Aiken Area Progressive

Best editorial of the Day: Corpus Christi Caller

2012-01-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

I know that this was 16 DAYS ago, but this editorial is one of the 20 best ever. It comes from the Corpus Christi (Texas) Caller, after the judicial activists in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a blatantly unconstitutional law that mandates that every woman get a very invasive ultrasound.

This is the law requiring women to have a sonogram before they can undergo an abortion, and requiring doctors to describe in detail the sonogram findings such as a heartbeat and developing human features of the fetus. The law sounded constitutional enough to three members of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that they lifted an order delaying its implementation while it undergoes a court challenge.

The Founding Fathers couldn't have envisioned that their document would be used to require a procedure such as a transvaginal sonogram, in which "trans" mean something a lot more invasive than "across." This is the kind of sonogram usually done during the first trimester of a pregnancy — the trimester during which most abortions are done. The friendly "jelly-on-the-belly" sonograms enjoyed by expectant parents of wanted babies comes later. A transvaginal sonogram is a routine procedure, but if it's unnecessary and unwanted, the woman undergoing it won't soon forget it.

That's the most graphic but by no means the only violation perpetrated by this law. It's a totalitarian-style government intrusion into the woman's privacy — and into the doctor-patient relationship. It compels a physician to say what he or she may think ought not and need not be said. That was central to U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks' objection last August that the law violates the First Amendment right free speech because it "compels physicians to advance an ideological agenda with which they may not agree, regardless of any medical necessity, and irrespective of whether the pregnant women wish to listen."

Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Edith H. Jones dismissed that argument.

One of Jones' arguments that the law was constitutional was that the woman doesn't have to look at the screen or listen to the doctor or the heartbeat. She can shut her eyes and jam her fingers into her ears while the doctor fulfills his or her statutory obligation. But if the woman isn't watching or listening, the only thing accomplished by a transvaginal sonogram would be the aforementioned unwanted penetration.

Jones also recognized "the state's legitimate interests in 'protecting the potential life ... .'" We understand and agree with wanting to protect life. We applaud all efforts to protect the unborn that offer pregnant women better options than abortion. This law does not offer women better options, nor does it prevent abortion. It only punishes them and their physicians, under the dishonest guise of protecting women by fully informing them of what they already know.

The law requires no such protection for the father of the unborn — no invasive procedure into his body to make sure he understands the consequences of terminating the pregnancy he fathered. We're not suggesting that the law should or could address this. But until it does, this law sponsored by men, passed by an overwhelmingly male Legislature acting at the behest of a male governor, and defended in court by a male attorney general, is discriminatory against women.

Thank you, Caller, for standing up for the rights of Texas women! As for Edith Jones, she needs to be thrown off the bench.

Happy 39th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade! Now, change your guide signs.

2012-01-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

Today is the 39th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, still the best Supreme Court decision handed down.

Until that icy day in 1973, women did not have any rights under the United States Constitution. And now, America is one mistake away from going all the way back to the Stone Ages.

This post will be two parts, because there is something else happening today as well. This part will be about how I will ONLY support political candidates for office that have a 100% voting record from Planned Parenthood.

I have known for a long time (nearly nine years now) that the radical misogynists are planning on doing all they could to take away all of the rights that women fought hard for ever since August 26, 1920.

Just earlier this month, a group of judicial activists in the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decided to uphold a flat-out UNCONSTITUTIONAL law that would require women to see a sonogram. This law gives the Texas state government the green light to rape and murder its own women during pregnancy. Thankfully, it will be (or has been) appealed to a higher court. Hopefully, the whole law will get struck down before the misogynistic Judicially Activist Five (JAFs) on the Supreme Court gets their hands on it. The Chief Judge for that circuit is Edith Jones, the female rapist/rape apologist who has a disturbing near 27-year history of raping women and enslaving them.

That is not all, either.

In six states - including in North Carolina, radical lawmakers violated federal law by defunding Planned Parenthood. There are many reasons why the defunding of Planned Parenthood violates federal law - one of which being because tax dollars dispensed to the states come from all over the nation. Which means that tax dollars going to Texas, for instance, came from at least one Californian, New Yorker and Illinoisan - and vice versa.

In North Dakota, quacks and doctors alike are REQUIRED to lie to women who are seeking an abortion. One example of what I mean by what I posted in the previous sentence is that quacks and doctors alike will now be REQUIRED to tell women that abortion causes breast cancer - which we know have been a lie and still is a lie - 10 years after it was first exposed and debunked. A lie is a lie, no matter how many times it is repeated. By making it a requirement to tell women that abortion causes breast cancer - the anti-choice forces are doing precisely what Josef Goebbels did in the 1930s and 1940s in Germany.

In North Carolina, where there are 122 crisis pregnancy centers - and ALL of which are within 25 miles of every college and university in the state - women are NOW required to visit at least one of them after the misogynistic state legislature overrode Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto of HB 854.

And it is only gonna get worse before November 6 comes.

What I posted above is just how misogynistic politicians in the United States - NOT Iran or some other brutal Islamic country way out there in the world - have gotten. The pols who attacking women with Christian sharia laws are also, in essence, attacking the women in my family.

It is time to say enough is enough.

I have collected the names of every politician in the federal government and in the North Carolina state government who voted for radical extreme bills attacking women and plan to circulate them widely to other pro-choice activists as November 6 approaches.

I will also go right after the conservatives' favorite mantra of 'less government' and expose it for the garbage that it is. One thing that I know about conservatives (and that pro-choicers, esp. those much older than me should have exposed when I was a child going to Aiken-Barnwell Head Start in Salley) is that they give a lot of lip about how they are for less government, but when their policies are implemented, it always ends up increasing the size and scope of government. Always. In short, the conservatives say that they are for less government, but as I know, they are actually for more government.

Exposing this fraud by the conservatives will be another way I will support and elect pro-choice pols this year. Pro-choice when it comes to abortion is the true less government position.

