Tag Archives: white

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

$20 to get off oil?


President Obama has called for an end to America’s addiction to oil. We’re launching a new push to make sure Congress doesn’t squander this momentum. To get it going, we need 64 donations from Seattle—can you chip in $5?

Click Here

Would you give $20 for a new energy policy that would get America off oil? How ’bout $5?

I ask because, after months—years—of deadlock, this is a moment when we could actually see a significant shift to clean energy. With the public outraged at the spill in the Gulf and President Obama calling for a renewed push for clean energy, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

So we’re putting together a major effort to take on the biggest stumbling block: the conservative Democrats, too many of whom still seem to be on the “drill, baby, drill” plan.

Specifically, we need about $185,000 to turn up the heat in their districts—to provide materials for volunteers, organizers to help them out, and hard-hitting ads to let voters know where they stand.

This is the most important moment for clean energy in decades. To hit our goal, we’ll need 64 donations from Seattle—can you chip in $5?

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/oil_disaster0.html?bg_id=hpc5&id=21613-9640874-IgW.max&t=3

After the Gulf oil spill, Congress wasn’t even talking about doing what we need to really get off oil. But after weeks of organizing by MoveOn members and many others, President Obama has put this goal front and center.

But we know that Congress won’t stand up to the Big Oil lobbyists unless voters demand it. Here’s some of what we have in mind:

  • Ads: We’ll run ads with photos of members of Congress who are taking money from Big Oil.
  • Rallies: We’ll join with grassroots organizations across the country to organize massive demonstrations for clean energy.
  • Media: We’ll make sure local newspapers report on which members of Congress are supporting action to end our dependence on oil.

But we need to raise at least $185,000 to get it going. Can you chip in $5? Click here to donate:

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/oil_disaster0.html?bg_id=hpc5&id=21613-9640874-IgW.max&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Steven, Kat, Matt, Carrie, and the rest of the team

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

tentative Tuesday …&some News ~ new hc benefit


Today, our President will announce a new health care benefit that will impact all Americans.

Primary day

If not now   -when

Politicians and the Military who serve the people would be well warned to remember that the consequences of their actions or inaction have an impact that affects all of us.

In our 24/7 news cycle, it brings forth a lot of information that quite frankly seems more  like ugly gossip than anything else and in some instances reporters seem willing to put people at risk and today we hear that our military has started to fight openly, something that is usually classified  is not anymore? gotta say,  it is with great displeasure to know that in order to get the story magazines like the Rolling Stone would go with or without thought that extra mile and get a top military general to talk on or off the record not only about the President and his Administration but about others in the circle and or chain of command.  I am no military expert but it would be a moment that maybe someone would have enough sense to see what the impact would be on everyone including Americans  -it is with great sadness no one said ok this story could have all kinds of repercussions to our security to the security of the guys fighting and quite possibly to the top guys; but no- Rolling Stone found the rogue General was upset enough to talk and say things that will probably end his career though from what i read about McChrystal he seemed very adept at his job though the Obama administration has fought him about his military moves he has on some occasions been right -but was overridden which is probably why he decided to go rogue and talk til it got to the mainland; big big mistake.  Most people, sane people know this behavior is not acceptable by anyone on the lower level let alone those on the top level.  The notion that Rolling Stone made arrangements to do a story then spent over 3months with the general and no one told them that what was being said was off the record? even the comments from eiken berry should have been off the record/classified. The comments made by the General were calculated and  in response to his feelings of being betrayed but no military man should spout off to civilians unless and until he has gone through all the channels needed at the highest level ever -the President and from this mornings reports our President is furious and rightly so.  It’s a tough call -though he seems to have been somebody who had a plan his outbursts are unacceptable and should be dealt with swiftly.

The other odd news …among so many, is that Peter Orszag will be leaving in July and though he has been out of sight for quite sometime since the financial crisis was at its worse; obviously the rumors will be hot and heavy with no end in sight until someone at the WH decides to announce his departure and why. The Tea party has decided…well, reports are that Sarah Palin has given an indian woman and a black man permission to run for office which is strange in and of itself because who anointed Palin with that kind or power.

