I spoke briefly yesterday of ‘feelings’ when it came to republicans and the facts about health care. (quoting Bill Maher) Really, it’s not just health care that their ‘feelings’ get in the way of, but today, that is what I am focusing on.

This video was on the Rachel Maddow show Tuesday night.  And because I know that there are many republicans who also read my blog, who watch FOX News and who most likely don’t watch MSNBC or CNN (at least the nonpartisan poll reports this – you’ll soon see), I was just compelled to post it. The entire video is over 10 minutes, but it is really just the first 3 and a half minutes that I want you to watch, unless you care to hear Bill Maher’s comments which, hey why not? He’s got something to say too.

The video is very revealing….The GOP lives in their own little world when it comes to ‘the facts’….Rachel calls it a miniverse within our universe. Check it out:

Well Readers? Eye opening? Yes. Surprising? Not really considering republicans get there facts(?) from FOX.

I would love to hear from some republicans out there. So GOP….Are you going to let the facts speak for themselves or are you going to let your feelings speak for you,  and continue to live in your own little miniverse? Blog me.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Al Fresco:  No apology necessary. What you said helped me explain my reasons for writing what I wrote so don’t be so hard on yourself. You did not sound self righteous. Thanks for doing what you do.

Zen Lill: Oh how I would’ve loved to have been at that Thanksgiving dinner with your family. Priceless.

Marian: Being in the meat of it all, every day, it is hard to step outside and experience what readers experience. I may have started it but it is the commentators that add the tenderizing juice. :)

Edward: You couldn’t be  more far from the truth. I agree with Al…if someone pays you, you should refund their money.  Doug pretending to be Al and sometimes moi? Edward, you are just not good at your job. Seek new employment, please. Really, take our advice. In regards to Zen Lill and I being similar….Yes, we may be good friends but our syntax the same?….That’s quite a stretch Edward; not even close.

Zen Lill: That is exactly what I enjoy about your writing; It is so different from mine.  When you write I feel like I am in your presence listening to you talk.  I get a total kick out of it. It makes me feel like I am around you all of the time, and I like that because I don’t get to see you enough.

Britney: Thank you for sharing your fascinating adventure. It seems that humans acquire some wonderful capabilities while in another dimension. And it seems you handled yourself well. I have heard nothing but good things in regards to the girls on this last mission. Congratulations.

Got to run now….peacin’ out.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Perpersonal, 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"

I am blown away that it will be a year ago tomorrow that I first wrote about the plight of women in Congo. Five months later I wrote about what is fueling this war against women. And sadly today, not much has changed. I still think about the women quite often but it wasn’t until I read about Hillary’s past trip there that I knew that I needed to address this very serious issue once again. And because of Hillary, the Congolese women have renewed hope.

When Clinton ignored security advice and flew to Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, her focus on the region’s rape crisis resonated with some of the continent’s most powerless people: women.

It wasn’t just that she was the first top-level American official to go to the epicenter of one of the world’s deadliest wars, nor even the U.S. aid money she promised. It was her reaction to victims’ stories of rape — and the hope that she might do something about it.

The conflict in eastern Congo is a toxic mix of jostling militias, ethnic tensions, greed for resource wealth, a tragic colonial history, a predatory army and opportunistic neighbors. Rape is commonly used as a weapon in this war. Although reliable statistics are difficult to come by, it’s estimated that close to 200,000 women have been raped since the conflict began 13 years ago.

In a recent upsurge in violence, an estimated 3,500 women and girls are estimated to have been raped since the beginning of the year. Men and boys also are increasingly victims of sexual assault.

In America, Clinton might have been portrayed as a bit of a shrew in her sharp reaction to a Congolese student’s question about her husband’s thoughts on an issue — a momentary loss of her usual steely control that got so much media coverage that it became the single moment some people remember about her trip.

But women’s rights activists in eastern Congo weren’t talking about that. They were talking about the tears they saw glistening in her eyes Tuesday as she talked to rape victims and heard their horrendous stories of suffering, including a woman who was raped while pregnant and who lost her baby.

Clinton was so warm and compassionate, activists said, they felt they could almost call her Hillary.

“For the first time in a decade, I have hope again. The message I gave her first of all, as a woman, not as secretary of State, is that a woman can feel the pain all these women feel.”

-Christine Schuler Deschryver, a prominent Congolese activist with the organization VDAY,

Robyn Dixon, Los Angeles Times

(To read the article in its entirety click above)

The Numbers:

1,050,000

Number of Congolese forced to flee their homes in eastern Congo due to violence.

46

The average life expectancy for a woman living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

15,000

The number of pregnant women displaced in eastern Congo due to the escalation in violence over the last 6 months.

1,100

Number of rape cases reported every month.

2

Number of hospitals in eastern Congo that are able to perform surgeries to repair fistula.

1300

Number of Congolese that continue to die each day as a consequence of war.

22

Number of armed groups at the table when ceasefire agreement was brokered in 2008.

1

Number of times women are mentioned in the ceasefire agreement.

