So…Today is Thanksgiving. But what does it really mean to those that it gives great meaning to? The definition of Thanksgiving is a far different description depending on who is telling the story: The whites or the Indians.

To the whites, Thanksgiving was a day that the Pilgrims sat with the indians and agreed to be peaceful. A day of celebration.

To the Wampanoags, Thanksgiving was literally about gratitude for genocide. A day of sorrow.

While we celebrate, sitting around watching football, eating turkey, corn, and all the fixins, toasting and giving thanks, Native Americans remember the massacre. They are not celebrating; they are feeling hurt and disrespected to say the very least, and rightly so.

As Darryl Lorenzo Wellington wrote:

“Spare me the school-assembly version of Thanksgiving. Since I was in grammar school, I’ve seen these misleading re-enactments. The Thanksgiving plays and celebrations glamorize the relationship between the Pilgrims and American Indians. They falsely portray the Pilgrims as the ones who allowed the indians to sup with them, rather than vice versa.”

“And they erase the genocide against Indians that followed.”

-Darryl Lorenzo Wellington is a writer for Progressive Media Project

To read more click here.

Yes, there is a lot to be thankful for, but Thanksgiving is not the day to be thankful when the definition of the traditional Thanksgiving is more fiction than fact; when we ignorantly celebrate peace honoring a day of devastation.

I can tell you what I am not thankful for on this day:

• I am not thankful that people feast on turkey and stuffing in celebration, and many probably don’t really know the devastating truth about Thanksgiving, the massacre of indigenous people. And if they do, it is even more disgusting that they are still celebrating.

• I am not thankful that a supposed day of giving thanks is really gratitude for genocide.

• I am not thankful that Pilgrims didn’t invite the Indians to feast with them peacefully, but instead Pilgrims perceived Indians in relation to the Devil and the only reason why they were invited to that feast was for the purpose of negotiating a treaty that would secure the lands for the Pilgrims.

• I am not thankful that 700 Pequot men, women and children were massacred on this day known for giving thanks.

• I am not thankful that the Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony declared: “A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children.” It was signed into law that, “This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.”

• I am not thankful that “Thanksgiving dinner” was invented both to instill a false pride in Americans and to cover up the massacre.

• I am not thankful that when the Pilgrims arrived, the Pequot tribe numbered 8,000 but disease had brought their numbers down to 1,500 by 1637. The Pequot “War” killed all but a handful of remaining members of the tribe. FYI: The disease was smallpox, brought to the indians through infected blankets, and flu-filled flannel gifts, that were giving to them by the Pilgrims.

• I am not thankful that the first Official Thanksgiving was gratitude for genocide in 1637, and in 1676 – 1677 “a day was set apart for public Thanksgiving,” because nearly all of the indians were exterminated by then.

• I am not thankful that America was basically founded on MASS genocide…a genocide of up to as many as 3 million plus indians.

• I am not thankful that when taking into consideration that the slaughter of indians started in 1492 with Christopher Columbus, “and has continued to a certain degree to this day, the number of our Peoples who died, and in many cases who are still dying, because of the European invasion Columbus initiated, is incalculable.” One can estimate the closest number is several hundred millions.

To read  ”The Real Thanksgiving” by Dr. Daniel Paul, click here.

Readers: Celebrating Thanksgiving is no different than honoring the Confederate flag, or honoring the Germans for the putting Jews in the oven.

Even in Washington, the Native American museum doesn’t address the genocide; a sort of a “historical amnesia”. We have no problem pointing the fingers at others who have done such atrocities, but when it comes to ourselves, when we can’t even examine, not to mention document,  who we are and what we have done in our own country, it is truly sickening.

Noam Chomsky’s response to the Native American genocide:

” It is not that the people involved didn’t know about it. John Quincy Adams, a great grand strategist, who had a major role in these atrocities, in his later years when he reflected on them, referred to that hapless race of North Americans, which we are exterminating with such insidious cruelty. They knew exactly what they were doing. But it doesn’t matter. It’s us.”

