See for yourself . . .
http://concord-nh.patch.com/articles/ron-paul-defends-occupy-wall-street#video-8518569
Friday, December 30, 2011
Is Pokeman can save the day. . . what else is next . .
A cookey Republican campaign season
https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/take-a-look-and-chip-in?source=20111230_bw_nd&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=20111230_bw_nd
https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/take-a-look-and-chip-in?source=20111230_bw_nd&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=20111230_bw_nd
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
May MR SHUTTLESWORTH rest in peace!
Submitted by Barbara B.Wilson:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/us/rev-fred-l-shuttlesworth-civil-rights-leader-dies-at-89.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
One of the unsung heroes in the civil rights movement passed away October 16, 2011 Reverand Fred L. Shuttlesworth. IF you recognized the name of only one of the two greats who succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, that’s perhaps because the work of the Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, who died at 89 in a hospital in Birmingham, Ala., was about as low-tech as it gets. Using an operating system of unadorned bodily witness, backed by a headlong courage that often tested the grace of his God, Mr. Shuttlesworth was the key architect of the civil rights revolution’s turning-point victory in Birmingham, the mass marches of 1963. Their internationally infamous climax, the showdown between the movement’s child demonstrators and the city of Birmingham’s fire hoses and police dogs, gave President John F. Kennedy the moral authority he needed to introduce legislation to abolish legal segregation, passed after his death as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. True, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the reluctant leader whom Mr. Shuttlesworth virtually goaded into joining him in Birmingham, got the credit — and the Nobel Peace Prize — for their accomplishment. But that’s partly because Mr. Shuttlesworth was the un-King, the product not of polished Atlanta but of rough, heavy-industrial Birmingham. As the public face of the movement, King was its ambassador to the white world, while Mr. Shuttlesworth was the man in the trenches. But without Mr. Shuttlesworth’s strategic acumen and troops, justice would have been dramatically delayed. And his failure to get his due may be yet another example of the country’s reluctance to face up to the “class warfare” that not only animates the current Occupy Wall Street demonstrations (yet another variation on the Birmingham template), but has long roiled the black community as well. Among his movement colleagues, Mr. Shuttlesworth was known, with exasperation and admiration, as the Wild Man from Birmingham. He had been a lonely pioneer of nonviolent direct action in the 1950s, dispatching his followers to illegal seats in the front of Birmingham’s buses the day after the Ku Klux Klan bombed his bed out from under him on Christmas night in 1956. (“And this,” Mr. Shuttlesworth would later say, “is where I was blown into history.”) He became increasingly frustrated trying to prod King, with whom he and two other black ministers founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, to fulfill their organization’s pledge to “redeem the soul of America.” If King was Hamlet, not quite able to make up his mind and break away from the ceremonial demands of his role, Mr. Shuttlesworth sometimes resembled the Road Runner. “I literally tried to get myself killed,” he said. He was involved in more bodily attacks, arrests, jail sentences and Supreme Court test cases than any other member of the S.C.L.C. Mr. Shuttlesworth, born to young, unmarried parents and raised in hardship, had a long history of challenging not just white privilege but the prejudices of what he called the “tea sippers” of his own race, who had shunned his largely working-class movement until its success appeared inevitable, thanks to his efforts. It was that experience that drove his often-tense relationship with King during the Birmingham protests. At one point the S.C.L.C.’s “Atlanta crowd” had tried to call off the demonstrations while Mr. Shuttlesworth was in the hospital recovering from injuries inflicted by one of the fire hoses of his equally determined nemesis, the arch-segregationist police commissioner Eugene (Bull) Connor. Mr. Shuttlesworth, who readily acknowledged being a “cussing preacher,” used some hurtful profanity in letting King know what he thought of this capitulation — and overruled him, declaring the demonstrations back on. When King traveled to Oslo the next year to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, won mainly because of the success in Birmingham, Mr. Shuttlesworth was not included in the sizable entourage that accompanied him. There is a sense that he was paying the price for being the first S.C.L.C. leader to buck King’s authority — with the added insult of being right. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the man forever being eased out of the limelight had his own passing superseded within hours by the head-of-state mourning that greeted the death of Steven P. Jobs. Mr. Jobs is being remembered as the “the man who invented our world,” in the words of one headline, celebrated for creating objects to which their owners relate as though they were human. Mr. Shuttlesworth’s legacy, though, reminds us of the not-so-distant era when the task of our heroes was to persuade society to regard as human a class of people who had long been treated as things. A few years ago, after Mr. Shuttlesworth had survived a house fire, I teased him about his continuing record of close calls, saying that even though the segregationists hadn’t done him in, somebody was going to get him one way or the other. “Yeah, and when they do,” he replied, “God’s going to say, ‘They got a man.’ ”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/us/rev-fred-l-shuttlesworth-civil-rights-leader-dies-at-89.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
One of the unsung heroes in the civil rights movement passed away October 16, 2011 Reverand Fred L. Shuttlesworth. IF you recognized the name of only one of the two greats who succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, that’s perhaps because the work of the Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, who died at 89 in a hospital in Birmingham, Ala., was about as low-tech as it gets. Using an operating system of unadorned bodily witness, backed by a headlong courage that often tested the grace of his God, Mr. Shuttlesworth was the key architect of the civil rights revolution’s turning-point victory in Birmingham, the mass marches of 1963. Their internationally infamous climax, the showdown between the movement’s child demonstrators and the city of Birmingham’s fire hoses and police dogs, gave President John F. Kennedy the moral authority he needed to introduce legislation to abolish legal segregation, passed after his death as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. True, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the reluctant leader whom Mr. Shuttlesworth virtually goaded into joining him in Birmingham, got the credit — and the Nobel Peace Prize — for their accomplishment. But that’s partly because Mr. Shuttlesworth was the un-King, the product not of polished Atlanta but of rough, heavy-industrial Birmingham. As the public face of the movement, King was its ambassador to the white world, while Mr. Shuttlesworth was the man in the trenches. But without Mr. Shuttlesworth’s strategic acumen and troops, justice would have been dramatically delayed. And his failure to get his due may be yet another example of the country’s reluctance to face up to the “class warfare” that not only animates the current Occupy Wall Street demonstrations (yet another variation on the Birmingham template), but has long roiled the black community as well. Among his movement colleagues, Mr. Shuttlesworth was known, with exasperation and admiration, as the Wild Man from Birmingham. He had been a lonely pioneer of nonviolent direct action in the 1950s, dispatching his followers to illegal seats in the front of Birmingham’s buses the day after the Ku Klux Klan bombed his bed out from under him on Christmas night in 1956. (“And this,” Mr. Shuttlesworth would later say, “is where I was blown into history.”) He became increasingly frustrated trying to prod King, with whom he and two other black ministers founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, to fulfill their organization’s pledge to “redeem the soul of America.” If King was Hamlet, not quite able to make up his mind and break away from the ceremonial demands of his role, Mr. Shuttlesworth sometimes resembled the Road Runner. “I literally tried to get myself killed,” he said. He was involved in more bodily attacks, arrests, jail sentences and Supreme Court test cases than any other member of the S.C.L.C. Mr. Shuttlesworth, born to young, unmarried parents and raised in hardship, had a long history of challenging not just white privilege but the prejudices of what he called the “tea sippers” of his own race, who had shunned his largely working-class movement until its success appeared inevitable, thanks to his efforts. It was that experience that drove his often-tense relationship with King during the Birmingham protests. At one point the S.C.L.C.’s “Atlanta crowd” had tried to call off the demonstrations while Mr. Shuttlesworth was in the hospital recovering from injuries inflicted by one of the fire hoses of his equally determined nemesis, the arch-segregationist police commissioner Eugene (Bull) Connor. Mr. Shuttlesworth, who readily acknowledged being a “cussing preacher,” used some hurtful profanity in letting King know what he thought of this capitulation — and overruled him, declaring the demonstrations back on. When King traveled to Oslo the next year to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, won mainly because of the success in Birmingham, Mr. Shuttlesworth was not included in the sizable entourage that accompanied him. There is a sense that he was paying the price for being the first S.C.L.C. leader to buck King’s authority — with the added insult of being right. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the man forever being eased out of the limelight had his own passing superseded within hours by the head-of-state mourning that greeted the death of Steven P. Jobs. Mr. Jobs is being remembered as the “the man who invented our world,” in the words of one headline, celebrated for creating objects to which their owners relate as though they were human. Mr. Shuttlesworth’s legacy, though, reminds us of the not-so-distant era when the task of our heroes was to persuade society to regard as human a class of people who had long been treated as things. A few years ago, after Mr. Shuttlesworth had survived a house fire, I teased him about his continuing record of close calls, saying that even though the segregationists hadn’t done him in, somebody was going to get him one way or the other. “Yeah, and when they do,” he replied, “God’s going to say, ‘They got a man.’ ”
Saturday, October 22, 2011
"Feeling your Presence"
This post is from Rosemarie Sanchez and has nothing to do with the Democratic Party but something we believed to be just that a "magnificent" piece of video. . . Hope you enjoy the scenic presentations . . .
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
Friday, October 21, 2011
Kucinich Statement on the Announcment to Bring our Troops Home from Iraq
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Share this email: For Dennis Kucinich
Press Release
October 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
Nathan.White@mail.house.gov
(202)225-5871
Kucinich Statement on the Announcement to Bring Our Troops Home from Iraq
Washington D.C. (October 21, 2011) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today released the following statement after the President announced that the United States will bring home our troops stationed in Iraq.
“As one of the first Members of Congress to oppose the war in Iraq, I welcome the President’s announcement that he will withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq at the end of the year. The U.S. has spent over $806 billion on a war that was based on lies. The war in Iraq has cost the lives of over 4,421 U.S. troops and an estimated 1 million innocent Iraqis.
“Yet today’s announcement fails to acknowledge that we will simply be replacing one U.S. occupation with another. Under the State Department’s current plans to take the place of the Department of Defense as the main U.S. force in Iraq post-military withdrawal, we are still maintaining a massive presence there, now with the State Department and its heavily armed private security contractors. And it is the presence of armed U.S. contractors that is the problem. It will continue to foment instability and violence in Iraq and the region. We need to get out now, not just trade uniforms and personnel. It is reasonable to ask whether the people of Iraq will notice any change.
“We are also guaranteed to continue to see billions of dollars go unaccounted for. According to the Commission on Wartime Contracting, Congress will need to dedicate even more resources to support State’s increased contracting and personnel costs. At the same time, the Commission warns that the U.S. has already lost between $31-60 billion in Iraq and Afghanistan. At an absolute minimum, Congress must heed the warnings of the Commission and implement significant reforms to the U.S. government’s acquisition process to ensure proper oversight of U.S.-taxpayer dollars and the 8,000 – 17,000 private security and service contractors that will be operating in Iraq.”
###
Ellen Brown and Alan Jackson
Good Morning,
Well Ellen Brown is "in the house" and back from her "Asian trip and lecturing":
Hi here is my latest article, posted on Asia Times –
"QE4 - forgive the students"
http://atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/MJ21Dj01.html
Best wishes,
Ellen Brown
http://webofdebt.com
http://publicbankinginstitute.org
http://Telaranadedeuda.com
We are happy to hear you are back. Saw you at the Alan Jackson introductory campaign.
This is definitely a campaign to watch for 2012 . . . Comments always welcomed . . . Minerva
Well Ellen Brown is "in the house" and back from her "Asian trip and lecturing":
Hi here is my latest article, posted on Asia Times –
"QE4 - forgive the students"
http://atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/MJ21Dj01.html
Best wishes,
Ellen Brown
http://webofdebt.com
http://publicbankinginstitute.org
http://Telaranadedeuda.com
We are happy to hear you are back. Saw you at the Alan Jackson introductory campaign.
This is definitely a campaign to watch for 2012 . . . Comments always welcomed . . . Minerva
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
"CONSUMING KIDS"
Brand loyalty for life is a matter of getting children to recognize from cradle to grave and turn them into life long consumers. But have we taken the time to understand the long range effect on our children's self esteem and understanding of who they are?