Now, that is that about the Blog for Choice Day. The second part of this post is about brand new requirements for guide signs that took effect at midnight today.

Section 2A.08 of the 2009 MUTCD, which was NOT officially eliminated prior to the deadline, mentions that by today, all traffic engineers must have implemented an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain traffic sign retroreflectivity at or above the established minimum levels. And not only that, but that method MUST be continued to be used. Which means that the new retroreflectivity rules are NOW in effect for guide signs permanently and, for regulatory and warning signs, temporarily, since the deadline to implement the above method for those signs are likely to be extended by the federal government by two years when the changes proposed on September 1, 2011 are finalized.

What that means is that all guide signs across the United States that are identified using the assessment or management method as failing to meet the established minimum levels MUST BE REPLACED, regardless of the life cycle of the sign.

And not only that, but street name signs MUST ALSO meet these following requirements as of 12:01 a.m. today:

1. ALL post-mounted Street Name signs MUST be mixed-case. NO EXCEPTIONS.

2. The minimum height of the street name sign blade must be one foot in length.

3. The minimum height of the initial uppercase letter of street name sign must be 8 inches, with all lowercase letters being 75% of the uppercase letter's height.

4. The only acceptable alternate colors of the street name AND overhead street name sign blades are blue, brown and white. If the blades are blue or brown, the letters (and the legend) must be white or have an rgb value of 241 or greater and all three colors must be the SAME value. If the blade is white, then the letters (and the legend) must be black, or have an rgb value of 15 or less for each color.

All other guide signs must ALSO have a green background - NO EXCEPTIONS.

This requirement will be in effect for guide signs now, even if the FHWA finalizes the proposed changes made on September 1, 2011.

So, to all the family-friendly DOTs out there, the hard work of getting your guide signs complaint to the new requirements begin now.

Bobby Rogers: Domestic terrorist

2012-01-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

PENSACOLA, FL -- Take a good look at him. He was arrested early Thursday morning for the terrorist attack on a women's clinic in the Florida panhandle.

Reince Priebus supports mass suppression of African-American, women, and college student voters

2012-01-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON -- The Republican National Committee's chairman isn't stopping solely at voter suppression.

He claimed that there were cases of fraud in 46 states.

What he left out is that there are only 311 cases of voter fraud out of 593,000,000 votes cast in the 2000s -- January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010.

That's 311. Out of 593 MILLION.

Math quiz, y'all. What is 311 divided by 593 MILLION?

If you said five ten millionths of one percent (0.000005%), you are correct.

Five ten millionths of one percent, folks. That is how many cases of voter fraud there has been in the previous decade.

What Reince Priebus will NOT tell you all is that there have been cases of mass voter suppression in every state except the nation's youngest state in that same time span.

If he admits that legitimate voters were suppressed, it would hurt the GOP's Jim Crow-style cause.

Voter fraud is a red herring and has always been a red herring for as long as our parents and grandparents can remember. Conversely, voter suppression is a very real problem and has been documented and proved to have occurred many times over.

If the people want to protect the integrity of the ballot box, a federal ban on voter caging with no exceptions would be a nice start. Anything else is just conservative claptrap.

Best letters to the editor: Terry Gibson of Beaufort and William 'Bill' Fickling of Columbia

2012-01-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

In a series of letters called "the US vs. S.C., or vice versa?", two letters were good and one - by Fred Bush of Columbia - was awful. We're getting to the good letters here.

We will start with Terry Gibson of Beaufort, who remembers South Carolina history like it was yesterday:

We lost the war; get over it

The U.S. Justice Department has halted implementation of South Carolina’s voter ID/voter suppression law. A federal judge has stopped the state from enforcing parts of the immigration law that required police to inquire about immigration status of anyone they detain, even for a traffic stop. I think there is a message here: We lost the war. The Civil War. South Carolina and all other Confederate states were required to uphold the U.S. Constitution in order to be readmitted to the Union. For those who don’t understand and somehow believe we can fight the federal government and win permission to discriminate and violate citizens’ constitutional rights, think again.

Gov. Nikki Haley and her far-right-wing allies must recognize that South Carolina is not a sovereign third-world country. Stop wasting taxpayer money on frivolous laws that are designed to fix problems that don’t exist and attract lawsuits that the state will lose. Instead, please focus on improving the state’s very poor education system and high unemployment rate — real problems that exist somewhere besides just in the fanatical minds of the extremists who run our state government.

Next, comes William Fickling of Columbia:

Justice Department right to block voter ID

Kudos to the U.S. Department of Justice for blocking South Carolina’s voter ID law. From the beginning, this law was a sham, a solution in search of a problem. South Carolina doesn’t have a problem with voter fraud, thus making this law entirely superfluous. The Justice Department correctly saw through the rhetoric and recognized it for what it was, essentially a 21st century poll tax and a surreptitious attempt to reinstitute Jim Crow.

Gov. Nikki Haley calls blocking the law a “clearly political decision.” In fact, it was the passage of the law by a Republican-controlled Legislature and signing by a Republican governor that was “clearly political.”

Those involved knew fully well that those most likely to lack a government-issued photo ID and to be unable to afford the fees and transportation expenses involved in procuring one would be those most likely to vote Democratic, namely the poor, the disabled, the elderly and minorities, specifically African-Americans. It was a shameless, and shameful, attempt to disenfranchise the most powerless members of the community in order to ensure the continuation of the current power structure.

Now S.C. taxpayers will have to see their tax dollars further wasted in what will be an undoubtedly futile attempt to appeal this decision while we simultaneously see cuts to health and education programs for our poorest citizens.

I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.

