Tag Archives: United States

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Immoral …

2 Comments

Dear MoveOn member,

It’s time to sound the alarm.

This week, Congress could cut a deal on the budget. And if Republicans get their way, billions will be cut from vital programs that millions of Americans count on—while tax cuts for the richest are protected.

But most people don’t have any idea what’s at stake—and how devastating these cuts would be to their communities—even though the cuts could take effect within weeks. So we’re launching an emergency campaign to spread the word. Republicans want to gut programs with enormous public support, and hope no one notices. So it’s up to all of us to spark a public outcry before it’s too late.

The devastating impact these cuts will have on our country—and on your community—is unprecedented. Check out the list below. If we can get it out to a million people, we can start to sound the alarm and stop the GOP. Click here to post on Facebook and Twitter, or simply forward this email.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Peter, Carrie, Kat, and the rest of the team

Top 10 Worst Things about the Republicans’ Immoral Budget

The Republican budget would:

1. Destroy 700,000 jobs, according to an independent economic analysis.

2. Zero out federal funding for National Public Radio and public television.

3. Cut $1.3 billion from community health centers—which will deprive more than 3 million low-income people of health care over the next few months.

4. Cut nearly a billion dollars in food and health care assistance to pregnant women, new moms, and children.

5. Kick more than 200,000 children out of pre-school by cutting funds for Head Start.

6. Force states to fire 65,000 teachers and aides, dramatically increasing class sizes, thanks to education cuts.

7. Cut some or all financial aid for 9.4 million low- and middle-income college students.

8. Slash $1.6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, a cut that experts say would “send shockwaves” through cancer research, likely result in cuts to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research, and cause job losses.

9. End the only federal family planning program, including cutting all federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood to support cancer screenings and other women’s health care.

10. Send 10,000 low-income veterans into homelessness by cutting in half the number of veterans who get housing vouchers this year.

We’ve got to get the word out about this awful budget—right away. Please, share this with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, or by forwarding this email, today.

Sources:

1. “GOP spending plan would cost 700,000 jobs, new report says,” The Washington Post, February 28, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206357&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=6

2. “GOP budget would cut funding for public broadcasting,” The Washington Independent, February 14, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206513&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=7

3. “NACHC Statement in Response to the Budget from the House Appropriations Committee,” National Association of Community Health Centers website, accessed March 4, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206514&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=8

4.”Bye Bye, Big Bird. Hello, E. Coli.,” The New Republic, February 12, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206104&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=9

House Republican Spending Cuts Target Programs For Children And Pregnant Women

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206566&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=10

5. “Obama and the GOP’s Spending Cuts: Where’s the Outrage?” Mother Jones, February 18, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206569&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=11

6. Ibid.

7. “Deficit Reduction on the Backs of the Most Vulnerable,” Center for American Progress, March 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206518&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=12   (PDF) 

8. “The GOP Budget and Cancer—Why New Research Is at Risk,” Politics Daily, February 27, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206515&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=13

“Republican Budget Cuts at Heart of Medical Research: Albert Hunt,” Bloomberg, February 20, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206516&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=14

“Durbin: Cuts to NIH put research jobs at risk,” Business Week, February 28, 2011

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LLSCB00.htm

9. “GOP Spending Plan: X-ing Out Title X Family Planning Funds,” Wall Street Journal, February 9, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206105&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=15

10. “House GOP Spending Cuts Would Prevent 10,000 Low-Income Veterans From Receiving Housing Assistance,” Think Progress, March 1, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206517&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=16

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress:debates & votes today -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at  9:30amET March 8, 2011

Morning business for 2 hours with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first hour and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act, post-cloture.

By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, morning business and recess will count post-cloture on S.23.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm for the weekly caucus luncheons.

The Majority Leader hopes to reach an agreement regarding H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative. Senators should expect roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on S.23, America Invents Act, tonight and to set up votes on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye tomorrow at 3pm.

Under the agreement, the Reid amendment #152 was withdrawn and the Reid amendment #143 (EPSCOR), was modified and agreed to. There will now there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act. Senators should expect the vote on passage to begin around 6:15pm, if all time is used. However, time may be yielded back.

Furthermore, at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9, there will be up to 3 hours for debate on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye. Upon the use or yielding back of time, there will be 2 roll call votes on the following items:

– Passage of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriation and Long Term Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011; and

– Inouye substitute amendment #149 (Democratic Alternative).

Each proposal will be subject to 60-vote thresholds. If H.R.1 achieves 60 votes, it will be read a third time and passed and, if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes, Senator Reid will be recognized to offer the Inouye substitute amendment #149. If the Substitute achieves 60 votes, the bill, as amended, would be read a third time and passed, and if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes it will be returned to the calendar. No motions or amendments are in order to the substitute or the bill prior to the votes.

Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.1 was vitiated.

Votes:

35: Passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act;

Passed: 95-5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:09 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:07 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 150 and H. Res. 151.

H. Res. 149:

electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives

7:03 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Larson (CT) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

7:01 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 138 (Roll no. 164).

6:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

6:52 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 12 (Roll no. 163).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:30 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

4:31 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

4:30 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to Iran shall continue – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-13).

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

4:29 P.M. –

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.

4:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 525.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

4:22 P.M. –

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.

4:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 570.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

4:12 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

The House received a communication from Robin Reeder, Archivist, Office of the Clerk. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Reeder notified the House that she had been served with a civil subpoena, issued before the Evidentiary Panel for the State Bar of Texas, for documents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.

4:01 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

4:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

2:23 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.

2:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 4:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tell Sens. Murray and Cantwell: Stop the Republicans’ radical assault on EPA funding


Republicans have launched an unprecedented budget assault on clean air and public health protections — and Senate Democrats have two weeks to stop it.

The House Republicans’ Continuing Resolution spending bill slashes this year’s remaining EPA budget by almost 60%, and contains numerous amendments that hamstring the Clean Air Act, block the EPA from limiting greenhouse gas emissions for any reason, eliminate funding for climate science and climate pollution monitoring, and make it easier for coal plants to dump certain toxic wastes into lakes and rivers. And the list of radical amendments to defund the EPA Just. Keeps. Going.1

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=7259&id=17506-2591629-Ehd1dhx&t=9

The passage of a temporary spending bill on Wednesday keeps the government funded through March 18th and gives the Senate more time to take a stand against Republican attempts to hold EPA and Clean Air Act funding hostage with threats of forcing a shutdown.

Sadly, the Obama administration is already caving on a number of Republican budget demands.2 So it’s essential that Senate Democrats oppose this budget attack, draw a line in the sand, and filibuster any bill that blocks funding for the EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act.

There are just enough votes to do it. Barely. Strong EPA supporters — especially strong Clean Air Act supporters — are in a minority in the Senate. But if all of our environmental champions stand strong, and we pressure a few of the more tentative supporters to join them, we can protect the Clean Air Act’s ability to limit carbon pollution, and stop the draconian cuts to EPA funding.

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=7259&id=17506-2591629-Ehd1dhx&t=10

Republicans claim these cuts are about reducing the deficit. If they actually believe that, then Republicans are telling us that they are incapable of achieving deficit reductions without endangering the lives of millions of Americans.

If its funding continues, the Clean Air Act will save 4.2 million lives, and prevent 43 million cases of Asthma from 1990 to 2020. These health benefits, and avoiding costs that would otherwise be passed onto citizens and the government, makes the Clean Air Act one of our most cost effective pieces of legislation, saving us 30 times more than it costs to implement.3

Americans know this. Numerous recent polls show that overwhelming majorities of the public support tighter Clean Air Act limits on carbon pollution, and explicitly oppose Republican attacks on the EPA.4

Of course, these cuts aren’t about our deficit, or the will of the people. At all. They are about handcuffing the EPA, and pushing the legislative agenda of big polluters like the Koch brothers, the Chamber of Commerce, and other oil, gas and coal giants who were able to spend unlimited funds to elect the most polluter-friendly congress in history, and are now spending millions on lobbying to preserve their ability to freely pollute our nation and avoid the massive public health costs they pass on to us. (“You’re welcome. Love, polluters.”)

The Continuing Resolution budget battle is just the first of these attacks on the Clean Air Act. There will be more. On Thursday, Rep. Fred Upton and Sen. Jim Inhofe introduced a bill to permanently block the Clean Air Act from regulating climate pollution. It is co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller has cosponsored legislation to delay the Clean Air Act’s climate limits for two years — that bill has six Democratic co-sponsors.

This battle may be won or lost in the Senate. And with few if any votes to spare, supportive Senators must make clear right now that they will oppose this attack on EPA funding, and filibuster all future attempts to gut the Clean Air Act.

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=7259&id=17506-2591629-Ehd1dhx&t=11

Thank you for fighting the Republicans’ radical anti-environmental agenda.

Elijah Zarlin, Campaign Manager

CREDO Action from Working Assets

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Amnesty Program … (Paymytax.org)


This temporary amnesty program waives penalties and interest on certain unpaid Washington State business taxes.

Program dates:

February 1, 2011 through April 30, 2011

This program waives penalties and interest on:

State business and occupation (B&O) tax

State public utility tax

State and local sales and use tax including:

General retail sales and use taxes

Rental car taxes

King County food and beverage tax

Additional sales and use tax on motor vehicle sales/leases

Lodging taxes, but not including tourism promotion area lodging charges

Brokered natural gas use tax

Important: If you have filed and paid all tax returns as of November 25, 2010, you are not eligible for amnesty on tax returns due after that date.

Who’s eligible:

Registered businesses

Unregistered businesses

How to apply:

By April 18, 2011 you must:

Submit an Application (pdf)

File all outstanding tax returns and any amended returns for which you are requesting a waiver.

Requirements:

For amnesty to be granted, you must:

Pay all tax due by April 30, 2011, on any invoice for which you are requesting a waiver. You must also pay penalties and interest on taxes not included in this program.

Pay all filing and other fees on any tax warrant for which you are requesting a waiver.

File and pay all tax returns on time during the amnesty period.

