Whiskey & Gunpowder
By Addison Wiggin
January 17, 2010
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.
Haiti: An Urgent Appeal
Dear Reader,
"The Haiti earthquake could not have been worse,” according to our Byron King — who has a close friend in the middle of it all.
“A shallow fault zone gave way, almost directly below Port au Prince. The full force of the shock — at least 7.0 magnitude — transmitted directly into the foundations of a city that lacks even the rudiments of good building practices.”
At last word, up to 50,000 people may be dead… and another 300,000 homeless.
The UN hasn’t even calculated the number of injured, but the need is undoubtedly immense… and the quake destroyed many of the nation’s hospitals within seconds.
That means the burden on the few remaining is overwhelming — including the Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS).
“HAS,” says Byron, “was founded in 1954 as a joint project of the Mellon family in Pittsburgh and the legendary humanitarian Albert Schweitzer.” Byron’s friend Ian Rawson is manager at HAS. He writes:
“We are far from the epicenter, but overnight [Wednesday into Thursday] we began to see more patients from areas outside of the valley, where two and three-story buildings are more common.”
“The influx of patients is straining our resources, but has been handled calmly and efficiently by the all-Haitian medical and nursing staff. All available gurneys and benches are in use, our trauma protocol triage system has been implemented, and there is a steady flow of patients to the diagnostic center and the operating suite.”
“The lack of communications has been a large psychological problem. All of our professional staff have families in Port au Prince, and all cell systems have collapsed, so people wait anxiously for news of relatives.”
“Haiti has a long history of natural disasters; floods, mudslides, hurricanes, and more. Each one reinforces our awareness of the limitations of the formal infrastructure and the resilience of the informal system of family and community support.”
Byron adds this: “Note the comment about ‘trauma protocol triage system.’ That means, they're picking and choosing who gets treatment and lives, versus who does not get treatment and dies.”
So that gives you a picture of how urgent the situation is.
Usually you turn to us for investment ideas — helping you sort through a bewildering array of choices.
Likewise, maybe you’ve wanted to donate to the relief effort in Haiti, but you have no idea which organization is worthy of your dollars: After all, many of them waste huge amounts of money on overhead. You want to donate to folks who will put your dollars to work actually helping people.
Byron assures us, “I can vouch for the dedication of the staff, and their effective use of resources” at HAS.
"If you are looking for a good cause that can help relieve the suffering in Haiti, there is none more worthy than Hospital Albert Schweitzer.”
Here’s a link to the HAS homepage, where you can donate.
It’s this simple: The need is immense. The time is limited. And these are the people doing the most good in a horrific situation.
Sincerely,
Addison Wiggin
Executive Publisher, Agora Financial
P.S.: If you need a little kick in the rear to get moving on this, I’ll make you a proposition: Email us confirmation of your donation, here at customerservice@agorafinancial.com, and we’ll credit you a year’s worth of Byron’s Outstanding Investments.
But do it now. Every little bit will help, and the sooner the better.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Haiti needs our help
The earthquake in Haiti has been catastrophic. More than three million people have been affected, and estimates are that over 50,000 have died. The human suffering is unimaginable.
That's why I'd like to pause from our usual conversation and ask for your help.
How to Help Haiti- An International Red Cross spokesman warned that up to 3 million people may have been affected by Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 85% of Haitians already living in desperate poverty. Now, with hospitals in ruin, dire shortages of even basic necessities like fresh water, and no way to find out whether family members are alive, the Haitian people urgently need our help.
A number of organizations are already engaged in critical relief efforts, and I urge you to support as many of them as you can. One of them, Oxfam America, has an emergency response team of more than 200 people already on the ground. The need for clean water and critical public health services is massive and immediate -- and our donations can help save lives.
Make a donation to Oxfam's earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
Or, for a list of other organizations to donate to and ways to make a difference, see See
White House List of Haiti Donation Organizations
There are moments when we, as human beings, must come together as a global community and as stewards of each others' health and welfare. It is that sense of interconnectedness that brought each of us to the climate movement, and it is moments like this that bring out the best in us -- as individuals, as a nation, and as a movement.
Make a donation to Oxfam's earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
Let's make sure the people of Haiti do not face this disaster alone. Thank you for taking action in the face of this tragedy.
Al Gore
Chairman
Alliance for Climate Protection
That's why I'd like to pause from our usual conversation and ask for your help.
How to Help Haiti- An International Red Cross spokesman warned that up to 3 million people may have been affected by Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 85% of Haitians already living in desperate poverty. Now, with hospitals in ruin, dire shortages of even basic necessities like fresh water, and no way to find out whether family members are alive, the Haitian people urgently need our help.
A number of organizations are already engaged in critical relief efforts, and I urge you to support as many of them as you can. One of them, Oxfam America, has an emergency response team of more than 200 people already on the ground. The need for clean water and critical public health services is massive and immediate -- and our donations can help save lives.
Make a donation to Oxfam's earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
Or, for a list of other organizations to donate to and ways to make a difference, see See
White House List of Haiti Donation Organizations
There are moments when we, as human beings, must come together as a global community and as stewards of each others' health and welfare. It is that sense of interconnectedness that brought each of us to the climate movement, and it is moments like this that bring out the best in us -- as individuals, as a nation, and as a movement.
Make a donation to Oxfam's earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
Let's make sure the people of Haiti do not face this disaster alone. Thank you for taking action in the face of this tragedy.
Al Gore
Chairman
Alliance for Climate Protection
Save Lives In Haiti -- Give Now
The pictures and stories coming out of Port-au-Prince, Haiti are truly heart wrenching. Fortunately, CARE is on the ground in Haiti, and they are in a position to help. CARE needs your support however. Please read the message below and give generously.
CARE - EMERGENCY ALERT
Donate to CARE's relief efforts in Haiti -- Donate Now
Dear Friend,
You've seen the misery and devastation following this week's 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti. As many as 100,000 are feared dead and thousands more have been left homeless -- their lives destroyed.
You can help the survivors by making a tax-deductible donation to CARE now.
As you probably know, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because when they're equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help their entire family and communities escape poverty.
During times of natural disasters, like this week's earthquake in Haiti, CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors. In all our work, we focus on women, because they have the greatest leverage for change in their communities and their societies. Haiti is already one of the poorest countries in the world, and this earthquake will make things even worse for impoverished men, women and children there.
Please help us rush lifesaving aid to Haiti by making a gift to CARE now.
Donate to CARE's relief efforts in Haiti -- Donate Now
Thank you for your generosity at this critical time.
Sincerely,
Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE
CARE - EMERGENCY ALERT
Donate to CARE's relief efforts in Haiti -- Donate NowDear Friend,
You've seen the misery and devastation following this week's 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti. As many as 100,000 are feared dead and thousands more have been left homeless -- their lives destroyed.
You can help the survivors by making a tax-deductible donation to CARE now.
As you probably know, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because when they're equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help their entire family and communities escape poverty.
During times of natural disasters, like this week's earthquake in Haiti, CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors. In all our work, we focus on women, because they have the greatest leverage for change in their communities and their societies. Haiti is already one of the poorest countries in the world, and this earthquake will make things even worse for impoverished men, women and children there.
Please help us rush lifesaving aid to Haiti by making a gift to CARE now.
Donate to CARE's relief efforts in Haiti -- Donate Now
Thank you for your generosity at this critical time.
Sincerely,
Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and her allies are attacking the Clean Air Act
It's an outrage. 2010 should start in a way that reflects our movement's amazing accomplishments from last year -- moving the ball forward to passage of comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Instead, our elected leaders are proposing policies that would set us back decades and let the worst polluters completely off the hook.
Despite the chorus of alarm bells sounding the need to address the climate crisis and stop polluting the air our families breathe and the water we drink, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and her allies are attacking the Clean Air Act -- for the second time in six months.
And it gets worse. Last night, news broke that the original version of the amendment was literally drafted with lobbyists for the oil and coal industry.*
We can't let this attack succeed. Write your Senators right now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's proposal.
Take Action
We defeated this same effort once already, just six months ago -- but the fossil fuel lobby is at it again. The amendment would strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its ability to regulate most carbon pollution, letting the worst polluters completely off the hook.
Efforts like this are designed to do one thing and one thing only -- slow our transition to a clean energy economy that will create millions of new jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and solve the climate crisis.
Help flood your Senators with messages to vote NO on this attack on the Clean Air Act.
The very last thing we should do in the fight to end the climate crisis is throw away tools that we already know are effective at reducing pollution. But that's exactly what Senator Murkowski's proposal does.
For decades, the Clean Air Act has kept millions of tons of pollutants out of our air and water. Senator Murkowski's proposal would create an Alaska-sized loophole in the Clean Air Act, giving a pass to the biggest carbon polluters.
Email your Senators now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's amendment --
and protect our air, water and climate!
In 2010, our movement to solve the climate crisis will face its biggest test yet -- passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. But if Senator Murkowski's amendment passes, some in Congress will use it as an excuse to keep stalling -- and the long overdue promise of progress toward a 21st century clean energy economy will be lost.
You helped stop this toxic amendment once before. Together, we can and must stop it again.
Thank you,
Al Gore
DONATE Write your Senators right now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's proposal.
__________
* "Murkowski and her lobbyist allies," The Washington Post, January 11, 2010
http://views.washingtonpost.com/climate-change/post-carbon/2010/01/murkowski_and_her_lobbyist_allies.html
Despite the chorus of alarm bells sounding the need to address the climate crisis and stop polluting the air our families breathe and the water we drink, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and her allies are attacking the Clean Air Act -- for the second time in six months.
And it gets worse. Last night, news broke that the original version of the amendment was literally drafted with lobbyists for the oil and coal industry.*
We can't let this attack succeed. Write your Senators right now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's proposal.
Take Action
We defeated this same effort once already, just six months ago -- but the fossil fuel lobby is at it again. The amendment would strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its ability to regulate most carbon pollution, letting the worst polluters completely off the hook.
Efforts like this are designed to do one thing and one thing only -- slow our transition to a clean energy economy that will create millions of new jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and solve the climate crisis.
Help flood your Senators with messages to vote NO on this attack on the Clean Air Act.
The very last thing we should do in the fight to end the climate crisis is throw away tools that we already know are effective at reducing pollution. But that's exactly what Senator Murkowski's proposal does.
For decades, the Clean Air Act has kept millions of tons of pollutants out of our air and water. Senator Murkowski's proposal would create an Alaska-sized loophole in the Clean Air Act, giving a pass to the biggest carbon polluters.
Email your Senators now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's amendment --
and protect our air, water and climate!
In 2010, our movement to solve the climate crisis will face its biggest test yet -- passing comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. But if Senator Murkowski's amendment passes, some in Congress will use it as an excuse to keep stalling -- and the long overdue promise of progress toward a 21st century clean energy economy will be lost.
You helped stop this toxic amendment once before. Together, we can and must stop it again.
Thank you,
Al Gore
DONATE Write your Senators right now and tell them to vote NO on Senator Murkowski's proposal.
__________
* "Murkowski and her lobbyist allies," The Washington Post, January 11, 2010
http://views.washingtonpost.com/climate-change/post-carbon/2010/01/murkowski_and_her_lobbyist_allies.html
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Changing Role of the Nation-State
Whiskey & Gunpowder By Byron King
January 8, 2010 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Looking at the bigger picture, the U.S. has its troubles. But the U.S. also has many unique economic, cultural and historical strengths — if the national leadership can keep its eye on the ball. Thing is, we’re in for some tough innings.
The world is experiencing what some commentators call “the rise of the rest.” Growth in China, India, Brazil and smaller actors is creating a world where many other countries are moving up to America’s level of economic clout and self-assertion. No other one nation can challenge the U.S. at every level. But many nations can, and do, challenge the U.S. at one level or another.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
A key development is that the very role of nation-states is becoming less defined. Non-state actors are wielding more and more clout. Examples include Al Qaeda in terms of a military and terrorist challenge, displaying the sharp edge of militant Islam. Or there are the Mexican narco-gangs that are engaged in a quiet civil war within Mexico.
On the more benign side, there are non-government organizations (NGOs) such as those that are driving much of the world environmental movement. Indeed, near 25,000 NGO representatives were registered at the recent Copenhagen climate summit talks.
In a recent book entitled Superclass, author David Rothkopf argues that the influence of nation-states is waning on many of the most critical issues of our time. Rothkopf argues that the traditional systems for addressing global issues among nation-states are more ineffective than ever. Thus there’s an emerging power void.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
This power void is being filled by a small group of players, which Rothkopf refers to as “the superclass” — a new global elite who are much better suited to operating on the global stage and influencing global outcomes than the vast majority of national political leaders.
It makes for a two edged sword. Some of these new elite are from business and finance, and are subject to traditional forms of influence and suasion, not to mention the rule of law. “Some,” writes Rothkopf, “are masters of new or traditional media, some are religious leaders, and a few are top officials of those governments that do have the ability to project their influence globally.”
Others of the superclass, according to Rothkopf, are members of “a kind of shadow elite — criminals and terrorists.”
