World Poverty DAY is October 17th, 2007
UNIFEM Press Release
Dear friends and colleagues,
World Poverty Day on 17 October is coming closer, and I would like to invite you to join UNIFEM on that day in raising public awareness on the issue of women and poverty.
UNIFEM has joined forces with the Womens Funding Network (www.wfnet.org), an umbrella for some 120 womens funds worldwide, to call for greater investment in women to overcome global poverty. At the centre of our joint activities is participation in the United Nations Millennium Campaign Stand Up against Poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals (more info: www.standagainstpoverty.org). To channel our call to overcome womens poverty into the campaign, we have developed a small website through which we will encourage people to stand up online and get informed on the issue of women and poverty. The site has just been launched in English, French and Spanish at: www.womenfightpoverty.org
In addition to the website, we are developing an e-card (an electronic postcard) that will ask people to join the online stand up and provide a direct link to the sign-up form. The e-card will be ready for distribution just before Poverty Day and we will let you know as soon as the card is available.
I very much hope that you will reach out to your networks to mobilize as many people as possible and help raise awareness on the fact that women are not only deeply affected by poverty, but also hold enormous potential to help overcome it.
We hope that on World Poverty Day we can show the world that there is an extensive and very active movement in support of eradicating womens poverty.
With best regards,
Joanne Sandler
Executive Director a.i.
UNIFEM
Posted: Monday, October 8, 2007, 14:23:33
On International Women's Day
UN Secretary-General Calls for Enhanced Institutional Response to Women's Rights
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked International Women's Day 2007 by calling for a single UN agency to lead the world in the fight for women's rights. This follows the recommendation of the High-Level Panel on UN System-Wide Coherence in November 2006 to combine several current structures into one dynamic, ambitiously funded agency. This recommendation was echoed by UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer, who stated that "what is needed now is a serious strategy and resources to upscale the work through a strong gender entity within the UN system, bringing the system together to promote the strategies and practices that have worked." Highlighting the theme of this year's Internat ional Women's Day, Ban Ki-moon added that more needs to be done to combat violence against women and girls, observing that "it is too often tolerated under the fallacious cover of cultural practices and norms." He specifically addressed the use of gender-based violence "as a weapon in armed conflict, condoned through tacit silence and passivity by the State and the law enforcement community." In response, he proposed that the UN General Assembly discuss the problem of violence against women and girls annually, and that the Security Council establish a formal monitoring mechanism within the framework of resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Read UN Secretary-General Ban's remarks and UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer's statement for International Women's Day.
UN to Intensify Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict
What can the UN do to intensify efforts to end sexual violence in conflict? That question provided the theme of a provocative, expert debate held on 5 March 2007 at UN Headquarters to generate ideas on how the United Nations can augment efforts to end the "silent crime" of rape. This discussion took place against the backdrop of a new cross-UN initiative, the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, uniting ten UN agencies to prevent all forms of gender-based violence in conflict and to support survivors. In response to the challenges raised, Mr. John Holmes, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs who devoted his first day as Emergency Relief Coordinator to this issue pledged to lead the humanitarian community in this "war that can be won." Read the complete story.
New Virtual Network Unites Women in Politics around the Globe
The first virtual network linking women in politics throughout the world was launched on 27 February 2007 at the United Nations: the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics). Drawing on a database of more than 100 experts on women in politics, iKNOW Politics allows users to access an online library with more than 400 reports, handbooks and training materials from leading international agencies, research institutions, academia and civil society groups. Other highlights include a virtual forum for mediated discussions, high-profile interviews, member-created sites and a variety of resources on campaigns, elections and quotas, political parties, parliaments and representatives, advocacy and lobbying, skills building, budgets and legislation and post-conflict a nd transitional participation. iKNOWPolitics was jointly founded by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNIFEM. Read the complete story.
European Commission and United Nations Launch New Partnership to Strengthen Gender Equality for Development and Peace
The European Commission and the United Nations are launching a programme to bolster advocacy for investment in gender equality and women's empowerment as a vital part of development assistance. The programme will partner UNIFEM and the International Training Center of the International Labour Organization (ILO) with EC delegations in developing countries to identify ways to incorporate gender equality and women's human rights into EC-supported aid programmes. Efforts will include strengthening implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, as four of the pilot countries will be post-conflict settings. The programme also features the launch of a website designed to provide a wide range of actors with the tools and resources needed to advocate f or stronger gender equality programming. Read the complete story.
Public and Private Sector Experts Discuss Women's Health Care, Education and Economic Empowerment
On 7 March 2007, the Virtue Foundation in partnership with Avon, co-sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), and UNIFEM, held the Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow, a gathering of leading experts on women's issues from the public and private sector. The event focused on three critical areas: health care, education and economic empowerment. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM, drew attention to the resource deficit for work to improve women's lives, saying "if we are to have a safer world, we must invest in that world." Shashi Tharoor, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, emphasized "a two-word mantra that can change the face of the globe: educate girls ." On the occasion, Avon shared the results of the First Annual Avon Global Women's Empowerment Index, a poll of 8,000 women in 16 countries. Among other findings, women polled indicated education and career opportunities as areas needing improvement. On behalf of Avon and the Virtue Foundation, Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson introduced the new "Hello Tomorrow" award programme, to support initiatives to empower girls.