The BP oil disaster has cast a big shadow on Republicans because it showed exactly what side of any issue about big Corporations they are on and it ain’t with We the People; it’s an issue for me hopefully others will continue to replay the words that Barton, Bachmann Boehner, Paul Rand Sarah Palin have said: they are  corporatist that have probably voted against the people for years and are now being outed by an oil spill that will impact the Gulf Coast for decades and bring that areas businesses to their knees unfortunately. A lawsuit demanding the Feds cancel the moratorium because of all the jobs in limbo has been filed and the judge will decide on Wednesday if it merits.  It seems like a no brainer for a moratorium to be placed in effect until each one is evaluated and relief wells put into place and that 500mil dollar accessory is available so that each well has true safety features.

Other News …

judge says moratorium should end/grants injunction/administration will appeal/judge martin feldman -is a lot of things but should end/will affect unemployment and ripple throughout and damage that cannot undo/he cannot justify the moratoriumthis ruling coming  from a judge from  Alabama and given his position by Ronald Reagan


Fifty-seven percent of residents in Fremont, NE voted Monday to “banish illegal immigrants from jobs and rental homes,” overturning an earlier decision by city leaders. “Within minutes” of its passage, the ACLU in Nebraska “pledged to file a lawsuit” against the ordinance on grounds that it would “cause discrimination and racial profiling.”TP

Under orders from President Obama, the Labor Department is set to “expand the rights of gay workers by allowing them to take family and medical leave to care for sick or newborn children of same-sex partners.” Those who work for a company with 50 or more employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave “to care for a newborn or for a spouse, son or daughter with ‘a serious health condition.'”TP

Sixty-five percent of Americans support President Obama’s temporary moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, a New York Times/CBS News poll found. “Overwhelmingly, Americans think the nation needs a fundamental overhaul of its energy policies, and most expect alternative forms to replace oil as a major source within 25 years,” the poll suggested.TP

“I have great respect for [gays and lesbians].”
— Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, 4/24/10

VERSUS

 

“We can get into the ick factor, but the fact is two men in a relationship, two women in a relationship, biologically, that doesn’t work the same.”

— Huckabee, 6/28/10, quoted in the New Yorker magazine


C-SPAN …

Conferees to address “swipe fees” at todays meeting

The Conference Cmte. on Financial Regulation legislation continues its meeting today. One of the issues under discussion will be fees charged to consumers on debit card “swipe fees”. Other areas of the legislation that will be debated this week include, derivatives trading, a consumer protection agency, an auto dealers exemption on some of the new regulations, and the so called “Volcker rule” which limits banks ability to make trades with their own money.The conference cmte. hopes to finish the bill this week so both chambers can vote on it before the July 4th recess.

Watchdog Questions Secretary Geithner on TARP’s Management

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner makes his fourth appearance before the Congressional Oversight Panel, giving an update on his Department’s handling of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The Congressionally-created group is charged with supervising how the $700 billion fund is managed and other financial stabilization initiatives proposed by the Obama Administration.
watch COP Hearing on C-SPAN at 10am ET
visit COP Website

Oil Rig Support Services File Lawsuit to Overturn Ban

The federal hold on new deepwater drilling faces its first legal challenge after several companies that provide support services to oil rigs filed a lawsuit to overturn the moratorium. In the filing, Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC claims the suspension on drilling will result in lost jobs and wages in Louisiana. A federal judge will decide Wednesday whether to overturn the ban.Kenneth Feinberg, the Independent Claims Facilitator of the $20 billion fund for victims of the spill, is in the Gulf region to begin implementing a plan to dispense funds to victims of the spill. He says the plan will likely be in place in 30 to 45 days, and after that time future claims will be addressed within 30 to 60 days of submission. He and his associates have also started arranging town hall meetings across the region, where people can discuss concerns and learn how to file claims.

~ my 2cents ...

