Wow, what a year, and good riddance. 2 months ago, moved out due to "economic" necessity, somewhat akin to economic migration. The bank, Wachovia, after multiple request and applications did not refinance or modify home loan secured on documented income. However, they gave a deferment of 3 months with interest and fees added to the principal. This occurred well into the US President's Making Home Affordable edict had passed. My former home lost nearly 100k in value from purchase price, and its loan interest rate over 7%. The bank or the corporation, heart set to profit, with individuals affiliated deriving livelihood and sense of identity are not high among people with whom to break bread.
Laid off in September 2007, started an independent contracting business during the beginnings of the great recession, and held 2 PT positions. There were inadequate engagements (preferred portfolio of 5-6 on going clients), with payment schedule often times late -- keeping up with housing cost was challenging.
Making ends meet by cutting expenses, not contributing to retirement, and health insurance premiums taking 1/8 of take home salary --it is a wonder, how much effort was exerted to stay financially and emotionally afloat. All fronts were unrelenting.
Not allowing the gloom to permeate life as experienced, its challenges colored the day to day. Supportive friends offering tangible practical assistance, yoga, and appreciating waking every day was all soothing balms. The chance to re-create one’s self requires hope and keeping to a promise of doing the best you can.
Living my version of an American dream: immigrated at a young age, schooled when California led the way to high quality public post secondary education, option to leave jobs encumbered with petty politics, management lacking in creativity or tenacity, or lost its intentions for doing good, still have a home with a mortgage in the Bay Area (where my mother lives) – and writing about it, why would I not be thankful.
I need a break to breathe, pause, celebrate, and mark the coming of a new phase in adult life. Dave and I are heading to New Orleans for music, food and most importantly friendship and love. Angelamia and I have known one another since the age of twelve, our birthdays only 3days apart. She is an inspiration, keeping up a good fight after 2 major surgeries, surviving breast cancer, and rebuilding post Katrina, she rocks. Love at middle age. She found her life mate in the course of rebuilding, and recently became domestic partners. Important to her was returning to teaching music, kids and teenagers, her passion, while working in construction. She is unwavering in her commitment to herself as a creative person, working and real.
2010 is a year to look forward too, living day by day, staying true to the person I’m becoming --surrounded by loving people, memories and experiences made.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
lighting solutions
moi prepping to prep
replaced the installed dome overhead fixtures with track lighting. though seemingly a cliche or so 1980's, its a functional strategy to highlight to be mounted art pieces, crafts. note the beams crossing the length of the studio, seems to scream stage lighting...
storage project on hold
future storage corner? build out static closet or movable fixture. reality or current given -- plastic storage bins are amassing, boxes to be emptied. this project is on hold till public/private spaces are completed. Note: the accent wall here I've dubbed chocolate brown next to the mimosa kitchen.
cheerful hearth
kitchen before and after move in sans appliances, cabinets and mimosa walls, the ceiling to completed will be the semi gloss frost white, in keeping with reflection and warmth scheme.
space division
division is another constant when moving into a "raw" space. allocate based on need, aesthetic order of how the space can be worked out, function, utility, need for light or view onto world outside. in conceiving the studio/loft use, i preferred to have a view to the outside world when looking away from the desk or laptop screen.
color vs no color
one of the first challenges, after the space layout was determined is what to do about color? color can help define space, create a feeling sense of the place and hints of the person's inner workings in a site specific effort.
the solutions: mimosa wall accent, mimosa kitchen, suede columns and beams, candle light ivory as the "gallery" wall color.
Studio Loft Update
one of many responses to storage needs, a bed with drawers, courtesy of a craigslist post from SF. the bed instantly added 12 drawers in the sleeping corner
mattress courtesy of DJRobynn, as she was replacing a temperpedic mattress, there is now a queen size bed.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Living LOFT (a series)
Its down to the wire... After having the keys for almost two weeks and making plans to occupy week of Jan 20, the pressure to perform is on. Hired a handy man (referral and contact info forthcoming after my project is done), to assist in building out partitions, painting, and building closet and other storage spaces.
Decided on the color scheme. Inspired by the SE Asian batik gifted many years ago from a friend who associated me to the piece when she saw it, and Buddhist influences. The base color is candle light ivory, paired with Mimosa, and suede as the 3rd color. The intention is to give the illusion of being in a warm glowing space with touches of wood (tones) and fully utilizing the teak danish furniture accumulated over time.
Late last night, after painting a wall and priming the bathroom ceiling, attributing it to the fumes, I commented to my self this is to much work for a rental. I placed sweat equity in my last condo, somehow this is an anomaly. I do, however, see this is the home, I'd wanted to have, and possession, equity, nor tax benefit were operating when assessing the effort and money I've sunk into living in a converted warehouse space.
My initial take, the colors accomplished what I had in mind. The mimosa was the closest to the Saffron I visualized, suede similarly will appear to have the warmth of wood beams as well as other monastic wear.
Already anticipate shedding many possessions, since there will not be sufficient storage after those planned are completed. Is this conscious, on my part, to live minimally and with quality in mind.
Quality by way of speaking to richness of life history and influences, as well as identifying the sources of inspiration from materials held for periods of time.
Decided on the color scheme. Inspired by the SE Asian batik gifted many years ago from a friend who associated me to the piece when she saw it, and Buddhist influences. The base color is candle light ivory, paired with Mimosa, and suede as the 3rd color. The intention is to give the illusion of being in a warm glowing space with touches of wood (tones) and fully utilizing the teak danish furniture accumulated over time.
Late last night, after painting a wall and priming the bathroom ceiling, attributing it to the fumes, I commented to my self this is to much work for a rental. I placed sweat equity in my last condo, somehow this is an anomaly. I do, however, see this is the home, I'd wanted to have, and possession, equity, nor tax benefit were operating when assessing the effort and money I've sunk into living in a converted warehouse space.
My initial take, the colors accomplished what I had in mind. The mimosa was the closest to the Saffron I visualized, suede similarly will appear to have the warmth of wood beams as well as other monastic wear.
Already anticipate shedding many possessions, since there will not be sufficient storage after those planned are completed. Is this conscious, on my part, to live minimally and with quality in mind.
Quality by way of speaking to richness of life history and influences, as well as identifying the sources of inspiration from materials held for periods of time.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Loft Space Management
A big challenge in an open space is to divide it in a way where it does not compromise flow and light. Here are preliminary thoughts on efficient, affordable, low intensity effort projects.
Basic ideas: Storage and Partition
a) modular
b) allows light to permeate or does not block considerable amount of light
c) amendable for "modification" (example: painting, covering)
d) dual or more purpose
e) affordable
f) scale to space
Considerations/components
1) On wheels/casters
2) Change out back or doors with clear material (possibly glass)
3) Pre-fab (recycled)
Solution(s) to follow.
Basic ideas: Storage and Partition
a) modular
b) allows light to permeate or does not block considerable amount of light
c) amendable for "modification" (example: painting, covering)
d) dual or more purpose
e) affordable
f) scale to space
Considerations/components
1) On wheels/casters
2) Change out back or doors with clear material (possibly glass)
3) Pre-fab (recycled)
Solution(s) to follow.
Monday, December 07, 2009
To dream and making it happen
Dream first, do the homework, mix in plenty of luck and some patience voila. I will now be living in a loft style apartment from a warehouse conversion in West Oakland.
Pictures are attached below for reference, new living quarters will be subject of many future posts.
How will I deal with
A) Storage
B) Partition of space
C) Floor covering
D) Wall and Ceiling Color
E) in less than 14 days before moving?
Pictures are attached below for reference, new living quarters will be subject of many future posts.
How will I deal with
A) Storage
B) Partition of space
C) Floor covering
D) Wall and Ceiling Color
E) in less than 14 days before moving?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
ahh the lure of living lakeside
I recently moved into a building built in 1904 across from Lake Merritt. The unit is on the first floor, it has 10 windows with most having an unobstructed view of the Lake. Its walkers, joggers, sail boats, rowing crews, and occasional gondolier.
During the search for a new place, I saw many apartments, not worth the rent asks. Many were poorly maintained, some had peculiar rental application practices, others were in neighborhood sufficiently far from mass transit hubs. Others had absentee landlords, and managers who struck me as less than reliable. As a walker, bicycler, and a mass transit/shared transit practitioner, access to transit alternatives were high in the criteria.
The one criteria seemly overlooked in the search was the noise of the street where I live. After a week of being in the new place, the noise is beginning to grate on my psyche. My apartment, faces the newly opened and beautifully restored Lake Chalet, and happens to be on a major artery that connects Downtown to residential areas surrounding the Lake.
I've tried to muffle the street noise with white noise machines, hepa filter, sound machine that mimics 8 different types of natural environmental sounds, placed tightly knitted rugs on the bedroom windows, and have worn silicone swimmers putty in my ears, yet the noise is palpable. The drawback of having all the light, and site lines is the traffic noise entering the unit as cars pass literally by and beyond. It is not simply the rumble of metal and rubber hitting pavement, but the sound wave that seems to touch my inner self. Waking at odd hours,specially when an unusually large vehicle passes is taking its toll.
I've decided to create options, first to look and relocate again after just moving no more than a week ago, secondly, to ask the landlady if a unit in the back or on a higher floor opens up so that I can make a switch. Ah, the lure of living steps from the Lake, wide open space that breaks with the urban denseness. Ah, the traffic noise and the sounds created by ton of mass with thrust is becoming a major drawback.
Since being in the new place, I have yet to have a full night's sleep.
Stay tuned as to how this plays out.
During the search for a new place, I saw many apartments, not worth the rent asks. Many were poorly maintained, some had peculiar rental application practices, others were in neighborhood sufficiently far from mass transit hubs. Others had absentee landlords, and managers who struck me as less than reliable. As a walker, bicycler, and a mass transit/shared transit practitioner, access to transit alternatives were high in the criteria.
The one criteria seemly overlooked in the search was the noise of the street where I live. After a week of being in the new place, the noise is beginning to grate on my psyche. My apartment, faces the newly opened and beautifully restored Lake Chalet, and happens to be on a major artery that connects Downtown to residential areas surrounding the Lake.
I've tried to muffle the street noise with white noise machines, hepa filter, sound machine that mimics 8 different types of natural environmental sounds, placed tightly knitted rugs on the bedroom windows, and have worn silicone swimmers putty in my ears, yet the noise is palpable. The drawback of having all the light, and site lines is the traffic noise entering the unit as cars pass literally by and beyond. It is not simply the rumble of metal and rubber hitting pavement, but the sound wave that seems to touch my inner self. Waking at odd hours,specially when an unusually large vehicle passes is taking its toll.
