Vets: Republicans Are Not Your Friends
Posted by Michelle Moquin on September 21st, 2012
Good morning!
Every morning it gets more and more difficult to decide what to talk about…what to write about, because there is so much going on in the world. News is immediate and things change by the minute. Decisions…decisions…decisions…
Here’s my pick:
Senate Republicans Shaft the Vets
The young men and women who serve in our military return from fighting in the longest wars in American history to the worst jobs market in generations. They suffer higher unemployment rates than the general population: over one in ten is officially counted as unemployed — and that does not include those who have stopped looking for work or are forced to work part-time.
So yesterday, in one final vile act before adjournment for the elections, Senate Republicans used a point of order to block passage of the Veterans Jobs Corps proposal that would have provided a modest $1 billion to hire veterans to tend federal lands or gain priority in hiring at police and fire departments. The bill was crafted with bipartisan support. 58 Senators supported the bill, but Republicans put together the 40 votes needed to block its passage.
Why shaft the very veterans whose service politicians sanctimoniously celebrate at every occasion?
Is it because unemployed veterans are part of Mitt Romney’s scorned 47 percent?
Unemployed, they pay no taxes. They may feel they are “entitled” to the health care benefits they are guaranteed. Many take advantage of training and education benefits. Perhaps Republican senators simply didn’t want to help these “victims” feel entitled to a job in addition. (Of course, contrary to Mitt’s idiotic election strategery, like seniors, these “victims” tend to vote more Republican than Democratic)
Or is it because Senate Republicans remain committed to block any action that will produce jobs in their monomaniacal effort to make Barack Obama a one-term president. In the midst of the worst recession in generations, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell famously announced at the beginning of the term that “the single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”
Republicans then launched a scorched earth policy of obstruction, using the filibuster to block everything they could. They worked overtime to weaken the president’s initial recovery act, cutting its size and larding it with ineffective tax cuts. Once Republicans took the House, they joined in blocking additional jobs measures, including most recently the president’s American Jobs Act, while forcing cuts in spending that cost jobs. And then, of course, they denounce the president for failing to fix the economy.
Or perhaps Senate Republicans are simply fools, not knaves. Conservative Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma explained his vote against putting unemployed veterans to work by arguing that making progress on the nation’s debt was the best way to help them in the long-term. “We ought to do nothing now that makes the problem worse for our kids and grandkids,” he said. “In the run,” as John Maynard Keynes once said, “we are all dead” — a comment that gains grim meaning as the Defense Department reports that a veteran are killing themselves at the rate of one every 80 minutes
These are the same Republicans who squandered over three trillion dollars on the unfunded “war of choice” in Iraq. And now spending a billion on the veterans who risked their lives in that folly imposes too big a burden on our grandchildren. This is disgraceful politics. Naturally, the two Republican senators in close re-election races — Scott Brown in Massachusetts and Dean Heller of Nevada — were given permission to vote for the bill. The rest either are in safe seats or assume that Americans will forget by the time they come up for re-election. They’ll salute the troops, march in the parades, celebrate the returning heroes, and call for larding more billions into the Pentagon. But a small jobs programs for veterans in need of work? Not this year, not before the election.
********
Readers: Before the protests in Pakistan became the headliner for the Huff Po, I was reading about a vet, John Hoskins who although is not proud of his dependence on government. He scrapes by on a $900 monthly check from the Veterans Administration and $16 in food stamps.
He also states that he rejects Romney’s contention that he will vote for President Barack Obama “no matter what” to keep his benefits flowing. He is sour on politicians of both parties.
“I’m not in the bag for anyone,” he said. “I’m not voting for either of those guys.”
Wha’at? Are you kidding? After what you heard Romney say, that basically he could care less about you, you still put Romney and Obama on the same same level? Really? How stupid and ignorant is that. Or is he just racist? I’m not saying he is but really, you have to just shake your head when someone who has benefited from government help, and when you are told point blank that you don’t matter by a presidential candidate, you still say, “I’m not voting for either of those guys”? Don’t you know a “no” vote is a vote for the republicans?
I HOPE Hoskins, and others like him, read the above article and come to their senses – the republicans are not their friends. If Hoskins is currently struggling to make it on his monthy check from the Veterans Admin., he is going to be a lot worse off if Romney is president. The above article is just the beginning to how bad it could get for vets.
What will it take for people to get this?
What’s your take on this? 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 :)
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September 21st, 2012 at 8:40 am
Hi Mischa, unfortunately I’m hearing a lot of this: I’m not voting for either of them (with contempt) and I always say so Mitt’s ok with you then bc we all know Repub’s ALWAYS come out to vote. ~sigh~
I think you nailed it #9 Big Mama, it’s a matter of being born with that empathy gene…or not.
Luv, Zen Lill
September 21st, 2012 at 9:30 am
Zen Lill, You could be correct that the woman was not married. I preferred to give the woman the benefit of the doubt because she was with a man.
I would have done the same had I seen a man with a woman. As for her asking whether she was cheating by watching me, I was interested in the opinion of others on the subject.
Of course, I could have asked if I were married would by showing off (this white guy is 7 plus inches) have been considered an act of infidelity by my other half?
Oh, and you are one of my favorites. I would sure like to meet you. I live Santa Barbara.
Glenn
September 21st, 2012 at 9:41 am
Finding a Work-at-Home Job
Most Are Scams, But These 7 Are For Real
A growing number of employers are willing to use home-based employees, assuming those employees have access to a phone, computer and high-speed Internet connection.
That’s good news for people with disabilities or who are caring for children or an elderly relative or who live in an area where jobs are scarce. It’s also good news for people who could find work outside the home but prefer to spend more time with their families and less time sitting in traffic.
