When Our “Protectors” Turn On Us
Posted by Michelle Moquin on May 10th, 2013
Good morning.
Lewis: Thank you. I am glad that it is a hard read for you. More men need to understand what women are up against and how scary it can be for women. Because unfortunately for women the angst is not just a hard read but reality. Please do pass along my advice to the women in your life. And pass along the other advice here as well, as there are comments from others such as Zen Lill, that should be checked out too. ZL has had first hand experience and a father who was a cop to boot. She has offered up some wise words.
Mike, TM: It has been awhile. Nice to see you here. I always look forward to what you have to say. Thanks for the detailed report, and for your informed opinion. That story is shocking. Who can be trusted? Obama continually has his work cut out for him. Thankfully he can at least put his trust in one man. I can only imagine what may have gone down had this ended differently. There is no logic with the “rabid racists.” They are disease that if given they chance would eventually destroy their own livelihood. I HOPE all is going well for you.
Onto Today’s write…
This is a perfect example of what I was talking about yesterday. Here we have the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention Officer who is charged with sexual assault. Wha’at?! See what I am saying? The men who are supposed to protect us are going after us…the ones we might need to fear. And in this case, yes, this is a man in uniform – his job is to protect women. And look at what he does. He is a sorry case for a protector, let alone a man.
Girls: Our lives are in our own hands. I hate to say it, but I am compelled to say trust no man, and make sure to always err on the side of caution. And if you’re wrong, who cares, it means nothing. If you’re right, it means everything. It could just save your life.
Here’s the write:
Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention Officer Charged With Sexual Battery
A lieutenant colonel who ran the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office was arrested and charged with sexual battery over the weekend in a D.C. suburb.
In a statement Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was said to have expressed “outrage and disgust” over the arrest, which comes as the Pentagon prepares to release a report Tuesday showing the number of sexual assaults in the military increased in 2012.
Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek confirmed to ABC News that Lt. Col. Jeff Krusinski, chief of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, was arrested this weekend in Arlington, Va.
The Arlington County Police Department’s crime report said that shortly after midnight on Sunday “a drunken male subject approached a female victim in a parking lot and grabbed her breasts and buttocks.”
“The victim fought the suspect off as he attempted to touch her again and alerted police,” the crime report said said. “Jeffrey Krusinski, 41, of Arlington, Va., was arrested and charged with sexual battery.”
ARLnow.com first reported the arrest.
Stefanek said Krusinski was in charge of the Air Force’s five-person sexual assault prevention branch. Brig. Gen. Eden Murrie, the Air Force’s director of services, oversees the office.
“[Krusinski] was responsible for writing plans and programs that supported victims of sexual assault,” Stefanek said in a statement to ABC News. “He worked on prevention programs for sexual assault.”
Stefanek said the case was currently under investigation by local authorities and that Krusinski had been removed from his position immediately upon authorities learning of the alleged attack Monday.
Protect Our Defenders, one of the leading groups for military victims of sexual assault, said the incident was an example of “long standing and pervasive” problems in the military.
“If these allegations are true, this is one more example on a long list of how fundamentally broken the military justice system and culture are. The idea that the head of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) could be arrested for sexual assault indicates the depth of the problem. It’s outrageous,” the group said in a statement.
Late Monday, a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Defense Secretary Hagel had spoken with Air Force Secretary Mike Donley about Kurskinski’s arrest.
“Secretary Hagel expressed outrage and disgust over the troubling allegations and emphasized that this matter will be dealt with swiftly and decisively,” Little said.
Saying “sexual assault has no place in the United States military,” he added that Hagel “will soon announce next steps in our ongoing efforts to combat this vile crime.
“The American people, including our service members, should expect a culture of absolutely no tolerance for this deplorable behavior that violates not only the law, but basic principles of respect, honor, and dignity in our society and its military,” he said. “Secretary Hagel is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of behavior in America’s armed forces and will take action to see this through. “
News of Krusinski’s arrest comes as the Pentagon will release Tuesday its annual figures for sexual assault in the military. The figures will show 3,374 sexual assaults reported in fiscal year 2012, a 6 percent increase from the 3,192 reported in 2011.
