100,000 Strong... Direct from You Tube

Citizens Police Academy Link... Below: How the Gig Went Down in Wisconsin

Received (GB / Email) and Passed on:

"FYI and... could you post this link....

http://citizensacademy.ucletg.com/

Seems like some interesting education and a great meet and greet place for citizens in a safe and productive environment...

Be nice, too, if you could put out a reminder in May when the classes are scheduled..."

----------------------------------------------------------- 

Post below (unassociated with the above):  the latest video I have received (via email) and tracked down (I did a direct transfer from You Tube) regarding the situation in Wisconsin.

Peace.

Wisconsin Assembly GOP Stifles Debate

Defend the American Dream!

MoveOn Rally Coverage by RecordOnline... Link

Photo (by NS) from MoveOn Rally

MoveOn Rally Coverage From RecordOnline.Com [by Jeff Goulding; "Times Harold Record"

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/_flash/gallery/gallery.html&Site=TH&Date=20110224&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=224009997&Ref=PH

Feeling Like "PopEye..." and Not Feeling Too Good... Photos From Today's Rally In Post Below

This is an older video; but it contains some important information about War, PTSD and Families...

["U.S. War Veterans and PTSD Awareness"' as submitted to You Tube by aschultzy; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAa3FjKxxOE&playnext=1&list=PL9B0E9D2F9C094757]

A very important video from 2009:

["Female Veterans Suffering From PTSD Not Getting Needed Care"; as submitted to You Tube by MoxNewsDotCom; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBViJOYILyM]

This is also an old video; but since I learned - today (and since verified) - that over 50% of our Federal budget goes towards military spending - I think (I am a pacifist to begin with) this video could use a little re-viewing. I support our troops. I support our Veterans. However, to what degree does our country - or any country - truly respect [check out the stats on the Vets that do (meaning those that don't die)] return.




Watch RISE UP PEOPLE! SUPPORT WAR RESISTERS! in Educational   [ "Rise Up People!  Support War Resisters"; by David Freyer; Produced by Kellie La; http://www.veoh.com/; http://www.veoh.com/collection/philosophertest/watch/v338114KPkBEPTf ]

  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
 
PTSD is also caused by situations other than Military service; a fact that I am all too painfully aware of.  I like this videos approach; although I do not know if the email address is still valid - or if it should be (?)
 
["Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; as submitted to You Tube by 1stepcloser2you; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNxx_y4rtY4&feature=related]
 
A rough day for this "survivor" - and I may choose to rearrange and/or edit this blog in the am.
 
"Take what you like and leave the rest" [recovery group parlance]
 
Peace.

Photos From Today's Rally... More Pending

Some photos (by NS) of today's rally [More Information Will Be Provided Later (I've crashed...); Remember to Keep an Eye on Channel Six News...]:

Indeed.

The children are our most precious investment.

Class Act

Very Insightful and Important Work Here!

Wow.

Perhaps a little sampling of what the poorest 2% feel like?

I like this gal!

The Orange Sign Says a Lot...  Does it Not?

The Other Sign Shows a Willingness to Compromise.

And We Were All There to Thank Congressman Hinchey for What He Has Done for Us - With a Few Hints as to What at Least Some of Us Would Like Him To Do [i.e., support cut backs in military funding]

Spunky : )

A Sign I Put Together for the Event

Two of the Organizers

This Pic Didn't Turn Out Great; but I Like It Anyway!

Very Aprpro.

All in All (More Photos Pending) a Great Turnout!

Yes, Alderman Fuentes, You Will Get An E-Mailed Copy of This!

A Sincere Thank You to MoveOn.Org, Congressman Hinchey; and All of the Others Involved!

