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Housing |
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Petition |
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Nebraska, United States |
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A group trying to establish a home for homeless vets in Nebraska needs your help. Please sign their petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/a-home-for-homeless-veterans-in-americas-heartland
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Dale The Honorable Skeptic raises some thoughtful arguments against abortion that are not based on "My God says you shouldn't, so there." I am glad to see them; this is the discussion that needs to take place. Law in human society must be based on how humans relate to one another, not on how we relate to our gods.
This is also a chance to respond to the argument by some others that we should "let each state decide" what abortion law should be. Whether or not abortion is legal should and must be decided at the federal level. If abortion is murder of a human individual, then the federal government is obligated to step in and protect fetuses in states that refuse to do so, just as the federal government would be obligated to step in and protect blacks from lynching if a state decided they had no civil rights. If abortion is not murder, then forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy to term against her will is a violation of her own civil rights, and the federal government is obligated to step in and protect her just as much as it would be obligated to protect someone from slavery in a state that ruled slavery legal.
Ethics are, basically, the way we figure we have to act in order to get the world we want to live in. Most of us want to live in a world where our lives and property are safe from violence; where we can live as we wish, limited only by respect for others' rights to live as they wish; where we have access to the resources to live; where life is to some extent predictable and promises and agreements will be honored; where we are not excluded from social institutions, but are a participant, with a voice in decisions that affect our lives that is equal to that of anyone else. Out of this, we have created a body of human rights precepts and civil law. Some people believe that granting the legal right to abort a fetus makes it easier for society to accept violence toward others, besides fetuses. First abortion, then euthanasia, then horror on Earth. I do not agree. I do not believe that the "right to life" of a fetus is a necessary consequence or a necessary foundation for other human rights. I do believe that the right of a woman to choose whether to continue or to terminate her own pregnancy is a necessary consequence and foundation for other human rights. Human society is a great example of the second law of thermodynamics: any closed system will run down. Human rights don't just happen. Unless each generation has people who actively push the boundaries, human rights don't grow, they erode. Protecting human rights and expanding human rights does not mean extending rights to the fetus. That is over-riding the rights of people who can speak for themselves, by people who claim to speak for others who can't say one way or the other. Protecting human rights and expanding human rights means defending the right of a woman to choose abortion, and her access to safe, medical abortion, which includes public financing for abortions for women who cannot otherwise afford them. Yes, that means that people who do not believe abortions are ethical will be taxed to pay for them. My taxes have been used to support things I disagreed with, too. That's the price I pay for living in a society where other people get an equal voice in decisions, and I am occasionally outnumbered by people who disagree with me. Democracy does not mean that you always get your own way. I do believe that a few people can be right when the majority is wrong, and should remain vocally working to advance their views. That is how we ended slavery and child labor and got the vote for women and made other social progress. People who believe that abortion is murder are right in trying to convince other people that abortion is murder. I hope that they will listen to arguments to the contrary, but they are free to act according to their own beliefs. People who believe that abortion is murder are not right, in my opinion, in forcing that decision upon others who do not agree. This does violence to the rights of women, without doing anything effective to actually protect any embryos.
As I see it personally, lots of embryos begin and fail to come to term, for lots of reasons. Some babies are stillborn. Some babies fail to thrive, die in infancy. I do want passionately to save more of those lives. Making abortion illegal does not save more embryos from death. Improving the lives of women does. Improving the lives of women has to begin with respecting the self-determination of women. Then, instead of trying to prevent them from choosing to have an abortion, we can improve access to birth control, medical care, food, housing, and safety from violence, so that they have other real choices. That is "creating a culture of life."
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I am still a newbie at Care2 messaging; according to Care2, I have 26 friends, and none of them are in my addressbook! So I'm using network messaging, and I have no idea who this is going to; I can only hope that I am not annoying you.
These are the news stories I submitted February 13. If you find them interesting, please note them and send them on.
Biofuel Crops That Require Destroying Native Ecosystems Worsen Global Warming
Turning native ecosystems into "farms" for biofuel crops causes major carbon emissions that worsen the global warming that biofuels are meant to mitigate, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota and the Nature Conservancy. In Defense of Food: Author, Journalist Michael Pollan on Nutrition, Food Science and the American Diet In his latest book, 'In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto,' Michael Pollan argues that what most Americans are consuming today is not food but "edible food-like substances." Video and transcript of interview on Democracy Now. - Travelers to Europe May Face Fingerprinting - Washingtonpost.Com
The U.S. government can access our financial transactions; air travel details (name, itinerary, credit card number); who sends and receives express-mail and the contents sent. Foreigners are fingerprinted and photographed before entering. EU follows suit.
TIME Poll: Obama More Likely to Beat MCain
Independents tilt toward McCain when he is matched up against Clinton. When he is matched up against Obama, they tilt toward Obama. Independents are key to the 2008 election. Sounds like the Democrats have the best chance of winning with Obama. And to begin Valentine's Day: 
Write On!