In both leadership and accountability, there’s quite a difference between what we’re dealing with in the developed world versus the developing world.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Nation-states in the developing world are having an increasingly hard time fulfilling the expectations of their citizens. Thus more and more, and the international system is undergoing an almost lawless evolution.
We see examples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where small fiefdoms and powerful warlords rule much of the day. Or we see it in the broken system of governance in Nigeria, where armed rebels are wreaking havoc on oil production. Or close to home, we have to wonder how things will play out down in Mexico.
This crisis of instability and lack of control is compounded by the absence of a global strategy to combat the asymmetric threats that the U.S. and other major players face. It’s going to make for many more interesting developments — and investment opportunities — as we turn the page on the calendar and enter the new year.
Until we meet again,
Byron W. King
P.S.: Increasing instability around the world is just about certain at this point, but that’s just going to mean good things for investments in oil and gold.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
In 2009 I banged the drum hard on oil, particularly offshore oil producers and deep-water plays, including subsea equipment. Those sectors have done well. In fact, one of my subsea equipment builders is up over 80%.
To learn more, just click here.
January 8, 2010 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Looking at the bigger picture, the U.S. has its troubles. But the U.S. also has many unique economic, cultural and historical strengths — if the national leadership can keep its eye on the ball. Thing is, we’re in for some tough innings.
The world is experiencing what some commentators call “the rise of the rest.” Growth in China, India, Brazil and smaller actors is creating a world where many other countries are moving up to America’s level of economic clout and self-assertion. No other one nation can challenge the U.S. at every level. But many nations can, and do, challenge the U.S. at one level or another.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
A key development is that the very role of nation-states is becoming less defined. Non-state actors are wielding more and more clout. Examples include Al Qaeda in terms of a military and terrorist challenge, displaying the sharp edge of militant Islam. Or there are the Mexican narco-gangs that are engaged in a quiet civil war within Mexico.
On the more benign side, there are non-government organizations (NGOs) such as those that are driving much of the world environmental movement. Indeed, near 25,000 NGO representatives were registered at the recent Copenhagen climate summit talks.
In a recent book entitled Superclass, author David Rothkopf argues that the influence of nation-states is waning on many of the most critical issues of our time. Rothkopf argues that the traditional systems for addressing global issues among nation-states are more ineffective than ever. Thus there’s an emerging power void.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
This power void is being filled by a small group of players, which Rothkopf refers to as “the superclass” — a new global elite who are much better suited to operating on the global stage and influencing global outcomes than the vast majority of national political leaders.
It makes for a two edged sword. Some of these new elite are from business and finance, and are subject to traditional forms of influence and suasion, not to mention the rule of law. “Some,” writes Rothkopf, “are masters of new or traditional media, some are religious leaders, and a few are top officials of those governments that do have the ability to project their influence globally.”
Others of the superclass, according to Rothkopf, are members of “a kind of shadow elite — criminals and terrorists.”
In both leadership and accountability, there’s quite a difference between what we’re dealing with in the developed world versus the developing world.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Nation-states in the developing world are having an increasingly hard time fulfilling the expectations of their citizens. Thus more and more, and the international system is undergoing an almost lawless evolution.
We see examples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where small fiefdoms and powerful warlords rule much of the day. Or we see it in the broken system of governance in Nigeria, where armed rebels are wreaking havoc on oil production. Or close to home, we have to wonder how things will play out down in Mexico.
This crisis of instability and lack of control is compounded by the absence of a global strategy to combat the asymmetric threats that the U.S. and other major players face. It’s going to make for many more interesting developments — and investment opportunities — as we turn the page on the calendar and enter the new year.
Until we meet again,
Byron W. King
P.S.: Increasing instability around the world is just about certain at this point, but that’s just going to mean good things for investments in oil and gold.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
In 2009 I banged the drum hard on oil, particularly offshore oil producers and deep-water plays, including subsea equipment. Those sectors have done well. In fact, one of my subsea equipment builders is up over 80%.
To learn more, just click here.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Health Care Bill - Make Sure the Insurance Companies Don't Write It !
Dear MoveOn member,
News about health care reform quieted down over the holidays, but this week may actually be the most crucial in the entire health care fight.
Right now, House and Senate leaders are negotiating the final bill behind the scenes—making major choices about the public option, affordability, and other issues between the strong House legislation and the watered-down Senate bill.1
And with a group of conservatives pushing for the weaker Senate bill,2 House Democrats need to know we're counting on them to fight for five key fixes in the final bill: ensure it will give Americans the choice of a public option, make insurance affordable, protect women's health care, finance health care fairly, and keep Big Insurance honest.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Can you call Representative Ed Markey at 202-225-2836 right away and let him know you're counting on him to fight for these crucial fixes to the final health care bill? Click the link below to call and let us know how it went:
Yes, I can call my Congressman/CongressWoman .
Sorry, I can't call right now
In most ways, the House bill is far stronger than the Senate bill. It would cover 36 million Americans, create a national public option, make health care more affordable for the lowest income families, and keep Big Insurance honest with stronger regulations. But the pressure from conservatives is intense, so it's crucial that Congress hears from voters like you about the key flaws that must be fixed in the final package.
Here are a few things that you could tell Rep. Markey you want fixed in the final bill:
* Give Americans the choice of a public option. Congress should model the final bill after the House version, which contains a national public option—the key to real competition, greater choice, and lower costs.3
* Make insurance affordable. Both bills require most Americans to have insurance. But even with subsidies, some people could pay up to 20% of their income on health care. The final bill must ensure families aren't required to spend more than they can afford.4 "People should not be penalized if they do not choose to
buy health insurance. This should not be a dictatorship." quote by William Stewart
* Protect women's health care. Both bills impose dangerous new restrictions on women's reproductive health care. While the House version is worse, neither provision can be in the final bill.5
* Finance health care fairly. The Senate would pay for part of reform by taxing the benefits packages of some working Americans. The House, on the other hand, pays for reform with a small surcharge on the wealthiest Americans—a far better approach.6
* Hold insurance companies to the same anti-trust laws as other companies. Right now, insurance companies are exempt from laws designed to prevent monopolies and price-gouging. The House bill would fix this, and so should the final bill.7
Can you call Rep. Markey today? Call 202-225-2836, and click the link below to let us know how it went:
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Yes, I'll call right now: http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHMA_07&cp_id=1219&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=5
Sorry, I can't call: http://pol.moveon.org/fax/oneoffs/index_1219.html?tg=FHMA_07&cp_id=1219&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=6
Thanks for all you do.
–Kat, Michael, Eli, Joan, and the rest of the team
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Sources:
1. "Talks to Merge Health Care Bills Begin Behind the Scenes," Roll Call, December 28, 2009
http://www.rollcall.com/news/41911-1.html
"First thoughts: Back to work," MSNBC, January 4, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85938&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=7
"EXCLUSIVE: Dems 'Almost Certain' to Bypass Conference," The New Republic, January 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85939&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=8
2. "Ben Nelson's A Yes! Reform Edges Closer To Reality," The Plum Line, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85912&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=9
3. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Public Plan," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85859&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=10
"The House Bill and the Senate Bill," The Now! Blog, December 21, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85861&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=11
"Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124580516633344953.html
"Why a public health insurance option is key to saving costs," Economic Policy Institute, June 25, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85866&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=12
4. "Assessment of Affordability Provisions in the Exchange in House (H.R. 3962) and Senate (H.R. 3590) Health Reform Bills," Health Care for America Now
http://hcfan.3cdn.net/46590729111c307ccc_lom6b3a6r.pdf
"Finishing Reform Right: Fixing affordability before the President signs a health care bill," The Now! Blog, December 22, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85867&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=13
"Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Individual Mandate," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85860&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=14
5. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Abortion," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85862&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=15
6. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Paying for the Proposals," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85863&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=16
7. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Insurance Regulations," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85736&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=17
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here. PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION . Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
News about health care reform quieted down over the holidays, but this week may actually be the most crucial in the entire health care fight.
Right now, House and Senate leaders are negotiating the final bill behind the scenes—making major choices about the public option, affordability, and other issues between the strong House legislation and the watered-down Senate bill.1
And with a group of conservatives pushing for the weaker Senate bill,2 House Democrats need to know we're counting on them to fight for five key fixes in the final bill: ensure it will give Americans the choice of a public option, make insurance affordable, protect women's health care, finance health care fairly, and keep Big Insurance honest.
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Can you call Representative Ed Markey at 202-225-2836 right away and let him know you're counting on him to fight for these crucial fixes to the final health care bill? Click the link below to call and let us know how it went:
Yes, I can call my Congressman/CongressWoman .
Sorry, I can't call right now
In most ways, the House bill is far stronger than the Senate bill. It would cover 36 million Americans, create a national public option, make health care more affordable for the lowest income families, and keep Big Insurance honest with stronger regulations. But the pressure from conservatives is intense, so it's crucial that Congress hears from voters like you about the key flaws that must be fixed in the final package.
Here are a few things that you could tell Rep. Markey you want fixed in the final bill:
* Give Americans the choice of a public option. Congress should model the final bill after the House version, which contains a national public option—the key to real competition, greater choice, and lower costs.3
* Make insurance affordable. Both bills require most Americans to have insurance. But even with subsidies, some people could pay up to 20% of their income on health care. The final bill must ensure families aren't required to spend more than they can afford.4 "People should not be penalized if they do not choose to
buy health insurance. This should not be a dictatorship." quote by William Stewart
* Protect women's health care. Both bills impose dangerous new restrictions on women's reproductive health care. While the House version is worse, neither provision can be in the final bill.5
* Finance health care fairly. The Senate would pay for part of reform by taxing the benefits packages of some working Americans. The House, on the other hand, pays for reform with a small surcharge on the wealthiest Americans—a far better approach.6
* Hold insurance companies to the same anti-trust laws as other companies. Right now, insurance companies are exempt from laws designed to prevent monopolies and price-gouging. The House bill would fix this, and so should the final bill.7
Can you call Rep. Markey today? Call 202-225-2836, and click the link below to let us know how it went:
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Yes, I'll call right now: http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHMA_07&cp_id=1219&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=5
Sorry, I can't call: http://pol.moveon.org/fax/oneoffs/index_1219.html?tg=FHMA_07&cp_id=1219&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=6
Thanks for all you do.
–Kat, Michael, Eli, Joan, and the rest of the team
American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Sources:
1. "Talks to Merge Health Care Bills Begin Behind the Scenes," Roll Call, December 28, 2009
http://www.rollcall.com/news/41911-1.html
"First thoughts: Back to work," MSNBC, January 4, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85938&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=7
"EXCLUSIVE: Dems 'Almost Certain' to Bypass Conference," The New Republic, January 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85939&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=8
2. "Ben Nelson's A Yes! Reform Edges Closer To Reality," The Plum Line, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85912&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=9
3. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Public Plan," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85859&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=10
"The House Bill and the Senate Bill," The Now! Blog, December 21, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85861&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=11
"Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124580516633344953.html
"Why a public health insurance option is key to saving costs," Economic Policy Institute, June 25, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85866&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=12
4. "Assessment of Affordability Provisions in the Exchange in House (H.R. 3962) and Senate (H.R. 3590) Health Reform Bills," Health Care for America Now
http://hcfan.3cdn.net/46590729111c307ccc_lom6b3a6r.pdf
"Finishing Reform Right: Fixing affordability before the President signs a health care bill," The Now! Blog, December 22, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85867&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=13
"Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Individual Mandate," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85860&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=14
5. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Abortion," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85862&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=15
6. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Paying for the Proposals," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85863&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=16
7. "Comparing the House and the Senate Health Care Proposals: Insurance Regulations," The New York Times, December 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85736&id=18480-15018975-LqoIEpx&t=17
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American Public Policy and Government Accountability
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas Songs from All Over The World
I had to post some of my favorite Christmas songs. The last time I did this Google decided I was spamming which is ridiculous. How could beautiful Christmas songs be considered spam? Well, that is the brain of Google's algorithms, a bot's brain.
So with no further review:
I just found this YouTube video on
JTAP e Aeroporto de Lisboa ao rubro!
A TAP Portugal e a ANA desejaram hoje as Boas Festas aos passageiros no Aeroporto de Lisboa de uma forma original! - VÃdeo Oficial
TAP Portugal and ANA wished their passengers a Merry Christmas at Lisbon Airport in an unique way! - Official Video.
Jose Feliciano's Felice Navidad
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Christmas songs from Germany - From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her)
Dominick The Italian Christmas Donkey song
"Dominick the Donkey is a well known Christmas song written by Ray Allen and Lou Monte and first sung by Lou Monte in 1960. For decades the song was only occasionally heard. Oldies 103.3 WODS of Boston, Massachusetts and WCBS-FM in New York are common stations that play the song around Christmas . It was perceived to be too novel for the softer music stations and too old or corny for CHR/Top 40 stations. But beginning in the early 1990's, more contemporary artists began to record Christmas music. As a result, younger skewing radio stations began to feature more Christmas music on their stations, even going wall to wall on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. While there were more Top 40 core artists doing Christmas music by 1992, the stations still needed to play older artists to supplement the newer Christmas music. A few stations found this song and began mixing it into their Christmas rotations. The song got very positive feedback and as a result, this song began to gain airplay in many formats. Many people assume it was a recent recording and do not realize this song has been around for over 40 years. "
Christmas songs from Germany - Snow falls softly at night (Leise rieselt der Schnee)
MERRY CHRISTMAS SONG - Italian Lyrical Choir TRIPUDIUM "Tu scendi dalle Stelle"
An Italian popular Christmas Song "Tu scendi dalle stelle" (From Starry Skies Thou Comest, From Starry Skies Descending, You Came a Star from Heaven, You come down from the stars) performance by the Italian lyrical "CHOIR TRIPUDIUM" during a general REHEARSAL for Christmas time 2008 in Italy.