Income Inequality... Link... Mother Jones... Rally for the Other 98%... Today... MoveOn.Org

Pic from a Rally for Health Care Reform

Outside of Congressman Hinchey's Office

Rally and Photo Associated with MoveOn.org Political Action

Link to Slideshow Available in Sidebar

Up to Date (Very Informative) Link: 

"It's the Inequality, Stupid";  "Mother Jones": 

http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/income-inequality-in-america-chart-graph

Today at NOON:  "Rally for the Other 98% and to Oppose Budget Cuts"

12-12:30PM

In front of Congressman Hinchey's office

291 Wall Street, Kingston

A rally to oppose the proposed budget cuts that will hurt the middle class and poor, while showering billions in subsidies to oil companies and other corporations. Proposed cuts would slash funding for food aid for needy women, children and infants, home heating assistance for the elderly, green jobs, job training and much more. Congressman Hinchey has spoken out on his opposition to the cuts [Hinchey video posted below...] and we have invited him to say a few words at our rally and to thank him for staying strong for hard working American families. This rally is being organized by the Ulster County MoveOn Council. For more information, or if you have a story to share..." [Copied and Pasted From My Email...]

Put a note here or email wingedbirdinflight@live.com --- and I will contact one of the organizers (the person that sent me the email) for you.

Associated Organizations (as noted on the bottom of the email):

"The Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition"

"Hudson Valley for Obama"

"New Paltz and Vicinity for Obama"

"New Paltz Women in Black"

"Arts for Peace"

"Peace [and] Social Progress Now"

"Ulster County Community Council (the local MoveOn Council)"

"Network of Spiritual Progressives"

"NAACP of Kingston, NY"

"Dutchess with Obama"

"Orange for Obama"

"Single Payer/Hudson Valley"

[If I have noted anything in error, please let me know and I will make the appropriate corrections.]

sun dancer

"Rally for the Other 98% and to Oppose Budget Cuts"... Passing This On...

Photo (by NS) from a Previous Rally Outside of Congressman Hinchey's Office

"Rally for the Other 98% and to Oppose Budget Cuts"



Thursday, February 24
12-12:30PM
In front of Congressman Hinchey's office
291 Wall Street, Kingston

A rally to oppose the proposed budget cuts that will hurt the middle class and poor, while showering billions in subsidies to oil companies and other corporations. Proposed cuts would slash funding for food aid for needy women, children and infants, home heating assistance for the elderly, green jobs, job training and much more. Congressman Hinchey has spoken out on his opposition to the cuts [Hinchey video posted below...] and we have invited him to say a few words at our rally and to thank him for staying strong for hard working American families. This rally is being organized by the Ulster County MoveOn Council. For more information, or if you have a story to share..."  [Copied and Pasted From My Email...]

Put a note here or email wingedbirdinflight@live.com --- and I will contact one of the organizers (the person that sent me the email) for you.


Associated Organizations (as noted on the bottom of the email):


"The Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition"
"Hudson Valley for Obama"
"New Paltz and Vicinity for Obama"
"New Paltz Women in Black"
"Arts for Peace"
"Peace [and] Social Progress Now"
"Ulster County Community Council (the local MoveOn Council)"
"Network of Spiritual Progressives"
"NAACP of Kingston, NY"
"Dutchess with Obama"
"Orange for Obama"
"Single Payer/Hudson Valley"


[If I have noted anything in error, please let me know and I will make the appropriate corrections.]

Congressman Hinchey Speaks Out Against Job Crushing Republican Spending ...

From MoveOn.org Political Action... "GOP's War on Women"... Pertinent Links

Photo of the DV Clothesline Project

NS 2009 (?) UC DV Awareness Rally

"Top 10 Shocking Attacks from the GOP's War on Women"

"1) Republicans not only want to reduce women's access to abortion care, they're actually trying to redefine rape. After a major backlash, they promised to stop. But they haven't yet. Shocker.

2) A state legislator in Georgia wants to change the legal term for victims of rape, stalking, and domestic violence to "accuser." But victims of other less gendered crimes, like burglary, would remain "victims."