I've decided to create options, first to look and relocate again after just moving no more than a week ago, secondly, to ask the landlady if a unit in the back or on a higher floor opens up so that I can make a switch. Ah, the lure of living steps from the Lake, wide open space that breaks with the urban denseness. Ah, the traffic noise and the sounds created by ton of mass with thrust is becoming a major drawback.
Since being in the new place, I have yet to have a full night's sleep.
Stay tuned as to how this plays out.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
My Country of Origin Philippines
It is difficult to not be skeptical when a person not of the place writes about a country where I spent a better part of my childhood. It is particularly conflict ridden when it is seen through a lens of tourism. In a way, there is a part of me that longs for the pictures being promulgated to be the iconic images that keeps most at arms length. It can be one way to maintain the character of many places as it is and not one geared for others to gawk and to some extent become curiosities of a world not of the "modern" era.
Philippines in a different Perspective
Viewing The Philippines In A Different Light .....
http://tourism- philippines. com/viewing- the-philippines- in-a-different- light
by Scott Allford
October 18, 2009
If you live outside of the Philippines and you watch or read the news you may feel very justified in believing that the Philippines is a very dangerous country, savaged by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and terrorist attacks. You may also be assured in your belief that it is a poor country with images of children picking through garbage, slums, and corruption scandals broadcast in most international news reports. I am not going to deny that these things are true, however, they are not all that the country contains. Not every person in the Philippines is poor, a terrorist or a victim of terror. In fact other countries around the world suffer from these same problems yet they do not become iconic images of those nations.
The Common View of the Philippines
A few months ago I was at a roof-top birthday party in Makati filled with socialites and expats. Whilst there I was introduced to a German ‘journalist’, and my friend asked him why the Philippines is portrayed in such a negative light in the foreign media. His response was in two parts; Firstly because in his experience he could not sell stories about the Philippines in Germany if they were not about poverty, violence or corruption. Secondly, he said that because there is so much poverty, violence, and corruption, there is nothing else to report on. After saying this, he sipped his glass of red wine and was whisked away into a group of Filipino socialites.
Perhaps the red wine was ‘poor’ in taste, or the fact that that particular roof-top was one of the few in Makati which doesn’t have a swimming pool made him focus on the poverty in the Philippines, or maybe the sounds of merrymaking were ‘violent’ on his ears. I think that it was none of these things. Germany , a developed country, has slums. But if the focus can be moved away from the poverty in the developed countries and put on some islands way out in the Pacific Ocean , then people in developed countries can feel a little bit better.
I remember growing up in Australia , taking garbage out to the dump after cleaning up the garden. I would see Aboriginals picking through the garbage for food. Yet that has never been an iconic image of Australia . I went to ‘water villages’ in Malaysia and Brunei and thought how similar they look to slums in Manila. Yet ‘water villages’ are tourist attractions and the slums here are not. I lived in South Korea a few hundred kilometres away from the DMZ, with jets and helicopters flying overhead all the time it felt like a war zone. In the spring I would have 40 tanks facing in the direction of my apartment. Yet South Korea is generally not viewed or branded as a dangerous country. And South Korea has slums too. Perhaps the time will come when people outside the Philippines will come to realize that the branded image of the Philippines portrayed in the media is only a small piece of the full picture of this country.
A Different View
Since the Philippines was settled by people 30,000 years ago, this country has blossomed into a mix of over 180 indigenous ethnic groups, over half of which also represent unique linguistic groups. This array of cultures, languages and cultural artifacts cannot be matched by most nations of the world. From the Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Visayans to the Binukid, Moros, Ati, Igorot, and the T’boli, just to name a few. These cultures are rich, strong and proud and in most cases the people that make up these cultures are very friendly and welcoming to outsiders. On a trip to Sagada I was welcomed into a very warm and friendly Kankanaey family. They showed us around Sagada and told us stories of Kankanaey cultural practices. They even taught me how to wear a traditional bahag (a hand-loomed loin cloth or G-string).
Neighbouring Sagada is Ifugao, with vast rice terraces that shape the mountains of the region. The oldest rice terraces are 6,000 years old, which is 1,000 years older than the oldest pyramid in Egypt . If put end to end the rice terraces dwarf the Great Wall of China, and the rice terraces were not made by using slave labor like most other ancient wonders of the world.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. But they are not alone. The Philippines have numerous UNESCO world heritage sites including the Baroque churches of San Agustin Church in Manila , Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria , Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo . There is also the beautiful and historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Furthermore, there are the natural UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park .
Lastly, the Philippines consists of 7,107 beautiful islands. These islands contain remote beaches and amazing rock formations as well as other natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the perfectly conical Mt. Mayon volcano or the stunning Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan . B ut also on these islands is a range of biodiversity not seen in most other places on the planet. In Romblon, Sibuyan Island is known as the Galapagos of Asia as it contains such a diverse range of species which can be found nowhere else on the planet. If you get off these islands and dive into the cool blue-turquoise waters of the Philippines , you may also see some of the richest biodiversity in the world’s seas. The Verde Island Passage has been named as the ‘centre of the centre’ of marine biodiversity in the world. It has over 300 species of corals as well as vast numbers of fish that you will not find anywhere else.
With all that this country has to offer, I am baffled as to why it has been branded in such a negative way by the international media. However, I think that more and more people are starting to discover that there is a different side to the Philippines to the one they have been bombarded with for the past few decades. Those who come to the Philippines to seek out the beauty of this country will not be disappointed. However, first time travelers to the Philippines should beware, just like me and many other foreigners, this amazing country may compel you to stay quite a bit longer than you initially planned.
Scott M. Allford
Philippines in a different Perspective
Viewing The Philippines In A Different Light .....
http://tourism- philippines. com/viewing- the-philippines- in-a-different- light
by Scott Allford
October 18, 2009
If you live outside of the Philippines and you watch or read the news you may feel very justified in believing that the Philippines is a very dangerous country, savaged by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and terrorist attacks. You may also be assured in your belief that it is a poor country with images of children picking through garbage, slums, and corruption scandals broadcast in most international news reports. I am not going to deny that these things are true, however, they are not all that the country contains. Not every person in the Philippines is poor, a terrorist or a victim of terror. In fact other countries around the world suffer from these same problems yet they do not become iconic images of those nations.
The Common View of the Philippines
A few months ago I was at a roof-top birthday party in Makati filled with socialites and expats. Whilst there I was introduced to a German ‘journalist’, and my friend asked him why the Philippines is portrayed in such a negative light in the foreign media. His response was in two parts; Firstly because in his experience he could not sell stories about the Philippines in Germany if they were not about poverty, violence or corruption. Secondly, he said that because there is so much poverty, violence, and corruption, there is nothing else to report on. After saying this, he sipped his glass of red wine and was whisked away into a group of Filipino socialites.
Perhaps the red wine was ‘poor’ in taste, or the fact that that particular roof-top was one of the few in Makati which doesn’t have a swimming pool made him focus on the poverty in the Philippines, or maybe the sounds of merrymaking were ‘violent’ on his ears. I think that it was none of these things. Germany , a developed country, has slums. But if the focus can be moved away from the poverty in the developed countries and put on some islands way out in the Pacific Ocean , then people in developed countries can feel a little bit better.
I remember growing up in Australia , taking garbage out to the dump after cleaning up the garden. I would see Aboriginals picking through the garbage for food. Yet that has never been an iconic image of Australia . I went to ‘water villages’ in Malaysia and Brunei and thought how similar they look to slums in Manila. Yet ‘water villages’ are tourist attractions and the slums here are not. I lived in South Korea a few hundred kilometres away from the DMZ, with jets and helicopters flying overhead all the time it felt like a war zone. In the spring I would have 40 tanks facing in the direction of my apartment. Yet South Korea is generally not viewed or branded as a dangerous country. And South Korea has slums too. Perhaps the time will come when people outside the Philippines will come to realize that the branded image of the Philippines portrayed in the media is only a small piece of the full picture of this country.
A Different View
Since the Philippines was settled by people 30,000 years ago, this country has blossomed into a mix of over 180 indigenous ethnic groups, over half of which also represent unique linguistic groups. This array of cultures, languages and cultural artifacts cannot be matched by most nations of the world. From the Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Visayans to the Binukid, Moros, Ati, Igorot, and the T’boli, just to name a few. These cultures are rich, strong and proud and in most cases the people that make up these cultures are very friendly and welcoming to outsiders. On a trip to Sagada I was welcomed into a very warm and friendly Kankanaey family. They showed us around Sagada and told us stories of Kankanaey cultural practices. They even taught me how to wear a traditional bahag (a hand-loomed loin cloth or G-string).
Neighbouring Sagada is Ifugao, with vast rice terraces that shape the mountains of the region. The oldest rice terraces are 6,000 years old, which is 1,000 years older than the oldest pyramid in Egypt . If put end to end the rice terraces dwarf the Great Wall of China, and the rice terraces were not made by using slave labor like most other ancient wonders of the world.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. But they are not alone. The Philippines have numerous UNESCO world heritage sites including the Baroque churches of San Agustin Church in Manila , Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria , Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo . There is also the beautiful and historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Furthermore, there are the natural UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park .
Lastly, the Philippines consists of 7,107 beautiful islands. These islands contain remote beaches and amazing rock formations as well as other natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the perfectly conical Mt. Mayon volcano or the stunning Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan . B ut also on these islands is a range of biodiversity not seen in most other places on the planet. In Romblon, Sibuyan Island is known as the Galapagos of Asia as it contains such a diverse range of species which can be found nowhere else on the planet. If you get off these islands and dive into the cool blue-turquoise waters of the Philippines , you may also see some of the richest biodiversity in the world’s seas. The Verde Island Passage has been named as the ‘centre of the centre’ of marine biodiversity in the world. It has over 300 species of corals as well as vast numbers of fish that you will not find anywhere else.
With all that this country has to offer, I am baffled as to why it has been branded in such a negative way by the international media. However, I think that more and more people are starting to discover that there is a different side to the Philippines to the one they have been bombarded with for the past few decades. Those who come to the Philippines to seek out the beauty of this country will not be disappointed. However, first time travelers to the Philippines should beware, just like me and many other foreigners, this amazing country may compel you to stay quite a bit longer than you initially planned.
Scott M. Allford
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dr. Blumenfeld on why he is still conscious of being gay.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Blumenfeld, Warren [C I]
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Subject: (NAME-MCE) Why I'm So Conscious of Being Gay
To: wblumen@iastate.edu
Hi,
I'm sharing with you my response to a very thought provoking question my students asked me in the Introduction to Queer Studies course I teach here at Iowa State University.