Posted: Saturday, March 10, 2007, 17:37:21
V‑DAY MARIN JOINS GLOBAL EFFORT
TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
The benefit production of Eve Enslers
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
with
Jane Ganahl
Nina Wise
Shaun Landry
Kaytie OHara
Nkechi
to be performed at:
Osher Marin JCC
200 N. San Pedro Rd
San Rafael
March 10, 2007 7:00 PM
Last year, over 1150 communities hosted V-Day benefits around the world raising funds and awareness towards ending violence against women. These highly successful events raised over $6 million through the performance of Eve Enslers award-winning play, The Vagina Monologues. Hot on the heels of their success, Marin County has joined this global movement as part of the V‑Day 2007 Worldwide Campaign.
Hailed by The New York Times as "funny" and "poignant" and by the Daily News as "intelligent" and "courageous," The Vagina Monologues, which was first performed off-Broadway by Ms. Eve Ensler, dives into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement buried in womens experiences. Ms. Ensler has performed the play to great acclaim throughout the world - from Zagreb to Santa Barbara, from London to Seattle, from Jerusalem to Oklahoma City.
Tickets for the performance only are $35 and tickets for the performance and VIP reception are $100. You can buy tickets for this event at Sheila Kelleys
S Factor San Francisco located at 2159 Filbert Street. S Factor will also be donating a party for up to 10 women for the raffle. Proceeds from this community event will be donated to Stepping Stones Project and Marin Abused Womens Services.
To learn more about V‑Day Marin, e-mail vdaymarincounty@gmail.com. To learn more about V‑Day, the V‑Day Worldwide Campaign or the V‑Day College Campaign, visit www.SteppingStonesProject.org. For questions about tickets at Sheila Kelleys S Factor, contact the studio at 415.440.6420.
Posted: Friday, February 23, 2007, 18:46:13
ACTRESS NICOLE KIDMAN JOINS UNIFEM AS NEW GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
timed to kick off UNIFEM's 30th anniversary year
ACTRESS NICOLE KIDMAN JOINS UNIFEM AS NEW GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
United Nations, New York The United Nations Development Fund for Women today appointed Nicole Kidman, Academy Award winning actress, as its Goodwill Ambassador to help the organization champion women's rights and improve women's lives. The announcement, made by UNIFEM Executive Director, Noeleen Heyzer, at a press conference at United Nations Headquarters in New York, was timed to kick off UNIFEM's 30th anniversary year.
Ms Heyzer introduced Ms Kidman as a profound and charismatic artist, who because of her renown, had the power to reach out to an audience of enormous scale, lending her visibility and voice to making a difference in women's lives. "Nicole joins UNIFEM as we are celebrating our 30th anniversary to help raise awareness on issues of pressing concern to women around the world, and to amplify the message that women's contributions are essential to achieving development, and building peaceful and just societies."
"The designation of a Goodwill Ambassador is reserved for exceptional individuals who are committed to using their visibility for positive change. We are honoured to have Nicole join the UNIFEM family," she added.
Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2006, 15:49:12
Roe V Wade
33rd Anniversary of This Supreme Court Decision
This week marks an important date in the year and in our history. As President Bush continues to push his questionable agenda in the arena of women's rights by nominating Judge Alito to the high court, and we have people liek him saying Roe V Wade is not a done deal, there is pause for all us baby boomers who fought hard to win a 1973 ruling freeing women everywhere....
check out the world abortion facts here:
http://www.crlp.org/wn_abortion.html
and now....let's focus on celebrating this historical day...this week..
Kate Michelman has worked hard, along with Gloria Steinem and scores of others...over the decades
let's celibrate women's freedom of reproductive rights!
Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2006, 13:51:15
Happy New Year 2006
Let's Stay On Track!!!!!
Thank YOU to everyone who DID a fabulous job last year.
Jessica Tully has a great event coming up on MARCH 9th, this year for Music for America.
Stay tuned.
Other news: Will be posted Mid January!
Posted: Monday, January 2, 2006, 17:15:16
Hello...ambrosia....happy joy joy
we're having fun now
xxoxooxoxxoxo
Libby
Posted: Friday, September 23, 2005, 0:45:16
This week is CRUCIAL in the fight to save the Supreme Court!
John Roberts has been nominated for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and his confirmation hearings are this week!
John Roberts has been nominated for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
and his confirmation hearings are this week!
This week is CRUCIAL in the fight to save the Supreme Court!
We have very little time to tell key Senators that they must actively oppose the Roberts nomination and if necessary they must filibuster. To do this we have to flood their offices with calls hundreds and thousands of calls opposing Roberts.
Save the Court for Womens Lives!
There are three things you can do to help.
(1) EMERGENCY CALLING CAMPAIGN! Help shut down the switchboards in Washington!
Please join the campaign by calling the following Senate leaders and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee at their Washington offices. Tell them that the future of the nation is at stake, and they must actively oppose John Roberts and filibuster if necessary.
? Harry Reid (Nevada) Senate Minority Leader
(202) 224-3542
? Dianne Feinstein (California) Only Woman on Judiciary Committee
(202) 224-3841
? Senator Patrick Leahy (Vermont) Ranking Democrat on Judiciary Committee
(202)224-4242
? Herb Kohl (Wisconsin) Senate Judiciary Committee
(202) 224-5653
Please call THIS WEEK! In order to stand up, these Senators need to know we stand behind them. If you are able to make MORE CALLS, please see the phone numbers at the end of this email.
TALKING POINTS:
As leaders in the Senate and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you are representing the nation in this critical time. I ask you to oppose the Roberts nomination and use the filibuster to block a Senate vote. Roberts is stuck in the 1950s and as Chief Justice he would be in a position to roll back 40 years of progress for womens rights and civil rights. Roberts is a tremendous threat to birth control and abortion rights, womens rights, civil rights, the environment, and the separation of church and state.
(2) TELL 10 FRIENDS!