With their leniency with the Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, ipods, cell phones, computer games, DVD's, text messaging, lunch boxes, back packs, dress appliques, discount coupons, comic books, media literature band items, school walls, school busses, soft drinks, field trip classes, zoos, bathroom mats, towels, pillowcases, sleeping bags, hats, shirts, tee-shirts, bus radio, skateboards, DVD's in cars (to calm them down), Channel One in classes, chat lines, web kids and games sites, advanced academic research projects (in the classrooms), preliminary advertising before movies, magazines, television commercials, focus groups, ethnographic research (filming children as they are eating breakfast, in the grocery stores, wathcing children experience health and beauty products), talking to their friends, friendship circles, classrooms products, Girls Intelligence Agency/"slumber products in a box", other children, friends, and going to the mall exploded the gallant in advertising to children.
My friend forwarded this little nugget on how marketers try to make parents absolutely miserable when children can not have what they need:
"Consuming Kids throws desperately needed light on the practices of a relentless multi-billion dollar marketing machine that now sells kids and their parents everything from junk food and violent video games to bogus educational products and the family car.
PG-13 or R has a whole line of toys for elementary school children, what is wrong with this?
Drawing on the insights of health care professionals, children’s advocates, and industry insiders, the film focuses on the explosive growth of child marketing in the wake of deregulation up to 30% a year or $40 billion dollar a year. Youth marketers have used the latest advances in psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience with "high test blinking tests" to transform American children into one of the most powerful and profitable consumer demographics in the world."
IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE INTERVENTION OF BIG GOVERNMENT?
OR IS THIS ETHICALLY SOCIALIZING AND MOBILIZING CHILDREN into accept brand name items or none at all?
"Some behavioral scientists argue that anti-social behavior in the event of getting to the product" is really desireable and adds to the increase of symbolic advertising. Symbolic advertising leads to social "coolness". And socialized "coolness" define who you are, is what you wear, what you own, and what you require leading to values.
brands can not make us happy but this is the message that is being conveyed.
Self indulgence and self gratification becomes "me", "me now" and "me and these things".
This is a deservice to children. Because children mistake the items for whom you are.
Early 50's the child wanted to be like their mother and father or other role models.
Early 70's the children were beginning to change regarding their psyche and growing up fast with desires to be older than they were. By the late 80's children started answering the question with "being rich, having a lot of stuff " and being mature faster.
Children 10 and 12 years old are reading Seventeen Magazine.
Belly shirts are seen as "being like" Brittany Spears.
Boys emerged into destruction, shooting, images of power, domination, and virtual reality games. Children learn fighting is needed to resolve differences and watching violence is fun and entertaining!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL2BE2F38D58B82410&feature=player_embedded&v=kKHwZPwI-WQ#!
Now we may have to start seeing this as rights for children to grow up. Parents, Grandparents and guardians must learn to raise their children appropriately instead of selling products and services.
Life should be about human relationships and how we identify our caring for one another . . . wonder why corporations are picking on children to buy their products?
Your comments welcomed . . .
With their leniency with the Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, ipods, cell phones, computer games, DVD's, text messaging, lunch boxes, back packs, dress appliques, discount coupons, comic books, media literature band items, school walls, school busses, soft drinks, field trip classes, zoos, bathroom mats, towels, pillowcases, sleeping bags, hats, shirts, tee-shirts, bus radio, skateboards, DVD's in cars (to calm them down), Channel One in classes, chat lines, web kids and games sites, advanced academic research projects (in the classrooms), preliminary advertising before movies, magazines, television commercials, focus groups, ethnographic research (filming children as they are eating breakfast, in the grocery stores, wathcing children experience health and beauty products), talking to their friends, friendship circles, classrooms products, Girls Intelligence Agency/"slumber products in a box", other children, friends, and going to the mall exploded the gallant in advertising to children.
My friend forwarded this little nugget on how marketers try to make parents absolutely miserable when children can not have what they need:
"Consuming Kids throws desperately needed light on the practices of a relentless multi-billion dollar marketing machine that now sells kids and their parents everything from junk food and violent video games to bogus educational products and the family car.
PG-13 or R has a whole line of toys for elementary school children, what is wrong with this?
Drawing on the insights of health care professionals, children’s advocates, and industry insiders, the film focuses on the explosive growth of child marketing in the wake of deregulation up to 30% a year or $40 billion dollar a year. Youth marketers have used the latest advances in psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience with "high test blinking tests" to transform American children into one of the most powerful and profitable consumer demographics in the world."
IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE INTERVENTION OF BIG GOVERNMENT?
OR IS THIS ETHICALLY SOCIALIZING AND MOBILIZING CHILDREN into accept brand name items or none at all?
"Some behavioral scientists argue that anti-social behavior in the event of getting to the product" is really desireable and adds to the increase of symbolic advertising. Symbolic advertising leads to social "coolness". And socialized "coolness" define who you are, is what you wear, what you own, and what you require leading to values.
brands can not make us happy but this is the message that is being conveyed.
Self indulgence and self gratification becomes "me", "me now" and "me and these things".
This is a deservice to children. Because children mistake the items for whom you are.
Early 50's the child wanted to be like their mother and father or other role models.
Early 70's the children were beginning to change regarding their psyche and growing up fast with desires to be older than they were. By the late 80's children started answering the question with "being rich, having a lot of stuff " and being mature faster.
Children 10 and 12 years old are reading Seventeen Magazine.
Belly shirts are seen as "being like" Brittany Spears.
Boys emerged into destruction, shooting, images of power, domination, and virtual reality games. Children learn fighting is needed to resolve differences and watching violence is fun and entertaining!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL2BE2F38D58B82410&feature=player_embedded&v=kKHwZPwI-WQ#!
Now we may have to start seeing this as rights for children to grow up. Parents, Grandparents and guardians must learn to raise their children appropriately instead of selling products and services.
Life should be about human relationships and how we identify our caring for one another . . . wonder why corporations are picking on children to buy their products?
Your comments welcomed . . .
PUTTING THEIR MONEY WHERE THERE MOUTH'S ARE . . .
FROM Matthew Barzun
National Finance Chair
Obama for America
October 18, 2011 3:38PM . . . .
Friend --If you've been able to sit through any of the Republican presidential debates so far, I commend you for your patience and commitment to the President.With all the talk about "class warfare," "Obamacare," "9-9-9," and how Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme," the Republican candidates have tended to leave very little time to discuss constructive solutions to the actual challenges facing our country.Well, there's another Republican debate tonight in Las Vegas. And if we can't convince the candidates to talk about jobs or how to provide economic security for the middle class, we can hold them accountable for what they choose to talk about instead.The campaign has put together a debate watch game to make sure there's a real cost to all the attacks and nonsense. Here's how it works: You pick a word or phrase from the list below to sponsor, and pledge to give $3 or $5 (or however much you'd like) for each mention. So tonight, as the Republican candidates prattle on about defunding Social Security, ending Medicare as we know it, and everything else they support, they will literally be building this campaign.Check it out, and get your guesses in now before the debate starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Don't worry, you can set a cap on how much you want to give, in case someone (not saying who) says "9-9-9" two dozen times. -- Class warfare -- Repeal -- Obamacare -- Fence -- (De)regulation -- Amnesty -- Socialism -- Romneycare -- 9-9-9We have to assume that the Republicans in this race are sincere about wanting to be President. But when so much of the discussion is about rolling back protections put in place by the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform, and instituting a tax plan that would mean middle-class families pay thousands more every year, we can question how sincere they are about helping to solve the very real problems millions of people confront every day.Americans deserve a leader who takes the job seriously.So I'm looking forward to seeing what you think they'll say this time. We should have some fun with this -- it's Vegas, after all.But we're not just doing this for our own entertainment. We're building a campaign that can withstand a barrage of special-interest funded attacks from the other side, and make sure President Obama can continue the important work we have left to do.Any donation you end up making tonight will be put to work right away to that end.So what do you think? Class warfare? Socialism?Make your best guesses here:www.gopdebatewatch.comThanks for playing,
Friend --If you've been able to sit through any of the Republican presidential debates so far, I commend you for your patience and commitment to the President.With all the talk about "class warfare," "Obamacare," "9-9-9," and how Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme," the Republican candidates have tended to leave very little time to discuss constructive solutions to the actual challenges facing our country.Well, there's another Republican debate tonight in Las Vegas. And if we can't convince the candidates to talk about jobs or how to provide economic security for the middle class, we can hold them accountable for what they choose to talk about instead.The campaign has put together a debate watch game to make sure there's a real cost to all the attacks and nonsense. Here's how it works: You pick a word or phrase from the list below to sponsor, and pledge to give $3 or $5 (or however much you'd like) for each mention. So tonight, as the Republican candidates prattle on about defunding Social Security, ending Medicare as we know it, and everything else they support, they will literally be building this campaign.Check it out, and get your guesses in now before the debate starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Don't worry, you can set a cap on how much you want to give, in case someone (not saying who) says "9-9-9" two dozen times. -- Class warfare -- Repeal -- Obamacare -- Fence -- (De)regulation -- Amnesty -- Socialism -- Romneycare -- 9-9-9We have to assume that the Republicans in this race are sincere about wanting to be President. But when so much of the discussion is about rolling back protections put in place by the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform, and instituting a tax plan that would mean middle-class families pay thousands more every year, we can question how sincere they are about helping to solve the very real problems millions of people confront every day.Americans deserve a leader who takes the job seriously.So I'm looking forward to seeing what you think they'll say this time. We should have some fun with this -- it's Vegas, after all.But we're not just doing this for our own entertainment. We're building a campaign that can withstand a barrage of special-interest funded attacks from the other side, and make sure President Obama can continue the important work we have left to do.Any donation you end up making tonight will be put to work right away to that end.So what do you think? Class warfare? Socialism?Make your best guesses here:www.gopdebatewatch.comThanks for playing,MatthewMatthew BarzunNational Finance ChairObama for America
Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.
This email was sent to: crazycatherder@ca.rr.com
Update address Unsubscribe Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.
This email was sent to: crazycatherder@ca.rr.com
Update address Unsubscribe
National Finance Chair
Obama for America
October 18, 2011 3:38PM . . . .
Friend --If you've been able to sit through any of the Republican presidential debates so far, I commend you for your patience and commitment to the President.With all the talk about "class warfare," "Obamacare," "9-9-9," and how Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme," the Republican candidates have tended to leave very little time to discuss constructive solutions to the actual challenges facing our country.Well, there's another Republican debate tonight in Las Vegas. And if we can't convince the candidates to talk about jobs or how to provide economic security for the middle class, we can hold them accountable for what they choose to talk about instead.The campaign has put together a debate watch game to make sure there's a real cost to all the attacks and nonsense. Here's how it works: You pick a word or phrase from the list below to sponsor, and pledge to give $3 or $5 (or however much you'd like) for each mention. So tonight, as the Republican candidates prattle on about defunding Social Security, ending Medicare as we know it, and everything else they support, they will literally be building this campaign.Check it out, and get your guesses in now before the debate starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Don't worry, you can set a cap on how much you want to give, in case someone (not saying who) says "9-9-9" two dozen times. -- Class warfare -- Repeal -- Obamacare -- Fence -- (De)regulation -- Amnesty -- Socialism -- Romneycare -- 9-9-9We have to assume that the Republicans in this race are sincere about wanting to be President. But when so much of the discussion is about rolling back protections put in place by the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform, and instituting a tax plan that would mean middle-class families pay thousands more every year, we can question how sincere they are about helping to solve the very real problems millions of people confront every day.Americans deserve a leader who takes the job seriously.So I'm looking forward to seeing what you think they'll say this time. We should have some fun with this -- it's Vegas, after all.But we're not just doing this for our own entertainment. We're building a campaign that can withstand a barrage of special-interest funded attacks from the other side, and make sure President Obama can continue the important work we have left to do.Any donation you end up making tonight will be put to work right away to that end.So what do you think? Class warfare? Socialism?Make your best guesses here:www.gopdebatewatch.comThanks for playing,
Friend --If you've been able to sit through any of the Republican presidential debates so far, I commend you for your patience and commitment to the President.With all the talk about "class warfare," "Obamacare," "9-9-9," and how Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme," the Republican candidates have tended to leave very little time to discuss constructive solutions to the actual challenges facing our country.Well, there's another Republican debate tonight in Las Vegas. And if we can't convince the candidates to talk about jobs or how to provide economic security for the middle class, we can hold them accountable for what they choose to talk about instead.The campaign has put together a debate watch game to make sure there's a real cost to all the attacks and nonsense. Here's how it works: You pick a word or phrase from the list below to sponsor, and pledge to give $3 or $5 (or however much you'd like) for each mention. So tonight, as the Republican candidates prattle on about defunding Social Security, ending Medicare as we know it, and everything else they support, they will literally be building this campaign.Check it out, and get your guesses in now before the debate starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Don't worry, you can set a cap on how much you want to give, in case someone (not saying who) says "9-9-9" two dozen times. -- Class warfare -- Repeal -- Obamacare -- Fence -- (De)regulation -- Amnesty -- Socialism -- Romneycare -- 9-9-9We have to assume that the Republicans in this race are sincere about wanting to be President. But when so much of the discussion is about rolling back protections put in place by the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform, and instituting a tax plan that would mean middle-class families pay thousands more every year, we can question how sincere they are about helping to solve the very real problems millions of people confront every day.Americans deserve a leader who takes the job seriously.So I'm looking forward to seeing what you think they'll say this time. We should have some fun with this -- it's Vegas, after all.But we're not just doing this for our own entertainment. We're building a campaign that can withstand a barrage of special-interest funded attacks from the other side, and make sure President Obama can continue the important work we have left to do.Any donation you end up making tonight will be put to work right away to that end.So what do you think? Class warfare? Socialism?Make your best guesses here:www.gopdebatewatch.comThanks for playing,MatthewMatthew BarzunNational Finance ChairObama for America
Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.