Christmas songs by the TRIPUDIUM Choir singing the Italian holiday music song "TU SCENDI DALLE STELLE", an Italian music for Christmas time. The Tripudum Chorus executed this song as general Christmas concert rehearsal of Italian Christmas time music. The choir is part of the Italian Associazione IL BEL CANTO directed by the Maestro Mario Cananà .
CHRISTMAS WITH JULIE ANDREWS (1987) PART 7 CHRISTMAS SONGS AND PLACIDO-JULIE "AVE MARIA"
Dec. 2009 - Christmas Carols/Colinde de Craciun, Sydney - Australia
Romanian Orthodox Christmas Carol-Nativity of Jesus Christ
Ukrainian Christmas Carol
traditional Ukrainian Christmas songs by noviyriven January 12, 2008
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
China Pollution Problem
The Top 10 Causes of the Chinese Pollution Problem
by Jamie Ellis, Whiskey & Gunpowder
"As the 2008 Beijing Olympics approach, the subject of China’s pollution problems has recently garnered a great deal of attention. Clearly, China has a problem with its air and water pollution. Something must be done, but before a real solution can be instituted, we must first understand the causes. Here is a list of the 10 most important causes of Chinese pollution.
China Pollution Cause #10: Price Fixing of Chinese Gasoline Costs
As China shifts from its traditional communist economic system to a more market-based approach, prices for almost all goods and services have been released by the government and allowed to float freely in the market. One of the few exceptions to this fundamental change has been the price of fuel. The Chinese government still puts ceilings on the price of gasoline, and the price recently rose for only the first time since May 2006. Not only does the government regulate the price, but it also penalizes anyone who sells gasoline above the ceiling. This artificially cheap gasoline is promoting its use at the very time when consumption should be curbed. World oil prices have reached record levels everywhere else, yet the one country that is just beginning to consume gasoline and oil at an incredible rate is still buying it for prices Americans haven’t seen since the turn of this century.
China Pollution Cause #9: The Shipping of Chinese Merchandise
As China continues producing and exporting more and more goods, more and more ships are needed to transport all that cargo. Currently, 90% of the world’s merchandise travels across oceans. The world’s — especially the U.S.’ — appetite for imported goods from China has shown no sign of weakening. There is still no universal standard for the fuel being used by these ships, which tends to typically be quite cheap and dirty. If a universal standard could somehow be adopted, the consistent rise in shipping demand would counterbalance any improvements made by tougher standards. While this pollution problem is not solely limited to China, the majority of the situation is certainly born there.
China Pollution Cause #8: Natural Aerosols
Natural and man-made aerosols reaching the atmosphere are never a good thing for the climate. Brought on by everything from volcano eruptions to desert winds, aerosol particles reaching the atmosphere can play havoc with the temperatures and weather patterns of surrounding areas. China, as well as other Asian countries, has this problem worse than other countries around the globe. Because of the vast deserts of Asia, strong winds carry silt and other particles into the atmosphere and the particles collect over the Pacific Ocean. For China specifically, recent deforestation that came about as the economy grew has also produced a more-than-ideal amount of aerosol particles.
China Pollution Cause #7: We Can’t Stop Buying Their Products
One of the biggest reasons for China’s recent economic surge has been the availability of labor and the willingness to produce all the products that we in the West use every day. China recently passed the United States as the largest emitter of carbon in the world, and that could be due to the fact that nearly everything we use these days is being made in China. If your cell phone, iPod, and children’s toys are all being produced in China, why would the United States have to pollute at all? We’ve passed our pollution to China, and China’s passed its products right back.
China Pollution Cause #6: White Pollution
Like those in many other industrialized nations, Chinese shoppers are used to carrying flimsy petroleum-based plastic bags from grocery stores and markets. Given the magnitude of China’s population, these bags have become an environmental nuisance. Not only has the sheer number of discarded plastic bags become a civic eyesore and a pollution product for many lakes and streams, but the bags are also using up precious resources. Their production uses the limited amount of petroleum the country has. Recently, the government banned the use of these bags in an effort to clean up cities in preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games.
China Pollution Cause #5: The Link Between the Chinese Yuan and the U.S. Dollar
Over the past several months, the value of the U.S. dollar has begun to drop. Inflation appears to be on the rise as the prices of houses are falling. The U.S. dollar has entered a dire period and it’s taking the Chinese yuan right along for the ride. This has little impact on the Chinese themselves, but for the millions of Asians from neighboring countries that travel through China, this is having a huge effect. Chinese fuel, which we’ve already learned is fixed at a low price, is also priced in American dollars. This means that if a Thai businessman is traveling to Beijing, he can fuel his car for much cheaper than anyone else if he is paying in the Thai currency, the baht. The baht has never been higher compared with the dollar as it is right now.
China Pollution Cause #4: Rising Oil Prices
While gasoline prices for consumers remain fixed in China, the fuel being used by the factories that produce all the products is still being purchased at market prices. As the prices of oil and electricity continue to rise, Chinese industrial plants have no choice but to turn to the cheaper, yet much more environmentally harmful, coal. The demand for Chinese-produced goods will be too much for Chinese factories to switch back to oil. The byproducts of the coal-burning plants add much more air pollution than you would see from another form of energy.
China Pollution Cause #3: Changing Transportation Needs
The industrial revolution in China over the past several years has been nothing short of extraordinary. The economy that was once light-years behind the West has now joined us, and joined with vigor. As millions of rural citizens begin living and working in much more modern conditions, the environment is struggling to welcome them. Many Chinese who once simply worked in agriculture and used primitive forms of transportation are now commuting to the cities and metropolitan areas. This just adds to the growing problem.
China Pollution Cause #2: A Lack of Governmental Control
It seems odd, but while the Chinese government has historically controlled everything, the one thing it has not been good at controlling has been the country’s own pollution problem. Factories and companies are fined a small amount for their water and air pollution, but many companies find it cheaper to continue polluting and pay the fine, rather than make significant changes to their production. Recently, the government has considered using a much more capitalistic approach. Soon it may be instituting the kind of cap and trade system that we have been exploring in the U.S. Under that system, companies would receive pollution credits that they could trade with other companies. If a company wanted to continue polluting, they would simply need to buy enough credits.
China Pollution Cause #1: China Simply Grew Too Fast
As the Chinese economy opened and the Chinese way of life became increasingly more modern, the citizens and businesses in the country rushed to experience modern life. Factories and skyscrapers appeared nearly instantly, while millions of bicyclists began driving their first automobiles. The incredible new levels of productivity meant that more people than ever could now afford to pollute just like the rest of the industrialized nations of the world. Now the country with the largest population is able to affect the environment just as we do, and it is using its record numbers of people to add record levels of pollution.
If you would like to learn more about the Chinese pollution problem, as well as other environmental and energy concerns that the world faces today, sign up for our FREE daily e-letter Whiskey & Gunpowder. It won’t cost a thing, and your subscription will begin immediately.
Sincerely,
Jamie Ellis, Whiskey & Gunpowder
P.S. While it seems daunting, the Chinese pollution problem is solvable. The costs and harmful byproducts of our current forms of energy have only gotten worse. Luckily, some governments are starting to focus on cleaning up the environment using cheaper, renewable resources. This report illustrates the exciting new developments happening right now. Plus you won’t have to go to the other side of the world to find them. To access your report click here."It will cost you $1,495 a year,so forget it for now.
by Jamie Ellis, Whiskey & Gunpowder
"As the 2008 Beijing Olympics approach, the subject of China’s pollution problems has recently garnered a great deal of attention. Clearly, China has a problem with its air and water pollution. Something must be done, but before a real solution can be instituted, we must first understand the causes. Here is a list of the 10 most important causes of Chinese pollution.
China Pollution Cause #10: Price Fixing of Chinese Gasoline Costs
As China shifts from its traditional communist economic system to a more market-based approach, prices for almost all goods and services have been released by the government and allowed to float freely in the market. One of the few exceptions to this fundamental change has been the price of fuel. The Chinese government still puts ceilings on the price of gasoline, and the price recently rose for only the first time since May 2006. Not only does the government regulate the price, but it also penalizes anyone who sells gasoline above the ceiling. This artificially cheap gasoline is promoting its use at the very time when consumption should be curbed. World oil prices have reached record levels everywhere else, yet the one country that is just beginning to consume gasoline and oil at an incredible rate is still buying it for prices Americans haven’t seen since the turn of this century.
China Pollution Cause #9: The Shipping of Chinese Merchandise
As China continues producing and exporting more and more goods, more and more ships are needed to transport all that cargo. Currently, 90% of the world’s merchandise travels across oceans. The world’s — especially the U.S.’ — appetite for imported goods from China has shown no sign of weakening. There is still no universal standard for the fuel being used by these ships, which tends to typically be quite cheap and dirty. If a universal standard could somehow be adopted, the consistent rise in shipping demand would counterbalance any improvements made by tougher standards. While this pollution problem is not solely limited to China, the majority of the situation is certainly born there.
China Pollution Cause #8: Natural Aerosols
Natural and man-made aerosols reaching the atmosphere are never a good thing for the climate. Brought on by everything from volcano eruptions to desert winds, aerosol particles reaching the atmosphere can play havoc with the temperatures and weather patterns of surrounding areas. China, as well as other Asian countries, has this problem worse than other countries around the globe. Because of the vast deserts of Asia, strong winds carry silt and other particles into the atmosphere and the particles collect over the Pacific Ocean. For China specifically, recent deforestation that came about as the economy grew has also produced a more-than-ideal amount of aerosol particles.
China Pollution Cause #7: We Can’t Stop Buying Their Products
One of the biggest reasons for China’s recent economic surge has been the availability of labor and the willingness to produce all the products that we in the West use every day. China recently passed the United States as the largest emitter of carbon in the world, and that could be due to the fact that nearly everything we use these days is being made in China. If your cell phone, iPod, and children’s toys are all being produced in China, why would the United States have to pollute at all? We’ve passed our pollution to China, and China’s passed its products right back.
China Pollution Cause #6: White Pollution
Like those in many other industrialized nations, Chinese shoppers are used to carrying flimsy petroleum-based plastic bags from grocery stores and markets. Given the magnitude of China’s population, these bags have become an environmental nuisance. Not only has the sheer number of discarded plastic bags become a civic eyesore and a pollution product for many lakes and streams, but the bags are also using up precious resources. Their production uses the limited amount of petroleum the country has. Recently, the government banned the use of these bags in an effort to clean up cities in preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games.
China Pollution Cause #5: The Link Between the Chinese Yuan and the U.S. Dollar
Over the past several months, the value of the U.S. dollar has begun to drop. Inflation appears to be on the rise as the prices of houses are falling. The U.S. dollar has entered a dire period and it’s taking the Chinese yuan right along for the ride. This has little impact on the Chinese themselves, but for the millions of Asians from neighboring countries that travel through China, this is having a huge effect. Chinese fuel, which we’ve already learned is fixed at a low price, is also priced in American dollars. This means that if a Thai businessman is traveling to Beijing, he can fuel his car for much cheaper than anyone else if he is paying in the Thai currency, the baht. The baht has never been higher compared with the dollar as it is right now.
China Pollution Cause #4: Rising Oil Prices
While gasoline prices for consumers remain fixed in China, the fuel being used by the factories that produce all the products is still being purchased at market prices. As the prices of oil and electricity continue to rise, Chinese industrial plants have no choice but to turn to the cheaper, yet much more environmentally harmful, coal. The demand for Chinese-produced goods will be too much for Chinese factories to switch back to oil. The byproducts of the coal-burning plants add much more air pollution than you would see from another form of energy.
China Pollution Cause #3: Changing Transportation Needs
The industrial revolution in China over the past several years has been nothing short of extraordinary. The economy that was once light-years behind the West has now joined us, and joined with vigor. As millions of rural citizens begin living and working in much more modern conditions, the environment is struggling to welcome them. Many Chinese who once simply worked in agriculture and used primitive forms of transportation are now commuting to the cities and metropolitan areas. This just adds to the growing problem.
China Pollution Cause #2: A Lack of Governmental Control
It seems odd, but while the Chinese government has historically controlled everything, the one thing it has not been good at controlling has been the country’s own pollution problem. Factories and companies are fined a small amount for their water and air pollution, but many companies find it cheaper to continue polluting and pay the fine, rather than make significant changes to their production. Recently, the government has considered using a much more capitalistic approach. Soon it may be instituting the kind of cap and trade system that we have been exploring in the U.S. Under that system, companies would receive pollution credits that they could trade with other companies. If a company wanted to continue polluting, they would simply need to buy enough credits.