In addition to calling these senators, call your friends and family and get them to call senators as well. Forward this email we send you, but if you can actually get your friends on the phone, please do that too - its the best way to get them involved in this urgent effort.
(3) MAKE AN EMERGENCY CONTRIBUTION
If you are able to give money we are asking for emergency contributions for this campaign. Whatever you can gives helps us mount a bigger fight. To donate to this campaign go to: http://www.feminist.org/donations/fund/save_roe.asp
Top Priority Calls
Senate Minority Leader
Senator Harry Reid (Nevada)
202-224-3542
Judiciary Committee
Senator Diane Feinstein (California)
(202) 224-3841
Judiciary Committee
Senator Patrick Leahy (Vermont)
(202) 224-4242
Judiciary Committee
Senator Herb Kohl (Wisconsin)
(202) 224-5653
If you have time these are other important calls - Judiciary Committee Members
Senator Russell Feingold (Wisconsin)
(202) 224-5323
Senator Joseph Biden (Delaware)
(202) 224-5042
Senator Edward Kennedy (Massachusetts)
(202) 224-4543
Senator Richard Durbin (Illinois)
(202) 224-2152
Senator Charles Schumer (New York)
(202)224-6542
Dont let any of these offices tell you that you arent their constituent because you dont live in that state. Through their leadership positions in the Senate confirmation process, these Senators need to represent all Americans!
Thank you so much for all you do.
Posted: Tuesday, September 13, 2005, 0:57:2
Katrina Timeline
stay informed, avoid the media spin
Friday, August 26
GOV. KATHLEEN BLANCO DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN LOUISIANA: (Office of
the Governor)
GULF COAST STATES REQUEST TROOP ASSISTANCE FROM PENTAGON: At
a 9/1 press conference, Lt. Gen. Russel Honor, commander, Joint Task Force
Katrina, said that the Gulf States began the process of requesting
additional forces on Friday, 8/26.
(DOD)
Saturday, August 27
5AM KATRINA UPGRADED TO CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE
(CNN)
GOV. BLANCO ASKS BUSH TO DECLARE FEDERAL STATE OF EMERGENCY IN LOUISIANA:
I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that
effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected
local governments, and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary to
save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or
avert the threat of a disaster.
(Office of the Governor)
FEDERAL EMERGENCY DECLARED, DHS AND FEMA GIVEN FULL AUTHORITY TO
RESPOND TO KATRINA:
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its
discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of
the emergency.
( White House)
Sunday, August 28
2AM KATRINA UPGRADED TO CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE
(CNN)
7AM KATRINA UPGRADED TO CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE
(CNN)
MORNING LOUISIANA NEWSPAPER SIGNALS LEVEES MAY GIVE:
Forecasters Fear Levees Wont Hold Katrina: Forecasters feared Sunday
afternoon that storm driven waters will lap over the New Orleans levees when
monster Hurricane Katrina pushes past the Crescent City tomorrow.
(Lafayette Daily Advertiser)
9:30 AM MAYOR NAGIN ISSUES FIRST EVER MANDATORY EVACUATION OF NEW ORLEANS:
Were facing the storm most of us have feared, said Nagin. This is going
to be an unprecedented event.
(Times-Picayune)
4PM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUES SPECIAL HURRICANE WARNING: In
the event of a category 4 or 5 hit, Most of the area will be uninhabitable
for weeks, perhaps longer. At least one-half of well-constructed homes
will have roof and wall failure. All gabled roofs will fail, leaving those
homes severely damaged or destroyed. Power outages will last for weeks.
Water shortages will make human suffering incredible by modern standards.
(National Weather Service)
BROWN, CHERTOFF WARNED OF LEVEE FAILURE BY NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
DIRECTOR:
Dr. Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center: "We were
briefing them way
before landfall. Its not like this was a surprise. We had in the
advisories that the levee could be topped.
(Times-Picayune; St. Petersburg Times)
LATE PM REPORTS OF WATER TOPPLING OVER LEVEE:
Waves crashed atop the exercise path on the Lake Pontchartrain levee in
Kenner early Monday as Katrina churned closer.
(Times-Picayune)
APPROXIMATELY 30,000 EVACUEES GATHER AT SUPERDOME WITH ROUGHLY 36
HOURS WORTH OF FOOD
(Times-Picayune)
Monday, August 29
7AM KATRINA MAKES LANDFALL AS A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE
(CNN)
8AM MAYOR NAGIN REPORTS THAT WATER IS FLOWING OVER LEVEE:
Ive gotten reports this morning that there is already water coming over
some of the levee systems. In the lower ninth ward, weve had one of our
pumping stations to stop operating, so we will have significant flooding, it
is just a matter of how much. (NBCs Today
Show)
MORNING: BUSH CALLS SECRETARY CHERTOFF TO DISCUSS IMMIGRATION:
I spoke to Mike Chertoff today hes the head of the Department of Homeland
Security. I knew people would want me to discuss this issue (immigration),
so we got us an airplane on a telephone on Air Force One, so I called him. I
said, are you working with the governor? He said, you bet we are.
(White House)
MORNING: BUSH SHARES BIRTHDAY CAKE PHOTO-OP WITH SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (White
House)
10AM BUSH VISITS ARIZONA RESORT TO PROMOTE MEDICARE DRUG BENEFIT: This
new bill I signed says, if youre a senior and you like the way things are
today, youre in good shape, dont change. But, by the way, theres a lot of
different options for you. And were here to talk about what that means to
our seniors.