This email was sent to: crazycatherder@ca.rr.com
Update address Unsubscribe Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.
This email was sent to: crazycatherder@ca.rr.com
Update address Unsubscribe
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Employment Bill
FROM JIM MESSINA:
Friend --
Last night, the American Jobs Act was filibustered by Senate Republicans. There was no vote on the actual bill.
But it would have succeeded: the American Jobs Act has at least 51 votes -- a clear majority -- to pass the Senate. And a new poll shows that 63 percent of Americans support it, too.
Today the President recorded a message he wants you to see, laying out where we go from here in the fight for jobs.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/share/president-on-jobs?source=20111012_jm_act&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=20111012_jm_act
The Republicans who voted yesterday to block this bill weren't thinking about middle-class families. In fact, at last night's GOP debate, one of their leading candidates actually refused to say he'd extend a payroll tax cut that puts more than $1,000 in the pockets of everyday working Americans.
They might believe it's in their political interest to oppose whatever the President proposes for the next 13 months, but we know that when it comes to jobs and restoring economic security, Americans can't afford to wait.
The American Jobs Act would get to work now, providing incentives for businesses to hire unemployed veterans, helping hire tens of thousands of teachers, cops, and firefighters, and rebuilding and modernizing our schools, railways, bridges, and airports. Even though it's fully paid for and made up of proposals both parties have supported, Republicans yesterday said no.
Now the President wants you to hear directly from him about what's next.
Watch the video -- and make sure your friends do, too:
http://my.barackobama.com/President-on-Jobs
Thanks, Messina
Friend --
Last night, the American Jobs Act was filibustered by Senate Republicans. There was no vote on the actual bill.
But it would have succeeded: the American Jobs Act has at least 51 votes -- a clear majority -- to pass the Senate. And a new poll shows that 63 percent of Americans support it, too.
Today the President recorded a message he wants you to see, laying out where we go from here in the fight for jobs.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/share/president-on-jobs?source=20111012_jm_act&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=20111012_jm_act
The Republicans who voted yesterday to block this bill weren't thinking about middle-class families. In fact, at last night's GOP debate, one of their leading candidates actually refused to say he'd extend a payroll tax cut that puts more than $1,000 in the pockets of everyday working Americans.
They might believe it's in their political interest to oppose whatever the President proposes for the next 13 months, but we know that when it comes to jobs and restoring economic security, Americans can't afford to wait.
The American Jobs Act would get to work now, providing incentives for businesses to hire unemployed veterans, helping hire tens of thousands of teachers, cops, and firefighters, and rebuilding and modernizing our schools, railways, bridges, and airports. Even though it's fully paid for and made up of proposals both parties have supported, Republicans yesterday said no.
Now the President wants you to hear directly from him about what's next.
Watch the video -- and make sure your friends do, too:
http://my.barackobama.com/President-on-Jobs
Thanks, Messina
Monday, October 10, 2011
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I was penned with the pink ribbon in Macy's last Thursday.
If you have every had a family member or friend suffering from breast cancer you know how important it is to assist someone and being there for an individual who is told that they will loose a breast, loose their hair, loose their self esteem,and be mentally challenged with serious contemplation in the will to live.
Yes, it is an ugly wake up call if you take life for granted.
It is also "a true friend tester" when you get the news from a family member or a friend.
This is the advocacy site, which sends updates and news releases on the truth of what breast cancer is and preventative measures:
http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/know/31-truths-2011/email-signup-ty.html
Here is the progress report, which gives you information on how we are progressing in ending the disease with a noble goal of 2020 . . .
http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/2020/progress-reports.html
But the reality is in 2011 alone, "39,840 women and 390 men
will die of breast cancer. While a slight decrease in mortality is an accomplishment, it is far from success". The disease on an average is diagnosed at age 61. The rate is decreasing in white women. It is still very high for urban women and women of color.
Look to our calendar of events for "Breast Cancer Awareness" activities, discussion groups, physical running and walking races in the Los Angeles County region designed to raise funds, awareness, and to build sisterhood networks on breast cancer.
And at your earliest convenience get a mammography exam, become aware of those foods we gorge on that increase cancerous tissues, wear and make your own pink ribbons, learn as much as you can, write a check to a breast foundation, be there for a friend or family member who needs support while going through chemotherapy or other wranglings with cancer. Read a white paper on the features and facts of breast cancer. Volunteer at your local hospital or out clinic and inform others on what you learn. If you have long hair contribute it to a service that makes wigs for patients who loose their hair during treatment, do so and challenge your other acquaintances to do the same. Familiarize yourself with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Komen), The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to name a few.
Bottomline, do something . . . Peace out, Minerva
I was penned with the pink ribbon in Macy's last Thursday.
If you have every had a family member or friend suffering from breast cancer you know how important it is to assist someone and being there for an individual who is told that they will loose a breast, loose their hair, loose their self esteem,and be mentally challenged with serious contemplation in the will to live.
Yes, it is an ugly wake up call if you take life for granted.
It is also "a true friend tester" when you get the news from a family member or a friend.
This is the advocacy site, which sends updates and news releases on the truth of what breast cancer is and preventative measures:
http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/know/31-truths-2011/email-signup-ty.html
Here is the progress report, which gives you information on how we are progressing in ending the disease with a noble goal of 2020 . . .
http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/2020/progress-reports.html
But the reality is in 2011 alone, "39,840 women and 390 men
will die of breast cancer. While a slight decrease in mortality is an accomplishment, it is far from success". The disease on an average is diagnosed at age 61. The rate is decreasing in white women. It is still very high for urban women and women of color.
Look to our calendar of events for "Breast Cancer Awareness" activities, discussion groups, physical running and walking races in the Los Angeles County region designed to raise funds, awareness, and to build sisterhood networks on breast cancer.
And at your earliest convenience get a mammography exam, become aware of those foods we gorge on that increase cancerous tissues, wear and make your own pink ribbons, learn as much as you can, write a check to a breast foundation, be there for a friend or family member who needs support while going through chemotherapy or other wranglings with cancer. Read a white paper on the features and facts of breast cancer. Volunteer at your local hospital or out clinic and inform others on what you learn. If you have long hair contribute it to a service that makes wigs for patients who loose their hair during treatment, do so and challenge your other acquaintances to do the same. Familiarize yourself with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (Komen), The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to name a few.
Bottomline, do something . . . Peace out, Minerva
Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare
Healthcare Reform is one of the topics that have been vollied back and forth by both parties. The accusations on what is in place and what is being proposed are worlds apart from what is "REALLY" going on . . .
We encourage you to read the following information directly from the White House on what the Affordable Care Act involves. It is not just "Obamacare", it is People Care and the care we need to keep our nation progressing requires a healthy nation able to take care of its young and its elder populations. We still believe the mark of a nation is how it caters, cares, and communicates to the entire population.
Comments are welcomed as always . . .
Get the Facts Straight on Health Reform
There's a lot of misinformation out there. For too long, too many hard working Americans paid the price for policies that handed free rein to insurance companies. President Obama’s health reform law gives hard working families the security they deserve. The Affordable Care Act holds insurance companies accountable, lowers health care costs, gives Americans more freedom and control in their health care choices and improves the quality of care. Here are some of the myths that the White House provides:
l.) Healthcare reform will not use your tax dollars to pay for abortions.
2.) Healthcare reform will not be taken over by the government. The insurance companies are in partnership to strengthen laws, create exchanges, and to assist employees and employers to receiving tax credits to help the insured.
3.) Companies will stop offering healthcare insurance. Companies do offer healthcare to attract talent, however many companies are hiring more individuals as contractors to also diminish paying insurance, even insurance companies are doing this. However healthcare insurance discounts are being offered if employers work for certain companies as an incentive.
4.) "The individual responsibility provision also enables us to finally ban discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions. Without the individual responsibility provision, people could wait until they’re sick or injured to apply for coverage since insurance companies could no longer say no or charge more. That would lead to double digit premiums increases – up to 20% – for everyone in the individual insurance market".
5.) For more details and statistical backup, please see the following link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/myths-and-facts#healthcare-menu
We encourage you to read the following information directly from the White House on what the Affordable Care Act involves. It is not just "Obamacare", it is People Care and the care we need to keep our nation progressing requires a healthy nation able to take care of its young and its elder populations. We still believe the mark of a nation is how it caters, cares, and communicates to the entire population.
Comments are welcomed as always . . .
Get the Facts Straight on Health Reform
There's a lot of misinformation out there. For too long, too many hard working Americans paid the price for policies that handed free rein to insurance companies. President Obama’s health reform law gives hard working families the security they deserve. The Affordable Care Act holds insurance companies accountable, lowers health care costs, gives Americans more freedom and control in their health care choices and improves the quality of care. Here are some of the myths that the White House provides:
l.) Healthcare reform will not use your tax dollars to pay for abortions.
2.) Healthcare reform will not be taken over by the government. The insurance companies are in partnership to strengthen laws, create exchanges, and to assist employees and employers to receiving tax credits to help the insured.
3.) Companies will stop offering healthcare insurance. Companies do offer healthcare to attract talent, however many companies are hiring more individuals as contractors to also diminish paying insurance, even insurance companies are doing this. However healthcare insurance discounts are being offered if employers work for certain companies as an incentive.
4.) "The individual responsibility provision also enables us to finally ban discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions. Without the individual responsibility provision, people could wait until they’re sick or injured to apply for coverage since insurance companies could no longer say no or charge more. That would lead to double digit premiums increases – up to 20% – for everyone in the individual insurance market".
5.) For more details and statistical backup, please see the following link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/myths-and-facts#healthcare-menu
This Week at the White House
Updating what is happening at the White House . . .
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/10/07/west-wing-week-why-white-house-pink?utm_source=100711&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=daily
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/10/07/west-wing-week-why-white-house-pink?utm_source=100711&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=daily
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Cornell West and Tavis Smiley and The Poverty Tour
Speaking truth to power and speaking the truth to the powerless!
Professor Cornell West and Radio and Television personality Tavis Smiley and the Poverty Tour discuss the challenge of President Obama's not addressing the dignity of poor and working people. Is it a declaration of war? Please review the following video. War is the enemy of the Poor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQJu7ldorbg&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL7AE9F5230AF208D9
Professor Cornell West and Radio and Television personality Tavis Smiley and the Poverty Tour discuss the challenge of President Obama's not addressing the dignity of poor and working people. Is it a declaration of war? Please review the following video. War is the enemy of the Poor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQJu7ldorbg&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL7AE9F5230AF208D9
LIBRARY BILL IS SIGNED . . .