The bad news is that there are roughly 60 “work from home” job scams on the Internet for each legitimate opportunity, according to our research.
Here’s how to avoid the scams and land a good work-at-home position…
LANDING WORK-AT-HOME JOBS
Tweak your résumé before you start applying for work-at-home jobs. Stress any work experience that shows that you can work productively without direct supervision or handle projects outside the workplace.
Be sure to mention any experience you have with communications technology, such as videoconferencing tools and tablet computers.
If your work history is light on projects outside the workplace, consider taking a virtual volunteer position and listing this on your résumé.
Example:
The United Nations Volunteers program offers plenty of volunteer-from-home opportunities and looks impressive on a résumé (www.OnlineVolunteering.org).
Interviews for online positions often are conducted via phone or Skype video call. If you are not naturally comfortable speaking on the phone or you lack experience with Skype video calls, practice with friends before the interview.
Helpful:
If the interview is a Skype video call, make sure that the backdrop behind you is uncluttered and looks professional.
HOME-BASED CAREERS HIRING NOW
Among the career opportunities open to the home-based…
1. Customer service agents field calls from their employers’ customers and prospective customers—they do not place telemarketing calls.
Major employers of home-based workers in this field include LiveOps (http://Join.LiveOps.com)…Alpine Access (www.AlpineAccess.com)…and Arise (http://Partner.Arise.com).
Other well-known companies that frequently hire home-based customer service agents include American Express (on http://Careers.AmericanExpress.com, click on “Search
Jobs” and enter “Work At Home” in the keyword search box)…Amazon.com (on http://www.Amazon.com, select “Careers” from the “Get to Know Us” menu near the bottom of the page, then enter “Work At Home” in the keyword box)…
and the Home Shopping Network (on http://www.HSN.com, select “Careers at HSN” from the “About HSN” menu near the bottom of the page, then select “Work At Home” from the “Why HSN” menu).
To find other companies hiring in this field, select the “Call Center & Cust. Service” listing on the left of the home page of my company’s Web site, http://www.RatRaceRebellion.com.
Pay typically is $9 to $12 an hour, though it can reach $20 an hour or more.
2. Internet ad assessors conduct Internet searches and make sure that search results are appropriate for the search terms used. Extensive tech skills are not needed—just basic Internet skills.
Companies hiring home-based workers in this area include Google (on http://www.Google.com/about/jobs, search for the job “Ad Rater”)…Lionbridge (on http://www.Lionbridge.com, select “Jobs,” then “Work-at-Home Opportunities”) and Leapforce (www.LeapforceAtHome.com). Pay is about $10 to $15 per hour.
3. Web site testers visit Web sites and record their impressions of those sites. It’s like being part of a focus group except that you can do it from home.
Employers offering home-based employment in the field include Userlytics (on http://www.Userlytics.com, select “Join Our Tester Panel” near the bottom of the page) and UserTesting.com (on http://www.UserTesting.com, select “We’re Hiring!” near the bottom of the page, click the link under “User Tester”).
Reviews typically take around 10 to 20 minutes apiece and pay perhaps $10 per review. But don’t expect to make a lot of money or make this a full-time career—testers typically get occasional assignments, not regular work.
4. Online moderators oversee Web site communities, Facebook groups and interactive online games, stepping in to remove offensive comments or ban troublemakers.
Employers that hire home-based moderators include LiveWorld.com (www.LiveWorld.com/about/jobs/moderator) and Zynga.com (on http://Company.Zynga.com/about/jobs, click “US Jobs,” select “Community” from the “Category” list, then choose “Super Moderator”).
The job requires tact, interpersonal skills and experience with social media. The pay for this work tends to be toward the lower end of the scale—often $10 an hour.
5. Virtual task freelancers perform chores posted on Web sites such as TaskRabbit.com. Some of the chores require travel and thus are not appropriate for the exclusively home-based—picking up a client’s dry cleaning or assembling new IKEA furniture, for example. But others can be performed from home, such as conducting online research or doing data entry.
Job seekers typically bid on tasks. If their bid is accepted, they are paid directly by the individual or company that needs the work done.
Comparable Web sites include Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (www.MTurk.com) and Clickworker (www.Clickworker.com). Also, the site Fiverr (www.Fiverr.com) lets people post tasks that they’re willing to perform for $5.
6. Transcriptionists type verbatim accounts of board meetings, presentations, conference calls, etc., from audio recordings.
Some of the companies that hire home-based transcriptionists include Tigerfish (www.Tigerfish.com/employment.html)…Ubiqus (on http://www.Ubiqus.com, select “Working For Us”)…and Cambridge Transcriptions (www.CTran.com/employment).
The pay for transcriptionists can vary with typing speed but generally is around $10 per hour.
7. Freelance posters are paid to post content to blogs. Topics vary widely, depending on the theme of the blog.
Pay can range from a few dollars per post to $50 and beyond, and usually is made directly to the poster by the owner of the blog. Short posts on generic themes such as lifestyle and fashion generally pay less, while specialized posts requiring more research (on economic issues, for example) pay more.
These are listed on such Web sites as Problogger.net (click on “Jobs”) and BloggingPro.com (click on “Job Board”)…Postloop (on http://www.Postloop.com, click “Join”)…and Wired Flame (on http://www.WiredFlame.com, select “Writers”).
Source: Michael Haaren, CEO of Staffcentrix, a training and development company with offices in Annandale, Virginia, and Woodstock, Connecticut. Staffcentrix’s clients have included the US Department of State, US Air Force and US Army.