(White House)
LATE MORNING LEVEE BREACHED:
A large section of the vital 17th Street Canal levee, where it connects to
the brand new hurricane proof Old Hammond Highway bridge, gave way late
Monday morning in Bucktown after Katrinas fiercest winds were well north.
(Times-Picayune)
11:30AM MICHAEL BROWN FINALLY REQUESTS THAT DHS DISPATCH 1,000 EMPLOYEES
TO REGION, GIVES THEM TWO DAYS TO ARRIVE:
Browns memo to Chertoff described Katrina as this near catastrophic
event but otherwise lacked any urgent language. The memo politely ended,
Thank you for your consideration in helping us to meet our
responsibilities.
(AP)
2PM BUSH TRAVELS TO CALIFORNIA SENIOR CENTER TO DISCUSS MEDICARE DRUG
BENEFIT:
Weve got some folks up here who are concerned about their Social Security
or Medicare. Joan Geist is with us. I could tell she was looking at me
when I first walked in the room to meet her, she was wondering whether or
not old George W. is going to take away her Social Security check.
(White House)
9PM RUMSFELD ATTENDS SAN DIEGO PADRES BASEBALL GAME:
Rumsfeld joined Padres President John Moores in the owners boxat Petco
Park.
(Editor & Publisher)
Tuesday, August 30
9AM: BUSH SPEAKS ON IRAQ AT NAVAL BASE CORONADO
(White House)
MIDDAY: CHERTOFF FINALLY BECOMES AWARE THAT LEVEE HAS FAILED:
It was on Tuesday that the levee may have been overnight Monday to
Tuesday that the levee started to break. And it was midday Tuesday that I
became aware of the fact that there was no possibility of plugging the gap
and that essentially the lake was going to start to drain into the city.
(Meet the Press, 9/4/05)
PENTAGON CLAIMS THERE ARE ENOUGH NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS IN REGION:
Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita said the states have adequate National
Guard units to handle the hurricane needs.
(WWL-TV)
MASS LOOTING REPORTED, SECURITY SHORTAGE CITED:
The looting is out of control. The French Quarter has been attacked,
Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson said. Were using exhausted, scarce police to
control looting when they should be used for search and rescue while we
still have people on rooftops.
(AP)
U.S.S. BATAAN SITS OFF SHORE, VIRTUALLY UNUSED:
The USS Bataan, a 844-foot ship designed to dispatch Marines in amphibious
assaults, has helicopters, doctors, hospital beds, food and water. It also
can make its own water, up to 100,000 gallons a day. And it just happened
to be in the Gulf of Mexico when Katrina came roaring ashore. The Bataan
rode out the storm and then followed it toward shore, awaiting relief
orders. Helicopter pilots flying from its deck were some of the first to
begin plucking
stranded New Orleans residents. But now the Bataans hospital facilities,
including six
operating rooms and beds for 600 patients, are empty.
(Chicago Tribune)
3PM PRESIDENT BUSH PLAYS GUITAR WITH COUNTRY SINGER MARK WILLIS
(AP)
BUSH RETURNS TO CRAWFORD FOR FINAL NIGHT OF VACATION
(AP)
Wednesday, August 31
TENS OF THOUSANDS TRAPPED IN SUPERDOME; CONDITIONS DETERIORATE:
A 2-year-old girl slept in a pool of urine. Crack vials littered a
restroom. Blood stained the walls next to vending machines smashed by
teenagers. We pee on the floor. We are like
animals, said Taffany Smith, 25, as she cradled her 3-week-old son, Terry.
By Wednesday, it had degenerated into horror. At least two people,
including a child, have been raped. At least three people have died,
including one man who jumped 50 feet to his death, saying he had nothing
left to live for. There is no sanitation. The stench is overwhelming.' "
(Los Angeles Times, 9/1/05)
PRESIDENT BUSH FINALLY ORGANIZES TASK FORCE TO COORDINATE FEDERAL RESPONSE:
Bush says on Tuesday he will fly to Washington to begin work with a task
force that will coordinate the work of 14 federal agencies involved in the
relief effort.
(New York Times, 8/31/05]
JEFFERSON PARISH EMERGENCY DIRECTOR SAYS FOOD AND WATER SUPPLY GONE:
Director Walter Maestri: FEMA and national agencies not delivering the help
nearly as fast as it is needed.
(WWL-TV)
80,000 BELIEVED STRANDED IN NEW ORLEANS:
Former Mayor Sidney Barthelemy estimated 80,000 were trapped in the
flooded city and
urged President Bush to send more troops.
(Reuters)
3,000 STRANDED AT CONVENTION CENTER WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER:
With 3,000 or more evacuees stranded at the convention center and with no
apparent contingency plan or authority to deal with them collecting a body
was no ones priority. Some had been at the convention center since Tuesday
morning but had received no food,
water or instructions.
(Times-Picayune)
5PM BUSH GIVES FIRST MAJOR ADDRESS ON KATRINA:
"that he understood the depth of the current crisis.
(New York Times)
8:00PM CONDOLEEZZA RICE TAKES IN A BROADWAY SHOW:
On Wednesday night, Secretary Rice was booed by some audience members at
Spamalot!, the Monty Python musical at the Shubert, when the lights went up
after the performance.
(New York Post, 9/2/05)
9PM FEMA DIRECTOR BROWN CLAIMS SURPRISE OVER SIZE OF STORM:
I must say, this storm is much much bigger than anyone expected.
(CNN)
Thursday, September 1
8AM BUSH CLAIMS NO ONE EXPECTED LEVEES TO BREAK:
I dont think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees.
(Washington Post)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE VISITS U.S. OPEN:
Rice, [in New York] on three days vacation to shop and see the U.S. Open,
hitting some balls with retired champ Monica Seles at the Indoor Tennis Club
at Grand Central.
