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.
Even though her proposals would involve tens of billions in government spending, Clinton moved to head off anticipated charges that such measures would constitute a bailout. “To those who object to our government helping middle-class and low-income families devastated by the housing crisis, I say this: We’ve given Bear Stearns a $30 billion lifeline, we’ve given their creditors, their lenders, their customers, and those associated with them the same lifeline,” she said. “How can you tell a family about to lose their home that there’s nothing we can do to help them?”
I think this is a great plan, and it would be much better for the housing market to help people not go into foreclosure. Not only does foreclosure hurt the family that is made homeless, but it hurts the whole neighborhood, by bringing down home values for everyone.
I personally know more than one family who have been struggling for years to pay their mortgages, and now find themselves facing possible foreclosure. These families have already made huge sacrifices to keep paying their mortgages, in hopes to someday have at least a small nest-egg in their homes. But now those homes aren’t even worth what paid for them, and even if they were able to sell their homes (and many can’t even do that), they would lose money. On top of everything else, the cost to heat these homes has skyrocketed, and so has gas, food, healthcare, and just about everything else. Finances have gotten so bad, that these people feel the only solution is to walk away from their homes and their mortgages.
We need to find a way to help people who (up until now) have been struggling each month paying their mortgages, but who now feel their only option is to abandon their American Dream. We need to find a way to throw these families some sort of life-raft and help them get through this crisis with their dignity and hopefully their homes. More foreclosures, more abandoned homes, and more homeless families is only going to prolong this housing crisis.
And the problems facing the middle-class is not limited to the housing crisis. Rising healthcare cost are seriously hurting many families…
Recent history has not been kind to working-class Americans, who were down on the economy long before the word recession was uttered.
The main reason: spiraling health-care costs have been whacking away at their wages. Even though workers are producing more, inflation-adjusted median family income has dipped 2.6 percent — or nearly $1,000 annually since 2000.
There is no doubt that we are facing serious economic problems in this county. Since stopping this economic crisis is obviously not going to happen, we need to find the best way to get through it…and it shouldn’t be every man for himself. The more we collectively help Americans that need help, the fast are economy will recover from this crisis. The longterm costs of not helping these families, could end up being even more devastating to our economy.
House Holds Secret Session on Spying Bill — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
UPDATE: Bill passes House
For the first time in 25 years, the House held a closed session, to debate (what else?) the Bush Spying Bill…also known as FISA and the Telecom Amnesty Bill. Apparently, they will continue the debate openly later today, and then vote on it. However, even if the House version of this Bill does pass…Bush has promised to veto it. I was just thinking that our government is kinda like bumper cars at an amusement park, with George Bush at the power switch.
From the Associated Press - The House held a closed session Thursday for the first time in 25 years to discuss a hotly contested surveillance bill.
Republicans requested privacy for what they termed “an honest debate” on the new Democratic eavesdropping measure that is opposed by the White House and most Republicans in Congress.
As the House cleared out its chambers this evening for a “sweep” by the Capitol Police to ensure that no listening devices were present for the closed session of the House tonight — for a debate about the secret surveillance of suspected terrorists — advocates invoked history.
The last secret session was called in 1983, on the support of Contras.
Today the Care2 Election Blog has a timely guest post by Diane MacEachern, the founder and CEO of Big Green Purse, Diane is passionate about empowering women to use their marketplace clout to protect the environment. She is a best-selling author, successful entrepreneur, sought-after public speaker, and long-time conservationist, she has launched the only company in the U.S. dedicated specifically to transforming women’s environmental concerns into measurable improvements in our quality of life.
Is Sexism Hurting The Clinton Campaign? — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
I didn’t really want to do a post on Hillary Clinton and sexism, but it is just getting too difficult to ignore. Am I the only one that has noticed? Let me just say that I am not favoring either Obama or Clinton…When (and if) I do get a chance to vote between these candidates, my decision will be based on the issues. And this post is not about the issues, it’s about all the gender and sexism banter thats been going on.