Best,
Warren Blumenfeld
Hi Queer Studies Students,
I just wanted to answer a question I was asked, but I did not have sufficient time to answer in a manner that reflected my thinking on the question. Please be assured that I am not directing this response toward any one or few specific people, but the question got me thinking.
I was asked something like, why am I still so conscious of being gay, and why am I still doing the work, when a friend of mine - someone with whom I marched with in the early 1970s in the Gay Liberation Front years - doesn't understand why I am still fighting the good fight?
I am still so very conscious of being gay because still today my own students come to me with pain on their faces and tears in their eyes after they come out to their parents, and their parents either disown them, cut them off of financial support for college, or place them in "Reparative" or Christian therapy to "take them out of the 'gay lifestyle.'"
I am still so very conscious of being gay because politicians continue to scapegoat us for their own fundraising and recruitment purposes while spreading lies about who we really are.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because we are not allowed to openly serve our country in the military.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because I am not allowed to donate blood because I have had sex with another man since 1977, even though I am not infected with any communicable disease.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because same-sex couples still continue to be denied the rights and benefits on par with different-sex couples in most states in the United States and in most nations of the world.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because some religious denominations still brand us as "sinners," as an "abomination," and as "immoral."
I am still so very conscious of being gay because some members of the psychiatric profession still consider us as mentally or emotionally ill.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because many still equate "homosexuality" with "pedophilia."
I am still so very conscious of being gay because images in the media still either depict us in stereotypical or evil ways or don't acknowledge us at all.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because still my comrades are humiliated, bullied, attacked, and killed for simply being themselves.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because I and many LGBT people still live in a world and a society that teaches us to hide and to hate ourselves, and we have internalized those messages all too well.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because our youth are still 2-3 times more likely to attempt and complete suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.
I will stop being conscious of being gay and stop fighting the good fight when homophobia/heterosexism are no longer problems, and when labels are placed on jars on not on people when they perform their gender differently from the mainstream.
I still believe that we are all born into a great pollution called "homophobia" (one among many forms of oppression), which falls on us like acid rain. For some people spirits are tarnished to the core, others are marred on the surface, and no one is completely protected. But neither are we to blame. We all had no control over the formulation of this pollution, nor did we direct it to pour down upon us. On the other hand, we all have a responsibility, indeed an opportunity, to join together to construct shelter from the corrosive effects of oppression while working to clean up the homophobic environment in which we live. Once sufficient steps are taken to reduce this pollution, we will all breathe a lot easier.
Until that day finally arrives, I'll be there fighting the good fight as long as my heart keeps pumping and my brain keep functioning. I am proud and happy that I still have the passion to continue the fight when so many of my contemporaries have long since lost their passion.
Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3192
Office Phone: (515) 294-5931
Office Fax: (515) 294-6206
Home Phone: (515) 232-8230
From: Blumenfeld, Warren [C I]
Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Subject: (NAME-MCE) Why I'm So Conscious of Being Gay
To: wblumen@iastate.edu
Hi,
I'm sharing with you my response to a very thought provoking question my students asked me in the Introduction to Queer Studies course I teach here at Iowa State University.
Best,
Warren Blumenfeld
Hi Queer Studies Students,
I just wanted to answer a question I was asked, but I did not have sufficient time to answer in a manner that reflected my thinking on the question. Please be assured that I am not directing this response toward any one or few specific people, but the question got me thinking.
I was asked something like, why am I still so conscious of being gay, and why am I still doing the work, when a friend of mine - someone with whom I marched with in the early 1970s in the Gay Liberation Front years - doesn't understand why I am still fighting the good fight?
I am still so very conscious of being gay because still today my own students come to me with pain on their faces and tears in their eyes after they come out to their parents, and their parents either disown them, cut them off of financial support for college, or place them in "Reparative" or Christian therapy to "take them out of the 'gay lifestyle.'"
I am still so very conscious of being gay because politicians continue to scapegoat us for their own fundraising and recruitment purposes while spreading lies about who we really are.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because we are not allowed to openly serve our country in the military.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because I am not allowed to donate blood because I have had sex with another man since 1977, even though I am not infected with any communicable disease.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because same-sex couples still continue to be denied the rights and benefits on par with different-sex couples in most states in the United States and in most nations of the world.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because some religious denominations still brand us as "sinners," as an "abomination," and as "immoral."
I am still so very conscious of being gay because some members of the psychiatric profession still consider us as mentally or emotionally ill.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because many still equate "homosexuality" with "pedophilia."
I am still so very conscious of being gay because images in the media still either depict us in stereotypical or evil ways or don't acknowledge us at all.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because still my comrades are humiliated, bullied, attacked, and killed for simply being themselves.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because I and many LGBT people still live in a world and a society that teaches us to hide and to hate ourselves, and we have internalized those messages all too well.
I am still so very conscious of being gay because our youth are still 2-3 times more likely to attempt and complete suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.
I will stop being conscious of being gay and stop fighting the good fight when homophobia/heterosexism are no longer problems, and when labels are placed on jars on not on people when they perform their gender differently from the mainstream.
I still believe that we are all born into a great pollution called "homophobia" (one among many forms of oppression), which falls on us like acid rain. For some people spirits are tarnished to the core, others are marred on the surface, and no one is completely protected. But neither are we to blame. We all had no control over the formulation of this pollution, nor did we direct it to pour down upon us. On the other hand, we all have a responsibility, indeed an opportunity, to join together to construct shelter from the corrosive effects of oppression while working to clean up the homophobic environment in which we live. Once sufficient steps are taken to reduce this pollution, we will all breathe a lot easier.
Until that day finally arrives, I'll be there fighting the good fight as long as my heart keeps pumping and my brain keep functioning. I am proud and happy that I still have the passion to continue the fight when so many of my contemporaries have long since lost their passion.
Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3192
Office Phone: (515) 294-5931
Office Fax: (515) 294-6206
Home Phone: (515) 232-8230
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Obama Aides Act to Fix Safety Net as Job Loss Rises
REPUBLICANS will oppose any measures that will increase spending, regardless if it helps many Americans weather the recession of their creation. Republicans stronghold on deregulation, argument competetive market will increase competetion, bring down cost and market will be self monitoring/enforcing. Unfunded mandates: Iraq and Afghanistan War. Value based policies, that have cost "productive lives lost" example Abstinence.
Expose Republicans and throw them out of office. Do the nation a real favor. All you aspirant middle class Republicans deluded into thinking someday you'll become RICH and benefit from no taxation, it ain't happen yet. You've been waiting a long time 8 years of Nixon, Reagan, Bush2 in total 28 years, since 1969. The gravy train has passed. Corporate America and the wealth transfer did not trickle down.
New York Times
October 6, 2009
Obama Aides Act to Fix Safety Net as Job Loss Rises
By JACKIE CALMES
WASHINGTON — With unemployment expected to rise well into next year even as the economy slowly recovers, the Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress are discussing extending several safety net programs as well as proposing new tax incentives for businesses to renew hiring.
President Obama’s economic team discussed a wide range of ideas at a meeting on Monday, following his Saturday radio address in which he said it would “explore additional options to promote job creation.” But officials emphasized that a decision was still far off and that in any event the effort would not add up to a second economic stimulus package, only an extension of the first.
“We’re thinking through all additional potential strategies for accelerating job creation,” said Mr. Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod.
The latest deliberations, and Mr. Obama’s added phrase in Saturday’s radio address, occurred against a backdrop of worsening joblessness. While some economists and policy makers say the recession is easing, a report on Friday showed unemployment in September inched up to 9.8 percent, a 26-year high.
Among the options for additional steps is some variation on Mr. Obama’s proposal during the stimulus debate to give employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new hire, which Congress rejected last winter partly out of concern that businesses would manipulate their payrolls to claim the credit. Another option would allow more businesses to deduct their net operating losses going back five years instead of the usual two; Congress limited the break to small businesses as part of the economic stimulus law.
The search for further remedies is part of a two-track effort in the White House and Congress. Democrats are also considering plans to continue through 2010 the extra unemployment assistance and health benefits available to people who are out of work for long periods. Also likely to be retained, some officials say, is a popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that was included in the $787 billion stimulus law and has helped rouse a housing market that nonetheless remains shaky.
The unemployment and health benefits are otherwise due to expire at the end of this year, and the homebuyer’s credit at the end of November. Extending the unemployment and health benefits alone through next year could cost up to $100 billion. Additional measures would raise the price at a time when the White House and Congress are confronting growing pressure to avoid adding to already high deficits.
Yet Democrats are more anxious about stemming the loss of jobs and creating new ones.
With economists forecasting that unemployment could hit 10 percent before job growth returns, perhaps in mid-2010, Democrats face month after month of bad news on the jobs front in a midterm election year, when a president’s party typically loses Congressional seats. Charlie Cook, a longtime nonpartisan election analyst, said last week that he was raising the odds of Democrats losing their House majority to about 50-50.
Even a modest stimulus package that mostly maintains current programs would ignite a debate about the effectiveness of the original $787 billion plan, stoking Republicans’ arguments that the package of spending and tax cuts was a waste of taxpayers’ money. While most economists agree with Democrats that job losses would have been worse without the stimulus, Mr. Obama remains on the defensive for his initial promise that it would save or create 3.5 million jobs.
Despite the bad jobs figures, Democrats in Congress generally agree with the White House that a second full-blown stimulus package is not needed, barring an economic relapse.
The $787 billion recovery plan was intended to stretch over two years, partly in anticipation that the downturn would be prolonged. About 60 percent of the total is yet to be released, and much of that will go toward projects like road-building, other construction and research that save or create jobs.
Mark Zandi, an economist who occasionally advises Congressional Democratic leaders, and before that advised Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, in his two presidential campaigns, has projected an additional 750,000 job losses through next March, which would bring total losses to almost 9 million since December 2007. Mr. Zandi predicted that the unemployment rate would peak at 10.5 percent next June.
It is “very important,” he said, for the government to “continue to provide significant support to the economy through next year.” At the least, he said, that should include extending the homebuyer’s credit, various business tax breaks and mortgage relief programs.
But the demands on the federal government are likely to expand beyond that in the coming year.
Continued job losses only add to the plight of the states, which already are reeling from reduced tax revenues and increased demand for social services. Most states were able to balance their budgets this year, as they are required to do, only with billions of dollars in infusions from Washington. And the fiscal outlook for the states is now worse than a year ago, according to agencies that monitor them.
As the White House and Congress proceed with discussions of what to do next, Congress is working to stretch unemployment compensation for people who have been out of work for up to 79 weeks, or a year and a half. The House passed a bill for 13 additional weeks of aid for jobless workers in the 27 states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher, but some senators want an extra 12 weeks of benefits available in all states.