Mr. Fickling mentioned in the letter that Haley attacked the Justice Department's decision to block the voter suppression law as a 'clearly political decision'. The link below is the Facebook post that she wrote on Friday:

http://www.facebook.com/NikkiHaley/posts/10150456881298226

Pro-life terrorists burn down women's clinic in Florida panhandle

2012-01-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

PENSACOLA, FL -- While many people were out celebrating the New Year, pro-life terrorists were busy trying to eliminate women's health care by any means necessary.

They succeeded, in the Florida panhandle.

Also, the clinic - under a different name now - has been a victim of terrorism three times before, with the first instance coming in 1984.

In 1984, two Pensacola men bombed the facility and two doctors' offices where abortions were provided.

Matthew Goldsby and James Simmons were convicted of the Christmas Day bombings and sentenced to 10 years but served only about half of their terms.

In 1994, protester Paul Hill killed John Britton, a doctor who provided abortions, and James Barrett, a volunteer who escorted patients, as they arrived in the clinic parking lot. Barrett's wife, June, also was wounded.

Fifteen months before the murders of Britton and Barrett, Pensacola resident Michael Griffin killed Dr. David Gunn at another Pensacola abortion clinic.

Fire marshals say that there is no cause for the fire. Obviously, they have not paid attention to the radicalized pro-life movement in the Pensacola metro area. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that pro-life terrorism is the cause of the fire.

This is all the more reason why there needs to be a ban on protesting within one mile of clinics that specializes in abortion services.

This is domestic terrorism and prosecutors in Pensacola, Tallahassee and Washington should treat this case like they treat foreign-born terrorism cases.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-25T14:20:00.001-05:00

Pretty self-explanatory, to say the least. This is the third post of this Christmas Day and my last post of 2011.

Hope all is well out there. Be alert on the highways from tomorrow through next Sunday. Most of the law enforcement community is taking a break today, but will be back out there in force tomorrow, looking for drunk and drugged drivers.

That's that. And with that, I will take the rest of the year off from blogging. Blogging on here and on Tumblr resume on January 2, 2012.

36 Best People of the Year

2011-12-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Here is the list of the best people in the first year of the new decade:

36. Emily May: Founder of Hollaback!, Ms. May has been busy making the streets safe for women.
35. Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee: One of the better governors in the United States.
34. North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue: Up for re-election in 2012, she has stood up for the people of Asheboro and North Carolina.
33. Rep. Jackie Speier: She talked about her experiences, and rightfully ripped the GOP as the misogynists that they are.
32. Dan Wheldon: Killed in Lap 15 crash in Las Vegas, he has already helped bring at least three positive changes - an end to racing on tracks with progressive banking (which provided for limitless racing), new chassis for the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2012 and a study of how the open-wheel cars can be truly safe.
31. Florida State Rep. Scott Randolph: Censured for saying 'uterus' on the floor of the Florida General Assembly, he is fighting big government conservatives who are in control of the state government.
30. Rep. Betty McCollum: Although she jumped the gun on her de-funding bill, there is a good reason why she introduced it: The US military is now participating in human trafficking in the Middle East.
29. Rev. Al Sharpton: He speaks from experience when it comes to voter suppression. No one has come close to discrediting his claims yet.
28. Holly Kearl: The leader of the Stop Street Harassment blog, she's busy empowering women to take back the streets.
27. Sen. Barbara Boxer.
26. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand.
25. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton: Rightfully slammed Congressional interference into the lives of the residents of the District of Columbia.
24. Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor: She is fighting for the people of Wisconsin against a dictatorship there.
23. Rep. Gwen Moore: Rightfully ripped the radical fascists over their continued use of the 'black genocide' lie.
22. Jodi Jacobson: The writer of RH Reality Check.
21. Kelsea McLain: She is out and about, exposing clinic harassers.
20. Twitter user named klondikebar123.
19. Amy Brenneman.
18. Audra MacDonald.
17. Violet Blue.
16. Women's Media Center: exposes sexism.
15. Hugo Schwyzer.
14. Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
13. Steph Herold.
12. Shonda Rhimes: she did not bow to political correctness when she aired an episode of Grey's Anatomy that featured a lead character getting an abortion.
10. Marissa Gaeta.
10. Citlalic Snell.
9. Jehmu Green.
8. SisterSong: they are the ones fighting for the civil rights of women of color today.
6. Vanessa Valenti.
6. Jessica Valenti.
5. Shelby Knox.
4. NARAL: They have exposed crisis-pregnancy centers.
3. Rachel Maddow: She has exposed right wing misogyny.
2. Voters in Mississippi: Voted to defeat Amendment 26 on November 8.
The Best Person of the Year: Planned Parenthood: They, once again, prove why they are the number 1 health provider for women in the US of A.

36 Assholes of the Year

2011-12-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

This is the first batch of assholes of the first year of the new decade.

