You know, I really really thought I heard it all. Okay, so some of us on myspace haven't quite grown up yet, and well, lets face it. Even if we don't want to participate in the drama, some of it is totally hilarious, and other times, against your own good judgment, you get pulled in anyway. But it's fun, and well, even if you get irritated, you still laugh, because even if it gets a little mean, you know it's still more funny than anything else.
Okay, so, last night, I was listening to a BTR show archive, because I keep missing the good stuff WHILE it's happening. I admit it, I'm rarely, if ever, the early bird that gets the worm. But anyway, I'm listening, figuring that it's going to be a session of Lisa (who ought to be paid as a comedian, imho) ranking all over those who deserve it. Particularly this guy from Rochester, New York, who whines and dines his cheese, and his form of a valid political blog/argument is all about how "liberal women" are ugly, and posts the most unbecoming pictures of those in power. Then says "conservative women" are beautiful, and he posts celebrity activists or something like that.
Anyway, then he brags about how as a 24 year old college student, how he entertained a 13 year old girl in his apartment, and how he let her drive his car, and how by the time she was 17, he couldn't wait until she turned 18 so he could hook up with her.
So Bad Lisa hijacked a BTR show that she created for someone else, and that other person got irresponsible, so she took the channel back. Good for Bad Lisa, for staying true to herself, and getting it done. The way she went off on some of these, it was too funny... I wish I'd have listened live, but, oh well. But the crazy part? There was this phone recording they played on the air, and on one hand, it was funny, on the other hand, I can't believe how much of a loser this dickchester guy is. Excuse my vulgar language, but it's true.
So, for some reason, he and some others got onto each other's phone list. I really don't know how. He gave out some woman's phone number, and then accidentally calls her, thinking he got the local police department in her town. Thing is, it's no mistaking her voice, and I just can't believe how stupid he is. While I don't necessarily care for this lady, I have to give her credit for stringing him along. He thought he was talking to a police department in the middle of Texas. Mind you, Michael the Crapchester guy lives in a small town in New York. He accidentally called the number of the woman he was trying to report to the PD. He says he's intimidated by her, and how he wants her to stop saying he's a rapist. Well, she has reason to call him that, amongst other things. The Chester ended up ripping up on rape victims/survivors. Then there's the crush on a 13 year old girl. There are other incidences, such as saying he wants to "f*ck* the hell out of 17 and younger girls until well, it's really too explicit to say here.
The most retarded part of that is, he wanted to say that because this particular woman has a "drama page" on myspace, he wanted to stay out of facebook. WTF? If that isn't so freaking stupid.
Anyway, I made this video in his honor. It took me a few tries, and here is my special tribute to this dork in this little video. This is all about Michael the Rochester Guy, aka MtRG, aka Michael Meggison. Enjoy. Make sure you listen a couple of times, because you'll laugh and miss parts.
In case it doesn't show quite right above, here is the URL: http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7787257
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The System: The Rants & Confessions of a Politically Insane Woman.
I don't know about some of these people... I've been asked, over and over again, about how long it takes to get a law changed or amended and what have you, and why it takes so long to do it. There have been enough people inquire, so I figure it must be more than just a good question, so I'll answer that too, along with appeasing some of you drama whores who seem to think the only way to be an advocate is to meet face to face with the victim. While I admire people who do it on a daily basis, because I know what it entails... I used to work as a crisis counselor for a shelter, and I've dealt with them face to face.
So, to answer the question... it's all about the system, and how the legislature works. Sometimes, it's a group of people, say the PTA of your state, or the Democratic Party, or whom ever, comes up with a laundry list of things they'd like to see for their group. So they either write up a proposal, or if familiar enough with the lingo, write a proposition and take it to their representatives. Mind you, usually there is at least a few people from the same area, and they have other people in other areas doing the same thing... So the politician looks at it, thinks about it, and decides if they want to take it from there... Now, if they decide to take it further, it has to be the right time of year to do something about it. Usually, the January of the first two year cycle is the best time to talk, since all of their other fruits of the labor are in process of being discussed, and they'll need new ones to take over in the future. The ones they had ready, but not introduced will go in the second year. In the mean time, after they come to a vote in March.
In about April to June, they will come back to ask a few questions about what it is you want, and how you'd like it executed. So there is that appointment. They take it back to their staff, and between you and them, there's research to be done about what is already in place vs. what needs to be changed. Fall starts and they will get back into their legislative places. If the draft was easy, you'll be able to maybe get it in within the year, and it will be introduced the following January, along with the stuff that didn't make it the first session. (Just remember, the legislative session goes for about 2 years, from January to January.) We are starting a new session this upcoming January, to where April's Law will be introduced.
Anyway, if your piece of legislative amendments or new bill is not so easy to draft up, it goes to a group of researchers that will do an estimated study on how it's going to be written up, how much the projected costs will be, how feasible it will be indefinitely, maybe make adjustments on it, get back with the constituents that proposed it, see if it's okay, draft the final copy, and then this is when it's ready. Because in the fall, there's the other stuff like the legislative budget, new items aren't introduced until January, because it's this quarter where it all happens, as far as we're concerned. It's the January to March/April where the voting on laws go on. They take a late spring break, work from their home offices in the summer, and then go back in the fall to talk and vote on shop work, and during this fall session, they campaign also, if there is an election, come home for the holidays, to start it all over in January.
So, for those of you who missed the portion of American History of the Constitution where this is a government for the people by the people, here it is. This is the end of your lesson how your government works.
