Archive for the 'Political Powwow' Category

Spread The Word. Facts About Sotomayor Need To Be Heard.

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 30th May 2009

So…the talk is about President Obama nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. And the judgement is that she is sexist and racist. I just love the way people who are racist and sexist just love trying to turn the tables. They will try anything to hide their own prejudices, which in this case it means calling Sodomayor a racist and sexist so that they can down play or completely dismiss any qualifications that she has that says she would be an asset to the Supreme Court Justice.

As Ariana Huffington says, “The Hispanic vote was a deciding factor in Obama’s win (Hispanics went for Obama over McCain 67 percent to 31 percent), so the last thing the GOP needs is to be alienating Hispanic voters. BUT THEY JUST CAN’T HELP THEMSELVES!”

Oh how sad, and really disgusting…once again, racism rules in the minds of the GOP.

But facts are facts – they are not disputable, so let’s look at the facts.

MoveOn.org. says, “The right is already fighting against her confirmation—so we need to get the facts out about her impressive qualifications and background.”

So, here are the facts – Below is a list of 10 key things about Sonia Sotomayor that you may or may not know, thanks to MoveOn.org. They are asking everyone to spread the word. And so am I. The best way I can spread it, is by blogging about it. How about you? Can you check it out below, and send it to 10 friends today? If each of us forwards the list, we can start to get the word out about Judge Sotomayor, and help to ensure that she gets a speedy and fair confirmation process.

Readers: Are you with me? Can I count on you to speak loud and snub out the racist remarks of the rights? You’re doing a great job so far. Continue to speak your mind peeps.

Ten Things To Know About Judge Sonia Sotomayor

1. Judge Sotomayor would bring more federal judicial experience to the bench than any Supreme Court justice in 100 years. Over her three-decade career, she has served in a wide variety of legal roles, including as a prosecutor, litigator, and judge.

2. Judge Sotomayor is a trailblazer. She was the first Latina to serve on the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and was the youngest member of the court when appointed to the District Court for the Southern District of New York. If confirmed, she will be the first Hispanic to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.

3. While on the bench, Judge Sotomayor has consistently protected the rights of working Americans, ruling in favor of health benefits and fair wages for workers in several cases.

4. Judge Sotomayor has shown strong support for First Amendment rights, including in cases of religious expression and the rights to assembly and free speech.

5. Judge Sotomayor has a strong record on civil rights cases, ruling for plaintiffs who had been discriminated against based on disability, sex and race.

6. Judge Sotomayor embodies the American dream. Born to Puerto Rican parents, she grew up in a South Bronx housing project and was raised from age nine by a single mother, excelling in school and working her way to graduate summa cum laude from Princeton University and to become an editor of the Law Journal at Yale Law School.

7. In 1995, Judge Sotomayor “saved baseball” when she stopped the owners from illegally changing their bargaining agreement with the players, thereby ending the longest professional sports walk-out in history.

8. Judge Sotomayor ruled in favor of the environment in a case of protecting aquatic life in the vicinity of power plants in 2007, a decision that was overturned by the Roberts Supreme Court.

9. In 1992, Judge Sotomayor was confirmed by the Senate without opposition after being appointed to the bench by George H.W. Bush.

10. Judge Sotomayor is a widely respected legal figure, having been described as “…an outstanding colleague with a keen legal mind,” “highly qualified for any position in which wisdom, intelligence, collegiality and good character would be assets,” and “a role model of aspiration, discipline, commitment, intellectual prowess and integrity.”

Sources for each of the 10 things:

1. White House Statement, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=1

2. White House Statement, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=2

3. Cases: Archie v. Grand Cent. Partnership, 997 F. Supp. 504 (S.D.N.Y. 1998) and Marcella v. Capital Dist. Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc., 293 F.3d 42 (2d Cir. 2002).

4. Cases: Flamer v. White Plains, 841 F. Supp. 1365 (S.D.N.Y. 1993), Ford v. McGinnis, 352 F.3d 382 (2d Cir. 2003), and Campos v. Coughlin, 854 F. Supp. 194 (S.D.N.Y. 1994).

