Good morning!

Well…I slept in late and so needed to. How is everyone doing on this beautiful Sunday morning? By the time I post this it will be after noon. Oh well.

For a few days I posted the wonderful things that have happened in 2013. I like to notice the positive things because it means progress.  Today...just noticing though…that there were some travesties in 2013 as well, (As if we didn’t notice!) that deserve some blog time too so that we can be more aware of what we need to do to make sure things like this don’t happen again.

Here’s the list from Think Progress. Some you may remember; some maybe not. All are travesties…Some are just more jaw-dropping and heart wrenching than others.

Ten Travesties Of Justice In 2013

Every year, stories emerge that serve as a reminder that the American system of justice means injustice for too many, with some receiving little or no punishment for egregious offenses, while others receive harsh or faulty punishment for much less. Here are some of the worst injustices of 2013:

1. An Alabama blogger is still sitting in a jail cell for exercising his First Amendment rights

Blogger Roger Shuler drew the ire of the powers that be when he continued to write about the alleged extramarital affair of a prominent lawyer rumored to be running for Congress. The lawyer and son of former Alabama governor Bob Riley, Robert Riley, Jr., won a temporary restraining order that prohibited Shuler from writing anything about Riley’s alleged extramarital affair and other related stories. The order itself was almost certainly a violation of First Amendment law. But Alabama officials took the dispute a step further when they pursued him for a traffic stop and arrested him for contempt. In spite of advocacy from the ACLU and others, Shuler has now been in a jail cell for two months for his journalism.

2. A teen spent three years in jail without a conviction or trial

Kalief Browder was a 16-year-old sophomore in high school walking home from a party in the Bronx when he was arrested on a tip that he robbed someone three weeks earlier. He was hauled off to Rikers Island, a prison known for punishing conditions and overuse of force, and was held because he couldn’t pay the $10,000 bail. Browder went to court on several occasions, but he was never scheduled for trial. After 33 months in jail, Browder said a judge offered freedom in exchange for a guilty plea, threatening that he could face 15 years in jail if convicted. He refused. Then one day, he was released with no explanation. While Browder was behind bars, he missed years of his childhood, and is now aiming to attain his GED. Browder spent a particularly long time behind bars before his trial, but the practice of holding those charged but not convicted who cannot afford bail for months is all-too-common. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the appeal last term of a Louisiana man who waited seven years behind bars without a trial because the state stalled in appointing him a lawyer.

3. A man who killed an escort for refusing sex was acquitted by a jury

On Christmas Eve, Ezekiel Gilbert hired escort Lenora Ivie Frago and gave her $150 as what he believed was a payment for sex. But when she didn’t deliver that, Gilbert shot her in the neck and she died several months later from critical injuries. A jury acquitted Gilbert after his lawyer argued that he was authorized to use deadly force under a Texas provision that goes even farther than Florida’s Stand Your Ground law in authorizing the use of deadly force to “retrieve stolen property at night.” As in any jury trial, we’ll never know if that’s the reasoning the jury accepted when it acquitted Gilbert. Regardless, he will not face any criminal penalty for the shooting.

4. A wealthy teen used the ‘Affluenza’ defense to skirt jail time for four deaths

After 16-year-old Ethan Couch took an intoxicated ride around town with his friends that ended with four deaths and several others critically injured, Couch pleaded guilty to intoxication homicide. But when his lawyer argued at trial that he was not capable of taking responsible for his own actions because of a condition known as “affluenza” that afflicts the very wealthy, the judge sentenced him to ten years’ probation in a plush Southern California rehabilitation facility, for which his parents would cover the $450,000 per year bill.

The travesty here is not that Couch was sentenced so lightly. He was a juvenile who, there is reason to believe, did not have good parental supervision and may be receptive to rehabilitation. What is alarming is that Couch was able to use his wealth to secure a lighter punishment for a crime that would have seen other Texas juveniles go to jail. Other juveniles sentenced by the same judge who presided over Couch’s case saw sentences of ten years for a single punch that killed a stranger and robberies at a Halloween party that led to one injury. And around the state, others sentenced for intoxicated manslaughter have seen sentences of 15 years and five years in prison.