Haaren is coauthor of Work at Home Now: The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Your Perfect Home-Based Job, Avoiding Scams, and Making a Great Living (Career Press). http://www.RatRaceRebellion.com
September 21st, 2012 at 9:55 am
When I read this: “Senate Republicans prevented a veterans’ jobs bill from coming to a vote today by forcing a budget point of order vote. Democrats came up 2 votes short of the 60 needed to defeat the GOP’s budget measure.
The Veterans Jobs Corps bill — which is part of President Obama’s push to secure jobs for veterans — would have provided $1 billion over five years to hire 20,000 young veterans for public lands jobs and prioritize vets for first responder jobs such as police, firefighter, or EMT. The measure would have also provided young vets access to the infrastructure with which to assist in job searches, such as access to computers, internet and career services advisers.”
By Ben Armbruster on Sep 19, 2012 at 1:42 pm
==================================
I wanted to puke. My brother who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is recovering from a lost leg and a severely damaged arm. The republicans don’t care about the results of their war mongering because they are sending other people’s kids to do the dying and suffering the maiming.
Kristen
September 21st, 2012 at 9:56 am
This action by the Republicans is the sort that comes to mind when any Republican tells me or writes that he or she supports the troops. Yeah, right.
September 21st, 2012 at 9:58 am
“Murray and Nelson said the vote effectively kills the legislation, but Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee who raised the procedural objection, said the action simply requires the veterans committee to come back with a bill that does not add to the deficit.
In an interview, he called Democratic claims that the Veterans Job Corps would not require additional funding “a gimmick.”
Politics as usual. Dems can claim those bad republicans don’t want to help the vets while stuffing this with illegal spending. They say Republicans should put aside their very basic convictions to fund this act. They also don’t seem to want any of the offered alternatives.
September 21st, 2012 at 9:59 am
Are the veterans part of the 47 % that are victims and not responsible for their lives? To be responsible in Romneys eyes you need to be able to afford a $50,000.00 plate fund raiser.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:00 am
It is Obama who continues our “war of choice” and it is he who has slashed military budgets, reducing the money available for treatment, screening and job placement for vets.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:01 am
According to the GOP they are. They left all sorts of limbs and body parts behind, but they ain’t got no “skin in the game”…
September 21st, 2012 at 10:01 am
GOP killed Vet Jobs bill? They Killed TROOPs too, when they GAVE AWAY their body armor for #Iraq http://t.co/SFBns9Sz
September 21st, 2012 at 10:02 am
Hiffingtonpost????
That aside, it is always best to “aim before shooting”,- advice from your great one, Michelle.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:03 am
I completely agree with you Regis. NOW, if the active duty Veterans will only get the message and support this administration, rather than remain as they traditionally have been, so pro- Republican.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:05 am
Will wrote:
GOP killed Vet Jobs bill? They Killed TROOPs too, when they GAVE AWAY their body armor for #Iraq http://t.co/SFBns9Sz
Apparently you never got the memo: bambam is the one posing as commander-in-chief. Universally despized by the military he pretends to “lead”, he is also responsible for the first death of Americans on American soil since 9-11.
Even liberal columnists are decrying his “leading from behind” and his inability to act sensibly in the foreign policy arena has destablized the middle east, enboldened Syria and Iran, and allowed Lybian extremists to rule the day.
Still you point fingers. How you do that with them in your ears is an anatomical wonder.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:06 am
Veterans, remember this when you step into the voting booth. The Republicans are NOT your friends.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:07 am
Vets News Flash: Republican chicken-hawks don’t mind sending you all over the globe to fight and die for them, but when it comes time to extend a helping hand? It’s don’t bother me soldier.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:09 am
Lewis and Janette that is a lie. Stop it.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:10 am
As a veteran of the Vietnam War I can only hope that the current crop of veterans are paying very close attention to who it is that are refusing to help them.
Hopefully, they will see through the maze of Republican lies about supporting them to the truth of The Republican actions.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:11 am
The truth hurts. And in their court…
Obama: women, blacks, hispanics, unions, gays, vets, the elderly worried about cuts to Social Secuity and Medicare, and students.
Romney: rich guys, and angry white men.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:12 am
LW, Half truths are not truths. Except in your world. Vets aren’t dumb enough to fall for it, don’t worry yourself. They and those serving don’t like your savior or his lies.
BTW, they do fall into all of your compartments.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:14 am
Really, Haley? It’s laughable that Romney is now campaigning that he’s for 100% of Americans. Since when, 14 dyas ago?
September 21st, 2012 at 10:14 am
Evans, Thank you for your service. Me? USAF. ’69-’70, 509TH Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, South VietNam. Like you Evans…I hope the young pups see what the old dogs already know
September 21st, 2012 at 10:15 am
I’m a retired army officer and Vietnam combat vet.
It will be an exceedingly cold day in hell before I ever vote for a Republican.
They are eager to start wars, but unwilling to participate in them and then turn their backs on veterans who need help.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:16 am
Thank you for your service! Your comments however are completely false. I don’t think it is a republican president that is cutting all the funding to the pentagon. Just sayin
September 21st, 2012 at 10:18 am
Republicans don’t give a chit about anyone… these old SOBs just want to retire filthy rich from all the donations the lobbysists and pacs give them… Sessions is retarded.
Republicans only CARE about TROOPS THAT FIGHT AND DIE… when they come home they say SCREW THE TROOPS. They hate the VA, don’t care that vets are homeless.
REPUBLICANS AND THE so called tea party patriots are mostly REDNECK semi retarded people that hide behind religion and then DOn’t PUT IT INTO ACTION.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:20 am
You liberals will be singing a different tune the morning after the election. We will win because our staff is dedicated to taking this country back.
Lars
September 21st, 2012 at 10:20 am
They are burning our flags and attacking our embassies all over the globe. It looks like its with Obama’s blessing.Must be payback for all tose Arab Americans who got him his start.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:22 am
Lars, We shall see. Romney’s co-chair Tim Pawlenty just bailed to become a bank lobbyist. The rats are jumping ship!