“It’s us.” Us = whites. That kind of says it all doesn’t it?

…with gratitude & xoxo…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

“ Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox“

Good morning!

For those of you interested here’s an update on DADT:

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’s Final Act: Stage Is Set For Hearing

WASHINGTON — The stage has been formally set for the final, theatrical hearing over whether or not Congress will repeal the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy this year or even next year.

On Wednesday, Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that he will hold two days of hearings on the policy that restricts gays from serving openly in the armed forces. The hearings will come just days after a year-long report, commissioned by the Pentagon, will be released reportedly showing that DADT repeal would have a minimal impact on the temperament or readiness of fellow soldiers.

On Thursday, December 2, supporters of DADT repeal will be granted the first shot to make their case. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates; Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Jeh C. Johnson, the Department of Defense’s General Counsel and co-chair of the Pentagon’s DADT Comprehensive Review Working Group; and General Carter F. Ham, commander of the United States Army in Europe and the second co-chair of the Comprehensive Review Working Group will all deliver testimony.

They will be followed on Friday by a day of testimony from those generally skeptical of appeal, including General James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General George W. Casey, Jr., chief of staff of the Army; Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of Naval Operations; General James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps; and General Norton A. Schwartz, chief of staff of the Air Force.

All told, it should be a dramatic two days of hearings and questioning, with particular attention being paid to those members of the Senate Armed Services Committee whose position on the policy is either vague (Sen. Susan Collins chief among them) or who’ve twisted themselves into pretzels attempting to hold up repeal (Sen. John McCain).

The betting money is that people will remain entrenched or even emboldened in their positions even after the hearings conclude. But what comes out of the Pentagon study and the subsequent testimony could give Democratic leadership the type of breathing room they need to keep DADT repeal inside the Defense Authorization Bill and, in turn, structure the debate so that Republicans no longer feel they can vote against it on procedural grounds.

Readers: I also want to give you an update on Maj. Margaret Witt, who is a decorated reservist flight nurse, that had been suspended from the Air Force in 2004, after 17 years of service. She was eventually discharged in October 2007 after the Air Force learned she had been in a long-term relationship with a civilian woman. Now thanks to the Obama administration, they have appealed a court decision ordering it to reinstate Maj. Witt who was  discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Just another reason why I’m happy Obama is president. We women, gay or straight, need to have a president such as Obama on our side.

Comments? Give it up –  blog me.

Hey Zen Lill: Ha! Noted but did you notice all of the comments in regards to that? :) Okay, so I didn’t mean to negate you being the change you want to see. I’ve seen the change. All I’m saying is, don’t limit yourself. You can be the the change you want to see and give someone a piece of your mind too.  Ya know what I mean? So…next time I’ll use the word “and” instead of “but” to be clear. That being said, what I really want to say is, I just like my blog to benefit from the fire in your heart that I know you have. :)

Joyce: Laughed at your comment to censor stupidity. Would love to but stupidity is welcome here too. :)

Brittany: Doug is not perfect but neither am I. :) In regards to your man, nicely said. I am happy you are having happy sex.

Hi Ruth: Funny. I always say the same thing about my dog and protecting her. She needs to fear my voice commanding her to stay so that she doesn’t get tempted to run out into the street and get killed. I’m sure you get my drift on this one. :) How are you otherwise?

Jodi: Deciding to turn a blind eye eh? Ignorance is blissful. Perhaps for you it is better that way.

Barry: You can thank Wizz for that one. Wish I could’ve been there.

Peace out peeps….I’m out of here.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

Over a year ago I wrote about Wendell Potter, CIGNA’s Health Insurance Executive and whistle-blower. Last night on Keith Olbermann, Michael Moore and Potter got to chat about the campaign against Moore’s movie “Sicko”. Here’s two clips:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Readers: An e-mail from Moore just in case you don’t have time to watch the clips.

