The 10 Most Dangerous Meds Driving America's Pill Crisis: "More Americans now die from prescription pills than car accidents. The nation's response to the trend will define an era, but corporate influence threatens reform.
For the first time in nearly a century, automobile accidents are no longer the nation’s leading cause of accidental deaths, according to a major report released Tuesday by the National Center for Health Statistics. The new number one killer is drugs—not smack, crystal meth or any other stepped-on menace sold in urban alleyways or trailer parks, but bright, shiny pills prescribed by doctors, approved by the government, manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and sold to the consumer as “medicine.” Yet of the billions of legit pills Americans pop every year for medical conditions serious and otherwise, the vast majority of lives are claimed by only a select few classes—painkillers, sedatives and stimulants—that all share a common characteristic: they promote abuse, dependence and addiction...."
Friday, December 30, 2011
Verizon Convenience Fee: Customers To Be Charged $2 For Paying Bill Online Via Credit Card
Verizon Convenience Fee: Customers To Be Charged $2 For Paying Bill Online Via Credit Card: "In a move that is sure to upset some customers, Verizon has announced on its website that it will start charging a $2 convenience fee "for customers who make single bill payments online or by telephone."
The $2 fee will apply to those who pay with credit or debit cards on a per-statement basis, either through the company's website or by telephone, and the company says that the fee is designed to offset the cost that credit card companies charge Verizon for processing payments....."
Fuck you Verizon!
The $2 fee will apply to those who pay with credit or debit cards on a per-statement basis, either through the company's website or by telephone, and the company says that the fee is designed to offset the cost that credit card companies charge Verizon for processing payments....."
Fuck you Verizon!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Why We Must Put Our Bodies on the Line to Fight Against the Right-Wing War on Women's Rights
Why We Must Put Our Bodies on the Line to Fight Against the Right-Wing War on Women's Rights: "Is it time for a reproductive rights revolution? We've done it before; the climate may be right again for occupations and actions to save our bodies from state control.
In case you haven’t noticed, pro-choicers are getting pissed off.
In the halls of power, we’re not making progress. As Sarah Jaffe discussed earlier this month, in the wake of the Plan B disaster there’s an escalating sense that all the hard work abortion-rights supporters do making donations, phone calls and signing petitions hasn’t convinced most Democratic lawmakers not to use women as a bargaining chip.
Despite some modest gains, overall there’s a steady chipping away of abortion rights and access to contraception, no matter who’s in office or what he or she pledges to do...."
In case you haven’t noticed, pro-choicers are getting pissed off.
In the halls of power, we’re not making progress. As Sarah Jaffe discussed earlier this month, in the wake of the Plan B disaster there’s an escalating sense that all the hard work abortion-rights supporters do making donations, phone calls and signing petitions hasn’t convinced most Democratic lawmakers not to use women as a bargaining chip.
Despite some modest gains, overall there’s a steady chipping away of abortion rights and access to contraception, no matter who’s in office or what he or she pledges to do...."
Women In The Bible
Women In The Bible: "God doesn't hate women, the Bible does. But you can expect that, since it was written entirely by biased, macho men who proclaimed they were given the authority and were inspired by God. What can be more evident of this than the constant contradictions, bickering, arguing and debating in regards to it? "Matter of interpretation", "that's your opinion," "where's that in the Bible?", "we know the truth", "Sunday is a pagan day," "Saturday is the real sabbath", etc, etc. Since God is not supposed to be the author of confusion, does it make sense he would inspire men to write such a book filled with hate, killings, torture, rape, incest, religious wars, cannibalism, polygamy, wholesale slaughter, etc in His name?
It is ironic when one places his or her hand on the Bible and swears to solemnly tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God in a court of law that is sworn to uphold the law. You are legally required to swear by a book that is full of every broken law known to man and woman. It is an affront to the Almighty.
A woman should ask her minister, did God ever "inspire" a member of her sex with assistance in writing the Bible? Why are women put down so much in the Bible? Why are they scorned, rebuked, ridiculed, servile, and told to be quiet in church?..."
I actually asked a pastor before why God wasn't a woman or the Holy Spirit. It didn't go well...
It is ironic when one places his or her hand on the Bible and swears to solemnly tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God in a court of law that is sworn to uphold the law. You are legally required to swear by a book that is full of every broken law known to man and woman. It is an affront to the Almighty.
A woman should ask her minister, did God ever "inspire" a member of her sex with assistance in writing the Bible? Why are women put down so much in the Bible? Why are they scorned, rebuked, ridiculed, servile, and told to be quiet in church?..."
I actually asked a pastor before why God wasn't a woman or the Holy Spirit. It didn't go well...
2011 Ends With The Republican War On Women Still Going Strong
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The GOP’s 10 Most Extreme Attacks On A Woman’s Right To Choose An Abortion
The GOP’s 10 Most Extreme Attacks On A Woman’s Right To Choose An Abortion: "2011 marked a banner year in the Republican war on woman’s health. Close to 1,000 anti-abortion bills sped through state legislatures as the GOP-led House led a “comprehensive and radical assault” on a federal level. But in surveying their arsenal this year, 10 bills stood out as particularly perturbing and far-reaching efforts to stymie women’s access to abortion services, birth control, and vital health services like breast cancer screenings. Here are ThinkProgress’s nominations for the most extreme attacks on a woman’s right to choose..."
Motivated In Ohio: Stamp of Disapproval--Motivated in Ohio
Motivated In Ohio: Stamp of Disapproval--Motivated in Ohio: Cross posted from The Book of Cletis Note from Cletis: The Post Office is in the news again and this is a good time to reprint this e...
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Giving Season: Why the 99% Are Actually More Philanthropic Than the 1%
The Giving Season: Why the 99% Are Actually More Philanthropic Than the 1%: "This is the giving season and we Americans are prodigious givers. Nearly two thirds of us donate to charities each year. This year we will send more than $225 billion to charities. More than a quarter of this giving will occur in December.
Those are the bare facts. But this year, when the stark divide between the 1% and the 99% has begun to inform our thinking and our approach, it might be instructive to examine the world of giving through that lens...."
Those are the bare facts. But this year, when the stark divide between the 1% and the 99% has begun to inform our thinking and our approach, it might be instructive to examine the world of giving through that lens...."
As We Get Caught Up In Christmas Remember the 1 in 2 Americans In Poverty
As We Get Caught Up In Christmas Remember the 1 in 2 Americans In Poverty: "There is a magical transformation that happens every year during the holiday season that begins with beautiful lights, decorated Christmas trees, and songs of joy and good cheer. The worldwide Christmas phenomenon is firmly entrenched in Americans’ psyches and for many folks, it is the time to be generous and cheerful towards family, friends, and co-workers. For Christians, it is the time to celebrate the birth of their religion’s namesake, but the actions of some Christians throughout the year belie Christ’s teachings.