With the safety net programs due to expire after Dec. 31, the White House and Congress have contemplated for some time that they would probably have to renew them.
Besides the extended unemployment and food stamp benefits, they would keep alive a subsidy for people who lose their jobs and opt for the Cobra program, which lets them buy continued health care coverage under their former employers’ insurance plans. The subsidy covers up to 65 percent of the insurance premiums for most workers.
As Democrats have found, aiding those who have lost their jobs is simpler than preventing more layoffs and creating new jobs.
“There may not be anything we can do,” said a Democratic Congressional leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter. “Under any circumstances, it’s going to take a while for jobs to recover.”
John Harwood contributed reporting.
Expose Republicans and throw them out of office. Do the nation a real favor. All you aspirant middle class Republicans deluded into thinking someday you'll become RICH and benefit from no taxation, it ain't happen yet. You've been waiting a long time 8 years of Nixon, Reagan, Bush2 in total 28 years, since 1969. The gravy train has passed. Corporate America and the wealth transfer did not trickle down.
New York Times
October 6, 2009
Obama Aides Act to Fix Safety Net as Job Loss Rises
By JACKIE CALMES
WASHINGTON — With unemployment expected to rise well into next year even as the economy slowly recovers, the Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress are discussing extending several safety net programs as well as proposing new tax incentives for businesses to renew hiring.
President Obama’s economic team discussed a wide range of ideas at a meeting on Monday, following his Saturday radio address in which he said it would “explore additional options to promote job creation.” But officials emphasized that a decision was still far off and that in any event the effort would not add up to a second economic stimulus package, only an extension of the first.
“We’re thinking through all additional potential strategies for accelerating job creation,” said Mr. Obama’s senior adviser, David Axelrod.
The latest deliberations, and Mr. Obama’s added phrase in Saturday’s radio address, occurred against a backdrop of worsening joblessness. While some economists and policy makers say the recession is easing, a report on Friday showed unemployment in September inched up to 9.8 percent, a 26-year high.
Among the options for additional steps is some variation on Mr. Obama’s proposal during the stimulus debate to give employers a $3,000 tax credit for each new hire, which Congress rejected last winter partly out of concern that businesses would manipulate their payrolls to claim the credit. Another option would allow more businesses to deduct their net operating losses going back five years instead of the usual two; Congress limited the break to small businesses as part of the economic stimulus law.
The search for further remedies is part of a two-track effort in the White House and Congress. Democrats are also considering plans to continue through 2010 the extra unemployment assistance and health benefits available to people who are out of work for long periods. Also likely to be retained, some officials say, is a popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that was included in the $787 billion stimulus law and has helped rouse a housing market that nonetheless remains shaky.
The unemployment and health benefits are otherwise due to expire at the end of this year, and the homebuyer’s credit at the end of November. Extending the unemployment and health benefits alone through next year could cost up to $100 billion. Additional measures would raise the price at a time when the White House and Congress are confronting growing pressure to avoid adding to already high deficits.
Yet Democrats are more anxious about stemming the loss of jobs and creating new ones.
With economists forecasting that unemployment could hit 10 percent before job growth returns, perhaps in mid-2010, Democrats face month after month of bad news on the jobs front in a midterm election year, when a president’s party typically loses Congressional seats. Charlie Cook, a longtime nonpartisan election analyst, said last week that he was raising the odds of Democrats losing their House majority to about 50-50.
Even a modest stimulus package that mostly maintains current programs would ignite a debate about the effectiveness of the original $787 billion plan, stoking Republicans’ arguments that the package of spending and tax cuts was a waste of taxpayers’ money. While most economists agree with Democrats that job losses would have been worse without the stimulus, Mr. Obama remains on the defensive for his initial promise that it would save or create 3.5 million jobs.
Despite the bad jobs figures, Democrats in Congress generally agree with the White House that a second full-blown stimulus package is not needed, barring an economic relapse.
The $787 billion recovery plan was intended to stretch over two years, partly in anticipation that the downturn would be prolonged. About 60 percent of the total is yet to be released, and much of that will go toward projects like road-building, other construction and research that save or create jobs.
Mark Zandi, an economist who occasionally advises Congressional Democratic leaders, and before that advised Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, in his two presidential campaigns, has projected an additional 750,000 job losses through next March, which would bring total losses to almost 9 million since December 2007. Mr. Zandi predicted that the unemployment rate would peak at 10.5 percent next June.
It is “very important,” he said, for the government to “continue to provide significant support to the economy through next year.” At the least, he said, that should include extending the homebuyer’s credit, various business tax breaks and mortgage relief programs.
But the demands on the federal government are likely to expand beyond that in the coming year.
Continued job losses only add to the plight of the states, which already are reeling from reduced tax revenues and increased demand for social services. Most states were able to balance their budgets this year, as they are required to do, only with billions of dollars in infusions from Washington. And the fiscal outlook for the states is now worse than a year ago, according to agencies that monitor them.
As the White House and Congress proceed with discussions of what to do next, Congress is working to stretch unemployment compensation for people who have been out of work for up to 79 weeks, or a year and a half. The House passed a bill for 13 additional weeks of aid for jobless workers in the 27 states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher, but some senators want an extra 12 weeks of benefits available in all states.
With the safety net programs due to expire after Dec. 31, the White House and Congress have contemplated for some time that they would probably have to renew them.
Besides the extended unemployment and food stamp benefits, they would keep alive a subsidy for people who lose their jobs and opt for the Cobra program, which lets them buy continued health care coverage under their former employers’ insurance plans. The subsidy covers up to 65 percent of the insurance premiums for most workers.
As Democrats have found, aiding those who have lost their jobs is simpler than preventing more layoffs and creating new jobs.
“There may not be anything we can do,” said a Democratic Congressional leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter. “Under any circumstances, it’s going to take a while for jobs to recover.”
John Harwood contributed reporting.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Family (created, biological, extended), Friends, a sense of place
Are fine mooring in a blessed life. Last nite, a last hurrah at the newly to be old place. A five year stint in a condo, where I played house in converting a 70's apartment to an updated home.
Family and friends, who over time have come to my home sharing meals, conversation, and laughs gathered for a last nosh and wine till the next place where they will once again warm the house. The short story, place sold on a short sale, now being hounded by collection agencies, letters post mortem to consider seeking support/assistance or various options to pay delinguent mortgage. Where are these lenders when you need them. Yes, they see the writing on the wall, when they squeezed every last dime from you, then step in too assist. Though waiting till you become delinquent or fear you may file for Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 (whichever the case).
Consistent with the adage, you know how friends and family can serve as buffer to the rough world, in times of challenging circumstances -- you know who matters or to whom you matter. To those to whom I reach out too, you all rock. They have provided leads to possible sublets, offerred spare bedroom as temporary weight stations, some offerred to help pack, some shared contacts with real estate agents, one who had a place serving as short term storage offerred it as well, empathy and reassurance "no matter the circumstances, we are friends" were often the stated requiem.
These are difficult times, economically, job wise, and seemingly the anonymous/heartless institutions of banking and government have turned a blind eye. It is good to know that able individuals step up and lend a helping hand, these are my peoples safety net.
Family and friends, who over time have come to my home sharing meals, conversation, and laughs gathered for a last nosh and wine till the next place where they will once again warm the house. The short story, place sold on a short sale, now being hounded by collection agencies, letters post mortem to consider seeking support/assistance or various options to pay delinguent mortgage. Where are these lenders when you need them. Yes, they see the writing on the wall, when they squeezed every last dime from you, then step in too assist. Though waiting till you become delinquent or fear you may file for Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 (whichever the case).
Consistent with the adage, you know how friends and family can serve as buffer to the rough world, in times of challenging circumstances -- you know who matters or to whom you matter. To those to whom I reach out too, you all rock. They have provided leads to possible sublets, offerred spare bedroom as temporary weight stations, some offerred to help pack, some shared contacts with real estate agents, one who had a place serving as short term storage offerred it as well, empathy and reassurance "no matter the circumstances, we are friends" were often the stated requiem.
These are difficult times, economically, job wise, and seemingly the anonymous/heartless institutions of banking and government have turned a blind eye. It is good to know that able individuals step up and lend a helping hand, these are my peoples safety net.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Unemployment: Welcome to the New Normal-Minyanville
This headline unemployment number (9.7%) is what we see when we read the paper. What we typically don’t see is the real number of unemployed. For instance, if you haven’t actively looked for a job in the last four weeks, even if you would like one, you’re not counted as unemployed. Instead, you’re called a “marginally attached” or “discouraged” worker. Often there are very good reasons for this. You could be sick, dealing with a family emergency, going back to school, or have no transportation.
Right now, about one-third of marginally attached workers actively want jobs but haven’t bothered to look because they believe there are none in their area -- at least, not for them. If you add that extra 758,000 to the unemployment data, you get what’s called U-4 unemployment, which today is 10.2%. If you count all marginally attached workers, the unemployment number is 11% (U-5 unemployment).
And if you add those who are employed part-time for economic reasons (i.e., they can’t get full-time jobs), the unemployment number rises to 16.8%. (That’s called U-6unemployment.)
Unemployment: Welcome to the New Normal-Minyanville
Shared via AddThis
Right now, about one-third of marginally attached workers actively want jobs but haven’t bothered to look because they believe there are none in their area -- at least, not for them. If you add that extra 758,000 to the unemployment data, you get what’s called U-4 unemployment, which today is 10.2%. If you count all marginally attached workers, the unemployment number is 11% (U-5 unemployment).
And if you add those who are employed part-time for economic reasons (i.e., they can’t get full-time jobs), the unemployment number rises to 16.8%. (That’s called U-6unemployment.)
Unemployment: Welcome to the New Normal-Minyanville
Shared via AddThis
Monday, September 21, 2009
Significant personal occurrences in the past year
In retrospect, a year's time since September 08, it is/was marked with fast paced change. Not unusual for the likes of uber wired and Oaklandish types.
Pause is necessary to assimilate what has happened, random as it seems, try to find a thread that tie them together and somehow conceive as coherent. This compulsion is driven in part by living real and in the moment.
TIMELINE:
Hurricane Gustav NOLA 2008 Sept
Small Pox OAK 2008 Oct
Obama Inauguration DC 2009 Jan
Attempts at romantically dating seriously OAK 2009 Feb/Mar
Personal Financial AHA OAK 2009 May
Decision to sell OAK 2009 July
List home for sale OAK 2009 Aug
3 weeks away 2009 Aug-Sept (Atlanta, NYC, Utica, Provincetown, Hyannis, Boston)
Home with the Flu "H1N1" possibly OAK 2009 Sept
The before and after are more intriguing, given the buoys lying behind me.