Of course now we're talking about April's Law legislation. Since we're talking about April's Law, and I don't have a ton of people, I did things a little bit different. I introduced it briefly to two state legislators in January/February of 2009. Before I did that, I had started getting lots of support for the federal version, which I pushed starting in mid to late 2007. It was a joint effort with online associates, and one of them decided to start a charity. Since charities can't push legislation, I decided to take it, and to give it some umph, started Youth Voice Initiative. Anyway, I decided to do it because, we all know how most often, sexual assault victims don't get a fair shake to begin with. Rape and other sex crimes are grossly under reported. There's the fear that victims won't be believed. Or even blamed for the assault. Depending on situation, even when the case goes to court, the legal system is very lenient on sex criminals.
Yet I have people saying that I don't care about the victims, and that if it's such a good idea, why the laws haven't been put there before. Well, not all advocates are the face to face people. The system sucks, and if the system won't take care of the people who need it most, I'm here to put in what it's lacking. And as for good ideas would be there, well, once upon a time, women and children were property, and there was nothing. If she was raped, she must have deserved it. No more. And our children are precious. If the government is going to serve us, we must be the squeaky wheel. They don't just get a light bulb and say, "Oh, that's a great idea!" We the people... that's what it's all about.
So yes, people. I used you myspace people to get the support in the preliminary, so I can introduce what I do, with lots of pre-legislative support... just to ensure that it will be introduced. Once introduced, I'm sure it will pass. If that makes me a slut, well, I'm your biggest whore. I really don't care what people think, and well, the more you hate on me, the more popular I become. The way I figure, if you're going to fight with me to try to take care of your children's safety on and off line, you're either thinking your child can't be a victim, or you don't know if the nice new neighbor up the street is a pedophile who hasn't been caught yet... could be taking pictures of YOUR child, and photoshopping them into kiddie porn. So it's not just the predators online searching FOR your child, it's also those predators in real live SELLING your child online. Yes, April's Law covers both ways. Yet, because it's taking me, ONE PERSON, a long time to do it, I'm not really an advocate...
But you know what? I like to do this. I don't mind. If I caved in to the haters, I'd have stopped a long time ago. I started talking to legislators when I was about 11 years old, and went on various campaigns. I learned about the legislative system as a high school student, and continued in college. I eventually became a student lobbyist, and got various things passes, such as Act 177, a Wisconsin bill to create equal pay for equal worth. The Mini-Skirt bill, which renders the attire of a rape victim inadmissible as evidence against the victim in the court of law. (You see the gender neutrality?) And of course the Violence Against Women Act of 1993, where the Safer Campuses for Women section was written by the group here in Wisconsin, to where those are some of my ideas that was part of that compilation in there, and one of my cohorts wrote the final copy, that sits there today.
So, if you don't mind, I'd like for those who are still new to my cause, here is the April's Law Federal Petition. I will be introducing this to legislators after the state version gets passed, hopefully this upcoming March. So, I'd like to present April's Law Wisconsin to ensure that we can get this pushed through for our children. There is an option to stay anonymous, so if you want to sign but not show your name, that is an option. Your email is just to verify it's you. That won't show regardless. I hope everyone will sign, and all pass it around to your friends.
Aside from liking to talk to the legislators, I suppose it's negative drama blogs... the haters really do a good job to promote me, so go ahead, please do so. Write a bad blog on me. Thing is, if you still have nightmares that haunt you from your own victimization, you're not removed far enough from it to be working face to face with your victims. Even if you are past the trauma, it's not easy dealing face to face, because there are a whole slew of other problems that may arise that you're not prepared to deal with... I sincerely give credit to those who do work with the victims into survivorship. These advocates and counselors are priceless. I give a million and one kudos to each and every one who does take care of the precious hearts that need safety.
Me? I guess I am the insane one that would rather deal with the system. Yeah, it might be an uphill battle, but hey, it's where I get to let out a lot of hot air, and that kind of stuff suits me just fine. Sure, it's an ugly job, it takes a long time, and it's often frustrating... but someone's got to do it, and my hands are already dirty.
So, to answer the question... it's all about the system, and how the legislature works. Sometimes, it's a group of people, say the PTA of your state, or the Democratic Party, or whom ever, comes up with a laundry list of things they'd like to see for their group. So they either write up a proposal, or if familiar enough with the lingo, write a proposition and take it to their representatives. Mind you, usually there is at least a few people from the same area, and they have other people in other areas doing the same thing... So the politician looks at it, thinks about it, and decides if they want to take it from there... Now, if they decide to take it further, it has to be the right time of year to do something about it. Usually, the January of the first two year cycle is the best time to talk, since all of their other fruits of the labor are in process of being discussed, and they'll need new ones to take over in the future. The ones they had ready, but not introduced will go in the second year. In the mean time, after they come to a vote in March.
In about April to June, they will come back to ask a few questions about what it is you want, and how you'd like it executed. So there is that appointment. They take it back to their staff, and between you and them, there's research to be done about what is already in place vs. what needs to be changed. Fall starts and they will get back into their legislative places. If the draft was easy, you'll be able to maybe get it in within the year, and it will be introduced the following January, along with the stuff that didn't make it the first session. (Just remember, the legislative session goes for about 2 years, from January to January.) We are starting a new session this upcoming January, to where April's Law will be introduced.
Anyway, if your piece of legislative amendments or new bill is not so easy to draft up, it goes to a group of researchers that will do an estimated study on how it's going to be written up, how much the projected costs will be, how feasible it will be indefinitely, maybe make adjustments on it, get back with the constituents that proposed it, see if it's okay, draft the final copy, and then this is when it's ready. Because in the fall, there's the other stuff like the legislative budget, new items aren't introduced until January, because it's this quarter where it all happens, as far as we're concerned. It's the January to March/April where the voting on laws go on. They take a late spring break, work from their home offices in the summer, and then go back in the fall to talk and vote on shop work, and during this fall session, they campaign also, if there is an election, come home for the holidays, to start it all over in January.
