My name is Catherine Morgan, I'm a writer, nurse, mother, and founder of "The Political Voices of Women". This is a blog dedicated to inform and educate the voting public through articles, ideas, and links. It's also a way of giving myself a voice, rather than just sitting back and watching politics and my opinion go by.
--- I am now also at the Care2 Election Blog.
During Women’s History Month, help make women’s voices heard.
WVWV is honoring those women that have utilized the internet to amplify their voices.
Nominate your favorite blogger by March 21, then check back to vote for your favorite among our top 10 women bloggers.
If you are reading this post, please take a minute to nominate one of the (over 300) Women Political Bloggers in our growing list. On March 21st, ten of the women bloggers who have received the most nominations, we be listed…and then the voting will begin.
President Bush had a press conference today (see transcript of press conference). Of course, he continued his rhetoric and scare tactics over the FISA bill. It seems to me, if the government would just follow the law and get the proper warrants for these wire taps, this would be a non-issue. Congress can not allow a bill to pass that will aid government agencies to spy on any American citizen without a warrant. And telecommunication companies need to understand that they cannot spy on American citizens without the proper warrants. Bush would have us believe that we need this bill to protect us from the terrorists, but the truth is…this bill enables the government to spy on any one of us. This is a very slippery slope.
Bush also used this opportunity to remind us of his extensive knowledge of the economy, assuring Americans that we are not in a recession, but rather a “slowdown.” Phew! That was a close one. I can breath easier now…NOT. I wonder how people directly affected by the “slowdown” feel about the Bush assessment. Is anybody else sick of hearing about the “wording” of our current economic crisis? I don’t care if Bush calls it “raindrops on roses”, it doesn’t change the facts.
Who will be the Democratic presidential nominee? Will tonight’s MSNBC debate in Ohio be the deciding factor? Let’s take a look at some pre-debate, debate, and post debate coverage.
During Women’s History Month, help make women’s voices heard.
WVWV is honoring those women that have utilized the internet to amplify their voices.
Nominate your favorite blogger by March 21, then check back to vote for your favorite among our top 10 women bloggers.
If you are reading this post, please take a minute to nominate one of the (over 300) Women Political Bloggers in our growing list. On March 21st, ten of the women bloggers who have received the most nominations, we be listed…and then the voting will begin.
Is politics making you stressed? Anxious? Depressed? — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at BlogHer)
Some days are worse than others for me. Today was particularly bad, especially with that stupid, fear mongering, “scare us into calling our senators” ad I’ve been seeing all day. Here is a video clip of the ad with the “truth” pointed out…
I’ve written about this FISA issue so much already, it makes me want to just SCREAM! I guess that makes me a wee-bit stressed. Screaming at the t.v. would seem to be a good indication of a person’s anxiety level, don’t you think? Do you ever want to scream at your television?
Today I even let the “F-bomb” slip, and in front of my daughter no less. It was while I was on the phone talking about politics (specifically, my pet-peeve issue of Florida disenfranchisement), and my daughter was sitting in the same room. There goes my “Perfect Mother of the Year” award.
How would you rate your level of politically induced stress? Are you a one? And not affected at all over political issues? Or, are you a ten? And waiting patiently for the men with straight jackets to show up at your door? I don’t think I’m a ten yet. But, at this rate, I’m sure it won’t be too long before I am.
Here are a couple posts I found of other women who are stressing over politics…
As America’s anxiety grows, the economy not only is becoming a preeminent issue of the election, but the presidential candidates are responding to public anxiety about the current model of globalization. The Democratic candidates are reflecting back the public criticism of the status quo, but so far, they have avoided stating how an aspiring future president would restore the economic security of the American middle class in this era of globalization.
Okay, so on Tuesday I went to cast my vote in the Democrats Abroad primary at Portchester Hall in London. The problem was, I was having a massive moral crisis. I was an undecided voter, for the first time in my entire life (and yes, this includes casting a vote for Dukakis in my school’s mock election in 1988 and crying when Bush won).
Since Edwards dropped out (and this Krugman column made me cry), I’ve had a hard time getting excited about the Democratic primary. This isn’t just out of character, it’s out of keeping with the massive turnouts recorded all over the states which (I assume) means that heaps of other people are terribly thrilled. It’s a strange combination of disillusionment, apathy, and indecision that I’ve never experenced before. Between Obamania and the Hillarybot, who the hell am I going to vote for?
I don’t know about you, but I’m having a panic attack about the future of our country. I remember a conversation I had with a friend of mine around the time of the last presidential election. She considered herself a Democrat and I considered myself a Republican.
The real question is…How are we going to make it to November with all of this stress? Well, there is no specific “political” stress relief program. But, here are some general tips you might find helpful., in reducing your level of stress. When all else fails…Turn the “freekin” news OFF.
