Dear June:
Yesterday, we fought a battle for the public health insurance option. Though we didn't win it, we came away with a strong showing that put us in a better position for the coming war.
In a long debate on the amendments to add a public health insurance option to the Baucus Bill in the Senate Finance Committee, Senators spoke out vigorously in favor of the idea. The intellectual and moral case for the public health insurance option was clear.
The Finance Committee then voted on two public health insurance option amendments offered by Senators Rockefeller and Schumer.
In the end, 10 out of 13 Democrats on the committee - John Rockefeller (WV), Jeff Bingaman (NM), John Kerry (MA), Ron Wyden (OR), Charles Schumer (NY), Debbie Stabenow (MI), Maria Cantwell (WA), Bill Nelson (FL), Robert Menendez (NJ), and Tom Carper (DE) - voted for a public health insurance option.
Three Democrats - Max Baucus (MT), Kent Conrad (ND), and Blanche Lincoln (AR) - sided with the Republicans to defeat these amendments. The final roll call was 10-13.
In the most conservative committee in the Senate, which is itself the most conservative house of Congress, a public health insurance option got the support of an overwhelming majority of the governing party. And there were some surprises - we picked up more votes than we had originally expected.
So what's next?
A public health insurance option has been passed by four out of five committees in Congress dealing with health care, and received a huge amount of support in the Senate Finance Committee. The next time the public health insurance option will come up for consideration is when Majority Leader Harry Reid merges the Finance bill with the HELP bill.
Yesterday was the first step in building momentum for a public health insurance option in the Senate. Clearly, the idea has weight - even self-described moderates such as Bill Nelson and Tom Carper voted for it. As we move to the floor and into conference, with Schumer, Rockefeller, and other champions pledging support and whipping their colleagues, those numbers can and will continue to grow.
We have hundreds of organizers and thousands of supporters around the country, and we have the American people on our side. As Senator Schumer says, a public health insurance option will be in the bill President Obama signs into law.
Thank you for your continued support. Onwards!
To your health,
Levana Layendecker
Health Care for America Now
Senators Max Baucus (MT), Kent Conrad (ND), and Blanche Lincoln (AR), I hope you are proud of yourselves for voting to give the health insurance companies higher profits than they already have at the expense of the citizens of the country, two-thirds of whom want the public option included in the bill.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Iraqi Death Squads Target Gays
From the Guardian:
Hardline Islamic insurgent groups in Iraq are targeting a new type of victim with the full protection of Iraqi law, The Observer can reveal. The country is seeing a sudden escalation of brutal attacks on what are being called the 'immorals' - homosexual men and children as young as 11 who have been forced into same-sex prostitution.
There is growing evidence that Shia militias have been killing men suspected of being gay and children who have been sold to criminal gangs to be sexually abused. The threat has led to a rapid increase in the numbers of Iraqi homosexuals now seeking asylum in the UK because it has become impossible for them to live safely in their own country.
Ali Hili runs the Iraqi LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) group out of London. He used to have 40 volunteers in Iraq but says after recent raids by militia in Najaf, Karbala and Basra he has lost contact with half of them. They move to different safe houses to protect their identities, but their work is incredibly dangerous.
Will the human capacity for brutal, cruel treatment of fellow humans ever end? I fear not.
Homosexuality is seen as so immoral that it qualifies as an 'honour killing' to murder someone who is gay - and the perpetrator can escape punishment. Section 111 of Iraq's penal code lays out protections for murder when people are acting against Islam.
Lord, have mercy! The mindset that killing gays is a good thing is widespread throughout the world and, unfortunately, is enshrined in the law in far too many countries. In others, the authorities turn a blind eye, and the crimes of torture and killing are never investigated and prosecuted.
Another report from Human Rights Watch:
The report also documents how fears that Iraqi men's masculinity is under threat propel the killings as much as prejudices about sexuality. Many men told Human Rights Watch that their parents or brothers have threatened them with honor killings because their "unmanly" behavior threatens the reputation of the family or tribe. In a provision left over from the Saddam Hussein era, Iraqi law allows mitigated penalties for crimes committed "with honorable motives." This exception encourages gender-based violence.