5. A man whose testimony was beaten out of him spent 30 years in prison before he was released last month

More than a decade ago, a special prosecutor undertook an investigation that revealed a longtime Chicago Police Department detective and commander had routinely tortured black men to coerce them into confessions or false testimony. Some of the convictions were reversed. A few others were pardoned by then-Governor Ryan. And Jon Graham Burge was convicted on related perjury charges and sent to jail.

But Burge’s misconduct is still taking its toll on many of the 148 people who claimed abuse Just last month, a man who spent more than 30 years in jail was released after Judge Richard Walsh found that officers had lied about beating Stanley Wrice with a flashlight and a 20-inch piece of rubber, and about imposing similar treatment on a witness in Wrice’s case to elicit false testimony against him. Even as the emergence of DNA evidence has exposed the frequency of wrongful convictions, justice comes slowly or not at all for those who have already been convicted, including those who sat on death row.

6. Top Enron fraudster will spend less time in prison than a father who sold his own pain pills

John Horner had no record of drug-dealing when he was sentenced to a 25-year mandatory minimum prison term for selling some of his own pain pills to an undercover informant who befriended him and told him he could not afford both his rent and his prescription medication. Horner, a fast-food restaurant worker and a father, had been prescribed the pain medication because of an injury in which he lost an eye, according to a BBC report. If, as expected, he serves all 25 years, Horner will be 72 when he is released, and he will have spent more time in prison than the former Enron CEO who was convicted in one of the largest corporate fraud schemes in modern history. While Jeffrey Skilling used his expensive legal claims as leverage to reach a deal to serve as little 14 years, Horner is one of thousands of drug offenders serving draconian mandatory minimum sentences that far exceed this. There are now more than 3,000 inmatesserving life without parole sentences for nonviolent offenses, mostly drugs.

7. College quarterback escapes any charges in rape case

In November 2012, a female student at Florida State University accused FSU quarterback Jameis Winston of sexual assault. Instead of taking the case seriously, however, Tallahasee police conducted a flawed and mismanaged investigation, even warning the victim’s attorney that “that Tallahassee was a big football town and the victim needs to think long and hard before proceeding against (Winston).” The state attorney’s office then conducted an investigation that centered more on the victim than on the suspect, according to the victim’s attorney, resulting in a “complete failure of a rape investigation.” The state ultimately decided not to bring charges against Winston, and we’ll never know for sure whether he’s innocent or guilty because no one took the case seriously enough to find out.

8. A black man remains on death row after testimony that blacks are more dangerous

Duane Buck is sitting on death row for a sentence that came after a psychologist testified that blacks are more likely to commit crimes. In 2000, when the psychologist’s comments were first reported, then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn declared that the state would not stand in the way of a new sentencing. But while Duane Buck has since averted execution, Texas courts have denied several motions to reconsider his case, and an appeals court ruled once again in November that he could not be resentenced.

9. George Zimmerman acquitted

Few injustices garnered as much attention and outrage as the public trial and acquittal of George Zimmerman for shooting to death 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. It was as much an outrage for the outcome as for the tragedy it represents: The shooting of a young black unarmed teen, and an American legal system and culture that supports it. While Zimmerman ultimately opted not to seek immunity from trial under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, it nonetheless played a crucial role at several stages of the case: First, in prosecutors’ decision to delay charging Zimmerman, and later, as a key element of the instructions jurors relied on in making their decisions. Several jurors who spoke about their deliberations to the media described how those jury instructions shaped their decision-making.

Zimmerman has since been accused of domestic violence in several incidents involving guns. But each time, the victims later retracted their stories. And with no adjudication against him, there is nothing stopping Zimmerman from carrying his guns.

10. Shooters around the country granted immunity for causing death

A South Carolina man who shot and killed an innocent 17-year-old sitting in his car across the street. An Alabama woman who shot her ex-boyfriend’s step-son as he walked up her driveway. A Florida man who killed an acquaintance after he threatened to beat him up. Each of these defendants was granted immunity under the state Stand Your Ground laws that gained notoriety after the death of Trayvon Martin, while others like Marissa Alexander were serving 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot in self-defense (before a judge released her pending a new trial.) Yet even in Florida, the legislature has continued to reject any moves to roll back the law, and is instead advancing a bill to expand it.

*****

Sigh…and quite a few are cases of just-us justice.

Howie: Thanks for answering my question. That makes perfect sense. I have something else I want to ask you but it is late. I will bring it up later on.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Peace out. 

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

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

Good morning!

