2) Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers.
3) Diana Ross' Swept Away.
4) Nina Simone's Here Comes The Sun.
5) Frank Sinatra's In The Wee Small Hours.
6) INXS' Kick.
9) Prince's Art Official Age.
10) The Beatles' Abby Road.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
VA Honors Waters for Commitment to Women’s Veterans
This is from US House Rep. Maxine Waters' office:
VA Honors Waters for Commitment to Women’s Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has honored Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) for her years of work on behalf of America’s women veterans.
In a ceremony that took place in Washington, D.C., Waters was honored by VA Secretary Bob McDonald for her work in creating the Center for Women Veterans,
a special bureau within the VA that advocates for women veterans by
ensuring health care benefits and other programs are effectively meeting
women’s needs.
The event was to commemorate the 20th
anniversary of the Center’s founding. To mark the occasion, Waters
participated in a ceremony with McDonald, Center Director Elisa
Basnight, and former directors Irene Trowell-Harris, Joan Furey, and Dr.
Susan Mather.
“Ranking
Member Maxine Waters is the true matriarch of the Center for Women
Veterans. It was her work back in 1994 that made the Center a
long-overdue reality,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald.
“After
being elected to Congress, one of my first priorities was to introduce
legislation that ensured women veterans were informed of their benefits
and receiving appropriate care at the VA. And 20 years later, I am so
proud to see how the Center has affected change,” said Waters. “By the
year 2000, the Center had influenced the VA to provide prenatal and
obstetrical care to women veterans. That same year, the VA announced a
$3 million dollar investment to lift women veterans out of homelessness,
an investment closely followed by Congress enacting legislation to care
for children with birth defects born to women veterans of the Vietnam
War. The Center has also connected female veterans with public and
community service opportunities, while also ensuring the service and
contributions of women Veterans and women in the military are properly
recognized by our nation and society.”
Before
the Center was created, there was a shocking inequality for women
veterans trying to access VA benefits. A 1982 report found women were
not receiving proper physical examinations at VA facilities. There was
no access to basic gynecological care – a serious problem which
contributed to women suffering a cancer rate twice that of women in the
general population, with gynecological cancers being the most common.
And a shocking 57 percent of female veterans did not even know they were
eligible for VA services, benefits, and programs.
Acknowledging
this problem, in 1993, Waters spearheaded legislation to create a
special bureau for women at the VA. That legislation was enacted into
law in 1994, creating the Center for Women Veterans to address these
problems. As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Waters fought
to ensure that the creation of the Center was included as part of the
“Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1994,” enacted to provide for
veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
Waters
added, “Twenty years later, the Center is needed more than ever. Women
are the fastest growing population within the DOD and VA. And they
still face challenges – like a broken grievance system that forces them
out of service more often than it holds predators accountable. I
believe that in the future, the Center can take a leadership role in
ensuring victims of sexual assault are provided access to the important
services they need. And we all must act boldly to offer these victims a
path to justice, so that they may come forward without fear.”
###
Ed Miliband makes immigration pledge - again
This is from Great Britain's Socialist Worker:
Ed Miliband has made controlling immigration the second pledge of his general election campaign.
He made the announcement in a speech on Monday of this week in Great Yarmouth, where Ukip is on the rise.
Most of the questions from local people were on other issues—particularly the NHS and benefits.
Miliband’s pledge states, “We will control immigration with fair rules.
“People who come here won’t be able to claim benefits for at least two years and we will make it illegal for employers to undercut wages by exploiting workers.”
This implies that immigrants come to claim benefits.
Yet all statistics show that they don’t, and that better pay benefits all workers.
Reasons
But Labour has its own reasons for going along with scapegoating.
A leaked Labour Party document warns activists not to get in a “bidding war” with Ukip on the doorstep.
But it doesn’t tell them to say that migrants are not responsible for the problems they are worried about.
Labour needs a diversion as it plans to continue Tory cuts.
Miliband made his first election pledge last week.
He explained that if elected, he will continue “sensible reductions in public spending” throughout the next government.
Labour has attacked the Tories for not being “tough on the deficit”.
And shadow chancellor Ed Balls was more blunt about what this means.
He warned potential Labour ministers that they would face cuts in their departmental budgets every year after the election.
Ed Miliband makes immigration pledge - again
by Ken OlendeEd Miliband has made controlling immigration the second pledge of his general election campaign.
He made the announcement in a speech on Monday of this week in Great Yarmouth, where Ukip is on the rise.
Most of the questions from local people were on other issues—particularly the NHS and benefits.
Miliband’s pledge states, “We will control immigration with fair rules.
“People who come here won’t be able to claim benefits for at least two years and we will make it illegal for employers to undercut wages by exploiting workers.”
This implies that immigrants come to claim benefits.
Yet all statistics show that they don’t, and that better pay benefits all workers.
Reasons
But Labour has its own reasons for going along with scapegoating.
A leaked Labour Party document warns activists not to get in a “bidding war” with Ukip on the doorstep.
But it doesn’t tell them to say that migrants are not responsible for the problems they are worried about.