The article at HRW is difficult reading because of the descriptions of the atrocities committed upon gay men or men suspected of being gay, but we cannot turn away.
Thanks to D. for sending the links.
Hardline Islamic insurgent groups in Iraq are targeting a new type of victim with the full protection of Iraqi law, The Observer can reveal. The country is seeing a sudden escalation of brutal attacks on what are being called the 'immorals' - homosexual men and children as young as 11 who have been forced into same-sex prostitution.
There is growing evidence that Shia militias have been killing men suspected of being gay and children who have been sold to criminal gangs to be sexually abused. The threat has led to a rapid increase in the numbers of Iraqi homosexuals now seeking asylum in the UK because it has become impossible for them to live safely in their own country.
Ali Hili runs the Iraqi LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) group out of London. He used to have 40 volunteers in Iraq but says after recent raids by militia in Najaf, Karbala and Basra he has lost contact with half of them. They move to different safe houses to protect their identities, but their work is incredibly dangerous.
Will the human capacity for brutal, cruel treatment of fellow humans ever end? I fear not.
Homosexuality is seen as so immoral that it qualifies as an 'honour killing' to murder someone who is gay - and the perpetrator can escape punishment. Section 111 of Iraq's penal code lays out protections for murder when people are acting against Islam.
Lord, have mercy! The mindset that killing gays is a good thing is widespread throughout the world and, unfortunately, is enshrined in the law in far too many countries. In others, the authorities turn a blind eye, and the crimes of torture and killing are never investigated and prosecuted.
Another report from Human Rights Watch:
The report also documents how fears that Iraqi men's masculinity is under threat propel the killings as much as prejudices about sexuality. Many men told Human Rights Watch that their parents or brothers have threatened them with honor killings because their "unmanly" behavior threatens the reputation of the family or tribe. In a provision left over from the Saddam Hussein era, Iraqi law allows mitigated penalties for crimes committed "with honorable motives." This exception encourages gender-based violence.
The article at HRW is difficult reading because of the descriptions of the atrocities committed upon gay men or men suspected of being gay, but we cannot turn away.
Thanks to D. for sending the links.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Three Women in Mexico
Three women go down to Mexico one night to celebrate college graduation, get drunk, and wake up in jail, only to find that they are to be executed in the morning, though none of them can remember what they did the night before.
The first one, a redhead, is strapped into the electric chair and is asked if she has any last words. She says, "I just graduated from Trinity Bible College and believe in the almighty power of God to intervene on the behalf of the innocent." They throw the switch and nothing happens. They all immediately fall to the floor on their knees, beg for forgiveness and release her.
The second one, a brunette, is strapped in and gives her last words. "I just graduated from the Harvard School of Law and I believe in the power of justice to intervene on the part of the innocent." They throw the switch and again, nothing happens. Again they all immediately fall to their knees, beg for forgiveness and release her.
The last one (you knew it), a blonde, is strapped in and says, "Well, I'm from the University of Kentucky and just graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and I'll tell ya'll right now, ya'll ain't gonna electrocute nobody if you don't plug this thing in."
Don't blame me. Blame Doug!
The first one, a redhead, is strapped into the electric chair and is asked if she has any last words. She says, "I just graduated from Trinity Bible College and believe in the almighty power of God to intervene on the behalf of the innocent." They throw the switch and nothing happens. They all immediately fall to the floor on their knees, beg for forgiveness and release her.
The second one, a brunette, is strapped in and gives her last words. "I just graduated from the Harvard School of Law and I believe in the power of justice to intervene on the part of the innocent." They throw the switch and again, nothing happens. Again they all immediately fall to their knees, beg for forgiveness and release her.
The last one (you knew it), a blonde, is strapped in and says, "Well, I'm from the University of Kentucky and just graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and I'll tell ya'll right now, ya'll ain't gonna electrocute nobody if you don't plug this thing in."
Don't blame me. Blame Doug!