So, for those of you who missed the portion of American History of the Constitution where this is a government for the people by the people, here it is. This is the end of your lesson how your government works.
Of course now we're talking about April's Law legislation. Since we're talking about April's Law, and I don't have a ton of people, I did things a little bit different. I introduced it briefly to two state legislators in January/February of 2009. Before I did that, I had started getting lots of support for the federal version, which I pushed starting in mid to late 2007. It was a joint effort with online associates, and one of them decided to start a charity. Since charities can't push legislation, I decided to take it, and to give it some umph, started Youth Voice Initiative. Anyway, I decided to do it because, we all know how most often, sexual assault victims don't get a fair shake to begin with. Rape and other sex crimes are grossly under reported. There's the fear that victims won't be believed. Or even blamed for the assault. Depending on situation, even when the case goes to court, the legal system is very lenient on sex criminals.
Yet I have people saying that I don't care about the victims, and that if it's such a good idea, why the laws haven't been put there before. Well, not all advocates are the face to face people. The system sucks, and if the system won't take care of the people who need it most, I'm here to put in what it's lacking. And as for good ideas would be there, well, once upon a time, women and children were property, and there was nothing. If she was raped, she must have deserved it. No more. And our children are precious. If the government is going to serve us, we must be the squeaky wheel. They don't just get a light bulb and say, "Oh, that's a great idea!" We the people... that's what it's all about.
So yes, people. I used you myspace people to get the support in the preliminary, so I can introduce what I do, with lots of pre-legislative support... just to ensure that it will be introduced. Once introduced, I'm sure it will pass. If that makes me a slut, well, I'm your biggest whore. I really don't care what people think, and well, the more you hate on me, the more popular I become. The way I figure, if you're going to fight with me to try to take care of your children's safety on and off line, you're either thinking your child can't be a victim, or you don't know if the nice new neighbor up the street is a pedophile who hasn't been caught yet... could be taking pictures of YOUR child, and photoshopping them into kiddie porn. So it's not just the predators online searching FOR your child, it's also those predators in real live SELLING your child online. Yes, April's Law covers both ways. Yet, because it's taking me, ONE PERSON, a long time to do it, I'm not really an advocate...
But you know what? I like to do this. I don't mind. If I caved in to the haters, I'd have stopped a long time ago. I started talking to legislators when I was about 11 years old, and went on various campaigns. I learned about the legislative system as a high school student, and continued in college. I eventually became a student lobbyist, and got various things passes, such as Act 177, a Wisconsin bill to create equal pay for equal worth. The Mini-Skirt bill, which renders the attire of a rape victim inadmissible as evidence against the victim in the court of law. (You see the gender neutrality?) And of course the Violence Against Women Act of 1993, where the Safer Campuses for Women section was written by the group here in Wisconsin, to where those are some of my ideas that was part of that compilation in there, and one of my cohorts wrote the final copy, that sits there today.
So, if you don't mind, I'd like for those who are still new to my cause, here is the April's Law Federal Petition. I will be introducing this to legislators after the state version gets passed, hopefully this upcoming March. So, I'd like to present April's Law Wisconsin to ensure that we can get this pushed through for our children. There is an option to stay anonymous, so if you want to sign but not show your name, that is an option. Your email is just to verify it's you. That won't show regardless. I hope everyone will sign, and all pass it around to your friends.
Aside from liking to talk to the legislators, I suppose it's negative drama blogs... the haters really do a good job to promote me, so go ahead, please do so. Write a bad blog on me. Thing is, if you still have nightmares that haunt you from your own victimization, you're not removed far enough from it to be working face to face with your victims. Even if you are past the trauma, it's not easy dealing face to face, because there are a whole slew of other problems that may arise that you're not prepared to deal with... I sincerely give credit to those who do work with the victims into survivorship. These advocates and counselors are priceless. I give a million and one kudos to each and every one who does take care of the precious hearts that need safety.
Me? I guess I am the insane one that would rather deal with the system. Yeah, it might be an uphill battle, but hey, it's where I get to let out a lot of hot air, and that kind of stuff suits me just fine. Sure, it's an ugly job, it takes a long time, and it's often frustrating... but someone's got to do it, and my hands are already dirty.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
A dream to end abuse, a tribute to our male survivors.
This is a tribute blog for the BFF - 71 series, for the recurring dreams... and I'm taking a slightly different direction again.
This is a dream, that I wish could come true, but unfortunately, it's not something that can happen overnight. This is a recurring dream, similar to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, where he wanted equality for all people regardless of race. Mine is to end the abuse of all people.
Mind you, our system is screwed up, and granted, most of our abuse victims are women, and most of us don't get the justice we deserve when bad things happen. But unfortunately, there is a whole new category of abuse victims that are lost... virtually invisible. This would be our Unacknowledged Survivors of Abuse, our men, who represent a minority of abuse victims, and because abuse is always traumatic, this is why I'm sponsoring the Sean's Voice Petition.
I came across Elizabeth, Sean's Grandma about 2 years ago here on myspace. She is the true voice of baby Sean. Here is a synopsis.
Sean died at the hands of his mother, for simply being a boy, so basically no reason what so ever. He died at the hands of his mother, who had inflicted blunt force trauma to his head, which killed him. The sad part is, for most of his life, his mother abused him. You can read more of the story from Sean's Grandma Elizabeth HERE. He wasn't quite 3 years of age... and the precious boy died for a poor excuse for a mother. And no, no one makes excuses for the dad about not doing enough, but more or less ensuring that when abuse is present, too many bad things can happen.