5a. “Sotomayor’s Notable Court Opinions and Articles,” The New York Times, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51454&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=3

5b. Cases: Bartlett v. N.Y. State Board, 970 F. Supp. 1094 (S.D.N.Y. 1997), Greenbaum v. Svenska Hendelsbanken, 67 F.Supp.2d 228 (S.D.N.Y. 1999), Raniola v. Bratton, 243 F.3d 610 (2d Cir. 2001), and Gant v. Wallingford Board of Education, 195 F.3d 134 (2d Cir. 1999).

6. “Sonia Sotomayor: 10 Things You Should Know,” The Huffington Post, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51452&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=4

7. “How Sotomayor ‘Saved’ Baseball,” Time, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51455&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=5

8. “Sotomayor’s resume, record on notable cases,” CNN, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51453&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=6

9. “Sotomayor’s resume, record on notable cases,” CNN, May 26, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51453&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=7

10a. Judge Richard C. Wesley, a George W. Bush appointee to the Second Circuit.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51451&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=8

10b. “Sotomayor is Highly Qualified,” The Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51456&id=16226-7692656-DfPGF8x&t=9

10c. Honorary Degree Citation, Pace University School of Law, 2003 Commencement.

~~~~~~~~~

No Name TAO: First of all – get a name. It’s enough to have all of these anonymouses commenting, but now a no name TAO too? There’s a bar in Marin called the No Name….and I’ve had quite some fun there. So I guess I can call you No Name too – do you mind? If so, bIog me.

Secondly, I knew exactly what you were referring to. Being the human that I am, and not a scientist with a miscroscope, I am only aware that there are billions roaming on this bod…but I am not aware of how many different types – I was hoping a little toe sucking from you might tell me. All for the fun of learning, of course.

Anonymous 3+: I say prosecute too. As you say, ‘No one is above the law.’ I am sick of the past administration having any power anymore, and quite frankly I’m tired of seeing Keith O. express the words, ‘Still Bushed.’

Andreyna & Linda: You are right about white women. I have a few white girlfriends of mine who feel that because their husbands went to Harvard Business school or some other Ivy League that they are not only the most intelligent (uh huh), but that they know everything about anything. (another uh huh)

I remember two of my girlfriends wouldn’t even recycle anything because their husbands didn’t believe it did any good. Hellooo – what about you? Don’t you have a mind of your own? Fortunately they do but unfortunately, they evidently don’t speak it loud enough. I think this a big problem with some white women. I say question everything, and do your own research. Information is powerful. And lastly, ‘Speak up!’

Maria: Thanks for posting the link. It looks like a good read.

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…”

al, 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"

Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Political Powwow | 4 Comments »

On Empathy – Sotomayor and Alito: Same Views, Different Reactions

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 29th May 2009

Is it no surprise that Sonia Sotomayor is getting such a dissing from the right wingers? Is it not bad enough that they have to deal with a black president and now…now an hispanic woman in our justice system? Where is our world headed? In the right direction if you want my little opinion. Shake it up and shake it up good….

In response to the smear attacks on her, Glen Greenwald wrote a great article that I decided to post below. One anonymous person quotes, ”Apparently, the only way to avoid ‘identity politics’ is to pick white men for every job.” Right on anon. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Enjoy the read, Readers:

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2009 11:28 EDT

Justice Sam Alito on empathy and judging

As is true for any Supreme Court nominee, there are many legitimate questions to raise about Sonia Sotomayor, but the smear attacks on her as some sort of “identity politics” poster child — which are still being justifiedlargely if not entirely by the Jeffrey Rosen/TNR gossipy hit piece on her — are nothing short of disgusting. As Anonymous Liberal put it: ”Apparently, the only way to avoid ‘identity politics’ is to pick white men for every job.” Both Adam Serwer and Daniel Larison note the glaring, obvious hypocrisy in simultaneously insisting that “empathy” has no place in the law while protesting Sotomayor’s decision in Ricci on the completely law-free ground that what happened to the white firefighters is so “unfair.” And Matt Yglesias writes that he is “really truly deeply and personally pissed off by the tenor of a lot of the commentary on Sonia Sotomayor” and, in a separate post, notes the wildly different treatment accorded Sotomayor and Sam Alito despite very similar records.

With regard to that last point — how completely different is the reaction to Sam Alito and Sonia Sotomayor — just consider this exchange that took place at the beginning of Alito’s confirmation hearing (h/t sysprog):

COBURN: You know, I think at times during these hearings you have been unfairly criticized or characterized as that you don’t care about the less fortunate, you don’t care about the little guy, you don’t care about the weak or the innocent.

Can you comment just about Sam Alito, and what he cares about, and let us see a little bit of your heart and what’s important to you in life?