September 21st, 2012 at 10:25 am
What a Disgrace, these Republicans do not care about our veterans. Their Agenda is to shoot down any Bill propose by the president even if it helps our country.
That’s why Obama can’t get things done the way he wants and some people want to criticize him for things not moving at a fast enough pace to suit them.
What can he do when there is a bunch of traitors willing to sabotage the very core of this country for political advantage and personal aggrandizement.
September 21st, 2012 at 10:34 am
Heres another thing, I used to be an R until 2007 I was a fiscal conservative social liberal, I took each issuse on its merits, then for some reason the party tilted way right and I was at a lost.
My state senator Pat Toomey (didn’t vote) goes and does this after all the pro military speechs he gave. They talk about gov spending but when it came to a war that should not have been fought they were ok with adding trillions to debt/deficit.
But when billions are called for they balk at it…. and yet people blame the president for everything when in fact congress that blocks is the problem….
I am a firm believer in an overhaul of the filibuster, there should be rules, there should be the concept that you must submit your name if you filibuster, WHEN ARE CONGRESSMAN GOING TO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF DONORS……..>.
September 21st, 2012 at 4:24 pm
We will win because conservatives are Thank god for “good” “values voters” Christians.
September 21st, 2012 at 4:41 pm
As a change of pace since I believe that Romney has let us down on getting our country back. How about the article in which Kato Kaelin said that O.J. definitely killed his wife.
Anyone with half a brain knows that o.j. is guilty. The whole trial was a farce. The good thing is that he couldn’t keep himself out of trouble and is now in prison where he belongs.
September 21st, 2012 at 4:48 pm
#24 Lars, did you leave a vowel out of your name? I could have sworn it was “Liars”…hmmmmmm
September 21st, 2012 at 4:49 pm
So old Kato finds himself needing some cash and has decided to do the talk show circuit again. Nothing makes more money than telling white people what they already know.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Just how much positive evidence does a jury need to prove someone is totally GUILTY? The stupid disguise he was wearing while hiding in the back seat of his bronco driving toward the airport clearly a normal innnocent man wouldn’t be doing! The judicial system in California is a joke! What a shame.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:06 pm
I agree with you Alycedale. This piece of work, feels like he has to be in the lime light once again….Hey folks be Happy they have him in Prison for protecting his propery!!!
That bigoted Judge just did gave the white folks what they wanted by punishing O.J. for them. The white world just wanted their opinion of justice for nicole.
Now they are happy.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Simpson’s murder trial jury was 10 women and 2 men, with 9 blacks, 2 whites, and 1 hispanic. Between the 12 only two possed college degrees, one had no high school education and the other 9 had high school education only.
By my count, and at that time, there were 10 minorities on the jury and 9 were black. Today one might count it differently.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:14 pm
You guys conveniently forget the massive corruption of the LA police. The community KNEW that the police fabricated evidence and purgered themselves regularly. I suspect we will never really know who killed them, but he is NOT guilty. (in the eyes of the Law).
When most of the evidence is from known liars (remember what happened to the lead detective a few years later?), the verdict is not going to be very “Cop Friendly”.
Read some of the books on how the prosecution screwed this up. The wisdom of the crowd was that there was not proof ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.
If I had been living there and witnessed (or more likely heard anecdote after anecdote) all of the police corruption I hope I would have done the same.
Just because a cop believes someone is guilty and employs the philosophy “the ends justify the means”? I suspect (hope) his trial was partially the cause of the department’s clean up in the following years. That way, maybe the victims deaths had some meaning. Small solace to their families, I know.
But I wonder if the family would be satisfied with a conviction of an innocent person? It seemed to me that the financial benefit from the conviction of O.J. was more important to them than who may have actually killed those two.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Blake, I’m guessing you don’t “possed” a college degree either.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Fuhrman lied: They exposed that lie. F. Lee Bailey questioned Furhman only 2 to 3 days into the trial; He knew Furhman and other white officers had decided that they would frame O.J. for it.
They were on the take from most of the big drug dealers during that time. Remember how some hired out to kill Biggie Big?
LAPD knew that Ron Goldman was the resident cocaine dealer for the in-crowd in that area. They provided protection and they provided enforcement when those dealers tried to hold out on their bosses.
Ron was not over at Nicole’s returning glasses she left at Stark Bucks. He was delivering the cocaine that she ordered when she went there.
We all knew that because the game was when we went in to buy our drugs from him we would leave an item from him to “return” when he brought us our drugs.
The cops either hid or stole the cocaine or they were the ones that wacked Ron for not keeping the books balanced. Nicole was just collateral damage.
O.J. just the convenient scape goat.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Everyone with a heart knows deep down that OJ killed Nicole and Ron, my husband used to be a huge OJ fan until this happened , it is so obvious what happened !!!! So glad he is in jail now hope he never gets out!!!!
September 21st, 2012 at 5:36 pm
Well, okay white people you can rest better now. Another white boy has come out to affirm what you already believe.
O. J. DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy now?
September 21st, 2012 at 5:37 pm
I bet Obama was dancing in the streets with the rest of his dogs when he heard the news that O.J. had gotten away with it.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I may be the one white man who can or would say this. I didn’t believe that OJ was guilty when the trial was under way back in the 1990′s and I still don’t believe that he killed anyone.
The prosecution could only prove that they could dress and speak well in front of cameras. They had NO eye-witnesses, NO forensic evidence that tied OJ Simpson to the murders.
The gloves DIDN’T fit his hands, and OJ was found NOT GUILTY by a jury.