3) In South Dakota, Republicans proposed a bill that could make it legal to murder a doctor who provides abortion care. (Yep, for real.)

4) Republicans want to cut nearly a billion dollars of food and other aid to low-income pregnant women, mothers, babies, and kids.

5) In Congress, Republicans have a bill that would let hospitals allow a woman to die rather than perform an abortion necessary to save her life.

6) Maryland Republicans ended all county money for a low-income kids' preschool program. Why? No need, they said. Women should really be home with the kids, not out working.

7) And at the federal level, Republicans want to cut that same program, Head Start, by $1 billion. That means over 200,000 kids could lose their spots in preschool.

8) Two-thirds of the elderly poor are women, and Republicans are taking aim at them too. A spending bill would cut funding for employment services, meals, and housing for senior citizens.

9) Congress just voted for a Republican amendment to cut all federal funding from Planned Parenthood health centers, one of the most trusted providers of basic health care and family planning in our country.

10) And if that wasn't enough, Republicans are pushing to eliminate all funds for the only federal family planning program. (For humans. But Republican Dan Burton has a bill to provide contraception for wild horses. You can't make this stuff up). "

" Sources:

1. "'Forcible Rape' Language Remains In Bill To Restrict Abortion Funding," The Huffington Post, February 9, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206084

"Extreme Abortion Coverage Ban Introduced," Center for American Progress, January 20, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=205961

2. "Georgia State Lawmaker Seeks To Redefine Rape Victims As 'Accusers,'" The Huffington Post, February 4, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206007

3. "South Dakota bill would legalize killing abortion doctors," Salon, February 15, 2011

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/02/15/south_dakota_abortion_killing_bill 

4. "House GOP Proposes Cuts to Scores of Sacred Cows," National Journal, February 9, 2011

http://nationaljournal.com/house-gop-proposes-cuts-to-scores-of-sacred-cows-20110209

5. "New GOP Bill Would Allow Hospitals To Let Women Die Instead Of Having An Abortion," Talking Points Memo, February 4, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=205974

6. "Republican Officials Cut Head Start Funding, Saying Women Should be Married and Home with Kids," Think Progress, February 16, 2011

http://thinkprogress.org/2011/02/16/gop-women-kids/

7. "Bye Bye, Big Bird. Hello, E. Coli," The New Republic, Feburary 12, 2011

http://www.tnr.com/blog/83387/house-republican-spending-cuts-pell-education-usda-pbs

8. "House GOP spending cuts will devastate women, families and economy," The Hill, February 16, 2011

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/economy-a-budget/144585-house-gop-spending-cuts-will-devastate-women-families-and-economy-

9. "House passes measure stripping Planned Parenthood funding," MSNBC, February 18,2011

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/18/6080756-house-passes-measure-stripping-planned-parenthood-funding

"GOP Spending Plan: X-ing Out Title X Family Planning Funds," Wall Street Journal, February 9, 2011

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/02/09/gop-spending-plan-x-ing-out-title-x-family-planning-funds/

10. Ibid.

"Birth Control for Horses, Not for Women," Blog for Choice, February 17, 2011

http://www.blogforchoice.com/archives/2011/02/birth-control-f.html  "

The above was copied and pasted, with minor modification (quotation marks and text size/bold) from an email I received this morning.

Source:  "MoveOn.org Political Action Top 10 Shocking Attacks from the GOP's War on Women";
http://pol.moveon.org/waronwomen/?id=26177-14968754-IhjzGNx&t=3

Another Pertinent MoveOn.org Political Action Link:  "moveon.org Democracy in Action";
http://www.moveon.org/?registered=1&x=155&y=19&posted=1&id=-14968754-eBY9Lvx&Q_splashed=yes&referred_by=&petition_id=962&track_referer=&comment=&redirect_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moveon.org%2F

Please check out the MoveOn.org Political Action petitions.  This is about all of us.  This is about human rights.

Thank you.