The military defines sexual assault as ranging from incidents of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching to rape.
Pentagon officials believe sexual assaults go underreported and estimate that the actual number of incidents of unwanted sexual contact in 2012 may have been 26,000, a sharp increase from the estimated 19,000 in 2011.
Some lawmakers responded strongly to news of Krusinski’s arrest.
“When I saw this it made me literally sick to my stomach,” Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., said. “How many more reasons do we need to take cases of rape and sexual assault out of the chain of command?”
Speier introduced legislation in April that would establish a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council and create an enhanced Sexual Assault Oversight and Response office within the military.
“It is clear that the status quo regarding sexual assaults in the military is simply unacceptable,” Gillibrand said in a statement emailed to ABC News. “Next week, I am going to take this issue head on by introducing a set of commonsense reforms. We have to reform how the military handles sexual assault cases and take on the culture that perpetuates this kind of behavior.”
Defense Secretary Hagel ordered a review of rules surrounding military convictions for sexual assault in March after an Air Force general decided to throw out an F-16 fighter pilot’s jury conviction for aggravated sexual assault.
******
Readers: A sick fuck yes? What more can I say that hasn’t already been expressed. It’s Friday…you know what to do – Blog me.
Saba: Thank you.
Pakwa: Thank you too. I do what I can, and HOPE and plan to do more.
Robert, RT: Thank you – that is so very kind. Nice to see you here as well. Thanks for your additional input. I wish you had better news for us too. As always it is better to know. But enough knowledge – something has to be done with all that we know. The vile behavior of men just cannot continue like this. Sending you my best.
Zen Lill: Thanks too for your input. You have mentioned using “secret words” before. I think that is excellent advice. I’ll be on the road around 12:30 for a 1:30 appointment. If it works out for you, try me then.
Anonz: Well, this is certainly a surprise. It looks like today is the day for the “regular” boys to visit. It’s like “old home week.” Nice to hear from you as well.
I came across today’s blog topic this morning. I think it addresses your request. I’ve read and posted quite a few writes on rape in the military and it obviously hasn’t gotten any better. Your news is very disturbing, and I am HOPEful that things will change because of those in charge.
I can’t imagine knowing the camaraderie that we know is created in the military, where women and men fight side by side, protecting each other’s backs, only for women to then have to defend and protect themselves from the very same men that they committed to defend and serve with.
The message from men says, stand by me and fight with me, watch my back, give your life for me if necessary, but don’t be surprised if I turn on you in my time of need and do whatever I see fit with you. Of course most men don’t want to give up on those “benefits.” It is truly a sick sick way of thinking, and even more disgusting when their barbarous behavior is acted out. And just as sick to know that this is common, accepted, and a blind eye is turned.
Well, HOPEfully not for much longer. Thankfully there are real men like you, Hagel and Obama, who care a great deal about women, and more specifically, women in the military, to do something to stop this horrific mess in the military. Yes, we need much more support from men; that is crystal clear. And women need to be there for each other in all areas where we are challenged, so that our presence and voices will make a difference.
I HOPE you are staying safe and well. My best to you.
Peace & love.
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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May 10th, 2013 at 10:15 am
OMG, you people are so right about the republicans and the MSM. Read this about “How Big Oil Uses the Republican Party to Subvert American Democracy.”