36. Florida Gov. Rick Scott: The fascist is waging war on the middle class and poor.
35. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin: A traitor to her own gender.
34. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder: Took over a township in Michigan. Behaving just like a dictator. Michiganders need to uninstall him real soon.
33. Ga. Rep. Bobby Franklin: Cobb County, Ga. pol wanted to prosecute women for first-degree murder in having miscarriages.
32. S.C. Sen. Lee Bright: Uterus-grabber from Spartanburg lied on the General Assembly floor during abortion amendment debate in June.
31. The Anti-Abortion Gang: typical "pro-lifer" fashion is attack and lie.
30. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.): Conducting a Salem-style witch hunt against Planned Parenthood.
29. Twitter user xalisae: pro-life moron who make moronic statements in order to justify the dehumanizing of women that she does daily.
28. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli: Virginia's biggest uterus-grabbing asshole. He has made it known that he will shut down all women's healthcare clinics.
27. South Carolina Gov. Nimrata "Nikki" Haley: A habitual liar.
26. Rep. Patrick McHenry: An embarrassment to North Carolinians.
23. Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers: Misogynist Congresswoman from Washington state said that owning businesses is 'pro-woman'. Totally clueless as to what is the definition of 'pro-woman'.
23. Rep. Sandy Adams: Misogynist Congresswoman from Florida said that owning businesses is 'pro-woman'. Totally clueless as to what is the definition of 'pro-woman'.
23. Rep. Kristi Noem: Misogynist Congresswoman from South Dakota said that owning businesses is 'pro-woman'. Totally clueless as to what is the definition of 'pro-woman'.
22. Sen. Jon Kyl: Lied on the Senate floor about Planned Parenthood.
21. Politifact: Their Lie of the Year story attacking Democrats over Medicare is the absolute lie of the year.
20. Scott Fitzgerald: Fascist co-leader of the Wisconsin Senate, ruling with an iron fist.
19. Jeff Fitzgerald: Fascist co-leader of the Wisconsin Senate, ruling with an iron fist.
18. Personhood USA: Taliban-like movement tries to ban all women's rights.
17. Phill Kline: The former Kansas Attorney General who ruled like the Taliban left Kansas taxpayers with a near $300,000.00 bill because of his misogynistic agenda.
16. Ohio Gov. John Kasich: Declared war on women. Unsuccessfully waged a war on workers' rights.
15. Rep. Michelle Bachmann: She loves freedom for men and light bulbs, but hate to see free women in America. The epitome of everything that is wrong with this nation today.
14. Rep. Ron Paul: Another person who is fast to say freedom, but have not supported freedom for women even once as of this posting.
13. Rep. Heath Shuler: The second-worst member of the North Carolina congressional delegation.
12. Ryan Bomberger: An African-American misogynist who has declared war on women and a strong supporter of re-enslaving women.
11. Newt Gingrich: Stinky ex-Congressman from Georgia cannot wash the stench off him.
10. Lila Rose: Criminal attending California-Los Angeles. Violated HIPPA laws by revealing patient info in "sting" operation of Planned Parenthood.
9. North Carolina General Assembly: The NCGA overrode Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto of a bill of attainder that de-funded Planned Parenthood.
8. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam: He unilaterally de-funded Planned Parenthood, in clear violation of both state and federal laws.
7. The New Hampshire Executive Council: violated state and federal law by de-funding Planned Parenthood.
6. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Waging war on the people of Wisconsin.
5. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle: Although not #1 on this list for 2011, still the fascist shill that I have known this rag to be.
4. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback: Continuing what Phill Kline began in the movement to re-enslave the women of Kansas.
3. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels: The first to violate state and federal law by de-funding Planned Parenthood.
2. Texas Gov. Rick Perry: The worst of the presidential candidates and governors, he has waged a full-blown war on Texas women and have imprisoned those who spoke out against his Taliban-like policies.
The 2011 Asshole of the Year: Susan B. Anthony's List: This group supports the mass extermination of women, and have called on its members to vote out every woman opposes its policies in 2012. This group is the most radical and most misogynistic of the organizations in recent memory, and it is up to us to stop them at all costs.

In memoriam 2011

2011-12-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

It may not look like it, but 2011 was a brutal year for many. Here is a list of those who will not see 2012:

Esther Baldwin, 47, of North Augusta. Murdered by Kenneth Meyers on July 2.

Angela Meyers, 25, of Wagener. Twin sister of Tabitha Brown. Murdered by Kenneth Meyers on July 2.

Tabitha Brown, 25, of Wagener. Twin sister of Angela Meyers. Murdered by Kenneth Meyers on July 2.

Vicki Brown, 50, of Wagener. Mother of twin sisters Angela and Tabitha. Murdered by Kenneth Meyers on July 2.

Kenneth Meyers, 47, of Wagener. Gunned down the four women mentioned above on July 2, then killed himself in domestic dispute.

Aiken Department of Public Safety Officer Scott Richardson, 33. Murdered by a 19-year-old career criminal on Tuesday night.

Two-time and 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, 33, of Saint Petersburg, Fla. Killed in 15-car pileup on Lap 15 of the IndyCar Series "Season Finale" at Las Vegas on October 16.

Rapper Mario Hamilton aka Slim Dunkin, 24, of Atlanta, Ga. Gunned down in his music studio on December 16.

Kim Jong Il, 69, of Pyongyang. North Korea's President.

Patricia Dunn, 56. Main face of Hewlett-Packard's spygate scandal.

Heavy-D, 44. Pioneer of New Jack Swing, a subgenre of R&B and Hip-Hop.

Joe Frazier, 67, formerly of Beaufort. A championship boxer.

Randy Savage, 58. Killed in car accident in South Florida.

Ga. State Representative Bobby Franklin (R-Cobb), 56. Extremely conservative, he wanted the State to prosecute women for first degree murder for having miscarriages.

Steve Jobs, 56, of Los Angeles. Founder of Apple Company, iPad computers, iPod music players, Safari web browser and Macintosh computers.

Fred Shuttlesworth, 89. He was the last of the three icons of the modern civil rights movement.

Arthur C. Nielsen Junior, 92. Founder of the Nielsen Ratings system used in television for sporting events (like the NHL), television shows (like Dancing With the Stars) and specials (like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show).

Anita Caspary, 95. A rebel Catholic nun, she was also a leading figure of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Sylvia Robinson, 76. Owner of Sugar Hill Records, the first hip-hop record company.

Dan Peek, 60. Founder of the classic rock group America.

Amy Winehouse, 27. Singer.

Betty Ford, 93. Former First Lady of the United States from August 9, 1974-January 20, 1977.

Clarence Clemmons, 69. The lone African-American and saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's backing group, the E Street Band.

Jeff Conaway, 60. Actor featured in the 1978 musical Grease.

Sidney Harman, 92. Husband of former Representative Jane Harman (D-Calif.).

Warren Christopher, 85. Helped President Jimmy Carter secure the rescue of hostages from Iran just months after the Shah was voted out of power.

Nate Dogg, 41. Rapper.

Frank Buckles, 110. Died on February 27. Was the last surviving World War I veteran from the United States.