YET, over 60% of the country still thinks that he’s guilty of murder!! If I were OJ Simpson, then I would have sued the state of California for $500 million for defamation of character.
September 21st, 2012 at 5:42 pm
John, of course we knew that was coming.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Zen Lill:
While you are giving advice, I’d like to ask, should my lover pick me up or should we meet somewhere?His wife is getting on my nerves with her constant snooping.
I drove by his house to look at his wife and It really bothered me how heavy she was. He is super sexy so why does he stay with her?
He loves me and I know it but why does he stay and be so unhappy with her?
September 21st, 2012 at 6:31 pm
John, Mitt Romney revealed what he thinks of the 47% of Americans who don’t pay income taxes: “My job is not to worry about those people.”
These comments are appalling. The President’s job is to represent 100% of the people. It’s to lift everyone up and unite us, not further divide us.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t tell”, Celebrating Democracy and Human Rights
September 21, 2012
Honoring Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with the Congressional Gold Medal
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of delivering remarks at a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her unwavering commitment to peace, non-violence, and Democracy in Burma. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has always believed that the need for democracy for all the people of Burma was more important than her personal needs, making great sacrifices for the cause of her people.
Though many in Burma have been beaten, tortured, and killed in their pursuit of democracy, her commitment to peace and nonviolence remains steadfast.
I thank her for her personal sacrifice, for her inner strength, and for being an example of strength and courage to the world. The United States has stood and stands with the freedom-seeking people of Burma in their just cause.
Congresswoman Pelosi with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at a ceremony awarding her with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award Congress can bestow.
Ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
On Tuesday, we celebrated the two year anniversary of the long-overdue end of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, finally closing the door on a fundamental unfairness and affirming equality for all Americans.
When the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate took action two years ago to end this discriminatory policy, we reaffirmed the core American principle that anyone who wishes to serve, secure, and defend this country must be judged by their abilities and honored for their dedication and sacrifice.
We still have work to do. For gays and lesbians discharged or punished unfairly, we must work to correct their paperwork to properly reflect their service. We must work to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage act.
We must work to ensure that full support and benefits are granted to our gay and lesbian veterans. Finally, we must work to ensure that there is one class of service member in our military.
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah
Sunday night marked the start of Rosh Hashanah, a time of prayer and introspection, renewal and repentance, reflection on the year that’s past and hope for the year to come. For Jewish families in San Francisco and worldwide, it is a moment to take stock of the blessings of family and community, to usher in the New Year with loved ones, to look forward to a future of health and happiness.
For all Americans, even with turmoil abroad and economic hardship at home, this period in the Jewish calendar affords us the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles that unite us as a nation and shape us as a city – the belief in diversity as a source of strength; the ideals of liberty and freedom; the idea that ‘out of many, we are one.’
As Yom Kippur approaches, I wish our friends in the Jewish community an easy fast, and a year of strength, joy, and good fortune. Shana tovah u’tikateivu – may you have a good, sweet, and happy new year.
Grants Workshop for Constituents
Last Friday, my office hosted an Arts and Education Grants Workshop. The event featured representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Foundation Center.
My staff and I are dedicated to helping constituents navigate the federal grants process. I encourage you to sign up for the Grants E-Newsletter, which focuses on federal and private funding opportunities for organizations in the 8th Congressional District, and invites you to various grant seeker panels and events in San Francisco. For more information, please visit: http://pelosi.house.gov/services/federal-grants.shtml.
Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. I am also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NancyPelosi.
best regards,
Member of Congress
September 21st, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Carrie, how about you, oh, I don’t know, NOT date a married man? And unless you look like Angelina Jolie, don’t criticize how his wife looks.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:37 pm
You are an evil selfish person. Leave this woman’s husband alone and find your own man. I expect you are also ugly and insecure.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:38 pm
not only are you sexy but you also sound smart..no woner why my husband wants to make love to you..where do you get off taking less sophisticated wives husbands? huh bitch?
September 21st, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Ruby, -sounds as if you speak from experience.
I just hope you weren’t the wife that let herself go..
Glenn, I don’t think you were cheating. I often wear see through dresses or skirts or blouses. Sometimes I “forget” to wear panties.
I have been married to a wonderful husband who satisfies all my in bed needs. But I still get a thrill from turning on the occasional guy in public.
I very attractive and I don’t see any harm in giving a guy who would never rate a gorgeous woman like me.
My husband has nothing to fear. I would lie down with anyone and risk the lifestyle my husband has given me. I was born middle class. He with a silver spoon in his mouth.
So he rated me there too. I don’t cheat.
Gretchen
September 21st, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Carrie, He stays with her because she is his wife and he loves her. You are that booty call that men have. If he was with you, he would be looking for someone else to boink also.
Until you live in that house you don’t really know what is going on. She might have health issues but could also just be depressed because her marriage isn’t any good, maybe she has children to take care of.
You are the women that enable married men to cheat on their wives. Those same men will cheat on you should you gain their wedded presence.
Amanda
September 21st, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Mia called me and said you have to check out this blog. And she gave me this link.
I spent some of the day baby sitting and surfing your past blogs. For real girl, you are the bomb!
September 21st, 2012 at 6:55 pm
Hello, I think Carrie was asking Zen Lill. I for one would like to hear ZEN LILL.
Daniela
September 21st, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Michelle, I live in San Francisco. I am gay. I am told that I am very beautiful. It’s true.
Do you like girls? I am a femme’s femme. I will be 21 on October 8th. I would love to meet you. My friends are giving me a surprise birthday party.(I hate surprises so they told me about it)
If could make an appearance, I would kiss your feet, or whatever you want me to kiss.
a very big fan
Natalie
September 21st, 2012 at 7:11 pm
The latest rumor circulating was that OJ took the rap for his son, who killed Nicole.