Now many of us may ask, "What about the father?" Yes, what about him? He would work full time, sometimes taking on extra part time jobs, to make ends meet. Not that this is an excuse, but, sometimes I wonder if it's easier for dads to be blind to the abuse than some of the moms... I will get back to that, and it's so odd to find a mom that would abuse her own children, that it's often abhorring. The very person that gives us life... who is supposed to fight to the death protecting her young... abusing the very precious life that was given? Who would think, since we carry them for 9 months or form a strong bond in some other way... It's so not normal that it's shocking, and it almost seems as if the gender of the child is irrelevant, just that moms aren't supposed to hurt their kids that way, much less kill them because our children are a part of us. Yet we hear too often about the step father or live in boyfriend who abuses a child to death, and we get infuriated that the mother would allow that. So now she is also held responsible for the abuse/death as well. As it should.
Thing is, when the mother and children are being abused, and it seems to matter not who calls the police... and when they arrive, one of two things happen. The man gets arrested, while the mom and children get to stay in the house. Or, the man gets detained while mom and child(ren) get packed and transported to the nearest shelter. Good. It should happen like this, because it helps protect the innocent. Yet okay, lets turn it around, coming back to this situation... Sean's father was the one being abused. Yes, this mild mannered man, even though he's big, was being abused by his female mate, especially when he tried to leave with his son. The mother would scream, shout, everything - even start full blown tantrums to the point she had self inflicted marks and would call 9-1-1 on him, and when the police arrive, would arrest him, leaving the children unprotected with her. Because she had marks on her, the authorities figured she had been abused, so he got arrested... The mother would often coerce her daughter, Sean's big sister, to help in the abuse. Yet the father trying to protect them would be taken away because the authorities saw it as him trying to rip the babies right from their mother's arms, even though she was the abuser... yes, our system is messed up, which is part of the reason I'm here. I want the madness to stop.
The father was, btw, arrested and also served time as well, for not doing enough to protect his son. The older sister as well as the baby daughter born subsequent to the mother being arrested have both been adopted to a different couple who are raising them as their own. The mother is not allowed to have contact. I don't think the father is allowed at this point either, and while we can all agree that maybe he could have tried to do other things, such as file a court document, call the police himself, or CPS to go while he's at work, what have you... Though being abused often has a way of making one insecure and doubts that any good justice can come about, I'm hoping people can see the dilemma here, rather than accuse him of "allowing his son to die" as I've had someone accuse before, and actually turned it into a drama. I personally don't understand why... abuse is no laughing matter, and a child died. If being a voice for these deceased children who have been killed at the hands of their parents is a crime, I plead guilty to the maximum degree.
Anyway, for those of you who may not know, here is a short list from Male Survivor about the Myths & Facts about male abuse. I hope you will all have a look, because it's important to understand that males are victims too, and often don't have a place to go to get shelter, help, support, etc... I find this sad. This is the reason why I want to push getting Help 4 Guys. Just remember, 1 in 6 boys are sexually molested by the time they're 18. If male to female abuse is going on, and he files divorce, there is a higher likelihood that she will murder him, rather than the other way around.
Please don't forget to visit Youth Voice Initiative page on Sean's Voice, and don't forget to read all the way to the bottom, there is a LOT of info there. Have a look around, and don't forget to go to the action page to sign other petitions there.
I have a (recurring) dream, and I'd like it to end up being a success story, rather than just a dream. April's Law will be introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly this upcoming January. A full petition would be nice to submit... It's a gruesome process, but someone has to do it. Thank you for your support. Have a blessed weekend!
This is a dream, that I wish could come true, but unfortunately, it's not something that can happen overnight. This is a recurring dream, similar to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, where he wanted equality for all people regardless of race. Mine is to end the abuse of all people.
Mind you, our system is screwed up, and granted, most of our abuse victims are women, and most of us don't get the justice we deserve when bad things happen. But unfortunately, there is a whole new category of abuse victims that are lost... virtually invisible. This would be our Unacknowledged Survivors of Abuse, our men, who represent a minority of abuse victims, and because abuse is always traumatic, this is why I'm sponsoring the Sean's Voice Petition.
I came across Elizabeth, Sean's Grandma about 2 years ago here on myspace. She is the true voice of baby Sean. Here is a synopsis.
Sean died at the hands of his mother, for simply being a boy, so basically no reason what so ever. He died at the hands of his mother, who had inflicted blunt force trauma to his head, which killed him. The sad part is, for most of his life, his mother abused him. You can read more of the story from Sean's Grandma Elizabeth HERE. He wasn't quite 3 years of age... and the precious boy died for a poor excuse for a mother. And no, no one makes excuses for the dad about not doing enough, but more or less ensuring that when abuse is present, too many bad things can happen.
Now many of us may ask, "What about the father?" Yes, what about him? He would work full time, sometimes taking on extra part time jobs, to make ends meet. Not that this is an excuse, but, sometimes I wonder if it's easier for dads to be blind to the abuse than some of the moms... I will get back to that, and it's so odd to find a mom that would abuse her own children, that it's often abhorring. The very person that gives us life... who is supposed to fight to the death protecting her young... abusing the very precious life that was given? Who would think, since we carry them for 9 months or form a strong bond in some other way... It's so not normal that it's shocking, and it almost seems as if the gender of the child is irrelevant, just that moms aren't supposed to hurt their kids that way, much less kill them because our children are a part of us. Yet we hear too often about the step father or live in boyfriend who abuses a child to death, and we get infuriated that the mother would allow that. So now she is also held responsible for the abuse/death as well. As it should.