Weekend News/Reviews


It’s Sunday and as most of us wake up, turn on the tv we see news of incredible turmoil and violence in Bangkok that appears to be all about control .. shouldn’t we all be able to protest without getting shot? i know, but i still wonder why can’t things be done differently.

Talkingheads are talking Primaries coming up this Tuesday ; we are at a time when people need to decide… the choice of taking Political sides… history  shows that Republicans have questionable behavior; it also has to be understood what would happen if anyone from the Tea Party is voted into Political Office to represent We the People; when in fact the tea party people do not represent all the people only a select few and that does not include people of colour in my opinion.   In some cases Republican Politicians have made comments that suggest women need to stay in the kitchen and off the floor of Congress. It’s an obvious choice to me because Republicans practice exclusion; say they want less govt but go to Wall Street, Big Banks, AIG and big Oil Corp for money to support them; even our Supreme Court has helped Republicans and that move to legally deem corporations and individuals equal

 The idea of hearing Sarah Palin talking is bad enough but when she gets out there and gets paid… This woman is hardly qualified to be speaking for anyone … she is an ex-Gov of Alaska who apparently couldn’t finish out her job and some in Alaska do feel she abandoned them is now trying to tell the President what to do and  campaigning for anti-abortion? it’s offensive to hear her talk, it’s offensive for her to be out there taking money to say negative things about other Politicians when she is a Political quitter herself;  it’s offensive to think she honestly feels she is a supporter of Women or Family; because clearly she is not, WHY?  includes all things effect by families: her inability to separate Church from State, a right to choose, English or else? marriage for all people, how did she do among blacks and 1st nation families in Alaska and immigration will affect women and their families.

Today the Gulf Coast Benefit is being held all day and headliners involved and performing include: Lenny Kravitz, Mos Def, Neville Brothers and more …

The BP effort to plug up a siphon tube is starting to work and is it just me or did anyone else feel strange watching all those fisherman standing in line getting pay checks? especially after the interviews,  it definitely felt like some were getting better deals than others … pitting them against each other is just wrong and like some of them said… they? whoever can rectify the problem needs to start rotating boats … everyone should get a piece of the action … speaking of action … there should not be a small print clause about what happens … the people there still should and expect more … contracts with a no lawsuit clause are just wrong.

I get why they are using dispersants but the definition doesn’t get lost on me either …where will the oil plus poison go after being dispersed … EPA?

immigration … Gov Brewer has made a choice to go after the President and we all must remember how Brewer  got her job and after looking at her FB page the idea of the ole bait and switch came to mind; not only was she considered sane at some point she was appointed to Obama’s federal council of governor’s panel, had many ideas that seem good in writing yet one has to wonder …is it power, politics and control that is making  Arizona  an example of how not to act if you truly are an American? or is it

Other News …

**Banks cut Emergency lending from Fed

**44thou Military Helmets recalled due to design problems

**California’s bleak financial outlook has deep cuts coming to social programs

**PBuchanan has it out for Jews? very offensive

**BP efforts to plug siphon tube is starting to work at this time

**All those near Oklahoma need to stay away as a tornado headed or is there… if you are near underground facility get there now

**UK is going to be closing airports again as the Volcano spews ash

**NCarolina… Republican territory has about a $788mil deficit,will be slashing teachers

**Feds approve of dispersals

**Former Mexican Senator is missing

C-SPAN

Monday at 2:30pm (ET) on C-SPAN
Senate Hearing on the Response to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Gregg: GOP Not Trying to Stop Financial Reform

On C‑SPAN’s Newsmakers, Budget Committee Ranking Member Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) clarified that Republicans were not interested in stopping financial reform but hoped their amendments could improve the bill. In particular, he went over Republican efforts to change the bill’s language regarding derivatives, saying the current bill will hamper the “nation’s ability to be resilient and economically competitive.”

