ProgressivePlaid

Being a Female is a Pre-Existing Condition!

2009-09-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

*** First Posted on Feminists for Choice ***
Even people who are against healthcare reform realize that insurance companies regularly screw over decent hard working people all the time. Insurance companies take exploitation another level of women. This week there has been a lot of talk about how insurance companies in several states consider domestic violence a pre-existing condition. This is a ridiculous policy, but is unfortunately not the only way women are
Thirty-eight states offer absolutely no protection for women purchasing insurance in the individual market. Women are charged higher premiums than men for identical plans. This higher cost is compounded by the fact women still earn approximately 78 cents to the every dollar a man makes. Therefore, programs such as employer financial assistance and tax credits for buying insurance unfairly leave women behind monetarily.
In addition, certain medical expenses that affect women more often than men usually is considered a pre-existing condition, elective or not mentioned at all. One of the biggest additional medical expenses for women is pregnancy. Due to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 employers are not allowed to charge a woman more for insurance if she is pregnant.
Now the individual market has no regulations concerning treatment of maternity in most states. Very often pregnancy is seen as a pre-existing condition. An already pregnant woman has almost no chance of getting maternity coverage is she looks to purchase insurance in the individual market.
If a woman seeks maternity coverage for a future pregnancy she often has to buy a supplemental benefits package (called a rider). These cost additional money and are often very limited in what they provide. Riders can cost anywhere from a $100 to over $1000 a month. Some rider benefit caps are so low that they don’t quite cover the cost of a vaginal birth without complications. To add insult to injury, as of 2008 four states offer zero options for maternity coverage in the individual market.
When it comes to eating disorders, women’s health is again pushed aside for the sake of a healthy profit margin. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 90% of people inflicted with eating disorders are women. This health problem leads to detrimental physical issues, but can be treated before it gets to that point. However, health insurance companies will not cover any cost of treatment until in entails physical damages.
As the government debates issues of healthcare, the inequity in healthcare for women vs. men is among the issues that need to be resolved. Decades ago insurance companies stopped charging different prices based on race. Women should not be left behind and demand fair treatment in the healthcare industry.

The L Word Lives

2009-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

As I was watching the news coverage of Ted Kennedy’s death and subsequently his life, I saw him quote his brother John Kennedy about being a liberal.
"If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”

I love this explanation of being a liberal and I am also proud to be a liberal. I’m tired of people avoiding the label of liberal because it seems to have a bad reputation in the media. The demise of the liberal name was a calculated campaign by conservatives and I’m taking back the word!
Here are some quotes from the conservative fear mongers.
Empathy" is the latest code word for liberal activism.
Karl Rove
I’m sorry Mr. Rove, but keep off of empathy. Without empathy our country, our world will be sad and miserable.

“A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.”
Robert Frost
Ok, so we are open minded, I really don’t see why this is such a bad thing.

Another famous quote by Winston Churchill and later used by Reagan:
“If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have no brain.”
Well, if this is true, may I never grow up!

Now here is a voice from a long time ago that I think is very appropriate for modern liberals.
“As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.”
George Washington

Finally, Here is another quote that need to be implemented now!
“Democracy is an impossible thing until the power is shared by all, but let not democracy degenerate into mobocracy.” Ghandi

Teddy Kennedy and his liberalness will be much missed!

Miracles Really Do Happen

2009-08-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

On most topics such as reproductive rights, gay rights and many other feminist issues, churches are often an obstacle to progress. Misinterpretation of religious texts and rituals are the main causes of strife in many cultures. Violence in God's name really gets on my last nerve.
However, today is new day. Faith groups and I actually agree on something! More and more religious organizations are turning the healthcare debate into what it should be: A Moral Argument.
Simply, those who are against universal coverage aren't moral. Or as religious people would say, they aren't taking care of all of God's children.
Which ever way you frame the rhetoric, religious groups and I agree that access to quality healthcare is a human right that should be available to everyone.
Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religions will participate in a call-in webcast with President Obama next week. For now, they are holding prayer vigils and planning to lobby their representatives in Washington in favor of healthcare reform.
My God, Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Jehovah, Shiva be behind you in your fight for healthcare rights.

Honey Doesn't Catch Money

2009-08-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Money matters are a consistent stress for about 90% of the U.S. population above 13 years old. The part of the population that I think doesn't stress as much about money is the one where people enjoy what they are doing and make enough to buy a retail price outfit from time to time without feeling guilty.
My problem is that I am not sure if I'll ever find a career that allows me to be both happy and debt-free. The reason being simply that I am an uber ethical person. I empathize with others to a fault. If someone is hurting in any way I feel their pain in some form. (Expect people that have betrayed or hurt my best friends. You all can hurt as much as you like and I won't feel anything.)
However, in the world of jobs and incomes those who have no fear of stepping on toes or stealing the limelight are the ones that get paid. Those people who relish in controlling others and being the ones with power to dismiss or praise their subordinates. These are all qualities associated with a go-getter aggressor that many organizations would love to hire.
I'm not saying that all my problems boil down to being nice, but it certainly doesn't help. Anyone that tells you that you can rise to significant leadership positions without a little of this attitude is lying!
Nice people are needed to make the world better and we should be respected. I can't see myself changing any time soon. I believe the world needs nice ethical people like me and maybe you. I just wish there were better avenues for a financially secure existence. It would be nice to travel more and buy clothes that aren't all from Goodwill, but even if I just knew that I have the capacity to save for something special that would make me feel better.

Suggestions for Serving Justice Better

2009-07-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

I began my jury duty service with mixed emotions. The prospect of being relegated to $40 dollars a day for a stretch of time was frightful, while the idea of serving on a real life jury was in fact intriguing.

We gathered in the jury room to watch our introduction film. It began with actors in bad costumes portraying an archaic trail of an accused community member. Wrapping them in chains and if they sink to the bottom of the lake they are innocent, if they float it’s a guilty verdict. Next, we learned about the evolution of the jury and judge system into what we have today. Soon, Diane Sawyer was prepping us for our own journey into the jury box.
Throughout the entire film there was an emphasis on the civic duty and privilege of being a juror. For a moment, I was struck with a small burst of pride in participating in an imperfect yet respectable system of law. However no matter how much pride or even desire I had to become a juror, I still couldn’t shake the fear in the pit of my stomach.
Thoughts about projects at work and most of all the financial hardship that serving would cause overshadowed every positive emotion. Not to mention that the majority of the time was so extensively boring and it often felt like I was in hospital waiting room, which only added to my anxiety.
This sucks!
Our justice system is so important to the maintenance and progression of our civil liberties that we should be excited about jury duty. But how can we be under these circumstances?
Here are my suggestions for improving our jury duty procedures in order to ensure due process and essential freedom in this country.
• Most importantly, there needs to be payment reform. Perhaps subsidize employers to provide full wages for days out for jury duty or offer better government funded compensation.
• Schedule cases to allow for people to work a part day. Many people have pressing projects at work and dismissing at 2:00pm would allow them at least some time to work on them.
• Be more courtesy when calling a group of potential jurors into a courtroom- aka DO NOT call them 5 minutes before they have been told they will be dismissed for lunch! I get mad easily when I’m hungry and I am positive that I am not the only one.
• What would help in the above scenario is to provide FREE snack food
• In the lounge put some comfy lounge chairs or couches to create a more relaxed atmosphere
• Maybe paint the jury room a calming color like sky blue and have chairs that aren’t brown…it really did feel too much like a hospital waiting room
• Have more entertainment option: A larger supply of magazines, maybe some board games or playing cards, have more than one television (which was off every time I went into the juror’s lounge!), just get creative people!
• Maybe have a raffle where people who get chosen for trials get the chance to win something exciting like Broadway show tickets or gift certificates.

I think if these suggestions and other improvements were made to the jury system people would be more eager to serve. Even calling friends to brag because they got picked! The real winner would be all of us in this society because the more impartial and less disgruntled a jury the better the outcome.

G8 Leaders- Women are Key to Solving World Hunger

2009-07-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

(Originally written for Feminists For Choice)

For three days this week the Group of Eight (G8) economic and political powers will be discussing policies that affect world affairs. Global security, climate change, and alleviating poverty are supposed to at the top of the agenda. Specifically, hunger will be a central topic during poverty talks. As it should be with the UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating the amount of people going hungry every day has exceeded a billion. One-sixth of the people on this planet aren’t getting enough to eat.

On Wednesday, the seven male and one female leader of the G8 got down to business in earthquake stricken L’Aquila, Italy, while the wives (not sure about the husband) were in Rome. They were treated to a three-course lunch, tours of landmarks and a World Food Programme (WPF) presentation about women’s role in the hunger crisis. My question is why wasn’t this program part of the main event in L’Aquila and presented to everyone?

Women are disproportionally affected by hunger. According to the FAO, approximately 7 out of 10 of those going hungry are women. Many hungry women are sacrificing a decent meal so their children will not starve. Even more critical to the G8 talks is how women are key in solving the world hunger problem.

Many studies show the great communal value of supporting women in efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger. If women are given better access to resources, such as food and water then entire household health improves. This paves the way for increased physical and intellectual development among children and communities as a whole.

In addition, it is estimated that women produce between 60 to 80 percent of the food in developing countries. Despite the fact that women work much of the land, they own almost none of it. Governments should begin investing more resources into increasing women’s access to land, water, fair credit lines, and training. This would show a real and sustainable effect on the hunger problem.

Instead, it seems free trade and new technologies are more the focal points at the G8 summit. These potential solutions miss the bigger picture on hunger. Free trade seems logical in that it would allow more food to be shipped into countries and competition might lower prices. However, it makes small local farmers unable to compete and many lose their livelihood resulting in a weaker economy and less money to buy the imported goods. New technology seems like a great idea too, but it would do little to help if the right people weren’t afforded access to the equipment or proper training.

Hunger is a serious problem that has gotten worse due to rising food prices and environmental factors. It is vital that our global leaders wake up to one of the world’s most valuable resources: women. This may be the only way to truly make a positive impact on this devastating problem.

Speaking of Human Rights

2009-06-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

I was not confronted with the notion that human rights shouldn’t automatically be considered a universal truth until I was 27 years old.