[If any errors have been made, please let me know and (after evalutating the situation) I will make the appropriate changes.  Thank You.]

Real Time With Bill Maher Watch Ep 203 HBO Real Time Video

Ep. 203: February 18, 2011 - Overtime

[From "HBO 'Real Time' with Bill Maher"; "Watch Ep. 203... Overtime and other Real Time with Bill Maher videos online on HBO.com.; http://www.hbo.com/real-time-with-bill-maher/index.html#/real-time-with-bill-maher/episodes/0/203-episode/video/203-february-18-overtime.html/eNptj7FPhDAUxqMkGM-JwcmlC2dM1FBIDCFhOBETh1Ojt1-K9Z28pFyxFDwGB-5zWw6cXPq9fK-9ff1mqVNct8hBLnZMdBo3qdxp2OsrKfhkvbFPeGElOF+OdPvzD1AIdUzegQmywhLIN+qCPKAQZMkKUDHJqjsS+GFMniBXDVMdodGNcSglt+S1BaXNM7df1iNKWZT+Q+UWVR5QUGEtub00Tgfw8GfrjUHbf4LkFHTJGi0rwbpEqwZOnaNZ6ODFGvYb0dTYgnuyRn7s9j8DdYVaQJJVXpB5gW-oXrgww1TFjDTygnTYUWrECx7NOdWab6Vqymee2FJmZT0jtpgRW83IUG4+xCFPKL2nYeS7Z1DmwH8Bj-J-tg==]

My Comment:

This country should have free accessible quality health care (including dental care) and education (including higher education) for everyone. I'm not sure what is up with Obama (whom I supported) - but I am sure that some people in this country are acting like "gremlins" that "someone fed after midnight" and sprinkled with some distinctly unholy water.

Happy Valentines Day... Updated... Not Jumping Ship After All...

.Truth, Love and Justice

Peace

Taking a break for a while...

Taking a break for a while.

Monster On My Head Part II... Thoughts About "Pyramid Schemes"... More In the Post Below

I AM having trouble posting the Monster On My Head series...  But so be it.  These are being edited as I go along because the computer slows down [not the case with this post...] tremendously.

So be it.

Peace.

Monster on My Head... Part Two... The World's Greatest "Pyramid Scheme"?

["The Munsters Theme Song"; As Submitted to You Tube by groundctrl77; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFCnvH2E-6A&feature=related]

Monster on My Head [Part II in a Series]

My laptop, my normal means for blogging and uploading videos, is on the blink - so I can't start this post in the way that I had hoped to.  Still, a little innocent comedy never hurt anyone - and this whole computer bit has reminded me of how many people must be left out (entirely)  of this technological and informational boom.  True, folks - at least if they live in a large town or city -  can generally access a computer at a library or through some other means.  But what is going on in regard to computers, the internet, etc. when it comes to the rural poor?  Do the children have access to computers and the internet in thier classrooms?  Are they being introduced to ipods, the multifunctional cell phones, the other new games and gadgets (those with educational value) that are now such a common part (for some of us, in full or in part) of society?

That is a gentle start.  But still apropro...  As I wonder how many of the rural poor know about current events...  How much they know about the fact that there appear (an opinion...) to be people "out there" (monsters?) that would like to take a number of our hard won rights away from us...  Tax us poorer folks to death...  Put women "in thier [ahem] place..." Scam those of us that still have some naivete left out of everything from decent affordable health care, hard won pensions, our very homes...

Ah yes.  Some do know.  And I gotta' tell ya', those folks are not (an understatement for some) too happy!

Still, I have drifted off my intended topic for tonight - which I think I'm going to address (I'm having a bit of a tough time lately...) via the following (evaluate these for yourselves) videos:


["Real Time With Bill MaherRule - Pyramid Scheme (HBO)"; as submitted to You Tube by HBO; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5_EbZlLPfw&feature=player_embedded]

Whose at the top?  Whose at the bottom.  How might this "pyramid scheme of pyramid schemes" work?
Hmmmm.