NOLA: Family love and friendship, a move to help a dear and old friend who has seen more trouble than most can bear. A (identity to be maintained anonymous) has survived breast cancer, knee surgery, hysterectomy prior to Katrina. In a period considered to be among the prime of our generative years. She was a College professor in Percussion, witnessing her reach and impact on young inner city aspiring musicians finding themselves in an elite institution was breath taking. She returned to her parent's and ancestral home in search of peace and feelings of comfort. She is the most resilient person I know. She faces adversity with a bring it on attitude, she laughs, continues to create and build community and rebuilt her home with a little help from her wide network of friends and friends yet to be made. Energy drawn from inner reserves and sheer cannot take me down ideals.
POX: As an adult, a challenge to self concept. Faced with a serious potentially disfiguring adversary, having never encountered acne as an adolescent nor as a young adult, I practiced equanimity. Days when sunlight was a burden to bear was a novelty. Sunglasses in my darkened home became a newly affected style. There were personal moments of irrationality. Do I not live a life of service or a Karmic life?
OBAMA: Inauguration, a shared venture with D (da BF), the coldest days of a NY winter, co-discovering qualities that make NY a city it is. Dinner with Bay Area friends, former NewYawkers was convivial and fraught with pooch drama and the subzero temperature. The Chinatown Bus to Wash DC, saved money and a telling experience ON cross cultural perspectives regarding money, customer service, elation of the advent of a changing America. What a thrill to be among the crowds assembled seemingly everywhere. Swearing in ceremony crystallizes a dream made real for immigrants like myself, who could not imagine a time/possibility of a Black man or any man of color being elected Prez.
Romantic Dating Wow. The possibility seductive. An undercurrent in a middle age man calling to wade into the waters. The pull was kept at bay with the realities of great recession fact. The experiences seem to flow easily and naturally. Yet, unnerving and unspoken small personal conflicts come to play and serve as a breaker cutting the flow. A sweet beginning ends in silence and retrenchment.
Fiscal AHA When does one realize, .."cannot keep working something in order to have it." Tell tale signs include lost of full time employment and moved into part time plus independent contracting as default. Parents on fixed income, whose housing is subsidize by a guy trying to be a good son. Unlearning lifestyle habits on a dime (cutting dining and entertainment expenses too nominal). The fast eroding savings, funded mostly by a past equity line of credit paid by "appreciation." Unsustainable two mortgage payment on a P-T plus Independent contracting work. Though living simply and not large, with no credit debt, the recession comes home and plops on the floor. The last straw, a neighbors unit sells with a probate price almost 100k less than my own homes purchase price. Sell and cut your losses.
Action After speaking with friends, lenders, and self, attempts at loan modification, refinancing, within a month signed agreement with T (friend since teen years who also assisted me in purchase) to put condo on the market. Open house to happen while I was away on 3 week joint work and vacation travel. A summer vacation, to refuel and stop running on fumes.
Time Out Crediting myself in knowing how to fund time away, spending what would have been spent at home while working and turning it to a calgon moment. Atlanta as a place to come for work, mercifully the draw of city in the confines of country is not enough. Subjectively, a place to be on your way somewhere else. Claimed as one of the largest cities in the South, city/country are co-existing uncomfortably.
New York, while Manhattan seemed overwhelmingly depressed, except for tourist, is still a place holding much personal fascination. Remembering this is my 2nd trip in a year -- perhaps an unlikely repeat showing in the future. Love the High Line Park. It symbolizes respecting how a place has evolved due to human neglect. Nature seemed to have recreated it, humans followed suit to further enhance. No memorable deal, meals, shows on this outing. The visit reminded me of earlier visits, when walking and taking in what was around was the primary directive.
Utica visit was a surprise jewel. Long time friends, both artist L and D have began to settle into a slower pace of life. Less bustle, more 2 lane roads than highways or expressways, limited "scenista" options though great potential since it is a remarkably "Collegiate" town. Proximity to Adirondacks, an Olmstead designed park needing attention, the pre war big city architecture was all pluses. Worth a second and longer stay.
Provincetown A playground for graying gays (read earlier post). A few trips to browner beach towns are in order prior to returning here for a summer weekend. Though it has not lost all its appeal, it was drawn of creative/spontaneous enjoyment. The Cape as a whole along with Boston, its tone and presentation disappoints.
FLU The annual reminder to rest and if possible reduce contacts with large groups of people is ever present. 4 days into it, feeling more like the person I recognize, realize energy drain, real life stresses are part of the gift of life. Sleep is a great friend when ill, dreams and real life experiences blend, I awake perplexed that having dreamt conversations with friends or witnessing day to day events.
More musings to follow.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Earth calling Pentagon and Jt Military Chiefs
WOW! what does the Military not get? Isn't the plan for transition and decreasing troop size and mission.... Yeah, we are in a recession, and historically money can be made with conflict and engagement.
FOOLS.
September 16, 2009
Military Chief Says More Troops Needed for Afghan War
By THOM SHANKER
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, told Congress on Tuesday that success in Afghanistan would probably require more troops, and certainly much more time, a position seconded by a top Republican but challenged by a top Democrat.
The debate, at a morning hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, previewed the intense national debate expected over coming weeks as the White House considers how best to pursue its new strategy in Afghanistan.
The committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, insisted that increased efforts to train and equip Afghan security forces should precede any deployment of American troops beyond those already committed by the Obama administration.
But the committee’s ranking Republican, Senator John McCain of Arizona, his party’s most experienced voice on military affairs, countered by declaring that more troops were “vitally needed” in Afghanistan — and that any delay in ordering more combat troops to the fight put lives at risk.
The hearing was called to consider Admiral Mullen’s nomination to serve a second tour as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but it immediately became an opening public debate about whether more American combat forces should be sent to Afghanistan.
Admiral Mullen said that no specific troop request has yet been received from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the senior American and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
“But I do believe that — having heard his views and having great confidence in his leadership — a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces, and, without question, more time and more commitment to the protection of the Afghan people and to the development of good governance,” Admiral Mullen said.
“We will need resources matched to the strategy,” he added.
Admiral Mullen acknowledged the importance of the training effort as advocated by Mr. Levin, but carefully pointed out that such a mission cannot quickly provide sufficient levels of security required by the counterinsurgency strategy.
“I share your view that larger and more capable Afghan National Security forces remain vital to that nation’s viability,” Admiral Mullen said. “I share your view — and have stated publicly — that the path to achieving the president’s goal is through our training efforts there. We must rapidly build the Afghan Army and police.”
But he cautioned that sending more trainers more quickly might provide “a jump start, but only that.”
“Quality training takes time and patience,” Admiral Mullen said. “Private trust by the Afghans — so vital to our purpose — is not fostered in a public hurry.”
Mr. Levin, who met with commanders and troops in Afghanistan during the congressional Labor Day recess, said that focusing on training Afghan Army and police units “would demonstrate our commitment to the success of a mission that is in our national security interest, while avoiding the risks associated with a larger U.S. footprint.”
He said emphatically that “these steps should be urgently implemented before we consider a further increase in U.S. ground combat troops, beyond what is already planned to be deployed by the end of the year.”
Mr. Levin said new goals should be established for Afghan security forces: The Afghan Army, he said, should grow to 250,000 by the end of 2012, and the police to 160,000 by that date. The current target is 134,000 army personnel and 96,000 police by the end of next year.
Although Mr. Levin and Mr. McCain have a cordial working relationship on the committee, they were blunt in expressing completely opposing views on the troop numbers.
Mr. McCain recalled that initial attempts in Iraq to shift the security burden to local forces was a colossal failure. “I’ve seen that movie before,” he said.
He lauded Mr. Obama’s decision earlier this year to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. Those extra combat troops, Mr. McCain said, were the correct priority — and he has said that more troops are “even more necessary now.”
Additional combat troops “are vitally needed,” Mr. McCain said, and warned that each day of delay “puts lives in danger.”
“We will need more U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan, not less or the same amount we have today,” Mr. McCain said.
The final brigade of fresh troops ordered to Afghanistan — a group of about 4,000 trainers — is scheduled to land by November, bringing the American troop level there to 68,000.
FOOLS.
September 16, 2009
Military Chief Says More Troops Needed for Afghan War
By THOM SHANKER
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, told Congress on Tuesday that success in Afghanistan would probably require more troops, and certainly much more time, a position seconded by a top Republican but challenged by a top Democrat.
The debate, at a morning hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, previewed the intense national debate expected over coming weeks as the White House considers how best to pursue its new strategy in Afghanistan.
The committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, insisted that increased efforts to train and equip Afghan security forces should precede any deployment of American troops beyond those already committed by the Obama administration.
But the committee’s ranking Republican, Senator John McCain of Arizona, his party’s most experienced voice on military affairs, countered by declaring that more troops were “vitally needed” in Afghanistan — and that any delay in ordering more combat troops to the fight put lives at risk.
The hearing was called to consider Admiral Mullen’s nomination to serve a second tour as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but it immediately became an opening public debate about whether more American combat forces should be sent to Afghanistan.
Admiral Mullen said that no specific troop request has yet been received from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the senior American and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
“But I do believe that — having heard his views and having great confidence in his leadership — a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces, and, without question, more time and more commitment to the protection of the Afghan people and to the development of good governance,” Admiral Mullen said.
“We will need resources matched to the strategy,” he added.
Admiral Mullen acknowledged the importance of the training effort as advocated by Mr. Levin, but carefully pointed out that such a mission cannot quickly provide sufficient levels of security required by the counterinsurgency strategy.
“I share your view that larger and more capable Afghan National Security forces remain vital to that nation’s viability,” Admiral Mullen said. “I share your view — and have stated publicly — that the path to achieving the president’s goal is through our training efforts there. We must rapidly build the Afghan Army and police.”
But he cautioned that sending more trainers more quickly might provide “a jump start, but only that.”
“Quality training takes time and patience,” Admiral Mullen said. “Private trust by the Afghans — so vital to our purpose — is not fostered in a public hurry.”
Mr. Levin, who met with commanders and troops in Afghanistan during the congressional Labor Day recess, said that focusing on training Afghan Army and police units “would demonstrate our commitment to the success of a mission that is in our national security interest, while avoiding the risks associated with a larger U.S. footprint.”
He said emphatically that “these steps should be urgently implemented before we consider a further increase in U.S. ground combat troops, beyond what is already planned to be deployed by the end of the year.”
Mr. Levin said new goals should be established for Afghan security forces: The Afghan Army, he said, should grow to 250,000 by the end of 2012, and the police to 160,000 by that date. The current target is 134,000 army personnel and 96,000 police by the end of next year.
Although Mr. Levin and Mr. McCain have a cordial working relationship on the committee, they were blunt in expressing completely opposing views on the troop numbers.