In my kitchen, I was having a conversation with a young man with a silver spoon and a business degree. We began to talk about the world and economic exploitation. He was ok with it and I wasn’t. At one point in my frustration, I simply said “What about human rights?” He seemed puzzled by the question and responded with another question “Do you actually believe everyone is entitled to human rights?” Now it was my turn to be puzzled. My mind was swimming because it had never occurred that human rights shouldn’t be universal. So, I simply answered “yes.”

Now, a few years later I still believe human rights are universal. It is complicated and when I argued in the kitchen I understood that cultural imperialism and policing world were not good things. However, I never questioned the idea of human rights.

Some intellectuals see the western view of human rights as an infringement on group rights and cultural freedom. Also, governments have marched into war in the name of human rights even though most people understand that isn’t their true motivation. So there is no denying the complexity of this issue.

However, I think as rational beings (for the most part) we know what is fundamentally right and wrong. Therefore when a cultural perpetuates human rights abuses, (such as female genital mutilation, honor killing, apartheid, etc.) that part of the culture should be changed. Even understanding my position as a woman who grew up in the United States, I hold firm in the belief that there are some rights that are indeed universal.

What are those rights is another question. One that I hope to explore further, as well as solutions to stopping economic exploitation and other human abuses.

Stoning of Soraya M

2009-06-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

Women in the U.S. still have a lot of progress to make and to deny horrible human rights abuses happen here is just plain naive. In fact, just a few months there was a probable honor killing of a woman in Buffalo. A husband murdered his wife for seeking a divorce.

However, it can not be denied that women in the U.S. are lucky in many ways. One of those ways is that we do almost always have freedom of speech. In addition, the due process system in the U.S. does typically prevent us from being murdered for using our voices.

This weekend the movie The Stoning of Soraya M. hits limited theaters. The women in this film are not so lucky. The human rights and empowering story unfolds in a brutal yet beautiful film. I encourage everyone who can to go to the theater and support this movie. Click Here to find a theater near you where showing it.

The Right-Wing Lost, right?

2009-06-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

It seems the Obama administration needs to be reminded that conservatives lost the election. I understand that it isn’t very feasible for a president to dive head first into political hot button issues, even a president with high approval ratings.
But the Justice Department memo in support of the Defensive of Marriage Act (DOMA) is an overt pandering to the right.

DOMA allows states and prevents the federal government from recognizing marriages and unions between same-sex couples. This means that if a couple gets married in Iowa and moves to a state that doesn’t recognize them as a married couple then they can be refused hospital visitation, estate planning becomes trickier, and basic dignity goes out the window.

President Obama expressed in campaigns that he did not support DOMA, but the actions of his administration seem to counter this position. Due to the response by the LGBTQ community and allies the White House offered this quick rebuttal:
White House spokesman Shin Inouye said "The President has said he wants to see a legislative repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act because it prevents LGBT couples from being granted equal rights and benefits. However, until Congress passes legislation repealing the law, the administration will continue to defend the statute when it is challenged in the justice system." –LA Times
This seems like a bit of a cop out and it shows that the administration plans to do nothing in an effort to progress gay rights in this country.

Perhaps this is isn’t the most critical issue when people within our borders and beyond are facing poverty in the face. However, it is an issue of principle and civil rights.
Ironically, I found an Obama quote that expresses why it is important to show outrages over this issue.

“As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population.” -Windy City Times 2-11-2004

Wake up and smell the oppression people!

A Suggestion for the President

2009-06-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, President Obama addressed an audience in Cairo to speak about Islam. (See bottom of this post)
He covered several issues, but tended to concentrate on those of more political “value” such as war, Israel/Palestine and economics.

There was a small a glance at women’s rights, but much much more should be said.
“I reject the view that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.”
This sentence contains issues that are hot button issues with some activists. The head covering is something to examine, because the key word in this statement is chooses. Does coercions create that choice or is it done completely at free will? This is indeed an important distinction.

However, the hajib (head covering) and even the more obtrusive burqa are among the less concerning issues for women in some Islamic communities. As is quoted, women’s access to education in some areas is nonexistent, which leads to illiteracy and lack of economic opportunity. Both make women more dependent and less likely to attain equality.

Although President Obama talked extensively about violence, it was not raised in the paragraphs about women. I find this to be a significant fault in this nearly hour long speech. Extensive violence against women in Islamic countries continues to be a tragic routine. Acid being thrown on women seeking an education, women being beat for showing too much skin or killed for looking at a man the “wrong” way. These dangerous events occur everywhere, but desperately need to be addressed in Muslim communities where the culture sometimes lends itself to oppressive patriarchal control of justice.

This is evident in the new film, The Stoning of Soraya M. I encourage the President to watch this film and perhaps next time he addresses leaders in the Middle East violence against women will be a more central topic.

To quote President Obama, violent oppression of women “is a stain on our collective conscience.”

I look forward to exploring the idea of “collective conscience” with the release of this film and the conversations that follow.

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A Fallen Hero of Human Rights

2009-06-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe in 2009 that we still face such oppressive acts. Sunday morning the news reported that Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed by an anti-choice gunman. Dr. Tiller ran a women’s clinic which provided abortion to women in needed.
He understood that reproductive and healthcare freedom is essential to human rights. Thousands of women worldwide die due to lack of access to safe abortions. Girls live in further terror after being raped because of parental notification laws. Couples make heart wrenching medical decisions after finding out there are problem with the pregnancy.
At the vigil I attended last night, stories of women facing these situations and being helped by Dr. Tiller restored our commitment to protecting reproductive rights. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many men at the vigil. It will take all genders working together to insure victory in this fight for reproductive justice.
If you would like to learn more and contribute your voice to the pro-choice movement here are some resources:

Center for Reproductive Rights: reproductiverights.org
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
NARAL: www.naral.org
UN Population Fund: www.unfpa.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: www.nnaf.org

The Goode Family?

2009-05-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

I watched the new ABC cartoon “The Goode Family” last night. My mind set to either hate it or love it. Actually, my feeling is mixed.

It is my hope that as the series progresses the characters become more endearing. Maybe if America grows to like the Goode family they will learn more about important social issues. It might become a good thing to be like the Goodes.

Initially, I wasn’t impressed with the story. The satire was lost by attempts as bringing up too many social issues in one episode. Worst of all, the characters seemed stressed and distant and holier than thou. At times, anyone would have felt awkward being friends with this family.

However, there were a few funny and light hearted moments. My favorite moment was at the end when the mother Helen has had a little too much wine. Father and daughter have just escaped a “purity ball” and the son was excited to drive the family hybrid.

There were also more subtle points made in the show. Such as, the shopping center where with each benefit a food has the price goes up. It is ridiculous that organic food often costs more than genetically engineered products.

Overall, I will have to wait and see if the show sticks. At this point, I won’t turn the channel unless there is something better to watch. I encourage you to decide for yourself whether "The Goode Family" is good.

Benefits Really Benefit Us All

2009-05-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

Vacations are essential to productivity, quality of life and beauty. I mean beauty from knowledge and experience, but also outside physical appearance. As I examined my photos from my recent vacation the bags under my eyes shrunk significantly from the first few days to the last few days. My smile continued to grow larger throughout the trip and my body seemed more fit from the amount of walking and dancing I was enjoying. Medical studies also back up this feeling showing that vacation can help lessen risk for heart problems and mental illness.

Now that I am back to work, I feel less mundane aggravation and am able to get my entire must-do list done with a bit of time to spare. I can move on to lower priority tasks (or write a blog entry) with this extra time.

You would think employers would be excited about the benefits of vacations and insurance companies would be lobbying Washington for mandated vacation time. However, the U.S. is one of the few industrialized nations not to require employee benefits such as paid vacation. In fact, the U.S. doesn’t even require paid time off for new mothers or people requiring family medical leave.

Many employers and those that have fallen for the idea that we have to work ourselves in the ground in order to be productive can’t seem to understand how vacation and leave benefits are exactly that-benefits! They benefit both the employee AND the employer!

FW: Homelessness is our problem too

2009-04-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

My inbox tends to be invaded by the occasional conservative propaganda piece. They remind me that my country is Christian, we shouldn’t tax U.S. citizens and immigrants are bad.

Yes, people still try to convince me of these things despite the following minor issues:
1. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” -U.S. Constitution Amendment 1
2. Free elections, roads, primary schools, parks, defense/homeland security, fire and police departments are paid for by taxes. (Notice how I didn’t even mention “frivolous” spending like Medicaid, environmental protection, college loans, unemployment benefits and public housing)
and
3. Unless you are a Native American, you and/or your family once immigrated to this country as some point.

Many times I simply hit delete and move on with my life. Other times I write back.
A recent email of this nature inspired me to respond.

Here is the email….
I recently asked my friends' little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?

> She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.' Her parents beamed.

'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.

> She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, ' Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?

> I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.' Her parents still aren't speaking to me.

Even putting politics aside, there are several problems with this story. First of all, is the narrator going to actually offer work to the homeless guy at the grocery story? If that is true, then maybe I could buy into his apathetic logic. However, I don’t believe that is the case, which creates a big fat hole in the middle of his argument.

In addition, this example simplifies a terrible problem that reflects poorly on us as a society. It makes an incorrect assumption that those who live in cars, parks and on sidewalks are merely lazy. As usual, the truth is much more complicated.

The notion that homeless individuals just don’t want to work is ignorant. Many people living in shelters have jobs. “In 2007, a survey performed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that 17.4% of homeless adults in families were employed while 13% of homeless single adults or unaccompanied youth were employed.” –National Coalition for the Homeless

If you dig deeper into the issue you will find the causes of short and long term homelessness are vast. The following are some of those reasons:
Falling victim to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina
Mental illness and physical disabilities
Dysfunctional family life that leads to abandoned youth and runaways
Lack of public assistance combined with job loss, medical expenses and rising food costs
Decline in wages and job opportunities
Lack of affordable housing
Domestic Violence (Approximately half of women and children experiencing homelessness left homes due to domestic violence. -National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2001)

One of the most shocking things to me was that this email was sent by someone who has served in the military. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, “About one-third of the adult homeless population have served their country in the Armed Services.” Many have post traumatic stress disorder and/or substance abuse problems and nearly all of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

ANY of us could face unfortunate circumstances. Hopefully, we have family and friends to help us out, but not everyone is that lucky. Judging people and simplifying this matter only contributes to the problem. Let’s teach the next generation to have compassion rather than contempt.