Michael Moore and Whistleblower Wendell Potter on Olbermann Tonight: “We Knew as Much About Michael Moore as He Knows About Himself”

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Friends,

Tonight at 8:00 PM ET on Keith Olbermann’s show on MSNBC I will meet for the very first time the man the health industry sent to Michigan to, in his words, “spy” and do “reconnaissance” so they could try to defame me and my movie (“We knew as much about him probably as he knows about himself”).

Tonight I’ll get to talk to former Humana and CIGNA health insurance executive Wendell Potter, the man who has bravely come forward to expose not just the hundreds of thousands they spent trying to destroy “Sicko,” but more importantly how they profit in the billions from a system that kills 45,000 Americans a year who are uninsured.

Actually, it turns out tonight won’t be the FIRST time I meet Wendell. He wrote this morning on his blog that he flew to the little village where I lived in Michigan to attend a screening I was having for the people in the area. He even walked into the reception we had beforehand and got his picture taken with me. His blog reads, in part:

“I need to apologize to Moore for the role I played in the insurance industry’s public relations attack campaign against him and “Sicko,” which was about the increasingly unfair and dysfunctional U.S. health care system…[W]hile I was still working for the insurance industry, I traveled as an industry spy…to attend the official U.S. premiere of Sicko on June 16, 2007. Moore and I actually met that day, although he doesn’t know it. (I didn’t tell him who I was or who I worked for.) The picture accompanying this blog, taken at a pre-screening reception by another movie-goer, shows me on Moore’s left and my son, Alex, on his right. Alex, who has always been a big fan of Moore’s, traveled with me on the reconnaissance mission. Moore even autographed a “Sicko” poster for Alex. It’s quite a memento.”

If you’re free tonight, tune in to Keith’s show. I know I’m looking forward to meeting the man who ran over my “baby.”

See you then,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com

**********

Roger: And it will continue to be that way until men get a clue. Last time I checked it was men abusing and raping women, treating them like sex slaves, and second class citizens. Cheating may not be considered a big deal in the minds of men, but once again sans a rubber, it shouts, “I don’t give a shit about you.” I think that’s quite a bit to bitch about, don’t you? Oh, I love the way men can dish it out but they can’t take it. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

And as far as your additional comment about your needs: “Fuck your needs.” That’s the problem. From what I read here, most men are focused on their needs. If men spent half as much time thinking about themselves and thought just a little bit more about their women, women would be so overjoyed they wouldn’t have to spend so much time here reading and commenting on this shit.

Anna of Guam: It is sad to read about your polluted beaches. Hanging out at the beach is one of my most favorite things to do.  In regards to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, I’d get behind her on this issue if I was living in Guam. Thanks for posting.

Zen Lill: I love that you want to be the change you want to see. But, why does ranting make you feel a certain hatred when you’re pointing out the truth? I want to hear the same wit that you report that you rant to your male friends in person, to the men here. Why deny the men here the privilege of your clever words?

Oh…FYI: I get the “healthyatized”. “Stition”? I don’t quite get that one, but I like the creativity.

Wizz: Ah…I see you figured it out. Glad I could help.

Satchel: Merci.

Evelyn: Yep, that is the big news isn’t it? I HOPE all is well in your life.

Peter: It seems that stealing from the most needy, pretty much happens every day in this world in some form or another.

Jodi: I have to agree with Lili.

Comments? Thoughts? Ideas? Blog me.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning. Well…let me think…is it really? Not for women. A republican-led filibuster killed the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that would have lifted the cap on damages in pay- discrimination lawsuits and restricted how employers can fight such complaints. Women lose again. I guess women will still earn less simply because we are women.

Pay-Discrimination Bill Opposed by Business Fails in Senate Vote

A bill that would have made it easier for workers to sue their employers for pay discrimination was defeated in the U.S. Senate after business groups said the measure backed by the Obama administration was a jobs killer.

Senate Democrats didn’t muster enough votes today to overcome a Republican-led filibuster of the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that would have lifted the cap on damages in pay- discrimination lawsuits and restricted how employers can fight such complaints. The legislation would also have banned employers from penalizing workers who share salary information to find pay discrepancies.