Mr. McCain recalled that initial attempts in Iraq to shift the security burden to local forces was a colossal failure. “I’ve seen that movie before,” he said.
He lauded Mr. Obama’s decision earlier this year to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. Those extra combat troops, Mr. McCain said, were the correct priority — and he has said that more troops are “even more necessary now.”
Additional combat troops “are vitally needed,” Mr. McCain said, and warned that each day of delay “puts lives in danger.”
“We will need more U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan, not less or the same amount we have today,” Mr. McCain said.
The final brigade of fresh troops ordered to Afghanistan — a group of about 4,000 trainers — is scheduled to land by November, bringing the American troop level there to 68,000.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ostentatious Wealth
Dateline: Provincetown MA Sept 8, 2009
I walked, waded, and traversed through street, highways, and dunes to arrive at the beach.
No less than 30 minutes of arriving, a pair of middle age men rode in with their horses. They proceeded to pace the horses into the bay, walking them to the depth of the horse's shoulder.
In the 4days of my Lower Cape visit, I've seen many typical white gay male "consumer" status symbols. The matching pair of dogs, one for each half of the couple. The more benign logo clothing (Polo, Lacoste), initialed sunglasses (DG) or brand name (example: Prada), the logo sneaks (Puma, Adidas, Diesel), the ubiquitous so 2000 and late symbols --the sport watch and designer swim trunks. European cars (BMW seem most popular, Rover, and a smattering of Benz) were aplenty parked or parading on Commercial Street. And the often heard murmur of the Cape house, while picking up coffee, a cocktail, or meals. A bona fide 200 or so feet of floating luxury was docked at the pier when I arrived and it left for another port the same afternoon of the horse's arrival to the beach. Speed boats, yatchs, horses, papered dogs an accumulation of symbols. Do they know they are mimicking a lifestyle that is not theirs in originality. The lives of the rich and famous.
Of note, many of those bearing the noticeably "trendy" accessories and possessions are middle age white gay men. Grey haired, bic headed, some buff from gym and diet regimen, while others squeezed into under sized TShirts or are bellicose from sedentary life.
Why is it that many of these urban gay men can adamantly renounce the "stereotype" of affluence, when it is in full display. Living large at a time of great recession. Where retirement funds, home values, other securities have lost value.
Is it really, disposable income resulting from having no children? Are there that many stock brokers, lawyers, physicians, real estate agents or financiers among this set? Or is the ugly hidden truth of consumer debt that fuels keeping up with the (fill in the blank). Yes, men make more money than their female counterparts. It can be argued for this group, men spend more than women.
Noticeably, few gay men of color can be seen amongst this crowd. Of those participating are attached to white men. MSM or gay Men of Color are they creating their own enclaves and its sense of brand style? Do they congregate in Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York City?
How much does the gay male community look to the boys who frequent Fire Island, Palm Springs, South Beach Florida, or San Francisco as iconic of the perceived gay role model to emulate?
How do aging men, who still hold to their ideas of a twenty something lithe body give themselves a sense of mastery. Can we say their pursuit and acquisition of possessions are the golden handcuffs keeping them in their place. Consumerism affirms their attractiveness and success.
I walked, waded, and traversed through street, highways, and dunes to arrive at the beach.
No less than 30 minutes of arriving, a pair of middle age men rode in with their horses. They proceeded to pace the horses into the bay, walking them to the depth of the horse's shoulder.
In the 4days of my Lower Cape visit, I've seen many typical white gay male "consumer" status symbols. The matching pair of dogs, one for each half of the couple. The more benign logo clothing (Polo, Lacoste), initialed sunglasses (DG) or brand name (example: Prada), the logo sneaks (Puma, Adidas, Diesel), the ubiquitous so 2000 and late symbols --the sport watch and designer swim trunks. European cars (BMW seem most popular, Rover, and a smattering of Benz) were aplenty parked or parading on Commercial Street. And the often heard murmur of the Cape house, while picking up coffee, a cocktail, or meals. A bona fide 200 or so feet of floating luxury was docked at the pier when I arrived and it left for another port the same afternoon of the horse's arrival to the beach. Speed boats, yatchs, horses, papered dogs an accumulation of symbols. Do they know they are mimicking a lifestyle that is not theirs in originality. The lives of the rich and famous.
Of note, many of those bearing the noticeably "trendy" accessories and possessions are middle age white gay men. Grey haired, bic headed, some buff from gym and diet regimen, while others squeezed into under sized TShirts or are bellicose from sedentary life.
Why is it that many of these urban gay men can adamantly renounce the "stereotype" of affluence, when it is in full display. Living large at a time of great recession. Where retirement funds, home values, other securities have lost value.
Is it really, disposable income resulting from having no children? Are there that many stock brokers, lawyers, physicians, real estate agents or financiers among this set? Or is the ugly hidden truth of consumer debt that fuels keeping up with the (fill in the blank). Yes, men make more money than their female counterparts. It can be argued for this group, men spend more than women.
Noticeably, few gay men of color can be seen amongst this crowd. Of those participating are attached to white men. MSM or gay Men of Color are they creating their own enclaves and its sense of brand style? Do they congregate in Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York City?
How much does the gay male community look to the boys who frequent Fire Island, Palm Springs, South Beach Florida, or San Francisco as iconic of the perceived gay role model to emulate?
How do aging men, who still hold to their ideas of a twenty something lithe body give themselves a sense of mastery. Can we say their pursuit and acquisition of possessions are the golden handcuffs keeping them in their place. Consumerism affirms their attractiveness and success.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
A well placed week plus away
Though many in the USA dream of taking time off from work,I have made a habit of it. I am now in Cape Cod, after almost a week in Atlanta (work), 3 days in NYC (play), 4 days in Utica (play), and now 4 days play in the lower Cape before 4 days of work up Cape. Since leaving the Bay Area on August 22nd and now as I see the few remaining days of time away from work-- summer has been the focal point.
Atlanta was hot, it left me feeling/smelling all is fried, the scent overpowered my senses. Though a few hardy meals, the last 3 days there I ate almost exclusively a salad or a variation of no fried food and certainly no more meat diet.
NYC for a long weekend, never disappoints. High Line park, Manhattan's newest attraction; reconnecting with one of two remaining friends still in the big apple. Familiarizing myself with the revised Hells Kitchen and being on the subway reminds one of what "teeming masses" can be like --so long as they are employed and have good hygiene.
Utica, Central NY was full of surprises. It is a town with city aspirations. Greenery everywhere. Visiting with Laticia, David and Wuscius (neurotic dog) was joy filled. Hikes in the Adirondacks, Laticia's vegan cooking, and a place never visited was full of treats. Country vs urban life are ones of the dichotomy(ies) plaguing us American urbanites.
Cape Cod, reminds me what summer can be like, among the working upper middle class. Walks, strolls in moon lit evenings, summer breezes, and autumn chill have been the constant. 3 hour ferry ride, allows for one to decompress and initiates one for land's end living. Red Inn is the big surprise, lunch of a simple BLT became an unexpected olfactory extravaganza. Window seating by the shore, lapping waves, a dry glass of white wine -- purrfect. Lucky me to have the opportunity to walk safely in a town, mix with New Englanders, day trippers, and the curious.
Tomorrow at some point, a walk to the beach (approx. 3 miles one way), a little sun, a nice lunch is the plan.
Meanwhile, I did do some work today. Prepared for a workshop to be given on the 11th.
If I could continue with the reality of balance between work and time away, I will.
Atlanta was hot, it left me feeling/smelling all is fried, the scent overpowered my senses. Though a few hardy meals, the last 3 days there I ate almost exclusively a salad or a variation of no fried food and certainly no more meat diet.
NYC for a long weekend, never disappoints. High Line park, Manhattan's newest attraction; reconnecting with one of two remaining friends still in the big apple. Familiarizing myself with the revised Hells Kitchen and being on the subway reminds one of what "teeming masses" can be like --so long as they are employed and have good hygiene.
Utica, Central NY was full of surprises. It is a town with city aspirations. Greenery everywhere. Visiting with Laticia, David and Wuscius (neurotic dog) was joy filled. Hikes in the Adirondacks, Laticia's vegan cooking, and a place never visited was full of treats. Country vs urban life are ones of the dichotomy(ies) plaguing us American urbanites.
Cape Cod, reminds me what summer can be like, among the working upper middle class. Walks, strolls in moon lit evenings, summer breezes, and autumn chill have been the constant. 3 hour ferry ride, allows for one to decompress and initiates one for land's end living. Red Inn is the big surprise, lunch of a simple BLT became an unexpected olfactory extravaganza. Window seating by the shore, lapping waves, a dry glass of white wine -- purrfect. Lucky me to have the opportunity to walk safely in a town, mix with New Englanders, day trippers, and the curious.
Tomorrow at some point, a walk to the beach (approx. 3 miles one way), a little sun, a nice lunch is the plan.
Meanwhile, I did do some work today. Prepared for a workshop to be given on the 11th.
If I could continue with the reality of balance between work and time away, I will.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
a walk through Hells Kitchen
Its probably been 25 years, since I first heard of Hell's Kitchen. The name offered furtive interest. I recall about 5 or more years ago, the area was settled by contemporary pioneers and home steader"s. A walk on W 46th clearly indicates Hells Kitchen of yore is only in the memory of earlier residents. New restaurants flanked both North and South sides of W46 St. 9th Avenue reminds me of A and B of East Village in the 80's. 9th Avenue has a distinct immigrant flavor, many Brazilian and Thai restaurants, a Greek, Puerto Rican and Mediterranean eateries, and frequently overheard Arabic, Persian, and Spanish languages. There is a mix of trendy, bordering on trendy bars, clubs, and downtown restaurant satellites. VNYL has a branch, Eatery resembles a brethren on 6th Avenue made infamous by the serial Sex in the City. It is conceivably the Chelsea annex of the under 30 gay/bisexual/questioning young people.
I recall Therapy was perhaps the first Lounge outpost, likely to have visited in the late 90's. Now there is Vlada, Ritz, Posh, and Pacha, across the street from the Hudson Terrace. With the first warm and dry day of my visit, I trekked 5 blocks (Avenues are regular street block, 4 = 1 mile)and stood in line at the Terrace. It had sweeping views, 3 glass walls enclosed the edge. The third floor is an open terrace dance floor. Crowded from its buzz, celebratory New Yorkers and friends enjoyed the anonymous though "group" oriented socializing. After an hour and a $13 TnT (Tanqueray and Tonic, no cover), I proceeded up street to Therapy.