Since we are days away from the new year, I am reading more writes that are focusing on the good things that have happened around the country. The past two days it was about women’s health heros. Today the focus is on LGBTs. And I am so happy to also feature these good happenings in 2013. There were a few drawbacks but most of the news was good news.

Here’s the write that caught my eye:

2013: An Historic Year For LGBT Progress

2013 will no doubt be remembered as a truly historic year for LGBT equality. Both in terms of visibility and access to government services, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any other label under the queer community’s umbrella saw a huge expansion of their freedoms and protection under the law. Here’s a look back at some of this year’s many milestones:

The End Of Marriage’s “Defense”

No victory was as monumental as the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor. In an instant, all same-sex couples in the country had their marriages upgraded, allowing them to claim federal benefits even if they live in states that still do not recognize their unions as valid. Though various departments are still working out the kinks, benefits such as filing taxes jointly, claiming a spouse for immigration purposes, Social Security spousal benefits, and other protections are available to married same-sex couples for the first time.

The decision has already had ripple effects. Though it did not automatically establish marriage equality throughout the entire country, Windsor certainly set the stage for that eventuality. Indeed, 2013 is ending on a cliffhanger , with landmark decisions in both Utah and Ohio taking the next legal steps toward nationwide marriage equality. In a narrow ruling Monday, Judge Timothy Black declared that Ohio must recognize same-sex marriages solemnized in other states for the purposes of death certificates just as it does other marriages that would not have been valid if performed in Ohio. In a broader decision Friday, Judge Robert Shelby declared Utah’s law and constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional, opening a window for same-sex couples to begin marrying, at least until the Tenth Circuit imposes a stay on the decision. Both cases directly citedWindsor, and with multiple lawsuits advancing in other states, one is bound to arrive back at the Supreme Court sometime soon.

Windsor also had significant political implications outside the courtroom. As the Supreme Court was mulling their decision, many Senate Democrats spoke out for marriage equality for the first time ever. In fact, there is actually now a 54-vote majority in the Senate in favor of allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.

At the center of the case, of course, was Edie Windsor, whose poignant story, loveable personality, and fierce determination led to the victory that will forever bear her name. A rightful finalist for Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, Edie Windsor has secured a monumental place in the history of LGBT equality.

The United States Of Marriage Equality

While significant advances were taking place at the national level, a cascade of marriage equality was also unfolding across the country, with the number of states welcoming same-sex couples to marry nearly doubling.

The year began with marriage equality taking effect in Maine (technically December 29, 2012) and Maryland, both of which successfully approved of their laws through a 2012 referendum, along with Washington. From there, legislatures and courts in eight more states would legalize same-sex marriage before the year was out:

• Though the Colorado constitution prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriage, that didn’t stop the state from finally advancing civil unions instead. Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed the bill on March 22, and it took effect May 1.
• Putting an end to its unsuccessful watered-down civil unions, the Rhode Island legislature finalized its marriage equality legislation on May 2.
• Delaware followed suit with the same upgrade just days later, becoming the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage on May 7. During the debate, Sen. Karen Peterson (D) came out publicly for the first time and declared, “If my happiness somehow demeans or diminishes your marriage, you need to work on your marriage.”
• 2012 had been a significant year in Minnesota, with voters not only defeating a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, but also electing a Democratic majority to the legislature. Lawmakers took advantage of the new legal landscape and passed marriage equality on May 13, and Gov. Mark Dayton (DFL) signed it into law a day later.
• After DOMA was overturned, it became quite clear that New Jersey was no longer providing equality to same-sex couples with civil unions. In September, a state judge agreed, declaring that New Jersey was “harming same-sex couples” by not allowing them to marry. The state Supreme Court opted not to intervene, and marriages began taking place on October 21.
• Though opponents waged what some called a “citizens’ filibuster” by testifying for days on end, and despite an openly gay legislator voting against her own rights for the first time on record, marriage equality prevailed in the Hawaii legislature. After an epic-long debate and many frivolous amendments, the House finalized passage of the bill on November 9, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) signed it into law on November 13.
• Some had been discouraged that the Illinois legislature failed to take up a vote on marriage equality before recessing in June, but they made up for it during a special session in November. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed the bill into law on November 20, and it’ll take effect June 1, 2014. In the meantime, several same-sex couples who are facing terminal illness have been grantedpermission to marry ahead of time.
• New Mexico, unlike any other state, had never stipulated whether same-sex marriages were banned or legal. As of September, eight counties in the state were offering licenses while the rest were not. On December 19, the New Mexico Supreme Court weighed in on the question and ruled that the LGBT community is entitled to equal protection under the law, establishing it as the 17th marriage equality state.
• As noted above, the year ended with significant court victories in Ohio and Utah. Couples cannot yet marry in Ohio, and the window may soon close in Utah if the Tenth Circuit imposes a stay. Both rulings lay the groundwork for future victories across the country.