Labour needs a diversion as it plans to continue Tory cuts.
Miliband made his first election pledge last week.
He explained that if elected, he will continue “sensible reductions in public spending” throughout the next government.
Labour has attacked the Tories for not being “tough on the deficit”.
And shadow chancellor Ed Balls was more blunt about what this means.
He warned potential Labour ministers that they would face cuts in their departmental budgets every year after the election.
Sen. Coburn Blasted for Blocking Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill (IAVA)
This is from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America:
Washington, D.C. (December 15, 2014) – Due to the action of one U.S. Senator, critical legislation that would address the epidemic of veteran suicide was today blocked in the Senate. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), which spearheaded the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, blasted Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) for objecting to passage of this vital legislation that would support the veterans community. The legislation, unanimously passed last Tuesday by the House, is named after Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Clay Hunt, a Marine who died by suicide in 2011.
“As parents who experienced the pain of losing a veteran to suicide, it is shocking to see this bill blocked because of one lone Senator’s agenda,” said Susan Selke, mother of Clay Hunt. “Too many veterans are facing the same bureaucratic red tape Clay confronted years ago, and they are looking to our elected leaders for hope. While throughout this process we have been so thankful for the widespread and sincere support from our Congressional leaders, today, once again, vets like my son were failed. I am grieving thinking of those young men and women who will be delayed receiving help because of this inaction. The VA’s mental health care system needs urgent change as more veterans die from suicide than on the battlefield, and Senator Coburn’s action today just delays that reform.”
“It’s a shame that after two decades of service in Washington, Sen. Coburn will always be remembered for this final, misguided attack on veterans nationwide. It’s sickening to think another 22 veterans will die by suicide today and every day we fail to expand mental health care for our vets. While we appreciate the many Senators who have stood up to support our bill and our nation’s veterans, we join them in expressing our dismay that Senator Coburn would block this fiscally responsible bill,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “While we recognize Senator Coburn’s reputation as a budget hawk, clearly the minor cost of this bill would have a tremendous payoff to help save lives in our community. This isn’t about spending new money – it’s about honoring the commitment we owe to the men and women who put on the uniform. With the suicide crisis continuing, it is unconscionable for a lone Senator to block a fair vote and for Congress to leave Washington without dealing with this crisis. This fight is not over because the suicide crisis is not over. If it takes 90 days for the new Congress to re-pass this bill, the statistics tell us another 1,980 vets will have died by suicide. That should be a heavy burden on the conscience of Senator Coburn and this Congress. Have no doubt, we will be back with reinforcements when the next Congress arrives.”
IAVA and its members do appreciate the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for bringing the bill to the floor for a vote. IAVA also thanks the Senate sponsors of the bill, Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), as well as all those who signed on to support the measure. A total of 21 co-sponsors — 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats — supported the Clay Hunt SAV Act.
Highlights
This piece is written by Rebecca of Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude, Cedric of Cedric's Big Mix, Kat of Kat's Korner, Betty of Thomas Friedman is a Great Man, Mike of Mikey Likes It!, Elaine of Like Maria Said Paz, Ruth of Ruth's Report, Marcia of SICKOFITRADLZ, Stan of Oh Boy It Never Ends, Ann of Ann's Mega Dub, Isaiah of The World Today Just Nuts and Wally of The Daily Jot. Unless otherwise noted, we picked all highlights.
"Unicorns found in Iraq!" -- most requested highlight of the week.
"All those tax dollars" -- Betty on the financial costs of war.
"state of affairs (rebecca)," "State of Affairs (who can president Alfre Woodard trust?)," "Oh, Whoopi, shut up," "What Marcia said," "Ashleigh Banfield is trash," "Poor Lena" and "How low can Ro go?" -- Rebecca, Ruth, Marcia, Ann, Mike, Stan and Elaine cover TV.
"Christmas shopping thoughts" -- Elaine shares.
"Creep of the week" and "Idiot of the week early edition" -- Mike calls it.
"Annie, the film that makes you wish it was yesterday," "ali macgraw, star power, and why 'the great gatsby' failed," "Poor J-Law?" and "The Interview" -- Stan and Rebecca got to the movies.
"The problems with Madonna," "A great year for music," "Steve Grand's new song," "She's living in a terrorist world and she is just a terrorist girl," "THIS JUST IN! WHO'S THE REAL TERRORIST, MADGE?," "The Rock and Roll Hall of No Talents" and "Music" -- Ann, Kat, Cedric and Wally cover music.
"Barry got nothing to say?" -- Marcia notices.
"Easy Quesadillas" -- Ruth cooks.
"Joe Biden, seriously?," "I would love it if Jeb Bush ran for president," and"Ruth Conniff is disgusting" -- political coverage from Betty and Trina.
"The Dishonest Cheese Doodle" -- Isaiah dips into the archives.
"Scalia, the social disease that cannot be cured" and "do you think her girlfriend is jealous?" -- Kat and Rebecca on the Supreme Court.
"Joel Wing?" -- Marcia takes on the big idiot.
"Remember when Tony Blair wanted to talk?" -- Betty does.