Suze Rotolo, 67. Appeared on the cover of the Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, both the stereo and mono albums.

316 people killed in April 27 tornados, ages 0-97. Entire families wiped out in some instances.

Geraldine Ferraro, 75. Vice presidential candidate in 1984 (I was just four months old when Walter Mondale chose her as his running mate.).

Moronic pro-life quotes: Smear Sanger edition

2011-12-23T21:07:00.003-05:00

Quite a few smear attacks on Margaret Sanger by the pro-life movement, which is itself a white supremacist and male supremacist movement. Jill Stanek, a traitor to her own gender, is the first up since her smear on Sanger, all the while attacking the NAACP, happened earlier in the week.

Do NOT be fooled by the likes of Jill Stanek and Jerome Hudson: They do NOT care about black people!

Here is the truth (I could not get this posted in 140 characters when I first saw the link on Twitter): The National Association of the Advancement of Colored People OPPOSE the Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass Act because the bill would re-enslave black women, just like they were in the plantation days of the 1850s. Furthermore, it would also enslave women of all other races who happens to be in a relationship with a man of color.

Let there be no mistake about the true intentions of those like Jill Stanek and the rest of those supporting this bill: they are trying to send the women back to the plantation as slaves. Rep. John Conyers and the NAACP are right to oppose this bill: this bill would take away the civil rights of all women.

If Stanek and the supporters of the Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass Act were so concerned about the plight of black people, they would do the following:

1. Support Obamacare.
2. Support more gun control. Black-on-black crime have been rampant in states that have little to no gun control laws.
3. Support equal pay laws. Black women earn only five-eighths of what white men earn doing the same job for the same amount of time.

But, here is the thing: Stanek and Company do not care about black people. Never have and never will. So, it is time for us to stop pretending that they do and call all of their asses out!

Also a tweet that appeared in my mentions shortly before 20:00:

Always attack Sanger, but ignore our Founding Fathers' racist ways.

Funny that those who attack Sanger have not said one iota about our Founding Fathers, who were just as racist as the Ku Klux Klan.

Best letter to the editor: Keith Seward of Columbia

2011-12-19T02:04:00.003-05:00

Very short but succinct. Mr. Seward of Columbia had this letter in Wednesday's The State newspaper:

The government has no right to voice its opinion on such an intimate and personal aspect of citizens’ lives as abortion and gay rights. Neither is conducive for mass consumption.

The problem with the #Iamthe53 movement

2011-12-18T21:49:00.002-05:00

Lately, it seems like if you typed in a economically-based hashtag on Twitter, you are bound to see some troll(s) and stinky-poo tweets out and about.

One such hashtag that is full of stinky-poo tweets is the #Iamthe53 tag.

It is a known fact that only 53 percent of Americans pay a federal income tax and nearly 47 percent does not. What most of the people who use the #Iamthe53 hashtag do not tell you is how it came to be, and it is simply because the truth would slow this growing extreme right wing movement.

Here is a snapshot of why 47 percent of Americans do not pay a federal income tax.

1. Middle class wages have gone down for 22 of the last 30 years, and have not increased once without a federally-mandated increase in the minimum wage. That is NOT a misprint, folks. The middle class wages have not gone up a single year since Reagan's class warfare policies too effect in 1981; and with the Bush/Obama tax cuts for the rich not scheduled to expire until January 1, 2013, don't expect to see an increase in middle class wages for at least another 54 weeks. As a result of continued decline in wages, many of the 47% who don't pay federal income taxes make too little on their present-day jobs to pay it (unemployment is at 8.8%, so there has to be a reason why nearly 38% of those with jobs are not paying federal taxes).
2. Said tax cuts primarily went to the wealthiest 1%, many of whom did not create a single job with the tax cuts.
3. Union-busting laws also contributed to wage declines for middle class people.

And there are more reasons why 47% do not pay anything back to Uncle Sam. But, those are the main three reasons. Hopefully, the Obama administration will propose economic policies that will change this dramatically. Because from what I have seen from those aiming to replace him in the White House, they will only make our economic woes worse, not better.

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2011

2011-12-17T19:24:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK CITY -- Today is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

Here are five fast facts that you need to know:

1. Sex work is the oldest job on the market (longevity-wise) today.
2. Sex work is very little different from your average manufacturing job and should be treated just like all day jobs. The one difference between those who work in manufacturing and those who work in prostitution (at least for another two weeks, barring an appointment [recess or otherwise] to the NLRB by President Obama) is that manufacturers have unions, prostitutes do not.
3. Two hundred four (204) sex workers are victims of every one hundred thousand (100,000) murders annually in the United States - making prostitution the most dangerous job in the States.
4. Sex workers elect to get tested for HIV & AIDS more often than any other group of people. Yes, you read that right. They get tested for HIV & AIDS the most often, and most of the time, sex workers are the ones who are requesting to get tested for the diseases.
5. Sex workers are most likely to be victims of harassment by law enforcement (even more likely than African-Americans and Latinos), thereby making it much less likely that they will cooperate in police investigations.

More on the Day from SWOP Chicago:

On Saturday, December 17th, sex workers and their allies will gather at vigils around the world to commemorate the annual Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, honoring sex workers who have died at the hands of violent crimes, and declaring an end to all violence against sex workers.

The Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was inaugurated in 2003 after the conviction of Gary Ridgway (the “Green River Killer”), a serial killer responsible for the murder of at least 48 prostitutes in Washington State. One statement in his confession determined the need for a very public memorial that raises issues of violence against sex workers: “I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught.”

Unfortunately, violence committed against sex workers is often perpetrated by those individuals whom we believe protect us from harm: police officers and other law enforcement agents. The additional propensity for law enforcement agents to blame sex workers for their “high-risk lifestyles” contributes to a dangerous stereotype that fuels additional violence and brutalities. It is time to recognize that violence committed against sex workers is often ignored by those whose job it is to serve and protect, and that this must end. At this year’s event, SWOP-Chicago will host a discussion with sex workers and other marginalized groups about their experiences with violence and harassment at the hands of law enforcement.