La Grâce du Ciel
La Grâce du Ciel is a French interpretation of Amazing Grace (literally:The Grace of Heaven) written by David E. Marcantel and performed by Southwest Louisiana singing group, Les Amies Louisianaises.
Cajun lyrics are here.
Thanks to Joan S.
Well Now...
...the good news is that he was NOT hurt. The bad news is that Grandpère ruined the front fender and bumper on my one-year old car. If you recall, the reason my car is fairly new is that GP totaled my old car driving in New Orleans. Here we are in New Orleans, and he's done it again, only this time with much less damage. He is a very good driver in most instances, but he is not a city-smart driver. Have you guessed who plays the fool in this drama? Moi! Maybe GP learned a lesson. I hope so. If not, next time it won't be in my car.
Story Of The Day - Moving Day
I think you love people until you get to
understand them, she said & I said,
what happens then? & she said,
o, that's when you move away.
From StoryPeople.
understand them, she said & I said,
what happens then? & she said,
o, that's when you move away.
From StoryPeople.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Update On Bishop Marc Andrus
Dear friends,
I've just spoken with Sheila Andrus and she reports that Bishop Marc did very well with the surgery. The surgeon, she said, was extremely positive about how the surgery went and the outcome. It is not yet known when Bishop Marc will be released from the hospital, but that will happen in the next few days.
The Andrus family are all very grateful for the prayers and good wishes that they have received and they look forward to this time of healing.
Wishing you peace,
Sean McConnell
Communications Officer, Diocese of California
Canon for Communications, Grace Cathedral
Thanks to Ann.
I've just spoken with Sheila Andrus and she reports that Bishop Marc did very well with the surgery. The surgeon, she said, was extremely positive about how the surgery went and the outcome. It is not yet known when Bishop Marc will be released from the hospital, but that will happen in the next few days.
The Andrus family are all very grateful for the prayers and good wishes that they have received and they look forward to this time of healing.
Wishing you peace,
Sean McConnell
Communications Officer, Diocese of California
Canon for Communications, Grace Cathedral
Thanks to Ann.
"What Happened?"
Because my mind is presently preoccupied with a family matter, my concentration is off, and I should probably stop blogging for a spell. I notice that I'm making more mistakes than usual. Even in the best of blogging times, I make not a few errors. I joke about my policy of "post first, edit afterward". When the editing comes in the title of the post or the first few lines, that makes trouble on the feeds that have already gone out. I get queries about the changes. "What happened?"
Nevertheless, in my own intrepid and probably misguided way, I'll stumble along in my Inspector Clouseau's inner-female persona and attempt to carry on.
Meanwhile from TPM:
The attorney behind the first-ever Birther infomercial started teabagging way before it was cool.
Yes, indeedy. He started back in 1970s during the Ford administration. His name is - wait! - Gary Kreep. The infomercial says that anyone who sends just $30 will receive a "got a birth certificate?" sticker and have "a fax sent in their name to the 50 state attorneys general and Attorney General Eric Holder demanding that President Obama produce his real birth certificate." You can watch part of the infomercial at the link above.
It gets better.
The program was produced by LivePrayer.com, a Web site affiliated with Bill Keller, a fundamentalist Christian minister who also hosts the infomercial.
Imprisoned in the late 1980s after an insider trading conviction, Keller later committed his life to God, attended Liberty University in Virginia, and founded Bill Keller Ministries, according to his bio. LivePrayer.com was "founded for the sole purpose of having a site on the internet where people can go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for prayer."
Also from TPM comes really good news. Sarah Palin's book will be out on November 17. I know that you've been waiting with bated breaths. Her book will be titled Going Rogue. That is just so Sarah, don't you think?
Nevertheless, in my own intrepid and probably misguided way, I'll stumble along in my Inspector Clouseau's inner-female persona and attempt to carry on.
Meanwhile from TPM:
The attorney behind the first-ever Birther infomercial started teabagging way before it was cool.