October 8, 2011
Wonderful news from Favel Jens:
Thank you for all of your help...emails, phone calls, letters, speaking at meetings, collecting petitions.... YOU DID IT!
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Cindy Singer, Community Library Manager for LA County Public Library System, upon the Governor's signature on AB 438 [Williams]:
"Librarians and library patrons applaud Gov. Brown for signing AB 438 to protect the public and taxpayers as communities consider library privatization.
"Financial pressures created by a stubborn recession have created an opening for corporations to persuade cash-strapped cities to privatize essential public services such as libraries. AB 438 makes sure these companies deliver on their promises to save money without compromising services. That's the least we should expect from a corporation taking over a public service.
"Throughout this recession, libraries have been the places families could turn to for help with everything from applying for jobs, to learning new skills, using the internet, or getting help in school. When times are tough, public institutions such as libraries prove their worth more than ever.
"Thank you, Governor Brown, for putting taxpayers and the public ahead of the profits of privately held corporations."
---end----
-/-/-/-
Wonderful news from Favel Jens:
Thank you for all of your help...emails, phone calls, letters, speaking at meetings, collecting petitions.... YOU DID IT!
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Cindy Singer, Community Library Manager for LA County Public Library System, upon the Governor's signature on AB 438 [Williams]:
"Librarians and library patrons applaud Gov. Brown for signing AB 438 to protect the public and taxpayers as communities consider library privatization.
"Financial pressures created by a stubborn recession have created an opening for corporations to persuade cash-strapped cities to privatize essential public services such as libraries. AB 438 makes sure these companies deliver on their promises to save money without compromising services. That's the least we should expect from a corporation taking over a public service.
"Throughout this recession, libraries have been the places families could turn to for help with everything from applying for jobs, to learning new skills, using the internet, or getting help in school. When times are tough, public institutions such as libraries prove their worth more than ever.
"Thank you, Governor Brown, for putting taxpayers and the public ahead of the profits of privately held corporations."
---end----
-/-/-/-
The Job Bill
Obama pushes his $447 billion jobs plan again
President Obama held a news conference on Thursday to again urge Congress to pass his jobs bill. This is President Obama's first news conference since July. (Oct. 6) (/CBS News)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/class-warfare-gop-style/2011/09/18/gIQAy0OfdK_video.html
Please check out our local listings . . .
http://www.scvyoungdems.org/jobs.htm
President Obama held a news conference on Thursday to again urge Congress to pass his jobs bill. This is President Obama's first news conference since July. (Oct. 6) (/CBS News)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/class-warfare-gop-style/2011/09/18/gIQAy0OfdK_video.html
Please check out our local listings . . .
http://www.scvyoungdems.org/jobs.htm
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Travel during the holiday season?
For friends making travel plans. I ran into this little number I thought you would want to know and ponder . . .
http://away.com/top-ten-travel/away.com/features/travel-ta-top-ten-secrets-of-airline-travel-from-the-pilots-themselves-sidwcmdev_154874.html?page=2
http://away.com/top-ten-travel/away.com/features/travel-ta-top-ten-secrets-of-airline-travel-from-the-pilots-themselves-sidwcmdev_154874.html?page=2
Monday, September 5, 2011
"HAPPY LABOR DAY"
Happy Labor Day!
Namaste to those union workers who still work 40 hours a week, eight hours a day, lunch time and during their break periods. This also allows us time to remember my mother and father who were fighters and recipients of civil and human rights that so many of us take for granted.
My grandfathers were railroad workers during the 1929 strike.
I (Minerva) can remember the stories that my maternal grandmother told me the short summer in 1996 and I will cherish our brief walks and long talks through the Pensacola Mall. She also shared with my cousin and me how she, a Porache Creek Indian, went to school to learn how to “balance a book on her head, sew while her braids were tied to wall wire, and ask for permission to go to the bathroom”. Back then, there were no 40-hour work weeks, eight hours days, lunch and breaks.
What amazes me still are those that wish us to return to a system when these concessions did not exist. I thank a society that will allow us twelve weeks to care of our immediate family members with an assurance our jobs will still be their when we return. I thank the many heroes and sheroes before us whose shoulders we can stand on. What is so sad, are those employers whose greed, selfishness, and inability to see beyond their “capitalistic gains” don’t allow them to realize that love of family, country, and having a morale standard is more important than anything money can buy.
We believe it our responsibility to keep the fight ongoing, even if we don’t work for a union.
Minerva Leah Williams, Vice President and Event Planning
The Democratic Club of the Santa Clarita Valley
Namaste to those union workers who still work 40 hours a week, eight hours a day, lunch time and during their break periods. This also allows us time to remember my mother and father who were fighters and recipients of civil and human rights that so many of us take for granted.
My grandfathers were railroad workers during the 1929 strike.
I (Minerva) can remember the stories that my maternal grandmother told me the short summer in 1996 and I will cherish our brief walks and long talks through the Pensacola Mall. She also shared with my cousin and me how she, a Porache Creek Indian, went to school to learn how to “balance a book on her head, sew while her braids were tied to wall wire, and ask for permission to go to the bathroom”. Back then, there were no 40-hour work weeks, eight hours days, lunch and breaks.
What amazes me still are those that wish us to return to a system when these concessions did not exist. I thank a society that will allow us twelve weeks to care of our immediate family members with an assurance our jobs will still be their when we return. I thank the many heroes and sheroes before us whose shoulders we can stand on. What is so sad, are those employers whose greed, selfishness, and inability to see beyond their “capitalistic gains” don’t allow them to realize that love of family, country, and having a morale standard is more important than anything money can buy.
We believe it our responsibility to keep the fight ongoing, even if we don’t work for a union.
Minerva Leah Williams, Vice President and Event Planning
The Democratic Club of the Santa Clarita Valley
Friday, August 5, 2011
Don Bustany on the Middle East
With everything going on nowadays in the Middle East, it's a wonder the entire region doesn't erupt into one massive war zone. With the recent uprising in Egypt with Mubarak, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Kadafi's gross mistreatment of the citizens of Libya and the seemingly endless violence and military intervention in that part of the world, are we on the brink of another World War? If such questions are troubling to you, please hear the opinion of a true expert on the subject, Don Bustany.
Don Bustany was Born in Detroit to Lebanese-American parents. He and Casey Kasem were co-creators of the syndicated radio program "American Top 40" and "American Country Countdown". Camera coordinator of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "The Bob Newhart Show", and other MTM shows. He produced local talk shows on several LA stations. He has a BA in Liberal Arts, Wayne State University, and an MS in Communications from Syracuse University. Bustany is a Palestinian right of return activist. Since 1996, he has produced and hosted the radio program "Middle East in Focus" on KPFK FM, the LA Pacifica radio network.
His mission is to fill the many gaps left by the mainstream media in their coverage of the Middle East. A member of the advisory committee of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in the 1990's, he served four terms as president of the organization's Los Angeles chapter.
The event will be held at El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351 on August 18th at 6:30pm.
For directions, see:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=19132+Soledad+Canyon+Rd&city=Canyon+Country&state=CA&zipcode=91351
For more details, please see:
http://www.scvyoungdems.org/events/081811-BustanyAmericasTop40s.pdf
Please bring your questions and inquiring mind...
Don Bustany was Born in Detroit to Lebanese-American parents. He and Casey Kasem were co-creators of the syndicated radio program "American Top 40" and "American Country Countdown". Camera coordinator of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "The Bob Newhart Show", and other MTM shows. He produced local talk shows on several LA stations. He has a BA in Liberal Arts, Wayne State University, and an MS in Communications from Syracuse University. Bustany is a Palestinian right of return activist. Since 1996, he has produced and hosted the radio program "Middle East in Focus" on KPFK FM, the LA Pacifica radio network.
His mission is to fill the many gaps left by the mainstream media in their coverage of the Middle East. A member of the advisory committee of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in the 1990's, he served four terms as president of the organization's Los Angeles chapter.
The event will be held at El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351 on August 18th at 6:30pm.
For directions, see:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=19132+Soledad+Canyon+Rd&city=Canyon+Country&state=CA&zipcode=91351
For more details, please see:
http://www.scvyoungdems.org/events/081811-BustanyAmericasTop40s.pdf
Please bring your questions and inquiring mind...
Saturday, July 30, 2011
PORCUPINES and other Imperfections
Submitted by Rosemarie Sanchez=Fraser. . .
The parable is worth sharing. But have you ever seen a baby porcupine?!
I would pass it along just for this!
Fable of the porcupine
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation,
decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one
wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and
they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or
disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds
caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others.
This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together
perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other
person's good qualities.
The real moral of the story......
LEARN TO LIVE WITH THE PRICKS IN YOUR LIFE.
The parable is worth sharing. But have you ever seen a baby porcupine?!
I would pass it along just for this!
Fable of the porcupine
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation,
decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one
wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and
they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or
disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds
caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others.
This way they were able to survive. Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together
perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other
person's good qualities.
The real moral of the story......
LEARN TO LIVE WITH THE PRICKS IN YOUR LIFE.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Obama urges compromise, Republicans set to vote
Please be sure to click on this link for more recent updates regarding the "debt ceiling debate".
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/29/us-usa-debt-idUSTRE7646S620110729
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/29/us-usa-debt-idUSTRE7646S620110729
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
RHUNIA MOORE May she rest in peace . . .
Good Afternoon All,
We lift up our hearts and prayers
for the family of Rhunia Moore.
Rhunia passed last week. Her
celebration of life will take place
Thursday, July 21st at 11:00 am.
The services will be held at the
Reseda Church of Christ, 7806
Ingomar Street, Reseda, CA.
(South of Roscoe Blvd and North
of Saticoy).
The wake is scheduled for
this afternoon at Rucker’s Mortuary
from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Rhunia is a life time member of the
San Fernando Valley NAACP. She
last served as a member of the
Executive Committee, we resolve.
We also want to be prayerful for
her grandson Russell Baldwin who
has cared tremendously for her in the
past years and her great grand daughter
Jetaya who also lived with Rhunia.
Cards and condolences can be sent to:
The Moore Family
12436 Claretta Street
Pacoima, CA 91331
Sharon Y Garrett
(818) 470-9643
We lift up our hearts and prayers
for the family of Rhunia Moore.
Rhunia passed last week. Her
celebration of life will take place
Thursday, July 21st at 11:00 am.
The services will be held at the
Reseda Church of Christ, 7806
Ingomar Street, Reseda, CA.
(South of Roscoe Blvd and North
of Saticoy).
The wake is scheduled for
this afternoon at Rucker’s Mortuary
from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Rhunia is a life time member of the
San Fernando Valley NAACP. She
last served as a member of the
Executive Committee, we resolve.
We also want to be prayerful for
her grandson Russell Baldwin who
has cared tremendously for her in the
past years and her great grand daughter
Jetaya who also lived with Rhunia.
Cards and condolences can be sent to:
The Moore Family
12436 Claretta Street
Pacoima, CA 91331
Sharon Y Garrett
(818) 470-9643
Sunday, July 17, 2011
CARMAGEDDON July 16, 17
Just for the laugh . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S0H6sFIqr0&NR=1
We can only hope that the 405 Freeway closure that has received national news, will be opened on the 18th in spite of the $12,000 per hour penalty that is being fined to the contractors (if not done on time).
It isn't that there isn't enough traffic already, Friday for me was an hour and 1/2 drive from Stocker/Crenshaw to Oakdale Drive in Chatsworth and that was a regular Friday.
We can only pray that Caltrans and their crew members can encourage the contractors completion of the Westside bridge.
Please thank Rosemarie Sanchez Frazier for the posting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S0H6sFIqr0&NR=1
We can only hope that the 405 Freeway closure that has received national news, will be opened on the 18th in spite of the $12,000 per hour penalty that is being fined to the contractors (if not done on time).