Democrats pushed the measure, which would have strengthened remedies under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 for women, early in the Obama administration as part of a pro-labor agenda. It passed the House of Representatives in January 2009, along with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

The Lilly Ledbetter bill became the first law that Barack Obama signed as president. The measure, primarily intended to benefit women, lets workers pursue claims of being underpaid because of discrimination that occurred years earlier. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2007 had disallowed such lawsuits.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and other business groups lobbied Republican senators to block the companion piece of legislation.

The Democrats, needing 60 votes to end the filibuster, got 58. One Democrat, Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, joined Republicans in voting against the legislation. Three Republican women who voted for the Lilly Ledbetter bill — Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both of Maine, and Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas — this time voted with their party.

‘Tough Vote’

“This was a tough vote for many due to the sound-bite appeal of the bill’s title, but in the end they did the right thing and voted for jobs,” Keith Smith, director of employment and labor policy at the manufacturers’ association, said in an e-mailed statement. “It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which this bill would not have led to lower wages and fewer jobs.”

The Business Roundtable and employer groups have cited the Obama administration’s support for the legislation as evidence of anti-business policies. The Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers this week sent letters to senators notifying them that the business groups would monitor their votes on the measure.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Republicans who blocked the bill would rather “give tax breaks to CEOs who ship jobs overseas” than ensure that women are paid the same as men for doing equal work. Senator Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat, said the bill was “critical to our economic recovery.”

“We need to make sure the family budget is based on people getting paid for the work they do,” she said.

The Paycheck Fairness Act is S. 3772.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Readers: What stupid women would vote to oppose women receiving equal pay? Uh..let me see… Republican Senators Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, Kay Bailey Hutchison. We only needed two more votes to end the filibuster. Basically these women screwed us over because they voted with their party. Remember these women – they are not girls girls.

I HOPE the day gets better…peace out.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

No…the message is not from me, but from the other Michelle :) …First Lady, Michelle Obama. I like her message in regards to Veteran’s Day, so I decided to post it:

Michelle –

Veterans Day provides us with the chance to mark the debt of honor we owe to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States. We remember those who gave their lives beneath our flag, in service of our freedom.

And with so many still fighting, we owe special thanks to the courageous families of those who serve.

Because when our servicemen and women deploy overseas, their loved ones are left to undertake heroic battles of their own at home. The unique challenges they face in support of men and women in uniformallow us all to enjoy the freedoms of our democracy.

Every time I have a chance to meet with these families, I’m struck by their strength and their quiet dignity — they are truly some of the most selfless, courageous people I’ve met.

And today is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day, and pray for the safe return of those they love.

I’ve felt their calling personally, and I want to encourage Americans across the country to step up and do more for our military families. Take the time to stay informed about the concerns and activities of the families of service members in your community. Let them know you recognize their struggles and appreciate all they do.

You can help by finding out the needs of the military families in your community and volunteering, from working with your local school’s PTA to hiring a military spouse.

Today and every day, I am moved by the personal sacrifices made by service families. And I’m humbled by the patriotism of those they support — our soldiers and airmen, our sailors and Marines.

Today, if you can, please take a moment to offer your gratitude for the families of the veterans and active service members that you know. Or go online to serve.gov to find out how you can serve military families in your area.

Sincerely,

Michelle

************

Oh, and I have to add from a styling point of view…whoever chose the clothing for First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, did an incredible job. The colors are perfect on each of them. Don’t you think?

Now…what’s happening in your neighborhood on Veteran’s day? If you’re headed to SF this morning, you might want to stay home or take a different route. This is what’s going on:

Bay Bridge commute halted by standoff with gunman who claims to have explosives

Westbound traffic on upper deck of the Bay Bridge has been brought to a halt by a standoff between police and an armed man who claims to have explosives in his vehicle, authorities said.

The distraught man called emergency dispatchers around 7 a.m. and talked about having a pipe bomb. He then pulled his SUV over west of Treasure Island. He has since climbed over a side barrier and threatening to jump off the bridge as police try to talk the man into surrendering.