Only four states remain that do not have constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage: Indiana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The other 29 states have such amendments, meaning only the federal courts or a new amendment could change the law. Oregon is pursuing such a referendum in 2014, and Ohio may as well. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Indiana are hoping to pass an amendment banning same-sex marriage, which could make it the last state ever to do so. Lawsuits advancing in most of the remaining states could create a situation similar to Utah, with judges in Michigan and Pennsylvania set to hear arguments in the new year, but ultimately, the Supreme Court will have to weigh in again before there is marriage equality in all 50 states.

A Transition To Less Discrimination

Though marriage stole the spotlight, 2013 also offered many important developments for protecting LGBT people from other forms of discrimination, including some policies that had never been seen before.

For the first time in the legislation’s 20-year history, the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in an historic 64-32 vote in early November. Unfortunately, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) refuses to allow a vote in the House because he believes the bill isn’t necessary. In reality, it remains legal for people to be fired for their sexual orientation in 29 states and for their gender identity in 34 states. The new movement on ENDA has helped others appreciate this reality, including Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R).

There were previously 35 states where it was legal to fire transgender people for their identities, but Delaware stepped up and narrowed that gap this year. In Delaware, it is now illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public works, contracting, and insurance. Expressing his support for the bill, Gov. Jack Markell (D) hoped to create a Delaware that is a “safe and welcoming state for all to live, work, and raise a family.”

Groundbreaking new protections for transgender people also expanded in California through a new law that ensures transgender students have equal access to school facilities and activities. Conservatives have responded with a referendum effort to overturn the law and a media campaign to vilify transgender students. Even if a referendum delays (or prevents) the bill’s implementation, trans students have also found protection through the courts, such as Damian Garcia in California and Coy Mathis in Colorado.

Young people also got a boost in the form of laws that prevent minors from being subjected to ex-gay therapy. California’s law, which passed in 2012, was upheld in court, and New Jersey passed its own law, which has also been upheld in court. Though profiteers of the harmful, ineffective treatment continue to advocate on its behalf, a new survey of ex-gay survivors revealed this year that 92 percent experienced harm, and many were guilted into the therapy by friends, family, or their community.

Discrimination against LGBT people very much still occurs, and 2013 provided numerous examples — the most visible being bakeries and other artisans refusing to provide services to same-sex couples in relation to a a commitment ceremony. In many of these cases, marriage equality is not even legal in the state, but the refusal of service is still a violation of the state’s nondiscrimination laws. A bakery in Oregon, for example, refused to bake a cake for a same-sex couple’s wedding, while a florist in Washington refused to provide flowers. Despite conservatives’ claims that “religious liberty” is at stake, the courts have been ruling in favor of protecting LGBT people. Most notably, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a photographer broke the law when she refused to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony, and a Colorado judge similarly ruled against a baker that did not want his cakes used to celebrate a same-sex marriage. There are more tests to come, but justice seems to be favoring equal treatment throughout society.

Steps Forward And Backward Abroad

Internationally, there was incredible progress for LGBT equality as well, though there were also some setbacks.

Several countries legalized same-sex marriage, including Uruguay, France, New Zealand, Brazil, and theUnited Kingdom. When the law takes effect in England and Wales in 2014, it will bring the total to 16 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry. The fight in France this year was particularly hostile, with anti-gay groups — encouraged by U.S. groups — rioting in the streets. Some members of Parliament even received death threats, but ultimately, equality prevailed.

Other countries took steps to better respect and recognize people who are transgender. Both Swedenand The Netherlands updated their laws so that trans people no longer have to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) in order to obtain legal recognition as their identified gender. This was a significant step for Sweden, which has an infamous history of forcing sterilization upon citizens during the middle of the 20th Century. Given that SRS comes at the price of one’s reproductive ability, the new law ended the requirement that trans people be sterilized in order to finally be recognized as full citizens.