Thing is, when the mother and children are being abused, and it seems to matter not who calls the police... and when they arrive, one of two things happen. The man gets arrested, while the mom and children get to stay in the house. Or, the man gets detained while mom and child(ren) get packed and transported to the nearest shelter. Good. It should happen like this, because it helps protect the innocent. Yet okay, lets turn it around, coming back to this situation... Sean's father was the one being abused. Yes, this mild mannered man, even though he's big, was being abused by his female mate, especially when he tried to leave with his son. The mother would scream, shout, everything - even start full blown tantrums to the point she had self inflicted marks and would call 9-1-1 on him, and when the police arrive, would arrest him, leaving the children unprotected with her. Because she had marks on her, the authorities figured she had been abused, so he got arrested... The mother would often coerce her daughter, Sean's big sister, to help in the abuse. Yet the father trying to protect them would be taken away because the authorities saw it as him trying to rip the babies right from their mother's arms, even though she was the abuser... yes, our system is messed up, which is part of the reason I'm here. I want the madness to stop.
The father was, btw, arrested and also served time as well, for not doing enough to protect his son. The older sister as well as the baby daughter born subsequent to the mother being arrested have both been adopted to a different couple who are raising them as their own. The mother is not allowed to have contact. I don't think the father is allowed at this point either, and while we can all agree that maybe he could have tried to do other things, such as file a court document, call the police himself, or CPS to go while he's at work, what have you... Though being abused often has a way of making one insecure and doubts that any good justice can come about, I'm hoping people can see the dilemma here, rather than accuse him of "allowing his son to die" as I've had someone accuse before, and actually turned it into a drama. I personally don't understand why... abuse is no laughing matter, and a child died. If being a voice for these deceased children who have been killed at the hands of their parents is a crime, I plead guilty to the maximum degree.
Anyway, for those of you who may not know, here is a short list from Male Survivor about the Myths & Facts about male abuse. I hope you will all have a look, because it's important to understand that males are victims too, and often don't have a place to go to get shelter, help, support, etc... I find this sad. This is the reason why I want to push getting Help 4 Guys. Just remember, 1 in 6 boys are sexually molested by the time they're 18. If male to female abuse is going on, and he files divorce, there is a higher likelihood that she will murder him, rather than the other way around.
Please don't forget to visit Youth Voice Initiative page on Sean's Voice, and don't forget to read all the way to the bottom, there is a LOT of info there. Have a look around, and don't forget to go to the action page to sign other petitions there.
I have a (recurring) dream, and I'd like it to end up being a success story, rather than just a dream. April's Law will be introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly this upcoming January. A full petition would be nice to submit... It's a gruesome process, but someone has to do it. Thank you for your support. Have a blessed weekend!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Results: Wisconsin... Laments and more.
The election is over. On one hand I'm relieved, because my schedule will calm down and such. I voted, and felt good about it, and I was pleased to see a lot of people voting. I wasn't feeling well, and against better judgment, went to check out what was going on anyway.
I don't get our country... it's crazy, really. After 8 years of Bush and all of his failed economic policies that are now being blamed on Obama, just because he's in office... Look here at this article from Care2. I know it's too late to look at it BEFORE the election since it's over, look at it as more as an after the fact FYI: Everything You Knew Was Wrong! Click the link, you'll find out that 1) Obama did NOT double the deficit, he reduced it. 2) Obama reduced taxes, and 40% of the stimulus was wasted on tax cuts, which actually hurt the economy. 3) Just remember, the "Bank Bailout" was a Bush thing, NOT an Obama thing. 4) The stimulus worked, just not as much as we'd hoped. 5) Businesses don't need more money to hire, as hiring staff meets equilibrium w/ demand... 6) The health care bill will actually SAVE money. 7) Social Security runs a surplus. 8) Just remember, the Government IS We, The People. Money spent is money for us. Go read the article. You know you want to.
Back to the election results... anyway. We lost 4 democrats in the Wisconsin State Senate. The State Assembly looks about the same. On the US level, we lost some and gained some. In the House, Republicans took over. I'm bummed, but what am I going to do? I can't change the results. So I must move on, but not before I celebrate some, and mourn others.
Scott Walker (R) was victorious over Tom Barrett (D). I kind of figured, because people bought into Milwaukee Mayor Barrett as being worse than former Governor Jim Doyle (D). Because we have a democratic president, it seems as if states will try to go for republican governors. It just seems norm for the par... but just doesn't make sense. We've had 8 years of Bush, it's not like Obama can make the necessary changes in 2 years.
Ron Johnson (R) defeated incumbent Russ Feingold(D). This is actually too sad... to me it seems that Feingold is the best. He crossed party lines to vote against NAFTA, and is independent enough to stand his own ground. I will most certainly miss him, and Russ, don't be a stranger. Ron Johnson, just upon winning the election, starts laying into "stopping spending away from the hands of the enemy"... I am part of the new constituency, and now so are the former members of the 'enemy party', and we are all part of the hiring staff now. Ron Johnson, I'm one constituent that's watching you. You run a successful small business, so I'm expecting you to run the State of Wisconsin to success. And unlike your business, you work for us, not the other way around.
Paul Ryan (R) won Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District as expected, he's well known throughout the country, and is also the incumbent. For an unknown, small budget & being an underdog though, I must give John Heckenlively a big huge kudo for gaining over 30% of the vote. Great job for giving him Heck!