Michelle Obama: The People’s First Lady continues the legacy of the People’s Princess.

2009-04-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

By: Janice Formichella and Andrea Hance

The Obama’s trip to England last week was a significant highlight in the first hundred days of the President. What the trip truly served as, however, was a red carpet introducing Michelle Obama to the world. The headlines soon shifted from the G20 summit to Michelle Obama’s performance as First Lady and the fact that she overshadowed her husband during the trip. This became front-page news after Michelle made a memorable visit to a local girls school after a historic and even eyebrow-raising audience with the Queen. As images of the visit were flashed over news programs and evening papers, many started to sense the presence of the late Princess Diana in the behavior, grace, individuality, and public awe that Michelle commanded. By the end of the day some reporters had modified the comparison between Michelle and Jackie O to perhaps the more appropriate comparison of Michelle and Princess Diana.
Some of us also felt Diana’s absence. Having grown up watching Princess Diana we found the comparison between her and our new First Lady intriguing. Ever since her untimely and tragic death in 1997, no one woman has emerged to take Diana’s place as an inspiring, intelligent, courageous, graceful woman the entire world can to look up to. Given the significance of both women it is worth taking a look at the similarities between Princess Diana and her heir apparent.
One aspect of Diana’s legacy that Michelle has already started to embody is her willingness and ability to raise awareness for issues that, while critical, gather little mainstream attention. Consider the issue of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. In 1987 not only was Diana one of the first high profile celebrities to be photographed with someone afflicted with HIV, she was the first member of the royal family to do so. Diana sat with AIDS victims at their beds, held their hands, and helped to educate the public about the disease—which was very misunderstood at the time. While much of the world (not to mention the U.S. President), and definitely the rest of the royal family, was turning away, Princess Diana was giving a human face to the devastation of HIV.
Our First Lady seems determined to use her notoriety in the same way. It is encouraging to see that Michelle is selecting issues that impact women and girls directly. Prior to becoming the first African American First Lady, Michelle championed for pay equity in the workplace and spoke about the importance of work/life balance; two issues that while important, rarely gain celebrity attention. In addition, Michelle has publically discussed the importance of women owning their professional achievements while still being proud, responsible mothers. In a society were mothers face exorbitant expectations and pressures, the importance of someone such as Michelle Obama talking openly about this dilemma women face cannot be understated as it impacts so many families.
Another striking similarity between Princess Diana and the First Lady is their ready, open arms. This is something about Diana that we will never forget and something about Michelle that is seducing the entire world. After addressing the students last week, Michelle ignored the secret service and launched, arms open, into the crowd of ecstatic girls at Elizabeth Garret Language School. This impulsive response invoked images of Diana emotionally clinging to babies stricken with HIV or children disfigured by landmines. This readiness to act on impulse and challenge the status quo allows these women to appear human to the world and will endure them to the public for a hundred years to come.
Michelle embodies the same valuable legacy of loving and responsible motherhood that Diana was so well known for. Both mothers have instilled a sense of personal responsibility in their children and managed to keep a sense of normal childhood for them while growing up in the public eye. It is important for young women that Michelle is making active motherhood such a strong focus while also promoting progressive ideas about women, careers, and families.
Princess Diana and Michelle Obama both gained notoriety through their marriages to powerful men. Both women also quickly transcended the label of “wife” and became influential in their own right. This similarity also represents a large difference between the women, and one of our greatest hopes. While addressing the school girls last week, Michelle told the girls that the men in her life taught her “what a respectful relationship should look like between men and women” and “what a strong marriage looks like.” It was these remarks about men and relationships that were possibly the most significant yet the most under reported. In an era of wide spread degradation of women, and visible, even tolerated domestic violence, hearing the most iconic woman in the world address healthy relationships is astounding and shows remarkable foresight on her part. Besides the fact that Michelle is willing to bring attention to a subject that most would rather treat as a non-issue, the Obama’s portray a relationship that is respectful and equitable. When the President makes comments about his marriage such as “as you build a life of mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person”[1] the couple is setting a wonderful example for young men and women all over the world.
Perhaps this is one issue that Diana wished she could have addressed or portrayed differently. Unfortunately Diana’s marriage was tabloid news for its lack of honesty and mutual support. She rocked the royal family by divorcing the Prince to regain her independence and self-respect. Now, we see Michelle demanding and enjoying these things within a solid relationship.
As young progressive women we are hopeful that Michelle will continue to use her influence to bring awareness and action to causes that impact women disproportionally and continue to demonstrate courage in doing so. It was revealed last week that Afghanistan is in the process of passing laws that will strip women of several fundamental rights. Surprisingly, this shocking turn of events has prompted little outrage from the world community. Given her growing influence, we ask Michelle to publically condemn these actions and press for U.S. intervention. If Michelle has the courage to take the lead on some of these sticky issues, she will not be alone. An army of women, equipped with a leader, will gather around her to sound the alarm—yes we can, and yes we will!
It is truly a tragedy that the world was not able to witness the meeting of Princess Diana and Michelle Obama. It certainly would have been the beginning of a dynamic friendship. Instead we will remember the example that Diana set for all young women of the world and will watch with anticipation as Michelle continues to dazzle and impress us.

Read more of our thoughts at feministfriendly.com and progressiveplaid.blogspot.com

[1] http://www.newsweek.com/id/184773

Take That Prop 8

2009-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

What a week it has been for the advancement of LGBTQ civil rights! First from a very unlikely source-Iowa? In the corn covered state, the courts ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to get married was unconstitutional. Taking this success to another level, Governor Chet Culver whose religious beliefs are anti-gay doesn’t plan to support an amendment to reverse the court’s decision.
The second state to come to its senses this week and make same-sex marriages legal is less of surprise, Vermont. Civil unions were made legal in Vermont nine years and gay rights advocates have been fighting for marriage status in the state ever since. This week the legislature made it happen with a vote of 100-49 in the house to override the Governor Douglas’ veto.
Now there are four states in the union that show fairness in marriage. Although it is an uphill climb to get the other 46 states to jump on the equality bandwagon, Iowa has given me hope! Women started winning the vote state by state until finally the country woke up and ratified the 19th amendment. It wasn’t easy, but it worked.

Battle in Brazil

2009-03-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month Brazil had reason talk about reproductive rights. A nine year old girl was given access to a healthy abortion following alleged sexual violence by her stepfather. Shortly after, a local Catholic Archbishop, Jose Cardoso Sobrinho, excommunicated the doctors and mother involved in this tragic circumstance.
The Catholic Church seems to be divided on the issue. Some Vatican officials stating the excommunication was justified, while their biotech officials stated it was unmerited because the doctors acted in the interest of the girls’ health.
The medical realities were that this pregnancy would have put the young girl’s health at risk and although abortion is almost always illegal in Brazil there are exception for rape and health.
A majority of Brazilians agree with the criminality of abortion, but there is a movement of to promote reproductive health in the country. Abortion causes thousands of maternal deaths and even more hospitalizations each year in Brazil. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president, has slowly been trying to increase the dialogue on the issue of reproductive rights although he has met much resistance to the conversation. The government also works to provide options so abortion is not necessary, such as dispenses contraceptives during Carnival. Again, the Catholic Church did not approve. However, not all Catholics are so closed minded. Catholics for Choice are one group that is actively fighting for the women of Brazil to have freedom in their sexual and reproductive decisions.

Brazil is a beautiful country and with passion oozing out of its people and environment. If any country can handle this debate and fight for women’s right, it is Brazil. It will be fascinating to see what happens next.

Complicated case

2009-03-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

News sources, especially entertainment news, have been featuring the Chris Brown-Rhianna story day after day. There are reports that the couple are still together even after the now infamous (alleged) physical assault. Although it is unfortunate that she would feel compelled to forgive and forget, we need to look closer at the reasons why it might be happening and use this as a chance to expand education on intimate partner violence.
It is easy for someone outside the relationship to say “I’d leave him” but for the abused person things aren’t that simple. They may feel they truly love the person or that this person is the only one who will ever love them. Financial issues may prevent a woman from leaving especially if she is unaware of or unable to get support from outside resources.
Women are socialized to be partners, to take care of families, fall in love and get married. Girls play house while boys play cops & robbers. Girls play with dolls while boys play with water guns. This begins the process of girls developing an identity around relationships. Boys on the other hand are exposed to more violence, which could contribute to future conflicts. (Let me clarify at this point: the vast majority of men do not commit violent acts against women, but even one man that does is one man too many.)

The web of reasons a woman stays with an abuser is very sticky and she will need help to break free from its clutches.
To learn more about intimate partner violence go to these websites:

http://www.abanet.org/domviol/statistics.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/IPV-FactSheet.pdf

http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32347

Women Here There Everywhere!

2009-03-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

This Sunday will commemorate International Women’s Day [IWD]. Although, this may not be a mainstream holiday it gives people many opportunities to learn, celebrate and take action regarding women’s issues across the globe.
IWD grew out of an idea introduced by Clara Zetkin at an international working women’s conference in 1910. Women unionists, activists, politicians, and other leaders come together at this conference and planted the seeds for the first IWD. They ran a successful awareness campaign for the events of the first IWD, March 15th, 1911. Women and men in many different countries participated in parties, lectures, and social action to advance women’s issues. Since 1913, it has been celebrated on March 8th and still today provides excellent event opportunities.
The roots of IWD come from working women and today with the recession women are becoming an even stronger part of the American workforce. Hilda Solis was just names secretary of Labor. She has fought for workers, women, and the environment and is now in a position to continue this fight.
In addition, March marks Women’s History Month so I encourage taking advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate women’s struggles and accomplishments.

For more information and events you can visit these sites:
http://www.feministfriendly.com/
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
http://www.nwhp.org/

Slumdog Someblog

2009-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

There has been some talk of a backlash to recent Academy Award winner Slumdog Millionaire. Although some of it is quite valid, I think the conversation isn’t as significant as it could be. One of the criticisms is that the movie portrays India as a poverty stricken country and doesn’t focus as much on the recent development and wealth of the nation. I agree with this critique and many Americans do hold strong stereotypes of the developing world. However, India does still suffer from grim poverty.
The fact this movie is getting so much attention provides the opportunity for conversation about stereotypes of India, poverty, and the developing world at large. Our media often goes straight to stereotypical images because that is what sells. We don’t want to see an African city that looks like an American city because then it wouldn’t be exotic and that’s what people want to see.