China Pollution Cause #1: China Simply Grew Too Fast
As the Chinese economy opened and the Chinese way of life became increasingly more modern, the citizens and businesses in the country rushed to experience modern life. Factories and skyscrapers appeared nearly instantly, while millions of bicyclists began driving their first automobiles. The incredible new levels of productivity meant that more people than ever could now afford to pollute just like the rest of the industrialized nations of the world. Now the country with the largest population is able to affect the environment just as we do, and it is using its record numbers of people to add record levels of pollution.
If you would like to learn more about the Chinese pollution problem, as well as other environmental and energy concerns that the world faces today, sign up for our FREE daily e-letter Whiskey & Gunpowder. It won’t cost a thing, and your subscription will begin immediately.
Sincerely,
Jamie Ellis, Whiskey & Gunpowder
P.S. While it seems daunting, the Chinese pollution problem is solvable. The costs and harmful byproducts of our current forms of energy have only gotten worse. Luckily, some governments are starting to focus on cleaning up the environment using cheaper, renewable resources. This report illustrates the exciting new developments happening right now. Plus you won’t have to go to the other side of the world to find them. To access your report click here."It will cost you $1,495 a year,so forget it for now.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Howard Zinn - Dramatic presentation of the People's History of the United States on the History Channel
Hi All:
Bill Moyers interviewed Howard Zinn and NASA Unlocking Secrets of the Universe,
Bill Moyers interviewed Howard Zinn, historian emeritus of Boston University, on PBS last night about the History Channel's presentation this Sunday night from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. They played clips from the program and it looks fabulous. Thought you would like to know.
For any of you not familiar with Zinn, his history is written from the point of view of ordinary people rather than from that of the powerful - a radical approach to history.
Mary White
Much of what you see above is outside our human visual band, our eyes cannot register wave photons no matter how powerful they may be. Longer that the visual wavelength limit -up to about a millimeter-lies the infrared. At the short end is violet, with orange, yellow, green, blue and hundreds of overlapping shades. Longer waves, into kilometer-wavelengths toward the unknown end are what we call "radio."
Bill Moyers interviewed Howard Zinn and NASA Unlocking Secrets of the Universe,
Bill Moyers interviewed Howard Zinn, historian emeritus of Boston University, on PBS last night about the History Channel's presentation this Sunday night from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. They played clips from the program and it looks fabulous. Thought you would like to know.
For any of you not familiar with Zinn, his history is written from the point of view of ordinary people rather than from that of the powerful - a radical approach to history.
Mary White
NASA's "Alien Eyes" - Unlocking Secrets of the Universe
"Our personal window on the Universe is terribly small within a stunnng range of wavelengths. With our eyes we see wavelengths between 0.00004 and 0.00008 of a centimeter (where, not so oddly, the Sun and stars emit most of their energy). The human visual spectrum from violet to red is but one octave on an imaginary electromagnetic piano with a keyboard hundreds of kilometers long."
James Kaler, astronomer and author of "Heavens Gate: From Killer Stars to the Seeds of Life, How We are Connected to the Universe."
The image below is an infrared photo of M82 is a remarkable galaxy of peculiar type in constellation Ursa Major. It is usually classified as irregular, though probably a distorted disk galaxy, and famous for its heavy star-forming activity, thus a prototype member of the class of starbursting galaxies. In the infrared light, M82 is the brightest galaxy in the sky; it exhibits a so-called infrared excess, being much brighter at infrared wavelengths than in the visible part of the spectrum. Over 100 young globular clusters have been discovered in M82 with the Hubble Space Telescope. Their formation is probably another effect triggered by a tidal encounter with M81 between 50 and several 100 million years ago.
Shorter than the visual limit are the ultrviolet -all running in the vacuum at the speed of light. At less than a percent of the wavelength of visual light are X rays, and at a factor of 100 smaller are the deadly gamma rays.
One of the great achievements of modern astronomy is the entersion of "human sight" -opening the electromagnetic spectrum to our view and discovery beginning in the 1930s with radio estronomy and ending with NASA's great fleet of space observatories and the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (FGST, formerly GLAST), working to unveil the mysteries of the high-energy universe. Launched into orbit on June 11, FGST studies the most energetic particles of light, observing physical processes far beyond the capabilities of earthbound laboratories..
A composite of our Milky Way's core is compsed of images from the Hubble Space Telescope in near-infrared light, the Spitzer Space Telescope in infrared light, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory in X-ray light. A mosaic of vast star fields is visible, along with dense star clusters, long filaments of gas and dust, expanding supernova remnants, and the energetic surroundings of what likely is our Galaxy's central black hole.
Casey Kazan
Source: NASA/Hubble
Monday, December 7, 2009
Remember Pearl Harbor & Don't Forget Our 3 Navy Seals !
If Pearl Harbor was not a travesty of justice enough,intelligence
officials identified one al-Quaida operative by the name of
Ahmed Hashim Abed who is the master-mind behind the murder and
maimings of four American Blackwater security agents. After 5
years of searching three Navy Seals,Special Warfare Operators
2nd Class Matthew McCabe and Jonathan Keefe and Special
Warfare Operator 1st Class Julio Huertas captured this
terrorist.
These 3 Navy heros will now be dragged into a criminal court
marshal,charged with delivering a punch to the terrorist! So
tell me,you Navy lawyer scumbags, how do capture a terrorist?
with a plastic bag? with whispering in his ear? How is it
humanly possible to capture a terrorist without some mild
form of physical restraint? You put an extra blanket around
him when he's sleeping and then ask him to put his slippers
before a little sit-down interview? The three Navy Seals
were charged based on slanderous accusations of one of the
most-wanted terrorists on the Joint Terrorist Task Force's
Watch List.
As Michele McPhee pointed out so well in her article :
"Reminder: Don't Trust Terrorists in the Opinion column
of Metro.us,"When does the word of a man who has declared
war on the United States count more than statements made
by our military? The real testimony to their professionalism
and restraint, frankly,is the fact that Abed was captured
without gunshot wounds or broken bones by these trained
commandos. Still,two of the three Seals find themselves
in a criminal courtroom today. The third will be arraigned
at a later date."
"Last week Congress held a hearing on the White House
party crashers", Michaela and Tareq Salahi which I
consider justified. Now THE CONGRESS NEEDS to HOLD a
HEARING on WHY THESE 3 NAVY SEALS are IN CRIMINAL
COURT BECAUSE OF LIES A TERRORIST TOLD !!! And if they
were not lies,how does anyone catch a terrorists without
some kind of force? I WANT EVERYONE TO CALL THEIR
CONGRESSMAN and their TWO SENATORS and TELL THEM TO HAVE
CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS TO STOP THIS STUPIDITY!!
By the way,I'm a Democrat with 16 years in
the military and whoever is in charge of Naval Attorneys
NEEDS TO GET A GRIP ON REALITY. Have they been reading
al-Quaeda law? Or was ACORN involved in this decision?
It is much more likely that Elin Nordegren smashed Tiger
Wood's in the mouth with his golf club when she found out
he had been doing 4 bimbos and Tiger was running away
in his car like a girly-man than these 3 oustanding Navy
heros did anything wrong by possibly using a little
force to capture a terrorist !!
Support our troops or the terrorists will be in your
backyard !! Call your Senators and your
Congressma/Woman NOW!!
Taken from http://logisticsmonster.com/2009/12/07/december-7th-attack-on-pearl-harbor-and-navy-seals-arraignment/
" THE U.S. NAVY SEAL/WARRIOR LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
is ready to accept donations.
Please send donations to U.S. Navy SEAL/Warrior Defense Fund,
Acct. #435020290711 c/o Bank of America P.O. Box F Ft. Eustis, VA 23604
DONATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE AT ANY BANK OF AMERICA with the Fund name and account number.
Donations will be used to defray legal costs and expenses of the 3 Navy SEALs charged with abusing the mastermind of the March 2004 torture and mutilation of the security guards (former SEALs and Army Rangers) in Falluja. We will continue to maintain this fund and accept donations to be used for any SEAL or special operator charged with combat-related infractions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Floor Speech From Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) on 12.01.09:
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NAVY SEALS
Washington, Dec 1 -
Mr. Speaker, the Navy SEALs are the United States Navy’s elite commandos. And last week we learned that they captured one of the most wanted terrorists in all of Iraq. Ahmed Hashim Abed was behind the murder and mutilation of four Blackwater USA security guards in Fallujah in the year 2004. This ringleader of this ambush planned the murder of these four Americans in Fallujah. And these four Blackwater security guards, what they were doing was transporting supplies from one place to another.
So he had planned, Abed had planned an ambush against these individuals. They are ambushed. They are murdered. The bodies of these four murdered Americans were then dragged through the streets, burned and hung from a bridge in Fallujah. Mr. Speaker, I’ve been to that very bridge in the year 2005, and you still have an eerie feeling knowing that four Americans were hung there in public view. The U.S. military, by the way, has put a plaque on that bridge in honor of those security guards.
And so congratulations are in order to the Navy SEALs who captured the mastermind behind this ambush and the murder of these four Americans. We should be celebrating this achievement, and these Navy SEALs should be getting medals for their work doing what we’ve asked them to do. But that’s not what is happening, Mr. Speaker. The military has decided to court-martial the Navy SEALs. It seems that this terrorist, Abed, claimed that he was punched in the mouth by the Navy SEALs, and he wants justice. He wants American justice.
You know, it’s the same mouth that preaches hate in the name of religion, the same mouth that demands death to America, the same big mouth that ordered the murder of the four Americans. So the SEALs must answer to this accusation by a terrorist that they captured. After all, the terrorist must have some of that American justice. Next thing we know, we’ll be giving these terrorists on the battlefield their Miranda warnings. Oh, we already do that.
Well, then after that, they’re going to want to be tried in civilian courts in the United States. But we’re already doing that as well. Have we gone a bit too far with the kid glove treatment that we treat these madmen, these terrorists, these people who kill Americans?
The nation is at war, Mr. Speaker. You know, punching occurs in war. Shooting also occurs in war. Instead of a court-martial, the SEALs should be dispatched to go and capture another terrorist. But that’s not happening. They are going to be court-martialed because some terrorist supposedly got a bruised mouth.
The SEALs in question are Matthew McCabe, he’s a special operations petty officer second class; Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe; and Petty Officer Julio Huertas. They are going to be court-martialed because some terrorist alleges they got punched in the mouth.
It’s ironic, Mr. Speaker, that the SEALs will be arraigned next Monday, December 7. December 7, everybody in the United States Navy remembers that day. See, it’s been 68 years since the Navy and America was attacked on December the 7th at Pearl Harbor. And now these individuals, ironically, will be arraigned that day.
Mr. Speaker, can you imagine someone in World War II, a soldier, a marine, somebody in the United States Navy, being tried for punching an enemy combatant in the mouth during World War II? You know, we should be commending the Navy SEALs for doing the job that we’ve asked them to do. They’re the best that we have in this country. We’ve asked them to do tough assignments, and we should be supporting them. The terrorists ought to be on trial for murdering Americans. And the Navy SEALs ought to be getting medals for doing what we have asked them to do. And I say congratulations to the Navy SEALs for a job well done.
And that’s just the way it is."
Friday, December 4, 2009
Health Care Negotiations in the Senate
Right now, Senate Democrats are locked in round-the-clock negotiations that could decide the fate of the public health insurance option.1 A deal could come within days.2
But while a handful of conservatives are making headlines with proposals to gut the public option, just one or two senators could upset the balance of power by refusing to give up on it. That's why all of us need to speak out right away—before a deal is cut.
Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia has been a vocal supporter of the public option, and he could be the health care hero we need to win this fight. We don't usually ask you to call senators from other states, but in a moment like this, he needs to hear from progressives across the country who are counting on him to save the public option.
Can you call Sen. Rockefeller? Tell him you're a progressive who wants him to save the public option from being negotiated away, and ask that he support the health care bill only if a real public option is included.
Here's where to call:
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-6472
Then, please report your call by clicking here
Conservative Democrats like Ben Nelson and Joe Lieberman have gotten a lot of attention by threatening to block health care reform over the public option.3 But progressive senators are also included in these negotiations, and Majority Leader Harry Reid needs the support of every Democrat for the bill—including Jay Rockefeller.4
That's why we've got to make sure Sen. Rockefeller knows that grassroots progressives across the country are counting on him to save the public health insurance option—and that we'll remember his leadership in the future.
To influence the outcome of these negotiations, Sen. Rockefeller needs to be crystal clear with Sen. Reid that he will support the health care bill only if it includes a real public health insurance option that's available immediately.
Can you call Sen. Rockefeller right now?
Here's where to call:
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-6472
Then, please report your call by clicking here:
Thanks for all you do.
–Kat, Joan, Michael, Marika, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "With Health Reform At Stake, Senators Scramble To Reach Public Option Compromise," Talking Points Memo, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85509&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=4
2. "Landrieu floats public option alternative," Politico, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85541&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=5
3. "Lieberman: Sure, I'd Filibuster A Health Care Reform Bill With A Public Option," Talking Points Memo, October 27, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85376&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=6
"Lieberman: More Dems could join public option filibuster," The Hill, November 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85377&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=7
"Ben Nelson threatens filibuster," Politico, November 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85378&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=8
4. "With Health Reform At Stake, Senators Scramble To Reach Public Option Compromise," Talking Points Memo, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85509&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=9
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way.