LGBT equality was under watch by European Courts as well. The European Court of Justice ruled that gays and lesbians who live in African countries with laws that punish homosexuality may seek legal asylum in Europe. It also asserted that same-sex couples in civil partnerships deserve the same benefitsas married couples, ensuring that international contracts don’t cause some couples to be treated differently. Similar to the rulings in the United States, the European Court of Human Rights found thatreligion does not justify discrimination against the LGBT community, a sentiment also expressed this year by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

But internationally, there were also some setbacks. The people of Croatia voted to ban same-sex marriage in their constitution, though lawmakers may now consider civil unions. India’s Supreme Courtreinstated a colonial-era law criminalizing same-sex relations, a decision the government hopes the Court will review. And both Uganda and Nigeria have passed bills criminalizing homosexuality and imposing extreme punishments.

And of course, there was Russia, which took multiple steps to roll back civil rights for LGBT people — and it isn’t done yet. One of its most draconian actions was passing a law censoring anything that could be considered “gay propaganda” — imposing a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” invisibility upon the country’s entire LGBT community. With the help of anti-gay influence from the U.S., Russia also passed a law prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by couples living in countries with marriage equality. As a result of this and other restrictions, Italy is now the only country in the world where families can adopt Russian children. Two other bills have been proposed that will be debated in 2014, one that would disqualify gay and lesbian individuals from being granted custody of their own children and one that would ban same-sex surrogacy. One lawmaker actually said that he believes children are better off in an orphanage than being raised by a gay parent.

On a more hopeful note, Russia’s efforts to stigmatize and silence its LGBT community have provoked a global conversation about LGBT issues because of the impending Olympic Games in Sochi. Some world leaders are openly boycotting the Games because of Russia’s poor human rights record, and President Obama is sending a delegation with several openly gay athletes that will force visibility to the issue. Though Russia may symbolize the antithesis of the U.S.’s momentum toward LGBT equality, the international awareness raised by the Winter Games could result in a net positive worldwide.

Coming Out On The Court

Coming out of the closet is a phenomenon not likely to go away anytime soon, and 2013 had a number of notable coming out moments, including various lawmakers, high school students, and of course, celebrities. But this year will no doubt be most remembered for the incredible new visibility for LGBT people in athletics. In fact, Outsports has already declared 2013 “the year of the out athlete.”

Robbie Rogers told a poignant story about the way he had to hide his identity, then returned to the soccer field with the Los Angeles Galaxy to become the first openly gay male to play on a professional American team sports.

Jason Collins became the first player in one of the four major American professional sports leagues to utter the words, “I’m gay.” No team in the NBA has signed him this year, but his visibility has nevertheless made a lasting impact on the culture of the league.

Brittney Griner’s coming out was not only a monumental moment for the WNBA, but also an illuminating look at the homophobia still present in college athletics. Griner shared how conservative Baylor University allowed her to play, but urged her to keep her identity secret.

Olympic athletes have also helped create LGBT visibility in the world of athletics, including snowboarderBelle Brockhoff, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis, and of course, diver Tom Daley. Some individuals without worldwide notoriety made an important impact as well, like Gabrielle Ludwig, a transgender college basketball player, and transgender high school coach Stephen Alexander, both of whom helped pave the way for other gender nonconforming individuals to find a place in athletic competition.

These stories have by no means erased homophobia in sports, but 2013 has at least significantly dented it. With new programs underway like the NFL’s new partnership with the You Can Play Project, that momentum is sure to continue in the years to come.

*****

Readers: Do you think any of this would have happened under the leadership of a different president or under a dominant republican power? Maybe some, but not like this Historic year. Thank you president Obama and all of those in support of LGBT rights!

What stands out for you in this past year? Blog me.

Happy Sunday!

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 :)

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

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

Good morning!

So nice to see some comments! I was wondering if I was going to be all alone in blogsville. :)

Thank you for all the delightful Christmas wishes. I had a wonderful time and I plan on these good feelings continuing through the new year and beyond. I feel so blessed and grateful for so much. I HOPE  that you do too, and that your Christmas was abundant and beautiful with your family and friends as well!

Now…onto today’s write…

Obamacare Sign Ups Soar Just Before Deadline, As Record 2 Million Visit Healthcare.gov

Tuesday was the extended deadline to sign up through the Obamacare exchanges in order to be enrolled for health coverage starting January 1. The day before, Healthcare.gov saw record traffic of 2 million people visiting the site and more than 250,000 phone calls over the course of the day.