By the way, an event in Chicago begins at 20:00 EDT and runs until 21:30.

More info on events can be found here.

Send the message to the states: CUT ALL FEDERAL FUNDING for Texas

2011-12-16T16:27:00.001-05:00

AUSTIN -- Earlier this week, the Obama Administration has given Texas until March 31, 2012 to restore at least $1.00 of the money that Washington gave to the state to Planned Parenthood.

You read that right.

All Texas has to do is give Planned Parenthood a minimum of $1.00 in funding to avoid losing ALL of their federal funding. So far, Rick Perry, the governor AND 2012 GOP candidate for president, has refused to even do that.

And thankfully, the Obama Administration has put the Lone Star State on notice.

The Obama Administrations ruling last week denying Texas of its slice of the federal funding is a significant victory for women and for health care.

The state of Texas has had more than enough time to obey federal law. They have blatantly refused to comply.

And that is when (and why) the Obama Administration has taken the step of defunding Texas. That will be effective on April 1, 2012.

And that's no April Fools' joke.

Texas and its misogynist allies in the Texas Alliance for Life are blaming the federal government for a problem that the state itself created.

But abortion opponents are throwing the blame right back at the federal government. “By threatening to cancel the Women's Health Program in Texas, the Obama Administration is showing it would sooner deny tens of millions of dollars of medical services to low-income women rather than allow the State of Texas to cut off tax funding to Planned Parenthood,” Joe Pojman, the executive director of Texas Alliance for Life, wrote in an email.

Well, we are throwing the blame right back at where it belongs: at the Lone Star State. Again, all it takes is one buck of the federal dollars given to Texas - that's 100 pennies - going to Planned Parenthood to diffuse this situation. That's it.

But the facts are as plain as day: The state of Texas and the Texas Alliance for Life would deny women vital health care services such as pap smears, breast cancer screenings and cervical cancer screenings rather than allow Planned Parenthood - which does each of the three aforementioned things with 46% of the state's low-income patients - get one dollar of the federal funding that they deserve.

Texas's arrogance and stubbornness has gone way to far. The Lone Star state has gotten way too big for its britches. It is time for the Obama Administration to cut off ALL federal funding for the state of Texas. Not on April 1, 2012. Now.

LifeNews, Ryan Bomberger launch slanderous, racist attack on DC City Council leading up to spending bill vote

2011-12-16T14:20:00.004-05:00

WASHINGTON -- The misogynists (and racists) at LifeNews.com is at it again.

This time, they are slandering members of the District of Columbia City Council for protesting against Congress's unconstitutional abortion rider that is re-inserted (yet again) by the radical right wing House members who have never once stood for life, liberty or less government.

LifeNews.com and the Radiance Foundation's Ryan Bomberger continues to slander members of the District of Columbia City Council over their protest of an unconstitutional spending bill. The spending bill would ban women living in the nation's capital from receiving vital health care services.

The article is full of filth from misogynist Ryan Bomberger. Here is the second paragraph:

Back in April of this year, DC Mayor Vincent Gray and other DC City Council members were arrested while engaged in a similar vile and surreal demonstration. They were protesting against federal funding of school choice (rescuing black children from failing schools) at the SAME TIME they demanded that Congress re-institute funding to kill unborn black children.

There is no such thing as an unborn child. Bomberger knows this. But, he doesn't care about black children or black women. He's only interested in dehumanizing and enslaving black women and black girls - just like all of the other so-called "pro-life" activists.

Simply put, the pro-life movement is a white supremacist and male supremacist movement on its face.

Before I put the other two moronic images from Bomberger's post on here, let me just say that it is absolutely disgusting at how Bomberger and "pro-life" are perverting the legacy of Fredrick Douglass. Douglass never said anything about black fetuses. He only talked about black people already born. People like Bomberger have no shame. "Pro-life" are the ones who are destroying our community. They don't care about us. Never have and with me being almost 28, I have come to the conclusion that they never will care about us in the African-American community. I will continue to fight these slanderous attacks coming from LifeNews.com, LifeSiteNews.com, Bomberger, the Radiance Foundation and other pro-life groups whose main aim is to re-enslave every last woman of color, just like they were in the 1850s.

By the way, if you want to see a black organization that truly cares about black children, please visit Sistersong web page. This is their web page: http://www.sistersong.net/

Planned Parenthood right to attack GOP candidates over Personhood USA's big government pledge

2011-12-15T13:46:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON -- We see that LifeNews.com (and LifeSiteNews.com) is once again whining over Planned Parenthood exposing the fascist GOP candidates over a fresh new radical, big government pledge that Personhood USA has unfurled earlier this month. Here is the text of the Personhood USA pledge:

I __________________ proclaim that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and is endowed by our Creator with the unalienable right to life.

I stand with President Ronald Reagan in supporting “the unalienable personhood of every American, from the moment of conception until natural death,” and with the Republican Party platform in affirming that I “support a human life amendment to the Constitution, and endorse legislation to make clear that the 14th Amendment protections apply to unborn children.”

I believe that in order to properly protect the right to life of the vulnerable among us, every human being at every stage of development must be recognized as a person possessing the right to life in federal and state laws without exception and without compromise. I recognize that in cases where a mother’s life is at risk, every effort should be made to save the baby’s life as well; leaving the death of an innocent child as an unintended tragedy rather than an intentional killing.

I oppose assisted suicide, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, and procedures that intentionally destroy developing human beings.I pledge to the American people that I will defend all innocent human life. Abortion and the intentional killing of an innocent human being are always wrong and should be prohibited.