Chip in here!
But while a handful of conservatives are making headlines with proposals to gut the public option, just one or two senators could upset the balance of power by refusing to give up on it. That's why all of us need to speak out right away—before a deal is cut.
Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia has been a vocal supporter of the public option, and he could be the health care hero we need to win this fight. We don't usually ask you to call senators from other states, but in a moment like this, he needs to hear from progressives across the country who are counting on him to save the public option.
Can you call Sen. Rockefeller? Tell him you're a progressive who wants him to save the public option from being negotiated away, and ask that he support the health care bill only if a real public option is included.
Here's where to call:
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-6472
Then, please report your call by clicking here
Conservative Democrats like Ben Nelson and Joe Lieberman have gotten a lot of attention by threatening to block health care reform over the public option.3 But progressive senators are also included in these negotiations, and Majority Leader Harry Reid needs the support of every Democrat for the bill—including Jay Rockefeller.4
That's why we've got to make sure Sen. Rockefeller knows that grassroots progressives across the country are counting on him to save the public health insurance option—and that we'll remember his leadership in the future.
To influence the outcome of these negotiations, Sen. Rockefeller needs to be crystal clear with Sen. Reid that he will support the health care bill only if it includes a real public health insurance option that's available immediately.
Can you call Sen. Rockefeller right now?
Here's where to call:
Senator Jay Rockefeller
202-224-6472
Then, please report your call by clicking here:
Thanks for all you do.
–Kat, Joan, Michael, Marika, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "With Health Reform At Stake, Senators Scramble To Reach Public Option Compromise," Talking Points Memo, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85509&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=4
2. "Landrieu floats public option alternative," Politico, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85541&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=5
3. "Lieberman: Sure, I'd Filibuster A Health Care Reform Bill With A Public Option," Talking Points Memo, October 27, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85376&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=6
"Lieberman: More Dems could join public option filibuster," The Hill, November 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85377&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=7
"Ben Nelson threatens filibuster," Politico, November 19, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85378&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=8
4. "With Health Reform At Stake, Senators Scramble To Reach Public Option Compromise," Talking Points Memo, December 3, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=85509&id=18154-15018975-83auAox&t=9
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way.
Chip in here!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tell Your Senators to Support Medicare-for-All
The Senate is picking up the health care reform debate where the House left off. Make sure your senators hear from you and not just insurance industry lobbyists.
A drawing of people huddled under a large umbrella that represents
donate button
Take action right now!Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform.
Tell 10 friends how to take action, too.
Today, 120 Americans will die because they lack health insurance. That's 45,000 Americans every year. America is a pay or die country. If you can't afford to pay ever-rising insurance premiums, you could die.
It doesn't have to be this way.
But the legislation working its way through Congress will do little to change it. The best-case scenario will leave millions of Americans uninsured, costs will continue to spiral out of control, and insurance corporations will continue to generate obscene profits by denying coverage to the sick and injured.
Single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform will break the stranglehold insurance companies have on you and your family. It will cover everyone. Everybody in, nobody out.
We have to act now!
Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform.
Tell 10 friends how to take action, too.
We just can't wait any longer. The body count is rising.
Together, we can win this fight.
Onward to "Medicare-for-All"!
Angela, Glenn & Rick
Your advocates at Public Citizen
feedback@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.
Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcement
A drawing of people huddled under a large umbrella that represents
donate button
Take action right now!Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform.
Tell 10 friends how to take action, too.
Today, 120 Americans will die because they lack health insurance. That's 45,000 Americans every year. America is a pay or die country. If you can't afford to pay ever-rising insurance premiums, you could die.
It doesn't have to be this way.
But the legislation working its way through Congress will do little to change it. The best-case scenario will leave millions of Americans uninsured, costs will continue to spiral out of control, and insurance corporations will continue to generate obscene profits by denying coverage to the sick and injured.
Single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform will break the stranglehold insurance companies have on you and your family. It will cover everyone. Everybody in, nobody out.
We have to act now!
Email your senators and ask them to support single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" reform.
Tell 10 friends how to take action, too.
We just can't wait any longer. The body count is rising.
Together, we can win this fight.
Onward to "Medicare-for-All"!
Angela, Glenn & Rick
Your advocates at Public Citizen
feedback@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.
Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcement
Friday, November 13, 2009
Great Depression History:“The name Richard Norris Williams II might not ring a bell to you,” Jim Nelson wrote
“The name Richard Norris Williams II might not ring a bell to you,” Jim Nelson wrote to his Lifetime Income Report readers yesterday. “But in the 1920s, everyone knew who he was. In 1912, 21-year-old Williams gained fame as a survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Later that year, he went on to earn his first U.S. mixed tennis championship. Now a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, there wasn’t much Williams didn’t win. He was a 1924 Olympic gold medalist, Wimbledon champion and a five-time U.S. tennis champion.
“On top of all his accomplishments, he was also a highly successful investment broker. He became a partner in an investment firm called C. Clothier Jones & Co. in 1929. His business partners in the small $5 million ($61.5 million today) firm were some of the brightest, most successful investors in the world.
“Of course, after the stock market hit the skids in 1929, the company took a hit. But thanks to the rally in first half of 1930, C. Clothier Jones & Co. was in better shape than ever. He was on top of the world in the spring of 1930. But just like the year before, market speculators pushed stocks higher than they were worth. By late summer, the rally turned into another massive sell-off.
“When October came around, Williams and his partners were doing everything they could to stay in business. Their investments turned to dust, and they were so incredibly overleveraged the only course for them was to fudge some numbers and blatantly lie to shareholders. Williams left the country in mid-October to get married in Europe. By the time he returned, he was a wanted man, for market manipulation. Four of his colleagues and large investors in the company had ended their own lives in that single week…
“We’re fortunate to have history lessons when trying to figure out the market. But there are certain aspects of today’s market that just weren’t there in 1930. Some, like emerging economies, give us a serious advantage over our forefathers. Even if the average investor of 1930 were aware of a possible second downturn, his options would be incredibly limited. Only a millionaire in 1930 could invest in other, safer economies.
“Today, it’s as effortless as buying an ADR through your online broker. We’ve ramped up our portfolio to reflect our favorites: Asia, Africa and Latin America.” For these emerging market income opportunities, read Jim’s Lifetime Income Report.
“On top of all his accomplishments, he was also a highly successful investment broker. He became a partner in an investment firm called C. Clothier Jones & Co. in 1929. His business partners in the small $5 million ($61.5 million today) firm were some of the brightest, most successful investors in the world.
“Of course, after the stock market hit the skids in 1929, the company took a hit. But thanks to the rally in first half of 1930, C. Clothier Jones & Co. was in better shape than ever. He was on top of the world in the spring of 1930. But just like the year before, market speculators pushed stocks higher than they were worth. By late summer, the rally turned into another massive sell-off.
“When October came around, Williams and his partners were doing everything they could to stay in business. Their investments turned to dust, and they were so incredibly overleveraged the only course for them was to fudge some numbers and blatantly lie to shareholders. Williams left the country in mid-October to get married in Europe. By the time he returned, he was a wanted man, for market manipulation. Four of his colleagues and large investors in the company had ended their own lives in that single week…
“We’re fortunate to have history lessons when trying to figure out the market. But there are certain aspects of today’s market that just weren’t there in 1930. Some, like emerging economies, give us a serious advantage over our forefathers. Even if the average investor of 1930 were aware of a possible second downturn, his options would be incredibly limited. Only a millionaire in 1930 could invest in other, safer economies.
“Today, it’s as effortless as buying an ADR through your online broker. We’ve ramped up our portfolio to reflect our favorites: Asia, Africa and Latin America.” For these emerging market income opportunities, read Jim’s Lifetime Income Report.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
"Obama pay cuts a good start, but more is needed" says Public Citizen
October 22, 2009 by Robert Weissman
For the first time, the government appears to be set to take some meaningful action against business fat cats who a) run companies that exist only because of billions of dollars of taxpayer supports and b) still see fit to pay themselves obscene salaries.
The New York Times and other outlets report that Obama administration pay czar Kenneth Feinberg will require executives and top employees at the most bailed-out firms to cut back on salary by 50 percent. If these reports are true, Mr. Feinberg and the Obama administration deserve applause – with one big caveat.
Until now, there has been no systemic mechanism of accountability imposed on top-paid executives and employees at the bailed-out firms. They destroyed their own businesses, not to mention the national economy, but felt entitled nonetheless to hyper-compensation. And the government has done little to discipline them. Now, it appears Feinberg is prepared to do that – for a narrow category of bailout recipients.
Notably, Feinberg reportedly will cap salary and bonuses at AIG Financial Products, the division that brought down a giant multinational and led the government to shovel tens of billions of dollars into AIG, at $200,000. This is an extraordinarily high salary for most people in America, but by the standards of Wall Street it is modest to the point of humbling.
Feinberg has authority only to limit pay at seven bailed-out companies. However, Wall Street itself would likely be out of business but for the trillions of dollars of federal supports it has received, including an array of ongoing supports from the Federal Reserve.
Wall Street firms outside of the Feinberg Seven apparently have no compunction about returning to the outrageous pay practices that helped create the financial crisis. Wall Street is on track to pay an obscene $140 billion in bonuses and compensation, according to Wall Street Journal calculations.
Congress and the administration have demanded no reciprocity for saving the financial system from the financiers outside of the Feinberg Seven. Now is the time to start.
Congress should act immediately to impose a windfall bonus and profits tax on Wall Street. Some substantial portion of the funds that Wall Street aims to pocket as bonus payments and profit-taking should be returned to the public treasury.
Hyper-pay for executives and top traders is not just a symbolic issue. Crazy bonuses linked to this year’s performance helped incentivize dangerous, short-term betting – making it rational to bet on the housing bubble to continue to inflate, even in the face of certainty that it would eventually pop with devastating effects for financial firms (not to mention homeowners, communities and the national and global economy). Separate from addressing the scale of bonus compensation, it is imperative that Congress mandate that bonus payments be based on long-term performance over the course of a business cycle – ideally 10 years, but not less than seven.
Robert Weissman is president of Public Citizen.
For the first time, the government appears to be set to take some meaningful action against business fat cats who a) run companies that exist only because of billions of dollars of taxpayer supports and b) still see fit to pay themselves obscene salaries.
The New York Times and other outlets report that Obama administration pay czar Kenneth Feinberg will require executives and top employees at the most bailed-out firms to cut back on salary by 50 percent. If these reports are true, Mr. Feinberg and the Obama administration deserve applause – with one big caveat.
Until now, there has been no systemic mechanism of accountability imposed on top-paid executives and employees at the bailed-out firms. They destroyed their own businesses, not to mention the national economy, but felt entitled nonetheless to hyper-compensation. And the government has done little to discipline them. Now, it appears Feinberg is prepared to do that – for a narrow category of bailout recipients.
Notably, Feinberg reportedly will cap salary and bonuses at AIG Financial Products, the division that brought down a giant multinational and led the government to shovel tens of billions of dollars into AIG, at $200,000. This is an extraordinarily high salary for most people in America, but by the standards of Wall Street it is modest to the point of humbling.
Feinberg has authority only to limit pay at seven bailed-out companies. However, Wall Street itself would likely be out of business but for the trillions of dollars of federal supports it has received, including an array of ongoing supports from the Federal Reserve.
Wall Street firms outside of the Feinberg Seven apparently have no compunction about returning to the outrageous pay practices that helped create the financial crisis. Wall Street is on track to pay an obscene $140 billion in bonuses and compensation, according to Wall Street Journal calculations.
Congress and the administration have demanded no reciprocity for saving the financial system from the financiers outside of the Feinberg Seven. Now is the time to start.
Congress should act immediately to impose a windfall bonus and profits tax on Wall Street. Some substantial portion of the funds that Wall Street aims to pocket as bonus payments and profit-taking should be returned to the public treasury.
Hyper-pay for executives and top traders is not just a symbolic issue. Crazy bonuses linked to this year’s performance helped incentivize dangerous, short-term betting – making it rational to bet on the housing bubble to continue to inflate, even in the face of certainty that it would eventually pop with devastating effects for financial firms (not to mention homeowners, communities and the national and global economy). Separate from addressing the scale of bonus compensation, it is imperative that Congress mandate that bonus payments be based on long-term performance over the course of a business cycle – ideally 10 years, but not less than seven.
Robert Weissman is president of Public Citizen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ten Years After Seattle, It's Time For a WTO Turnaround!
Ten years ago next month, 50,000 global activists shut down the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial in Seattle. Public Citizen played a key role, going so far as to open up a temporary Seattle office to help organize the protests. History was made when a devastating plan to expand the WTO's reign of corporate globalization was derailed.