ALITO: Senator, I tried to in my opening statement, I tried to provide a little picture of who I am as a human being and how my background and my experiences have shaped me and brought me to this point.

ALITO: I don’t come from an affluent background or a privileged background. My parents were both quite poor when they were growing up.

And I know about their experiences and I didn’t experience those things. I don’t take credit for anything that they did or anything that they overcame.

But I think that children learn a lot from their parents and they learn from what the parents say. But I think they learn a lot more from what the parents do and from what they take from the stories of their parents lives.

And that’s why I went into that in my opening statement. Because when a case comes before me involving, let’s say, someone who is an immigrant — and we get an awful lot of immigration cases and naturalization cases — I can’t help but think of my own ancestors, because it wasn’t that long ago when they were in that position.

And so it’s my job to apply the law. It’s not my job to change the law or to bend the law to achieve any result.

But when I look at those cases, I have to say to myself, and I do say to myself, “You know, this could be your grandfather, this could be your grandmother. They were not citizens at one time, and they were people who came to this country.”

When I have cases involving children, I can’t help but think of my own children and think about my children being treated in the way that children may be treated in the case that’s before me.

And that goes down the line. When I get a case about discrimination, I have to think about people in my own family who suffered discrimination because of their ethnic background or because of religion or because of gender. And I do take that into account. When I have a case involving someone who’s been subjected to discrimination because of disability, I have to think of people who I’ve known and admire very greatly who’ve had disabilities, and I’ve watched them struggle to overcome the barriers that society puts up often just because it doesn’t think of what it’s doing — the barriers that it puts up to them.

So those are some of the experiences that have shaped me as a person.

COBURN: Thank you.

Anyone who is objecting now to Sotomayor’s alleged ”empathy” problem but who supported Sam Alito and never objected to this sort of thing ought to have their motives questioned (and the same is true for someone who claims that a person who overcame great odds to graduate at the top of their class at Princeton, graduate Yale Law School, and then spent time as a prosecutor, corporate lawyer, district court judge and appellate court judge must have been chosen due to “identity politics”). And the idea that her decision in Ricci demonstrates some sort of radicalism — when she was simply affirming the decision of a federal district judge, was part of a unanimous circuit panel in doing so, was supported by a majority of her fellow Circuit judges who refused to re-hear the case, and will, by all accounts, have at least several current Supreme Court Justices side with her — is frivolous on its face.

I have no doubt there are legitimate grounds for objecting to some of Sotomayor’s judicial opinions. Doing that, as well as vigorously questioning her on important areas where she has little record (such as executive power disputes), is not only legitimate, but vital. But the attacks thus far — not just from the Right but from the sterling Respectable Intellectual Center — say far, far more about the critics than they do about her. How can her ”empathy” views possibly be distinguished from what Sam Alito — at Tom Coburn’s urging — said when he was confirmed?

UPDATE: The focus on the three instances in which Sotomayor’s rulings were reversed is equally inane. Reversals of that sort are a standard part of how the appellate justice system works and hardly means that a judge’s abilities should be called into question. Any judge who sits on the bench long enough will make erroneous rulings at times. Many times, the Supreme Court makes new law when reversing and other times it is the Supreme Court’s majority that errs.

But leave all that to the side: again, look at how Alito’s reversals were treated, even though there were more of them and involved weightier questions:

* In a well-known 1991 case, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, Alito wrote a sole dissent supporting a state requirement that women inform their husbands before being permitted to obtain an abortion; the Supreme Court later rejected his view.

* In 2000, Alito ruled that Congress could not penalize state governments for failing to comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act; in 2003, the Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote (including Chief Judge Rehnquist) rejected that conclusion, and ruled that states could be penalized.

* In a 2004 death penalty case which Alito decided –Rompilla v. Horn –Alito rejected the defendant’s argument that his attorney’s had failed to do conduct an adequate investigation to prepare for his sentencing hearing. The Supreme Court reversed Alito’s decision, ruling that the defense attorney’s failure to even review evidence they knew the prosecution was going to introduce at sentencing violated the Sixth Amendment.

There are numerous other instances where Alito’s rulings were repudiated either by the Supreme Court or even his own Circuit. Judge for yourself if those were treated the same way as Sotomayor’s more limited and less meaningful instances of reversals. Was the argument made that this proved Alito was inept, intellectually deficient, and chosen soley for “identity politics” in order to attract the key Italian and Catholic voting blocs?

Glen Greenwald