Despite the Tuesday deadline, the administration said it will continue to work this week with people who had difficulty getting through the website.

“Our highest priority is making sure that everyone who wants to enroll to have health care coverage by Jan. 1 is able to do so, particularly since consumers had a hard time accessing HealthCare.gov in October and November,” administration spokesperson Julie Bataille said. Starting Thursday, “Consumers who tried to enroll prior to today and had problems with the system should contact the Marketplace call center for individual assistance.” A spokesperson earlier compared the extension to standing in line to vote when the polls close: “You still get to vote.”

CNN Money reports that federal and state exchanges all saw a surge of interest at the last minute: More than 6,700 people in Connecticut signed up Monday, while New York saw nearly 20,000 and California 27,000 in a single day. Several states, including Massachusetts, Oregon, and Maryland, have chosen to extend their deadlines for the state-run exchanges to the end of the month.

As the administration resolved the technical problems that plagued the initial rollout, enrollment steadily gained steam. President Obama announced last Friday, more than 1 million people had signed up for private coverage through the exchanges, up from 365,000 before November 30.

*****

Readers: Health and Politics were light discussions at our Christmas table this holiday. Although my relatives are Dems sometimes their viewpoints aren’t totally accurate. I was prepared. Some were concerned about the next presidential election. “Whoa…wait a minute…let’s not think that far ahead, we still have the midterms first and let’s not make a repeat of the last midterms.” Thankfully it was all very civil as I had expected.

So…What did you chat about around the dinner table? Blog me.

Melissa, Jessica, Luiza, Raquel: Thank you. Each of your requests are noted.

Peace out.

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

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

Good morning!

I love finding interesting tidbits of info. This one from Upworthy came across my plate recently.

“Just noticing…”

A Science Icon Died 17 Years Ago. In His Last Interview, He Made A Warning That Gives Me Goosebumps.

 *****

Readers: I thought this would inspire a bit of banter on this beautiful Sunday morning. :) If so, blog me.

Happy Sunday! 

xox

Prism Princess: I HOPE that you got to be with your Love on His special birthday.

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 :)

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

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

Good morning!

We have less than 2 weeks until the new year. Is it too early to post “a final look?’ The Progress report doesn’t think so, nor do I.  So, here it is:

Why Aren’t More People Talking About This?

A Final Look at 2013

This is the last Progress Report before we go on vacation for the holidays and we wanted to wrap up our look back at 2013. In particular, we wanted to bring you some really important stories that most people aren’t talking about.

ThinkProgress’ Judd Legum rounded up 9 big under-the-radar stories we think you should know more about. Check them out and spread the word:

1. Human rights abuses in North Korean prisons reached a level not seen since the Nazi atrocities.

A new report from the U.N. released in January found that hundreds of thousands of North Koreans are being subjected to historic human right abuses. Michael Kirby, a retired Australian judge who took the lead in creating the report, told BBC News “They had to live on rodents, grasshoppers, lizards and on grass and they were subject to cruelty, All in all it is a very horrifying story, the like of which I don’t think I’ve seen or read of since the Khmer Rouge [in Cambodia] and the Nazi atrocities during the second world war.” A former camp inmate “told investigators that he was lucky when a warden ordered the tip of his finger chopped off for damaging a piece of sewing equipment used to carry out forced labor — he could easily have been executed for the transgression.

2. The Tea Party became a major advocate for solar energy.

In Georgia, the Tea Party has teamed up with clean energy advocatesto bring more solar energy to the state, over the objections of utility giant Southern Co. Tea Party advocates are motivated not by reducing carbon emissions but by adding more competition to the energy market and reducing prices. Still, the atypical coalition could be a game-changer as renewable producers seek access to energy markets.

3. American cities criminalized homelessness.

In South Carolina, Columbia City passed an ordinance “to remove homeless people from the downtown business district.” Police officers are now specially assigned to patrol the downtown area and a hotline was set up “so local businesses and residents can report the presence of a homeless person to police.” In Los Angeles, Harrisburg, and Raleigh authorities cracked down on good samaritans providing food to the homeless in public. New York, Palo Alto, Tampa andMiami have focused on criminalizing sleeping in public. Overall, these efforts make it next to impossible for the homeless — a population of about 600,000 in America — to get back on their feet.

