme Court decision. Because it was such an especially expensive campaign year, I am writing earlier than usual to ask if you can help me begin to payoff campaign debts – including one to myself – and to start to accumulate the funds that I will need to withstand another coordinated nation-wide right-wing assault in 2012.

It’s flattering to be the focus of the Right’s unhappiness, but it’s also expensive. I would be grateful if you would help provide me with what I need to fight back.