On the state level, we lost Senator John Lehman (D), an incumbent to the cause, to Van Wangaard (R). If people remember, Senator Lehman helped author April's Law Wisconsin, so now I'm hoping to be able to get a last minute appointment with Van Wangaard to get him to sponsor April's Law to the Wisconsin senate. I've worked too hard to get this going just to not try to get a bipartisan support on this issue. Plus pushing the safety of our children to protect our most precious against sex predators on and off line should not be about party politics. Thank you Senator Lehman for almost a quarter century of hard work... I will miss working with you immensely. Senator elect Wangaard, I am a vocal constituent... I hope you're ready.
While I'll miss those who are now moved on, here is something on a more positive note. Representative Cory Mason, the other one who authored April's Law has won, keeping his seat. It comforts me that April's Law will be introduced in January in the State Assembly. I'm hoping that it will be a low number, but you'll be hearing from me in January about the fact that Cory Mason will be an official sponsor of April's Law Wisconsin, and hopefully I can get others from Racine on that list. Thanks and congrats to Cory Mason! Just to let you know, Representative Mason has had the cleanest campaign ever, w/o over whelming anyone. and I'm so very thankful for that also. I'd also like to thank Anthony DeCubellis (L) for running, and taking time to listen to the issues that are important to me. I'm hoping someday, he will run again, maybe for a spot that doesn't have quite the competition.
Out of my district, but just as important, Representative Bob Turner (D) & Representative Robin Vos (R) have won their seats back. They are already supportive toward April's Law, so I'd like to thank them for the support to protect our children, and also that we work together to push this through. Congrats to both and a huge thank you for supporting April's Law.
There were other spots too, but, these were the ones that were most near and dear to me, so I'm sticking with these. Before I look to the next election in 2 years, I need to look to this January to get April's Law passed... by any means necessary. I'm hoping I can work with both parties.
In the mean time, please keep signing the petition to push April's Law Wisconsin, so when it comes to the legislative vote, Wisconsin politicians know that we support protecting our children. Don't forget to also sign the federal April's Law Petition, because we are nearing the time where I'll start talking to our federal people about pushing this on the national level, where we may need it most. Remember, this isn't for me, it's for the children.
I don't get our country... it's crazy, really. After 8 years of Bush and all of his failed economic policies that are now being blamed on Obama, just because he's in office... Look here at this article from Care2. I know it's too late to look at it BEFORE the election since it's over, look at it as more as an after the fact FYI: Everything You Knew Was Wrong! Click the link, you'll find out that 1) Obama did NOT double the deficit, he reduced it. 2) Obama reduced taxes, and 40% of the stimulus was wasted on tax cuts, which actually hurt the economy. 3) Just remember, the "Bank Bailout" was a Bush thing, NOT an Obama thing. 4) The stimulus worked, just not as much as we'd hoped. 5) Businesses don't need more money to hire, as hiring staff meets equilibrium w/ demand... 6) The health care bill will actually SAVE money. 7) Social Security runs a surplus. 8) Just remember, the Government IS We, The People. Money spent is money for us. Go read the article. You know you want to.
Back to the election results... anyway. We lost 4 democrats in the Wisconsin State Senate. The State Assembly looks about the same. On the US level, we lost some and gained some. In the House, Republicans took over. I'm bummed, but what am I going to do? I can't change the results. So I must move on, but not before I celebrate some, and mourn others.
Scott Walker (R) was victorious over Tom Barrett (D). I kind of figured, because people bought into Milwaukee Mayor Barrett as being worse than former Governor Jim Doyle (D). Because we have a democratic president, it seems as if states will try to go for republican governors. It just seems norm for the par... but just doesn't make sense. We've had 8 years of Bush, it's not like Obama can make the necessary changes in 2 years.
Ron Johnson (R) defeated incumbent Russ Feingold(D). This is actually too sad... to me it seems that Feingold is the best. He crossed party lines to vote against NAFTA, and is independent enough to stand his own ground. I will most certainly miss him, and Russ, don't be a stranger. Ron Johnson, just upon winning the election, starts laying into "stopping spending away from the hands of the enemy"... I am part of the new constituency, and now so are the former members of the 'enemy party', and we are all part of the hiring staff now. Ron Johnson, I'm one constituent that's watching you. You run a successful small business, so I'm expecting you to run the State of Wisconsin to success. And unlike your business, you work for us, not the other way around.
Paul Ryan (R) won Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District as expected, he's well known throughout the country, and is also the incumbent. For an unknown, small budget & being an underdog though, I must give John Heckenlively a big huge kudo for gaining over 30% of the vote. Great job for giving him Heck!
On the state level, we lost Senator John Lehman (D), an incumbent to the cause, to Van Wangaard (R). If people remember, Senator Lehman helped author April's Law Wisconsin, so now I'm hoping to be able to get a last minute appointment with Van Wangaard to get him to sponsor April's Law to the Wisconsin senate. I've worked too hard to get this going just to not try to get a bipartisan support on this issue. Plus pushing the safety of our children to protect our most precious against sex predators on and off line should not be about party politics. Thank you Senator Lehman for almost a quarter century of hard work... I will miss working with you immensely. Senator elect Wangaard, I am a vocal constituent... I hope you're ready.