Another criticism was that the screenplay is a fantasy that is based in reality.
“It makes a show of being anchored in a real-world social context, then asks to be read as a fantasy.”
This criticism I feel is an insult to much of the audience. As if, we aren’t able to distinguish fact from fiction. Entertainment is meant to provide elements of fantasy, but they often have real world ingredients. Take for example romance movies. Main characters fall madly in love in one day and live happily ever after. (At least, in Slumdog Millionaire the love affair developed over years.) Love happens in real life, often there are characters and situations we relate to, but everyone knows living happily ever after like that is a farce. The illusion being placed within some authenticity is the best part of romantic movies.

As for the Academy Awards, truth be told I think Benjamin Button should have won for its overall cinematic quality (acting, directing, technical skills, etc.), but Slumdog Millionaire was a beautiful flight of the imagination.

Congo, Coltan, Cash and Crisis!

2009-02-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Violence in Congo is something that I had heard about in connection with my interest in women’s rights. However, last night my eyes and ears really began to open wide to understand the complexity of the situation.

As with so many wars before and unfortunately I’m sure in the future, once you look below the layers you find money as one of the roots of violence. In the “African World War”, as the Congo conflict has been dubbed, is no exception.
The mineral Coltan (Colombo-tantalite) is used in cellphones, laptops and other technology. Corporations have a lack of resources ( and desire) to trace the origins of the coltan used in their product. It is likely that the computer you are reading this blog from contains Congolese coltan. Especially since 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan are found in the Congo region.
Coltan’s problems are far reaching.
Many warlords have been displacing farmers from their land to mine the stuff. This also destroys habitat for the already vulnerable mountain gorilla population.

Working conditions in the mines are dangerous and authoritative.

Not to mention the way the profits are being used to fuel the war and violence against women in the region.
This is an issue that I believe we should all investigate more. As an informed individual I was flabbergasted by this information and felt the urgency to tell others about it. As I learn more I will continue to post more about it!

Corporate Entitlement Complex

2009-02-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

I would like every person to raise their hand if they believe that $500,000 a year is a rip off. Even for a stressful and “important” work position. Today, President Obama announced a salary cap of ½ a million dollars for executives in companies that receive a lot of taxpayer bailout cash. Of course, some people on Wall Street went crazy when they heard this news. While others, including myself, cheered. This seems like a perfectly reasonable request, especially for the time being. Perhaps, if the executives end up being profitable and contribute in making American and global society profitable, sustainable and reputable again then the cap can come off.
Considering the fact that U.S. residents are helping them out, they should really appreciate having a job at all. That’s what people tell me, even though I had my hours cut by 20% and therefore my pay. Not to mention that I was underpaid in the first place. Why should I get on board to hand out money to corporate fat cats for yachts, larger homes, sport cars and vacations? (The last one really gets me angry because travel is the luxury I truly envy) Seriously, can anyone give me a good reason?

By the way, if any executives are reading this and want to quit there job because of the salary cap, I'll take you job for a year at $500,000.

Comedic Cause

2009-01-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

This January PBS had a series about comedy. The final installment made several points about comedy’s relationship to societal issues. As we saw during the recent U.S. presidential election, Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, late night talk shows and many others capitalized on the thin line between politics and comedy.

Politics and activism can be extremely serious and easily make people frustrated and burnt out. When comedians target issues or people that cause us the most stress it give the activist a moment to breath and laugh. Both are essential to life!

Political leaders are the most targeted by talk show and variety host. SNL became the phoenix rising from low rating when Tina Fey perfectly portrayed Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, whom she has a similar appearance. For the past 8 years, our president gave us many funny moments to help break the tension created by his administration. One example is the top 10 list of Bush moments on the David Letterman show. This featured moments where the former president looked like a deer in headlights and spit as he walked across the White House lawn.

Some people may take offense to these jokes, but it is all a part of being in the public eye. Also, there is a difference between someone in the U.S. making fun of an American president than someone who lives outside our borders. People across the world have a right, even a responsibility to let us know how our government is affecting them. However, making fun of our government officials seems a bit off. It is comparable to the idea that you can say stupid things about your family, but if anyone else does then those are fighting words!

Political comedy has been around for centuries and we are lucky to have the opportunity to partake in it. As long as serious issues are resolved and people continue to educate themselves in concentrate ways through several media outlets, then I say bring on the belly ache of laughter not tears!

History Starts Now

2009-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to make it safely to Washington DC and witness history unfolding on January 20th, 2009. My position in the sun meant I could really only see Michelle’s yellow outfit and President Barack Obama’s red tie when the oath of office was taken. This held no effect on me or the crowd around me as we cheered with elation as the reality of a new era sunk into our emotions.
Moving forward none of us should expect miracles or even that everything will be fixed within the next four years. However, a feeling of relief has washed over me (and many others) like a soft blanket in winter. I woke up this morning and saw the American flag on a shelf in the living room and for the first time in years I didn’t pass it with a sense of yearning, but rather a sense of dignity.
Today, President Barack Obama gets to work at the most challenging job in the world. Already his leadership has been exposed. He signed an executive order to require ethics in his administration. This is a step in the right direction and sets the tone for his expectations. He also began taking action on Guantanamo Bay, which affirms his commitment to closing the prison, symbol of the recent demise of civil liberties. It is my great hope that within days the global gag rule, which denies and undermines healthcare access to several people in need across the globe, especially women, will be overturn.

As the crowds streamed off the capital lawn, I looked towards the next step in this journey. What will happen in the next 4 (hopefully 8) years? How will the country and the world react? What will America look like next January 20th? I can hope it is a little bit better and we all can be beacons of that hope by helping each other out from time to time.

Girls Golf too!

2009-01-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

As a teen I began to enjoy watching golf tournament. My favorite is the Masters. It kicks of the major tournaments for the year and usually offers some sort of drama to enjoy all the way to the 18th green. For years, I watched blissfully unaware of the scope of drama that was taking place behind the beautiful flowers and plush fairways of Augusta National (the golf course where the Masters are played each year).
I was never naïve to the fact that golf is mainly a white, middle/upper class men’s sport. However, I didn’t fully comprehend how inaccessible prestigious golf clubs are to minorities, in particular women and the major consequences of this discrimination until I was an adult.
Augusta National does not have any women members. They are not the only golf club that has a lack of estrogen in its roster, but they are one of the most prominent golf clubs and therefore are (and should be) a target for protest. Minorities began to be invited into membership there in the early 1990s after the P.G.A. of America and the United States Golf Association, all adopted new guidelines effective in 1991 requiring private clubs that want to host tournaments to demonstrate that their membership policies are not discriminatory against minority members or women by policy or practice. (NY Times, 2002) Somehow women are still left out of the equation.
Some of you may be thinking, what is the big deal, so the boys want a club to themselves. It is just a grown-up version of The Little Rascals He-man Woman Hating Club and shouldn’t be taken so seriously.
First of all, you should see the problem with little boys having a misogynistic club in 2009. Second, society should insist that boys become men that respect women. Lastly, there are real world consequences to these kinds of exclusionary policies that affect the workplace and taxpayers.
Golf courses are used as a formal and informal business setting. If women aren’t in the golf club, they can’t contribute to these meetings. Beyond this, they won’t have the chance of running into a potential business partner in the clubhouse to make connections that are vital for career advancements. This hurt women AND it hurts business. Leaving women out of the decision making and creative brainstorming process means a business is forfeiting ½ of its potential staff and the ideas they bring with them.
People who bring clients and partners to these clubs can take a tax deduction for a portion of those expenses. This rewards both the discriminating club and thoughtless actions of executives that are patrons to these clubs. All the while, most of us of any gender would never be invited to play at one of these clubs and we have to pay more taxes. It is ridiculous. Rep. Maloney has a proposed suspending these discriminatory tax deductions. I encourage you to show your support for this bill.
Now, I still enjoy golf. I look forward to watching Phil, Sergio Ernie and Freddy as much as I did before. However, I won’t be watching blissfully unaware any longer. Instead, I’ll support the end of discrimination in a sport that I hope I will enjoy watching into my golden years.

Begin Again

2008-12-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of 2008. Some are reflecting on the year that passed by at lighting speed and contemplate the many years that have consumed them.
While others look ahead at what is to come when the clock strikes midnight and we get another chance for happiness. At least that is the way each seems each January 1st.
New Year's resolutions are meant to motivate us to do more or feel better.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Stop being afraid and do it already! (ok you may ask, what is "it"? Well, anything that you want to "it" to be!)
2. Give someone a hug everyday!
3. Seek to learn as many new things as you can.
4. Relax a little more this year.
5. Read this blog more often. (Sorry, I had to throw this one in there!)

I wish you a fabulous New Year and warm wishes!

Loyalty Loses its Luster

2008-12-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Articles and books have graced our computer screens and store shelves with the idea that the younger generation is not loyal to their employers. This concept is very complicated and there are many things to consider. First of all, is loyalty a two-way street? Most people would say yes, that it takes two people in a relationship being faithful to make it work. Then why are younger workers expected to stay with companies when there is little chance for advancement, they are underpaid, charged too much for healthcare and generally not seen as an essential part of the team. Yes, they may receive lip service to the tune of team sacrifice and administrative support, but when it comes down to it the young professional knows that higher management would stick a knife in their back. Many people have experienced cut backs, lack of recognition and low wages in their work.

How do you define loyalty to a workplace? Is it just the act of staying in the same position or within the same company for most of your career? Maybe if we broaden our definition of loyalty to a feeling of being connected and making judgments with the company in mind as loyalty we would find that young people are quite loyal. Recently, the organization I’m associated with has cut operations hours and therefore salaries by a significant portion, increased healthcare costs and slashed the staff. They did all of this while demanding as much if not more work to be done. In spite of the company’s lack of loyalty, some members of the staff feel a twinge of guilt for leaving or searching for new opportunities. Wouldn’t this convey some loyalty on the part of the employees? They care about the success of the organization. They care about the well-being of the co-workers they know are affected by their exit. They are sad to leave even knowing it is the right decision. Are these not signs of loyalty?