It isn't that there isn't enough traffic already, Friday for me was an hour and 1/2 drive from Stocker/Crenshaw to Oakdale Drive in Chatsworth and that was a regular Friday.
We can only pray that Caltrans and their crew members can encourage the contractors completion of the Westside bridge.
Please thank Rosemarie Sanchez Frazier for the posting.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
"VOTE FOR THE DOG OF YOUR CHOICE"
Suggested by Rosemarie Sanchez-Frazier of Friendly Valley,
38th Assembly District Representative wrote:
You are asked to put in your vote for the "Hero Dog Award". Follow the link
http://www.herodogawards.org/
and put in your bid. She offered . . .
I met this woman today at the Doggy Clippery, she was taking her Yellow Lab , named "Atticus," home and was telling the person behind the counter to be sure
to vote for him as a Guiding Eyes hero! Well, you know I could not not get curious so here is the web site to vote for Atticus as a Hero Dog! Once you
get to the web site click onto Vote, then to Category "Guide Dogs." Atticus is coming in 3rd at this time, if you click on the picture of him, his story will
come up. He is a big beautiful sweet dog! Hope you can vote for him and pass this onto your friends.
XXXOOO
Rosemarie
38th Assembly District Representative wrote:
You are asked to put in your vote for the "Hero Dog Award". Follow the link
http://www.herodogawards.org/
and put in your bid. She offered . . .
I met this woman today at the Doggy Clippery, she was taking her Yellow Lab , named "Atticus," home and was telling the person behind the counter to be sure
to vote for him as a Guiding Eyes hero! Well, you know I could not not get curious so here is the web site to vote for Atticus as a Hero Dog! Once you
get to the web site click onto Vote, then to Category "Guide Dogs." Atticus is coming in 3rd at this time, if you click on the picture of him, his story will
come up. He is a big beautiful sweet dog! Hope you can vote for him and pass this onto your friends.
XXXOOO
Rosemarie
Saturday, July 9, 2011
FREE GED CLASSES
FREE GED CLASSES
Classes offered by El Camino Real Community Adult School. Receive the skills necessary to pass the GED Exam!
Classes will include:
English
Writing
Mathematics
Classes open to students 17 and 10 months years old – Adults
Register Now!!!
Classes begin July 12, 2011
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
6931 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 201
Van Nuys, CA 91406
For more information please call (818) 786- 4098
Classes offered by El Camino Real Community Adult School. Receive the skills necessary to pass the GED Exam!
Classes will include:
English
Writing
Mathematics
Classes open to students 17 and 10 months years old – Adults
Register Now!!!
Classes begin July 12, 2011
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
6931 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 201
Van Nuys, CA 91406
For more information please call (818) 786- 4098
From the Mayor's Office
ASPIRE STIPEND PROGRAM 2011-12
Do you aspire to be the best Early Childhood Educator that you can be? The ASPIRE program will put you on the path to improving your practice and furthering your education by providing you with financial and advisement support.
What is ASPIRE?
ASPIRE is a new statewide First 5 CA professional development program for early childhood educators, also known as CARES Plus. Participants will complete a free on-line training regarding the CLASS observation tool, academic and career advisement, and 3-6 semester units of coursework. By doing so, they can earn a stipend of at least $1,000 in August 2012.
Why ASPIRE?
Working with small children is a joy-filled, yet challenging job. You need all the skills that you can get to be your best. Unfortunately, wages in the field are low and it may not be easy to pay the costs of further training and education. That's where ASPIRE comes in. Not only will you receive free training and advisements sessions, but you will get a nice financial boost on completion!
Who is Eligible?
ASPIRE is open to people currently working in the ECE field who are looking to do coursework and training to improve their practice. For more details on eligibility, visit this website after July 8th for an application. Applications will be due in October 22, 2011.
PLEASE NOTE: Teaching staff who qualify for L.A. County's "Investing in Early Educators" Stipend Program (AB212) are not eligible for the ASPIRE Stipend Program. The ASPIRE Stipend Program Application will provide details on who is eligible for the County program. To visit the website for the L.A. County's "Investing in Early Educators" Stipend Program click here.
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Sincerely,
Angelica Ayala, MPA
East Valley Area Director
Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
14410 Sylvan St. Room 211
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-778-4990
818-778-4995 (fax)
Do you aspire to be the best Early Childhood Educator that you can be? The ASPIRE program will put you on the path to improving your practice and furthering your education by providing you with financial and advisement support.
What is ASPIRE?
ASPIRE is a new statewide First 5 CA professional development program for early childhood educators, also known as CARES Plus. Participants will complete a free on-line training regarding the CLASS observation tool, academic and career advisement, and 3-6 semester units of coursework. By doing so, they can earn a stipend of at least $1,000 in August 2012.
Why ASPIRE?
Working with small children is a joy-filled, yet challenging job. You need all the skills that you can get to be your best. Unfortunately, wages in the field are low and it may not be easy to pay the costs of further training and education. That's where ASPIRE comes in. Not only will you receive free training and advisements sessions, but you will get a nice financial boost on completion!
Who is Eligible?
ASPIRE is open to people currently working in the ECE field who are looking to do coursework and training to improve their practice. For more details on eligibility, visit this website after July 8th for an application. Applications will be due in October 22, 2011.
PLEASE NOTE: Teaching staff who qualify for L.A. County's "Investing in Early Educators" Stipend Program (AB212) are not eligible for the ASPIRE Stipend Program. The ASPIRE Stipend Program Application will provide details on who is eligible for the County program. To visit the website for the L.A. County's "Investing in Early Educators" Stipend Program click here.
###
Sincerely,
Angelica Ayala, MPA
East Valley Area Director
Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
14410 Sylvan St. Room 211
Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-778-4990
818-778-4995 (fax)
405 Freeway try Metrolink Trains
On Friday, July 15, ramps along the 10 mile closure will begin to be shut down as early as 7 p.m., and closure of freeway lanes will begin at 10 p.m. to ensure full freeway closure by midnight. The closure will continue until 5 a.m. Monday morning, July 18. Ramps and connectors will be reopened by 6 a.m.
Metro will provide free rides on the Metro Red/Purple Line subway, as well as on the Metro Orange Line and select bus lines during the closure weekend to further spur transit trips between the San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles. Valley residents are encouraged to park at available park & ride lots at North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sepulveda, Balboa, Reseda, Pierce College and Canoga Stations, that together offer more than 4,000 parking spaces, and ride Metro to reach their destinations. Walking, bicycling or taking transit to access stations is also encouraged.
Metro will also add a total of 61 buses to normal Saturday and Sunday schedules for eight major bus lines and up to 16 buses to protect late night and owl services serving key San Fernando Valley/Westside routes to accommodate increased travel times. Both the Metro Red and Purple Lines will operate weekday peak period service levels, or approximately every 10 minutes all weekend, with six and four car trains, respectively. The Metro Green Line will also run every 10 minutes throughout the weekend.
Metro will closely monitor traffic congestion on all routes in the I-405 construction area and will make needed adjustments to bus service based on the current traffic conditions. Transit patrons should, however, anticipate longer trip times to reach their destinations and plan accordingly.
Metrolink will supplement its current weekend schedule by offering seven round-trips on its Ventura County Line and nine additional trips on its Antelope Valley Line during the closure weekend. Metrolink will also offer its $10 Weekend Pass, which enables passengers to ride any Metrolink train, as many times as they would like between Friday night at 7pm and Sunday night at 11:50pm for one low rate.
More information on Metrolink service and affordable ticketing options can be found at www.metrolinktrains.com.
Metro will provide free rides on the Metro Red/Purple Line subway, as well as on the Metro Orange Line and select bus lines during the closure weekend to further spur transit trips between the San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles. Valley residents are encouraged to park at available park & ride lots at North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sepulveda, Balboa, Reseda, Pierce College and Canoga Stations, that together offer more than 4,000 parking spaces, and ride Metro to reach their destinations. Walking, bicycling or taking transit to access stations is also encouraged.
Metro will also add a total of 61 buses to normal Saturday and Sunday schedules for eight major bus lines and up to 16 buses to protect late night and owl services serving key San Fernando Valley/Westside routes to accommodate increased travel times. Both the Metro Red and Purple Lines will operate weekday peak period service levels, or approximately every 10 minutes all weekend, with six and four car trains, respectively. The Metro Green Line will also run every 10 minutes throughout the weekend.
Metro will closely monitor traffic congestion on all routes in the I-405 construction area and will make needed adjustments to bus service based on the current traffic conditions. Transit patrons should, however, anticipate longer trip times to reach their destinations and plan accordingly.
Metrolink will supplement its current weekend schedule by offering seven round-trips on its Ventura County Line and nine additional trips on its Antelope Valley Line during the closure weekend. Metrolink will also offer its $10 Weekend Pass, which enables passengers to ride any Metrolink train, as many times as they would like between Friday night at 7pm and Sunday night at 11:50pm for one low rate.
More information on Metrolink service and affordable ticketing options can be found at www.metrolinktrains.com.
DON"T FORGET THIS WEEK's DRIVE Will be worst than usual
405 CLOSED JULY 15-17, 2011
The closure of the I-405 between the U.S. 101 and the I-10 will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, July 15th, and end at 6 a.m. Monday, July 18th.
The closure of the I-405 between the U.S. 101 and the I-10 will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, July 15th, and end at 6 a.m. Monday, July 18th.
$500 Grants
Sodexo Youth Grants
Deadline: September 16
YSA will award 25 Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to support youth-led service projects in the United States that address the issue of childhood hunger during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-20, 2011). We're looking for projects that engage your peers, friends, families, neighbors, Sodexo employees, and other community members in creative, youth-inspired solutions to ending childhood hunger in your community. Learn more at www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoyouth
Deadline: September 16
YSA will award 25 Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to support youth-led service projects in the United States that address the issue of childhood hunger during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-20, 2011). We're looking for projects that engage your peers, friends, families, neighbors, Sodexo employees, and other community members in creative, youth-inspired solutions to ending childhood hunger in your community. Learn more at www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoyouth
More Service Grants from the LA Mayor's Office
STEMester of Service Grants
Deadline: July 15
YSA is seeking middle schools with large populations of disadvantaged youth in the 19 states with highest dropout rates (AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, GA, HI, IL, LA, MI, MT, NV, NM, NY, NC, RI, WA, WY). Grantees will engage students in a STEMester of Service addressing critical environmental and disaster preparedness needs and connecting them to STEM curricula. The $5,000 grant supports sustainable service projects that launch on MLK Day of Service (January 16, 2012) and culminate on GYSD (April 20-22, 2012). www.YSA.org/grants/stemester
Deadline: July 15
YSA is seeking middle schools with large populations of disadvantaged youth in the 19 states with highest dropout rates (AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, GA, HI, IL, LA, MI, MT, NV, NM, NY, NC, RI, WA, WY). Grantees will engage students in a STEMester of Service addressing critical environmental and disaster preparedness needs and connecting them to STEM curricula. The $5,000 grant supports sustainable service projects that launch on MLK Day of Service (January 16, 2012) and culminate on GYSD (April 20-22, 2012). www.YSA.org/grants/stemester
Summer Grants w/July 15 Deadline
Sodexo Lead Organizer Grants
Deadline: July 15
Sodexo Lead Organizers will work with partner organizations to engage at least 600 youth volunteers in learning about and addressing the issue of childhood hunger in their communities, beginning during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 14-20) and continuing through Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) (April 20-22, 2012). Sodexo Lead Organizers receive a $2,000 planning grant, travel and lodging for YSA's Youth Service Institute, and ongoing training and technical assistance. www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoleadorganizer
Deadline: July 15
Sodexo Lead Organizers will work with partner organizations to engage at least 600 youth volunteers in learning about and addressing the issue of childhood hunger in their communities, beginning during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 14-20) and continuing through Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) (April 20-22, 2012). Sodexo Lead Organizers receive a $2,000 planning grant, travel and lodging for YSA's Youth Service Institute, and ongoing training and technical assistance. www.YSA.org/grants/sodexoleadorganizer
July 6th through September 3rd Summer Night Lights
FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE
SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS
Summer Night Lights is an anti-gang initiative that keeps parks open after dark--during the peak hours for gang activity--with free food and expanded programming. By empowering communities and targeting the traditionally most-violent summer months, Summer Night Lights has become a national model for violence reduction. Since 2008, SNL has expanded from 8 parks to 24 citywide, leading to a 57% reduction in gang-related homicides in SNL neighborhoods.