[:Cher - Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves; as submitted to You Tube by filsdelalune; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lol6Z9rI408]

"I was born in the wagon of a traveling show...
My mama had to dance for the money they'd throw..

Papa would do whatever he could...
Preach a little gospel.... 
Sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good...

"Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...
But every night the men would come around...

"Three months later I'm a gal in trouble... 
And I haven't seen him for a while...

"Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...

..But every night the men would come around...
And lay thier money down..."[Lyrics may not be exact, but close]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

[Please don't bother to watch this video unless you watch the one below as well...]

["Planned Parenthood Aids Pimp's Underage Sex Ring"; as submitted to You Tube by TV Catholic; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aROPWBIzSbk]

Please note who posted this video, and see some of the threads [regarding alleged child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and the alleged cover-up of same...] down below... 

["Plot To Undermine Planned Parenthood Fails"; as submitted to You Tube by "The Young Turks";
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzasonAtKYQ]

Please read between the lines...

And note the following issues, as well:

["Child Support is Killing Fathers!"; as submitted by Childsupportscam; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqtdwMjgGF8&playnext=1&list=PL76B59B6D0FAFD323]

I do not know if the link provided in this video is valid.  .
I believe that fathers should definitely  pay reasonable child support.
However, to put fathers in jail or take thier driver's licenses "does" (to me) seem way off base.
As does the following scenerio...

["Mom Jailed For Putting Kids In Good School"; as submitted to You Tube by "The Young Turks"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72GOysAf2Ug&NR=1]

Absolute crap, if you ask me.  This is outrageous.

["Tata Young - Cinderella (with lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by swtarsim; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmiOyXepbsc&feature=player_embedded#]

Bottom line:  There is a monster on "our" heads...

Name it , claim it, and  change it!

Fat Cats, Black Cats and Roses for Survivors... The Next Post - Below - Addresses 1st and 2nd Amendment Rights / Issues...

Fat Cats, Black Cats and Roses for Survivors

Photos by NS

Just a note to say that the computer did not want to cooperate - at all - when I was posting the thread right below... so it has been left (after many struggles to edit it) "as is."

Updated: Monster on My Head: Part I... Gun Control, Mental Illness, Discrimination and the 2nd Amendment

Monster on My Head

Photo by NS

A lot of issues are on my mind tonight --- but I'm going to address them one by one:

Monster on My Head:  Part I of a Series

I am going to start by addressing NY City Mayor Bloomberg's [correction made] recommendations regarding gun control ["Bloomberg’s gun control suggestion for Obama  The Empire"; http://empire.wnyc.org/2011/02/bloombergs-gun-control-suggestion-for-obama/]; because although I think some of what he has to say is valid and important --- I also believe that stricter laws and the application of same should be applied only to those with a history of committing crimes of violence. 

To include those diagnosed with mental illness would be to include a very large segment of the population - the majority of whom are probably in no way a threat to themselves or others.  To include those diagnosed with mental illness - a group of people [inclusive of many of our military veterans and the victims of violent crimes...] that are already unjustly stigmatized and ignored (in regard to thier social, economic and health care needs) would (in my opinion) be discriminatory and (potentially) in violation of the "2nd Amendment" of the "U.S. Constitution" ["The Constitution of the United States with the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation"; Fall River Press; 2002; p. 63] 

Why do I believe this?

"The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America..."

[National Institute of Mental Health]

"Mental Disorders in America..."

"Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.1 When applied to the 2004 U.S. Census residential population estimate for ages 18 and older, this figure translates to 57.7 million people.2 Even though mental disorders are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion — about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 — who suffer from a serious mental illness.1 In addition, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Canada.3 Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. Nearly half (45 percent) of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for 2 or more disorders, with severity strongly related to comorbidity.1..."