On November 30, 2009 - ten years to the day of the Seattle protests - trade ministers and their corporate allies will meet in Geneva to try once again to expand the WTO, in spite of the global economic disaster caused by their failed policies. We can't let that happen. Instead, we must join activists worldwide in demanding that the existing damaging WTO regime be fundamentally transformed!
That's why we're launching a new WTO Turnaround campaign today. We must remind President Obama that true change requires him to deliver on his campaign commitments to create a new American trade model and to fix the old agreements now causing so much harm. Visit the campaign website WTOturnaround.org and sign the petition to President Obama.
Public Citizen started working on "trade" when we realized that agreements like the WTO weren't about tariffs and quotas anymore, but instead were a backdoor attack on key public interest policies. From imported food and product safety to environmental protection and financial services regulation, the WTO places limits on what we can do to solve these problems.
Following the historic events in Seattle in 1999, our work to expose the current globalization model gained widespread prominence and acceptance. We can once again harness the spirit of Seattle to remind our friends and neighbors, as well as President Obama, that the existing WTO terms still are having a devastating impact on our jobs, economic security, food safety and the environment. Rather than expand the WTO's corporate agenda, we must change the existing rules.
To deliver on just about every important issue of our day, from solving the climate crisis to reregulating the financial industry, President Obama will need to repair existing WTO rules to make sure the WTO doesn't get in the way of fixing these urgent problems.
Tell President Obama we're ready to fight for a WTO turnaround plan and to work with him to create rules for a global economy that, as he put it, works for all of us not just large corporate interests. Then, ask your friends to join us.
Support Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch
Thanks for all that you do,
Lori Wallach
Director, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch division
P.S. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear more about our WTOturnaround.org efforts. We'll be organizing house parties to view the film Battle in Seattle, grassroots rallies and more. But first, you can sign our petition to Obama and urge your friends to do so as well.
On November 30, 2009 - ten years to the day of the Seattle protests - trade ministers and their corporate allies will meet in Geneva to try once again to expand the WTO, in spite of the global economic disaster caused by their failed policies. We can't let that happen. Instead, we must join activists worldwide in demanding that the existing damaging WTO regime be fundamentally transformed!
That's why we're launching a new WTO Turnaround campaign today. We must remind President Obama that true change requires him to deliver on his campaign commitments to create a new American trade model and to fix the old agreements now causing so much harm. Visit the campaign website WTOturnaround.org and sign the petition to President Obama.
Public Citizen started working on "trade" when we realized that agreements like the WTO weren't about tariffs and quotas anymore, but instead were a backdoor attack on key public interest policies. From imported food and product safety to environmental protection and financial services regulation, the WTO places limits on what we can do to solve these problems.
Following the historic events in Seattle in 1999, our work to expose the current globalization model gained widespread prominence and acceptance. We can once again harness the spirit of Seattle to remind our friends and neighbors, as well as President Obama, that the existing WTO terms still are having a devastating impact on our jobs, economic security, food safety and the environment. Rather than expand the WTO's corporate agenda, we must change the existing rules.
To deliver on just about every important issue of our day, from solving the climate crisis to reregulating the financial industry, President Obama will need to repair existing WTO rules to make sure the WTO doesn't get in the way of fixing these urgent problems.
Tell President Obama we're ready to fight for a WTO turnaround plan and to work with him to create rules for a global economy that, as he put it, works for all of us not just large corporate interests. Then, ask your friends to join us.
Support Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch
Thanks for all that you do,
Lori Wallach
Director, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch division
P.S. Over the next few weeks, you'll hear more about our WTOturnaround.org efforts. We'll be organizing house parties to view the film Battle in Seattle, grassroots rallies and more. But first, you can sign our petition to Obama and urge your friends to do so as well.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Final DOD Appropriations bill MUST include the Franken Amendment, S.A. 2588.
Thanks to help from activists like you, lawmakers passed Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn.) amendment to bar defense contractors from forcing employees with sexual assault and discrimination claims into arbitration. But now, as the House and Senate negotiate a final version of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (DOD Appropriations bill, H.R. 3326), Senate leaders are considering weakening the amendment by leaving discrimination victims unprotected.
A man crawling across an endless field of contracts toward the scales of justice far in the distance,
Call Sen. Reid today!
Stand up to corporate defense contractors on behalf of victims of discrimination and assault! Call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) TODAY and tell him the final DOD Appropriations bill MUST include the Franken Amendment, S.A. 2588.
No one -- especially a victim of a heinous, violent crime -- should be denied access to a judge and jury because of a binding mandatory arbitration clause in a contract. Please help ensure that this important amendment is passed and this abuse of power by government defense contractors ends.
Call Sen. Reid today and tell him not to strip out or water down the Franken Amendment! You'll find instructions and talking points on our Web site. Please don't forget to let us know what you hear!
donate Thank you for all you do,
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizen
action@citizen.org
P.S. After you speak with your senators or their staff, let us know how it went! Complete the easy form on our Web page after dialing, or send us an email at action@citizen.org.
A man crawling across an endless field of contracts toward the scales of justice far in the distance,
Call Sen. Reid today!
Stand up to corporate defense contractors on behalf of victims of discrimination and assault! Call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) TODAY and tell him the final DOD Appropriations bill MUST include the Franken Amendment, S.A. 2588.
No one -- especially a victim of a heinous, violent crime -- should be denied access to a judge and jury because of a binding mandatory arbitration clause in a contract. Please help ensure that this important amendment is passed and this abuse of power by government defense contractors ends.
Call Sen. Reid today and tell him not to strip out or water down the Franken Amendment! You'll find instructions and talking points on our Web site. Please don't forget to let us know what you hear!
donate Thank you for all you do,
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizen
action@citizen.org
P.S. After you speak with your senators or their staff, let us know how it went! Complete the easy form on our Web page after dialing, or send us an email at action@citizen.org.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Last call? House single payer vote this week Oct.15 !
This is the week!
The Weiner Amendment for Single Payer is expected to go to a floor vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 15.
Please--get busy, get to the phone, and call on your Representative to support single payer. Thanks for all you've done to date... now, we are coming down to the wire!
The Weiner Amendment substitutes a single payer bill for the complicated and fiscally unsustainable legislation being considered by the House. For information on the current single payer bill, HR 676, see this page on Rep. John Conyers's website. Rep. Conyers is the primary sponsor of HR 676, which currently has 88 co-sponsors. Rep. Joe Baca (CA-43) signed up last week, so it is not too late to ask your representative to co-sponsor too!
Don't just get mad that the health [sic] care industry has spent $380 million-plus on lobbying and advertising in just the last few months.... or that the Senate Finance Committee bill was written by a former Wellpoint V.P., now Baucus' principle staffer on health care reform... or that a recent study documented that more than 44,000 Americans die each year for lack of insurance.
Get busy!
* Call your representative and ask that he or she vote to support the Weiner Amendment.
* Ask your rep to also support the Kucinich amendment so state governments can create their own single payer programs.
* On the Senate side, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will introduce two single-payer amendments to the Senate health care bill. One to create a national single-payer plan, the other to allow states to adopt single-payer. Your senators need to hear from you as well. Call them now!
* Finally, forward this email. Tell everyone on your lists to let their voices be heard before it's too late.
As Leonard Rodberg has written, we're being presented with a false choice. Some Democrats and pundits claim we need to pass a plan--any plan--to avoid a Gingrich-style House takeover next year. But the plan, he writes, "is a DOG... Relatively few people will benefit from it, while everyone who has to use health care will continue to experience the mess that is, and will continue to be, the American health care system."
As long as money drives politics, politicians will follow the lead of donors, not voters. As long as health care is a for-profit business for investors, premiums will rise and insurers will cherry-pick the healthiest and wealthiest subscribers.
We say health care is a right and our government should respond to our call for a health care system that respects the people's right to decent, affordable care. We demand single payer, the real cure for ailing health care and a damaged democracy.
Make your call today! Thank you!
As a member or supporter of the Alliance for Democracy, you'll receive a monthly e-mail newsletter to update you on our work and alert you to ways you can act to support it. We will also send you periodic "Action Alerts" that pertain to our campaigns and those of allied groups.
The Alliance for Democracy
PO Box 540115, Waltham, MA 02454
781-894-1179 * JOIN www.thealliancefordemocracy.org
The Weiner Amendment for Single Payer is expected to go to a floor vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 15.
Please--get busy, get to the phone, and call on your Representative to support single payer. Thanks for all you've done to date... now, we are coming down to the wire!
The Weiner Amendment substitutes a single payer bill for the complicated and fiscally unsustainable legislation being considered by the House. For information on the current single payer bill, HR 676, see this page on Rep. John Conyers's website. Rep. Conyers is the primary sponsor of HR 676, which currently has 88 co-sponsors. Rep. Joe Baca (CA-43) signed up last week, so it is not too late to ask your representative to co-sponsor too!
Don't just get mad that the health [sic] care industry has spent $380 million-plus on lobbying and advertising in just the last few months.... or that the Senate Finance Committee bill was written by a former Wellpoint V.P., now Baucus' principle staffer on health care reform... or that a recent study documented that more than 44,000 Americans die each year for lack of insurance.
Get busy!
* Call your representative and ask that he or she vote to support the Weiner Amendment.
* Ask your rep to also support the Kucinich amendment so state governments can create their own single payer programs.
* On the Senate side, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will introduce two single-payer amendments to the Senate health care bill. One to create a national single-payer plan, the other to allow states to adopt single-payer. Your senators need to hear from you as well. Call them now!
* Finally, forward this email. Tell everyone on your lists to let their voices be heard before it's too late.
As Leonard Rodberg has written, we're being presented with a false choice. Some Democrats and pundits claim we need to pass a plan--any plan--to avoid a Gingrich-style House takeover next year. But the plan, he writes, "is a DOG... Relatively few people will benefit from it, while everyone who has to use health care will continue to experience the mess that is, and will continue to be, the American health care system."
As long as money drives politics, politicians will follow the lead of donors, not voters. As long as health care is a for-profit business for investors, premiums will rise and insurers will cherry-pick the healthiest and wealthiest subscribers.
We say health care is a right and our government should respond to our call for a health care system that respects the people's right to decent, affordable care. We demand single payer, the real cure for ailing health care and a damaged democracy.
Make your call today! Thank you!
As a member or supporter of the Alliance for Democracy, you'll receive a monthly e-mail newsletter to update you on our work and alert you to ways you can act to support it. We will also send you periodic "Action Alerts" that pertain to our campaigns and those of allied groups.
The Alliance for Democracy
PO Box 540115, Waltham, MA 02454
781-894-1179 * JOIN www.thealliancefordemocracy.org
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Support Relief for Earthquakes & Tsunamis in Indonesia & Pacific
According to estimates, the most recent earthquake in Indonesia killed upward of 500, and the number is expected to rise. In addition, tens of thousands were forced to leave their homes.
Support relief efforts in Asia and the Pacific. »
Take Action!
Because of the back-to-back emergencies, there's been a significant strain on resources and humanitarian assistance groups need your support.
Their relief and recovery efforts will need to take into account the immediate needs of the children and families affected along with long-term effects of the disasters, including health risks posed by contaminated water, poor nutrition, and psychosocial trauma.
Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes -- let's make sure these emergencies don't further compound the tragedy of these unnecessary deaths. Pledge to support the humanitarian aid agencies helping the people affected by the spate of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Support Relief Efforts in Asia and the Pacific
Back-toback emergencies have devastated several parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Take Action!
Support relief efforts in Asia and the Pacific. »
Take Action!
Because of the back-to-back emergencies, there's been a significant strain on resources and humanitarian assistance groups need your support.
Their relief and recovery efforts will need to take into account the immediate needs of the children and families affected along with long-term effects of the disasters, including health risks posed by contaminated water, poor nutrition, and psychosocial trauma.
Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes -- let's make sure these emergencies don't further compound the tragedy of these unnecessary deaths. Pledge to support the humanitarian aid agencies helping the people affected by the spate of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Support Relief Efforts in Asia and the Pacific
Back-toback emergencies have devastated several parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Take Action!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Discover How You Can INSTANTLY Win 97% Of Your Sports Bets:NFL,MLB,NHL,NBA
Discover How You Can INSTANTLY Win 97% Of Your Sports Bets Using My Proven Sports Betting System!"
Finally... Cornell University PhD Graduate Spills the Beans on the Explosive System He Uses to Make Over $70,000 Every Week Betting On Sports
(No Sports Knowledge Or Betting Experience Needed!)
Real RESULTS! Check out the results from just one of my Sportsbook accounts... In just ONE month of 2009 alone I've banked in $90,710.15 from my online sportsbook. Proof below!SportBettingChamp.com
Cornell University PhD graduate John Morrison at SportBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sports betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sports bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sports betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted him over $2,745,000 over the years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
2007-08 season: 80 wins – 1 Loss
2008-09 season: 78 wins – 0 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 33 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 45 wins – 0 Losses
2006 season: 38 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 35 wins – 0 Losses
2008 season: 43 wins – 0 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 557 wins and 9 losses over the last 5 years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sports betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a "No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee" as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head on over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited time offer while it’s still available.
Finally... Cornell University PhD Graduate Spills the Beans on the Explosive System He Uses to Make Over $70,000 Every Week Betting On Sports
(No Sports Knowledge Or Betting Experience Needed!)