Yes, indeedy. He started back in 1970s during the Ford administration. His name is - wait! - Gary Kreep. The infomercial says that anyone who sends just $30 will receive a "got a birth certificate?" sticker and have "a fax sent in their name to the 50 state attorneys general and Attorney General Eric Holder demanding that President Obama produce his real birth certificate." You can watch part of the infomercial at the link above.
It gets better.
The program was produced by LivePrayer.com, a Web site affiliated with Bill Keller, a fundamentalist Christian minister who also hosts the infomercial.
Imprisoned in the late 1980s after an insider trading conviction, Keller later committed his life to God, attended Liberty University in Virginia, and founded Bill Keller Ministries, according to his bio. LivePrayer.com was "founded for the sole purpose of having a site on the internet where people can go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for prayer."
Also from TPM comes really good news. Sarah Palin's book will be out on November 17. I know that you've been waiting with bated breaths. Her book will be titled Going Rogue. That is just so Sarah, don't you think?
Thought For The Day - Is It Just Me?
On occasion, when we sing hymns from the Hymnal 1982 of the Episcopal Church, I detect British Empire references in certain of the hymns.
"What Our Faith Demands Of Us...."
From a guest column by Bishop Alan Scarfe, of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, in the Des Moines Register:
Fiddling while Rome (and a far larger territory) burns. I mean all the talk of sex is titillating and all that, but don't you get sick of it sometimes? Wouldn't you like to talk about other matters? Why, oh why are we bogged down in discussions about the minutiae of what people do (or don't do!) in the privacy of their homes? The amount of attention that the "thou shalt nots" lavish on the sexuality of other people looks very much like an obsession to me. For one thing, we could take note, as Bishop Charleston says, that "The alarm bells are ringing," and our planet is headed for a burn.
Lord, have mercy!
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 827)
H/T to JB Chilton at The Lead.
Iowa finds itself along with the dioceses of the five New England states where equal marriage is upheld in the forefront of the church's conversation on marriage equality. Faith communities are deciding what this means to their traditions or what it does not. Many faith communities have long awaited the chance to celebrate civil marriage for same-gender couples. The Episcopal Church has been engaged with this for more than 30 years - almost alone among churches of the Catholic tradition. That Episcopal couples were among those cited in the Iowa State Supreme Court Ruling is significant.
Of course, we are not of one mind in this. Not all my own clergy or congregations agree with my position in celebrating this opportunity for same-gender couples. But is there not a beauty in this situation? Faith communities that cannot and will not welcome or embrace these marriages have that freedom in this state and nation, even while others that do coexist beside them peacefully and lawfully. When a bishop in Southern Africa learned of the Iowa ruling, he sent me a note asking me its implications. He was concerned that we might be seen as going against the constitution now if we disallowed such marriages. He found it rather admirable that there was no such pressure upon religious institutions, and that there was a specific exemption for religious institutions to pursue their consciences. (My emphasis)
....
Faith, however, demands more of us. At the recent General Convention, we heard a sermon by Bishop Stephen Charleston, a Native-American bishop. He stood before us and said in hyperbole that he "had 10 minutes to save the world." Boldly claiming his anointing as a prophet of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, he said that the alarm clock. which had been ticking away the hours toward our civilization's demise, had stopped its ticking. "The alarm bells are ringing," he said. He went on to say that unless we woke up and put aside those things that have used up our energies for the past 30 to 40 years in our disputes together, and bring the peace among human beings needed to care in common for each other and for the planet God has given us, none of what consumes our heated passions today will mean anything. The generations to come, he added, who will have to rebirth civilization on their burned up cinder of a planet, will not thank us, nor will God thank us.
Fiddling while Rome (and a far larger territory) burns. I mean all the talk of sex is titillating and all that, but don't you get sick of it sometimes? Wouldn't you like to talk about other matters? Why, oh why are we bogged down in discussions about the minutiae of what people do (or don't do!) in the privacy of their homes? The amount of attention that the "thou shalt nots" lavish on the sexuality of other people looks very much like an obsession to me. For one thing, we could take note, as Bishop Charleston says, that "The alarm bells are ringing," and our planet is headed for a burn.
Lord, have mercy!
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 827)
H/T to JB Chilton at The Lead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)