(New York Post)
STILL NO COMMAND AND CONTROL ESTABLISHED:
Terry Ebbert, New Orleans Homeland Security Director: This is a national
emergency. This is a national disgrace. FEMA has been here three days, yet
there is no command and control. We can send massive amounts of aid to
tsunami victims, but we cant bail out the city of New Orleans.
(Fox News)
2PM MAYOR NAGIN ISSUES DESPERATE SOS TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:
This is a desperate SOS. Right now we are out of resources at the
convention centre and dont anticipate enough buses. We need buses.
Currently the convention centre is unsanitary and unsafe and were running
out of supplies.
(Guardian, 9/2/05)
2PM MICHAEL BROWN CLAIMS NOT TO HAVE HEARD OF REPORTS OF VIOLENCE:
Ive had no reports of unrest, if the connotation of the word unrest means
that people are beginning to riot, or you know, theyre banging on walls and
screaming and hollering or
burning tires or whatever. Ive had no reports of that.
(CNN)
NEW ORLEANS DESCEND[S] INTO ANARCHY:
Storm victims were raped and beaten, fights and fires broke out, corpses
lay out in the open, and rescue helicopters and law enforcement officers
were shot at as flooded-out New Orleans descended into anarchy Thursday.
This is a desperate SOS, the mayor said.
(AP)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE GOES SHOE SHOPPING:
Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza Rice was seen
spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes (weve
confirmed this, so her new heels will surely get coverage from the WaPos
Robin Givhan). A fellow shopper, unable to fathom the absurdity of Rices
timing, went up to the Secretary and reportedly shouted, How dare you shop
for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!
(Gawker)
MICHAEL BROWN FINALLY LEARNS OF EVACUEES IN CONVENTION CENTER:
We learned about that (Thursday), so I have directed that we have all
available resources to get that convention center to make sure that they
have the food and water and medical care
that they need.
(CNN)
Friday, September 2
ROVE-LED CAMPAIGN TO BLAME LOCAL OFFICIALS BEGINS:
Under the command of President Bushs two senior political advisers, the
White House rolled out a planto contain the political damage from the
administrations response to Hurricane Katrina. President Bushs comments
from the Rose Garden Friday morning
formed the start of this campaign.
(New York Times, 9/5/05)
9:35AM BUSH PRAISES MICHAEL BROWN:
Brownie, youre doing a heck of a job.
(White House, 9/2/05)
10 AM PRESIDENT BUSH STAGES PHOTO-OP BRIEFING:
Coast Guard helicopters and crew diverted to act as backdrop for President
Bushs photo-op.
BUSH VISIT GROUNDS FOOD AID:
Three tons of food ready for delivery by air to refugees in St. Bernard
Parish and on Algiers Point sat on the Crescent City Connection bridge
Friday afternoon as air traffic was halted because of President Bushs visit
to New Orleans, officials said.
(Times-Picayune)
LEVEE REPAIR WORK ORCHESTRATED FOR PRESIDENTS VISIT:
Touring this critical site yesterday with the President, I saw what I
believed to be a real and significant effort to get a handle on a major
cause of this catastrophe. Flying over this critical spot again this
morning, less than 24 hours later, it became apparent that yesterday we
witnessed a hastily prepared stage set for a Presidential photo opportunity;
and the desperately needed resources we saw were this morning reduced to a
single, lonely piece of equipment.
(Sen. Mary Landrieu, 9/3)
BUSH USES 50 FIREFIGHTERS AS PROPS IN DISASTER AREA PHOTO-OP:
A group of 1,000 firefighters convened in Atlanta to volunteer with the
Katrina relief efforts. Of those, a team of 50 Monday morning quickly was
ushered onto a flight headed for Louisiana. The crews first assignment: to
stand beside President Bush as he tours devastated areas.
(Salt Lake Tribune; Reuters)
3PM BUSH SATISFIED WITH THE RESPONSE:
I am satisfied with the response. I am not satisfied with all the
results.
(AP)
Saturday, September 3
SENIOR BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL LIES TO WASHINGTON POST, CLAIMS GOV.
BLANCO NEVER DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY:
The Post reported in their Sunday edition As of Saturday, Blanco still had
not declared a state of emergency, the senior Bush official said. They
were forced to issue a correction hours later.
(Washington Post, 9/4/05)
9AM BUSH BLAMES STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS:
[T]he magnitude of responding to a crisis over a disaster area that is
larger than the size of Great Britain has created tremendous problems that
have strained state and local capabilities. The result is that many of our
citizens simply are not getting the help they need.
(White House, 9/3/05)
Posted: Sunday, September 11, 2005, 18:32:18
A few words of wisdom I found....I always liked Dennis Kucinich
Please read, and stand tall.....we can and WILL save our country!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2005
12:20 PM CONTACT: Congressman Dennis Kucinich
Doug Gordon (202) 225-5871
Floor Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich:
The Supplemental for Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON - September 2 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) gave the following speech today on the House floor during a special session to provide relief money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina:
This amount of money is only a fraction of what is needed and everyone here knows it. Let it go forward quickly with heart-felt thanks to those who are helping to save lives with necessary food, water, shelter, medical care and security. Congress must also demand accountability with the appropriations. Because until there are basic changes in the direction of this government, this tragedy will multiply to apocalyptic proportions.
The Administration yesterday said that no one anticipated the breach of the levees. Did the Administration not see or care about the 2001 FEMA warning about the risk of a devastating hurricane hitting the people of New Orleans? Did it not know or care that civil and army engineers were warning for years about the consequences of failure to strengthen the flood control system? Was it aware or did it care that the very same Administration which decries the plight of the people today, cut from the budget tens of millions needed for Gulf-area flood control projects?