Real RESULTS! Check out the results from just one of my Sportsbook accounts... In just ONE month of 2009 alone I've banked in $90,710.15 from my online sportsbook. Proof below!SportBettingChamp.com
Cornell University PhD graduate John Morrison at SportBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sports betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sports bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sports betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted him over $2,745,000 over the years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
2007-08 season: 80 wins – 1 Loss
2008-09 season: 78 wins – 0 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 33 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 45 wins – 0 Losses
2006 season: 38 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 35 wins – 0 Losses
2008 season: 43 wins – 0 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 557 wins and 9 losses over the last 5 years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sports betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a "No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee" as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head on over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited time offer while it’s still available.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
North Bridge Alliance for Democracy
Please forward widely!
Date and place set for local member meeting,
but we need a time, and you!
At the last North Bridge Alliance for Democracy/BCA meeting we set a date for our regional member meeting. It will be held on Sunday, November 8, at Mary and Bob White's house, 221 Monsen Road, Concord. Mark your calendars!
Now we'd like your feedback on what time you'd like to get together. Plan on three to four hours for a meeting, pot-luck meal, and some socializing. Would your ideal start time be 3 p.m. or 5 p.m.? Later? Please email Barbara in the AfD office (afd@thealliancefordemocracy.org) with your preference, and with any questions. We'll try to accomodate as many people as possible!
As you remember, this summer, AfD national members voted to give the National Council the option of organizing decentralized local or regional member meetings as an alternative to a single, centralized national convention. Members agreed that local meetings would be more accessible and environmentally responsible, and several are planned so far. For times and places of other regional or local member meetings, see this post on the Alliance for Democracy blog: http://afd-e-news.blogspot.com/2009/09/latest-on-our-regional-meetings-october.html. Check back to see report-backs through October and November.
We hope to see you on the 8th! More information on agendas & speakers coming soon!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Friends of Ashland Public Library Documentary Film & Discussion Series presents "Money-Driven Medicine"
Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland
In Money-Driven Medicine, Dr. Donald Berwick, president of the Institute for Health Care Improvement, explains: "We get more care, but not better care." Our fee-for-service system channels resources into the high-tech, high-cost "rescue care" patients need after they become critically ill, while it skimps on the preventive primary care which could keep them out of the hospital in the first place. As a consequence, emergency rooms overflow while family practitioners are becoming an endangered species. Medical students explain that these perverse pay incentives drive them away from primary care into higher-paying specialties.
Medical ethicist Larry Churchill doesn't mince words: "The current medical care system is not designed to meet the health needs of the population. It is designed to protect the interests of insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and to a certain extent organized medicine. It is designed to turn a profit. It is designed to meet the needs of the people in power."
Learn more about the "medical-industrial complex" and how to take control of American medicine back from profiteers. Universal coverage is just the first step in a long and arduous battle for comprehensive reform!
Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2009 Massachusetts Relocalization Conference
Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA
A day-long conference on relocalization featuring speakers, workshops, discussion, local food, music and action. Speakers include Mel King, Frances Moore Lappe, and Bill McKibben. Alliance members are organizing and facilitating a workshop on democracy and localization. Pre-registration strongly recommended; register online at www.relocalizemassachusetts.org
Date and place set for local member meeting,
but we need a time, and you!
At the last North Bridge Alliance for Democracy/BCA meeting we set a date for our regional member meeting. It will be held on Sunday, November 8, at Mary and Bob White's house, 221 Monsen Road, Concord. Mark your calendars!
Now we'd like your feedback on what time you'd like to get together. Plan on three to four hours for a meeting, pot-luck meal, and some socializing. Would your ideal start time be 3 p.m. or 5 p.m.? Later? Please email Barbara in the AfD office (afd@thealliancefordemocracy.org) with your preference, and with any questions. We'll try to accomodate as many people as possible!
As you remember, this summer, AfD national members voted to give the National Council the option of organizing decentralized local or regional member meetings as an alternative to a single, centralized national convention. Members agreed that local meetings would be more accessible and environmentally responsible, and several are planned so far. For times and places of other regional or local member meetings, see this post on the Alliance for Democracy blog: http://afd-e-news.blogspot.com/2009/09/latest-on-our-regional-meetings-october.html. Check back to see report-backs through October and November.
We hope to see you on the 8th! More information on agendas & speakers coming soon!
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Friends of Ashland Public Library Documentary Film & Discussion Series presents "Money-Driven Medicine"
Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland
In Money-Driven Medicine, Dr. Donald Berwick, president of the Institute for Health Care Improvement, explains: "We get more care, but not better care." Our fee-for-service system channels resources into the high-tech, high-cost "rescue care" patients need after they become critically ill, while it skimps on the preventive primary care which could keep them out of the hospital in the first place. As a consequence, emergency rooms overflow while family practitioners are becoming an endangered species. Medical students explain that these perverse pay incentives drive them away from primary care into higher-paying specialties.
Medical ethicist Larry Churchill doesn't mince words: "The current medical care system is not designed to meet the health needs of the population. It is designed to protect the interests of insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and to a certain extent organized medicine. It is designed to turn a profit. It is designed to meet the needs of the people in power."
Learn more about the "medical-industrial complex" and how to take control of American medicine back from profiteers. Universal coverage is just the first step in a long and arduous battle for comprehensive reform!
Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2009 Massachusetts Relocalization Conference
Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA
A day-long conference on relocalization featuring speakers, workshops, discussion, local food, music and action. Speakers include Mel King, Frances Moore Lappe, and Bill McKibben. Alliance members are organizing and facilitating a workshop on democracy and localization. Pre-registration strongly recommended; register online at www.relocalizemassachusetts.org
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows.
Did you know that cattle are routinely fed the waste from the floor of commercial chicken houses? That's feces, feathers, spilled feed, straw, dirt and anything else on the floor under the cramped birds.
Tell the FDA that we don't want cows eating chicken feces! »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Chicken farmers have more chicken waste than they know what to do with. And cattle feedlots are always on the lookout for cheap feed. In fact, an estimated one billion pounds of chicken waste are shoveled in front of cattle on feedlots each year.
The practice of feeding chicken waste to cattle is both disgusting and unsafe. It must end.
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows. »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Stop Feeding
Chicken Waste to Cows!
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Take Action!
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Tell the FDA that we don't want cows eating chicken feces! »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Chicken farmers have more chicken waste than they know what to do with. And cattle feedlots are always on the lookout for cheap feed. In fact, an estimated one billion pounds of chicken waste are shoveled in front of cattle on feedlots each year.
The practice of feeding chicken waste to cattle is both disgusting and unsafe. It must end.
Tell the FDA to stop cattle companies from feeding chicken waste to cows. »
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
Stop Feeding
Chicken Waste to Cows!
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Take Action!
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Tell the FDA you want this practice to stop.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Single-Payer Now
Max Baucus. Know the name? Max Baucus is the Democratic senator from Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Public Health Enemy Number One in Congress.
How so, you ask? Well, all health care reform legislation this year will go through Max Baucus. And Max Baucus has taken single-payer - also known as Medicare-for-all - off the table.
Six people huddling under a large umbrella that represents universal, single-payer health care.Support Public Citizen today!
This is unacceptable. Single-payer is not just the best answer - it's the only answer.
That's why Public Citizen is working to pass single-payer health care reform and needs your immediate help.
Please make a generous contribution today.
Contribute Now
Every other proposal now being floated in Washington is mere piecemeal tinkering and will fail. The American people get this. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans - and the majority of doctors - want a single-payer health care system in the United States.
Over the past two election cycles, Max Baucus has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. Big Corporate Money issues the order: "Take single-payer off the table." And Max Baucus takes single-payer off the table.
So, it has come down to this: the American people versus the health insurance and drug corporations. That's why Public Citizen needs your immediate help to fight for single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care reform.
Contribute Now
There is no legitimate opposition to single-payer. That's why corporate interests can't argue the facts against single-payer. Instead, they say it's not politically feasible. Translation: The drug and health insurance companies have a stranglehold on Congress.
So, what are we going to do about it? The momentum is building for single-payer in the United States. But time is of the essence. Every day, roughly 100 Americans die from lack of health insurance. Every day, hundreds go bankrupt from medical bills.
This is a disgrace that must end. Now.
Contribute Now
Now is the time. Push has come to shove on health care. Help us muscle up to defeat the health insurance industry. To defeat the drug industry. And to deliver universal health care-single-payer, everybody in, nobody out-to the American people.
Contribute Now
Onward to single-payer!
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen
president@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
How so, you ask? Well, all health care reform legislation this year will go through Max Baucus. And Max Baucus has taken single-payer - also known as Medicare-for-all - off the table.
Six people huddling under a large umbrella that represents universal, single-payer health care.Support Public Citizen today!
This is unacceptable. Single-payer is not just the best answer - it's the only answer.
That's why Public Citizen is working to pass single-payer health care reform and needs your immediate help.
Please make a generous contribution today.
Contribute Now
Every other proposal now being floated in Washington is mere piecemeal tinkering and will fail. The American people get this. According to recent polls, the majority of Americans - and the majority of doctors - want a single-payer health care system in the United States.
Over the past two election cycles, Max Baucus has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. Big Corporate Money issues the order: "Take single-payer off the table." And Max Baucus takes single-payer off the table.
So, it has come down to this: the American people versus the health insurance and drug corporations. That's why Public Citizen needs your immediate help to fight for single-payer, Medicare-for-all health care reform.
Contribute Now
There is no legitimate opposition to single-payer. That's why corporate interests can't argue the facts against single-payer. Instead, they say it's not politically feasible. Translation: The drug and health insurance companies have a stranglehold on Congress.
So, what are we going to do about it? The momentum is building for single-payer in the United States. But time is of the essence. Every day, roughly 100 Americans die from lack of health insurance. Every day, hundreds go bankrupt from medical bills.
This is a disgrace that must end. Now.
Contribute Now
Now is the time. Push has come to shove on health care. Help us muscle up to defeat the health insurance industry. To defeat the drug industry. And to deliver universal health care-single-payer, everybody in, nobody out-to the American people.
Contribute Now
Onward to single-payer!
Robert Weissman
President, Public Citizen
president@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics!
Staging a funeral for U.S. democracy. Picketing a member of Congress' local office. Holding a satirical "Corporations Are People Too" demonstration at state capitol. These are just a few of the inspiring protest ideas we've heard activists like you are planning for tomorrow. It's not too late to ask your friends to pledge to protest and organize a street action -- or protest in whatever way you're able!
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!www.DontGetRolled.org
Tomorrow, on 9/9/09, the Supreme Court begins hearing re-arguments in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission at 10 a.m. As you've heard from us, what is at stake is more than one hundred years of limits on corporate influence in our political system. A bad decision in this case could open the floodgates of corporate money in our elections.
Corporations already have outsized influence over our political process. Corporations are not voters and should not be allowed to roll over the public interest with their economic interests! In fact, this is settled law. But, the Supreme Court is going out of its way -- holding a special session tomorrow -- to revisit the rights of corporations to spend from their treasuries to influence our elections.
That's why we need you to protest and help us show that Americans want less corporate influence -- not more!
Please visit www.DontGetRolled.org to sign our protest petition and learn more about what others have pledged to do tomorrow.
We look forward to making a lot of noise with you! Please send us your photos, videos and stories to share at action@citizen.org.
Thank you for all you do!
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizendonate
action@citizen.org
P.S.: Keep spreading the word on Twitter: RT @Public_Citizen: Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics! Sign the petition & pledge to protest Sept 9 on www.DontGetRolled.org. And visit us on Facebook.
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!www.DontGetRolled.org
Tomorrow, on 9/9/09, the Supreme Court begins hearing re-arguments in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission at 10 a.m. As you've heard from us, what is at stake is more than one hundred years of limits on corporate influence in our political system. A bad decision in this case could open the floodgates of corporate money in our elections.
Corporations already have outsized influence over our political process. Corporations are not voters and should not be allowed to roll over the public interest with their economic interests! In fact, this is settled law. But, the Supreme Court is going out of its way -- holding a special session tomorrow -- to revisit the rights of corporations to spend from their treasuries to influence our elections.
That's why we need you to protest and help us show that Americans want less corporate influence -- not more!
Please visit www.DontGetRolled.org to sign our protest petition and learn more about what others have pledged to do tomorrow.
We look forward to making a lot of noise with you! Please send us your photos, videos and stories to share at action@citizen.org.
Thank you for all you do!
Rick, Angela and Glenn
Your Advocates at Public Citizendonate
action@citizen.org
P.S.: Keep spreading the word on Twitter: RT @Public_Citizen: Say no to unlimited corporate $$$ in #politics! Sign the petition & pledge to protest Sept 9 on www.DontGetRolled.org. And visit us on Facebook.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Reform Your Health Care with Colon Cleansing
Cleanse Smart Advanced Cleansing System is a 30 day program.
A natural formula of herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids which support detoxification and cleansing.
Milk Thistle Seed supports detoxification of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and skin.