Our overall society doesn’t promote loyalty when we see CEOs receiving golden parachutes while the average worker loses their livelihood. It is getting harder and harder to move up the class ladder. They have been told this is the first generation that won’t be better off then their parents. This could perhaps inhibit some people’s motivation from working extra hard for promotions and dream jobs.

Job loyalty is not up in smoke, but it does need to be address. They young professionals, however, are not the main obstacle in this issue. In fact, they may be are greatest asset if organizations begin to tap into their skills and start showing appropriate recognition.

Rosie is Riled!

2008-12-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

In this economy, jobs have become a bit tricky to nab and it seems even if you have one it doesn't leave you with much in your account after rent is paid. Therefore many people are on the search for their next workplace. One of the most stressful parts of this process is the interview. Women have made incredible strides when it comes to breaking barriers in workplace leadership, but it certainly isn't far enough.

A new study exposes an old problem that is manifested in the job interview. For women the hot seat is truly burning. It is the old sentiment; a confident woman is really a bitch that just wants to destroy men and other competitive women. On the other hand, a gentle woman may be nice to work with, but would drop the ball on any important decisions that are better left up to men.

Wake up! It is nearly 2009, in the past 100 years women have won the right to vote, been Rosie the Riveter, marched on Washington, become US Supreme Court judges, ran viable campaigns for president and still managed to do well more than half of all the housework, child rearing and elder care in this world.

Women should go on strike. I’m not talking about a day at the spa! No job-related work, No dishes, No laundry, No grocery shopping, No writing, No teaching, No nursing, Nothing. It is understandable that women would be compelled to do most of this stuff for their children and it is essential they remain safe and healthy, but get those men to feed and bath the babies!

The world would fall apart. A capable woman is too much for patriarchal to handle so they must pigeon hole them into the category of bitch, frigid or outcast. So to this end I wish all the women who are job searching much luck and implore you to be yourself!

Friendly Fire with Families

2008-12-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

During the recent Thanksgiving holiday and the upcoming holidays, together to celebrate, eat a lot of food and argue. In my household growing up political conversation was as traditional as sweet potatoes. However, I consider myself lucky because generally my family's political arguments are over who is more progressive on an issue or who has a better idea for solving world humanitarian problems. So for now, I am lucky. Perhaps someday when I have children they will turn out to be Alex P. Keatons (Family Ties) who enjoy spouting conservative jargon that will give their poor liberal mother a bleeding heart attack. Let's hope this doesn't happen, but if it does there is help. A friend recently shared an informative article about how to handle political attacks from the right. Many of the arguments the article focuses on I have heard several times.
Liberals are weak. Liberals are godless. Liberals aren't patriotic.
The article addresses reasons why these claims aren't true. There needs to be a way to get these innuendos out of the conversation. We need a campaign to show how liberals can be tough, flag waving and moral minded people. Posters with Dennis Kucinich giving the finger to Walmart while wearing a red/white/blue striped suit. The tagline could read Don't F*** with American Liberals, Bitches! Maybe? Actually, it is pretty ridiculous.
Do people really think just because you don’t want to kill other people or animals you are weak? It is commandment! Thou shall not kill, wouldn’t that include in war or state sanctioned death penalty? In addition, when did religion and being moral become synonymous because the most moral and compassionate people are know don’t follow any organized religion.
Conservative arguments are getting old, just like the white haired conservative running the government. Luckily, we are turning a corner and hopefully things will be brighter on the other side.
No matter what conversations you have with your family during the holidays, I hope it is a happy time that will be remembered for years.
Happy Holidays!

**Sorry for the delay in updating this blog, work and other chaos that occurred in November put my writing on a back burner.

Hate in 2008

2008-11-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Proposition 8 and the other anti-equal rights agendas that were passed last week are an attack on all of us. If our democracy is allowed to break down what couples have the right to formally committ to loving each other, this is not a true democracy. I chose the sign "I am a victim of H8" not because I am gay, in fact I identify mostly as heterosexual, but because prejudice, injustice and hate hurts everyone.

The marriage issue is not the only discrimination LGBT face. Many states have no protection against firing individuals based on their sexual orientation. What would happen if a straight person was fired for that reason and not based on their merit? There would be outrage and rightfully so! In August Louisana allowed their anti-discrimination law to protect LGBT community lapsed and was not renewed by the current governor of the state. "The reason for allowing the order to lapse is that I don’t think it is necessary to create additional special categories or special rights,” Jindal told The New Orleans Advocate newspaper. Not being fired for something unrelated to your work performance is now a special right?

However there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. First all people are fighting back. There have been many demonstrations in California and on Saturday many more people across the country will Join the Impact. Keith Olbermann shared a wonderful comment about the issue on a recent show and many others have expressed similar sentiment.

Also, when you look at the exit polls from California, people under 30 years of age were least likely to vote for the proposition. This shows so much promise for the future.

As an added bonus to all of this, Connecticut just started issuing legal marriage licenses to same-sex couples!

Victory Verse

2008-11-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

One of the more significant things in this election is America's choice to stand up. President-Elect Obama has many times in his campaign called on people to be better. He has asked us to get involved, educate ourselves and others, and act environmentally responsible. It has seemed that many had forgotten the true meaning of JFK's "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." However, now I believe people are coming back to the idea that government and the American people can work together to make it a better country, a better world. In Obama's words, all those that voted for him yesterday are "quiet heroes." They stood up to the challenge. They helped make a new history and bring a tangible example of hope to my future children's history books.

Yesterday will not soon be forgotten. Tomorrow will soon be upon us and it is my sincerest hope that we work together as a nation for what is right. We must recognize the challenges we are facing, show patience and compassion to all human beings and believe in ourselves as much as we believe in our president.

Platform Wrangling Part II

2008-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Time is moving quickly and the election in now less than a week away! As promised here is the second part of my examination of the two parties' platforms. Again, I encourage you to explore their stances on your own.

The following are overviews of Foreign Policy & Military, Civil Liberties, Gun Control and Reproductive Rights. Have fun!

Foreign Policy and Military:
Using our military and business might is how Republicans believe peace will be achieved.
Republicans main priorities in foreign affairs are opening markets to free trade with the U.S. and showing military strength. “The Republican vision of peace through strength requires a sustained international effort, which complements our military activities, to develop and maintain alliances and relationships that will lead to greater peace and stability.” (Pg. 6)
Iraq: “That outcome is too critical to our own national security to be jeopardized by artificial or politically inspired timetables that neither reflect conditions on the ground nor respect the essential advice of our military commanders.” (pg. 13)
Afghanistan: Republicans believe there is still some work to be done, but that there has been progress. There is little mention of increasing American troops in Afghanistan and no mention of grassroots development assistance. “Additional forces are also necessary, both from NATO countries and through a doubling in size of the Afghan army.” (Pg. 13)
Republicans do affirm the value of women in the armed service. However, they also believe “To protect our servicemen and women and ensure that America’s Armed Forces remain the best in the world, we affirm the timelessness of those values, the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service.” (Pg. 5)

Democrats recognize that a strong military is important, but that foreign policy and protecting the United States needs to be more holistic and include diplomacy, education, development and leading by example.
Democrats see foreign countries as potential partners in business, but want to work towards greater equality by ensuring high labor and environmental standards. “Development and diplomacy will be reinforced as key pillars of U.S. foreign policy, and our civilian agencies will be staffed, resourced, and equipped to address effectively new global challenges.” (Pg. 41)
“Needed reform of these alliances and institutions will not come by bullying other countries to ratify American demands. It will come when we convince other governments and peoples that they too have a stake in effective partnerships.” (Pg. 36)
Iraq: “We will give our military a new mission: ending this war and giving Iraq back to its people. We will be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. We can safely remove our combat brigades at the pace of one to two per month and expect to complete redeployment within sixteen months.” (Pg. 29)
Afghanistan: “We will send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan, and use this commitment to seek greater contributions–with fewer restrictions–from our NATO allies. We will focus on building up our special forces and intelligence capacity, training, equipping and advising Afghan security forces, building Afghan governmental capacity, and promoting the rule of law.” “We will help Afghans educate their children, including their girls, provide basic human services to their population, and grow their economy from the bottom up”
Democrats would like to increase military recruit through programs and believe it is essential to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

Civil Liberties:
Yes, Democrats realize that these liberties are the cornerstone of the freedoms that our founding father and mothers envisioned for the United States.
Democrats, on the other hand have a couple pages discussing different programs that will need to be reevaluated in order to protect our civil liberties. “We reject sweeping claims of “inherent” presidential power. We will revisit the Patriot Act and overturn unconstitutional executive decisions issued during the past eight years.” (Pg. 54) “We will close the detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, the location of so many of the worst constitutional abuses in recent years.” (Pg. 55) “We will review the current Administration’s warrantless wiretapping program. We reject illegal wiretapping of American citizens, wherever they live.” (Pg. 54)

What are those again? Oops! Republicans forgot to mention most of them!

Republicans don’t bring up a lot on this topic and fail to bring up issues involving torture, wiretapping or Guantanamo Bay. The following is the only mention of civil liberties. “We must always ensure that law enforcement respects the civil and constitutional rights of the people. While we wage war on terrorism in foreign lands, it is sometimes necessary for intelligence agencies and law enforcement officials to pursue terrorist threats at home. However, no expansion of governmental powers should occur at the expense of our constitutional liberties.” Pg.49

Gun Control:
Democrats realize that with such a right as owning a firearm comes even greater responsibility.
Democrats propose to “Acting responsibly and with respect for differing views on this issue, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe.” (pg. 48)

Republicans forget about the thousands of people shot each year by firearms that are legal or were borrowed or stolen from a legal owner.
They believe in no gun control what so ever. "We recognize that gun control only affects and penalizes law-abiding citizens." (pg. 51)

Reproductive Rights:
Republicans do not believe a woman should have the right to make personal judgments in her reproductive activities.
Being proactive in preventing unwanted pregnancies is discouraged by the Republican Party. “We oppose school-based clinics that provide referrals, counseling, and related services for abortion and contraception.” (pg. 45)
Republicans also support a global gag rule, which refuses to fund international organizations that perform or promote abortion as a family planning option. Because of this stance they also reject signing treaties such as CEDAW (women’s right treaty) and UN convention on the rights of the child. (Pg. 8)

Democrats trust women and families to make decisions about their own reproduction and birth control decisions. They recognize it isn’t just a gender issue, but a class and human rights issue.
“The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all
efforts to weaken or undermine that right…The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education” (pg. 50)
In addition, Democrats would repeal the global gag rule and reinstate funding to organizations such as United Nations Population Fund, which advocates women's health in third world countries.

