Yeah, um, in all my years of news junkie-ness during the W. Bush administration, or any administration, for that matter, I don't think I'd ever read a quote like this, from the AP:
For the dinner, Mrs. Obama wore a sleeveless, gold and cream colored sheath dress with an overlay of silver and matching shawl by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. At the State Dining Room event earlier in the day, the first lady wore a skirt by Rachel Roy, who is Indian.
even with unemployment at an all-time high and Afghanistan policies ramped up and whatever else there is out there, there's just something a bit comfortind reading that today's state dinner was mostly vegetarian for India's prime minister, Singh, and that all sorts of inspiration was drawn from an international scope.
You see, the thing is, the very terrible fact of everything is, is that all policies will have a center-base. It's just this: where to the leanings, where to the branches outstretch to? And that's why I'll forever vote Democrat, instead of Green or Independent, when it comes to elections.
No matter the dire, yet less dire than they could have been, state of things, I still see the merits in voting for a mderate Democrat over any type Republican
More on tonight's state dinner at:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091125/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_state_dinner
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to Pass Soon - Glory Glory!
More good news from the Obama Adminstration! No longer is unequal pay for equal work going to be permitted by law. Womyn Rool. Read this update about the Lily Leadbetter Fair Pay Act from the whitehouse.gov blog:
A bill to amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and to modify the operation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, and for other purposes.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will restore the law to where it was before the Supreme Court's decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Justice Ginsberg's dissent summarizes the facts of Ledbetter's complaint:
Lilly Ledbetter was a supervisor at Goodyear Tire and Rubber’s plant in Gadsden, Alabama, from 1979 until her retirement in 1998. For most of those years, she worked as an area manager, a position largely occupied by men. Initially, Ledbetter’s salary was in line with the salaries of men performing substantially similar work. Over time, however, her pay slipped in comparison to the pay of male area managers with equal or less seniority. By the end of 1997, Ledbetter was the only woman working as an area manager and the pay discrepancy between Ledbetter and her 15 male counterparts was stark: Ledbetter was paid $3,727 per month; the lowest paid male area manager received $4,286 per month, the highest paid, $5,236.
The Court ruled that employees subject to pay discrimination like Lilly Ledbetter must file a claim within 180 days of the employer's original decision to pay them less -- even if the employee continued to receive reduced paychecks and even if the employee did not discover the discriminatory reduction in pay until much later (check out Justice Alito's arguments in the Court's opinion). Restoring these rules means that complaints can be filed 180 days after any discriminatory paycheck.
A bill to amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and to modify the operation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, and for other purposes.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will restore the law to where it was before the Supreme Court's decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Justice Ginsberg's dissent summarizes the facts of Ledbetter's complaint:
Lilly Ledbetter was a supervisor at Goodyear Tire and Rubber’s plant in Gadsden, Alabama, from 1979 until her retirement in 1998. For most of those years, she worked as an area manager, a position largely occupied by men. Initially, Ledbetter’s salary was in line with the salaries of men performing substantially similar work. Over time, however, her pay slipped in comparison to the pay of male area managers with equal or less seniority. By the end of 1997, Ledbetter was the only woman working as an area manager and the pay discrepancy between Ledbetter and her 15 male counterparts was stark: Ledbetter was paid $3,727 per month; the lowest paid male area manager received $4,286 per month, the highest paid, $5,236.
The Court ruled that employees subject to pay discrimination like Lilly Ledbetter must file a claim within 180 days of the employer's original decision to pay them less -- even if the employee continued to receive reduced paychecks and even if the employee did not discover the discriminatory reduction in pay until much later (check out Justice Alito's arguments in the Court's opinion). Restoring these rules means that complaints can be filed 180 days after any discriminatory paycheck.
President Elect Weekly Address & the "L" Word
OMG OMG OMG!!!! He actually SAYS the "L" word at 3:49!!! This is sooooo exciting.
Libraries, that is. Yes, I am really that excited about the mere mention of libraries in a presidential (elect) address from Obama. We're often so very neglected; to get that nod is as exciting as, say, going back in time and actually meeting and having tea or something with Jane Austen. Yes, yes. It's THAT exciting. (Library joke, as -- on the whole -- we're a bunch of fanatics when it comes to dear old Jane.)