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Please take a look at these stories, and note those you find notable:- Why American Veterans Are Voting For Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the grandson of a World War II vet who fought in Patton's army, is passionate and committed to the issues that affect veterans and their families. Obama has pledged a "zero tolerance" policy to end veteran homelessness. - Barack Obama Has Important Legislative Experience
Obama's campaign claims are not just rhetoric. Important legislative successes in both state and Congress demonstrate real ability "to deal with extremely complex issues, to reach across the aisle and to deal with diverse people." - Robert De Niro on Obama's 'Inexperience'
“It's clear Barack Obama does not have the experience to let the special interests run the government. He wasn't experienced enough to authorize the invasion of Iraq. That's the kind of inexperience I can get used to." - Lawrence Lessig: Why I Support Barack Obama
Comparing Obama and Clinton on character, integrity, and what each candidate would do: Barack Obama "represents the very best of who we are, the best of character, of integrity and ideals. And someone who opposed the war from the start." - Obama and Clinton: Not Trivial Differences
Obama's approach to problems reflects a liberal libertarianism not shared by any other leading Democrat, certainly not Hillary Clinton. Clinton wants to help us even against our will (like mandating health insurance); Obama will help us help ourselves. - Obama Voted to Ban Cluster Bombs; Clinton Says Keep Using Them!
Senate Amendment No. 4882, an amendment to a Pentagon appropriations bill, would have banned the use of cluster bombs in civilian areas. Senator Obama of Illinois voted IN FAVOR of the ban. Senator Clinton of New York voted AGAINST the ban. - Obama Commits to Renew Constitution; Clinton Does Not
Barack Obama has signed the American Freedom Pledge to restore basic Constitutional principles after the battering they have taken during the Bush-Cheney era, leaving Hillary Clinton the only Democratic presidential candidate that has not. - Clinton Gets Most Lobbyist Money, McCain Most Lobbyist Help
Clinton took in $823,087 from registered lobbyists and members of their firms in 2007. Barack Obama doesn't take money from registered lobbyists, although he received $86,282 from employees of firms that lobby.
Write On!
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The Democratic precinct caucuses here in Washington State begin in a little over twelve hours. If anybody has been reading this blog, you know I will be caucusing for Barack Obama. As a head start:- Why American Veterans Are Voting For Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the grandson of a World War II vet who fought in Patton's army, is passionate and committed to the issues that affect veterans and their families. Obama has pledged a "zero tolerance" policy to end veteran homelessness. - Barack Obama Has Important Legislative Experience
Obama's campaign claims are not just rhetoric. Important legislative successes in both state and Congress demonstrate real ability "to deal with extremely complex issues, to reach across the aisle and to deal with diverse people." - Robert De Niro on Obama's 'Inexperience'
“It's clear Barack Obama does not have the experience to let the special interests run the government. He wasn't experienced enough to authorize the invasion of Iraq. That's the kind of inexperience I can get used to." - Lawrence Lessig: Why I Support Barack Obama
Comparing Obama and Clinton on character, integrity, and what each candidate would do: Barack Obama "represents the very best of who we are, the best of character, of integrity and ideals. And someone who opposed the war from the start." - Obama and Clinton: Not Trivial Differences
Obama's approach to problems reflects a liberal libertarianism not shared by any other leading Democrat, certainly not Hillary Clinton. Clinton wants to help us even against our will (like mandating health insurance); Obama will help us help ourselves.
I went to see Barack Obama speak today. I am not usually excited about going to see candidates in person. What more could I find out listening to someone speak in person than I could by research? I found myself excited about hearing Obama in person. I was ready for some uplift! And indeed, he is an inspiring speaker, charging up a huge crowd even after a two-hour wait.
One of the most telling moments for me was not anything he said. It was the point where he broke his rhetorical drive to reach for a bottle of water. Instead of drinking, he tossed it to somebody in the audience. Then he paused, saying: "Sit down there. Back off, give her room. Let those people through."
A young woman in the crowd immediately in front of the stage had fainted. Obama not only noticed, he took the time to make sure she was alright before returning his attention to his own speech.
All candidates say they are really in it for our sake. Few get a chance to demonstrate that they are paying more attention to the well-being of the people in front of them than they are to their own ego.