September 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
glenn,here’s your words: ‘…when I noticed an older woman, on vacation no doubt with her husband, watching me from the hotel across the stree…’ no doubt with her hubby, why – if you didn’t see a man then maybe there wasn’t one and maybe Mz older woman was there with her lesbian lover and took a liking to a man with 7 hanging out? I’m not sure but I see no need to judge it one way or another, it was simply an experience for you and for her…I’m not stating any of my experiences with this, they’re personal ; )
Carrie, I’m not going to judge you either though I do have a few q’s, did you know he was married or ask if he were married/involved with anyone?
If you knew, sexy or not (you and him) there are plenty of people to choose from out there, why him exactly, sexy is nice but there’s got to be more to it than that for you to care what he does about his marital sitch. & if you are single and not been married, then I can only tell you that marriage is a bit more complicated than she gained wieght so I’m out…it’s tempting to be sure and it’s also tempting to just stay the course and grab some side action if and when you want it (that’d be you, dear).
Sometimes, the chubby primary has fulfills/ed other needs for him. There are forms of love and sometimes eros (romantic attached love) for you equals Ludus for him (likes to have multiple love interests where they are in complete control of things, a love of sorts but not the eros variety). His eros/ludus for his wife maybe an attachment of the ‘we have history together’ variety but that can be stronger than you think for some.
She may know (it could be Ruby) and if she waits it out, out of love or attachment (eros or ludus) he might be likely to live out the marriage (esp iog he has kids) – until sometime when he finds eros, – though probably not if he’s a lover of the game, he’ll just dabble from time to time. I’d suggest ditch and run but you’re likely to stay until the scene becomes very unsexy. Q: If you’re so attractive, why bother with him, there are plenty of sexy men out there and some of em’ even have 9 inch personalities ; )
Luv, Zen Lill
September 21st, 2012 at 9:04 pm
The shuttle flew over LA today, there were crowds everywhere, I was driving up a hill in Palos Verdes elsewhere thinking I’d missed it, and it flew right over my car, felt like 50 feet above, I was gobsmacked!! I flew around the next curve to catch it yet again…A Totally Amazing Sight…ZL
September 22nd, 2012 at 3:54 am
Daniela, you and me both got our wish.
Merci beaucoup Lill Zen.
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:02 am
If I must I will repeat. The truly scary thing is that this man could get elected. Michelle, I hope you will do whatever you can to prevent that.
And if you could add coattails to that victory, it would be greatly appreciated by this white woman.
Irene
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:41 am
GOOD AFTERNOON FROM DAILY EVENTS!
The weekend is almost here and our offerings this Friday are below. Have a good weekend, and I will talk to you all on Monday.
Onward and upward,
– Adam Tragone, Managing Editor
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:56 am
Can we discuss something more important than you yanks’ squabble over who will run the colonies?
How about the crude french? I mean taking boob shots of the future Queen of England?
The royal couple were staying at the French chateau of the Queen’s nephew, Lord Linley, in Provence when the photos were taken.
Talk about invasion of privacy. Well at least the french government saw fit to close the disgusting affair down.
Heidi
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:59 am
In an interview with Radio Iowa, Ann Romney said:
“Stop it. This is hard. You want to try it? Get in the ring,” she said. “This is hard and, you know, it’s an important thing that we’re doing right now and it’s an important election and it is time for all Americans to realize how significant this election is and how lucky we are to have someone with Mitt’s qualifications and experience and know-how to be able to have the opportunity to run this country.”
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I don’t know about you Michelle, but I’m certainly going to stop it.
Lynne
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:05 am
Heidi, please even here in Serbia the logic tells us Kate married into the royal family,and she’s one of the most photographed people in the world.
Let’s see:
She decides to partially disrobe on a balcony where it can be seen from a public road and she’s stunned now, or the Palace are annoyed that people are interested in this.
Of course people are going to be interested in this.
HELLO!!!!!!!!!
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:07 am
Well Ann, look who you married. Have your maid make you some cookies. That should make you feel better.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:10 am
Oh, my god this fits right in with the Heidi and #62(sorry I can’t spell what I cannot pronounce). Let no one say your blog is a rambling mess anymore Michelle.
Ann trying so desperately to become Queen Ann.
There are dissenters on the estate grounds Ann. Unleash the hounds!
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:10 am
You would think the Repubs would focus on all the damage obama is doing. For example four Americans were killed unprotected in our embassy with no ammunition or weapons to defend themselves on the anniversary of nine eleven.
On a daily basis our embassies are being burned and the countries that are encouraging the killing of Americans are getting invited to the White House to receive billions of dollars.But Romneys husband is rich so forget the damage obama has done for four years and go after Romney.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:11 am
Did she mean, “Stop it, you people”!
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:12 am
Stop it, I like her spirit. Were he ever to be elected, Mitt could become First Lady and leave the hard stuff to his wife.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:13 am
Gee queen ann, looks like some of the other 53% has decided to come to the defense of their country. Time for your husband and his cronies to stop sending jobs and troops overseas.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:15 am
ANN ROMNEY SPEAKS
Oh you Republicans are such ingrates. I have MS, and the stress of campaigning, of having to talk to people who are not my personal friends and family, is bad enough. Stop your sniping, just stop it.
Mitt and I have been going around telling the American people however bad the Republicans may be, the Democrats are much worse. We don’t need Republicans proving us wrong. We can do enough wrong without your help, thank you very much.
What’s the matter with you? Are you you going to let your dislike of Mitt override that fact that Obama is, eeew, not entirely white and a Democrat?
Did I tell you I have MS? Let’s talk about how brave I am, and why I deserve to be First Lady.