It is easy for those who are able to afford all the holiday trappings to forget or ignore that one-in-two Americans are at or near the poverty level, or that 1.6 million more are homeless. There are, of course, several people to blame for increased poverty and growing number of American children going to bed hungry or suffering from food anxiety, but instead of listing each person responsible for the plight of the poor, the list can be summed up in three letters; GOP. This is not an indictment of just Republicans in Congress and statehouses across the country, but a condemnation of every single American who voted for Republicans or teabaggers who mercilessly cut funding for safety nets, senior’s healthcare, and every other program Christ would support without hesitation...."
It is easy for those who are able to afford all the holiday trappings to forget or ignore that one-in-two Americans are at or near the poverty level, or that 1.6 million more are homeless. There are, of course, several people to blame for increased poverty and growing number of American children going to bed hungry or suffering from food anxiety, but instead of listing each person responsible for the plight of the poor, the list can be summed up in three letters; GOP. This is not an indictment of just Republicans in Congress and statehouses across the country, but a condemnation of every single American who voted for Republicans or teabaggers who mercilessly cut funding for safety nets, senior’s healthcare, and every other program Christ would support without hesitation...."
Pell Grants Cut By Republicans In Budget Deal
I know a lot of people who are going to be affected by this :(
The Surprising Truth: Christians Once Banned Christmas
The Surprising Truth: Christians Once Banned Christmas: "It may seem like Christmas has always been celebrated in the United States, but that's not the case. In fact, the joyous religious holiday was actually banned in America for several decades – by Christians themselves.
The original war on Christmas was waged during the sixteenth and seventeenth century by Puritans, or Protestant Christians who believed that people needed strict rules to be religious and that any kind of merrymaking was sinful...."
The original war on Christmas was waged during the sixteenth and seventeenth century by Puritans, or Protestant Christians who believed that people needed strict rules to be religious and that any kind of merrymaking was sinful...."
Sunday, December 25, 2011
His Favorite Christmas Story- Capital Lights
Heard this song on the radio today while me and my boyfriend were driving to our various family events. We both got a little teary eyed, and I'm sure you will too.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Motivated In Ohio: Let's drug test the Banksters and Congress--Motiva...
Motivated In Ohio: Let's drug test the Banksters and Congress--Motiva...: Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry want to drug test people who are down on their luck. In other words, they want every person who has lost thei...
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Woe Unto Me
At this point in this holiday season, I'm pretty tired of hearing Christians belly ache about being 'discriminated' against over Christmas. They discriminate against a lot of different types of people, year around. It's about time they had a taste of their own medicine. Especially when they don't realize what they do to other people is discrimination. And I'd like to point out that Christianity isn't the only religion in this country who gets discriminated against. Christians don't have it as badly as others first of all. Islam has it the worst. There were many pieces of legislation this year that discriminated against them because of Sharia law, even though Jews have Mosaic law. Both of which are very similar. I believe even a few pieces of legislation said that only certain sizes of groups of Muslims were aloud to meet together on the streets. Now that, is some hardcore discrimination. Apparently they forgot about the Civil Rights Movement.
If Christians what to have their nativity scenes, that's fine with me. But I think that they should stay off of public property. And if they want it on public property so badly, then they should have every other major religion on display too. But I really feel that none of them should be displayed on public property. We have separation of Church and State for a reason and it seems that this line has become quite blurred. This country was founded on freedom of religion so that people would be free from religious persecution and that is not what is happening today. As this year has gone on, it's become more apparent how many types of people are discriminated by Christians: Women, Muslims, Gays and countless others. Christians sit there and bitch about being discriminated against when it comes to Christmas but I feel like they brought it upon themselves.
It's Christians who sit there and tell people who they should act, think, live, breathe and feel about all sorts of things. While they themselves don't always live up to their talk. No one likes to be told these things or have them shoved down their throat. It would be really nice if they got this concept and just stopped doing it. I've never had any other religion try and do this to me. Ever. Only Christians have done it to me and it's why I don't like going to church anymore.
If they want to have people stop discriminating against them, then they need to stop discriminating against other people. I don't think that it would take care of all of the discrimination problems. That will always be around no matter what people do. But I do believe that it would be a huge step forward in helping to reduce how often it happens.
If Christians what to have their nativity scenes, that's fine with me. But I think that they should stay off of public property. And if they want it on public property so badly, then they should have every other major religion on display too. But I really feel that none of them should be displayed on public property. We have separation of Church and State for a reason and it seems that this line has become quite blurred. This country was founded on freedom of religion so that people would be free from religious persecution and that is not what is happening today. As this year has gone on, it's become more apparent how many types of people are discriminated by Christians: Women, Muslims, Gays and countless others. Christians sit there and bitch about being discriminated against when it comes to Christmas but I feel like they brought it upon themselves.
It's Christians who sit there and tell people who they should act, think, live, breathe and feel about all sorts of things. While they themselves don't always live up to their talk. No one likes to be told these things or have them shoved down their throat. It would be really nice if they got this concept and just stopped doing it. I've never had any other religion try and do this to me. Ever. Only Christians have done it to me and it's why I don't like going to church anymore.
If they want to have people stop discriminating against them, then they need to stop discriminating against other people. I don't think that it would take care of all of the discrimination problems. That will always be around no matter what people do. But I do believe that it would be a huge step forward in helping to reduce how often it happens.
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Christianity’s Unhealthy Obsession with Islam
Christianity’s Unhealthy Obsession with Islam: "Christianity has always had an institutional hard-on for Islam. The Christian fixation for Islam is nothing like its unhealthy obsession with Judaism. While Christianity’s relationship with Judaism is a bit of a sick fascination, a mixture of love, dependence and hate, its relationship with Islam has always been one of hate, never of love, and certainly never of dependence. Christianity depends on the Jewish Bible – a garbled translation of which stands in as the Christian Old Testament – but the Qur’an came later and has never been anything less than an abomination in Christian eyes. Judaism rejected Jesus but Islam embraces him and ironically, is hated for it. Jesus is savior for Islam as for Christianity, and will return, just as he will return for Christianity – but for Muslims he is not God...."
"I Cannot Eat Your Prayers": How Student Debt Changed One Woman's Mind on "Christian Charity"
"I Cannot Eat Your Prayers": How Student Debt Changed One Woman's Mind on "Christian Charity": "From an evangelical home to over $100,000 in student loans and healthcare debt, one writer faces the ways in which even progressive Christianity comes up short.
I’m going to tell you a story. It’s the story of a good girl from a quiet town who prayed, studied hard, said no to drugs, and otherwise did everything she was told—and then went on to become Sallie Mae’s bitch and lost just about everything. This story is mine.