Thousands of commuters on the upper deck are stranded in their vehicles. Other San Francisco-bound commuters are being turned around at the Bay Bridge toll plaza and at Treasure Island.

Readers: Lots to catch up on, so I guess I’ll begin.

Robert: I am just as sick as you are in regards to Mehserle’s verdict and his slim jim time in jail. It is tragic to say the least. In regards to the rest of your write, I realize that you are not calling Zen Lill a racist. And I could say more on this subject, but ZL can certainly handle her own.

Jean: George is real, and unfortunately there are many racists out there.  Screening George doesn’t make him or his kind disappear from the planet. If it did, believe me I would’ve done it along time ago. I wouldn’t say George is welcome here, but I welcome his words because his attitude is a slap in the face every time. George is good wake-up call that racism is still here, alive and flourishing, to those who would like to sweep it under the rug.

Cleveland: (and Zen Lill :) I assure you that I am not an alien, although there are times I wish I was. As far as Earth politics, I think I’m about as involved as I could ever be, thank you. And it is enough.

Zen Lill: I think it’s funny that readers think you are a composite of us. Why do you think that comes up quite often?

Charlie: As in Charlie Brown? One of my faves. :) Anyway…Thanks for informing me. Hmm…so are you fantasizing that you are seeing more than you actually are? Details…details…blog the details.

Breasts…what a lovely subject to end my blog, and begin the day with. :)

Breasts out…Oops, I mean PEACE OUT…

Just added: 9:43 AM: I just read this article by Arianna Huffington from the Huff Po, and I wanted to add it to my write today in honor of our veterans and those that are still serving our beloved country:

Giving Back to America’s Soldiers: Let’s Make Veterans Day a National Day of Service

Do you have anything special planned for Veterans Day? Did you even realize that tomorrow is Veterans Day?

Sadly, in much the same way that the wars we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have been pushed to the periphery of our national conversation, the day set aside to honor America’s veterans usually gets short shrift.

Despite all the lip service paid by politicians and pundits to supporting our troops, the needs and struggles of those returning home are rarely in the spotlight.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 107,000 veterans were homeless each night last year. That’s an improvement on the 131,000 who were homeless in 2008, and the 154,000 in 2007, but it’s still a very troubling figure.

And there is more bad news: veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general population. According to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, “on average, 18 veterans commit suicide each day. Five of those 18 are under VA care at the time they take their lives.” And between 2005 and 2009, a soldier on active dutycommitted suicide every 36 hours.

What’s more, roughly 300,000 vets have come home from Afghanistan and Iraq suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

As devastating as these numbers are, the flesh and blood stories behind the statistics are even more compelling — as are the inspiring stories of the work being done by people dedicated to helping veterans.

To honor the sacrifice and service of the men and women of America’s armed services, HuffPost Impact, in partnership with Causecast, is launching Salute to Service — a week-long series highlighting the stories of veterans who have committed their time, energy, and effort to helping serve their fellow soldiers.

Starting today, Salute to Service will feature first-person blog posts from veterans who have become active in serving their community. The soldiers movingly recount their experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, what their lives were like upon returning home, and why they became involved in community service. The posts also feature a specific call to action, what each of the soldiers would like to see the rest of us do to help America’s vets — on Veterans Day and beyond.

These posts also contain a customized Salute to Service widget that makes it easy for you to take action — either by donating, volunteering, or learning more about the remarkable organizations geared to helping vets. There’s even a button that makes it possible to instantly donate 25 cents per click to a selected veterans organization.

It would be a fitting tribute if Veterans Day could become a national day of service devoted to giving back to those who have given so much in service of our country — as well as a day that inspires us to make sure that the plight of America’s vets stays on the radar all year long.

Click here to read the first Salute to Service post.

P.S. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has launched a Facebook campaign to get the country engaged in supporting new vets. Click here to join IAVA’s online march.

Now…It really is “peace out”.

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"