It’s Saturday … and as the weather heats up so does the political climate all over the country; what with primaries, laws that legalize racial profiling, Arizona is out of control … laws like the birther, the shoes please and now a ban on Ethnic Studies, reports of American troops leaving Haiti completely; troop numbers dropped to 900 and will drop again to 500 in June, a group of national business lobbyists in Florida want to take away health care from fellow Americans have joined in a suit against the new law of the land, capping that oil dump on the Gulf Coast, which, if you watched the hearings last week;  it was the other guys fault show and continues to play itself out on national tv like the 3 stooges, only it wasn’t funny at all; it was offensive.

The President  stated that watching them fall all over each other to blame and or point fingers at the other was offensive.  We the People got the impression there was a whole lot of bad acting going on; 3 huge Corporations pretending to care but in the end seem  to be standing firm on the liability cap amount and willing to waive the costs to taxpayers with the help of Republicans and some conserva-dems… how much more can Americans take.  This oil dump will take a toll on every aspect of life on the Gulf Coast and includes oil drilling as well so … alternatives need to be started asap.

Other News …

**Striking at a lucrative bank business, the Senate on Thursday voted to force credit card companies to reduce fees for debit card transactions and permit merchants to offer customer discounts based on their payment method. The 64-33 vote inserted the fee requirement in a package of new financial rules the Senate is considering to ward off a repeat of the financial crisis.cbsnews

**Npr is reporting that McFarlane and her drains/bridges have helped save Haiti

**A  joint lawsuit led by Florida, now 20 states was filed on March 23 by mostly Republican attorneys general.

Congress close to deal to pay for tax cutsCongress is finally getting around to extending more than 50 popular tax breaks that expired at the end of last year, including money savers for homeowners, businesses and shoppers in states with no income tax. Lawmakers want to raise taxes on investment fund managers to help cover the cost.

**The ban on Ethnic Studies could force Arizona int losing 10% in federal funds;Arizona plans to force schools to comply or be punished? State or Fed funds should be withheld immediately

**Feds/Justice Dept opens up criminal investigation regarding WVA underground mine

C-SPAN …

Today at 7pm (ET) on C-SPAN
America and the Courts: Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference Panel Moderated by U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan

watch President Obama watch Police Ceremony

watch Pres. Obama on Oil Spill

watch Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

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

Monday mad weather News …&cspan.org live stream


Easter break has both Chambers of Congress a little more quiet than usual.  I can’t lie the heat in both Chambers was exciting, irritating and anyone watching has to admit seeing our Political process at work or being abused was upsetting.  The crap that was done to Americans 8years ago led to a change we can all believe in and voted for.  Republicans keep saying the people don’t want this; actually, change is just what this country needs and again, 53% voted for.  It is with great pride to see Democrats finally act like Politicians trying to do the work of the people while Republicans continued to use procedural moves to block or stall the governing party and that was  sad… The process was just getting fun, what with all the fighting or debating as the Politicians like to say.  The break will be a time for Democrats to be with family and sell health care reform; as a good thing for all of us and why.  It was a good Month;there will be many more to come with the help of all Americans who so want to get back on track and be number one in the nation again.

Other News … Cspan.org live-stream

watch State Briefing on START Treaty

**Pres. Obama met with U.S. troops after an unannounced visit to Afghanistan that included a meeting with President Hamid Karzai. The two met briefly at the Presidential Palace in Kabul to discuss “benchmarks for progress” during Mr. Karzai’s second term.

watch Pres. Obama Greets Troops in Afghanistan watch Pres. Obama & Pres. Karzai Speak to Press

**reports are that female bombers kill 37 innocent people in Moscow injuring 65

C-SPAN Radio's New iPhone App

Think tanks Host Event On The Future Of Nuclear Weapons. After Friday’s announcement of a new U.S.-Russia arms reduction treaty, the Brookings Institution and American Enterprise Instit. present findings from a report examining the future of nuclear weapons. They will discuss the Administration’s goal to reduce nuclear weapons, as well as the strategies employed for their use.