I grew up in an evangelical home, and was an earnest “liberal-evangelical” into my early twenties. Now I think that my former religious faith—not unlike my faith in the U.S. higher education system—gave me a warped sense of optimism about the way the world works. I believed in faith-based platitudes, plus a few secular ones...."
I’m going to tell you a story. It’s the story of a good girl from a quiet town who prayed, studied hard, said no to drugs, and otherwise did everything she was told—and then went on to become Sallie Mae’s bitch and lost just about everything. This story is mine.
I grew up in an evangelical home, and was an earnest “liberal-evangelical” into my early twenties. Now I think that my former religious faith—not unlike my faith in the U.S. higher education system—gave me a warped sense of optimism about the way the world works. I believed in faith-based platitudes, plus a few secular ones...."
The 36 Rules of Life
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don’t worry about what people think, they don’t do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.
The Most Powerful Defense Of Teachers, Paramedics, And Police We've Seen Yet
This is pretty awesome!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Rogue Nation USA
Rogue Nation USA: "Which country refuses to sign international treaties and ignores UN resolutions while demanding that everyone else play by the rules? You guessed it.
Quick—no peeking. Who was the last American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
I try this in front of audiences, including quite "concerned," liberal ones, all the time. It's shocking to hear the enveloping silence that falls. All right—it was Jody Williams in conjunction with her organization, the International Campaign to Ban Land Mines. Now why is it that so few people know that? It's not as if the American press doesn't print prominent annual coverage of US Nobel laureates, and it's not as if the Peace Prize goes very often to an American citizen...."
Quick—no peeking. Who was the last American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
I try this in front of audiences, including quite "concerned," liberal ones, all the time. It's shocking to hear the enveloping silence that falls. All right—it was Jody Williams in conjunction with her organization, the International Campaign to Ban Land Mines. Now why is it that so few people know that? It's not as if the American press doesn't print prominent annual coverage of US Nobel laureates, and it's not as if the Peace Prize goes very often to an American citizen...."
Top 10 Ways Republicans Show They Hate Americans
Top 10 Ways Republicans Show They Hate Americans: "You often hear Republicans claim that President Obama and/or Democrats and/or Liberals, “Hate America!”
Here is a list of ways that Republicans showed us that while they claim to “Love America,” they seem to really hate Americans...."
Here is a list of ways that Republicans showed us that while they claim to “Love America,” they seem to really hate Americans...."
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf Mic Checked at NC State by Occupy on 11/30/11
I really think it's pretty stupid of the students to stand up and clap over what the protestors are trying to say. Students and home owners have been targeted by big banks for a long time. They just clapped in favor of someone who makes more in one year than they will in their entire lifetime. Someone who's taken people out of their homes. And someone who charges insane interest rates for student loans.
The Defense Bill Passed. So What Does It Do?
So what exactly does the bill do? It says that the president has to hold a foreign Al Qaeda suspect captured on US soil in military detention—except it leaves enough procedural loopholes that someone like convicted underwear bomber and Nigerian citizen Umar Abdulmutallab could actually go from capture to trial without ever being held by the military. It does not, contrary to what many media outlets have reported, authorize the president to indefinitely detain without trial an American citizen suspected of terrorism who is captured in the US. A last minute compromise amendment adopted in the Senate, whose language was retained in the final bill, leaves it up to the courts to decide if the president has that power, should a future president try to exercise it. But if a future president does try to assert the authority to detain an American citizen without charge or trial, it won't be based on the authority in this bill...."
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Abortions, Murdering of Pregnant Women & Miscarriages in the Bible Carried Out Or Prayed For In The Name Of God
The abortion debate has been going on in this country for a long time. Me, I feel that it shouldn't be used as birth control. But who am I to look at a woman who's a victim of incest, rape or her life is in danger and tell her what to do? I don't know what I'd do in that situation, so I'm not going to tell someone else what to do.
Anonymous declares cyber war on Congress over indefinite detention act
Anonymous declares cyber war on Congress over indefinite detention act: "Hacktivists are continuing their mission to take on politicians causing the collapse of constitutional rights in America, with operatives from the online collective Anonymous keeping up a campaign against the signers of controversial legislation.
As RT reported on Thursday, members of Anonymous began a campaign this week to expose information on the lawmakers who voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, a bill that will allow for the indefinite detention of American citizens, the reinstating of torture methods and the creation of the United States as a battlefield. Despite the implications of the act, the Senate allowed for the bill to leave Capitol Hill on Thursday, leaving only the inking of President Barack Obama’s name as the final step for ratification...."
As RT reported on Thursday, members of Anonymous began a campaign this week to expose information on the lawmakers who voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, a bill that will allow for the indefinite detention of American citizens, the reinstating of torture methods and the creation of the United States as a battlefield. Despite the implications of the act, the Senate allowed for the bill to leave Capitol Hill on Thursday, leaving only the inking of President Barack Obama’s name as the final step for ratification...."
Friday, December 16, 2011
Three myths about the detention bill
Three myths about the detention bill: "Condemnation of President Obama is intense, and growing, as a result of his announced intent to sign into law the indefinite detention bill embedded in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These denunciations come not only from the nation’s leading civil liberties and human rights groups, but also from the pro-Obama New York Times Editorial Page, which today has a scathing Editorial describing Obama’s stance as “a complete political cave-in, one that reinforces the impression of a fumbling presidency” and lamenting that “the bill has so many other objectionable aspects that we can’t go into them all,” as well as from vocal Obama supporters such as Andrew Sullivan, who wrote yesterday that this episode is “another sign that his campaign pledge to be vigilant about civil liberties in the war on terror was a lie.” In damage control mode, White-House-allied groups are now trying to ride to the rescue with attacks on the ACLU and dismissive belittling of the bill’s dangers.
For that reason, it is very worthwhile to briefly examine — and debunk — the three principal myths being spread by supporters of this bill, and to do so very simply: by citing the relevant provisions of the bill, as well as the relevant passages of the original 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF), so that everyone can judge for themselves what this bill actually includes (this is all above and beyond the evidence I assembled in writing about this bill yesterday)..."
If Obama signs this into law, I'm going to be super pissed.
For that reason, it is very worthwhile to briefly examine — and debunk — the three principal myths being spread by supporters of this bill, and to do so very simply: by citing the relevant provisions of the bill, as well as the relevant passages of the original 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF), so that everyone can judge for themselves what this bill actually includes (this is all above and beyond the evidence I assembled in writing about this bill yesterday)..."
If Obama signs this into law, I'm going to be super pissed.
Liberty All Askew
We don't live up to the Statue of Liberty's poem anymore.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
~Emma Lazarus
It Only Takes a Girl
"The poorest and most backward societies are always those that put women down."