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In a surprise move, the eight Republican members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee yesterday blocked a floor vote on President Obama’s nominee, Gina McCarthy, as EPA Administrator. In doing so the Republican senators broke their earlier promisadditione to move McCarthy’s nomination if she answered an unprecedented 1079 written questions, a quest she completed. Political observers assume the Republican roadblock is meant to derail or delay the implementation of a new EPA rule, promised by President Obama to finally regulate carbon pollution. The Republican ranking member, Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, orchestrated the double cross. Vitter is an unabashed mouthpiece for the petroleum industry and record breaking receptacle for petrodollars having received $1.2 million in oil company largesse during his public service career. With cash gushers of oily money cascading down their open gullets, the Republican leadership’s mercenary devotion to Big Oil shouldn’t shock us. However, the boldness of the party’s most recent assault on the public interest might cause us to ponder how GOP’s honchos’ knee jerk slavishness to petroleum interest has infected its rank and file.
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It is shameful that the people no longer has the press to tell them the truth.
May 10th, 2013 at 11:45 am
I suggest you stop dicking around and COME HOME soon before you find your sweety’s warm tight spot is already full-up.
I got your back (but I ain’t got your dick)
May 10th, 2013 at 11:47 am
Hi Mischa, glad you followed up on this one.
Anonz, thank you, so glad to see you here again, means you’re alive and well. You’ve been missed though I’m quite sure you know that…
I’m on the clock today and want to make sure I have time to call you at 12:30, so I’ll keep it brief for now.
Luv, Zen Lill
May 10th, 2013 at 11:49 am
I may be just an observer but it seems to me it’s a mighty fine piece that’s being neglected and that’s truly a sad thing.
May 10th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Damn, it is scary Michelle. I know that all men are not bad, but you are correct it is better to be safe not sorry. If you err let it be for assuming the worse otherwise you could end up a statistic of some evil man.
May 10th, 2013 at 11:58 am
Igotyourback. coming coming and bringing the dick.
May 10th, 2013 at 11:59 am
Ditto. MIGHTY FINE!
May 10th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
10 Breakout Stocks Under $10
As the stock market hit dizzying heights this year, many investors asked whether there still were bargains to be found.
Stock-picking expert Hilary Kramer says that not only are there bargains, but some of them trade for less than $10 a share—often because their potential has not been realized by investors or they fell from grace and may be ready to rebound.
Here’s why she finds her 10 favorites under $10 so attractive now…
BEATING EXPECTATIONS
When a company’s stock trades for less than $10, many investment firms and mutual funds either sell their shares or ignore the company. But not all of these companies are headed for disaster.
In fact, some have healthy balance sheets, proven business models and surprising growth prospects. Many of the low-priced stocks that I buy eventually gain enough momentum to rise above the $10-per-share mark.
Once that happens, large institutions may jump in and start buying, helping to push up the price even more.
Because these stocks can be volatile, they should comprise only a small part of your portfolio. The best under-$10 stocks fall into three categories…
UNDISCOVERED GROWTH
These companies are in a declining industry or face larger, dominant competitors. The truth is that they don’t need to become fast-growing juggernauts or Wall Street media darlings to trigger substantial gains in their stock prices. They just have to produce growth that exceeds analyst expectations. My favorites now…
Crown Media Holdings (CRWN) owns the cable networks Hallmark Movie Channel and Hallmark Channel, which offer family-oriented shows, including a new Marie Osmond talk show.
It’s a solid business with revenue that increased by 8% in 2012. The channels are making a push into original programs, including 33 original movies in 2013 and 50 next year.
Fortegra Financial (FRF) helps major insurers maximize revenues through add-on services such as roadside-¬assistance coverage and payment-protection plans that help customers pay off their debts in case of disability or death.
Although Fortegra dates back to the 1970s, it didn’t sell shares to the public until 2010 and is not widely known outside the southern US. But revenue-enhancement services are one of the fastest-growing areas of the insurance industry.
Newpark Resources (NR) provides products and services for thousands of oil well rigs and high-tech drilling projects around the world. Its proprietary drilling fluids are essential for the hydraulic fracking process that extracts oil and gas from deep shale rock.
ZixCorp (ZIXI) provides e-mail encryption and data-leak protection services to hospitals, banks and government institutions. The small company’s stock price plummeted below $1 per share in the last recession.