Therapy, was well maintained, it was as I remembered. Sleek with its wood walls and stainless steel accents, a stairwell that invites you to the 2nd level loft. I liked it for its thoughtful use of material and space. I would characterize it as quiet sophistication in how it occupies time and space. This is in contrast to my responses to other venues, whereby quickly turning around and leaving Vlada (shrill with intoxicated fruit flies), Ritz (intolerable loud music) and passed Bamboo.
Hells Kitchen is a neighborhood to consider living in. An asset is its closeness to the Hudson. It will necessarily grow and evolve its architectural style, a mix of contemporary and few post 30's structures, hopefully with not too many uninspired boxes. Perhaps residents will plant more trees, move the city to provide bike lanes for both uptown and downtown thoroughfares. I can imagine a few multi-national chains setting up small retail outlets: Zara, BR, CB2. The current residents fit those profiles. I wish that it won't be sanitized as other neighborhoods have become.
I'm curious what my next visit will bring.
I recall Therapy was perhaps the first Lounge outpost, likely to have visited in the late 90's. Now there is Vlada, Ritz, Posh, and Pacha, across the street from the Hudson Terrace. With the first warm and dry day of my visit, I trekked 5 blocks (Avenues are regular street block, 4 = 1 mile)and stood in line at the Terrace. It had sweeping views, 3 glass walls enclosed the edge. The third floor is an open terrace dance floor. Crowded from its buzz, celebratory New Yorkers and friends enjoyed the anonymous though "group" oriented socializing. After an hour and a $13 TnT (Tanqueray and Tonic, no cover), I proceeded up street to Therapy.
Therapy, was well maintained, it was as I remembered. Sleek with its wood walls and stainless steel accents, a stairwell that invites you to the 2nd level loft. I liked it for its thoughtful use of material and space. I would characterize it as quiet sophistication in how it occupies time and space. This is in contrast to my responses to other venues, whereby quickly turning around and leaving Vlada (shrill with intoxicated fruit flies), Ritz (intolerable loud music) and passed Bamboo.
Hells Kitchen is a neighborhood to consider living in. An asset is its closeness to the Hudson. It will necessarily grow and evolve its architectural style, a mix of contemporary and few post 30's structures, hopefully with not too many uninspired boxes. Perhaps residents will plant more trees, move the city to provide bike lanes for both uptown and downtown thoroughfares. I can imagine a few multi-national chains setting up small retail outlets: Zara, BR, CB2. The current residents fit those profiles. I wish that it won't be sanitized as other neighborhoods have become.
I'm curious what my next visit will bring.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Impressions of a privileged life
Today's lunch at Docs on 3rd, with an acquaintance of 11 years, was both somber and disquieting. John lost his beloved sister nearly two years ago. He stated not having fully recovered from a grueling tour with the light opera company, and requested a rain check for the high line park walk we planned. He also shared a picture of a watercolor painting, a female nude, that won him a prize at the guild.
Somber in that we both shared our observations of how Manhattan has changed. The conversation started with an observation of all the closed businesses lining the avenues and streets of what many know to be the heart of the city's shopping and theater district. John paused at a point and uttered "this is not the New York I remembered moving here for. It is depressed."
During the course of my walk across town, hoping for no rain to come, a reflective mood visited me. At my destination, climbing the steps on W23rd Street for the elevated train tracks and seeing the Hudson river to my immediate right along with the Chelsea piers, a new vista of a familiar area greeted me. Over the 20 plus years of visiting the city, there were feelings of enchantment and discovery.
Something new has sprung in an old place, once invisible to many who never venture across these parts. What some considered as off-off Broadway, the Meat Packing District, West Village and the ballyhooed Chelsea district is in the midst of regeneration. In a sense, a park signals a new area has settled. An urban oasis.
New York over my lifetime, seem to have gone through a renaissance beginning in the mid 80's.
As it became "cleaner/safer," bringing in more tourist; as neighborhoods "gentrified" the lower east side especially near Thompson Square, as the wealth of late 20th Century amassed, the city drew like a magnet those who wanted to live a good life.
Approaching the plateau of what is the mid point of my life, during my stroll memories that are uniquely New York came. Among them the Picasso/Matisse exhibit in MOMAQueens, Suleiman exhibit at the Metropolitan, my first look at the Sargent portraits at the Frick. Yes, I travel for art, the highest of my privileges.
New York museum hops was never a pilgrimage, of sort, bred from excess, more so wanting to recharge in being at a place rich with artifact and pleasure.
I had not stayed in midtown during the summer for many years. Recent visits brought me twice to Brooklyn, once during fall and a winter weekend in Chelsea. Midtown is central with its close proximity of modern walkable New York, the MOMA, Rockefeller Center, museum mile, and Central Park. Places I visited regularly when staying in town.
Can one count memory bytes as signifier for the quality of a life? Perhaps this is a topic I can begin to explore in this very public journal.
Somber in that we both shared our observations of how Manhattan has changed. The conversation started with an observation of all the closed businesses lining the avenues and streets of what many know to be the heart of the city's shopping and theater district. John paused at a point and uttered "this is not the New York I remembered moving here for. It is depressed."
During the course of my walk across town, hoping for no rain to come, a reflective mood visited me. At my destination, climbing the steps on W23rd Street for the elevated train tracks and seeing the Hudson river to my immediate right along with the Chelsea piers, a new vista of a familiar area greeted me. Over the 20 plus years of visiting the city, there were feelings of enchantment and discovery.
Something new has sprung in an old place, once invisible to many who never venture across these parts. What some considered as off-off Broadway, the Meat Packing District, West Village and the ballyhooed Chelsea district is in the midst of regeneration. In a sense, a park signals a new area has settled. An urban oasis.
New York over my lifetime, seem to have gone through a renaissance beginning in the mid 80's.
As it became "cleaner/safer," bringing in more tourist; as neighborhoods "gentrified" the lower east side especially near Thompson Square, as the wealth of late 20th Century amassed, the city drew like a magnet those who wanted to live a good life.
Approaching the plateau of what is the mid point of my life, during my stroll memories that are uniquely New York came. Among them the Picasso/Matisse exhibit in MOMAQueens, Suleiman exhibit at the Metropolitan, my first look at the Sargent portraits at the Frick. Yes, I travel for art, the highest of my privileges.
New York museum hops was never a pilgrimage, of sort, bred from excess, more so wanting to recharge in being at a place rich with artifact and pleasure.
I had not stayed in midtown during the summer for many years. Recent visits brought me twice to Brooklyn, once during fall and a winter weekend in Chelsea. Midtown is central with its close proximity of modern walkable New York, the MOMA, Rockefeller Center, museum mile, and Central Park. Places I visited regularly when staying in town.
Can one count memory bytes as signifier for the quality of a life? Perhaps this is a topic I can begin to explore in this very public journal.
Friday, August 14, 2009
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform
Dear Reader is part three of three.
****************************************************************************
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that12.6 million non-elderly adults - 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market - were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage
when they became seriously ill. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage
job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less
coverage. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured - 13 million people - are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
Visit WhiteHouse.gov
This email was sent to gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Please do not reply to this email.
Contact the White House
The White House * 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW * Washington, DC 20500 *
202-456-1111
****************************************************************************
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that12.6 million non-elderly adults - 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market - were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage
when they became seriously ill. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage
job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less
coverage. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured - 13 million people - are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
This email was sent to gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Please do not reply to this email.
The White House * 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW * Washington, DC 20500 *
202-456-1111
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform -- beyond the smear campaign
Dear Reader is part 2 of 3 on this critical issue.
**********************************************************
8 common myths about health insurance reform
1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;
ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It's a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult
family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously
excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary
subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut"
hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or
by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
**********************************************************
8 common myths about health insurance reform
1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;
ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It's a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult
family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously
excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary
subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut"
hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or
by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform -- The Facts
Dear Reader: This is the first of 3 parts on this critical issue.
Truth has to rise above fear and political dogma.
*********************************************************************************
From: David Axelrod, The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:39 AM
To: gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Subject: Something worth forwarding
The White House, Washington
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I've ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back - even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, "where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed."
So let's start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you'll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what's below. So what are you waiting for? Forward thisemail.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched
www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies
that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below,
and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann
DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check
it out:
Health Insurance Reform
Reality Check
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without
coverage
1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details:
Truth has to rise above fear and political dogma.
*********************************************************************************
From: David Axelrod, The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:39 AM
To: gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Subject: Something worth forwarding
The White House, Washington
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I've ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back - even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, "where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed."
So let's start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you'll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what's below. So what are you waiting for? Forward thisemail.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched
www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies
that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below,
and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann
DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check
it out:
Reality Check
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without
coverage
1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Blue Dogs say they've reached a compromise on health care
Hmmmm.... Blue Dog Democrats, fiscal conservatives and socially liberal and Moderate Republicans are socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Centrist?
A public option is well tried in California's Medi-Cal Managed Care system implemented in 58 counties. A county offers a local plan (public/private) or a state plan (private) for its Medi-Cal participants/members. And still has 6+ million uninsured.
This is the piece meal and if the most viable, to get more people have access via insurance --then it is a "step in the right direction."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Blue Dogs say they've reached a compromise on health care
(CNN) -- A group of fiscally conservative House Democrats announced Wednesday they reached a deal with the chamber's Democratic leaders on a health care reform bill.
Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, speaking for the Blue Dog Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the agreement calls for the panel to begin debating the bill later Wednesday but for no vote by the full House until after the upcoming August congressional recess.
Ross and the Blue Dogs had threatened to derail the bill in the committee because of concerns that it costs too much and failed to address systemic problems in the nation's ailing health care industry.
The Energy and Commerce Committee is one of three House committees that needs to pass the bill before it is voted on by the full chamber. The other two committees have already cleared it.
The Blue Dogs had presented committee chairman Rep. Henry Waxman a list of 10 items that they wanted changed in health care reform proposals. Neither side revealed what the 10 items were.
Waxman said his committee would take up the bill Wednesday at 4 p.m., with hopes of approving it by Friday.
Ross said the deal between four Blue Dogs on the House committee, the House Democratic leadership and the White House lowers the cost of the House health care reform plan by $100 billion and also exempts businesses with payrolls below $500,000 from having to provide health coverage for workers.
He also said the bill's government-funded public insurance option -- a key provision for President Obama and Democratic leaders -- would be a choice for consumers instead of coverage forced on people without health insurance.
Republican opponents of the public option and some Democrats, warn such a not-for-profit plan would have a competitive advantage over private insurers and eventually wipe them out.
"The public option will be required to negotiate with health care providers just like private insurance companies do to insure we have a level playing field," Ross said.
The announcement came as Obama held a town hall meeting on health care in Raleigh, North Carolina. Another town hall meeting is scheduled for later Wednesday afternoon at a Kroger grocery story in Bristol, Virginia.