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Platform Wrangling Part 1

2008-10-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first of two installments of Platform Wrangling. I have read the 2008 platforms put forth by both the Democrat and Republican parties. Below you will see a comparison of their views on Fiscal Policy, Energy/Environment, Healthcare, and Education.

Early next week, I will bring you their thoughts on Foreign Policy, Military Issues, Gun Control, Civil Liberties, and Reproductive Rights.

Fiscal Policy:
Republicans still believe wealth actually trickles down.
Advocate to make 2001/2003 tax cuts permanent, reduce business and capital gains taxes. They believe in limited regulation and allowing the open market to balance the economy. "We believe in the free market as the best tool to sustained prosperity and opportunity for all." (pg. 28)
In order to save money in Washington, Republicans propose to freeze spending and eliminate wasteful programs, reinstate a presidential line-item veto, and placing more responsibility on the states.

Democrats believe in more distribution of economic wealth and opportunity so all people can feel secure and pursue happiness.
"We must build on the wealth that open markets have created and share its benefits more equitably." (pg. 26) Democrats would allow the tax cuts to expire and wouldn't raise taxes on anyone making under $250,000
In order to save money in Washington, Democrats will end the Iraq war timely and responsibility, place a fee on polluters, evaluate programming and reorganize or eliminate wasteful programs.

Environment and Energy:
Democrats: New technology and they call on us to be grown ups by taking responsibility for what humans (especially in the west) have collectively done to mess up the natural world.
To alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, Democrats want to fast track investment in green technology research, production and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, clean coal, etc. Also, they "call on businesses, government, and the American people to make America 50% more energy efficient by 2030." (pg. 17)
As for climate change, Democrats recognize it is a "man-made threat to the planet" (pg. 43) and call for a Global Energy Forum to discuss and create global commitment to reducing energy emissions.

Republicans: Drilling, Nuclear Energy and who cares about animals really?
Republicans main priority in energy is drilling and refining oil in the U.S. "We oppose any effort that would permanently block access to the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge." (pg. 32) They also advocate for some nuclear energy technology, renewable resources, clean coal and natural gas.
"Republicans caution against the doomsday climate change scenarios," (pg. 36) and believe a robust economy is the best way to deal with climate change. They will not ask anyone to sacrifice for the environment and think that private ownerships of land is the "best guarantee of conscientious stewardship." (pg.36)

Healthcare:
Democrats think everyone should be covered and healthcare needs to be affordable, accessible and flexible. All children should be covered!
Democrat policy would include a person having an option to have health coverage through their work or through other private companies or public programs. These options should be accessible and affordable. "Health insurance should accept all applicants and be prohibited from charging different prices based on pre-existing conditions." (pg. 11)
Democrats support increased funding for biomedical and stem cell research.
In addition, they reinforce their commitment to women's health. "We oppose the current Administration's consistent attempts to undermine a women's ability to make her own life choices and obtain reproductive healthy care including birth control.” (pg. 13)

Republicans think open markets will work for healthcare, because it worked so well for the stock market.
Republicans believe open markets and privatization will regulate costs. "It lets consumers make better decisions about where to spend their health care dollars, thereby fostering competition and lowering costs." (pg. 39) They encourage companies to cover pre-existing conditions, but leave the standards to the patient's state of residency.
Republicans support limited stem cell research. They also support robust intellectual property laws. As far as women's health, they support allowing medical professionals to refuse healthcare service if they feel it is against their conscience.

Education:

Republicans believe that giving vouchers to students to attend private schools will somehow help public schools.
Republicans believe in "school choice" through vouchers and tax credits for religious, charter and home schools. They call for a review of Department of Education and cut programs. To recruit teachers they will develop a teacher corps of business and military professionals to fill-in teacher spots when needed.

Democrats want to make sure teachers and administrators are given every opportunity to help students learn. They also realize learning doesn’t just happen during school hours and other programming to supplement education is necessary to produce a strong, smart and capable next generation.
Democrats believe in increased resources for public schools including professional development for educators, after school programs, early childhood education, and alternative education programs. Incentives (such as college tuition/loan assistance) for teachers that serve at-risk communities, mentor new teachers and excel in the classroom.

I encourage everyone to look at the platforms on their own.
Don’t forget to vote November 4th!

Trick or Tramp

2008-10-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

In my quest for Halloween costume ideas, I discovered something truly terrifying! Costume marketing! AHHHHH! When did it become the norm that all women’s costumes must include a miniskirt, corset and fishnet stockings???

It was a chilling experience to rummage through 717 items in the category “sexy costumes” and only find a total of 37 products for men! 37!! Yes, that means there were 680 erotic ensembles for women to wear. Clearly since I’m a woman I should realize it is breasts above brains. It doesn’t even matter that I was able to figure out the simple math problem above without the assistance of a calculator as long as I wear stilettos.

Even more frightening is how gender stereotypes are actively promoted during a holiday that could be about breaking boundaries. This sexy pair continues the idea that boys can grow up to doctors and women become nurses. Just in case you forgot that women are made for careers assisting men rather than leading them. As adults we should be able to move past these assumptions, but I guess that would be ridiculous!

Not to mention the logistics of these come-hither costumes. Remember, the end of October usually fosters a nippy forecast. Men have their fully clothed costumes that are still considered sexy. On the other hand, women are relegated to clothes that might actually turn them into ice queens.

I’m not saying that sexy can’t be fun or part of your Halloween celebration. Who decides what is sexy? I mean, it seems mandatory to show pounds of flesh in order to feel attractive. Locating a female costume that is pretty, but not risqué is like finding a needle in a haystack. The injustice leaves women with the choice between being a whore or a prude. Neither of which seems like a lot of fun.

What really scared though was how these types of costumes are being marketed to teens.
“Flaunt, flirt, and follow the Yellow Brick Road to this adorable Dorothy costume! Straight out of a sexy storybook…” It would be wrong to dismiss the development of sexuality in teens, but promoting costumes catered specifically to their sex drives may not be the smartest thing.

The symbolism of some of the descriptions is downright creepy! As with this description:

“You'll look good enough to eat in this Storybook Riding Hood Teen Costume.”
Sexualizing teen girls in this way is not a healthy statement about our society and it reinforces the importance of looks over substance to our youth. Not to mention, I failed to find sexy costumes that blatantly targeted teen boys.

I say let’s take Halloween back from these costume stores. Go to thrift stores, use imagination and dress up however your heart desires. Most importantly have fun this October 31st and remember only 4 days later you get to be Uncle Sam and vote!!!

(The election keeps me very nervous despite my candidate’s rise in the polls. That is why I wrote about something else scary! Next week though, I will bring you a comparison of the Republican and Democratic platforms.)

Craving Celebrity

2008-10-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

(Sorry for the delay in posting. A combination of traveling and computer troubles prevented me from posting. I will try to make up for it by posting twice next week! Yeah!)

Many people want to be famous. I can understand it to a point. Usually, celebrities don't have a lot of financial woes and it appears that they get pretty much what ever they want. However, the pressure to look good every time you leave your house would be a pain. Magazines would call it shameful if you ran to the corner store in PJs. Not to mention, the annoyance of cameras flashing in your face as you walk to that store. Your moments as a celebrity may be "glamourous," but you would have to share most them with a million people and not just your loved ones.

As much as I don't think I would like to be extremely famous there is one thing about celebrity that I envy greatly. That is that their voices are actually heard. They may be criticized, rightly or not, but there is no question they get their voice out there. When they care about an issue they can do something. No, they can't solve the problem by magic, but they can raise awareness and often coordinate some action.

Just think for a moment and many names and causes come to mind. (Please click on the names to find out more about the causes they support.)

George Clooney and Don Cheadle: Darfur
Angelina Jolie: Refugees
Bono: AIDS/African Aid
Oprah: Girls Education
Al Gore: Environment/Climate Change
Late Princess Diana: Landmines

This is what I envy. Celebrities can keep the paparatizzi, big houses, magazine covers, and red carpets (although I must admit walking a red carpet once in life might be fun, but it certainly isn't something I need to do to be happy.) What I really want is the means to get important information to the public and the means to moblize and begin change.

The celebrity culture of America has seeped into politics. Even as I write this, Entertainment Tonight is teasing an upcoming interview with John McCain. This aspect of the political process can be a good or bad thing. More people are interested in politics, but are they interested in issues or what is on the candidates' Ipods?

A big concern with politicians becoming “stars” is that the nature of celebrity isn’t one that requires much accountability. Movie stars make a living at playing a part, essentially not being themselves and telling a story that is usually fiction. We can’t have our campaigns becoming romantic-comedy or tragic screenplays.

Many political commentators get ratings from turning the election into laughs or dramatic yelling-matches. The popularity of Tina Fey’s spot on parody of Gov. Palin has given SNL a huge boost. ABC’s The View has produced some heated political arguments this season and it only takes 5 minutes of watching Bill O’Reilly to see the drama emerge.

However, there are more people registering to vote and real issues are being discussed more this year than I ever remember in the past. It is exciting that Obama was easily able to fill a football stadium with supporters/delegates while still thousands watched his acceptance speech at home. Hopefully, the excitement of politics will translate into the younger generations caring about issues, craving knowledge and demanding to be a part of the process. This is a great thing.

So is a celebrity political culture a good or bad thing? Time will tell like it always seems to do.

Fun Fanfare for Bruce

2008-09-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

In a haze of social and political anxiety, I decided to write about something much less stressful. Music often calms my activist nerves and one of my favorite musicians is Bruce Springsteen. You may be sitting there with a cocked eyebrow and confused look. This makes you no different than most people when they find out I’m a die-hard Boss fanatic. He really is a misunderstood artist and I hope this blog with help shine a new light on his art. Three big reasons to love Bruce are his political lyrics, thoughtful stories and the fun you can have in a car singing along with him.

His politics are probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of his music. I’m sure many Palinites love chanting “Born in the USA” without much notice of the other words in the song. Many would be surprised to learn this song is very political. It features anti-war and in your face lyrics about the mistreatment of our veterans. Springsteen understands that patriotism is powerful and can be good, but blind patriotism is very dangerous.