But in the past few years, protecting e-mail against data breaches has turned into a major priority for many companies. ZixCorp’s technology is easier to use and more comprehensive than that of its competitors.
TURNAROUND STOCKS
These companies suffered serious setbacks resulting from management mistakes or drop-offs in revenue that sent investors fleeing and stock prices falling. But those negative headlines are old news. The companies have made great progress cleaning up their problems and resurrecting their businesses.
My favorites now…
Boise Inc. (BZ) is a leading manufacturer of office-paper products. Its stock was devastated in the last recession not just because of plunging demand for office-paper products amid economic weakness but also because of the widespread shift to paperless offices in the computer age.
The company is reinventing itself as a major producer of protective cardboard packaging, a fast-growing segment of the paper market that benefits from increased consumer and commercial shipping.
Destination XL Group (DXLG) is the nation’s leading big-and-tall men’s retailer, with more than 400 stores. The company, formerly called Casual Male Retail Group, was crushed in the last recession as revenue evaporated and the stock lost 90% of its value.
Since then, it has made several smart moves to tap into the trend of expanding waistlines. These include marketing to female shoppers (who often buy clothes for their spouses) and offering more designer brands.
Wilshire Bancorp (WIBC) is a regional bank focused on commercial real estate loans for large Korean¬American communities.
In 2011, the stock dropped by more than 50% when an internal investigation found lax management oversight and inaccuracies in loan underwriting. A new CEO has restored strong quality controls in the loan-making process…strengthened its balance sheet…and repaid all its federal TARP bailout loans.
TRASH-HEAP STOCKS
All of the under-$10 stocks I own are, in my opinion, cheaply priced, but this category is reserved for deep bargains—companies with price-to-book values of about one or less.
What that means is that if you sold off just the basic, tangible assets of the company—equipment, cash, property, etc.—it would be worth more than the total market value of the company as determined by its stock price. Although there is more risk involved, the largest gains in my career have come from this type of stock.
My favorites now…
CBIZ (CBZ) is an outsourcing firm that provides billing and coding support for medical and health companies, as well as accounting, payroll and COBRA health insurance administration services for hundreds of businesses.
This attractive business model requires very little investment capital and generates enormous cash flow. But continued high unemployment has hurt the outsourcing industry. The firm, whose stock has lost ground every year since 2008, has been making aggressive acquisitions of weaker competitors, positioning it for better times.
Photronics (PLAB) makes photo-masks—glass plates that are used to design integrated electronic circuits. The high-resolution images on smartphones and TVs wouldn’t be possible without photomasks.
An oversupply and a downturn in the semiconductor and microcircuits industry have led the stock to lose one-third of its value in five years. But Photronics has remained profitable, while many competitors have gone out of business.
RTI Biologics (RTIX) is the leading provider of human and animal tissue (bones, tendons, skin, etc.) used in orthopedic, dental and spinal surgeries. Transplanted tissue from cadavers often is better than synthetic and metal implants.
RTI, which sells to hospitals and medical practices in 30 countries, has struggled from the effects of a massive 2008 merger with a German company, pushing its stock 60% below its five-year high. But it has a strong balance sheet, dominates its niche and can benefit from the escalating number of surgeries in sports medicine.
Source: Hilary Kramer, chief investment officer of A&G Capital Research, New York City, and editor of various newsletters including GameChangers and Breakout Stocks Under $10.
Formerly, she was CIO of a $5 billion global private equity fund. She is author of The Little Book of Big Profits from Small Stocks (Wiley). http://www.GameChangers.InvestorPlace.com
May 10th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Tell, RFK Jr. Our country has been seized by right-wing quasi-religious wingnuts who care nothing about anything other than their wallets. The basic problem, it seems, is that the electorate of this country is to an appalling degree ignorant and gullible.