This year the program has expanded to 32 parks. The program takes place from July 6th to September 3rd, Wednesday through Saturday night from 7pm to 12am throughout the summer.
Come out and visit your local SNL Park:
- Delano (CD 6)
- Hubert Humphrey (CD 7)
- Sepulveda Recreation Center (CD 7)
- Valley Plaza (CD 2)
- Sun Valley (CD 6)
- Lanark (CD 3)
For more information: http://mayor.lacity.org/Issues/GangReduction/SummerNightLights/index.htm
SUMMER NIGHT LIGHTS
Summer Night Lights is an anti-gang initiative that keeps parks open after dark--during the peak hours for gang activity--with free food and expanded programming. By empowering communities and targeting the traditionally most-violent summer months, Summer Night Lights has become a national model for violence reduction. Since 2008, SNL has expanded from 8 parks to 24 citywide, leading to a 57% reduction in gang-related homicides in SNL neighborhoods.
This year the program has expanded to 32 parks. The program takes place from July 6th to September 3rd, Wednesday through Saturday night from 7pm to 12am throughout the summer.
Come out and visit your local SNL Park:
- Delano (CD 6)
- Hubert Humphrey (CD 7)
- Sepulveda Recreation Center (CD 7)
- Valley Plaza (CD 2)
- Sun Valley (CD 6)
- Lanark (CD 3)
For more information: http://mayor.lacity.org/Issues/GangReduction/SummerNightLights/index.htm
Monday, May 30, 2011
"THE DOCTORS WILL SEE YOU NOW!!"
Are you concerned with what is happening with our healthcare. It seems there is something in the news almost daily about the battle for people to get the medical care they need, which should be a basic right. For those who are indigent, who have been laid off from their jobs or for whatever reason can't afford coverage, the only healthcare available is a trip to the emergency room. Not only is it bad enough that the Obama healthcare plan has been greatly watered down, but now there's talk about reducing healthcare for seniors with a so-called "voucher" program! The US rates 37th in healthcare, right below Costa Rica. Do we really need to be worse than a third world country!!
If you are concerned, come join us for:
Dinner And Dialogue: "THE DOCTORS WILL SEE YOU NOW!!"
DATE: June 16, 2011
TIME: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
COST: $5 donation requested
LOCATION NAME: El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, Banquet Room
ADDRESS: 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351
DESCRIPTION: A Community Question and Answer session to explain changes in MediCare, MediCal & Social Security. How do we become more proactive in spite of the economy? What are some of the changes in insurance? From a world view: How lucky are we? What don't we know that WILL kill you? Possible economic and sustainable solutions: What are they? The keynote speaker will be Dylan H. Roby, Ph.D from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and School of Public Health. Also presenting will be: William "Bill" Honigman, MD Emergency Medicine; Gene Dorio, MD. Gerontologist and Senior Advocate Co-host of "The Senior Hour" on KHTS radio; Rosalie Brown-Goldenberg, Legislative Ambassador of the American Cancer Association; Stephen R. Dymtrow from Colonial Penn/Bankers Insurance & Casualty; Joseph Odanga from Helping Hands International; and Edward Villalpando a former Supply Chain Inventory Specialist from Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Allan Cameron and Minerva L. Williams will emcee.
CONTACT: Todd Hoover, crazycatherder@ca.rr.com, 661 295-9318
For more info, please see the: Event Flyer
If you are concerned, come join us for:
Dinner And Dialogue: "THE DOCTORS WILL SEE YOU NOW!!"
DATE: June 16, 2011
TIME: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
COST: $5 donation requested
LOCATION NAME: El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, Banquet Room
ADDRESS: 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351
DESCRIPTION: A Community Question and Answer session to explain changes in MediCare, MediCal & Social Security. How do we become more proactive in spite of the economy? What are some of the changes in insurance? From a world view: How lucky are we? What don't we know that WILL kill you? Possible economic and sustainable solutions: What are they? The keynote speaker will be Dylan H. Roby, Ph.D from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and School of Public Health. Also presenting will be: William "Bill" Honigman, MD Emergency Medicine; Gene Dorio, MD. Gerontologist and Senior Advocate Co-host of "The Senior Hour" on KHTS radio; Rosalie Brown-Goldenberg, Legislative Ambassador of the American Cancer Association; Stephen R. Dymtrow from Colonial Penn/Bankers Insurance & Casualty; Joseph Odanga from Helping Hands International; and Edward Villalpando a former Supply Chain Inventory Specialist from Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Allan Cameron and Minerva L. Williams will emcee.
CONTACT: Todd Hoover, crazycatherder@ca.rr.com, 661 295-9318
For more info, please see the: Event Flyer
Sunday, May 29, 2011
MAY HE REST IN PEACE. . . Gil Scott Heron
One of the original “rappers” when political poetry met fusion, blues, jazz, and before it was all “cool” died yesterday at 62 years of age.
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/562.html
Please also check out . . .
Inner City Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drTjTE8MCBU&playnext=1&list=PLF161EDC5363B69A2
“Did you hear what they said?“
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y7lMFEAyI4&feature=autoplay&list=PLF161EDC5363B69A2&index=3&playnext=2
“The Revolution will not be televised” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGaRtqrlGy8&feature=related
The revolution will come about when your awareness level awakens to those activities happening around you and you will act on them but don't expect them to come because of a television news. Read, Explore, Write, Network, and talk to individuals who are NOT in your comfort zone. We can always learn from one another. . .
May Gil Scott-Heron, now rest in peace . . .as we carry the torch onward . . .
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/562.html
Please also check out . . .
Inner City Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drTjTE8MCBU&playnext=1&list=PLF161EDC5363B69A2
“Did you hear what they said?“
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y7lMFEAyI4&feature=autoplay&list=PLF161EDC5363B69A2&index=3&playnext=2
“The Revolution will not be televised” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGaRtqrlGy8&feature=related
The revolution will come about when your awareness level awakens to those activities happening around you and you will act on them but don't expect them to come because of a television news. Read, Explore, Write, Network, and talk to individuals who are NOT in your comfort zone. We can always learn from one another. . .
May Gil Scott-Heron, now rest in peace . . .as we carry the torch onward . . .
Saturday, May 28, 2011
V Jesse Smith Observes Memorial Day
GUEST POST: Self-Improvement Is The Best Way to Honor Our Troops on Memorial Day
by V. Jesse Smith
As we enjoy the blanket of security which has been provided for us by those serving in our four branches of government, we are called by the edict of appreciation and gratefulness to give special thanks to every man and woman who has served and/or is serving in the armed forces.
We are able to enjoy our freedoms because of men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line in order that we might know what freedom truly looks like. We are indeed a grateful nation. As we reflect on this up-coming Memorial Day what we will be doing on that day, and how we will be spending our weekend, we must never forget what that day truly represents.
Memorial Day was recognized as a federal holiday to honor our military service men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for our protection. Each year we set aside time out of our busy schedules to remember those who gave their lives fighting abroad so that we could live under the protected blanket of freedom in the United States. It is proper that Memorial Day is a federal holiday and that we remember and honor the soldiers we lost on the battlefield and those who are still serving to keep us free and protected under our Constitution.
But, too many of us take Memorial Day as just a day of rest and relaxation. On that day we barbeque, drink, party and engage in the things that we want to because we live in a nation that allows us to do that because of the security that our military troops provide us.
However, what if we acknowledged our troops in another way? What if we truly went after the dreams that lie within us but was always afraid to go after? What if we took advantage of the small business loans that our government provides us to set up the business we have longed to do? What if we went back to school to improve ourselves by getting a degree in Mathematics, Science or Higher Education which in turn will allow us to fulfill a long-desired passion to want to help and inspire children? Our troops are sacraficing their lives on the line everyday so that we can become a better nation and a better people. Their lives and work must not go unnoticed or in vain.
On this Memorial Day, each of us should ask ourselves what we are doing to improve our lives. As you read this article, think about what you always wanted to do in life but never did it because either you were afraid or did not have the resources to do it. Think about what you have always wanted to do in life—whether it was writing a book about something dear to you, starting a business, going back to school, becoming a Doctor, Nurse, Medical Assistant, License Vocational Nurse (LVN), Paralegal or Lawyer—and then ask yourself why haven’t you done it. What’s been stopping you?
American soldiers are giving their lives everyday so that we can live our life every moment. Let us not dishonor them by not doing something to improve our lives everyday. How do you improve yourself? Self-improvement is done by attending seminars that will teach you how to do something; it is done by you learning something new everyday that will improve your physical, social and economic condition in life; it is done by you not constantly focusing on the problem, but you coming up with the solution to the problem. Jim Rohn, a powerful motivational speaker, said it best when he said “Don’t ask for less problems, ask for more skills…don’t ask for less challenges, ask for more wisdom.”
As you start that business that you have always wanted to start, you might very well be in the position to offer a job to some of our troops when they come back from Afghanistan, Libya or Iran. If you write that book that you have been longing to write, it could be the book that our military personnel need to remain inspired, motivated and uplifted while they are engaged on enemy battles.
Yes, the best way to honor our troops on this Memorial Day is to do things that will improve yourself so that you can become a blessing to them as they have been a blessing to us.
About the Author: V. Jesse Smith is a national motivational speaker who conducts Leadership and Self-Improvement seminars throughout the nation encouraging people to live their dreams by improving their skills. He is the president and founder of Heights of Greatness Leadership Institute and can be reached at www.heightsofgreatness.org or vjessesmith@aol.com (661) 992-9052.
by V. Jesse Smith
As we enjoy the blanket of security which has been provided for us by those serving in our four branches of government, we are called by the edict of appreciation and gratefulness to give special thanks to every man and woman who has served and/or is serving in the armed forces.
We are able to enjoy our freedoms because of men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line in order that we might know what freedom truly looks like. We are indeed a grateful nation. As we reflect on this up-coming Memorial Day what we will be doing on that day, and how we will be spending our weekend, we must never forget what that day truly represents.
Memorial Day was recognized as a federal holiday to honor our military service men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for our protection. Each year we set aside time out of our busy schedules to remember those who gave their lives fighting abroad so that we could live under the protected blanket of freedom in the United States. It is proper that Memorial Day is a federal holiday and that we remember and honor the soldiers we lost on the battlefield and those who are still serving to keep us free and protected under our Constitution.
But, too many of us take Memorial Day as just a day of rest and relaxation. On that day we barbeque, drink, party and engage in the things that we want to because we live in a nation that allows us to do that because of the security that our military troops provide us.
However, what if we acknowledged our troops in another way? What if we truly went after the dreams that lie within us but was always afraid to go after? What if we took advantage of the small business loans that our government provides us to set up the business we have longed to do? What if we went back to school to improve ourselves by getting a degree in Mathematics, Science or Higher Education which in turn will allow us to fulfill a long-desired passion to want to help and inspire children? Our troops are sacraficing their lives on the line everyday so that we can become a better nation and a better people. Their lives and work must not go unnoticed or in vain.
On this Memorial Day, each of us should ask ourselves what we are doing to improve our lives. As you read this article, think about what you always wanted to do in life but never did it because either you were afraid or did not have the resources to do it. Think about what you have always wanted to do in life—whether it was writing a book about something dear to you, starting a business, going back to school, becoming a Doctor, Nurse, Medical Assistant, License Vocational Nurse (LVN), Paralegal or Lawyer—and then ask yourself why haven’t you done it. What’s been stopping you?
American soldiers are giving their lives everyday so that we can live our life every moment. Let us not dishonor them by not doing something to improve our lives everyday. How do you improve yourself? Self-improvement is done by attending seminars that will teach you how to do something; it is done by you learning something new everyday that will improve your physical, social and economic condition in life; it is done by you not constantly focusing on the problem, but you coming up with the solution to the problem. Jim Rohn, a powerful motivational speaker, said it best when he said “Don’t ask for less problems, ask for more skills…don’t ask for less challenges, ask for more wisdom.”