Under stress? Always. First and foremost, don’t panic! Some people can work under stress because they do not panic. Keep calm and assess the situation. What is the sources of the stress? Is it your boss? Your officemate? The office/school itself? Chill. Hopefully, none of them bite. Here are some ways to control the stress in your life…
I heard recently that there is no such thing as stress. You can’t go outside with an empty jar, fill it with stress then bring it home or with you to wherever you go. Hmmm, sounds good. Then why are we so stressed-out? Why do we do this to ourselves?
Teaching Evolution In Florida Schools - by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
It seems odd (if not shocking) that the word “evolution” has never been written in a science book in Florida, and the teaching of evolution has never been part of the curriculum. Even with all the controversy over evolution vs. creation, I just always assumed that evolution was being taught in science class. That’ll teach me to “assume” anything again. But, on Tuesday, the State Board of Education voted to require Florida schools to teach evolution. So, you might think that this is the end of the story? Not so fast.
The State Board of Education was actually split in their decision, it was passed with a 4-3 vote. So three of seven people on the BOARD OF EDUCATION don’t even believe evolution should be taught in school? What? What kind of school board wants to limit the education of students? And then, there is the “wording” that will be used to update the science books. Some say the wording is meant to minimize evolution, in order to avoid teaching it as fact. Others are saying that the board was “tricked” into passing this, believing that the wording was supporting creationism and not evolution? So, where does that leave Florida students? You can decide for yourself, let’s take a closer look…
Florida’s public school science standards for the first time will use the word “evolution,” although the biological concept already was being taught under code words such as “change over time.” The new standards, part of a set of overall science changes adopted by the State Board of Education Tuesday on a 4-3 vote, require schools to spend more class time on evolution and teach it in more detail.
A bitter debate over how to teach evolution in Florida’s public schools ended — at least temporarily — with a compromise Tuesday. The state Board of Education voted 4-3 in Tallahassee to adopt new science standards that for the first time require evolution to be taught.
The majority selected a last-minute alternative rather than the original document created by scientists and science teachers after months of work.
That compromise, introduced late last week, inserts the phrase “the scientific theory of” in front of evolution and certain other concepts.
Opponents, who disliked both options, plan to shift their fight to the state Legislature.
At stake is the ability of our students to compete with students across the world on an equal playing field. Currently our state science standards receive failing grades both nationally and internationally.
Unfortunately, those with the most to gain through stronger science education are the most vocal opponents of the proposed standards. The facts are that the proposed standards are similar to those of every high-performing state and country whose students currently compete against the students of Florida for spots in the best universities in the country. It is also a fact that as we seek new industry and higher paying jobs for the citizens of Florida we compete against states that produce students with a more rigorous understanding of science.
My friend Kay B. Day, at Covering Florida, was kind enough to share with me her feelings on this issue. Here is what she had to say…
My attitude is teach it all, but frame it in the proper context. Evolution is a widely accepted theory and naturally it belongs in a science class, but I think a scholar, regardless of age, should be allowed to question anything s/he wants to. I do think there’s possibility for framing a discussion of intelligent design, as long as you frame it as a religious explanation, and frankly, I’d love to see all major religions included in that discussion. After all, most kids have some knowledge of creation from whatever faith they’ve been brought up in. Don’t you think they’ll have questions and ideas that can be addressed in lively, useful debate? As a freethinker, I don’t like to see creative exploration impeded. As a practicalist, I’ve come to realize that many scientific theories as well as many religious interpretations have changed over time. Consider the changes in science–from our usage of drugs and from our disasters like Thalidomide. Consider the changes in religion–now parables are often ascribed to myth, even by the devout. Bear in mind you’re talking to someone who is a rabid proponent of freedom of speech, even more of freedom of thought.
Until now, Florida’s schools weren’t required to teach evolution. The old curriculum guidelines didn’t even mention it by name.
That state education officials would approve the new standards was not a foregone conclusion. Since last November, 12 county school boards passed resolutions calling for classroom evolution to be balanced by “alternatives” — a polite euphemism for religiously orthodox explanations of life. The resolutions were non-binding, but raised fears that that the Board of Education would try to duck controversy by diluting the new standards.
Apart from being illegal, teaching creationism as science is a very bad idea. Students may not be permanently scarred by failing to learn about evolution at an early age — though the National Academy of Science would surely disagree — but, they’re bound to be stunted if told that evolution and creationism are even remotely equivalent in any scientific sense.
Yesterday’s decision is thus great news for Florida — and perhaps for the nation. Had Florida backed down, Texas — where a pro-evolution science education official was fired last year, and a curriculum revision is scheduled later this year — might have followed suit. Together they exert enough purchasing power to drag the nation’s textbook manufacturers with them, science be damned.
The creationist ignoramuses on the Florida Board of Education officially upheld evolution yesterday when they voted to approve “the scientific theory of evolution” as the “the fundamental concept underlying all of biology.” Presumably, they thought that the inclusion of the word “theory” is a slight to science - demonstrating an utter ignorance of the scientific process. In the battle against theocracy, this episode reinforces the lesson that a proper epistemology is more desperately needed than knowledge of any particular theory. Hopefully, students will now learn the meaning of “scientific theory” in addition to evolution.