~Isabel Allende
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christian Bookstore Stops Selling Bible Because Proceeds Support Cancer Research, Cite Link To Planned Parenthood
Christian Bookstore Stops Selling Bible Because Proceeds Support Cancer Research, Cite Link To Planned Parenthood: "LifeWay Christian Bookstores is “one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services” including church literature, music, video recordings, church supplies, and of course bibles in hopes of “providing biblical solutions for life.” But one Bible didn’t meet their “biblical” standard and was subsequently pulled from the shelves. Why? Because it helped raise money for breast cancer programs.
For every copy of this particular Bible that was sold, $1 dollar from the sale went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a breast cancer charity well-known for organizing “Race for the Cure.” The foundation, in turn, donates some of its funds to breast cancer health programs sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Because the religious right views Planned Parenthood as the pinnacle of abortion evil, LifeWay immediately said they had “made a mistake” in selling the Bible and pulled it from the shelves...."
Way to be a bunch of dicks!
For every copy of this particular Bible that was sold, $1 dollar from the sale went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a breast cancer charity well-known for organizing “Race for the Cure.” The foundation, in turn, donates some of its funds to breast cancer health programs sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Because the religious right views Planned Parenthood as the pinnacle of abortion evil, LifeWay immediately said they had “made a mistake” in selling the Bible and pulled it from the shelves...."
Way to be a bunch of dicks!
Motivated In Ohio: Welcome to the Police State--Motivated In Ohio
Motivated In Ohio: Welcome to the Police State--Motivated In Ohio: Personally, I don't care for the Westboro Baptist Church protesting at soldiers' funerals. I disagree with everything that they say. I will, however, fight for their right to say it.
The Book of Cletis: You Say You Want A Revolution
The Book of Cletis: You Say You Want A Revolution: Note: This is a repost from last year. Sadly, it's still appropriate and besides in those days the only people reading this blog were my wif...
Anonymous attacking creators of indefinite detention bill
Anonymous attacking creators of indefinite detention bill: "With President Obama read to sign away the freedoms of Americans by inking his name to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, opponents are already going after the lawmakers that made the legislation possible.
The act, abbreviated as NDAA FY2012, managed to make its way through Congress with overwhelming support in recent days, despite legislation that allows for Americans to be detained indefinitely and tortured by authorities for the mere suspicion of committing “a belligerent act." The Obama administration originally decreed that they would veto the bill, only for the White House to announce a change of heart on Wednesday this week.
With the passing of the act almost certain at this point, hackers aligned to the massive collective Anonymous are taking a stab at staking out the politicians that helped put the bill in the president’s hands...."
The act, abbreviated as NDAA FY2012, managed to make its way through Congress with overwhelming support in recent days, despite legislation that allows for Americans to be detained indefinitely and tortured by authorities for the mere suspicion of committing “a belligerent act." The Obama administration originally decreed that they would veto the bill, only for the White House to announce a change of heart on Wednesday this week.
With the passing of the act almost certain at this point, hackers aligned to the massive collective Anonymous are taking a stab at staking out the politicians that helped put the bill in the president’s hands...."
Obama Drops Veto Threat Over Military Authorization Bill After Revisions
Obama Drops Veto Threat Over Military Authorization Bill After Revisions: "WASHINGTON — President Obama will not veto a military authorization bill that contains several disputed provisions about the treatment of terrorism prisoners, the White House announced Wednesday, signaling a likely end to a political battle over detainees and executive power.
The administration had threatened to veto versions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 passed by the House and the Senate, arguing that provisions would open the door for the military to perform policing functions inside the United States, and that they would infringe on executive branch powers...."
The administration had threatened to veto versions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 passed by the House and the Senate, arguing that provisions would open the door for the military to perform policing functions inside the United States, and that they would infringe on executive branch powers...."
Woman Jailed, Ostracized After Resorting to Self-Administered Abortion: What Is This, Puritan America?
Woman Jailed, Ostracized After Resorting to Self-Administered Abortion: What Is This, Puritan America?: "When we deprive women of access to abortion, shun them, and even throw them in jail, we as a society become weaker.
Jennie McCormack, a resident of Idaho and a mother of three, has spent the past few months of her life in a legal and social situation that calls to mind the trials of Hester Pyrnne, the heroine of The Scarlet Letter. As reported by Nancy Hass of Newsweek, McCormack’s ordeal started when she learned she was pregnant by a man who was doing time for robbery.
Realizing that she couldn’t afford another baby, nor the $500 fee and two trips to get an abortion (because Idaho requires women to wait 24 hours after their first visit to the doctor to “think it over”), McCormack resorted to buying RU-486 from a vendor online. The police eventually arrested McCormack and charged her with an illegal abortion, claiming that she was over Idaho’s legal limit of 20 weeks for an abortion. Since the exact gestational age can’t be determined, charges have been dropped for now, but prosecutors are retaining the right to re-charge McCormack. In the meantime, she’s become a pariah in her community, been fired from her job, and even had to face social workers who are basically denying her aid to care for her children...."
Jennie McCormack, a resident of Idaho and a mother of three, has spent the past few months of her life in a legal and social situation that calls to mind the trials of Hester Pyrnne, the heroine of The Scarlet Letter. As reported by Nancy Hass of Newsweek, McCormack’s ordeal started when she learned she was pregnant by a man who was doing time for robbery.
Realizing that she couldn’t afford another baby, nor the $500 fee and two trips to get an abortion (because Idaho requires women to wait 24 hours after their first visit to the doctor to “think it over”), McCormack resorted to buying RU-486 from a vendor online. The police eventually arrested McCormack and charged her with an illegal abortion, claiming that she was over Idaho’s legal limit of 20 weeks for an abortion. Since the exact gestational age can’t be determined, charges have been dropped for now, but prosecutors are retaining the right to re-charge McCormack. In the meantime, she’s become a pariah in her community, been fired from her job, and even had to face social workers who are basically denying her aid to care for her children...."
Defend the Bill of Rights for All of Us.
Defend the Bill of Rights for All of Us.: "On Bill of Rights Day, Thursday, Dec 15 there will be a Press Conference on Federal Court Steps, 40 Centre St., Manhattan, 11am. A coffin of the Bill of Rights will be brought to Federal Court Foley Square, NY, NY
The Bill of rights was ratified 220 years ago, on December 15, 1791. It is shameful that today, in the United States, we are forced to come together in defense of the Bill of Rights and our civil liberties, as the representatives of the 1% who rule this country continue to take our rights away....."
The Bill of rights was ratified 220 years ago, on December 15, 1791. It is shameful that today, in the United States, we are forced to come together in defense of the Bill of Rights and our civil liberties, as the representatives of the 1% who rule this country continue to take our rights away....."
Occupy Wall Street protesters demand proof they broke the law
Occupy Wall Street protesters demand proof they broke the law: "Hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protesters are in court this week to face charges stemming from an October rally at the Brooklyn Bridge that resulted in more than 700 arrests.