Do you really want Michelle for the next four years? She’s not even half white. And you can be sure that Sasha and Malia are not going to grow up like my fine boys.
My five could have taken the easy way out, and joined the military simply because their father championed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But my boys had the courage to put country first, and have been helping their father run for president since 2006
Where are the birthers when you need them? Can somebody please find Rev. Wright? Bill Ayres, are you out there? Please, somebody, anybody, we need a distraction!
I know! Let’s talk about my MS.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:21 am
Soon, very soon, the Right will stop calling the ACA, Obamacare because the people are starting to see the benefits of it.
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was booed by the audience while pledging to repeal Obamacare at AARP’s annual conference Friday in New Orleans.
“The first step to a stronger Medicare is to repeal Obamacare, because it represents the worst of both worlds: It weakens Medicare for today’s seniors and puts it at risk for the next generation,” said Ryan, drawing boos from the audience.
Speaking about the cut in the rate of growth for future Medicare spending, Ryan said, “The money wasn’t walled off to stay in Medicare. Instead, the law turned Medicare into a piggy bank for Obamacare.” That earned louder boos.
“You don’t have to take my word for it, you don’t have to take my word for it,” Ryan pleaded.
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It will not be to good for the Right to have something that will one day rival Social Security as a benefit to all americans be attributed to a black president.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:38 am
I kind of agree with you Радојка. And then there are the people who want all that attention. I am referring to people who want to be followed via Twitter. They are addicted to broadcasting their day, but I have noticed most people take some caution with personal info, never tweeting locations and referring to kids as “kid 1, kid 2″ if at all.
But some need a wakeup call about twitter etiquette. An emphasis on privacy and professionalism can work wonders.
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:17 am
Michelle here in China many say your blog bashes Romney, but just as many say your blog is one of the very few that allow a viewer to see the undisguised American. And that includes how your americans view and pursue their politics.
You have made no attempt to deny that you prefer President Obama over Romney. Yet, you do not screen or edit the comments of those who wish to post an opposite opinion or viewpoint.
99% of the other blogs in America do censure the comments coming into their blogs. They use high sounding phrases to excuse their censorship, but it is self-serving censorship all the same.
Some people post objections to your non censorship. They claim that you allow too much vitriol, or profanity, or racism, or bigotry, etc, etc. However, like certain religious groups who applaud the separation of “Church and State separation” in your Constitution, but they want government intervention to include laws to enforce the moral pronouncements of their particular religion, that claim is insincere.
China being mostly a state opined non religious country, it is easy for me to see how religion is used by some to get approved what logic would lead the people to oppose.
My point is that those who write in to complain that you implore some form of censorship actually want you to impose censorship based on their morals and or beliefs on how you select what is appropriate.
If I may speak for us foreigners that have found a place to go, to hear real Americans expose their true feelings and beliefs uncensored about the world and all its happenings, I would implore you to remain undaunted. Allow your blog to continue to operate as it does.
There is also the added value that Americans get to hear how we non-Americans view them uncensored.
渭詞
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:30 am
Hafa adai, now this is news. For the first time ever, the US Marines and Japanese Defense troops are training together on and in the waters around Guam.
The country that enslaved us for three years during WWII has returned with an army. The one that liberated us from their three years of terror.
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PNC was invited to a press conference today where we were brought out 30 miles northeast of Guam to the USS Bonhomme Richard by way of CHC helicopters.
Local media were not the only ones invited, various Japanese and other Asian media representatives were also part of the tour. Asked whether the exercises were in preparation for the planned realignment of US troops from Okinawa to Guam, Commodore of Amphibious Assault Capt. Cathal O’Connor says it is not.
“I have lived in Okinawa know the ranges, know the people there … we’re not worried. We come here and it’s very different, the environmen, the restrictions are different,” said O’Connor.
He adds that although this is the first time the American and Japanese troops are conducting these exercises within the Guam vicinity, it’s not the first time the countries’ militaries are training alongside each other.
The USS Bonhomme Richard, along with the 31st Wing MEU began its CERTEX or Certification Exercise while on deployment earlier this month. The exercise is required to determine whether the two are capable of doing certain missions such as humanitarian assistance or disaster relief operations.
“US Navy, US Marine Corp and the Japanese Ground Self Defense [is here to] certify or to evaluate ground self defense force. In fact it’s us training a mission in a joint and a combined environment, we want to participate because we have such close relationships,” said 31st MEU Commanding Officer Col. John E. Merna.
The USS Bonhomme Richard will be docking on Guam next Wednesday, the 26th and will depart on Saturday the 29th.
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I wonder what the real reason is. This one is too convenient.
Peter
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:54 am
I’m gay and that’s why I am voting for Obama. It is as simple as that. When my relatives, friends, loved ones, gay, or straight ask me how I can base “something as important as the vote for the presidency of the U.S. on my sexual preference , I look them directly in their faces and say.
To those not being discriminated against it is easy to focus on “it’s the economy stupid.” But if the political party that you help elect promises to keep you from enjoying equality with the rest of the people it governs, what does it matter to you that those enjoying privileges you are being denied will get the kind of economy they desire.
Those people working to elect that party obviously don’t care that you cannot enjoy the basic freedoms and privileges they take for granted. Equality in every day life is more important to me than how much additional money I have in my pocket.
Especially since logic would dictate that if I cannot avail myself of the same benefits that the extra money would purchase for me that it would purchase for those more “entitled,” what have I really gained?
That is what seems to escape those that are so rabid about the republican party. They cannot, or more precisely will not, see pass the preferential treatment their white skins have entitled them to since the birth of this nation.
We, non straight whites, females, and the OTWs are supposed to suspend our knowledge of the fact that they are the privileged ones and just take up their political causes.