Waive your right to seek a refund or challenge the amount of taxes paid under the program.

Exclusions:

Taxpayers are excluded from this program if they:

Have ever been assessed a penalty by the Department for evasion or misuse of a reseller permit or resale certificate.

Are in bankruptcy and payment of tax debt would violate federal bankruptcy laws.

Have ever been prosecuted for failing to pay or collect the proper amount of any tax administered by the Department under RCW 82.32.

For more information:

See the Amnesty Q & A. For specific questions, send an email to communications@dor.wa.gov or call us at 1-800-647-7706 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-647-7706 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

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

mashup Monday &some News …


Featured photo is on Bloody Sunday-with police officers waiting for demostrators

FYI … a sad but true reality …Today marks the anniversary of Bloody Sunday

In this year 2011, the definition of freedom of speech seems misused manipulated and disrespected mostly by right-wingers.

Now, Representative Peter King, a part of homeland security seems to be using his position to pursue Muslims. For months, he and his conservative comrades have talked about the radicalization of young Muslims here in the US of A. He was a part of that whole don’t build a mosque near ground zero group and is doing his part in the whole fear mongering department. However, the mongering has moved from just words to an attempt to find the underlying cause of why “they” are so radical and that “they” need to cooperate and talk to the FBI. While watching the interview with him and Representative Ellison I got the feeling freedom of religion and singling out a group of people instead of dealing with radicalization as a whole was not on his mind whatsoever. I definitely yelled at the television machine because yes it hurt to see this guy, a so-called public servant who should represent the people, all people talk like what he was about to do was acceptable. Even though he said, it is only a small percentage of Muslims and when asked to provide more information he preceded to say 1 or 2 as well as the general comment about speaking to some police and or the FBI. I found most if not all of his comments and reasons for the Muslim hearings offensive and wondered how anyone would vote for a guy who does not seem to believe in the constitution. I was offended when he compared what he is doing as nothing different from when the government singled out and went after the Mafia, Gangs, and groups appearing radicalized beyond at least his or their taste. At first, i thought that he might just be discussing the need for hearings but then dashed by reality when Representative Ellison stated he would be testifying at the hearing. I am relieved that Rep.Ellison will be there if not to say all the things others might be too scared and or worried to say while seating in what clearly will be a hot seat. I have to say March Madness comes in all shapes and sizes but more and more madness from the right by people who seemed sane clearly are feeling very comfortable to express their extremely right side. Can i just say March madness is catching and it makes you wonder who can we support, vote for and trust anymore because the definition of a public servant is becoming a blur and disrespected. It was nice to hear ms.crowly call out mr.King and when she did all you had to do is replace with any group that might be on the “watch list”. I wish more talking heads would challenge people who hold public office making comments, specifically folks like MBachmann, McConnell, Boehner, Huckabee, SBrown and SPalin though freedom of speech is a right.

The uptick in rhetoric coming from conservatives, tea party and in some cases the Republican Party does promote fear, hate, and in some cases incite violence. The act or use of freedom of speech also means you should not only use it responsibly but also held accountable for it.

Other News …

**Costco agrees not to sell fish on the endangered list

**Gadhafi is using airstrikes to either scare and kill his own people

**Egyptian protesters fight troops over Mubarak documents

**Gates says we must stay in Afghanistan

**S.Korea makes 2nd try at sending N.Koreans home

**Oil tops $106 a barrel

**Rep. Daniel Akaka will not seek re-election

**Samsung exec says their tablet is “inadequate”

 **Rep.Peter King will hold his hearings starting Thursday -peaceful protests needed

CSPAN …

Iowa Conservatives Hosts GOP Presidential Hopefuls

2012 Iowa Caucuses in View

http://c-span.org/Events/Iowa-Conservatives-Hosts-GOP-Presidential-Hopefuls/10737420004/

————————————

Attorneys General to Meet in Washington

focus on economy

http://c-span.org/Events/Attorneys-General-to-Meet-in-Washington/10737420017/

————————————-

Senate to Consider Long-term Spending Measure

Procedural votes on Tuesday

http://c-span.org/Events/Senate-to-Consider-Long-term-Spending-Measure/10737420016/

————————————-

Civil Rights Spies

Rick Bowers is the author of, “Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement.” The book is about the State of Mississippi’s Sovereignty Commission that tried to stop integration and the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Bowers discusses his book at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

http://c-span.org/Events/Civil-Rights-Spies/10737419933/

—————————-

Dred Scott

On March 6th, 1857, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the Dred Scott Case, which ruled that slaves were not citizens and were not protected by the Constitution. The National Association of Attorneys General hosted this discussion on the importance of the Dred Scott decision.

http://c-span.org/Events/Anniversary-of-the-Dred-Scott-Case/10737419934/

——————————————————————————-

– 5 Things Unions Have Done for You

America’s unions have been one of the major forces in building a middle class and have fought over the past century to improve the lives of all Americans. READ MORE

http://act.alternet.org/go/5165?akid=6611.231355.8aH2z2&t=25

 By Zaid Jilani / Think Progress