Ashwaganda Root, Beet Leaf, Bupleurum Root, Burdock Root, Celandine Leaf, Chlorella, Corn Silk, Dandelion Root, Hawthorne Berry supports cleansing of the colon.
For thousands of years mankind has used cleansing and detoxification to maintain health. Today, more than ever, we are exposed to a vast number of toxins in our homes, workplaces, air, food and water.
Buy Cleanse Smart Advanced Cleansing 30 Day System
CleanseSMART Part I supports detoxification of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and skin. Part II supports cleansing the bowel.
CleanseSMART is easy to take, just two capsules in the morning and two at night, and it is formulated to be taken in harmony with normal daily activity.
The Inside Scoop:
2 part morning and evening formula.
Comes in easy-to-swallow capsules.
Contains no cascara sagrada, senna or added fillers.
Ingredient Details:
CleanseSMART l
Proprietary Blend: Artichoke Leaf, Ashwaganda Root, Beet Leaf, Bupleurum Root, Burdock Root, Celandine Leaf, Chlorella, Corn Silk, Dandelion Root, Hawthorne Berry, Larch arabinogalactan gum, Milk Thistle Seed, silymarin Mullein Leaf, Red Clover Leaf & Stem, Turmeric Root.
See package for complete ingredient lists.
Suggested Use: CleanseSMART l: 1 to 2 capsules in the morning.
CleanseSMART II 1 to 2 capsules in the evening.
Buy Cleanse Smart Advanced Cleansing 30 Day System
A natural formula of herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids which support detoxification and cleansing.
Milk Thistle Seed supports detoxification of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and skin.
Ashwaganda Root, Beet Leaf, Bupleurum Root, Burdock Root, Celandine Leaf, Chlorella, Corn Silk, Dandelion Root, Hawthorne Berry supports cleansing of the colon.
For thousands of years mankind has used cleansing and detoxification to maintain health. Today, more than ever, we are exposed to a vast number of toxins in our homes, workplaces, air, food and water.
Buy Cleanse Smart Advanced Cleansing 30 Day System
CleanseSMART Part I supports detoxification of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and skin. Part II supports cleansing the bowel.
CleanseSMART is easy to take, just two capsules in the morning and two at night, and it is formulated to be taken in harmony with normal daily activity.
The Inside Scoop:
2 part morning and evening formula.
Comes in easy-to-swallow capsules.
Contains no cascara sagrada, senna or added fillers.
Ingredient Details:
CleanseSMART l
Proprietary Blend: Artichoke Leaf, Ashwaganda Root, Beet Leaf, Bupleurum Root, Burdock Root, Celandine Leaf, Chlorella, Corn Silk, Dandelion Root, Hawthorne Berry, Larch arabinogalactan gum, Milk Thistle Seed, silymarin Mullein Leaf, Red Clover Leaf & Stem, Turmeric Root.
See package for complete ingredient lists.
Suggested Use: CleanseSMART l: 1 to 2 capsules in the morning.
CleanseSMART II 1 to 2 capsules in the evening.
Buy Cleanse Smart Advanced Cleansing 30 Day System
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Opponents of health insurance reform have power. Some reap huge profits from the status quo.
Opponents of health insurance reform have power. Some reap huge profits from the status quo. Others take large campaign contributions from those who profit.
So they'll do anything to keep the current system in place. When fact-based arguments don't work, they attack President Obama with outlandish lies about a government takeover and euthanizing the elderly. And once that doesn't work, they'll go even further.
We don't know what they'll do next. What we do know is that we'll have to be prepared for anything -- ready to set the record straight, ready to make sure the media and Congress see the overwhelming support for reform, and ready to pass real reform this year.
But we'll need the resources to do it -- to pay for rapid-response ads in key districts and states, organizers to put together large rallies and grassroots events throughout the country, and the best technology available to empower volunteers -- all at a moment's notice. Can you chip in $25 or more to help us pass real reform, this year?
Please donate
This was never going to be easy. As candidate Obama said just three days before the election: "Don't think for a moment that power will concede without a fight." Now, we're seeing how true that really is.
These same well-financed forces have killed reform in the past, and they're aiming to do it again.
But here's why this time can be different: There are folks like you, all around the country, who are ready to go toe-to-toe with the special interests, even when they're not fighting fair.
And we'll keep at it, because we know that the work we're doing together right now can make the lives of hundreds of millions better for decades to come.
But we need your help to keep it up. Can you donate $25 or more to beat the special interests?
There's too much at stake for any of us to sit this one out. Please chip in. Click Here to Donate
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
Donate
So they'll do anything to keep the current system in place. When fact-based arguments don't work, they attack President Obama with outlandish lies about a government takeover and euthanizing the elderly. And once that doesn't work, they'll go even further.
We don't know what they'll do next. What we do know is that we'll have to be prepared for anything -- ready to set the record straight, ready to make sure the media and Congress see the overwhelming support for reform, and ready to pass real reform this year.
But we'll need the resources to do it -- to pay for rapid-response ads in key districts and states, organizers to put together large rallies and grassroots events throughout the country, and the best technology available to empower volunteers -- all at a moment's notice. Can you chip in $25 or more to help us pass real reform, this year?
Please donate
This was never going to be easy. As candidate Obama said just three days before the election: "Don't think for a moment that power will concede without a fight." Now, we're seeing how true that really is.
These same well-financed forces have killed reform in the past, and they're aiming to do it again.
But here's why this time can be different: There are folks like you, all around the country, who are ready to go toe-to-toe with the special interests, even when they're not fighting fair.
And we'll keep at it, because we know that the work we're doing together right now can make the lives of hundreds of millions better for decades to come.
But we need your help to keep it up. Can you donate $25 or more to beat the special interests?
There's too much at stake for any of us to sit this one out. Please chip in. Click Here to Donate
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
Donate
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Public Health Care Option is Not Optional
Recently, the Obama administration indicated that it might be open to passing health care reform without any provision for a public option. In fact, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, went so far as to say the public option was not an "essential" part of reform.
Tell President Obama when it comes to health care reform, the public option is not optional! » Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
During the presidential race, Obama campaigned on change and on a health care plan that included the public option. But the recent comments rhetorically pave the way for the Obama administration to cave on meaningful health care reform.
Now is the time to remind President Obama that part of the reason he won the presidency was because of his plan to enact major health care reform that included a public option, a provision that 76 percent of Americans support
Americans have gone too long without the proper health coverage. Sign the pledge and urge President Obama to support a bill with a robust public option similar to Medicare. »
Thanks for taking action!
Andrew
ThePetitionSite
Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
President Obama: We Voted for Change!
America Needs a Public Option
Take Action!
A health care bill without a robust public option is just more of the same.
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
Tell President Obama when it comes to health care reform, the public option is not optional! » Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
During the presidential race, Obama campaigned on change and on a health care plan that included the public option. But the recent comments rhetorically pave the way for the Obama administration to cave on meaningful health care reform.
Now is the time to remind President Obama that part of the reason he won the presidency was because of his plan to enact major health care reform that included a public option, a provision that 76 percent of Americans support
Americans have gone too long without the proper health coverage. Sign the pledge and urge President Obama to support a bill with a robust public option similar to Medicare. »
Thanks for taking action!
Andrew
ThePetitionSite
Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
President Obama: We Voted for Change!
America Needs a Public Option
Take Action!
A health care bill without a robust public option is just more of the same.
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >> Click here Take action link
Monday, August 24, 2009
The public is fed up with corporate influence blocking progress ....
As I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court may soon allow corporations to spend as much as they want promoting or opposing political candidates. Democracy as we know it could be rolled over by unlimited corporate money in politics.
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!
Yes, it's okay to be outraged.
Do something about it at DontGetRolled.org!
In a stunning move, the justices are returning early from their summer vacation after ordering the parties in a little-known case to argue whether the court should overturn longstanding restrictions on corporate campaign spending.
The public is fed up with corporate influence blocking progress on health care, climate change, trade, the economy--on everything. But the Supreme Court could make things much, much worse.
Pledge to protest!
The Supreme Court is way out of touch--and way out of line. We need to raise awareness and send a message the justices will hear.
Tell your friends. Write a letter. Start a blog. Picket. Do street theater. Do whatever you can!
Learn more about how to get involved, share your ideas and take the "Pledge to Protest" at DontGetRolled.org today.
donate Thank you for all you do!
Sidney M. Wolfe, M.D.
feedback@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.
Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
A corporate titan driving a giant steamroller that is about to crush the U.S. Capitol building, showing corporate influence in elections.
Don't Get Rolled!
Yes, it's okay to be outraged.
Do something about it at DontGetRolled.org!
In a stunning move, the justices are returning early from their summer vacation after ordering the parties in a little-known case to argue whether the court should overturn longstanding restrictions on corporate campaign spending.
The public is fed up with corporate influence blocking progress on health care, climate change, trade, the economy--on everything. But the Supreme Court could make things much, much worse.
Pledge to protest!
The Supreme Court is way out of touch--and way out of line. We need to raise awareness and send a message the justices will hear.
Tell your friends. Write a letter. Start a blog. Picket. Do street theater. Do whatever you can!
Learn more about how to get involved, share your ideas and take the "Pledge to Protest" at DontGetRolled.org today.
donate Thank you for all you do!
Sidney M. Wolfe, M.D.
feedback@citizen.org
Stay informed and speak out when it counts.
Sign up for the Public Citizen Action Network or other online announcements.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
EPA wants your feedback on the proposed Biofuel standards
care2 petitionsite actionAlert
There's huge interest in the role biofuels can play in reducing global warming emissions from vehicles. But research shows that conventional biofuels can result in serious pollution when forests and grasslands are plowed to make room for farmland to grow fuel crops.
The EPA is in the process of creating the first national global warming pollution standards for ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels, and they need to hear from you about global warming pollution from conventional biofuel production. »
Lobbyists from the conventional biofuel industry are pushing the EPA to ignore vital scientific findings about biofuel global warming pollution.
Read the petition >>
Take action link: Click here
We can't let that happen. Fortunately, the EPA wants your feedback on the proposed standards -- but we only have until September 25 to submit comments!
Please tell Administrator Lisa Jackson that the EPA must use the best available science to ensure that biofuels truly become part of a clean transportation future. Act now. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
The EPA Needs
to Hear from You!
Let the EPA hear from you.
Take Action!
Tell the EPA about conventional biofuel global warming pollution.
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Take action link: Click here
There's huge interest in the role biofuels can play in reducing global warming emissions from vehicles. But research shows that conventional biofuels can result in serious pollution when forests and grasslands are plowed to make room for farmland to grow fuel crops.
The EPA is in the process of creating the first national global warming pollution standards for ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels, and they need to hear from you about global warming pollution from conventional biofuel production. »
Lobbyists from the conventional biofuel industry are pushing the EPA to ignore vital scientific findings about biofuel global warming pollution.
Read the petition >>
Take action link: Click here
We can't let that happen. Fortunately, the EPA wants your feedback on the proposed standards -- but we only have until September 25 to submit comments!
Please tell Administrator Lisa Jackson that the EPA must use the best available science to ensure that biofuels truly become part of a clean transportation future. Act now. »
Thanks for taking action!
Samer
ThePetitionSite
The EPA Needs
to Hear from You!
Let the EPA hear from you.
Take Action!
Tell the EPA about conventional biofuel global warming pollution.
Forward to a friend >>
Read the petition >>
Take action link: Click here
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Ask Congress to support the Consumer Financial Protection Agency!
The Banksters are at it again.
Ask Congress to support the Consumer Financial Protection Agency!
Despite taking billions in taxpayer bailouts, the big banks are using their lobbying and PR machines to fight real reform that would create accountability and transparency in our financial system.
And they think that we won't notice because Congress is in recess. Let's show them that we are paying attention.
Make sure that Congress hears from Main Street--and not just Wall Street!
To learn more about real financial accountability and security, click this link
Financial services companies are spending millions to oppose legislation that would create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Even though their greed and shortsightedness wrecked our economy, they refuse to accept even the most basic oversight of their products and services.
They want to keep things the way they are. Do you want to keep things the way they are?
Tell your representative and senators that you want a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to protect us from misleading, unfair or unsafe financial products.
Thank you for all you do!
Angela, Eric & Glenn
Your Action Team at Public Citizen's Congress Watch Division
action@citizen.org
To learn more about real financial accountability and security, click this link
Ask Congress to support the Consumer Financial Protection Agency!
Despite taking billions in taxpayer bailouts, the big banks are using their lobbying and PR machines to fight real reform that would create accountability and transparency in our financial system.
And they think that we won't notice because Congress is in recess. Let's show them that we are paying attention.
Make sure that Congress hears from Main Street--and not just Wall Street!
To learn more about real financial accountability and security, click this link
Financial services companies are spending millions to oppose legislation that would create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Even though their greed and shortsightedness wrecked our economy, they refuse to accept even the most basic oversight of their products and services.
They want to keep things the way they are. Do you want to keep things the way they are?
Tell your representative and senators that you want a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to protect us from misleading, unfair or unsafe financial products.
Thank you for all you do!
Angela, Eric & Glenn
Your Action Team at Public Citizen's Congress Watch Division
action@citizen.org
To learn more about real financial accountability and security, click this link
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