If Congress fails to act soon, Obama warned the Raleigh audience, health costs will double over the next decade, make millions more Americans uninsured and bankrupt government on both the state and federal levels.
The president accused his critics of mischaracterizing his plan as a government takeover of health care.
"No one is talking about some government takeover," he said. "I'm tired of hearing that. ... These folks need to stop scaring everybody."
He also brushed aside criticism that the plan is being rushed through Congress without adequate time for review and debate.
Congressmen will have plenty of time to read the bill, Obama insisted. Noting that Congress won't finish deliberating the legislation until after its August recess, Obama said he'd be willing to invite any representative or senator over to the White House to review the bill "line by line."
Earlier Wednesday, CNN obtained an e-mail from a top aide of Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus that aimed to debunk a Washington Post headline that negotiators in that chamber were close to a deal.
"While progress has been made in recent days, neither an accord nor an announcement is imminent," wrote Russ Sullivan, Democratic staff director for the committee. "In fact, significant policy issues remain to be discussed among the Members, and any one of these issues could preclude bipartisan agreement."
While several senators have been more upbeat about the negotiators' progress over the past 24 hours, there is also concern about managing expectations, and about backlash from senators left out of negotiations who have not been briefed on all the details of the talks.
Still, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa told National Public Radio on Wednesday morning they are "on the edge" of a deal this week.
CNN's Dana Bash, Evan Glass, Deirdre Walsh and Ed Henry contributed to this report.
A public option is well tried in California's Medi-Cal Managed Care system implemented in 58 counties. A county offers a local plan (public/private) or a state plan (private) for its Medi-Cal participants/members. And still has 6+ million uninsured.
This is the piece meal and if the most viable, to get more people have access via insurance --then it is a "step in the right direction."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Blue Dogs say they've reached a compromise on health care
(CNN) -- A group of fiscally conservative House Democrats announced Wednesday they reached a deal with the chamber's Democratic leaders on a health care reform bill.
Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, speaking for the Blue Dog Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the agreement calls for the panel to begin debating the bill later Wednesday but for no vote by the full House until after the upcoming August congressional recess.
Ross and the Blue Dogs had threatened to derail the bill in the committee because of concerns that it costs too much and failed to address systemic problems in the nation's ailing health care industry.
The Energy and Commerce Committee is one of three House committees that needs to pass the bill before it is voted on by the full chamber. The other two committees have already cleared it.
The Blue Dogs had presented committee chairman Rep. Henry Waxman a list of 10 items that they wanted changed in health care reform proposals. Neither side revealed what the 10 items were.
Waxman said his committee would take up the bill Wednesday at 4 p.m., with hopes of approving it by Friday.
Ross said the deal between four Blue Dogs on the House committee, the House Democratic leadership and the White House lowers the cost of the House health care reform plan by $100 billion and also exempts businesses with payrolls below $500,000 from having to provide health coverage for workers.
He also said the bill's government-funded public insurance option -- a key provision for President Obama and Democratic leaders -- would be a choice for consumers instead of coverage forced on people without health insurance.
Republican opponents of the public option and some Democrats, warn such a not-for-profit plan would have a competitive advantage over private insurers and eventually wipe them out.
"The public option will be required to negotiate with health care providers just like private insurance companies do to insure we have a level playing field," Ross said.
The announcement came as Obama held a town hall meeting on health care in Raleigh, North Carolina. Another town hall meeting is scheduled for later Wednesday afternoon at a Kroger grocery story in Bristol, Virginia.
If Congress fails to act soon, Obama warned the Raleigh audience, health costs will double over the next decade, make millions more Americans uninsured and bankrupt government on both the state and federal levels.
The president accused his critics of mischaracterizing his plan as a government takeover of health care.
"No one is talking about some government takeover," he said. "I'm tired of hearing that. ... These folks need to stop scaring everybody."
He also brushed aside criticism that the plan is being rushed through Congress without adequate time for review and debate.
Congressmen will have plenty of time to read the bill, Obama insisted. Noting that Congress won't finish deliberating the legislation until after its August recess, Obama said he'd be willing to invite any representative or senator over to the White House to review the bill "line by line."
Earlier Wednesday, CNN obtained an e-mail from a top aide of Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus that aimed to debunk a Washington Post headline that negotiators in that chamber were close to a deal.
"While progress has been made in recent days, neither an accord nor an announcement is imminent," wrote Russ Sullivan, Democratic staff director for the committee. "In fact, significant policy issues remain to be discussed among the Members, and any one of these issues could preclude bipartisan agreement."
While several senators have been more upbeat about the negotiators' progress over the past 24 hours, there is also concern about managing expectations, and about backlash from senators left out of negotiations who have not been briefed on all the details of the talks.
Still, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa told National Public Radio on Wednesday morning they are "on the edge" of a deal this week.
CNN's Dana Bash, Evan Glass, Deirdre Walsh and Ed Henry contributed to this report.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
"Just Us" Prevails amongs Republicans in Sotomayor nomination.
Ahhh! the view from across the pond. mid paragraph is a well formulated caption of how Republicans on the panel viewed her nomination. Keep us the "just us" syndrome in IA, AL and elsewhere.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sotomayor confirmed by Senate judiciary committee
Daniel Nasaw in Washington
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 July 2009 15.15 BST
Barack Obama's first supreme court nominee moves a step forward toward becoming first Hispanic on the bench
Sonia Sotomayor has advanced a step further toward taking a seat as America's first Hispanic supreme court justice today after a Senate panel confirmed her nomination.
Sotomayor, a New York federal judge, won the vote in the Senate judiciary committee which now forwards her nomination to the full Senate.
Sotomayor is President Barack Obama's first supreme court nominee. If confirmed by the full Senate she will replace David Souter, a liberal justice, and federal court watchers say she is unlikely radically to alter the court's ideological makeup.
Sotomayor emerged from a week of gruelling confirmation hearings intact, withstanding repeated questioning by Senate Republicans about her views on positive discrimination, her public remarks about the role her Hispanic heritage plays in her judging, and even her temperament. The hearings presented the spectacle of a cadre of aging white male conservatives aggressively taking a Hispanic woman to task for statements in which she said she was proud of the way her upbringing affects her legal sensibility.
Sotomayor faced a team of Republicans attempting to tread warily between pleasing their conservative, often largely white supporters, and alienating Hispanic voters, who constitute one of the fastest growing electorates in the country.
"I question if Judge Sotomayor will be able to set aside personal biases and prejudices to decide cases in an impartial manner and in accordance with the Constitution," Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said yesterday in announcing his plan to vote against her.
Republican Alabama senator Jeff Sessions, who has led the opposition to Sotomayor, yesterday wrote in USA Today raising the spectre of "judicial activism", a term without any agreed-upon legal meaning that conservatives invoke to oppose liberal judges whom they say would craft policy from the bench rather than adhere to the law.
"I don't believe that Judge Sotomayor has the deep-rooted convictions necessary to resist the siren call of judicial activism," wrote Sessions, whose early political career was tainted by accusations of racism. "She has evoked its mantra too often. As someone who cares deeply about our great heritage of law, I must withhold my consent."
Democrats, meanwhile, have noted Sotomayor's 17 years on the federal bench, more experience than any sitting supreme court justice had upon ascending to that court. They also praise her rise from a hardscrabble upbringing in a housing estate in a poor section of the Bronx, New York, through Princeton and Yale law school, and her experience as a prosecuting attorney and corporate litigator.
"Judge Sotomayor has the superior intellect, broad experience, superb judgment and unquestioned integrity that would make her an outstanding nominee at any time," Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware said last week.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sotomayor confirmed by Senate judiciary committee
Daniel Nasaw in Washington
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 July 2009 15.15 BST
Barack Obama's first supreme court nominee moves a step forward toward becoming first Hispanic on the bench
Sonia Sotomayor has advanced a step further toward taking a seat as America's first Hispanic supreme court justice today after a Senate panel confirmed her nomination.
Sotomayor, a New York federal judge, won the vote in the Senate judiciary committee which now forwards her nomination to the full Senate.
Sotomayor is President Barack Obama's first supreme court nominee. If confirmed by the full Senate she will replace David Souter, a liberal justice, and federal court watchers say she is unlikely radically to alter the court's ideological makeup.
Sotomayor emerged from a week of gruelling confirmation hearings intact, withstanding repeated questioning by Senate Republicans about her views on positive discrimination, her public remarks about the role her Hispanic heritage plays in her judging, and even her temperament. The hearings presented the spectacle of a cadre of aging white male conservatives aggressively taking a Hispanic woman to task for statements in which she said she was proud of the way her upbringing affects her legal sensibility.
Sotomayor faced a team of Republicans attempting to tread warily between pleasing their conservative, often largely white supporters, and alienating Hispanic voters, who constitute one of the fastest growing electorates in the country.
"I question if Judge Sotomayor will be able to set aside personal biases and prejudices to decide cases in an impartial manner and in accordance with the Constitution," Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said yesterday in announcing his plan to vote against her.
Republican Alabama senator Jeff Sessions, who has led the opposition to Sotomayor, yesterday wrote in USA Today raising the spectre of "judicial activism", a term without any agreed-upon legal meaning that conservatives invoke to oppose liberal judges whom they say would craft policy from the bench rather than adhere to the law.
"I don't believe that Judge Sotomayor has the deep-rooted convictions necessary to resist the siren call of judicial activism," wrote Sessions, whose early political career was tainted by accusations of racism. "She has evoked its mantra too often. As someone who cares deeply about our great heritage of law, I must withhold my consent."
Democrats, meanwhile, have noted Sotomayor's 17 years on the federal bench, more experience than any sitting supreme court justice had upon ascending to that court. They also praise her rise from a hardscrabble upbringing in a housing estate in a poor section of the Bronx, New York, through Princeton and Yale law school, and her experience as a prosecuting attorney and corporate litigator.
"Judge Sotomayor has the superior intellect, broad experience, superb judgment and unquestioned integrity that would make her an outstanding nominee at any time," Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware said last week.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Reengaging in Blogsphere
How can one be relevant and still advance thoughtful pieces to a broader audience?
Out from the routine of commenting, posting, and linking, how to better utilize the capabilities of a site and the limitations of one's intellect and time commitment.
This iteration will be mundane, accessible and potentially challenging to have readers respond and use as a forum to find words and language for shared or divergent ideas.
Out from the routine of commenting, posting, and linking, how to better utilize the capabilities of a site and the limitations of one's intellect and time commitment.
This iteration will be mundane, accessible and potentially challenging to have readers respond and use as a forum to find words and language for shared or divergent ideas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)