As you start that business that you have always wanted to start, you might very well be in the position to offer a job to some of our troops when they come back from Afghanistan, Libya or Iran. If you write that book that you have been longing to write, it could be the book that our military personnel need to remain inspired, motivated and uplifted while they are engaged on enemy battles.
Yes, the best way to honor our troops on this Memorial Day is to do things that will improve yourself so that you can become a blessing to them as they have been a blessing to us.
About the Author: V. Jesse Smith is a national motivational speaker who conducts Leadership and Self-Improvement seminars throughout the nation encouraging people to live their dreams by improving their skills. He is the president and founder of Heights of Greatness Leadership Institute and can be reached at www.heightsofgreatness.org or vjessesmith@aol.com (661) 992-9052.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Are we really surprised to hear that the former Governator has sired a child? I am not.
Is this a little titillation? No. Is this a disappointment? No.
In the beginning of Schwarzenegger’s announcement for governor, the public decided to allow him a pass when Maria said, “trust me” and stood by her man and this is after 15 women came forward, some with pictures. Voters gave him a quick wink, an augh “He’s the terminator” and voted him in office anyway.
We believed he had married one of our finest from the famous Kennedy family and Arnold would walk and talk straight. It is called “a second chance”. I saw the ladies of “THE VIEW” hammering away and listened to the exchange between Chris Matthews and Bill Maher about Arnold, see reference sites below.
I am wondering where was the press and political staff that they kept all of this a 14-year secret?
And no one from his staff knew? We learn from the LA Times that http://times.am/2011/05/18/western-media-arnold-schwarzenegger-is-a-liar/, in 2001, “. . . according to Garry South, the strategist for then-Gov. Gray Davis, word got around that Schwarzenegger was mulling a challenge – so South began circulating copies of a Premiere magazine exposé detailing the actor’s alleged groping of women.
“His lawyer sent me a letter threatening to sue me for libel, and he also threatened to sue for copyright infringement if I sent out any part of his letter,” South said.
SO how could the woman stay employed and pregnant in the household knowing her relationship with Arnold while having a presumably very private and close relationship with Maria, I guess we will hear from the tabloids. To hear he has financially assisted the staffer and child however has been great news.
But to hear that this illicit affair occurred with a member of the household staff blows protected sex, “fidelity”, family values and harassment in the work place to an all-time high.
But as they say, Karma will swing you back again and so in January, the housekeeper retires and Schwarzenegger tells the truth. We heard that Maria left but we never knew why.
Life goes on but we hear that The LA Times promised to reveal the truth and hence the news comes forward. As for the girly man, “The Gropenator”, this man vetoed “marriage equality twice”.
He owes Californians’ an apology for putting his political ambitions before his family. There are years of fatherhood that the child has lost. Hope Arnold can live with the hypocrisy and be the manly man to those involved.
As for Maria and the rest of the family, we wish Maria a speedy recovering in reaffirming the family love, stability, trust and moving on with a stellar journalistic career, her Minerva service awards or whatever she decides to do.
REFERENCES:
Chris Matthews with Bill Maher http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/18/bill-maher-schwarzenegger-gingrich_n_863643.html
“The View” Ladies http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/17/arnold-schwarzenegger-the-view_n_863207.html
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Thoughts of Yesteryear
The following story was part of a Volunteer Profile of the Month for January 2004 for "The Mighty Oak", a monthly newsletter of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. The newsletter wrote, "Mary and her husband Art moved here in 1998. Art saw a newspaper ad for needed home delivered meal drivers and wanted to volunteer. Mary decided to be his navigator, so off they went to see the person in charge. They have been delivering meals ever since. She's been teaching tap dance at the Center since '99. Here is her story:"
In retrospect, I had the most interesting and exciting childhood because of my parents, although at the time, they were just Mom and Dad.
My father was an accomplished classical musician who had studied in Mexico City and decided to find his fortune in New York City in a time we now know as the Roaring Twenties -- the Jazz era. He quickly had to adjust from playing Bach, Liszt, and Chopin and replaced it with the 12th Street Rag, Sheik of Araby, Charleston, etc. No jobs were available, so he joined the U.S. Army, was placed in Special Services (even played at the White House), and was offered a career if he became an American citizen. He declined the offer, wanted to see the world (Australia in particular), spent some time in Cicero, IL after his stint in the military, and headed for California.
My mother was reared in Tucson, studied music at the University of Arizona, and decided to come to Los Angeles where a brother was already here, to become a piano teacher.
Inevitably the two met in L.A. which in the early 20's was a mecca of the theater. Vaudeville was big in those days -- the only difference was that Spanish was the language. It was the counterpart of American vaudeville with only the best of the musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, and even recitations by the best actors. Work was plentiful and exciting, and the two musicians were married in 1922.
Then, I came along the next year, followed by six more siblings in the next nine years. Mother always loved the theater, and soon I was being taught to sing and dance. There were three theaters on Main Street where Spanish language movies were shown and vaudeville also flourished. I was six years old when I first performed onstage, but I had no fear because my father played in the orchestra pit and Mother was in the wings. I can still see that huge spotlight and the blackness of the audience that I knew was there because of the laughter if I did a comedic number, or the sniffles if I did a heart wrenching tango. Mother even taught me some off-color songs. I had no idea what I was singing as long as the audience liked it. If there were contests for non-pros, I usually won 1st place!
Then came the stock market crash of 1929. I still remember the crowds gathered around the bank in our neighborhood. The Depression hit hard, especially for those in show business. Somehow, Mother managed from the few jobs Dad was able to get. Vaudeville lived for awhile, but started to die during the early 30s. Remember, we now had talking movies. During the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Mother entered my sister and me in a talent contest sponsored by the May Company. I don't remember any money prize, but we were both entitled to a complete physical exam. We won 1st place, and received an engraved silver cup. Once during one of these "contests", I remember getting a disappointing 2nd place with a prize of $5.00, which probably fed the family for a week. First place went to a young violin virtuoso! We had no carfare for the trip back home.
Mother, sister, and I trouped around Southern California putting on shows with circus people -- just any group of folks in order to make a few bucks. In a desperate move to earn more money, Dad accepted a job offer in the International Section of Shanghai, China for a year or so. In the meantime, Mom did what she knew best. In the days before the invention of CDs, cassettes, or portable phonographs, dance teachers needed piano players to conduct classes. Since there was always a piano in our home, one ballet/Spanish teacher had students come to our home for lessons. I just watched them, and soon picked up what the students paid for. A tap dance teacher needed a pianist, and the trade-off was free tap lessons for me. By the time I was thirteen, I was tired of the constant traveling on old cars, always working on weekends just to make a couple of extra dollars. I longed to be like all the other teens I knew.
Dad finally came home on the last ship in 1936, a few days before Shanghai was bombed by the Japanese. Things finally got better as he always had gigs at fine hotels such as the Coconut Grove. Eventually, he landed steady work at the two nightclubs on Olvera Street in Los Angeles: La Golondrina and the Paseo Cafe, where he worked until his retirement.
I finished high school, met and married Arthur (now 62 years of matrimony and going strong) during the days of high anticipation of better times for the Depression kids. We started our family, and then came December 7, 1941! We had two sons when Arthur was drafted into the Navy. Fortunately for us, he was sent to so many schools that by the time he was to be sent overseas as a radioman/gunner on a torpedo bomber, Japan had surrendered after having sustained large casualty numbers. So, we began the struggle to start anew after the war. We somehow managed without complaining since everybody else was adjusting to the hopeful prosperity that lay ahead. We had three more sons, I eventually had to find work for additional income, and was lucky enough to land a job (swingshift, ugh, with kids ranging from 1 to 10 years). I started at the bottom rung, eventually became an executive secretary to the regional manager of a large trucking firm, and stayed employed at that company for 32 years. I continued working until I was 65, retired, and joined a tap class at my local Community Center. Here I was again, performing in recitals that I had done so long ago.
As a young girl, I fell in love with American music. I recall walking past a house that had a radio -- we didn't have one in those days -- and remembered hearing Bing Crosby sing, "Did you ever see a dream walking?" And of course, during my teen years, didn't we have the most wonderful music? It was the Swing Era!!! Once all her kids were grown and gone from home, Mother (always the resourceful person she was) studied hard, passed the tests, and became a successful real estate broker. During the trying times when Dad was in China, we almost lost our home. Some friendly, anonymous person reported our situation to the local welfare agency. We received welfare -- money, food, clothes -- until Dad came home and it wasn't needed anymore. When she was able to (after starting her new career), she checked the family account and repaid IN FULL every cent that L.A. County had given us when it was needed. I'm always proud to mention that!
How many of us have ever wondered, "what if" something different had occurred on our lives? Me too! When I was 9 or 10, Mother entered me in yet ANOTHER contest. The prize was a scholarship to a dance studio in Hollywood. Could it have been the Meglin Studios, from which so many child move actors trained? I recall a large upstairs studio, somewhere on Broadway. There were about twenty other kids competing, with only a pianist, a drummer, and a judge in the room. All we had to do was walk, skip, or hop in a circle, but had to be quick to adjust to a change in tempo. Well, guess who won the scholarship? The dance studio was in Hollywood, we lived in East L.A., and I couldn't go to the dance studio alone. Mom and I always used street car transportation. I remember the red street cars that were open in the center, and how glamorous and new everything looked in Hollywood back then. When we came home, I was told that we could not afford the fare, so I had to drop out. Sometimes I think about that, but not too often.
At this time in my life, I would not change anything, except for the tragedies of wars we've had to endure, but over which we have no control. My generation made so many sacrifices during WW2, and our country is still in another war??? I am proud of our sons, they are all college grads, and the combined five have given us 10 grandchildren and 2 greats. In these last years, Arthur and I are so lucky to be in comparatively good health, enjoy golf, and are so happy to live in the Santa Clarity Valley since 1998. We live in Friendly Valley which offers so much to its residents, and enjoy their Little Theater where we both participate in productions. I am especially grateful to the Senior Center for allowing me to teach tap dance and pass on to others what little I know. I'll continue to do it until I'm not physically able.
Thanks, Mom and Dad, for those great genes you passed on to me.
Mary M. Alvidrez
Thursday, May 12, 2011
WINOGRAD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Immediately
Marcy Winograd For Congress 2011 team contacted us today and asks for Volunteers to help in the Volunteering for Harbor Area Phone Banking and Precint Walking assignments at 1300 South Pacific Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90731 (310)508-9234 and email juliandburger@gmail.com.
Janice Hahn (LA City Council) and Debra Bowen (Secretary of State) who both recently won their current positions in the 2011 Midterm Elections are running against Winograd.
Winograd, a Los Angeles high school teacher, has run for this position twice, losing to Janice Harmon who let the position to work with the Woodrow Wilson Foundation less than four months after winning the position.
For more information regarding the campaign contact:
https://www.facebook.com/MarcyWinogradForCongress2011
This posting doesn't indicate the endorsement of the Democratic Club of Santa Clarita Valley we are just providing the information.
It is estimated that it is costing $1.5 million to have this special election since Harmon walked away. What we haven't been advised, is why did Harmon walk away after such a big fight with Marcy in the 2010 Midterms?
There is conversation that Debra Bowen, "the celebrated geek", is highly needed as the Secretary of State and needs to continue her campaign promise to the California people to keep the California voting process as clean and possible. Janice Hahn is from the legendary Los Angeles Hahn political family so many wonder why is she jumping so soon for the Congressional seat.
There is much to pay attention to in these moving parts of a dramatic contest of well qualified, polished and charismatic political women. There are no rookies here.
Do note that all participation in candidate contests can fulfill certified class credits and scholastic needs. Make sure you ask the candidate's campaign or field managers for details . . . Peace out, Minerva
Janice Hahn (LA City Council) and Debra Bowen (Secretary of State) who both recently won their current positions in the 2011 Midterm Elections are running against Winograd.