Okay, I think I've been about as dorky as possible here. So, ouila: your weekly address from President Hope, featuring minute 3:50 or so when Obama actually mentions the "library" word. Shivering with excitement. Shivering.
Libraries, that is. Yes, I am really that excited about the mere mention of libraries in a presidential (elect) address from Obama. We're often so very neglected; to get that nod is as exciting as, say, going back in time and actually meeting and having tea or something with Jane Austen. Yes, yes. It's THAT exciting. (Library joke, as -- on the whole -- we're a bunch of fanatics when it comes to dear old Jane.)
Okay, I think I've been about as dorky as possible here. So, ouila: your weekly address from President Hope, featuring minute 3:50 or so when Obama actually mentions the "library" word. Shivering with excitement. Shivering.
This Week in WTF - I love Building 19
Check out the cover of this week's flyer for Building 19.
For those of you not in Mass or Rhode Island, but from Maine, I will tell you: Building 19 is just like Mardens. For those of you not in New England and therefore completely clueless as to what B19 & Mardens are, I am sorry for you. For there are no better places in the world than B 19 and Mardens. Anyway, it's an Odd Lots warehouse sort of place.
For those of you not in Mass or Rhode Island, but from Maine, I will tell you: Building 19 is just like Mardens. For those of you not in New England and therefore completely clueless as to what B19 & Mardens are, I am sorry for you. For there are no better places in the world than B 19 and Mardens. Anyway, it's an Odd Lots warehouse sort of place.
Click on the photo to see the entire flyer.
Weekly Dose of Hope - Time for a New New Deal
President Hope wants to build bridges, literally (and literally literally not Joe-Biden-figuratively literally). I'm excited. & I believe he can do it. Jobby jobs for everyone! Yay! Hope!
Open Letter to Barack Obama from Alice Walker
An Open Letter to Barack Obama, from the author Alice Walker
Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, some day, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disasterthat the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible forbringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white- haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and str essed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actual ly not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible<>> ; leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression o f healthy self- worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
------ End of Message
Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, some day, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disasterthat the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible forbringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white- haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and str essed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actual ly not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible<>> ; leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression o f healthy self- worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
------ End of Message
This Week in WTF: Now that Question 2 Passed, We Can All Enjoy This
Everyone in Massachusetts: take advantage of the new pot law and have a sit. Then play this.
Everyone else: watch if you dare, if you like pretty colors, or you enjoy Portishead.
Everyone else: watch if you dare, if you like pretty colors, or you enjoy Portishead.
This Week in WTF - God, I love Youtube
Many blessings be upon America. Nothing's cooler than superimposed Bollywood dancers on s uit jacket of the president elect. NOTHING, I tell you.
God, I love the world.
This Week in OMG That's SOOOO Fricken Cute!
Oh hell buckets. We are in trouble for a while here. It seems with this new Mutt President of Bursting Rainbows of Hope, I'm having a difficult time being cynical.
I keep crying and being all sentimental and proud of my country and all that. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
The world's celebration of our new president is so adorably heartwarming, I just have to share a couple of the mad cute stories.
Man, my heart feel warm in fuzzy right now. I don't know if I can take it. I'll just think about how disappointed I am in California for being so homophobic. There, my lack of faith in humanity has been restored. Phew. Close one.
I keep crying and being all sentimental and proud of my country and all that. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
The world's celebration of our new president is so adorably heartwarming, I just have to share a couple of the mad cute stories.
- Obama's great great great grandfather is from Moneygall, Ireland. The town of Moneygall is hoping for a tourist boom as a result. Obama said he wants to make it over there and have at pint. They even have a song for him: "O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara, there's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama." Story here. You Tube song here.
- The Indonesian elementary school that Obama went to from age 7-9, where they were Hawaiian shirts as their uniform (sorta), went wild on Wednesday at the news of their alum's success. Double Recess!!! Awesome!!!! Sooooo cute quotes: "We're so proud!" Alsya Nadin, a spunky 10-year-old in pink-framed glasses, said as fellow classmates poured onto the playground and started chanting "Obama! Obama!"..."It's amazing to know that the man who will be the next president of the United States studied here, at our school!" said 11-year-old Muhamad Yodi. Full story here.