So they put a rifle in my hand/ Sent me off to a foreign land/ To go and kill the yellow man/ Born in the U.S.A. / I was born in the U.S.A…
I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet Cong/ They're still there, he's all gone

During a recent concert, he made statements about the loss of our civil liberties under the Bush administration. The crowd seemed to divide in half. Some seemed uncomfortable and wanting to get back to the music and others like myself, my partner and the person beside us wearing an Amnesty International shirt were clapping in praise of his recognition of these important issues. He then sang “Livin’ in the Future”, from his new album Magic.

My ship Liberty sailed away on a bloody red horizon

The groundskeeper opened the gates and let the wild dogs run…
Chorus: Don't worry Darlin', now baby don't you fret/We're livin' in the future and none of this has happened yet

Almost anyone can relate to at least one Springsteen song. He crafts stories that are thought-provoking and provide an almost tangible image of hardship, adventure and love. The lyrics of The River paint a picture of a couple that wanted more out of life. After listening to the story you almost can’t help, but think about your own hopes and dreams.

I got a job working construction for the Johnstown Company/ But lately there ain't been much work on account of the economy…But I remember us riding in my brother's car/ Her body tan and wet down at the reservoir… Now those memories come back to haunt me/ they haunt me like a curse/ Is a dream a lie if it don't come true

He does all of this while making you throw your arms up and stomp your feet. In the car, "Thunder Road" is sure to get you breaking the speed limit just a little bit.

Hey what else can we do now/ Except roll down the window/ And let the wind blow back your hair/ Well the night's busting open/ These two lanes will take us anywhere

And of course there is my favorite Springsteen song (easily in my top 5 songs of all time) the classic "Born to Run", which has elements of the political, romantic, storytelling and rock-n-roll which truly defines his music.
From the beginning of the song,
In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream
to the end,
Someday girl I don't know when/ we're gonna get to that place/ Where we really want to go/ and we'll walk in the sun/ But till then tramps like us/ baby we were born to run[!!!!!!]
there is no mistaking the talent of Bruce Springsteen.

Our Irresponsible Infatuation with Ignorance

2008-09-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

The media is portraying the American public in a very bad light. It seems as if we value ignorant bliss and fumbling loyalty over intellect and cooperation. The biggest problem with this coverage is that in some ways it may actually be true.
I tried to avoid writing about Gov. Palin again, because the Republicans have successfully wielded her in a way to evade talking about the things that really matter in this election. (Economic security, energy policies, education reform, judicial responsibilities, etc.) However, I have to respond to this article in the Washington Post.
The headline For Working Moms, ‘Flawed’ Palin Is the Perfect Choice, at first this could be seen as a positive. Yeah, we aren’t expecting absolute perfection any more. Delve into the article and you see it paints a much sadder story. It seems now the country craves inexperience and exploitation.
The article revolves around interviews with women at a McCain rally. One woman says Palin “justifies what we do every day.” A good question to ask her is why she didn’t feel justified before. What in this culture makes mothers, working or not, feel like they aren’t justified in their decisions and actions? Perhaps the answer partially lies within government policies that pit family against work. Family leave is minimal and there is no compensation of any kind for parents that chose to stay home with their children. Even small countries like Estonia have better policies when it comes to parents, including modest financial assistance and job security for new mothers.
Another quote by this working mother was “There’re more American parents with unwed pregnant teenaged children than American parents with Harvard grads.” Is this a good thing? Or is this something that we should get to the bottom of by talking about adequate sex education and better financing for higher education? McCain’s doesn’t offer anything except less sex education and a simpler loan application.
Education level has been used against some of the presidential candidates. Obama with his degrees from Columbia and Harvard is portrayed as too smart to govern regular folk. While, McCain with his low class-rank at the Naval Academy would be better and Bush went to Yale, but that was alright because he was a C student not an honors student like Obama. Education isn’t everything, but it certainly shouldn’t be considered a weakness.
Throughout the article the author offers scary explanations for these women’s statements. “…the national conviction that anyone can succeed is morphing into a belief that experience and knowledge may almost be disqualifying credentials.” Some in this society actually want stupidity; really they do not care what we look like to other countries. They invite fights and even wars. As long as we look like we have the biggest balls, then all is right in America.

This is a frightening time in our country. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our leaders should be intelligent and knowledgeable. Let’s hope the voices of people that still value smart leadership start to shout louder and drown out the noise from those whom are offended by big words.

Demonstrations and Demographics

2008-09-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

I was poised with my pen in hand as McCain began his speech. After 10 minutes I was already tired and wanting to go to bed. His speech was not the worst I've heard, but certainly not specific or inspiring. A more interesting part of the night was the protesters that were actually shown on camera. During Palin's speech, at least one Code Pink protester had been escorted out of the Xcel Center, but I didn't find out until my Estonian friend told me about it.

One sign held by a protester stated something like "McCain votes against veterans." That seems to be a bizarre claim since he himself is a veteran. Not to mention the Republicans like to remind of us his service every chance they get. However, the statement may have some substance.

As recent as this spring, McCain opposed an update to the GI bill that helps soldiers attend college and gain other training after their service. The senator said he opposed it because he thinks offering these benefits will encourage people to leave the military. Soldiers on the frontlines serving several extra years just because they have to in order to get their education benefits is sad and disrespectful. What about injured service members that are discharged early? I really don't know how they would be affected by a McCain GI bill.

Increasing funding for the war isn't popular, but most people believe in taking care of injured and sick veterans. McCain has voted against funding for veteran medical care many times. Just to mention one S. Amdt 3642 increased funding for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. Many other actions show McCain's lacking record on veteran's issues.

On a different note, the Republican Delegation had an interesting make up. The party that is supposedly more "in touch" with the American public doesn't show it by the people they invited to St. Paul. Ninety-three percent were white and 51% have a net worth over $500,000. This doesn't seem like an accurate picture of average Americans. According to the U.S. Census, average household income is around $50,000 well below the 1/2 million mark. As far as race, in 2006 74% of American identified as white.

So the Republican Convention is over and now we can really get this election started! This is when the debates start, signs go up in yards/windows and the nerves really kick-in.

What I learned from Sarah Palin

2008-09-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

During the governor's speech at the convention, I learned so many new things! People should really have told me these things earlier!

Gov. Palin enlightened me to the fact that defending civil liberties isn’t that important. Sen. Obama actually wants people to have their rights read before going to prison. The audacity of that man to think that way! I mean, who really needs due process and equal protection under the law? It’s not like he introduced any major legislation protecting us from terrorists. Unless you count the Obama-Lugar Nonproliferation Initiative, which expands U.S. power in eliminating loose weapons around the world. However, we can’t count this piece of legislation, because as Ms. Palin informed me last night the U.S. Senate does nothing (She probably just forgot McCain is actually a senator). A particular do-nothing is Presidential nominee Barack Obama. He’s done nothing in Illinois or Washington. Sponsoring 113 pieces of legislation in the U.S. Senate including an ethics reform bill similar to one he was a leader on in the Illinois Senate is so measly really. He should have been spending his time as a mayor raising sales tax to build a hockey arena and vetoing money to improve schools and hospitals.

The Alaskan Governor had help from the whole delegation in making me come to my senses about energy. Drill Baby Drill! Yeah Baby! It doesn’t matter if offshore drilling poses a potential risk of spills and waste being dumped into the ocean. Once the drills start hitting that black gold, it would only be years before we start seeing the rewards. There would be little need for alternative resources which would start benefiting us now. Wow! This is so great to know Ms. Palin.

Maybe most exciting is that she let me in on a secret. Community organizers have no responsibilities! I need to find me one of those jobs even if they get paid significantly low wages. I always thought they were like foot soldiers on the ground here in America. Battling to improve the living conditions of those that need their help the most. That would mean they have to be advocates, educators, event planners, counselors, researchers and team players. Thanks Sarah Palin, without you I would have continued to think community organizers were talented and compassionate people.

Now that I have been educated, I guess there is no turning back. I’m on the road in my hummer driving to Wal-Mart and listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio!..

On second thought, I actually like eating veggie burgers before boarding mass transit and listening to Bruce Springsteen on my iPod. Voting for Obama and Biden will be fun too!

Beyond Mother Nature's Fury

2008-09-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

Mother Nature decided to back off a bit to allow the Republican Convention to proceed despite their attempts to squander her resources. So for the new opening night President Bush spoke via live video feed. During his speech, he referenced "The Angry Left." Oh My! He made it seem like conservatives, such as McCain, are victims of irrational wrath.

The truth is that many people are really angry. Many of the vocal do reside on the left side of politics. However, any reasonable woman or man should feel a little irate right now. We are facing lies, manipulations and disregard from the current administration. This has taken too much of the joy out of being an American. This makes me livid!
What about the way our civil liberties have been stripped to the bone and privacy has become a privilege? This is worthy of some rage!
Tax cuts that leave the rich richer and everyone else pinching every penny they find on the streets. This should make people mad!
No bid contracts for a military that has been stretched thin and veterans left to starve in the streets. This should piss you off!
The heat of scientifically proven global warming would make any logical person sweat. Denying it shows a true disrespect for life. It is reasonable to be upset by the killing of polar bears and other wildlife with the beat of an oil drill.
In an election, that has McCain choosing a potential vice president that makes me look like a bona fide foreign relations expert scares me. It is alright to be furious about this!

Now the Obama campaign has shined a light on the tunnels end and kept many from being swallowed by the quick sand of cynicism. People say hope is empty rhetoric, but sometimes it is the best medicine for an ill democracy.

It wouldn't be hard to tame the lioness rage of the past 8 years. Electing compassion, intellect, and judgment in the leaders of this country is a good start.

Poetry in Progress

2008-08-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Thursday and the Democrat convention is coming to close. Instead of doing a post about issues, this one will simply be the start of a poem. I wrote this at lunch today and plan to revise and add to it eventually.

The end of the Democratic National Convention is
only the beginning

Election season is in bloom
Work has to be done
The seeds have been planted
Don't be afraid to get your feet muddy
Stand up to the mic
Be a powerful force, use your voice to
express the necessity of now.

Shout "We Must Vote" to
breath a sigh of relief as
we hear the vines of ignorance break
Show the world how a real patriot acts by
raising the bar on American politics and
live the dream of a king.