They believe the most outrageous lies and distortions, swallow every untruth put out by Fox Noise and their cohorts, and consistently vote against their interests. You must give the GOP credit for being such convincing liars. Not exactly merit-badge material but too many people swallow it.
May 10th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Maybe we should re-label climate conservation as climate austerity. Those wingnuts sure love the idea of suffering today for a better imaginary tomorrow.
GOP is good at branding and scaremongering. We liberals could learn from that, though the idea makes me feel a litltle icky.
May 10th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Abstinence only education DOES NOTHING to prevent teenage sex. NOTHING. It’s basic psychology. Adults telling teens not to do something gets them curious. It makes it forbidden.
It is a psychological fact that telling people not to do things increases the likelihood that they will do it. Abstinence only education plants the seed of sex in the minds of teens who may not be thinking about it yet, or have little interest.
It gets them interested, with no facts or information to support the action. not to mention teens are GOING TO HAVE SEX. they just will. Telling them not to is completely stupid and a waste of time.
Teenagers dont listen to authority. And they particularly don’t listen when you tell them not to do something that by all other accounts is completely normal behavior.
It blows my mind how sex, the means by which we all exist, is such a taboo subject in 2013. With internet access and media, there is no sheltering kids.
May 10th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
I agree with Robert,RT and others who say the main stream media is allowing the republicans to pursue a racist political agenda with this Benghazi bullshit.
This is ThinkProcess’s take:
The “whistleblowers” at today’s House Oversight Committee hearing on what really happened in Benghazi, Libya last September were supposed to break the dam that would lead to President Obama’s eventual downfall, in the eyes of conservatives.
Instead, these witness actually served to debunk several theories that the right-wing has pushed on Benghazi, leaving the hearing a fizzle for the GOP:
1. F-16s could have been sent to Benghazi
Part of the prevailing theory surrounding the events the night of the Benghazi attacks is that the Obama administration did not do enough militarily to respond to the crisis.
Gregory Hicks — a Foreign Service Officer and the former Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Libya — claimed during his pre-hearing testimony that fighter jets could have been flown over Benghazi, preventing the second wave of the attack from occurring.
Ranking Member Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) questioned that statement, asking Hicks whether he disagreed with Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Gen Martin Dempsey’s assessment that no air assets were in range the night of the attack.
Hicks didn’t disagree, saying he was “speaking from [his] perspective” and what “veteran Libyan revolutionaries” told him, rather than Pentagon assessments.
2. Hillary Clinton signed cables denying additional security to Benghazi
House Republicans came to the conclusion in their interim report on Benghazi that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lied to them about what she knew and when during her testimony this January.
This includes her statement that at no time was she aware of requests for additional security at the diplomatic facility in Benghazi prior to the attack.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) used her time to take issue with this claim, asking all three witnesses about standard protocol for cables leaving the State Department.
All three agreed with Maloney, that the Secretary of State’s name is placed at the bottom of all outgoing cables and telegrams from Foggy Bottom, whether the Secretary has viewed them or not, shooting down the GOP claim.
3. A Special Forces Team that could have saved lives was told to stand down
One of the most shocking reveals in the lead-up to today’s hearing was that a team of Special Forces in Tripoli were told not to deploy to Benghazi during the attack.
That decision has led to an uproar on the right, including claims of dereliction of duty towards Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey for not taking actions that could have saved lives.
During questioning, Hicks confirmed that the team was ready to be deployed — not to join the fighting at the CIA annex — but “to secure the airport for the withdrawal of our personnel from Benghazi after the mortar attack.”
Hicks also confirmed that it was the second such team to be readied for deployment, with the first having proceeded to Benghazi earlier. Despite the second team not deploying, the staff was all evacuated first to Tripoli, then to Germany, within 18 hours of the attack taking place.
4. The State Department’s Accountability Review Board isn’t legitimate
Republicans have been attacking the State Department’s official in-house review of the shortcomings seen before, during, and after the assault in Benghazi.