4. Thousands of people who worked their entire lives had their pensions stolen.

In Illinois and Michigan, thousands of working Americans had their promised pensions stolen from them, despite guarantees in their states’ constitutions that protected their benefits. Those impacted include “retirees who worked their careers as sanitation engineers and teachers, firefighters and police officers, public defenders and city clerks” — many of whom will now be thrown into poverty. As these two Midwest states appear to be getting away with it, many other localities may follow suit.

5. More people died in America from suicide than car accidents.

While mass shootings frequently land on the front page, many more people die of suicide each year. Data released in this year, covering 2010, found that for the first time more people died from suicide (38,364) than car crashes (33,687). While suicide is frequently associated with teenagers and the elderly, the growth has been fueled by “middle-aged Americans.” Experts speculate the rise might be attributable to middle-aged people “coping with the stress of caring for aging parents while still providing financial and emotional support to adult children.”

6. The oceans changed dramatically, transforming into an acidic stew inhospitable to marine life.

Much of the conversation about climate change focuses on rising temperatures. But carbon dioxide emissions is rapidly making the oceans inhospitable for marine life. Why? According to studies “the ocean absorbs about 30 to 40 percent of the atmosphere’s excess carbon, causing its pH to drop.” These acidity levels can corrode the shells of crustaceans, and have lead to an explosion in jelly fish populations. One Oregon fisherman reported, “Sometimes we’ll catch 4,000 or 5,000 pounds of jellyfish.” Another fisherman said that “he saw baby octopuses climbing up his crab line to escape the water. When he pulled up his crab trap, all the crabs were dead.”

7. The Supreme Court green-lighted the execution of people with severe mental disabilities.

In August, the State of Florida executed John Errol Ferguson, “a paranoid schizophrenic man who believes that he is the ‘Prince of God’ and that his execution is preparing him for ‘ascension.’” The Supreme Court has ruled that people with extreme mental disabilities are not constitutionally eligible for execution, but declined to intervene in Ferguson’s case and other cases like his. Last yeah, Texas executed Marvin Wilson, a man with an IQ of 61.

8. Vaccine conspiracy theories created localized epidemics of deadly, previously eradicated diseases.

In one Texas town a measles outbreak was traced to a mega-church pastor who preached against vaccines. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, more 1,200 people contracted Measles. The outbreak was traced to “the country’s extensive Bible Belt where the majority of fundamentalist Protestants do not believe in having their children vaccinated.”

9. Cities and counties sought to boost their economy by attracting undocumented immigrants.

Much recent coverage has focused on states like Arizona and Alabama that have sought to make their states as inhospitable as possible to undocumented immigrants — with disastrous consequences. But other cities and counties have taken the opposite approach in an effort to boost their local economies, bucking federal guidlines and welcoming the undocumented. In Dayton, Ohio officials “make no effort to pursue residents without legal status, if they are otherwise law-abiding.” In Philadelphia, members of the city council are encouraging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stop detaining undocumented immigrants that aren’t dangerous. Meanwhile, Newark Police announced they would “decline immigration detainers issued to the department”by ICE.

Thank you for reading and helping to advance a progressive vision for America that seeks to improve the lives of all Americans, not just the  privlieged[sic] few. We look forward to your help keeping up the fight in 2014.

Have a happy holiday season!

*****

Readers: Thoughts? Any end of the year stories you think should be included? The blog is open.

I am so behind in my reading of the comments, I am not even going to try and catch up. I did a quick perusal and I see that Social Butterfly posted a write that got quite a few responses. Thank you /SB for engaging the readers on such an important topic that has hit home for many.  I agree with you, these atrocities need to be heard so that people who are affected or who have similar stories feel that they are heard too…that they too have a voice.

Speaking of voices…I think there are just as many people on my blog who commented and are not fans of Rachel Maddow as there were in the comment section where the article was originally posted. Where did you all come from? I’m going to hang with Helen: I know I’m repeating myself but I can’t help it. Yeah…where did they all come from? You stated it beautifully. And I had to chuckle at Rachel’s comment. Thanks for sharing. I am not familiar with that quote from her, but it is fitting isn’t it?

And, Mike, TM: You nailed it too.

Happy Friday! Peace & Love.

Blog me.

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" 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"