Despite being offered plea deals to have the charges dismissed if they stay out of trouble for six months, more than 40% of the protesters that faced a judge Wednesday rejected the offer, pleading not guilty and demanding officials prove they broke the law.
"Taking the plea only holds the protesters responsible without holding the police responsible for their part," said Sara Howard, 30, of Amherst, Mass., who turned down the plea deal Wednesday. She said she and her partner, Penny Tucker, never heard police tell protesters they weren't allowed on the bridge...."
Despite being offered plea deals to have the charges dismissed if they stay out of trouble for six months, more than 40% of the protesters that faced a judge Wednesday rejected the offer, pleading not guilty and demanding officials prove they broke the law.
"Taking the plea only holds the protesters responsible without holding the police responsible for their part," said Sara Howard, 30, of Amherst, Mass., who turned down the plea deal Wednesday. She said she and her partner, Penny Tucker, never heard police tell protesters they weren't allowed on the bridge...."
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Vanguard: The 99 Percent
Just watched Vanguards The 99 Percent documentary on Current. It was pretty amazing. I highly recommend watching it if you get the chance.
Is It Possible to Live on Less?
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This guy makes some good points, but if you want to go to college, it's really fucking hard to live debt free.
Ohio ‘Heartbeat’ Bill Will Force Doctors To Wail Until A Woman Is In Mortal Danger To Justify An Abortion
Ohio ‘Heartbeat’ Bill Will Force Doctors To Wail Until A Woman Is In Mortal Danger To Justify An Abortion: "Dressed in the trappings of farcical arguments and absurd antics, Ohio’s “heartbeat” bill marches closer to becoming the most radical anti-abortion law in the nation. The bill bans abortions if a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which normally occurs around six or seven weeks into a pregnancy — or before many women even know they’re pregnant.
Now being considered in the Ohio Senate, the bill fails to include any exception for rape or incest victims or for the mental health of the mother. The bill only allows an abortion after a heartbeat is detected if the life of the mother is threatened. But, as doctors told lawmakers yesterday, this exception forces physicians to put women’s lives at risk to justify the abortion. Indeed, one doctor explained that he would’ve had to wait for a woman’s “iliac vessels to rupture” to ensure that the necessary abortion “was an imminent threat”...."
Now being considered in the Ohio Senate, the bill fails to include any exception for rape or incest victims or for the mental health of the mother. The bill only allows an abortion after a heartbeat is detected if the life of the mother is threatened. But, as doctors told lawmakers yesterday, this exception forces physicians to put women’s lives at risk to justify the abortion. Indeed, one doctor explained that he would’ve had to wait for a woman’s “iliac vessels to rupture” to ensure that the necessary abortion “was an imminent threat”...."
Air Too Dangerous to Breathe: How Gas Drilling Can Turn Rural Communities Into Industrial Wastelands [With Photos]
The exploding faucet may have launched the movement against fracking, but it's the unsexy compressor station that is pushing it to maturity.
Last week, more than a hundred activists from Pennsylvania and New York, including actor Mark Ruffalo, brought thousands of gallons of drinking water to 11 families in Dimock, Pa., who had been left dry after Cabot Oil and Gas stopped their water deliveries...."
Pennsylvania GOP’s Budget Cuts Mean Police Response To 911 Calls Could Take Days
Pennsylvania GOP’s Budget Cuts Mean Police Response To 911 Calls Could Take Days: "Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) has consistently advocated for steep budget cuts that compromise public safety and essential government services. For instance, he signed into law a budget that slashed education funding by $900 million. Instead of lawnmowers, one school district had to resort to using sheep to cut grass.
Now, The Patriot-News reports that the state’s proposed budget cuts could force the Pennsylvania State Police to layoff 500 state troopers. As a result, Pennsylvanians who call 911 for emergency assistance may have to wait days before the police can respond...."
Now, The Patriot-News reports that the state’s proposed budget cuts could force the Pennsylvania State Police to layoff 500 state troopers. As a result, Pennsylvanians who call 911 for emergency assistance may have to wait days before the police can respond...."
Roe v. Wade: An American Decision For Freedom And Liberty
In the decades since Roe v. Wade was handed down, conservatives have been making the claim that the court was liberal. Evangelical conservatives in particular have been prepared to use violence and the threat of violence to express their hatred of the decision. There are many aspects to this issue that we must examine. The makeup of the court, the Constitution, and religion are explored. To begin this examination, however, we must first know some of the background of this case....."
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Book of Cletis: New New Nationalism by Brian Todd Perkins
The Book of Cletis: New New Nationalism by Brian Todd Perkins: Note: This is a great piece from Brian and, boy, do we appreciate the privilege of reposting it. Here's his place. Drop by and have a look. ...
Cleveland and Pittsburgh City Councils Officially Support Occupy Wall Street
Cleveland and Pittsburgh City Councils Officially Support Occupy Wall Street: "Why aren’t more cities getting behind Occupy? As grateful as we can be for the few who are, it begs the question why our local governments are so hesitant to back the stated agenda of a movement of the people.
The city of Cleveland recently passed an emergency resolution to support Occupy Cleveland and the Occupy movement in general. Their particular resolution is stronger than some others we’ve seen in other cities who have shown official support of Occupy, such as Pittsburgh’s, but all support shown for Occupy is a tremendous improvement over where we were before the American Autumn....."
The city of Cleveland recently passed an emergency resolution to support Occupy Cleveland and the Occupy movement in general. Their particular resolution is stronger than some others we’ve seen in other cities who have shown official support of Occupy, such as Pittsburgh’s, but all support shown for Occupy is a tremendous improvement over where we were before the American Autumn....."
Why is Facebook Protecting Pro Rape Language and Abuse of Women?
Since August, tens of thousands of Internet activists have taken to social media to protest a social media giant — Facebook — for its apparent tolerance of user-created pages that make sexual violence into a punchline. The pages, with titles like "Riding your Girlfriend softly, Cause you dont [sic] want to wake her up" and "Kicking Sluts in the Vagina," have been common to Facebook for some time, but campaigns against them began when a Facebook representative commented to the BBC on its decision not to remove that kind of content, stating, “Just as telling a rude joke won’t get you thrown out of your local pub, it won’t get you thrown off Facebook.” The pub analogy comment circulated among feminist activists on Facebook, and it was quoted widely on blogs, sparking a series of petitions that circulated for months, demanding the removal of the pages. When Facebook failed to respond, online activists organized a Twitter hashtag Day of Action, #notfunnyfacebook, to further pressure Facebook to enforce its own terms of service and hold its users accountable. Finally, following the Twitter action, Facebook elected to delete a few of the pages. It also allowed others to remain, so long as they were retitled as parodies...."