That criticism prompted House Republicans to write their own report. When asked point blank about the recommendations of the Board, however, the witnesses didn’t cooperate with the GOP narrative.
“Absolutely,” Eric Nordstrom, the Regional Security Officer for Libya prior to the assault in Benghazi, answered when asked if he believes implementing the recommendations would improve security. “I had an opportunity to review that along with other two committee reports.
I think taken altogether, they’re fairly comprehensive and reasonable.” Hicks, when questioned, said that while he had some issues with the process by which the Board gathered its information, he demurred on criticizing the report itself.
====================
One would think a truly balanced media would be asking these questions.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Michelle, sex trafficking is happening on Guam too.
During his opening remarks Lt Governor Ray Tenorio referenced the Blue House Case and recent events in Cleveland, Ohio where three woman were found after being kidnapped and held captive for ten years.
“It is not unheard of, even in this advanced age of knowledge and wisdom that we embark across universities and colleges across our fantastic nation, to see these kind of really medieval kind mentalities still existing today” the Lt Governor said calling for the community to assist law enforcement in the fight against human trafficking.
“It really comes down to individuals in the this room and throughout this island and our country to be diligent as citizens and look at situations call them call your public safety officials,” Tenorio urged his audience.
“Call to question about whats going on over there why is that individual never leaving the house why do these situations happen and why do these circumstances appear to be suspicious… everyone must be involved in stopping human trafficking and violence against women.”
U.S. Attorney General for Guam and the CNMI Alicia Limtiaco also called for the public’s help in putting a stop to human trafficking in her keynote address which focused on efforts to fight trafficking in Guam and the pacific region.
“There are many times really all over the country where people do not realize the necessity of having other than law enforcement involved in this in addressing these issues ,” Limtiaco said while discussing the Guam Human Trafficking Task Force.
Limtiaco says regulatory agencies such as the Department of Public Health have had an essential an essential role in the fight against human trafficking on Guam. by making sure that businesses such as those claiming to be massage parlors are legitimate and safe.
“In some cases these businesses did not correct their deficiencies voluntarily. In some cases they did not go back to reopen,” Limtiaco said of the civil regulatory enforcement approach to combat trafficking. “In some cases individuals were administratively arrested.”
The forum was hosted by professor Ron Aguon’s Government Public Information Class (PA-304-01)
It also included panel discussions with Judge Francis Tydingco Gatewood, Chief Justice Robert Torres Guam Attorney General Lenny Rapadas, Speaker Judi Won Pat, Vice Speaker BJ Cruz, Senators Tina Muna-Barnes and Aline Yamashita and others.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
President Obama’s most fevered critics have been waiting for a national “aha” moment since he was first inaugurated more than 50 months ago. Coming off an electoral landslide, Obama was instantly greeted by a mob-like movement on the far right that denounced him as a socialist and a communist. Excited conservatives quickly reached for Nazi rhetoric and imagery in an effort to convey the dark threat the Democrat posed to the country.
Amplified by Fox News and a well-funded right-wing media industry, the “grassroots” revolt was portrayed as a sweeping rebuke of Obama. But in truth, the raging critics occupied the loud fringes, a fact confirmed by Obama’s easy re-election.
Still, professional detractors have held out hope that at some point Americans would come to see Obama as they see Obama; as a monster of historic proportions who’s committed to stripping citizens of their liberties and getting them addicted to government dependencies, like a drug dealer.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Either the partisan GOP are paranoid or cynical. Those are the only two choices. They have debased the English language by making it meaningless in the discussion of REALLY serious subjects.
How can a political party be so vindictive towards a President? What exactly did our President do to receive such bad taste treatment?
May 10th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Here in Germany we understand the situation of the white MSM in the USA. They get excited whenever something is raised by the GOP that appears to have the ability to detract from your President Obama’s achievements.
The reason is obvious. They fear that this one black president will eventually be judged the greatest president in your history. In the opinion of most of the rest of the world he has already reached that pinnacle.