~~~~~~~~~

Readers: Comment – thoughts? Blog me.

Hey ZL: My mother used to grab us by the wrist and give it a a little twist – the ‘Indian burn’ – why they called it that, I have no idea. Maybe because my skin got red afterwards. Does that sound racist? My family is definitely not racist, but I never thought of that name until now.

Yea Al: We are cool.

TAO - No name for our new alien visitor? Your comment was so very interesting. So am I correct to think that you would not take a bite of a human – that would not be to your liking…but you might lick them to death everywhere? This I could get into – the licking part – not the death part. But hey… I hear there are billions of bacteria on my feet – care for a little toe sucking soon? Call me. :)

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…”

al, 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"

Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Political Powwow | 29 Comments »

Credit Cards…’Love ‘Em And Then Hate ‘Em’

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 28th May 2009

Yes…that is exactly how I feel. I have a few that I ‘love’, especially when I was making a purchase…and then…then I see the balance and the ‘hate’ sets in. :) All I want to do is pay them off and be done with it. Thankfully I have pretty low rates locked in and I am basically not charging anything, and paying them off. I am a cash girl these days and I look forward to the day when my last check is written to these credit card companies.

Also as a side note….I was listening to NPR the other day and this woman from some credit company was talking about fees that some people were not aware of. One that she mentioned really perked my ears so I’ll give you the heads up.

So get this: Not only do some credit cards charge you fees while you’re overseas making purchases, (I think we’ve all heard of this) but…if you happen to make a purchase using good ‘ol US dollars, and the company that you are buying from happens to be overseas…watch out, many are charging fees for the conversion too. And these days, what company overseas isn’t selling in the US? Just something to be aware of.

Anyway this has been a hot topic in the news lately so I thought I would post this article.

Credit Card Industry Aims to Profit From Sterling Payers

By ANDREW MARTIN

Published: May 18, 2009

Credit cards have long been a very good deal for people who pay their bills on time and in full. Even as card companies imposed punitive fees and penalties on those late with their payments, the best customers racked up cash-back rewards, frequent-flier miles and other perks in recent years.

Credit Card Wars: A Penalty for Thrift?

Should responsible card users be penalized for paying off their monthly balance?

Join the Discussion »

Now Congress is moving to limit the penalties on riskier borrowers, who have become a prime source of billions of dollars in fee revenue for the industry. And to make up for lost income, the card companies are going after those people with sterling credit.

Banks are expected to look at reviving annual fees, curtailing cash-back and other rewards programs and charging interest immediately on a purchase instead of allowing a grace period of weeks, according to bank officials and trade groups.