Countless lives have been lost throughout the South with a cost of hundreds of billions in ruined homes, businesses, and the destruction of an entire physical and social infrastructure.
The President said an hour ago that the Gulf Coast looks like it has been obliterated by a weapon. It has. Indifference is a weapon of mass destruction.
Our indifferent government is in a crisis of legitimacy. If it continues to ignore its basic responsibility for the health and welfare of the American people, will there ever be enough money to clean up after their indifference?
As our government continues to squander human and monetary resources of this country on the war, people are beginning to ask, Isnt it time we began to take care of our own people here at home? Isnt it time we rescued our own citizens? Isnt it time we fed our own people? Isnt it time we sheltered our own people? Isnt it time we provided physical and economic security for our own people? And isnt it time we stopped the oil companies from profiting from this tragedy?
We have plenty of work to do here at home. It is time for America to come home and take care of its own people who are drowning in the streets, suffocating in attics, dying from exposure to the elements, oppressed by poverty and illness, wracked with despair and hunger and thirst.
The time is NOW to bring back to the United States the 78,000 National Guard troops currently deployed overseas into the Gulf Coast region.
The time is NOW to bring back to the US the equipment which will be needed for search and rescue, for clean up and reclamation.
The time is NOW for federal resources, including closed Army bases, to be used for temporary shelter for those who have been displaced by the hurricane.
The time is NOW to plan massive public works, with jobs going to the people of the Gulf Coast states, to build new levees, new roads, bridges, libraries, schools, colleges and universities and to rebuild all public institutions, including hospitals. Medicare ought to be extended to everyone, so every person can get the physical and mental health care they might need as a result of the disaster.
The time is NOW for the federal government to take seriously the research of scientists who have warned for years about the dangers of changes in the global climate, and to prepare other regions of the country for other possible weather disasters until we change our disastrous energy policies.
The time is NOW for changes in our energy policy, to end the domination of oil and fossil fuel and to invest heavily in alternative energy, including wind and solar, geothermal and biofuels.
As bad as this catastrophe will prove to be, it is in fact only a warning. Our government must change its direction, it must become involved in making America a better place to live, a place where all may survive and thrive. It must get off the path of war and seek the path of peace, peace with the natural environment, peace with other nations, peace with a just economic system.
Posted: Sunday, September 4, 2005, 8:35:9
How to HELP the Folks from NEW ORLEANS::::::in TEXAS, at the ASTRODOME
this info just in from my friend Art in TEXAS.....
where to donate/volunteer in houston. people need help-NOW. please get your
old clothes for Salvation Army.......
art
Update: Donations are being handled through the Salvation Army or call (713)
694-5688. Make sure to drop off your donations. If they are picked up by the
Salvation Army, they will go into the Thrift Store system.
At some point, they may accept donations directly at the Dome. To volunteer
with the Red Cross, call (713) 313-5480.
Sign up to volunteer at the Dome at
www.harriscountycitizenscorp.com/volunteer. Thanks Stan for pointing this
out!
and from move on......
This morning, we've launched an emergency national housing drive to connect your empty beds with hurricane victims who desperately need a place to wait out the storm. You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) and search for available housing online at:
http://www.hurricanehousing.org
Housing is most urgently needed within reasonable driving distance (about 300 miles) of the affected areas in the Southeast, especially New Orleans.
Please forward this message to anyone you know in the region who might be able to help.
But no matter where you live, your housing could still make a world of difference to a person or family in need, so please offer what you can.
The process is simple:
* You can sign up to become a host by posting a description of whatever housing you have available, along with contact information. You can change or remove your offer at any time.
* Hurricane victims, local and national relief organizations, friends and relatives can search the site for housing. We'll do everything we can to get your offers where they are needed most. Many shelters actually already have Internet access, but folks without 'net access can still make use of the site through case workers and family members.
Posted: Thursday, September 1, 2005, 14:25:39
One more week...before congress comes back
Get ready.....ROE V WADE must be protected
Hello darlings, and i sincerely hope you are going to be there, during the sustainable future to watch your daughters grow up with the same freedoms intact that we have enjoyed. Isn't it weird, and a horror that we have to fight the fight all over again?
President Bush needs to get a message, loud and clear from us. NO.....we will not stand to see ROE V WADE overturned. Please give generously to NARAL, who is mounting a campaign to educate the public re: Roberts' record.
Thank you so much. YOU rock!
Stay sexy!
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2005, 19:35:56
It's A Family Affair
Families Everywhere
Hello darlings....
Just a quick note to say, hey there, please take time to enjoy your family, your deep connections to those you love and act to protect freedoms that we in America have enjoyed......Protect our constitution, baby! Our rights.....Get involved.....stay involved, find a project you feel passionate about...perhaps our links here will provide you with some guidance of what some great people like yourself are doing to make a difference in your worlds, communities and families.
Bless YOU, give where you can to make a difference!
xoxoxoxo
Libby
Posted: Friday, July 15, 2005, 0:38:25
Press Batters McClellan on Rove/Plame Link
New York - Editor and Publisher Staff
At numerous press briefings last week, not a single reporter
asked White House Press Secretary about emerging allegations that top presidential
aide Karl Rove was a source, or the source, for Time magazine's Matthew Cooper
in the Valerie Plame case. Then on Sunday, Newsweek revealed a Cooper e-mail
from July 2003 that showed that Rove indeed had talked to him about Plame and
her CIA employment, although he apparently did not mention that she worked under
cover.