"1. Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27"

"2. U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates by Demographic Characteristics. Table 2: Annual Estimates of the Population by Selected Age Groups and Sex for the United States: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2004 (NC-EST2004-02) Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau Release Date: June 9, 2005. http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/ " [Added]

"3. The World Health Organization. The global burden of disease: 2004 update, Table A2: Burden of disease in DALYs by cause, sex and income group in WHO regions, estimates for 2004. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO, 2008. http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/GBD_report_2004update_AnnexA.pdf. ] [Added]

Primary Source:  "NIMH · The Numbers Count Mental Disorders in America"; http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml

In addition, when it comes to the possibility of denying the rights of gun ownership to "drug addicts" - where, exactly, would one draw "that" line?  Street drugs / illegal drugs (and addiction to same) are one issue.  The increasing abuse of prescribed drugs (ditto) is another issue.  Alcohol (very potent and addictive for some) is also a drug.  The marijuana and nicotine debates (in some form or another) are ongoing.  And, what about the number of folks on anti-depressants, etc. [feel free to look up these stats yourself...]:   Would they [remember, norms and laws are constantly evolving...] potentially be considered "addicts" too?

Bottom line:  If we were to deny gun ownership to those "labeled" mentally ill [How many folks have suffered at least one bout of severe depression?] and drug addicts [In my opinion the main pushers are not on the streets...] - how many folks - with the "right to bear arms" - would be left? 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Also disturbing, but for different reasons [How many times must I (in one way or another...) ask: 

Whatever happened to the "1st Amendment" to the "U.S. Constitution"?????  ["The Constitution of the United States with the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation"; Fall River Press; 2002; p. 63]

As apparently...

NY City Governor Andrew Cuomo [whom I happen to like, on most topics, a great deal...]  "supports the CC [Christian Coalition] survey question on right to bear arms" --- which does not tell me what my neighbors think about the issue --- what non-lobbyists ["We the People" - as individuals...] think about the issue --- etc.

"Andrew Cuomo on Gun Control": http://www.ontheissues.org/governor/Andrew_Cuomo_Gun_Control.htm

From a link provided in the above document:

[1] "The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues...

[2]   "The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms..." ["Public Notes on 10-CC-q1":  http://www.ontheissues.org/Notebook/Note_10-CC-q10.htm ]

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

All of that said [and I am not necessarily opposed to the Christian Coalitions stance on gun control (I'm not even clear on what that stance is...)]; I simply do not want them speaking for me or (overtly or covertly) "buying" political influence. 

The NRA is a non-sectarian group (as far as I know) that already holds clout (and is more representative of the population as a whole) in that area.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I will leave you with the following video:

["State of MiND:  Mental Health "; as submitted to You Tube by MinDTV; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEweKLEWh80]

Welcome to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - featuring n...

Ice Curtain... Photo by NS

Ice Curtain [Photo by NS]

Wild, Isn't It?

Painting and Photo Of... Just Chillin'

"One Lizard Too Many"

Painting and Photo of Painting by NS

I've done three freehand oil based paintings (on canvas) in my life. 

This is one of them.

What Part of "NO" Does the GOP NOT Understand... Say No To "Redefining Rape"... Petition... MoveOn.org Political Action

Photo (by NS) of a Painting

PETITION:

 
"MoveOn.org Political Action Redefining Rape": 

http://pol.moveon.org/smithbill/?rc=fb.share.smithbill.1.2.taf.alt.email.passalong.alt6
 
I just had a nightmare related to a rape scenerio. A BAD one. So I'd like to remind folks that the majority of the GOP [voting on some important legislation, covered elsewhere on this blog] recently took some other major swipes at women's (including little girls...) integrity and rights.
 
What part of "NO" don't "THEY" understand?