Meet 8 Right-Wing Groups Practicing Scorched-Earth Anti-Choice Nuttery Against Women
Is there a rift in the anti-choice movement? A recent story in the New York Times centered around Ohio Right To Life’s unwillingness to lend their support or endorsement to a bill banning abortion from the time a heartbeat is detected in an embryo certainly makes that clear. As reproductive rights activists have noted for a couple of years now, there’s a war breaking out between two anti-choice groups, the incrementalists and the absolutists. Both largely agree on the goals of the movement, which is a complete ban on all abortion, with severe restrictions and possibly bans on contraception as well. What they disagree about is tactics. Incrementalists view themselves the more mainstream branch of the movement, and they focus mainly on chipping away at abortion rights. They’re wary of taking the fight to the courts, who tend to routinely shoot down any legislation perceived as an out-and-out ban on abortion....."
I wonder how many of these religious nutjobs would shit their pants to figure out that their God aborted babies of women who had affairs in the Old Testament.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+5%3A11-31&version=NIV
Motivated In Ohio: Indefinite Detention of American Citizens: Coming ...
Motivated In Ohio: Indefinite Detention of American Citizens: Coming ...: Indefinite Detention of American Citizens: Coming Soon to Battlefield U.S.A. | Matt Taibbi | Rolling Stone There’s some disturbing rhetoric flying around in the debate over the National Defense Authorization Act, which among other things contains passages that a) officially codify the already-accepted practice of indefinite detention of "terrorist" suspects, and b) transfer the responsibility for such detentions exclusively to the military.
A must read people. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation out there right now that is in the process of trampling on the Constitution.
A must read people. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation out there right now that is in the process of trampling on the Constitution.
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Book of Cletis: Exceptional? Maybe Not by Daniel Berry
The Book of Cletis: Exceptional? Maybe Not by Daniel Berry: 558 crosses were placed at Waterfront Park on November 19th 2011 to symbolize the estimated amount of lives lost in Oregon each year because...
Motivated In Ohio: How the right wing is trying to weaken the Democra...
Motivated In Ohio: How the right wing is trying to weaken the Democra...: The right wants to take over the discussion. At Red State , they have a step by step article on how to infiltrate the discussion boards an...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Republicans Show Their Holiday Spirit By Demanding Billions In Health Care Cuts
Republicans Show Their Holiday Spirit By Demanding Billions In Health Care Cuts: "The Christmas season is allegedly about giving without an expectation of recompense. In politics, representatives are not expected to give gifts to their constituents, but they are expected ensure that every citizen has opportunities to prosper without sacrificing something to a few wealthy elites. Republicans are notorious for tying legislation that helps the majority of Americans to some type of harmful legislation, and the current debate over extending the payroll tax cut for 160 million working Americans is their latest dispensation of damage. Republicans opposed the payroll tax cut extension last week, but they expressed interest in supporting the extension on Friday. When Representative Peter King (R-NY) was asked what changed House Republicans’ aversion to extending the payroll tax cut, he replied, “Christmas spirit.” Naturally, one would think that if Christmas spirit is involved with supporting the extension, Republicans would pass it without expectation of recompense because as President Obama said, passing it is “something House Republicans and Senate Republicans should want to do regardless of any other issues.”..."
Motivated In Ohio: Doctor Hotspot
Motivated In Ohio: Doctor Hotspot: Watch Doctor Hotspot on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Home Made Items Website
I know that a lot of people want to buy either home made stuff or at least stuff that isn't made overseas by a huge ass company. I found this site a while ago that does home made items. There's a lot of different items on there by a lot of different sellers. I recently got a Christmas gift for a family member off of it. I got it made to order and everything. I was super happy with the quality. I hope my followers will be able to take the time to at least check it out :]
http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Pulls Ad That Blames Women For Getting Date-Raped
After hearing from hundreds of rape victims that the ads were extremely upsetting, even traumatizing, the board has decided to pull them:
The ads send the message that women are not only at fault for getting themselves raped—a societal bias reflected in and re-enforced by too many court decisions—it’s your fault if your friend gets raped, too....."
No Abortions For Raped Military Women
I've been looking for some time about the parts of the bible that Cenk is talking about. I believe that I have finally found one passage, it is unbelievable. I can't believe I've been told this lie my whole life about abortions not being ok when they take place in the fucking bible performed by a preacher!:
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Book of Cletis: Citizens United: Democracy's Death Knell
The Book of Cletis: Citizens United: Democracy's Death Knell: Citizens United was arguably the most damaging Supreme Court decision ever rendered. The Court in a 5-4 vote held that the First Amendment p...
How I Feel About Same Sex Marriage & God
Everyone always tells me that God is loving and caring and all that good happy stuff. And if that's true, I absolutely refuse to believe that a truly loving and caring God would be able to tell someone that their love isn't good enough to marry the person that they love. I refuse to believe that a truly loving God would be able to tell someone that they're not good enough to marry the person that they love. And this is why I'm for same sex marriage and refuse to support DOMA. Because I refuse to look at someone and tell them that their love isn't good enough!
"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others."
~John F. Kennedy
"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others."
~John F. Kennedy
The Purity Myth Trailer
The Purity Myth Trailer from Media Education Foundation on Vimeo.
Produced & Distributed by the Media Education Foundation
Featuring Jessica Valenti
In this video adaptation of her bestselling book, pioneering feminist blogger Jessica Valenti trains her sights on "the virginity movement" -- an unholy alliance of evangelical Christians, right-wing politicians, and conservative policy intellectuals who have been exploiting irrational fears about women's sexuality to roll back women's rights. From dad-and-daughter "purity balls," taxpayer-funded abstinence-only curricula, and political attacks on Planned Parenthood, to recent attempts by legislators to de-fund women's reproductive health care and narrow the legal definition of rape, Valenti identifies a single, unifying assumption: the myth that the worth of a woman depends on what she does -- or does not do -- sexually. In the end, Valenti argues that the health and well-being of women are too important to be left to ideologues bent on vilifying feminism and undermining women's autonomy.
It's My Fault Because I Had a Drink? How Being Sexually Assaulted Introduced Me to Victim-Blaming Culture
I rarely think of myself as a victim. When I’ve faced challenges in my life, I’ve tried to avoid the word, thinking it sounded self-pitying and indulgent.
But all that changed when I was sexually assaulted and mugged last month and was abruptly introduced to the culture of victim blaming.
I've seen some strange things during the five years I've lived in New York. I’ve seen a woman throwing a man’s clothes out of their fifth-floor window onto the street. I’ve witnessed half-nude men and women doing unmentionable things on street corners. I’ve watched people fight in public and make up moments later. But I’ve never had anything truly strange or dangerous happen to me until the night I was mugged...."