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The Democratic precinct caucuses here in Washington State begin in a little over twelve hours. If anybody has been reading this blog, you know I will be caucusing for Barack Obama. Â As a head start:- Why American Veterans Are Voting For Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the grandson of a World War II vet who fought in Patton's army, is passionate and committed to the issues that affect veterans and their families. Obama has pledged a "zero tolerance" policy to end veteran homelessness. - Barack Obama Has Important Legislative Experience
Obama's campaign claims are not just rhetoric. Important legislative successes in both state and Congress demonstrate real ability "to deal with extremely complex issues, to reach across the aisle and to deal with diverse people." - Robert De Niro on Obama's 'Inexperience'
“It's clear Barack Obama does not have the experience to let the special interests run the government. He wasn't experienced enough to authorize the invasion of Iraq. That's the kind of inexperience I can get used to." - Lawrence Lessig: Why I Support Barack Obama
Comparing Obama and Clinton on character, integrity, and what each candidate would do: Barack Obama "represents the very best of who we are, the best of character, of integrity and ideals. And someone who opposed the war from the start." - Obama and Clinton: Not Trivial Differences
Obama's approach to problems reflects a liberal libertarianism not shared by any other leading Democrat, certainly not Hillary Clinton. Clinton wants to help us even against our will (like mandating health insurance); Obama will help us help ourselves.
I went to see Barack Obama speak today. I am not usually excited about going to see candidates in person. What more could I find out listening to someone speak in person than I could by research? I found myself excited about hearing Obama in person. I was ready for some uplift! And indeed, he is an inspiring speaker, charging up a huge crowd even after a two-hour wait.Â
One of the most telling moments for me was not anything he said. It was the point where he broke his rhetorical drive to reach for a bottle of water. Instead of drinking, he tossed it to somebody in the audience. Then he paused, saying: "Sit down there. Back off, give her room. Let those people through."
A young woman in the crowd immediately in front of the stage had fainted. Obama not only noticed, he took the time to make sure she was alright before returning his attention to his own speech.
All candidates say they are really in it for our sake. Few get a chance to demonstrate that they are paying more attention to the well-being of the people in front of them than they are to their own ego.
Imported from
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Both liberals and conservatives usually seem to have an image of "evangelical Christian" that is all Radical Right. In reality, "Christians" are no more one monolithic block who all behave the same than "Muslims" are. Please note, comment, and circulate this article by Nicholas Kristof, and any other material you find that will break up the stereotypes and help progressives of *all* faiths become allies again: Evangelicals a Liberal Can Love.
Write On!
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As an introduction, this is a short autobiographical piece I wrote recently:
My first street poems
I grew up in a family where reading and writing were considered normal human activities. I wrote my first poem when I was five. I have written poetry all my life, and even published a few, in spite of Writer's Marketing Block. My poetry has improved the most in the toughest periods of my life.
In 1995, I lived on a friend's couch for eight months, in depression. During that depression I wrote only one poem. Because I now call couch-surfing being "homeless in denial," I will include that one here -- when I find it. A lot gets lost in the Great Gray Fog.
Finally I became officially homeless. I was fortunate: Seattle has good community health clinics, and after 40 years of undiagnosed and untreated manic depression (bipolar disorder), I was finally diagnosed. I was doubly fortunate: the first time I walked into a homeless shelter was the night a mental health outreach worker was there, and she got my prescription filled. I was triply fortunate: I respond well to Lithium.
Only a week after I began taking Lithium, I was able to push myself into participating in a craft project at Noel House, the homeless women's shelter where I stayed. We were making Halloween cards. This was the first poem I had written in several months.
Now all threatening shadows
open
into warmth and light.
I continued to become increasingly active. I moved from the staffed shelter of Noel House to a self-managed SHARE shelter, and became a member of StreetLife Gallery, a self-managed co-op of homeless and formerly homeless artists.
I was still confident of my writing, but I wanted to do something more visual at the art gallery, so I decided to try something new. I checked out some books from the library on handmade paper and found art, and walking back I "found" this poem.
Creating With Found Objects
Out of Limbo
I come
to find
myself
scattered
across the pavement
I search
creating
with found objects
a life.
In the months to come, poetry would help me recreate a life. I started a writing workshop for homeless and low-income people (who often have a hard time finding, or fitting into, other writing workshops). Many times I saw the same, infinitely rewarding, phenomenon: someone shuffles in with that "gray pavement" face; says that they can't write; starts moving a pen across the paper because this pushy old woman tells them to; something from their heart flows out; they read it out loud; they look around the table and see other people listening; their face transforms, their eyes light up with a sense of self, their body sits up and comes back to life.
The first couple of years of the workshop, I often heard lines like, "Homeless people don't need to be writing poetry! Homeless people need to be out finding a job!" I don't get those comments any more. A number of homeless service organizations have started writing programs and art programs. People noticed that if people are going to recreate our lives, we need our creativity.
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anitra
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Philanthropy |
| Action Request: |
Visit - online |
| Location: |
United States |
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If, after supporting Care2's ten causes a day, your mouse is on a roll and you want to click some more, here are more ways to donate for free by a click:
At freerice.com you can play a vocabulary game, have fun and learn, and donate rice to hungry people at the same time! Warning: It is addictive! 
Write On!
Anitra
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