As a woman I find it offensive, especially considering much of it is coming from other women. What is with that? I guess my sensitivity to the subject of women verbally bashing other women, was triggered when I read this article by Charlotte Allen in the Washington Post last week - We Scream, We Swoon, How Dumb Can We Get? Here is a taste of Charlotte Allen’s rant against women…
Then there’s Clinton’s nearly all-female staff, chosen for loyalty rather than, say, brains or political savvy. Clinton finally fired her daytime-soap-watching, self-styled “Latina queena” campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle, known for burning through campaign money and for her open contempt for the “white boys” in the Clinton camp. But stupidly, she did it just in time to alienate the Hispanic voters she now desperately needs to win in Texas or Ohio to have any shot at the Democratic nomination.
What is it about us women? Why do we always fall for the hysterical, the superficial and the gooily sentimental? Take a look at the New York Times bestseller list. At the top of the paperback nonfiction chart and pitched to an exclusively female readership is Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love.” Here’s the book’s autobiographical plot: Gilbert gets bored with her perfectly okay husband, so she has an affair behind his back. Then, when that doesn’t pan out, she goes to Italy and gains 23 pounds forking pasta so she has to buy a whole new wardrobe, goes to India to meditate (that’s the snooze part), and finally, at an Indonesian beach, finds fulfillment by — get this — picking up a Latin lover!
This is the kind of literature that countless women soak up like biscotti in a latte cup: food, clothes, sex, “relationships” and gummy, feel-good “spirituality.”
Needles to say, I wasn’t the only one who had a visceral reaction to this. PunditMom had a few choice words, and Jeff from Shakesville had this to say, in response to Allen’s response - Shorter Charlotte Allen
Basically, Allen’s argument boils down to this:
*I was serious about women being stupid.
*But I was also just kidding.
*It’s okay to make fun of women, they haven’t been historically oppressed.
*I really don’t know that much about women’s history.
Well! Good job, WaPo, hiring someone capable of making such a winning argument to talk about women.
I can’t imagine that anyone, at any time, thought that all women would rally around Hillary just because she’s a woman. However, I also couldn’t imagine the severity of the rift this division would have on women in general. And frankly, it’s kinda disappointing. Why are women o.k. with dissing Hillary over her clothes, ambitions, and emotions? Most of us would agree that sexism is wrong, yet there is little outrage over the treatment that Hillary Clinton is receiving…It just doesn’t make sense to me. Are we so use to being at the center of sexism ourselves, that we have become desensitized to it? If so, that’s pretty sad.
This is an exciting time in American politics. For the first time in history, the frontrunners for Democratic ticket are two minorities - a woman and an African American.
But still, there’s a gray cloud hanging over this diversity victory - sexism. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) is not only under fire for her political stances, but for her gender.
Clinton has endured sexism from all angles. Opponents have criticized her for using the gender card and allow the sexist remarks to continue. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) explained how he was going to beat Clinton when a supporter in South Carolina asked “How are you going to beat the bitch?” The event inspired a YouTube video, titled “How Do We Beat the Bitch.” It now has more than one million viewings.
On his MSNBC Show, Tucker Carlson said “There’s just something about her that feels castrating, overbearing and scary.” Couldn’t he find a better word than castrating? Other opponents, like MSNBC’s David Shuster accused her of “pimping” her daughter when Chelsea Clinton campaigned for her.
One what planet is this OK? A female Fox & Friends presenter weighs in on the in-studio banter regarding Hillary Clinton’s dress sense by proudly proclaiming, “Here at Fox, we like to be feminine. So we don’t wear the pants.” (If player fails to load, click HERE to view video.) It’s like the feminist movement never happened. This Faux News woman is utterly oblivious to the damage she’s doing. It’s so sad that women are so often their own worst enemies. Evolve people. Then again, along with pant suits, she probably doesn’t believe in evolution either.