“It will be a different business,” said Edward L. Yingling, the chief executive of the American Bankers Association, which has been lobbying Congress for more lenient legislation on behalf of the nation’s biggest banks. “Those that manage their credit well will in some degree subsidize those that have credit problems.”

As they thin their ranks of risky cardholders to deal with an economic downturn, major banks including American Express, Citigroup, Bank of America and a long list of others have already begun to raise interest rates, and some have set their sights on consumers who pay their bills on time. The legislation scheduled for a Senate vote on Tuesday does not cap interest rates, so banks can continue to lift them, albeit at a slower pace and with greater disclosure.

“There will be one-size-fits-all pricing, and as a result, you’ll see the industry will be more egalitarian in terms of its revenue base,” said David Robertson, publisher of the Nilson Report, which tracks the credit card business.

People who routinely pay off their credit card balances have been enjoying the equivalent of a free ride, he said, because many have not had to pay an annual fee even as they collect points for air travel and other perks.

“Despite all the terrible things that have been said, you’re making out like a bandit,” he said. “That’s a third of credit card customers, 50 million people who have gotten a great deal.”

Robert Hammer, an industry consultant, said the legislation might have the broad effect of encouraging card issuers to become ever more reliant on fees from marginal customers as well as creditworthy cardholders — “deadbeats” in industry parlance, because they generate scant fee revenue.

“They aren’t charities. They have shareholders to report to,” he said, referring to banks and credit card companies. “Whatever is left in the model to work from, they will start to maneuver.”

Banks used to give credit cards only to the best consumers and charge them a flat interest rate of about 20 percent and an annual fee. But with the relaxing of usury laws in some states, and the ready availability of credit scores in the late 1980s, banks began offering cards with a variety of different interest rates and fees, tying the pricing to the credit risk of the cardholder.

That helped push interest rates down for many consumers, but they soared for riskier cardholders, who became a significant source of revenue for the industry. The recent economic downturn challenged that formula, and banks started dumping the riskiest customers and lowering their credit limits in earnest as the recession accelerated. Now, consumers who pay their bills off every month are issuing a rising chorus of complaints about shortened grace periods, new hidden fees and higher interest rates.

The industry says that the proposals will force banks to issue fewer credit cards at greater cost to the current cardholders.

Citigroup and Capital One referred comments to the A.B.A. Discover and American Express declined to comment. Bank of America intends to “provide credit to the largest number of creditworthy customers possible, while also remaining prudent in our lending practices,” said Betty Riess, a spokeswoman. Together with JPMorgan Chase, which has said the changes will force it to limit credit availability and raise fees, these banks account for 80 percent of the credit card industry.

Banks are not required to publicly reveal how much money they make from penalty interest rates and fees, though government officials and industry consultants estimate they constitute a growing portion of revenue.

For instance, Mr. Hammer said the amount of money generated by penalty fees like late charges and exceeding credit limits had increased by about $1 billion annually in recent years, and should top $20 billion this year.

Regulations passed by the Federal Reserve in December to curb unexpected interest charges would cost issuers about $12 billion a year in lost fees and income, according to industry calculations. The legislation before Congress would build on the Fed rules and would further squeeze banks’ revenue when they are being hit with a high rate of credit card charge-offs. The government’s stress tests showed that the nation’s 19 biggest banks will take on $82 billion in credit card losses in the next two years.

A 2005 report by the Government Accountability Office estimated that 70 percent of card issuers’ revenue came from interest charges, and the portion from penalty rates appeared to be growing. The remainder came from fees on cardholders as well as retailers for processing transactions. Many retailers are angry at the high fees and plan to pass them on to shoppers once the Congressional legislation takes effect.

Consumer advocates say they have little sympathy for credit card issuers, arguing that they have made billions in recent years with unfair and sometimes deceptive practices.

“The business model will change because the business model doesn’t work for the public,” said Gail Hillebrand, a senior lawyer at Consumers Union.

“In order to do business under the new rules, they’ll actually have to tell you how much it’s going to cost,” she said.