0

Number of times the epidemic of sexual violence and rape is mentioned in the ceasefire agreement.

$144,000,000

The estimated profits made each year by armed groups from the trade in eastern Congo’s minerals.

These numbers are horrific. And even more disturbing is the lack of attention in regards to the Congolese women, and lack of available health care in regards to their plight, and recovery. This way of life for these women has got to be put to an end. We, along with Hillary, need to continually push the issue if we are to make a difference in these women’s lives.

“If the U.S. has the will and if they give a very strong warning and say first of all we want to stop the violence, it can have a big impact,” Deschryver said. “I hope that was her aim in coming here. Otherwise in 100 years, we will still be here, beggars depending on other countries.”

-Christine Schuler Deschryver

Still want to learn more about the crisis in Congo?  Click here for the key facts of the casualties of conflict minerals.

It is one thing to be informed of the casualties but as I mentioned,  we must do more to stop the atrocities. Hope For Congo needs our help. If you can give a little, give a little. If you can’t give, one small thing you can do right now, and it only takes a minute, is to  endorse the conflict mineral pledge.

The conflict in eastern Congo, the deadliest in the world since World War II, is being fueled by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals that go into our electronic products from cell phones to digital cameras. The Enough Project has worked with other like-minded groups to create a conflict minerals pledge that commits electronics companies to ensure their products are conflict-free.  We need your help, as consumers of these electronics products, to let the biggest companies know that it matters to us that our purchases don’t fuel this ongoing tragedy.

Readers: Just remember…every time you have to have the latest and greatest in cell phone or computer technology, think about the women, old and yes even the very young, in the Congo….We are indirectly financing armed groups, supporting the war against women, and aiding in rape as a weapon of war. Transparency in regards to the mineral supply chain is a must so that we can make conscious choices when we purchase our electronic devices. Once again, thank you for all you do.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"

Tired of talking about health care? Tough. I am still going to talk about it…I mean what could be more important presently? I realize posting the information from David Axelrod over at the Obama administration the other day, was a lot to read. But hey, it’s your health. No one is going to care more about you than you. And if you don’t have your health…well, you know the rest.

But for those of you feeling big ‘L’, little ‘a’, little ‘z’….and ‘y’ are you so Lazy (?), (I haven’t used that didley in a long time)  I found something on the HR 676 blog that might interest you. Yes, this health care option has a blog. If you’re interested in HR 676, as an health care option for you, you might want to tune in to what they have to say. And because it is Sunday….known to be a Lazy day, I’m posting a brief summary of president Obama’s plan that I pulled from their blog. Still have more questions about the single payer health care option HR676? They have a website too.

Get informed peeps. It’s reality check time. Get the facts. (Yes, the word ‘fact’ is a hyperlink, meaning I want you to click on it. I’m not doing this for my health….okay maybe I am, but I’m doing it for yours too :)

This is your health and now is the time to figure out what you want…what is best for you and your family. I don’t want to hear any complaining later on if health care reform doesn’t get passed because you were Lazy, sitting on your A_ _! (Fill in the blanks please. I’m trying to be more decent on my blog for those that would rather I not use spicy language or ribald bandage – thanks again for that one George [not the bigot]. I just love that line.)

Then take action. Tell your peeps. Yes, you have  peeps. They’re called Senators and Representatives. Give them a call, write them a letter, and tell them your two. Once again, as a gentle reminder, all of their contact info is in the left column of my blog.

Okay enough said. Here’s the summary:

What Health Care reform Means for You

August 16, 2009 by admin.

A lot of angry, over-the-top rhetoric is muddying our discussion of health care reform. To help clear things up, here’s a brief summary of President Obama’s plan, including how it will stop insurance company abuses and help you–even if you currently have a strong health benefits plan.

* Health care reform will stop insurance company abuses.
– Insurance companies won’t be able to refuse to pay a claim or give you coverage because of “pre-existing” conditions.
– Your out-of-pocket expenses will be capped. No more going broke because of a serious illness or injury.
– Insurance companies won’t be allowed to charge women higher rates than men or drop you if you get sick.
– Insurance companies will have to cover your children until age 26 instead of dumping them at 19.

* Health care reform will hold down rising costs.
– A public health insurance option will force private insurers to compete and will lower costs for everyone.
– By requiring companies to pay their fair share, we’ll stop them from dumping their health care costs on the rest of us.

* Health reform means affordable health care will be there for you, no matter what. If you lose your job, or your kid loses his. If you get sick. When you retire. Affordable health care will be there for you, no matter what. That means you and your family can’t fall through the cracks and won’t go broke because of health care bills.

For more information about how health care reform can help you and for answers to many of the common questions about President Obama’s plan, check out this new web resource from the White
House: http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/ZpqlFNs1OBaq/

We are so close to real reform, but getting over the finish line will be a battle. We are up against giant insurance companies, a Republican Party that wants President Obama to fail and the corporate media like Fox and Rush Limbaugh.

The reality is that health care costs are spiraling out of control, and everyone in America deserves quality and affordable care. Health care reform simply can’t wait. We will all be better off with real reform.