Obama 08

A Vice for Women

2008-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Senator Joe Biden will be speaking tonight as the Vice Presidential nominee. This follows Women's Equality Day that concluded with a great speech by Hillary Clinton. I must acknowledge that her speech was right on the mark.

In the spirit of feminism, here are some highlights from Biden's history on Women's Rights:
He has spoken out for the ratification of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty that establishes equal right for women. While 90% of UN member states have ratified it, the United States lags behind.

Senator Biden was a chief sponsor of the Violence Against Women Act (1994). He has also worked to ensure its reauthorization in 2000 and 2006. In addition, he has worked to maintain and increase funding for the bill despite efforts by the Bush administration to cut funding. The bill supports women's shelters and prevention programs among other vital projects working to end violence.

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he has stood up for women and other groups. He voted against the nominations of Justices Roberts and Alito, even going so far as to support a filibuster of Alito's appointment. Besides these well-known cases, Biden has repeatedly voted "no" to the appointment of judges with questionable records, such as Judge Thomas Griffith an opponent to Title IX.

In addition the senator has been outspoken on several important issues. He is an ally for reproductive rights, pay equity and the empowerment of Afghan women. These examples show how he is a good pick for women. That is yet another reason why I am proudly supporting the Democratic ticket this November.

Divided and Conquered? Why?

2008-08-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

News reports gladly remind us that Democrats seems to work harder to maintain solidarity. They show images of Clinton protesters at the convention and give McCain free ad time by repeatedly showing a commercial with a Hillary supporter voting for him. I realize this is mostly media's subjective view of what is going on in the election, but this is not acceptable.

Any democrat/liberal that walks away because their primary candidate didn't achieve the nomination is shameful. Any feminist that turns to the republicans simply because a woman isn't on the ticket is doing a grave disserve to all feminists. Critics can point to this and say feminists don't really want positive change they just want women in powerful positions no matter the cost.

I am so angry that people are resistant to the better candidate this November! Here is just a few of the comparisons that can be made between the two nominees:

Obama is pro-choice and advocates better birth control policies.
McCain is committed to overturning Roe v. Wade and doesn't mention anything about preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Obama's education policies include reforming No Child Left Behind by funding it, fostering innovative teaching, shared learning and raising achievement in a variety of ways. He also includes early childhood and affordable college education as priorities.
McCain's education ideas revolve almost exclusively around choice. What about rural areas where there aren't really any schools to choose from within miles? What about transportation if students have to travel farther to get to a choice school? How will 'good' schools manage an influx of students?

On energy Obama's plan focuses more on green technologies and renewable resources.
McCain touches on these issues, but features domestic oil production ahead of creating ways to lower our energy consumption.

Don't forget about the Supreme Court. Rudy Giuliani boasted about McCain's support of Justices Scalia, Alito and Roberts on ABC's This Week.
Obama voted against the appointment of Alito and Roberts.

For more comparisons you can go to each candidates website: Obama or McCain?

It is fine to criticize our leaders, even the ones that get our vote. This is NOT the time to do so. Now is when we choose a smarter path. Now is when we fight against disaster. Now is when we must put aside our unrealistic expectations for perfection. Now is when we stand behind the best chance we have for a better world. Now is when we must support Obama for ourselves and the greater good.

Michelle Monday

2008-08-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

The democratic convention opens today and I am weeping because I don't have cable to watch every bit of the prime time rallies. Tonight features Michelle Obama and possibly Ted Kennedy. It is a great prospect to have him speaking tonight and hopefully the public display of encouragement he is sure to receive will do his health well.

I have heard some critique the choice of Ms. Obama speaking tonight. However, it is only appropriate for her to get a share of the spotlight. She is a hard working woman that doesn't get any breaks in the media and isn't understood by most Americans. She has to deal with both racism AND sexism! One example is the New Yorker cover that missed the satire mark by about a mile. Another issues is the idea of the "Angry Black Woman." This is two fold because African Americans are often painted as disgruntled and so are feminists. So if you are a strong black female then you must be unruly, right? People have a right and even a responsibility to be angry about injustice.

Each time I had the opportunity to meet her she was always friendly and genuine. I suggest getting to know Michelle Obama for who she actually is as opposed to her portrayal on the media. Some highlights include growing up in the southside of Chicago to Harvard Law School. Then back to Chicago where she practiced corporate law until she left to give back to her community. This included working for Public Allies, an Americorp program helping promote community leadership.

Now she is supporting her husband in an intense election. She will face pundit smears and I'm confident her and her husband will both make it through just fine.

The Elephant in the Room

2008-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

I had planned a different post, which I temporarily put aside after hearing news of Howard Dean's recent comment about the Republican Party. For those who may have missed it he said "If you look at folks of color, even women, they’re more successful in the Democratic Party than they are in the white, uh, excuse me, in the Republican Party,” on NPR last week.

I recognize it wasn't the smartest political quip I've heard. But let's take a quick look at the Republican Party. It is safe to say it doesn't attract many minorities. Although I would be wary of implying no minorities because that would be discrediting the personal decision of some folks of color and women who choose the conservative side of politics even if it is counterintuitive. In congress there are actually 7 Latino, Asian and American Indian Republicans, but that pales in contrast to the 71 Democrat minorities. According to an article on ABC.com, African Americans are likely to vote Democrat over Republican by a margin of 9 to 1. This shouldn't be too surprising; most of the Republican presidential candidates couldn't even show up for a debate hosted by African American Tavis Smiley.

The reaction to Dean's comment has been everything from cheering to accusations of race baiting. Race baiting is not favorable, but what about an honest discussion about race. This seems to be harder to come by and maybe we can use situations like this to do just that. For instance, is a slip of the tongue about a 'white' party racist? I will leave you to decide, but the often unacknowledged truth is that Anglo America is the dominant race. White culture sets most of the norms in Western society.

White privilege is like the air around us. We don't often realize its there until we choose or are forced to think about it. In order to ensure equal rights we have to admit it exist and then work for a more just world for everyone. Any white person who doesn't think this privilege is real should ask yourself:
*Do people noticeably grab their bags tighter as you pass by?
*Are you ever asked to speak for your whole race?
*When you get a job, does anyone question your merit and/or assume you were employed to fill a race quota?
*If more people of your race move into a neighborhood does rent in that area go up or down?
These are just some way it plays a role in our lives, for more that may apply to your life check out this article by Peggy McIntosh.

Of course, there isn't just white privilege. Class and heterosexual privilege are two of the many examples that operates in the world. It can be scary for a privileged group to recognize and challenge it. They think it means they will lose something, but in reality giving privilege to more people brings up the value and quality of society for everyone.

The Myth of Inclusion

2008-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Why are people concerned about the myth about Obama being a Muslim? The well-disputed rumor is a problem for more than the democratic candidate's campaign. It shows the cracks in our democracy and the weakness of our all too often uninformed electorate. First, it should not matter if he is Muslim. The current interpretation of the constitution allows the freedom of choice in our religious views and personal spiritual practices. This right is afforded to government officials as well as the average citizen. So we should not all our elections to be consumed by a singular dominate belief.

Beyond the simple constitutionality of the issue, this type of attack is too easy to make. By misleading people about Senator Obama's association with Islam, it allows his adversaries to avoid the race card. However, it has the same effect. Hiding behind the Muslim label, critics don't have to present rational arguments against him.

Being nervous about an Arabic-looking person on public transportation is not met with a significant about of disapproval. On the contrary, fear of black men is largely unacknowledged, but still felt by too many. This covert prejudice shows part of the huge challenge we have in progressing race relations. By masking racism in religious intolerance it compounds the problem. Race is ignored and another prejudice is let to slide. Racism and religious intolerance are palpable in America, yet we rarely acknowledge that we are included in the problem. Through our silence or as perpetrators. Without looking at our own prejudices we will never learn to work through them.

New York City has been seeing blatant examples of these prejudices. Next month, the subways will begin to display ads about Islam. They are meant to direct riders to a website where they can learn about the religion. Some are outraged and claim it is disrespectful for them run on the anniversary of September 11th.
What is negative about learning about a difficult culture or belief than your own?
What is so bad about a group of people educating others? Especially, when they have been overshadowed by the representation of only a small percentage of their group.

Another incident is the "Obama is my slave" T-shirt. This statement spits in the face of history and takes ignorance to a new level. If you think it can't get worse, the maker of the T-shirt doesn't support the senator because he buys into the Muslim myth. A lawsuit has been filed against him, but isn't for the words on his shirts. A woman was assaulted for wearing the shirt.
To read more about these stories go to the following links: Subway Ads and Obama Shirt .

The diversity of the U.S. makes living here interesting and exciting. Sometimes we forget that this diversity requires work, but it's worth it.

And Introducing...

2008-08-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

One of my goals this summer was to start a blog...so here it goes!

My first post is to introduce myself and my vision, if you will, for this blog. Ultimately, I would like to get rich and famous as a witty writer activist! However, my realistic idea for this blog is to provide myself a platform to become a part of the conversations society is or should be having.

First, let me say hello and provide a window into the author's character. I'm a goddess with a diva closet and mindset. Just kidding, I'm actually a big nerd poet that enjoys travel, protests, and snowboarding. My lifestyle tends to tranverse between traditional and counterculture. It depends whose looking. My background has been diverse from video production to tolerance education coordinator and many things inbetween. Politics played a large role in my upbringing and I'm glad it did. I vote with my brain and my heart, which does not make me ignorant or foolish.

Progressive Plaid will be a blog to celebrate and question the intersections within us as individuals and the connections between people. Topics will range, but generally focus on the social, political, cultural and other ubiquitous issues in the world.

The name is actually fairly easy to breakdown. Progressive because the views expressed here will usually be considered as such. Now, Plaid is used for a couple of reasons. One is that I do enjoy sporting plaid from time to time, but it certainly is not an exclusive pattern in my closet. (oops! I don't have a closet in my glorified studio apartment) Thinking more theoretically, the reason for plaid is for the way it incorporates lines, squares, and colors that intersect, merge and diversify to make something unique and often beautiful. Kind of like humanity.

Please feel free to leave any respectful comment you'd like because I enjoy dialogue and learning from others.

Thank you for visiting my site and I hope you'll come again!