With many consumers mired in debt and angry at what they consider gouging by credit card companies, the issue of credit card reform has broad populist appeal. Members of Congress and the Obama administration have seized on the discontent to push reforms that the industry succeeded in tamping down when the economy was flying high.

Austan Goolsbee, an economic adviser to President Obama, said that while the credit card industry had the right to make a reasonable profit as long as its contracts were in plain language and rule-breakers were held accountable, its current practices were akin to “a series of carjackings.”

“The card industry is giving the argument that if you didn’t want to be carjacked, why weren’t you locking your doors or taking a different road?” Mr. Goolsbee said.

Ron Lieber contributed reportin

~~~~~~~~~~

Zen Lill: Good to hear from you. I understand ‘busy’….I think we all do. In regards to your comment: It’s one thing to have somebody say such a thing, admit to such thoughts (especially live – no anonymity there), but to have applause in an audience – what does that tell you? It tells me, once again, we have a long way to go to becoming a planet of world citizenship.

You know me…being, I am an ‘eye for an eye’ girl, I’m with Lia…I just wonder how he would like it done to his balls.

AL: I thought we were over this. I hold no resentment. I mean c’mon….It was just an amusing observation that made me smile. You ‘n me…I don’t know. As long as we have been communicating on this blog, I feel my words are often misconstrued by you and you don’t quite get me. That in itself amuses me….but we can keep trying :)

Twani: I hear you loud and clear.

Have a fab day everyone!

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…”

al, 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"

Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Political Powwow, Travel | 27 Comments »

Take Action: Prove Percentage Power Can Prevail

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 20th May 2009

Was I not just talking about this the other day?

Here’s an e-mail that I just received yesterday. I encourage all of you women out there to support women more than you ever have before (Men too!) – And the Supreme Court is a good place to start. There is presently only one woman, and Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg is ‘lonely’ – Let’s stop complaining about our system and take more control. Help get another woman into the Supreme Court…after all Ginsburg needs some company.

(Don’t mind my little cheerleader interjections below in RED)

Dear Michelle,

Women make up 51% of our nation’s population. (See, I wasn’t making it up:)

Yet only 17% of the seats in Congress are held by women. Only 3% of corporate CEOs are women. And just one out of nine Supreme Court justices is a woman. (Oh this is really sad. We need to get on it!)

President Obama can change that. (Oh yes he can – but not without our help!)

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

Since Sandra Day O’Connor‘s retirement from the Supreme Court four years ago, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been the sole female Justice.

Now, with Justice Souter’s recent retirement announcement, President Obama has a chance to nominate an intelligent, well-qualified person to the Supreme Court — and I believe that person should be a woman. (Me too! Me too!)

We need a Supreme Court that is more representative of all Americans, so that its decisions better reflect the diversity of life experiences and points-of-view in America. (Gee, do ya think?! Yeah!)

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

Last Tuesday afternoon, I had the chance to talk with Ed Schultz on MSNBC about why I think it’s so important that President Obama nominate a woman. I told him exactly what I told you: In a country where women comprise 51% of the population, yet only one-in-nine current Supreme Court Justices are female, the court needs to better represent the diversity of this country. In short, the Court needs another woman. (I’m with ya…keep going!)

However, as I told Ed, of course that’s not the whole story. Just any woman won’t do. (Boy don’t we know this – Palin proved this point big time) The next Justice needs to be smart, well-qualified, and a strong progressive voice. (A woman of mettle in my mind :) And there are plenty of women who meet those criteria. (But, of course!)

As Justice Ginsburg has said, there are certain intrinsic insights a woman, as a woman, brings to the bench. If we want a Supreme Court that is truly relevant to Americans, then those views and life experiences must be represented. (So true – you go girl….tell ‘em how it is!)

Send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court!