While I'll miss those who are now moved on, here is something on a more positive note. Representative Cory Mason, the other one who authored April's Law has won, keeping his seat. It comforts me that April's Law will be introduced in January in the State Assembly. I'm hoping that it will be a low number, but you'll be hearing from me in January about the fact that Cory Mason will be an official sponsor of April's Law Wisconsin, and hopefully I can get others from Racine on that list. Thanks and congrats to Cory Mason! Just to let you know, Representative Mason has had the cleanest campaign ever, w/o over whelming anyone. and I'm so very thankful for that also. I'd also like to thank Anthony DeCubellis (L) for running, and taking time to listen to the issues that are important to me. I'm hoping someday, he will run again, maybe for a spot that doesn't have quite the competition.
Out of my district, but just as important, Representative Bob Turner (D) & Representative Robin Vos (R) have won their seats back. They are already supportive toward April's Law, so I'd like to thank them for the support to protect our children, and also that we work together to push this through. Congrats to both and a huge thank you for supporting April's Law.
There were other spots too, but, these were the ones that were most near and dear to me, so I'm sticking with these. Before I look to the next election in 2 years, I need to look to this January to get April's Law passed... by any means necessary. I'm hoping I can work with both parties.
In the mean time, please keep signing the petition to push April's Law Wisconsin, so when it comes to the legislative vote, Wisconsin politicians know that we support protecting our children. Don't forget to also sign the federal April's Law Petition, because we are nearing the time where I'll start talking to our federal people about pushing this on the national level, where we may need it most. Remember, this isn't for me, it's for the children.
Monday, November 1, 2010
GOTV! It doesn't count if you don't! I remember...
It's November 2, 2010. It's mid term during an important time, and after a big election that has changed the tides of American politics. Please remember, Get Out The Vote, and vote your conscience, because your vote can't count if you don't cast it!
In 2008, we elected our first black president, and we were very close to having a woman Veep, or maybe even a woman president. This is a huge step forward for this country, regardless of party, economic status, ethnic background, race, gender, orientation, and more. While the economy is falling to pieces, it seems, the earning power of women and minorities are starting to equalize more in the private and public sectors. I think with this current situation, electing a woman president is more and more evident within the next 20 years. Funny, because when I was my son's age, it was not to happen in my lifetime. Yet as I get older, the more likely it will be. When that time comes, I really think the days of glass ceilings, inequity of pay in same/similar jobs, social status, etc will disappear, because more people will be considered equal and worthy rather than discriminate because of skin color, body parts or who we love.
Anyway, before you go to the polls, and I hope it's not too late... Please watch this before you vote, and vote the way you feel is right. I know who I'm voting for.
Also, this article w/ video doesn't make Ron Johnson (R) look good running against my man Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin). I've always thought that Senator Feingold has done right for Wisconsin. He's just as good as legendary Representative Les Aspin (D - Wisconsin), in my book.
I'd like to end this with an email. I got this earlier on 11/1/10 - so tomorrow refers to ensuring we vote!
Friend --
Tomorrow, you can help determine not just the outcome of this election, but our country's future.
You made the difference in 2008. Now, once again, you can defy the
conventional wisdom that says you can't overcome the cynicism of our
politics; you can't overcome the special interests and the big money;
you can't tackle our biggest challenges.
This movement has never backed down from a tough fight -- and we're not about to start.
Over the next two years, we've got to keep moving America forward -- but
I need allies in the Senate and governing states to make it happen.
I need you to make sure you get at least three of your friends to vote
with you -- it is simply the most important thing you can do to make
sure we can keep bringing about change.
Find your polling place and the time polls are open here.
According to OFA's records, you live in Wisconsin. Please vote for:
Russ Feingold for Senate
Tom Barrett for Governor
If you have already voted, please click here to help in these final hours of our Vote 2010 campaign.
When we arrived in Washington, we knew the road ahead would be difficult.
Our country was facing the worst economic downturn since the Great
Depression -- with 8 million jobs gone -- because of nearly a decade of
policies that put corporations and special interests before ordinary
Americans.
Two short years later -- together -- we have begun to rebuild our economy on the values of hard work and responsibility.
Private employers and small businesses have created jobs nine months in a
row. And 3 million Americans would not be working today if not for the
investments that you, and our Democratic allies in Congress, helped put
in place.
Because of you, there are families all across the country who will never
have to choose between losing their home and treating an illness.
Because of you, millions of parents can look at their kids and know the
opportunity of a college education is within reach. Because of you, a
business owner got a small business loan and is keeping her doors open.
And because of you, thousands of our brave men and women are home from
fighting in Iraq.
I know that even with these changes -- and the progress you've fought
for -- too many families are still struggling. We have so much more to
do.
And that's exactly why America cannot afford to go back.
We must continue to move forward, and the decisions voters make in your
area will determine which direction this country takes for generations.
We want to keep taxes low for the middle class, so you can pay your bills.
We want to give tax breaks to American companies who create jobs and
spur innovation right here in America, not make it easier for them to
ship jobs overseas.
We will fight efforts to privatize Social Security, and stop the other
side from handing over the retirement savings of a generation to Wall
Street.
We refuse to go back to the days when big oil and insurance companies
wrote their own rules and ran up record profits, while you paid for it
at the pump or faced bankruptcy as health bills piled up.
The other side has different ideas.
Washington Republicans have tried to block our progress at every turn.
And worse, they're campaigning on taking us back to the exact same
agenda that brought us to the brink of disaster: Cut taxes for the
wealthy at the expense of the middle class while ballooning the deficit.
Give free rein to Wall Street speculators. Lower the minimum wage for
millions of hard-working families. Privatize Social Security. And allow
insurance companies to deny children health coverage based on
pre-existing conditions.
The problem is we know what this looks like -- and we know it doesn't work.
We cannot relive that past.
Don't let them tell you that change isn't possible. Because here's what I know: Nothing in America has ever been easy.