Blaming the victim is one of the most infuriating things for me. How about we blame the rapists themselves for not being able to control themselves! Stuff like this just shows how little we care about the victims of a brutal crime.
New Act Could Fix the Military’s Fatally Flawed Handling of Sexual Assault
New Act Could Fix the Military’s Fatally Flawed Handling of Sexual Assault: "One of the most pernicious aspects of rape in the military is the prevailing culture of blaming the victim. Victims are treated as whiners, liars, seducers, and traitors–as everything a soldier should never be. They are mocked, ostracized and even punished for trying to seek justice.
As a result, fewer than 20 percent of military sexual assaults are reported, and only 8 percent of assailants are prosecuted, according to the Department of Defense itself. And those numbers are conservative. This, in a military that sees nearly one in three of its women sexually assaulted while serving..."
"Now, should we treat women as independent agents, responsible for themselves? Of course. But being responsible has nothing to do with being raped. Women don’t get raped because they were drinking or took drugs. Women do not get raped because they weren’t careful enough. Women get raped because someone raped them."
~Jessica Valenti
As a result, fewer than 20 percent of military sexual assaults are reported, and only 8 percent of assailants are prosecuted, according to the Department of Defense itself. And those numbers are conservative. This, in a military that sees nearly one in three of its women sexually assaulted while serving..."
"Now, should we treat women as independent agents, responsible for themselves? Of course. But being responsible has nothing to do with being raped. Women don’t get raped because they were drinking or took drugs. Women do not get raped because they weren’t careful enough. Women get raped because someone raped them."
~Jessica Valenti
Conservative Women’s Group Applauds Senate Decision To Deny Military Rape Victims Abortion Coverage
Conservative Women’s Group Applauds Senate Decision To Deny Military Rape Victims Abortion Coverage: "The Senate decided last week to keep in place a policy that denies abortion coverage for military rape victims who became pregnant as a result of their sexual assault. Female service members who fight and die for their country are not extended the same rights as civilian government employees, who can use their government-funded insurance to pay for abortion if they’re victims of rape or incest, or even rape survivors in prison who receive government-funded abortion coverage.
Rape is rampant in the military, with nearly one in three women sexually assaulted while serving. Yet the Senate declined to vote on Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH) amendment that would restore abortion coverage and give military rape victims the same options as civilians and prisoners...."
"Our fundamentalists at home wouldn’t force you to marry your rapist, of course. No, they just want to force you to have children with him. Same song, different note: fundies around the world working hard to make sure that once a rapists chooses you to rape, he owns you forever."
~Amanda Marcotte
Rape is rampant in the military, with nearly one in three women sexually assaulted while serving. Yet the Senate declined to vote on Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH) amendment that would restore abortion coverage and give military rape victims the same options as civilians and prisoners...."
"Our fundamentalists at home wouldn’t force you to marry your rapist, of course. No, they just want to force you to have children with him. Same song, different note: fundies around the world working hard to make sure that once a rapists chooses you to rape, he owns you forever."
~Amanda Marcotte
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The So Called 'War on Christmas'
You want to see the war on Christmas? How about how Black Friday turns some people into a bunch of monsters that pepper spray, trample and beat other people to get gifts for other people. Or maybe just for themselves. That is the war on Christmas. The fact that the 1% turns some people from the 99% into a bunch of crazies that don't give a shit about other peoples well being while shopping on Black Friday. Just so they can make another buck at your expense.
How about everyone trying to shove religion down other peoples throats? I know I hate it when people do it to me. Especially since I'm trying to figure out how I even feel about Christianity itself.
How about only giving to the poor around the holidays because 'it's the right thing to do' when people need help year around? Just because it's Christmas and the 'season of giving' doesn't mean it should stop after the holidays are over!
How about Christians act more Christian like instead of always crying the victim because they believe there's a war on Christmas?! You should call your Christian representatives while you're at it and tell them to start acting more Christian like and help the poor, the needy and the less fortunate instead of letting them slide by while they give the 1% another tax break.
But since you guys are crying wolf over this, you now know how every other group feels when you discriminate against them. Like the gays, the non-Christians, the Muslims, people of a different color and countless other people. Maybe you should sit down and think about how this is making you feel, and remember that feeling. Because how you feel, is how everyone else feels when you discriminate against them. And I'm sure that some of them feel even worse than you do. Especially when you tell someone that their love isn't good enough, or their not good enough, to marry the person they love.
How about everyone trying to shove religion down other peoples throats? I know I hate it when people do it to me. Especially since I'm trying to figure out how I even feel about Christianity itself.
How about only giving to the poor around the holidays because 'it's the right thing to do' when people need help year around? Just because it's Christmas and the 'season of giving' doesn't mean it should stop after the holidays are over!
How about Christians act more Christian like instead of always crying the victim because they believe there's a war on Christmas?! You should call your Christian representatives while you're at it and tell them to start acting more Christian like and help the poor, the needy and the less fortunate instead of letting them slide by while they give the 1% another tax break.
But since you guys are crying wolf over this, you now know how every other group feels when you discriminate against them. Like the gays, the non-Christians, the Muslims, people of a different color and countless other people. Maybe you should sit down and think about how this is making you feel, and remember that feeling. Because how you feel, is how everyone else feels when you discriminate against them. And I'm sure that some of them feel even worse than you do. Especially when you tell someone that their love isn't good enough, or their not good enough, to marry the person they love.
The Second Shooting At Virginia Tech Means More Gun Control Debate
The Second Shooting At Virginia Tech Means More Gun Control Debate: There was another shooting at Virginia Tech today. It occurred just after noon. The Virginia Tech police officer pulled someone over, only to be shot and killed. There are reports that the second person who died in this incident was the shooter.
Aside from the obvious tragedy, this story comes with a couple of ironies. This was supposed to be a quiet “reading day” for Virginia Tech students. Tomorrow’s exams have been postponed as a result of today’s tragedy.
Also, Virginia tech officials were appealing a $55,000 for the fine they received for their handling of the previous shooting...."
Aside from the obvious tragedy, this story comes with a couple of ironies. This was supposed to be a quiet “reading day” for Virginia Tech students. Tomorrow’s exams have been postponed as a result of today’s tragedy.
Also, Virginia tech officials were appealing a $55,000 for the fine they received for their handling of the previous shooting...."
Report: Air Force dumped remains of 274 troops in landfill
Report: Air Force dumped remains of 274 troops in landfill: "The incinerated partial remains of at least 274 American troops were dumped in a Virginia landfill, according to government records, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.
Air Force officials said that the dumping was hidden from families who had given authorization for the remains to be disposed of in a respectful and dignified manner, according to the newspaper.
There were no plans to inform families, officials told the newspaper...."
Air Force officials said that the dumping was hidden from families who had given authorization for the remains to be disposed of in a respectful and dignified manner, according to the newspaper.