Link: "Income Inequality... Worse Than... Egypt"... "Say You, Say Me"... Lionel Richie... More

Photo (by NS) of a Childrens Book Cover:  "Jack and the Beanstalk"

Something I read - that has been bothering me...] a few days ago [For more info click on the link...]:

"Protests in Egypt continued for a seventh day today, and pro-democracy demonstrators are organizing a “march of millions” to take place tomorrow. As financial markets dip across the Middle East, financial prognosticators are trying to divine what continued unrest will mean for the economies of the Middle East and the price of oil.

One of the driving factors behind the protests is the decades-long stagnation of the Egyptian economy and a growing sense of inequality. “They’re all protesting about growing inequalities, they’re all protesting against growing nepotism. The top of the pyramid was getting richer and richer,” said Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the Middle East.

As Yasser El-Shimy, former diplomatic attaché at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote in Foreign Policy, “income inequality has reached levels not before seen in Egypt’s modern history.” But Egypt still bests quite a few countries when it comes to income inequality, including the United States:

According to the CIA World Fact Book, the U.S. is ranked as the 42nd most unequal country in the world, with a Gini Coefficient of 45.

In contrast:

– Tunisia is ranked the 62nd most unequal country, with a Gini Coefficient of 40.

– Yemen is ranked 76th most unequal, with a Gini Coefficient of 37.7.

-- And Egypt is ranked as the 90th most unequal country, with a Gini Coefficient of around 34.4.

The Gini coefficient is used to measure inequality: the lower a country’s score, the more equal it is. Obviously, there are many things about the U.S. economy that make it far preferable to that in Egypt, including lower poverty rates, higher incomes, significantly better infrastructure, and a much higher standard of living overall. But income inequality in the U.S. is the worst it has been since the 1920′s, which is a real problem.

Currently, the top one percent of households make nearly 25 percent of the total income in the country, after they made less than 10 percent in the 1970′s. Between 1980 and 2005, “more than 80 percent of total increase in Americans’ income went to the top 1 percent.”

According to the latest data, “the gaps in after-tax income between the richest 1 percent of Americans and the middle and poorest fifths of the country more than tripled between 1979 and 2007.” And there’s even a stark divide within that one percent. “The share of the nation’s income flowing to the top one-tenth of 1 percent of households increased from 7.3 percent of the total income in the nation in 2002 to 12.3 percent in 2007,” the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted...."

Part of an article by Pat Garofalo; "Sourced from "ThinkProgress"; Copied and Pasted (with minor editing for placement here) from "AlterNet" [1/31/2011 Posting]:

http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/455106/income_inequality_in_the_u.s._is_worse_than_in_egypt/#paragraph3;

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I'm pretty burnt out today...

But what - "Say You..."

["Lionel Richie - Say You Say Me [ High Definition ]"; as submitted to You Tube by XVirusHD; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwAHOrccmVA&feature=fvst ]

About "These Dreams" [?????]

Economic Equality?
Fairness and Ethical Behavior in regard to Information Gathering and Distribution?
Child Safety in the US of A?
Women's Rights in the US of A?
True access - for all - to the "American Dream"?
Caste (be they overt or covert...) systems.................................................. ?
The chance that there will ever be "peace on Earth"?

What do you think about the face in the mirror?

What do you think about the child [ren] left behind?

What do you see............................. as solutions ?????

Join Me in the Fight Against Child Abuse...

I am making a point here...

So enlarge this pic and check out the eyes...

For the many folks that wonder what I am all about...

I can tell you this.

A long time ago...

I went away.

Oh yeah, I did...

And although I'm "back" - to some degree - I also slip back into the above state (terrified, traumatized, spaced out, overwhelmed and "off somewhere else...") sometimes.

Help me fight against child abuse?

It is the greatest (my opinion) WMD in this country!

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[BTW, if you see this child (me) in any pics (ahem...) that are floating around out there... 
Please let me (post a note here)  know...]

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Thank You

Stop Child Abuse

Martina McBride - Anyway (LIVE 2006)

Happy Feet Dance... Just Because It is So Cute...

Feeding the Birds

The Logical Song Roger Hodgson w Orchestra