Thank you for everything you do, and please forward this e-mail far and wide.

Marc Laitin

AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Coordinator

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

Now that wasn’t so bad was it? Now read the facts. I know I’m being pushy. Someone’s got to be. What can I say?…I care.

Doug: Ah…Citizen Cane. I haven’t seen that movie in so many years. I think it’s due for a renting.

Hello Al Fresco.

How are my girls doing in Iran? Shir Khan, Mehtarlam, Teyrawah, Delatam: You are all in my thoughts.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"

First things first…My apologies as I feel I was a bit premature in my posting yesterday. I didn’t take the time to watch the entire video of Sen. Grassley at the town hall meeting before I wrote my write. My feelings toward Sen. Grassley have not changed. And I still believe that the truth truly is what the majority of the people believe. So it is my goal to help Obama  and his administration stop the lies and rumors, and let the truth, the real truth be told.

But, back to my point…After watching the entire video, as well as perusing the net and viewing other clips of the citizens of Iowa,  I think the town hallers deserve more kudos than I gave them. I thought that they did question authority and I hope that they left not taking Grassley’s words for gospel and that they will continue to question and do their research. Unfortunately, I know that most there, were not for the public option, which still tells me that we have our work cut out for us.

As far as the lobbyists and special interests go…they are still and will continue to instill fear into the public and anyone willing to listen to their scare tactics as they try and prevent Obama’s health care reform from passing. We are at a critical time and I feel the urgency for reform to pass almost as much as I felt the urgency to elect Obama into office. We can not take a day off when people are losing their health insurance daily.

I caught the end of Obama’s town hall meeting in Montana on cspan last night, and I can’t say I have ever been so impressed with a president before. Obama just knows his stuff and well he should.

I tried to envision Bush or McCain giving such detailed, clear, and informed answers to the town hallers questions, and I just couldn’t imagine that either one could pull it off and articulate as well as our president.  Could I be a tad bias? Maybe. But would Bush or McCain, put that much energy or passion or concern into something so important, let alone, take the time to acquire knowledgeable and a deep understanding about the subject at hand, like Obama has shown in his actions time and time again? My past experience tells me no.

Here’s the weekly:

~~~~~~~~~~

Hey Zen Lill: Thanks. I am curious how La La Land is responding to the public option. What’s your take on that? Are the constituents responding much like they are in SF?

It makes me sad to read about the tears and the stress, but I am with you letting the tears fall freely. A good cry always makes me feel better…and I find staying busy and taking your mind off of what ever stresses you is the best cure. Call me if you want to talk before the ZL atmosphere changes….I am here. :)

Hi Al Fresco…Ahaha!…can I call you that?  Cause your ‘funning’ is in the fresh.  Thanks for the kudos. I may be the inspiration, but we’re all working hard.

Hi Doug: Thanks for the link to the article. Although the article was short, I’m reposting my fave part of it:

So either Republicans were for death panels in 2003 before turning against them now–or they’re lying about end-of-life counseling in order to frighten the bejeezus out of their fellow citizens and defeat health reform by any means necessary. Which is it, Mr. Grassley (“Yea,” 2003)?

I’ll answer that question: It is the latter isn’t it Mr. Grassley? C’mon, fess up…be honest.

PS – what’s the deal with ‘Rosebud’? I like it.

Readers: I am so grateful for all that you do. Have a beautiful Saturday….I intend to stay present, in the moment, while the sunshine graces my face and I envision a better life for all of us.

Peace out….

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"

Hello…

Well…health care is obviously the hot topic this week. I love that my readers are so current as it keeps me on my toes. I did not hear about Sen. Grassley’s town hall meeting until I read the comments this morning. So I clicked on the link (Thanks Anonymous 14) and began to watch it. After a few minutes (ok more than a few minutes), listening to all of his rhetoric,  I was done.

I mean, how can Sen. Grassley say that we have the best health care in the world when we are ranked no. 37!? And once again, he’s quoting the Lewin Group, the strength of the GOP’s talking points. Most of the people at the meeting are elderly, and he’s taking advantage of that by preying on them and breeding fear. And some are taking it in as if he’s their BFF,  protecting them.

Do any of these town hallers check out their sources? Do they question authority? I know many are challenging him with their questions but are they hungry to find the truth or do they just take his words, his answers, as gospel? They are most likely trusting him to tell the truth. I mean he is their Senator, representing their state. He does have their best interest at heart, right? Think again. Once again, in my opinion he is just another wolf in sheep’s clothing trying to  bury Obama at the expense of us all.

This is very scary to me.  Truth is an illusion. The truth truly is what the majority of the people believe.

Oh, we have our work cut out for us. We can no longer smile and pass pleasantries to our friends, neighbors, and families when they speak of things that just aren’t true. We need to set them straight….hell even talk to strangers if you get the opportunity.  These rumors and lies need to be buried deep…or our health care reform is gonna be in deep shit.

In case you haven’t gotten the latest from the Obama administration, this will hopefully help to do just that. Pass it along. Speak up.

Dear Friend,

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"