There were no plans to inform families, officials told the newspaper...."
Motivated In Ohio: Why Haven't We Stood Up For Our Rights?--Motivated...
Motivated In Ohio: Why Haven't We Stood Up For Our Rights?--Motivated...: When the Patriot Act was passed, I remember telling a friend that we had just started a downhill slide to the bottom. He didn't understand...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who's Winning the War on Abortion, Birth Control, and Sex?
This was the year politicians and women’s groups started using “war on women” to refer to the Republican obsession with regulating uteruses. So if it’s a war, who’s winning?
The answer, frustratingly, is no one. This year saw the cementing of a consensus that neither side particularly likes: Abortion is still legal, but Republicans are doing an ever-better and more innovative job of making it as odious, expensive and shaming as possible to obtain. Although every side needs a sense of urgency to rally the troops, the good-ish news is that the federal court system helped hold back the tide on the worst laws. And for better or worse, anti-choicers got more honest than they’ve ever been about their hostility to birth control, which is used and supported by the vast majority of Americans..."
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Book of Cletis: Newspeak Has Arrived
The Book of Cletis: Newspeak Has Arrived: Note from Cletis: This is Orwell's nightmare come true. From Yahoo News: ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Republican Governors Association met this w...
The Muppets Are Communist, Fox Business Network Says
The Muppets Are Communist, Fox Business Network Says: "It ain't easy being green, but according to Fox Business, Kermit the Frog and his Muppet friends are reds.
Last week, on the network's "Follow the Money" program, host Eric Bolling went McCarthy on the new, Disney-released film, "The Muppets," insisting that its storyline featuring an evil oil baron made it the latest example of Hollywood's so-called liberal agenda.
Bolling, who took issue with the baron's name, Tex Richman, was joined by Dan Gainor of the conservative Media Research Center, who was uninhibited with his criticism...."
First Sponge Bob, then Sesame Street and now the Muppets? What the hell Faux News?
Last week, on the network's "Follow the Money" program, host Eric Bolling went McCarthy on the new, Disney-released film, "The Muppets," insisting that its storyline featuring an evil oil baron made it the latest example of Hollywood's so-called liberal agenda.
Bolling, who took issue with the baron's name, Tex Richman, was joined by Dan Gainor of the conservative Media Research Center, who was uninhibited with his criticism...."
First Sponge Bob, then Sesame Street and now the Muppets? What the hell Faux News?
Forced Pregnancy? Right-Wing Women's Group Thinks Women Raped in the Military Shouldn't Get Abortions
Concerned Women for America (CWA) revealed exactly how little concern they have for actual women, much less for America, this week when they sent out a letter attacking women who defend our country for having the nerve to believe they deserve full medical care after being raped. The mind-bogglingly vicious swipe at female soldiers had a couple of doozies, including the claim that allowing raped service members to access abortion “serves as a political distraction” from national security, as if it’s in the interest of national security to subject raped service members to forced childbirth. CWA also pretended to care about female troops with blather describing being raped and forced to bear a rapist’s child as merely “difficult circumstances” requiring “compassion and support,” as if they themselves aren't putting servicewomen who've been raped in infinitely worse circumstances by limiting their access to abortion. (Perhaps Orwell should have lived to write a book about the doublespeak of anti-choicers.)..."
"If the anti-abortion movement took a tenth of the energy they put into noisy theatrics and devoted it to improving the lives of children who have been born into lives of poverty, violence, and neglect, they could make a world shine."
~Michael Jay Tucker
"Now, should we treat women as independent agents, responsible for themselves? Of course. But being responsible has nothing to do with being raped. Women don’t get raped because they were drinking or took drugs. Women do not get raped because they weren’t careful enough. Women get raped because someone raped them."
~Jessica Valenti
Motivated In Ohio: What are the Republicans giving us for Christmas?-...
Motivated In Ohio: What are the Republicans giving us for Christmas?-...: "The Christmas tree is up, the lights are hung, the ornaments carefully placed. It is the season of Christmas. The Republicans may be giving us a gift of a tax hike. Rather than raise the taxes on people who are most able to afford it, they are allowing the payroll tax to raise rather than keep it at its present level for another year. The other alternative they have presented, is to cut even more services in these difficult times rather than bother a few millionaires and billionaires with a little bit of taxes...."
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Why Many Evangelical Christians Are More "Un-American" Than US Muslims
If you have the stomach to listen to enough right-wing talk radio, or troll enough right-wing websites, you inevitably come upon fear-mongering about the Unassimilated Muslim. Essentially, this caricature suggests that Muslims in America are more loyal to their religion than to the United States, that such allegedly traitorous loyalties prove that Muslims refuse to assimilate into our nation and that Muslims are therefore a national security threat.
Earlier this year, a Gallup poll illustrated just how apocryphal this story really is. It found that Muslim Americans are one of the most — if not the single most — loyal religious group to the United States. Now, comes the flip side from the Pew Research Center’s stunning findings about other religious groups in America:....."
Anonymous ‘Secret Santa’ Brings Christmas Cheer, $100 Bills, to Poor Residents in Reading, Pa.
Anonymous ‘Secret Santa’ Brings Christmas Cheer, $100 Bills, to Poor Residents in Reading, Pa.
: "A businessman who identified himself only as “Secret Santa” brought Christmas cheer to Reading, Pa., one $100 bill at a time.
Reading has the highest poverty rate of cities across the nation with more than 65,000 residents, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 90,000 people call Reading home.
The unnamed Good Samaritan Santa had read about the plight of Reading’s residents, and he spent Tuesday traversing the city and handing out cash to those he thought could use it, the Reading Eagle newspaper reported...."
: "A businessman who identified himself only as “Secret Santa” brought Christmas cheer to Reading, Pa., one $100 bill at a time.
Reading has the highest poverty rate of cities across the nation with more than 65,000 residents, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 90,000 people call Reading home.
The unnamed Good Samaritan Santa had read about the plight of Reading’s residents, and he spent Tuesday traversing the city and handing out cash to those he thought could use it, the Reading Eagle newspaper reported...."
War on Christmas? Sign This Minister Up.
Some people wait with bated breath for duck season, some for deer season, but for me it is all about Christmas season. That's right I'm one of those lefty, liberals that have declared a War on Christmas. That's right! Sign me up for the War on Christmas! … but maybe not for the reasons you might imagine.
You see, while I am signing up to help in a War on Christmas, I'm not on, what by default gets called, the “non-Christian” side. I’m also not signing up for the side that news pundits falsely purport as the “Christian” side. If anything, I’d make the argument that the dominant face of Christianity, as it is seen on television and promoted through news programming, is itself far from what Christianity is supposed to be about. It is a sort-of white-washed, sanitized version of Christianity that every year presents an increasingly cleaned up version of the Christmas story to the viewing public...."
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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