When asked recently how it felt to be the only woman on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg simply replied, “Lonely.” (Ahh…we need some sisterhood happening in our government big time!)

It’s time to change that. (Yes! Yes! Time for change!)

Thanks for your help.

In Friendship,

Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senator

P.S. President Obama may select his Supreme Court nominee in a matter of days — so it’s critical that you join me and make your voice heard now. Please send an email to the White House now — and urge President Obama to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court! Then invite your friends and family to email the White House as well! (Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! – Thank you)

**********

Readers: I know I was having some fun above…but really – Do it.

Yes...’Says’ said a lot and much I agree with too – he/she made some very valid points and pointed out some pretty strong facts. And I agree, the repugnicants love to distract but I think the American people are onto their games more so than ever before. The Grand ‘Ol Party is ending, the players are tired and there’s no party favors left to hand out…Or is it just my wishful thinking?

Remember what Robert wrote the other day?

Robert: I keep reading your comment over and over…and your logic is…well so logical. And that is what scares me. When you said, “Don’t count on bush, cheney, or any of the administration’s other criminals serving any time either. Consider, if a Supreme Court justice feels secure enough to steal an election that results in bush being made President by his ruling, then is there any ruling he would not feel secure making to achieve a situation that he wanted.”, you hit the nail on the head. There is nothing bigger than stealing a presidential election – everything after that is really a piece of cake. But the games have got to end. And in light of my write today…Like you said, we need to appoint judges that will empathize with the spirit of the law as well as the letter.

Al: If Connie e-mails me inquiring of your contact info I will pass it along – it would be my pleasure. Although I have to tell you, I don’t get many e-mails from readers that I don’t personally know. Even though Obama is our president, who knows who’s got their hands on the controls, when it comes to this blog. I do what I can do.

Anyway, I also wanted to thank you the other day for mentioning the recognition of ‘my good work’, and bringing forward the less ‘popular’ issues. I am happy that you find my articles to be helpful.

And healthwise…I hope that you don’t ever have to experience any drive-thru treatments.

Zen Lill: Hey you…been thinking about you. Give a big birthday kiss to Elke for me…and here’s one for you too (smack!) :) I knew that date would roll around at some point and no matter where you are in all of it, I am sure it is still painful when that day is usually one of celebration. I wish I had known. I’m sorry that we haven’t spoken in awhile – I’ll call you later on this aft.

Peace out everyone.

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…”

" 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"

Posted in Good Reads and Good See'ds, Political Powwow | 46 Comments »

Dirty, Sexy Money

Posted by Michelle Moquin on 19th May 2009

This ad is so creative and brilliant. Recognize the characters? What does it say to you? (Click here to find out who and how they did it.)

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…”

" 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"

Posted in Entertainment & Laughter, Good Reads and Good See'ds, Love, Sex & Relationships, Political Powwow | 28 Comments »

« Previous Entries

Next Entries »

Michelle Moquin's "A day in the life of…"

Creative Discussions, Inspiring Thoughts, Fun Adventures, Love & Laughter, Peaceful Travel, Hip Fashions, Cool People, Gastronomic Pleasures, Exotic Indulgences, Groovy Music, and more!

Hello!

Copyright Protected

Let Michelle Style YOU!

© Copyright 2008-2023

In Pursuit Of…

Madaline Speaks

Contact Your Representatives and Senators Here!

On The Issues

Don’t Believe The Lies – Get The Facts

Who’s Paying Who?

Blog Rules of Conduct

*********

Meta

Looking For A Personal Stylist?

Recent Posts

Michelle’s E-mail:

Care To Twitter? Come Tweet Me!

Disclaimer: Adult Blog

Medical Disclaimer:

Legal Disclaimer:

Fair Use Notice Disclaimer

Archive for the 'Political Powwow' Category

Spread The Word. Facts About Sotomayor Need To Be Heard.

On Empathy – Sotomayor and Alito: Same Views, Different Reactions

Justice Sam Alito on empathy and judging

Credit Cards…’Love ‘Em And Then Hate ‘Em’

Have a fab day everyone!

Take Action: Prove Percentage Power Can Prevail

Was I not just talking about this the other day?

Dirty, Sexy Money