- And then there's the Japanese. Why in the world they're so excited I haven't the slightest, but I love how they make Obama's name sound like it's originally Japanese instead of Kenyan in origin... Oh wait! It's because IT IS a Japanese word: it's the name of a town in Japan. The residents of the fishing village of Obama, Japan are superpsyched. HILARIOUS You Tube video here.
Man, my heart feel warm in fuzzy right now. I don't know if I can take it. I'll just think about how disappointed I am in California for being so homophobic. There, my lack of faith in humanity has been restored. Phew. Close one.
For the Happily Obsessed
Behind the scenes photos from Election Night. I love the first family & the second family in ways that are not normal...
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
Happy Day After the Election!
Here's a song for this historic day.
Now, to rain on the parade: this isn't the end of all the troubles. I know that. I hope everyone starts to get that - and very soon. Because I know the president-elect will disappoint. I know it's not going to be a perfect administration. But I truly believe that things will be better, now. And for that, I am grateful and, of course, hopeful.
Phone Banking for Obama
Vote for Obama tomorrow!!! To find your polling place and polling hours, go to
http://www.voteforchange.com/.
Today I called about 200 people in Allentown, Pennsylvania on behalf of the Obama Campaign from the Deval Patrick Committee Office near the State St station. And let me tell you something - phone banking is not fun, for the most part. That's why I only do it about twice during a campaign. Lots of hang ups or disconnected phones (because they're getting too many campaign calls.) I did have some nice, sweet people who told me they were excited to vote and loved voting. Then there was the person who, in the heavily Spanish-speaking population of Allentown, spoke to me in English until I said I was from the Obama campaign and abruptly switched to rapid fire Spanish to say, "Lo siento. No hablo en Anglais." Yeah. Yeah, right.
Anyway, there's my small part. I'll do some more tomorrow after I vote.
And, even if you're in Massachusetts or some other "in the bag" place, whether Red or Blue, you really should make the effort. There are several hotly contested congressional and senatroial seats up for grabs around the country. But also, the more votes Obama get (if that's who you're voting for) the more the message - and the mandate - becomes clear.
The Video
All the hub bub was about
this. Yay! But I thought the 11 oclock rally with Bill Clinton was better.
What a lazy entry for the say - a bunch of videos. Sorry, but I just didn't have a whole lot to say today...
this. Yay! But I thought the 11 oclock rally with Bill Clinton was better.
What a lazy entry for the say - a bunch of videos. Sorry, but I just didn't have a whole lot to say today...
votevotevotevote
This is pretty funny. The point is, don't forget to vote. Even if you're not in a swing state. Even if you thinks it's in the bag.
After the Debate the Obamas Are Super Awesome
Read this link from Wonkette.com. It's all about what happened AFTER last night's debate. Here's what didn't happen: McCain did not stay to talk to the people.
Best quote from the entry, "The debate may have been a bore, but what happened afterward was extremely telling."
Best quote from the entry, "The debate may have been a bore, but what happened afterward was extremely telling."
Sip List During the Debate
It's Tuesday, so we can't be a-poundin' the beyahs. Instead I put some pumpkin liquer in hot chocolate (because it's cold outside) and this was the list of sippy sip words:Shared Words
regulation/deregulation (o 8/m 0)
medicare (o 2/ m 3)
social security (o 3/m 1)
recession(zero)
fundamental (o 8/m 8)
cheesy attempts to empathize or connect with audience (o 1/ m4)
jobs (o 1/ m 3)
credit (o 1/ m 0)
Dow (zero)
Obama only
agreement with McCain (4)
McCain only
acts like a db/ cranky old man (7)
Words to consider for next time
sharing the burden
my friends
reform
tax cuts
billion
middle class
heathcare/ insurance
earmark
Well, that was fascinating. And by fascinating I mean very very dull. It's a good thing I've got the tally sip sip list to follow while McCain drivels and Obama expounds and both evade the quesiton of how in the name of arse we get through this poop time. Yay!
Until next time!
Sharing Time
One of my bffs -- you might know him, his name is Obama -- asked that I share this, so I am:
This Week in WTF pt 2
Oh my stupid stupid stupid fellow countryman. What the feck?
Learn more about poor speller & dumb racist Andy Lacasse of Barefoot Bay's stoopud moorawn sign at: Wonkette.com.
Be sure to read all the comments, too.
If anything, I thought he'd be hemp, though maybe that's the other half of the new breed of fabric?
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