"Flooding," "Kurd soccer star joins ISIS," "Would you invade Iraq today?," "Torture," "Secretary sentenced to death," "Churches," "Executions," "China," "oops, reuters, oops" and "And before Christmas" -- Iraq.
"The love affair that can't be denied" and "THIS JUST IN! HARRY AND BARRY ARE IN LOVE!" -- Barack got a boyfriend.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Truest statement of the week
One may argue
that Mr. Obama has advanced the cause of health
care, provided significant support for gay
rights, and reduced the amount that the U.S.
tortures political prisoners (we must not forget
Guantanamo, the Cuban-based U.S. torture
chamber, which Mr. Obama promised to close six
years ago). However, the fact that the U.S.
still doesn’t have universal health care, gay
rights are still limited and the U.S. still
tortures political prisoners is the result of
political realities. In the real world, it is
recognized that everyone is entitled to health
care, that sexual orientation is no one’s
concern and that torture is simply not
acceptable; these are all ‘no brainers’.
-- Robert Fantina, "The Dark Side of the Liberals' Darling Reality, Politics and Elizabeth Warren" (ICH).
-- Robert Fantina, "The Dark Side of the Liberals' Darling Reality, Politics and Elizabeth Warren" (ICH).
Truest statement of the week II
We will return
to Mrs. Warren, the new savior of the people,
who hammers away at bank regulators in speeches
that are widely distributed on Facebook, but
don’t have much real-world impact. One must
admire her preparation, since she obviously is
not at her best speaking extemporaneously. For
example, during Israel’s most recent slaughter
of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, when Mrs.
Warren was asked her opinion of Israel bombing
families, she literally ran away from the
reporter! Later, apparently after consulting
with her handlers, who no doubt reminded her of
the $87,838.00 that various Israeli lobbies
donated to her election campaign, she chanted
the mantra of Israel’s ‘right’ to defend itself
from Palestine’s nearly-harmless fireworks. This
works in the political world; say whatever is
required by the people controlling the purse
strings and do nothing to offend them. In the
real world, people know that Israel is a
powerful country, an apartheid regime that
occupies Palestine in violation of international
law, and commits unspeakable acts of brutality
against men, women and children. But in the
bizarre world of what passes for governance in
the U.S., politics always trumps reality.
-- Robert Fantina, "The Dark Side of the Liberals' Darling Reality, Politics and Elizabeth Warren" (ICH).
-- Robert Fantina, "The Dark Side of the Liberals' Darling Reality, Politics and Elizabeth Warren" (ICH).
A note to our readers
Hey --
Sunday.
First, we thank all who participated this edition which includes Dallas and the following:
The Third Estate Sunday Review's Jim, Dona, Ty, Jess and Ava,
Rebecca of Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude,
Betty of Thomas Friedman Is a Great Man,
C.I. of The Common Ills and The Third Estate Sunday Review,
Kat of Kat's Korner (of The Common Ills),
Mike of Mikey Likes It!,
Elaine of Like Maria Said Paz),
Cedric of Cedric's Big Mix,
Ruth of Ruth's Report,
Wally of The Daily Jot,
Trina of Trina's Kitchen,
Marcia of SICKOFITRDLZ,
Stan of Oh Boy It Never Ends,
Isaiah of The World Today Just Nuts,
and Ann of Ann's Mega Dub.
And what did we come up with?
Peace.
-- Jim, Dona, Ty, Jess, Ava and C.I.
Sunday.
First, we thank all who participated this edition which includes Dallas and the following:
The Third Estate Sunday Review's Jim, Dona, Ty, Jess and Ava,
Rebecca of Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude,
Betty of Thomas Friedman Is a Great Man,
C.I. of The Common Ills and The Third Estate Sunday Review,
Kat of Kat's Korner (of The Common Ills),
Mike of Mikey Likes It!,
Elaine of Like Maria Said Paz),
Cedric of Cedric's Big Mix,
Ruth of Ruth's Report,
Wally of The Daily Jot,
Trina of Trina's Kitchen,
Marcia of SICKOFITRDLZ,
Stan of Oh Boy It Never Ends,
Isaiah of The World Today Just Nuts,
and Ann of Ann's Mega Dub.
And what did we come up with?
Robert Fantina got both truests -- and more than earned them.
The Senate still hasn't confirmed Barack's new DoD Secretary nominee. If John Kerry's so miserable as Secretary of State, maybe he could go out for that post.
The torture report. Ava and C.I. were working on a piece about a sitcom. We asked them if there was any way they could set that aside and somehow cover torture? We had a big piece on it that fell apart. They spitballed for about 15 minutes before deciding they could open with Whoopi Goldberg's torture remarks, move over to the hideous Peter Pan Live! and then end with the torture. They make it work as only they can.
Parody piece. Thomas Ricks feels your pain.
Short feature.
Really, how stupid?
What we listened to while writing.
From Senator Dianne Feinstein's office.
From Senator Patrick Leahy's office.
Mike and the gang wrote this and we thank them for it.
Peace.
-- Jim, Dona, Ty, Jess, Ava and C.I.
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