This development apparently freed the journalists to hit McClellan hard at this
afternoon's briefing. In September and October 2003, McClellan had rejected
as "ridiculous" any suggestion that Rove was involved in the Plame leak. Today,
Rove didn't quite get off "Scott free."
***
Q: Does the president stand by his pledge to fire anyone involved in a leak
of the name of a CIA operative?
MCCLELLAN: I appreciate your question. I think your question is being asked
related to some reports that are in reference to an ongoing criminal investigation.
The criminal investigation that you reference is something that continues at
this point.
And as I’ve previously stated, while that investigation is ongoing, the
White House is not going to comment on it.
The president directed the White House to cooperate fully with the investigation.
And as part of cooperating fully with the investigation, we made a decision
that we weren’t going to comment on it while it is ongoing.
Q: I actually wasn’t talking about any investigation. But in June of
2004, the president said that he would fire anybody who was involved in this
leak to the press about information. I just wanted to know: Is that still his
position?
MCCLELLAN: Yes, but this question is coming up in the context of this ongoing
investigation, and that’s why I said that our policy continues to be
that we’re not going to get into commenting on an ongoing criminal investigation
from this podium.
The prosecutors overseeing the investigation had expressed a preference to us
that one way to help the investigation is not to be commenting on it from this
podium....
Q: Scott, if I could point out: Contradictory to that statement, on September
29th of 2003, while the investigation was ongoing, you clearly commented on
it. You were the first one to have said that if anybody from the White House
was involved, they would be fired. And then, on June 10th of 2004, at Sea Island
Plantation, in the midst of this investigation, when the president made his
comments that, yes, he would fire anybody from the White House who was involved.
So why have you commented on this during the process of the investigation in
the past, but now you’ve suddenly drawn a curtain around it under the
statement of, 'We’re not going to comment on an ongoing investigation'?
MCCLELLAN: Again, John, I appreciate the question. I know you want to get to
the bottom of this. No one wants to get to the bottom of it more than the president
of the United States. And I think the way to be most helpful is to not get into
commenting on it while it is an ongoing investigation. And that’s something
that the people overseeing the investigation have expressed a preference that
we follow.
And that’s why we’re continuing to follow that approach and that
policy. Now, I remember very well what was previously said. And, at some point,
I will be glad to talk about it, but not until after the investigation is complete.
Q: So could I just ask: When did you change your mind to say that it was OK
to comment during the course of an investigation before, but now it’s
not?
MCCLELLAN: Well, I think maybe you missed what I was saying in reference to
Terry’s question at the beginning. There came a point, when the investigation
got under way, when those overseeing the investigation asked that it would be
— or said that it would be their preference that we not get into discussing
it while it is ongoing.
I think that’s the way to be most helpful to help them advance the investigation
and get to the bottom of it.
Q: Scott, can I ask you this: Did Karl Rove commit a crime?
MCCLELLAN: Again, David, this is a question relating to a ongoing investigation,
and you have my response related to the investigation. And I don't think you
should read anything into it other than: We're going to continue not to comment
on it while it's ongoing.
Q: Do you stand by your statement from the fall of 2003, when you were asked
specifically about Karl and Elliot Abrams and Scooter Libby, and you said, "I've
gone to each of those gentlemen, and they have told me they are not involved
in this"?
MCCLELLAN: And if you will recall, I said that, as part of helping the investigators
move forward on the investigation, we're not going to get into commenting on
it. That was something I stated back near that time as well.
Q: Scott, this is ridiculous. The notion that you're going to stand before us,
after having commented with that level of detail, and tell people watching this
that somehow you've decided not to talk. You've got a public record out there.
Do you stand by your remarks from that podium or not?
MCCLELLAN: I'm well aware, like you, of what was previously said. And I will
be glad to talk about it at the appropriate time. The appropriate time is when
the investigation...
Q: (inaudible) when it's appropriate and when it's inappropriate?
MCCLELLAN: If you'll let me finish.
Q: No, you're not finishing. You're not saying anything. You stood at that podium
and said that Karl Rove was not involved. And now we find out that he spoke
about Joseph Wilson's wife. So don't you owe the American public a fuller explanation.
Was he involved or was he not? Because contrary to what you told the American
people, he did indeed talk about his wife, didn't he?
MCCLELLAN: There will be a time to talk about this, but now is not the time
to talk about it.
Q: Do you think people will accept that, what you're saying today?
MCCLELLAN: Again, I've responded to the question.
QUESTION: You're in a bad spot here, Scott... because after the investigation
began -- after the criminal investigation was under way -- you said, October
10th, 2003, "I spoke with those individuals, Rove, Abrams and Libby. As I pointed
out, those individuals assured me they were not involved in this," from that
podium. That's after the criminal investigation began.
Now that Rove has essentially been caught red-handed peddling this information,
all of a sudden you have respect for the sanctity of the criminal investigation?
MCCLELLAN: No, that's not a correct characterization. And I think you are well
aware of that.....
And we want to be helpful so that they can get to the bottom of this. Because
no one wants to get to the bottom of it more than the president of the United
States.
I am well aware of what was said previously. I remember well what was said previously.
And at some point I look forward to talking about it. But until the investigation
is complete, I'm just not going to do that.
Q: So you're now saying that after you cleared Rove and the others from that
podium, then the prosecutors asked you not to speak anymore and since then you
haven't.
MCCLELLAN: Again, you're continuing to ask questions relating to an ongoing
criminal investigation and I'm just not going to respond to them.
Q: When did they ask you to stop commenting on it, Scott? Can you pin down a
date?