The only reason we're here is because, in past generations, Americans
came together, even in the face of impossible odds. That's how we got
through war. That's how we got through depression. That's why we have
civil rights, and women's rights, and workers' rights.
We've asked you to do so much since we started this journey together, and you've always come through.
And now, I'm asking you to come together once more to cast your vote for Democrats tomorrow.
With your vote -- and the votes of at least three of your friends --
we'll continue to grow this economy and restore the middle class to its
rightful place, and the American Dream will be alive and well once
again.
Find your polling place and time here:
http://pollingplaces...RaiseYourVote.com
Thank you for all you do,
President Barack Obama
P.S. -- There are vital get-out-the-vote events happening across the
country today and tomorrow. If you aren't already signed up to help,
please find and RSVP for a GOTV event near you.
In 2008, we elected our first black president, and we were very close to having a woman Veep, or maybe even a woman president. This is a huge step forward for this country, regardless of party, economic status, ethnic background, race, gender, orientation, and more. While the economy is falling to pieces, it seems, the earning power of women and minorities are starting to equalize more in the private and public sectors. I think with this current situation, electing a woman president is more and more evident within the next 20 years. Funny, because when I was my son's age, it was not to happen in my lifetime. Yet as I get older, the more likely it will be. When that time comes, I really think the days of glass ceilings, inequity of pay in same/similar jobs, social status, etc will disappear, because more people will be considered equal and worthy rather than discriminate because of skin color, body parts or who we love.
Anyway, before you go to the polls, and I hope it's not too late... Please watch this before you vote, and vote the way you feel is right. I know who I'm voting for.
Also, this article w/ video doesn't make Ron Johnson (R) look good running against my man Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin). I've always thought that Senator Feingold has done right for Wisconsin. He's just as good as legendary Representative Les Aspin (D - Wisconsin), in my book.
I'd like to end this with an email. I got this earlier on 11/1/10 - so tomorrow refers to ensuring we vote!
Friend --
Tomorrow, you can help determine not just the outcome of this election, but our country's future.
You made the difference in 2008. Now, once again, you can defy the
conventional wisdom that says you can't overcome the cynicism of our
politics; you can't overcome the special interests and the big money;
you can't tackle our biggest challenges.
This movement has never backed down from a tough fight -- and we're not about to start.
Over the next two years, we've got to keep moving America forward -- but
I need allies in the Senate and governing states to make it happen.
I need you to make sure you get at least three of your friends to vote
with you -- it is simply the most important thing you can do to make
sure we can keep bringing about change.
Find your polling place and the time polls are open here.
According to OFA's records, you live in Wisconsin. Please vote for:
Russ Feingold for Senate
Tom Barrett for Governor
If you have already voted, please click here to help in these final hours of our Vote 2010 campaign.
When we arrived in Washington, we knew the road ahead would be difficult.
Our country was facing the worst economic downturn since the Great
Depression -- with 8 million jobs gone -- because of nearly a decade of
policies that put corporations and special interests before ordinary
Americans.
Two short years later -- together -- we have begun to rebuild our economy on the values of hard work and responsibility.
Private employers and small businesses have created jobs nine months in a
row. And 3 million Americans would not be working today if not for the
investments that you, and our Democratic allies in Congress, helped put
in place.
Because of you, there are families all across the country who will never
have to choose between losing their home and treating an illness.
Because of you, millions of parents can look at their kids and know the
opportunity of a college education is within reach. Because of you, a
business owner got a small business loan and is keeping her doors open.
And because of you, thousands of our brave men and women are home from
fighting in Iraq.
I know that even with these changes -- and the progress you've fought
for -- too many families are still struggling. We have so much more to
do.
And that's exactly why America cannot afford to go back.
We must continue to move forward, and the decisions voters make in your
area will determine which direction this country takes for generations.
We want to keep taxes low for the middle class, so you can pay your bills.
We want to give tax breaks to American companies who create jobs and
spur innovation right here in America, not make it easier for them to
ship jobs overseas.
We will fight efforts to privatize Social Security, and stop the other
side from handing over the retirement savings of a generation to Wall
Street.
We refuse to go back to the days when big oil and insurance companies
wrote their own rules and ran up record profits, while you paid for it
at the pump or faced bankruptcy as health bills piled up.
The other side has different ideas.
Washington Republicans have tried to block our progress at every turn.
And worse, they're campaigning on taking us back to the exact same
agenda that brought us to the brink of disaster: Cut taxes for the
wealthy at the expense of the middle class while ballooning the deficit.
Give free rein to Wall Street speculators. Lower the minimum wage for
millions of hard-working families. Privatize Social Security. And allow
insurance companies to deny children health coverage based on
pre-existing conditions.
The problem is we know what this looks like -- and we know it doesn't work.
We cannot relive that past.
Don't let them tell you that change isn't possible. Because here's what I know: Nothing in America has ever been easy.
The only reason we're here is because, in past generations, Americans
came together, even in the face of impossible odds. That's how we got
through war. That's how we got through depression. That's why we have
civil rights, and women's rights, and workers' rights.
We've asked you to do so much since we started this journey together, and you've always come through.
And now, I'm asking you to come together once more to cast your vote for Democrats tomorrow.
With your vote -- and the votes of at least three of your friends --
we'll continue to grow this economy and restore the middle class to its
rightful place, and the American Dream will be alive and well once
again.
Find your polling place and time here:
http://pollingplaces...RaiseYourVote.com
Thank you for all you do,
President Barack Obama
P.S. -- There are vital get-out-the-vote events happening across the
country today and tomorrow. If you aren't already signed up to help,
please find and RSVP for a GOTV event near you.
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