Sunday, February 27, 2011

Collective Bargaining Breeds Success

The presence of collective bargaining for educators impacts teaching and affects students, as does its lack, as demonstrated in this Facebook post by the Democratic Party of Wisconson:

"Only 5 states do not have collective bargaining for educators and have deemed it illegal. Those states and their ranking on ACT/SAT scores are as follows: South Carolina -50th/ North Carolina -49th/ Georgia -48th/ Texas -47th/ Virginia -44th. If you are wondering, Wisconsin is currently ranked #2."

Saturday, February 26, 2011

NYC Planned Parenthood Support Rally


Head of Planned Parenthood
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Cecile Richards, the head of Planned Parenthood, addressed the crowd gathered at Foley Square in NYC on Feb. 26, 2011, in support of PPFA and its funding. For many, Planned Parenthood provides their only access to healthcare. Planned Parenthood positively benefits so many lives. Its funding is essential.

NYC for Women's Repro Rights


NYC for Women's Repro Rights
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Thousands gathered in Foley Square on Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, for a Rally for Women's Health in support of Planned Parenthood.  Speakers included Cecile Richards, Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmembers Jerry Nadler, Anthony Weiner, Carolyn Maloney, Elliot Engel, and Yvette Clarke, actor Kathleen Turner, the Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper of Judson Church, blogger Amanda Marcotte [who asked folks to tweet their stories with #thanksPPFA], and various activists from NARAL and NOW, and PPFA. Nellie McKay, John Darnielle, and Kathleen Hanna performed and/or spoke. More Photos, Info and Video at Brooklyn Vegan.

NYC for Planned Parenthood


NYC for Planned Parenthood
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Great weather, great support for the Rally for Women's Health -- for funding Planned Parenthood -- Foley Square, NYC, Feb. 26, 2011. More info above and visit Brooklyn Vegan for more photos and video.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Explaining Wisconsin, a FB comment repost

The governor and Republican legislators are not dictators and Wisconsin has a long labor history. What is happening in Wisconsin and Ohio, etc., most likely follows what was decided at the recent Koch weekend meetings. Kill the one supporter of the middle class working people and make it easier for Republicans to win. Meanwhile wi-fi has just been shut down in Wisconsin capitol area. And per Mike Elk the AFL CIO is debating releasing a poll done by Stan Greenberg showing Scott Walker's approval dropping by 20% in last week (from 58%). Over-reaching has its effects. The last election was colored by the outrageous Citizens United vs FEC decision allowing unregulated money to shower on elections (more over-reaching). People elected are supposed to represent the people not dictate. If Wisconsin plays out the way the governor wants welcome to the American oligarchy. The Democratic legislators follow in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln in escaping a very undemocratic vote in order to better represent the will of the people. (Lincoln escaped through a window.)

[And Republicans who protest about Walker/GOP being allowed to follow the will of the people who voted them in do not see the irony of their own impeding of the agenda / will of the people who voted for Obama and Democrats in 2008.]

Friday, February 18, 2011

Throwing Little Old Ladies into the Cold


Thank God and Vermont for Senator Bernie Sanders. He continues to speak up for the working people, for fairness, for equity. Bernie Sanders tells it like it is, making so much sense. He takes on the big money interests on our behalf. Thom Hartmann calls him "America's Senator" and he is. This is a 7:35 minute awesome video.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Playing tourist


Playing tourist
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
With Kat here I get to play tourist :)

We went to Madame Tussauds at Time Square -- more pix to Flickr.com/kateannenyc before too long.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Marching in NYC for a Free Egypt

Beautiful energy, spirit, and hope in this mass of people marching together for a Free Egypt over 42nd Street by Bryant Park and the NY Library (right)-- NYC March with the People of Egypt, Time Square to the Egyptian mission at 44th and Second Ave; Feb 4, 2011. Joining them after work was a small effort compared to theirs. Bless them in their effort to stay non-violent in the face of an abusive government. [One of 30 of my photos on Flickr - click pic to see larger and the others]