Let me just start with this…Is there some way to “impeach” Howard Dean as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)? This whole situation is 100% his pig headed fault. I keep hearing him repeating over and over again, that Florida and Michigan are being “punished”, and that is that. Has Howard Dean ever heard of the CRAZY idea that the punishment should fit the crime? When a handful of people make a decision that is punishable…those people should be punished (not a couple million people). Howard Dean appears to be is on some sort of power trip, and as far as I’m concerned, he should be the one that is punished. He should be fired for making such an overwhelmingly irresponsible decision regarding a state’s right to move up their primary. Disenfranchising millions of voters because their state has moved up its primary, is just insane.
Why should the rest of the country care whether or not Florida and Michigan voters are disenfranchised? Well, let me tell you. In less than a year, Democrats need to win the general election, or McCain will end up in the White House. Need I say more?
I don’t care how they do it, but the DNC better fix this problem before it is really too late. I recommend all Democrats contact the DNC and voice their opinion on this issue. You can use their contact form or you can call them at 202-863-8000. This isn’t just a Florida/Michigan problem, this is a problem for every Democrat in this country. Take a stand. Insist that all votes be counted. This is the United States of America, we pride ourselves on our ability to conduct fair elections, and we DO NOT disenfranchise our citizens.
[As soon as I find a video clip of Howard Dean's comments from earlier today, I will post it here]
With no end in sight for the Democratic nomination fight, the past 24 hours have brought on a new round of debate over what to do about Michigan and Florida, including discussion of holding a second round of nominating conteststo award the two states’ delegates.
Govs. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Charlie Crist of Florida released a joint statement Wednesday calling for a resolution to the matter so their states’ voters are not disenfranchised in the nomination fight. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean is open to a second round of contests but shot down suggestions that delegates be awarded based on the first primary results. “We are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game,” Dean said in statement Wednesday.
Dean’s missing the boat on the importance of the legislative system, something that doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s observed him over the years. The Florida Senate passed legislation enabling the earlier primary. The Florida House voted 118-0 to do the same—in May, 2007. Maybe next time we want to pass a law in the Sunshine State we better check with Howard Dean first?
The DNC hardline position is nothing more than a move to control candidates. Party of the people? Not. If Sen. Barack Obama had won Florida, you think the DNC would refuse to count the votes? Not. Try tacking on those 210 delegates to Sen. Hillary Clinton’s numbers and see how they look.
Clinton & Obama: Unite Democrats, Insist All Votes Be Counted — Posted by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at The Care2 Election Blog)
I know I am in the minority when I say this…But, I do not think that under any circumstances, either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, should concede the Democratic nomination. At least not until every state has held it’s primary. This election is just much too important for that. Sadly, most would prefer Hillary Clinton bow out gracefully if she doesn’t have a landslide victory on Tuesday.
Top supporters of Senator Barack Obama, joined by at least one prominent Democrat yet to endorse a candidate, put pressure on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on Sunday to bow out of the presidential race unless she scores clear victories in the crucial big-state primary contests on Tuesday.
Like I said, “I don’t agree.” This isn’t just any election, this is an historic election. One where Democrats will be nominating either the first woman or the first African American to be our next president. And I think it is only fair that all Democrats (except of course Florida*), have an opportunity to vote in this primary.
If the candidates (and the DNC) truly care about uniting the party, then they should agree that regardless of the outcome, Clinton and Obama will run as a team. And then, from this moment, and until every state has had an opportunity to vote, Hillary and Barack should campaign on the issues only, and drop all the rhetoric and mudslinging.
I know this is a radical idea, and one that will probably not be adopted. However, by uniting the candidates, the party becomes united. And by allowing every state to hold a primary that “counts”, the DNC will continue to unite the voters in preparation for the general election. Let’s face it…How well has this primary system (of deciding the nominee before all states have had a chance to vote), served us in the past? Not so well.
It seems clear that voters want all votes to be counted, so why not just do it? I think it’s about time to recognize that the old system is not working. And the primaries are going to be held in every state either way, so why not let them all count?
Guess what? It’s not to late to do right by the American people.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
See the results of the Care2 Presidential Primary. Of the 11,426 votes from Care2 members in the past week, Barack Obama was the clear winner with 34 percent! Hillary Clinton came in second with 26 percent.