Our political desire to be treated equally in our own country is of no concern to them. We are disdainfully addressed as minorities playing the gay, race or female card.
Therefore I am of the opinion of those wise muslim women who write in to your blog Michelle and say fuck our men’s desire for a political solution to their liking, they are not concern with our lack of our political, social, or financial equality. We will still be treated as herd animals, to be controlled until we are needed for baby making or sexual pleasure or exploration.
Lance
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:32 am
Toasted Skin Syndrome
Since tomorrow is the first day of autumn, the summer heat will soon be far behind us.
On a dreary day when there’s a chill in the air, turning on your car’s seat heater will probably make you feel nice and toasty. But did you know that it may be toasting your skin—literally?
The heat from seat heaters can cause a rash called erythema ab igne (Latin for “redness from fire”). If that mouthful is a little hard to remember, I bet you won’t forget what doctors call it—toasted skin syndrome (TSS).
One example:
Researchers recently reported on a woman who used her seat warmer an hour a day for four months and ended up with a persistent, itchy, weblike red rash on the backs of her thighs—toasted skin.
This is not necessarily a mild rash, and if someone with toasted skin syndrome continues using a seat heater, it’s possible for the skin discoloration to become permanent and for open sores to develop at the site of the rash. Just from getting comfy in the car!
HOW THE RASH SNEAKS UP ON YOU
I called the article’s author, Eliot Mostow, MD, MPH, head of dermatology at Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine in Rootstown. The truth is, there hasn’t been much research done on this topic, but Dr. Mostow shared what we know so far.
First, I asked him how long or how frequently you have to sit on a heated car seat for TSS to occur. It depends, he said, on several factors—how hot the seat gets and whether it stays that hot constantly or, as some do, automatically cycles on and off…
where the hottest part of the seat happens to contact your back, legs and buttocks…
how much you weigh (which affects how hard your skin presses against the heat)…and whether your clothing insulates you from some of the heat.
If several of those factors conspire against you, Dr. Mostow said, it’s possible to develop TSS after several weeks or months of regular use.
How long TSS lasts also varies. In extreme cases, it may never completely fade away, but here’s one clue: Four months after discontinuing use of the seat warmer, the patient in the study had only a 50% improvement—meaning, in this case, TSS could take at least eight months to disappear.
So how can a seat warmer make your skin look like Spiderman’s mask? Dr. Mostow said that the lacey pattern of toasted skin outlines the blood vessels underneath the skin, and he thinks that the redness and itchiness might have to do with the prolonged dilation of those vessels.
Then I asked about symptoms. Dr. Mostow told me that one major problem with TSS is that you don’t feel it at first—and since it usually occurs on the backs of your legs, your buttocks, and/or your back, you’re not likely to spot it in the mirror, either.
What does it look like? It starts out as a red netlike discoloration and then it turns brownish. Sometimes the skin itches, too. And while some people with severe cases feel burning pain, often there are no symptoms at all. But there’s no one-size-fits-all description, said Dr. Mostow, because your genetics and your skin thickness play a role in how your skin reacts to heat. If you have dark skin, he added, it’s harder to notice the rash early, so you should be extra vigilant.
TREAT IT AND BEAT IT
The best way to look for TSS, said Dr. Mostow, is to keep an eye on the skin on the back of your legs. (If you need help, grab a hand mirror or ask someone to look for you.) If you notice TSS, Dr. Mostow advises you to…
Stop using your seat heater altogether—or at least turn it off after it warms up or minimize how long you use it.
Use a skin moisturizer (especially after you bathe, so your skin will absorb moisture better), because dry skin is more easily irritated. Reapply whenever the skin feels dry again.
Take a picture to document your condition and then make an appointment with your primary care doctor or dermatologist (and bring your photo) for further examination.
To help prevent the problem in the future, turn off the seat heater whenever your skin feels uncomfortably hot and check the backs of your legs, your back and your buttocks every few days.
Source: Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH, head of the dermatology section, departments of internal medicine and dermatology, Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine, Rootstown. The report was published in Archives of Dermatology.
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:07 am
Ma Qin, you’re very welcome, though I’m not sure why you gave me a merci beau coup to begin with, nice to see your name here again.
Re: all the hoopla about Kate Middleton’s breasts – I have a hard time not wanting to tell the queen that her inner circle have decided to live a titch on her royally annoyed edge. If you are one of the most photographed people on earth and are married to a man who’s mother died while ditching photographers (and for being with a man who was not white, royals took care of that little issue in a discreet way, blame the press), than do as you will and see your breasts in magazines. If Harry can handle the penis in Vegas heat, so can she. They seem to be showing that they want to do what they want to do without so much restriction. Her privacy was given away at a wedding, so much for that…I’m sure that photog got paid royally for that pic and as long they do they will continue to do it.
Re: Queen Ann, she’s trying to sound like she’s ‘above it all’ when in reality she is ‘it all’ and any attempt at bolstering her hubby’s know how for handling this country or downplaying their enormous wealth and apparent disdain with 99%ers (at least 47% of the votes they don’t have or won’t have) is very transparent.
Lance, I state the same argument when a repug woman says it’s about the economy, if the economy is good, even great, but your personal rights as a female is decided and legistlated by men, that’s ok with you? It’s not ok with me.
I overheard a man say that he can’t vote for repug bc the minute you start telling women what to do, you now open the door to what else they’ll try to control for women and everyone, if eliminating abortion as a personal choice for women is allowed, they’ll be no stopping what they control them with next, and then what else to control everyone bc clearly if we allow this major thing to be voted on, we can start voting on all of everyone’s rights…and they will all be stacked to benefit 1% of the people. – Cheers to that, I sure hope more men feel that way.
Luv, Zen Lill