The “academic freedom proposal” means Florida students are free to be confused — or hoodwinked– into thinking evolution is just a theory, as in a guess, or one of many equally valid guesses.
Those students already earn dismally low scores on science achievement in comparison to students from other states and countries — and their chances to improve just got worse.
So, what do you think? Are you surprised that evolution isn’t being taught in some schools? Do you think it is in the best interest of students to learn about evolution? I hope you’ll let me know how you feel about this issue in comments.
In addition, this is a complicated issue that spans even further than Florida. The issue of separation of church and state is an important one, and one that has become more and more “blurred” over the last seven years. For that reason, I have already begun working on a follow-up to this post. Once I am finished I will update this post with a link to the new one.
Where Do The Candidates Stand on Issues of Science? — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
It seems to me, the Bush administration has been a serious thorn in the side of science over the last seven years. That’s why it is so important for us to understand where our current presidential candidates stand on issues of science. What would they do about the environment? Stem Cell research? Global Warming? Well, we know a little more after science advisors for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, debated at the Annual Convention of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Saturday.
Clinton and Obama propose doubling the federal budget for basic scientific research over a period of five years; investing heavily in technology to produce next-generation biofuels; and advancing the fight against global warming.
They also want to remove what they say are the current ideological constraints on science, to return it to its rightful place in government policies.
“Hillary Clinton will end this assault on science,” said Kalil, who served as deputy assistant for technology and economic policy under former president Bill Clinton.
“She knows that innovation is critical for economic growth and high paying jobs,” he added, after outlining Hillary Clinton’s science program on a giant graph.
Ross limited himself to a simple oral presentation that was less structured as he invited members of the audience to visit Obama’s Internet site to get more details about his program.
Barack Obama’s “plan” for science was just posted on his campaign website issues page. The statement is short and generic at best, but he has also posted a three page fact sheet that gives more detail about his overall view. They call the fact sheet a plan on the issues page, but it is really a rather odd combination of statements about his record on the issues and statements about what he supports rather than a real top down plan for science. Overall, the document is very positive for science, but it lacks enough detail for any kind of substantive assessment of what he would do for science as President.
Instead of leading the world in oil imports, we can lead in green technology exports. The country that split the atom can end our dependence on foreign oil and launch an energy revolution. We can call it Energy 2.0 because we’ve got everything it takes except we have not organized ourselves to make it happen.
When science is politicized, when the truth is subjugated by ideology, it’s worse than wrong — it’s dangerous. Ending the war on science and once again valuing the ever-skeptical but always hopeful scientific enterprise is about more than our economy. It’s about more than our security. It is about our democracy.
Dems Cave on FISA and McCain Flips on Torture — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
Senate Democrats have caved on the FISA wiretapping bill(specifically the telecom immunity aspect), and it appears McCain has changed his mind on torture. Shocked? You probably shouldn’t be.
Do we really need to count ALL the votes? Huckabee thinks we do. — by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
Can you imagine the outrage, if someone had called last Sunday night’s Super Bowl early??? Or your bank teller stopped counting your $100 at 95, and told you it was close enough? What if your boss just “guesstimated” your paycheck? When it comes to our money, we want it all counted…But, when it comes to our votes it doesn’t matter???
“That is not what we do in American elections,” Huckabee said on CNN’s American Morning Monday. “Maybe that’s how they used to conduct it in the old Soviet Union, but you don’t just throw people’s votes out and say, ‘well, we’re not going to bother counting them because we kind of think we know where this was going.’
In a statement released Sunday, Huckabee’s campaign said Washington’s GOP Party Chairman Luke Esser called the race for McCain when Huckabee was only losing to the Arizona senator by 242 votes and over 1,500 votes remained to be counted. Esser has said he remains confident he made the right call.
Speaking on CNN, Huckabee said the campaign has sent lawyers to the state to formally challenge the result.
“I was just stunned,” Huckabee said. “It’s the kind of thing that Republicans across America, not just in Washington State, ought to be outraged over.”
The former Arkansas governor also brushed aside McCain’s claim of being the presumptive nominee, citing his wins in Kansas and Louisiana over the weekend.
Super Delegates: The Good, The Bad, and The Confusing. — by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
There has been a lot of confusion over delegates and super-delegates. And, because of the close race between Obama and Clinton, understanding the role of delegates and super-delegates is going to be more important than in past elections. However, understanding may be the easy part…Getting over the seemingly less than democratic process, may prove to be more difficult.
(CNN) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will suspend his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, GOP sources tell CNN.
Suspending a campaign has a different meaning depending on the party.
On the Republican side, decisions on how to allocate delegates is left to the state parties.
On the Democratic side, a candidate who “suspends” is technically still a candidate so he or she keeps both district and statewide delegates won through primaries and caucuses. Superdelegates are always free to support any candidate at any time, whether the candidate drops out, suspends or stays in.
National party rules say that a candidate who “drops out” keeps any district-level delegates he or she has won so far but loses any statewide delegates he or she has won.