Winograd, a Los Angeles high school teacher, has run for this position twice, losing to Janice Harmon who let the position to work with the Woodrow Wilson Foundation less than four months after winning the position.
For more information regarding the campaign contact:
https://www.facebook.com/MarcyWinogradForCongress2011
This posting doesn't indicate the endorsement of the Democratic Club of Santa Clarita Valley we are just providing the information.
It is estimated that it is costing $1.5 million to have this special election since Harmon walked away. What we haven't been advised, is why did Harmon walk away after such a big fight with Marcy in the 2010 Midterms?
There is conversation that Debra Bowen, "the celebrated geek", is highly needed as the Secretary of State and needs to continue her campaign promise to the California people to keep the California voting process as clean and possible. Janice Hahn is from the legendary Los Angeles Hahn political family so many wonder why is she jumping so soon for the Congressional seat.
There is much to pay attention to in these moving parts of a dramatic contest of well qualified, polished and charismatic political women. There are no rookies here.
Do note that all participation in candidate contests can fulfill certified class credits and scholastic needs. Make sure you ask the candidate's campaign or field managers for details . . . Peace out, Minerva
A. Eugene Huguenin
We received s notice today from the governor's office that Attorney A. Eugene Huguenin, 68, a Democrat of Rancho Murieta is the new appointed member of the California State Public Employment Relations Board. He has owned his own law firm since 2001 and was a consultant for CTA l973 until 1979. The message continues that:
Huguenin was a staff counsel at the CTA from 1979 to 200 and a commissioner on the Fair Political Practices Commission from 2005-299. With the approval of the state Senate, his confirmation and compensation will be $128,109.
Huguenin was a staff counsel at the CTA from 1979 to 200 and a commissioner on the Fair Political Practices Commission from 2005-299. With the approval of the state Senate, his confirmation and compensation will be $128,109.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Playboy Jazz Concerts on the Greens is starting up in Santa Clarita Valley to celebrate the summer days ahread check it out at
http://www.the-signal.com/section/114/article/44745.
http://www.the-signal.com/section/114/article/44745.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Obama on Usama
We need to give thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line in the effort to give the fatal blow to those that would try to kill the American dream with random acts of terrorism.
With the death of UBL you might trust that Memorial Day will be even more outstanding and well attended ceremony by local Americans.”
I believe we can all agree that taking options require setting a goal, strategically getting the best information that you can acquire, questioning the strategical options to accomplish the mission, seeking out the opinions of the “best of the best” available to you. Because of the thoroughness required you will be placing Plan A, Plan B and Plan C in place in the event that “Plan A” is compromised. You know that taking a commitment and riding out the consequences of the decision made requires responsibility and steadfastness. We can be proud of hope we have seen in the campaign promise of President Barack Obama to its fruition.
Steve Croft of “60 Minutes” was able to facilitate Obama providing us that “the mood was intense . . . everyone listening, and monitoring in real time. Obama continued, “that one of the great successes of this operation is that we were able to keep this a secret, be cautious and optimistic” at the same time. He offered that any leak not only would compromise the mission, but also, kill the men who were involved.
Nervousness did come into play. Though the strike’s timeline was intended to take 40 minutes, and although short, he said it seemed like a long time.
Obama says that “there are no doubt that we killed Usama bin Laden”. The treasure trove of information is being analyzed and hopefully will lead to high value targets, plots, how they operate, and their methodology of communicating.
Obama exclaimed that the graphic photos of bin Laden being shot in the head would not be used so as not to incite propaganda and make his kill into a “trophy”. Obama says Usama bin Laden got the justice that he deserved. However, we do not need to spike the football and the graphic nature of the photos to create or increase security risks for the troops still in the area.
He stated that in July troops will be drawn down and Americans will be involved in the training Afghanistan has to secure and stabilize their country and to remove our footprint in the country. American soldiers will leave Afghanistan.
In lieu of Pakistan saying that this is an American trick with Al Qaeda members, the signal is that those that are affiliated with terrorist organizations are going to be on the losing side and that they will have more sense to get involved in the political process rather than the methodologies that they have been engaged in.
The hope is that those members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban will not find the country a safe haven for more activities but learn how to get involved in the political building of the country.
Obama said that “We don’t think that a photograph in of itself matters”. He offered that “it was a joint decision to bury him at sea. We tried to consult with experts in Islamic law and ritual that was appropriate and respectful of the body.”
When the mission was over Obama says that he “walked out with my team and said we got him”. His aides and congressional leaders were then told what happened. He congratulated the situation team members who rode out the 45 minutes with him. Obama says that he did not even tell his family members and his closest White House aides. The fact that they were surprised is true.
So now we can wonder whether or not the legislature will continue to supply billions of dollars in aid to the Pakistani people. Even though Pakistan is one of our allies, the fact that we have been able to kill more terrorists on Pakistani soil than any other country raises the country’s loyalty quotient.
But now more than ever we must work more effectively than we have in the past. And in the months to come, Obama says that there were will more assaults.
Obama has subsequently met family members at Ground Zero, visited fire fighters, went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky to meet the helicopter pilots, Special Forces personnel, and the Navy Seals face-to-face.
Unfortunately, American citizens won’t be able to know who the “American heroes” were who did the actual deed but we can say that “Justice was done” and we can soberly move forward with the continued promises of American hope that Obama said “begins with us”.
See you on the 2012 President Obama’s campaign trail. . . more fired up than ever before . . .
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20060612-10391709.html?tag=component.0
With the death of UBL you might trust that Memorial Day will be even more outstanding and well attended ceremony by local Americans.”
I believe we can all agree that taking options require setting a goal, strategically getting the best information that you can acquire, questioning the strategical options to accomplish the mission, seeking out the opinions of the “best of the best” available to you. Because of the thoroughness required you will be placing Plan A, Plan B and Plan C in place in the event that “Plan A” is compromised. You know that taking a commitment and riding out the consequences of the decision made requires responsibility and steadfastness. We can be proud of hope we have seen in the campaign promise of President Barack Obama to its fruition.
Steve Croft of “60 Minutes” was able to facilitate Obama providing us that “the mood was intense . . . everyone listening, and monitoring in real time. Obama continued, “that one of the great successes of this operation is that we were able to keep this a secret, be cautious and optimistic” at the same time. He offered that any leak not only would compromise the mission, but also, kill the men who were involved.
Nervousness did come into play. Though the strike’s timeline was intended to take 40 minutes, and although short, he said it seemed like a long time.
Obama says that “there are no doubt that we killed Usama bin Laden”. The treasure trove of information is being analyzed and hopefully will lead to high value targets, plots, how they operate, and their methodology of communicating.
Obama exclaimed that the graphic photos of bin Laden being shot in the head would not be used so as not to incite propaganda and make his kill into a “trophy”. Obama says Usama bin Laden got the justice that he deserved. However, we do not need to spike the football and the graphic nature of the photos to create or increase security risks for the troops still in the area.
He stated that in July troops will be drawn down and Americans will be involved in the training Afghanistan has to secure and stabilize their country and to remove our footprint in the country. American soldiers will leave Afghanistan.
In lieu of Pakistan saying that this is an American trick with Al Qaeda members, the signal is that those that are affiliated with terrorist organizations are going to be on the losing side and that they will have more sense to get involved in the political process rather than the methodologies that they have been engaged in.
The hope is that those members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban will not find the country a safe haven for more activities but learn how to get involved in the political building of the country.
Obama said that “We don’t think that a photograph in of itself matters”. He offered that “it was a joint decision to bury him at sea. We tried to consult with experts in Islamic law and ritual that was appropriate and respectful of the body.”
When the mission was over Obama says that he “walked out with my team and said we got him”. His aides and congressional leaders were then told what happened. He congratulated the situation team members who rode out the 45 minutes with him. Obama says that he did not even tell his family members and his closest White House aides. The fact that they were surprised is true.
So now we can wonder whether or not the legislature will continue to supply billions of dollars in aid to the Pakistani people. Even though Pakistan is one of our allies, the fact that we have been able to kill more terrorists on Pakistani soil than any other country raises the country’s loyalty quotient.
But now more than ever we must work more effectively than we have in the past. And in the months to come, Obama says that there were will more assaults.
Obama has subsequently met family members at Ground Zero, visited fire fighters, went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky to meet the helicopter pilots, Special Forces personnel, and the Navy Seals face-to-face.
Unfortunately, American citizens won’t be able to know who the “American heroes” were who did the actual deed but we can say that “Justice was done” and we can soberly move forward with the continued promises of American hope that Obama said “begins with us”.
See you on the 2012 President Obama’s campaign trail. . . more fired up than ever before . . .
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20060612-10391709.html?tag=component.0
Monday, April 11, 2011
CALIFORNIA REDISTRICTING
REDISTRICTING: How often do you find issues that are only relative to one section of the community and not to another although we are all affected by the change? Well there is a commission that will be shuffling the deck. Do you want in? First of all, Proposition 20 did pass! Now there is an opportunity to have fair redistricting allowing communities to draw their own lines that denote their city, culture, ethnic, economic and county lines and to make their communities whole instead of "gerrymandered". There is no guarantee that the "incumbent protecting plan" will adhere when fair redistricting is put into place. However, the purpose is to represent population changes as derived from the census which is taken every ten years. The hope is that the commission will eventually draw lines that strengthen voters' voices as well as make our leaders accountable to our needs and reflective in the Congressional, Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization districts. We believe the Santa Clarita Valley should be one district. The commission hopes to encourage communities to send in their recommendations and to encourage the citizens to show them where the lines should be around communities instead of through them. There will be public hearings throughout the state. Assistance will be provided to help those who may require services such as wheelchair access, translation, sign language for the hearing impaired and other auxiliary services. Notice is required five days in advance, if you require any of the above services. And foremost, you need to participate. Thursday, April 28, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, 3rd Floor, LA From 6:00pm to 9:00pm Saturday, April 30, City of San Fernando Hall, Council Chambers, 1117 McNeil Street, San Fernando 91340 From 2:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday, May 1, Sierra Toyota, Antelope Valley Room, 43301 12th Street West , Lancaster, CA 93534 From 2:00pm to 5:00pm Again, the commission requests that you call in your particular need, when you go, five days in advance! The commission consists of a 14-member commission, with 5-Democrats, 5-Republicans and 4- independents. The concern is that the commission will weaken both current political sides because of this equitable weigh-in. Nonprofit groups are strongly being asked to participate in this process. Check out their website: http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/ Phone them at : Janeece Sargis (866) 356-5217 or email them at votersfirstact.crc.ca.gov. No matter how you slice and dice it, yes it is a contest between the Democrats and the Republicans to beat one another back in hopes of gaining leads in federal, state, and local contests. Maybe by also unifying communities the competition will increase in those supporting causes and candidates. The LA TIMES calls the selection process of the commission as a "semi-meritocratic lottery process" and says no matter how you slice it California is a Democratic state and adds that, "Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer defeated their gazillionaire opponents by 1.3 million and 1 million votes, respectively. Democrats held every one of their congressional seats, and actually increased their margin in the Legislature." And what does this say locally, according to the Swing State Project: California's 25th District Buck McKeon (R) Obama 139,488 50% McCain 132,660 48% Change: McCain +0 Demographics: 9% African American, 5% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 55% White Old Demographics: 8% African American, 4% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 57% White Communities of Interest: Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Victorville Status: Likely Republican SUMMARY: This district shrinks as it loses rural areas in the desert and eastern Sierras. It still resembles a tossup because Obama barely won it but this district is strongly Republican. Kerry won only 40% here and McKeon is highly popular. When he retires, a strong Democrat against a weak Republican can win here but although this area is trending Democratic, it is still Republican at a local level. But I do want to note that the Signal article only reflected the opinions of the current Republican leadership. I just thought that I'd add my Democratic voice to the discussion. The final maps are to be presented to the Secretary of State by August 15, 2011. REFERENCES: http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/08/matt-angle-texas-redistricting http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/19/opinion/la-oe-meyerson-redistricting-20101219 http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-early-candidates-20110411,0,1629259.story
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