But white males fear this occurring in the USA above all else. They have a stake in insuring the psychological dominance of the concept that white males are the best.
That concept has already been blown up by the recent studies that show that Corporations that have women on their Boards make 9% more profits than those which have all white male boards.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
There is a lot of smoke surrounding the administration regarding Benghazi
There is a stinky gas, but it comes from the Republican crazies and their low information posters who spew their mindless drek online.
What’s telling is that when you ask some tea bag to point out EXACTLY what is the coverup or crime, they go silent – because there is nothing there.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
This week, House Republicans voted for an early Mother’s Day Gift: the “More Work, Less Pay” Act. They misnamed their bill the “Working Family Flexibility Act” – but it only offers greater flexibility to bosses and lower wages to workers.
Here’s what this misnamed bill really means:
Workers will not get paid for hours that exceed 40 hours per week. That compensation will instead go into a pot that will be controlled by their employer.
An employer can refuse to allow a worker to take time off to deal with a family member or attend a parent-teacher conference. This is not real flexibility for workers.
Employers get what amounts to an interest-free loan paid for by the workers’ wages since unused comp time will be paid back at the end of the year.
When women succeed, our country succeeds. It’s time for House Republicans to abandon their ideological attacks on workers and join Democrats to actually strengthen American women and families – by creating jobs, ensuring equal work for equal pay, and providing access to affordable child care.
This morning, I had the pleasure of being on CBS’ ‘This Morning’ with my daughter Alexandra. It’s wonderful to spend time together and celebrate the gift of family. Happy Mother’s Day!
Congresswoman Pelosi on CBS’ ‘This Morning’ with Alexandra Pelosi.
Go Warriors!
Like so many in San Francisco, I am proud of the hard work and determination showed by the Golden State Warriors. Throughout their first round victory over the Denver Nuggets, and now through two thrilling games with the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors have played with the same energy, heart, and teamwork that stands as a symbol of the
Bay Area. As the series returns to the Bay, I know that they will continue to make us proud. Go Warriors go!
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,
May 10th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Faux “News” is nothing more than an Outrage Engine. It’s primary purpose is to gin up anger among low-information voters and get them to vote en masse for corporate stooges who are bent on wrecking those very same people’s lives.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:33 pm
It is the true genius of Rove et al. that they consistently persuade people to vote against their own self interest. Quite remarkable really, almost disproving the idea of self preservation being one of the primary instincts of animals. Guess it shows how a poorly functioning brain can trump biology.
May 10th, 2013 at 2:34 pm
When they mention Clinton’s name 71 times during the recent hearings and Obama’s 5…. who do you think their target is? Preparing for 2016 is all they are doing, trying to smear Hillary Clinton’s high favorables.
Now, if we could just talk about that war Bush sent us to, put us in debt by what, a Trillion and counting and at a minimum, 100,000+ people died during the conflict. Yes, yes, let’s talk about THAT little issue.
May 10th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Jordan, look who creates dumb programs like ‘abstinence’ as if it would work, it’s Biology 101 and any parent who stand behind abstinence doesn’t remember their own youth (ohhh, nice pun there, standing behind abstinence? lol ; ), Americans can use a grip, teach kids about sex, relationships and responsibility, condoms and disease prevention and trust that their kids make decent decisions bc no, you are not going to prevent them from wanting what you want. That’s a ludicrous thought and proposition, no wonder why teenagers find older peeps bullshitty, they are (moi excluded, I don’t bullshit my kid, I see no reason to be hypocritical, sometimes she likes it sometimes she doesn’t…it’s ok either way, don’t care if she always likes me, I’m not her friend, I’m her mother). Good subject, we all know I love commenting on relationships and sex and the biology/psychology of both!
- ZL
May 10th, 2013 at 3:56 pm
You are a pretty thing Michelle.
May 10th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
David – Michelle is not a THING, she is a WOMAN.