Monthly Archives: February 2013

Averse To All Confirmations?

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You have to wonder if this Senate can confirm anyone in a timely fashion, say, in less than two months.  After blocking an judicial appointment just to be contrary, the Senate finally confirmed Robert Bacharach to the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Oklahoma.

I say finally, because Judge Bacharach waited 263 days for a Senate floor vote, only to be approved overwhelmingly, by a vote of 93-0.   Many more judicial appointments await the Senate’s approval, and that fact is disheartening.

Is this stupidity the new normal?  Continue reading →

A Ban I Can Get Behind

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I love take out food as much as the next gal, but not the Styrofoam containers that it often comes in.  Aside from immediate health concerns, it sits in a landfill forever, long after you finished your meal and thrown it away.  Below is an email from Drew Hudson of the organization Environmental Action, who created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition, regarding his idea on the issue. 

Dear MoveOn member,

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to ban plastic foam food packaging, because, as he said, it is “virtually impossible to recycle and never biodegrades.” New York must deal with about 20,000 tons of plastic foam waste every year, costing taxpayers and the environment. We need to support Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative.

That’s why I created a petition on SignOn.org to the New York City Council, which says:

Please ban the use of plastic foam packaging. It cannot be recycled and never degrades, making it an environmental hazard. Continue reading →

Governor Phil Bryant Against Reproductive Freedom

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You know kids, for gaggle of politicians who claim that government is too big, and invading on state and local freedoms of American citizens, they sure do love preventing women from making decisions about their own bodies and destinies.  Check out the latest message from Draw The Line, and throw some support if you can.
http://DrawTheLine.org

Governor Phil Bryant and his cronies are on a crusade to make Mississippi “abortion free”—but they will not go unchallenged.Tell Gov. Bryant that his politics are hurting the health, safety, and rights of Mississippi women.

 Take Action

Dear Cecelia,

Some lawmakers like to pretend that they’re “protecting women’s health” when they endorse laws curbing reproductive rights.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant is not one of them. Instead, his fervor for an “abortion free” state is clearly on the record.

Take Action: Tell Gov. Bryant that his politics threaten the health, safety, and rights of Mississippi women. Continue reading →

The Handshake Didn’t Cut It, Harry

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Clearly, the days of verbal agreements sealed with a simple handshake in the halls of power are long gone.  And those who posture with primaries in mind, rather than the health and well being of Americans can’t be trusted to do the right things.

If you are as annoyed as I am that Harry Reid fell short on ended the obstructionist use of the “filibuster”, you may want to click the Daily Kos links in the email below.

Cecelia, please sign our petition urging Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to re-open filibuster reform in light of recent Republican obstructionism on federal nominees. Click here to sign the petition.

The ink is barely dry on the watered-down filibuster deal that passed the Senate a few weeks ago, and Republicans have already returned to their obstructionist tricks. Yesterday, Senate Republicans blocked a vote on former Sen. Chuck Hagel’s nomination to be secretary of defense, marking the first time in American history that any nominee for defense secretary has been filibustered. Continue reading →

Say NO To Frankenfish

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Sushi lovers, assemble!!!!!  An acquaintance of mine who runs a very tony NYC sushi spot assures me that the market flooding of Franken-salmon is at hand, and cautioned me to be careful about my salmon purchases. 
The FDA is one step from approval of GMO salmon — the first genetically modified animal in our food system. 

Please read the email below and take action.

Dear Cecelia,

Late last year the FDA quietly took a major step toward approving the “frankenfish,” AquaBounty’s genetically modified salmon.

Its approval would be a radical move by the FDA — the first genetically modified animal ever to enter our food supply. It’s no wonder the FDA posted its final review, clearing the way for approval, on the Friday before the Christmas holiday, when few people would notice.

The FDA is now taking public comments on its study, which is expected to lead to approval of the frankenfish. Continue reading →

Illegally Fired For Speaking Out

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Cablevision/Optimum illegally fired La’kesia Johnson, a Cablevision technician, along with 22 others.

How do I know that?  Because she told me so.  I often share my better items I get in my inbox here, and this one deserves to be included:

Below is an email from La’kesia Johnson, a Cablevision technician who worked with the Communication Workers of America to create a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.

Dear MoveOn member,

I got fired just for speaking my mind about my working conditions. That’s not just wrong, it’s illegal.

I’ve worked as a Cablevision/Optimum technician for more than 6 years. A year ago, my coworkers and I voted to form a union, so we could have a voice on the job. But a year has come and gone, and Cablevision/Optimum management hasn’t negotiated in good faith for a contract.  Continue reading →

Living Wages Long Overdue

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Kids, I think you’ve grokked by now that I think the minimum wage should be raised.  It is long overdue, and it is the RIGHT thing to do.  Don’t believe the alarmists, it will not impact the rates of employment. 

Below is an email from Ed Dunn, a MoveOn member who created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition.  I don’t know if it will help, but I am going to sign it anyway.

Dear MoveOn member,

Paying a living wage would solve many problems in America. Over half of the poor in this country work, yet they need government services such as food stamps and Medicare. We can turn these folks into taxpayers rather than people needing our tax dollars. We should stop subsidies to businesses that pay poverty wages.

Give work dignity by paying people a fair and just wage. We all do better when everyone is doing better. Continue reading →

Your Man Reminder

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Life is fast paced and stressful, and the modern woman has a ton of tasks on her daily list between work, friends and family.  I wonder what could possibly make women remember to take care of themselves, to overcome their natural inclination to put their health last?

Well, worry no longer, help has arrived!  Your Man Reminder from Rethink Breast Cancer is here to help!

Because Breast Cancer screening is so important, make sure you view your Man Reminder instructional video at least twenty times.

Spread the word, share this video to all the gals who may need some expert instruction!