Commission looks at Iraq contracting drawdown. At a hearing held by the Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC) in Iraq and Afghanistan, witnesses will discuss plans to reduce the workforce of nearly 100,000 contractor employees in Iraq as part of the U.S. agreement to draw down its military forces. In particular, the hearing will look at Texas-based KBR, Inc, which has reported 2009 revenues of $4.8 billion from the contract with the military.watch Hearing: Panel 1 watch Hearing: Panel 2

U. S Treasury Holds Symposium On Women in Finance.  Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner speaks at a forum recognizing the contributions of women in the financial sector. The event also includes two panel discussions focusing on the economic recovery and the challenges women face in the financial community. Participants will include FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair and the heads of the Small Business Administration and Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Weekend News &reviews … cspan.org


It’s Sunday and while re-broadcasts of  the President and Nancy Pelosi signing the HCR into law is exciting …reports are that our President made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, his first;updates when needed.  This week was great even the low points were exciting and eye-opening because it gave me new energy…we have a fight on our watch ladies and gentlemen … to push the US to be the best it can be, to be more self-sufficient, to be number ONE again.  We have a chance to move into the 21st Century and with that we can also be compassionate enough to help other Americans;  to pitch in a little more so that others can begin to do better, to finally demand no force financial regulations; oh the list of good things are so long it’s just incredible.  The last administration left such a mess the clean-up could last years. This week, we saw President Obama act with resolve, he pushed back, stayed the course…with nancy pelosi’s/harry reid’s help  passed HCR, showed tough love to Israel, russia/US agreement to reduce nuclear arms, use a well-used procedure to get his cabinet filled because Republicans have decided to break him if and or make sure he cannot govern the way a President should,possibly create more sanctions for Iran to think about and took the student loan process away from the banks and guess what? we will save 60billion dollars to re-invest in … Americans people!!! We the People… good …no that’s huge

It’s Saturday …Some not all Democrats have definitely shown Americans exactly who are the adults in both Chambers of Congress.  The world didn’t end, no one saw anything different happen with the exception of the New Law of the Land that will help everyone not just poor people.  If implemented correctly, smoothly HCR will cover over 30mil people and create  an obvious up-tick in employees; it will also move us into the 21st Century and that is about time. The fight is not over  as concerned voters, we need to push movement toward climate, immigration, education and more

What’s on CSPAN… and Updates

Discussion On The Function, Budget and Oversight of FEMA.  This week on Newsmakers, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate describes how the agency has changed since Hurricane Katrina. He also discusses the function, budget and oversight of FEMA. In 2003 the agency was absorbed into the new Department of Homeland Security, due to security changes following the Sept. 11 attacks.

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

Other News …or Updates

the media is reporting that “the people” are not onboard the bill or law … who are they asking? or polling? we don’t know how many on the right voted in any one poll on any given day

In direct response to the party of no, the party that said hell no to Boehner, Cantor, Palin and those on the right who have been blocking the Obama administration and it’s right to govern the President has or will make recess appointments and believe me i am relieved.

The House is on it’s Easter Break

Senate business

Convenes: 9:30am3/27/2010 Morning Business until 12:30pm with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Stabenow and Coburn or their designees.

Votes:
Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR4957, FAA Extension Act (extends to April 30, 2010; current extension expires March 31, 2010).

Passed S.3162, a bill to clarify the health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that constitutes minimum essential coverage.

Passed HR4621, the Prevent deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act.

Passed HR4573, Haiti Debt Relief and Earthquake Recovery Act.

Passed H.J.Res. 80, 65th anniversary of the Blinded Veterans Association.

Adopted S.Res.117, 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope.

Adopted S.Res.412, designating September 2010 as “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month”

Adopted S.Res.427, designating the first week of April 2010 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” (with Baucus amendment to the preamble).

Adopted S.Res.471, recognizing the University of Southern Mississippi

Adopted S.Res.472, a resolution in recognition and support of “National Safe Digging Month”.

Adopted S.Res.473, designating April 4, 2010, as “National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day”

S.Res.474, supporting the designation of April as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”.

Passed S.3191, Satellite Home Viewer (10 year extension)