MCCLELLAN: Back in that time period.
Q: Well, then the president commented on it nine months later. So was he not
following the White House plan?
MCCLELLAN: I appreciate your questions. You can keep asking them, but you have
my response.
Q: Well, we are going to keep asking them. When did the president learn that
Karl Rove had had a conversation with a news reporter about the involvement
of Joseph Wilson's wife in the decision to send him to Africa?
MCCLELLAN: I've responded to the questions.
Q: When did the president learn that Karl Rove had been...
MCCLELLAN: I've responded to your questions.
Q: After the investigation is completed, will you then be consistent with your
word and the president's word that anybody who was involved will be let go?
MCCLELLAN: Again, after the investigation is complete, I will be glad to talk
about it at that point.
Q: Can you walk us through why, given the fact that Rove's lawyer has spoken
publicly about this, it is inconsistent with the investigation, that it compromises
the investigation to talk about the involvement of Karl Rove, the deputy chief
of staff, here?
MCCLELLAN: Well, those overseeing the investigation expressed a preference to
us that we not get into commenting on the investigation while it's ongoing.
And that was what they requested of the White House. And so I think in order
to be helpful to that investigation, we are following their direction.
Q: Does the president continue to have confidence in Mr. Rove?
MCCLELLAN: Again, these are all questions coming up in the context of an ongoing
criminal investigation. And you've heard my response on this.
Q: So you're not going to respond as to whether or not the president has confidence
in his deputy chief of staff?
MCCLELLAN: You're asking this question in the context of an ongoing investigation,
and I would not read anything into it other then I'm simply going to comment
on an ongoing investigation.
Q: Has there been any change, or is there a plan for Mr. Rove's portfolio to
be altered in any way?
MCCLELLAN: Again, you have my response to these questions....
***
Q: There’s a difference between commenting publicly on an action and
taking action in response to it. Newsweek put out a story, an e-mail saying
that Karl Rove passed national security information on to a reporter that outed
a CIA officer. Now, are you saying that the president is not taking any action
in response to that? Because I presume that the prosecutor did not ask you not
to take action and that if he did you still would not necessarily abide by that;
that the president is free to respond to news reports, regardless of whether
there’s an investigation or not.
So are you saying that he’s not going to do anything about this until
the investigation is fully over and done with?
MCCLELLAN: Well, I think the president has previously spoken to this.
This continues to be an ongoing criminal investigation. No one wants to get
to the bottom of it more than the president of the United States. And we’re
just not going to have more to say on it until that investigation is complete.
***
Q: When the leak investigation is completed, does the president believe it might
be important for his credibility, the credibility of the White House, to release
all the information voluntarily that was submitted as part of the investigation,
so the American public could see what transpired inside the White House at the
time?
MCCLELLAN: This is an investigation being overseen by a special prosecutor.
And I think those are questions best directed to the special prosecutor.
Q: Have you or the White House considered whether that would be optimal to release
as much information and make it as open…
MCCLELLAN: It’s the same type of question. You’re asking me to
comment on an ongoing investigation and I’m not going to do that.
Q: I’d like you to talk about the communications strategies just a little
bit there.
MCCLELLAN: Understood. The president directed the White House to cooperate fully
with the investigation, and that’s what he expects people in the White
House to do.
Q: And he would like to do that when it is concluded, cooperate fully with…
MCCLELLAN: Again, I’ve already responded.
Q: Scott, who in the investigation made this request of the White House not
to comment further about the investigation? Was it Mr. Fitzgerald? Did he make
a request of you specifically?
MCCLELLAN: You can direct those questions to the special prosecutors. I think
probably more than one individual who’s involved in overseeing the investigation
had expressed a preference that we not get into commenting on the investigation
while it’s ongoing.
Link
To Original Posting
Take a second and sign the petition to fire Rove at MoveOn
Link
to MoveOn Petition to Fire Karl Rove
John Kerry's petition to fire Rove.
Link to Kerry Petition
to Fire Karl Rove
Posted: Tuesday, July 12, 2005, 13:31:48
Staying MOTIVATED!!!
Priestess Politics
"If I don't start getting involved now......when will I?"
This is what I heard soooo many of my friends say during the 2004 election. Afterward, I heard wounded cries for help from a collective conscious population with modern world views, wanting to protect our feminine power of freedom, and stay the course on ROE v WADE, as well as make the world a safe place in which to play!
Let's dive in...and remember to hold a light heart! inside.....while we create the changes that will ensure our goals of sexual freedom and reproductive rights are protected. What would you like to focus on?
We each have areas of stewardship that can and do make a difference! in the world.
Priestess Politics.....is how women do our lives...
it's round, circular, egg like, life affirming, and instinctual.
With reverence and as my friend Heather says: "Sacred Divinity" within each of us...let us proceed....
Welcome to Priestess Politics
Your inner circle is SELF & Beloved....Family
Your middle circle is community, and regional networking
Your outer circle is Planet, Unity, Common Goals for Humanity
This is an ideological, feminine way to run energy.....
Orgasm begins from center, and works out from there...to create undulating ripples that overlap, and so...the P*U*S*S*Y P*O*W*E*R creates the entire universe.
You've heard of the big bang......i presume.....
My point is this......pulsing from self love, to the beloved, family, outward to community, and then to planet....YOU will BURN out, doing this work unless you can keep your pulsing coming back to center to rejuvenate yourself....always rejuvenate the self....and then your planetary work, and community work will stay invigorated..because you have made time for YOU....
xoxoxoxox
Love ya!
Priestess of Alchemy
(POA)
Posted: Friday, March 25, 2005, 14:12:30
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