If elected President, I will work to advance state and federal laws and amendments that recognize the unalienable right to life of all human beings as persons at every stage of development, and to the best of my knowledge, I will only appoint federal judges and relevant officials who will uphold and enforce state and federal laws recognizing that all human beings at every stage of development are persons with the unalienable right to life.

That is its language as it appears at the present time (approx. 1 p.m.). However, there is something very sinister about this pledge.

Turns out, not only will this pledge outlaw abortions at any point in pregnancy without exception (it does not even contain an exception to save the life of the mother), this pledge will also outlaw ALL forms of birth control, in-vitro fertilization, and cancer screenings for women who are pregnant or who think they may be pregnant if wording in the pledge is turned into law in any municipality.

In short, Planned Parenthood is right on the money about this pledge when its Action Fund Executive Vice President, Dawn Laguens, attacked it yesterday.

“In the latest sign of how out of touch the GOP presidential candidates are on women’s health, the Republican front-runner, Newt Gingrich, as well as Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum, have come out in favor of outlawing in vitro fertilization, common forms of birth control, and cancer treatments for pregnant women; as well as abortion, even in the cases of rape or incest.

“All three GOP presidential candidates have signed Personhood USA’s pledge in support of so-called ‘personhood.’ As media have reported, these so-called ‘personhood’ initiatives are an extreme government intrusion into the private lives of women and families and could outlaw in vitro fertilization, common forms of birth control, and cancer treatment for pregnant women.

“While Mitt Romney has not signed the Personhood USA pledge, Romney is on record as supporting ‘personhood.’ During an appearance on FOX News’ Huckabeein October, Romney said he ‘absolutely’ supported ‘personhood.’

“This is just more evidence that the GOP presidential candidates, including Mitt Romney, can’t be trusted when it comes to women’s health.

“Personhood USA is the organization behind the effort to get ‘personhood’ initiatives on state ballots across the country, including Mississippi earlier this year.

“As an indicator of how extreme ‘personhood’ is, even voters in Mississippi, the most conservative state in the nation rejected ‘personhood,’ by 16 points when it was placed on the ballot this year.

“In the three times ‘personhood’ has been on the ballot, it has been widely rejected. Colorado defeated the so-called ‘personhood’ amendment by double digit margins in 2008 and 2010.”

Planned Parenthood knows what we are dealing with here. Anti-choicers like those working at LifeNews and LifeSiteNews are trying to mislead voters on purpose, thinking that all they want to do is ban abortion when in fact, what they really want to do is outlaw all women's reproductive rights altogether.

Women are not the only ones watching these extreme misogynists in the GOP. I am too.

And to the GOP, Personhood USA, Susan B. Anthony's List, and their radical misogynistic right wing cronies: you have all been put on notice.

Moronic pro-life quotes: archives edition

2011-12-14T12:50:00.007-05:00

These are some of the moronic pro-life quotes from the vault. Unloading them now.

Personhood Mississippi obviously has never done any fact-finding, because these two tweets would never appear on his timeline (or, for that matter, on the #prochoice and #prolife timelines).

Here are the top causes of death for women:

1. Heart disease.
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease — it’s also a major women’s health threat. Take charge of heart health by making healthier lifestyle choices. For example:

Don’t smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit. It’s also important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium.Manage chronic conditions. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.Include physical activity in your daily routine. Choose sports or other activities you enjoy, from brisk walking to ballroom dancing.Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase the risk of heart disease.Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.Manage stress. If you feel constantly on edge or under assault, your lifestyle habits may suffer. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.

2. Pregnancy and childbirth.
This was the leading cause of death for women six years ago and is still a leading cause of death for women worldwide today.

Women have actually DIED from childbirth. To the tune of 285 million in the States alone since 1776, and more than 1.5 billion easy internationally since that same time period. While obesity is a secondary cause for maternal deaths, anti-choice laws are the primary reason why women die during pregnancy and childbirth globally. In fact, Nicaragua has had more women die during Daniel Ortega's brutal anti-choice reign than at any other point since I was born. So don't tell me that pregnancy is natural and that it is a woman's uterus working. If it was natural, maternal mortality would be at zero across the world.

In addition to not smoking or drinking, getting rid of all anti-choice laws really do decrease maternal and infant mortality rates.

3. Cancer
Various types of cancer are of particular concern to women, including breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and colorectal cancer. To reduce the risk of cancer, consider these general tips:

Don’t smoke. Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke counts, too. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds — and keeping them off — may lower the risk of various types of cancer.Get moving. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of certain types of cancer.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can’t guarantee cancer prevention, it may help reduce your risk.Protect yourself from the sun. When you’re outdoors, cover up and use plenty of sunscreen.Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly.Breast-feed, if you can. Breast-feeding may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.Take early detection seriously. Consult your doctor for regular mammograms and other cancer screenings.

4. Stroke
You can’t control some stroke risk factors, such as family history, age and race. But you can control other contributing factors. For example:

Manage chronic conditions. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.Don’t smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet, being especially careful to limit foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Include physical activity in your daily routine. If you’re overweight, lose excess pounds.Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation — for women, no more than one drink a day.

5. Chronic lower respiratory diseases
Chronic lung conditions — which include bronchitis and emphysema — also are a concern for women. To protect your respiratory health:

Don’t smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Also avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.Steer clear of pollutants. Minimize exposure to chemicals and outdoor air pollution.Prevent respiratory infections. Wash your hands often and get a yearly flu vaccine. Ask your doctor whether you need a pneumonia vaccine as well.

6. Alzheimer’s disease
There’s no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but consider taking these steps:

Manage chronic conditions. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and diabetes may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.Don’t smoke. Some research suggests a link between smoking and Alzheimer’s.Include physical activity in your daily routine. Any movement counts.Maintain social and mental fitness. Stay socially active. Practice mental exercises. Take steps to learn new things.

7. Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of fatal accidents among women. To stay safe on the road, use common sense. Wear your seat belt. Follow the speed limit. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substances, and don’t drive while sleepy.

8. Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to heart disease, eye problems, nerve damage and other complications. To prevent type 2 diabetes, get serious about your lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet. Include physical activity in your daily routine. If you’re overweight, lose excess pounds.

Abortion does not even show up in any major health organization's rankings as a leading cause of death for women or girls. Just another blathering misogynist that knows nothing.

Another misogynist moron that spouts off at the mouth without looking at the facts. Ricki Lake (yes, that woman who, along with Jenny Jones, had a wild and crazy syndicated talk show in the Clinton Years) mentioned that a C-Section is more dangerous than natural and/or home childbirth, which is itself 11 times MORE DANGEROUS than abortion.

I, however, am making a stink. It concerns me to see that a growing number of mothers feel coerced and undermined during the birth process, and rates of post-traumatic-stress disorder after birth are on the rise. There is a blasé attitude toward rising cesarean rates, which now make up one third of all births in the United States. Any doctor will tell you that a Cesarean is major abdominal surgery, so why is this the only example in modern medicine where a post-op patient is sent home to care for a newborn? We have absolutely no system to follow-up on mothers after birth and make sure they are able to care properly for their babies. In other countries, new mothers are visited daily by nurses or doulas who help them with breastfeeding or household chores.

The entire pregnancy and birth process is physiologically designed to prepare women emotionally and physically for motherhood. Mother nature has endowed us with a complex interaction of hormones that literally reshape the human brain for motherhood. Doctors have not even begun to crack the surface of understanding the neuroscience behind the hormonal interactions between mom and baby during the time of birth. In fact, they do not even understand what causes a woman to go into labor, which is why labor induction methods remain crude and statistically double one's chances of ending up with a cesarean. (Most women aren't informed of this risk and blindly opt for the "convenience" of a scheduled induction.) There is a complete lack of evidence-based medicine when it comes to childbirth. Although I am worried about the effects of all this intervention, my true passion is making sure that new parents are informed.

Obviously, the entire Personhood movement need to heed their own advice and re-take fifth grade anatomy. Abortion has killed zero babies since its institution. A baby is born, a fetus is not.

This misogynist calls herself a 'centrist'. Like hell she is! Newsflash: RightCentrist is NO centrist, not even close. RightCentrist is a far right wing radical fascist, who promote the values of the Taliban.

If you want a true centrist in every word, look no further than Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee - who was run out of the GOP by radical right wing extremists like the one calling herself a 'centrist'.

Moronic pro-life quotes: harassment and smear edition

2011-12-14T12:12:00.012-05:00

This moron whose tweets appear in the screenshots has been the one harassing one of my favorite actresses because of her feminist views. I would have captured more screenshots of his harassment towards the main star of Private Practice, but one of her other fans convinced me not to go any further, since the actress has already blocked him. I also blocked him after reading the harassing tweets and the convo I had with the fan in the linked tweet in the previous sentence.

He also became the latest in a long line of anti-choice misogynists who are engaging in a smear campaign against Sarah Mindek. Although Ms. Mindek and I have butted heads over the abortion issue before, we both support access to birth control. It is this support for birth control that has caused anti-choicers to begin this smear campaign against the musician and Ohio native - tweeters named MoronicQuotes and Beatidude are the ones who started the smear campaign.

And then, he very predictably throws the man-haters charge against the women responding to his attacks on Ms. Mindek.

Also, an atheist tweeter claimed that the photographed tweeter has a sockpuppet account. I looked into those claims and, so far, it's not true. But, I will do a little bit more investigating on this and post a follow-up post (if necessary).

UPDATE @ 22:58: I found a misspelled word in the post. The word is fan, NOT can. I apologize for this error.

Moronic pro-life quotes: TomGMS

2011-12-14T12:08:00.002-05:00

Meet TomGMS, another misogynist that you should stay away from.

He claims that sex and pregnancy are intertwined. I want him to tell that to women and girls who were impregnated by their rapists. These 'pro-life' people are really disgusting.

Moronic pro-life quotes: Jill Stanek edition

2011-12-14T11:55:00.007-05:00

CHICAGO -- Jill Stanek obviously doesn't get it. She is just upset that she is a misogynist who does the work of the Devil while the tweeter known as WentRogue does God's work in protecting women's health care rights.

I wish that Ms. Stanek and other anti-choice nutjobs can find something constructive to do instead of whine about women having the right to control their own bodies.

Yes, people, legible street name signs IS a feminist issue

2011-12-12T16:36:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON -- In 41 days, every state must have adopted the new Manual Uniform of Traffic Devices.

The new manual calls for new retroreflective signs on every intersection in the continental United States. I've heard of all the sorry excuses before: "This is a stupid change." "The signs that are up there now are ok/working. Why change them?" "The government must have nothing better to do if they are making us change out perfectly good signs."

Guess what? None of those excuses are good ones to keep the current signs in most of the nation's 3,086 counties.

As the list on my Scribd page points out, all but four counties in South Carolina failed compliancy.

Sc Street Name Sign Com Pliancy

Just like domestic violence is a feminist issue, just like abortion rights for women is a feminist issue, just like civil rights for people of color is a feminist issue, just like civil rights for the disabled is a feminist issue, legible street name signs is ALSO a feminist issue. People must be able to see street name signs, especially at night when they want to see a friend who may have moved away some months ago. Which is why I have been spending most of the scarce free time I have on Microsoft Paint, trying to think of mixed case signage that local counties in the eastern part of the Central Savannah River Area (Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Hampton counties) can use to replace the non-compliant signs currently in place.

NOTE: If the critics of this change want to see stupid, look no further than the Reagan Federal Highway Administration - who created 1988 MUTCD, which mandated that all streets be signed instead of having simple route numbers. If I was in charge of the FHWA back in those days, I would not allowed the mandate to sign all streets to be included in the manual UNLESS the streets were to be signed solely with mixed case lettering. The fact that the idiots in the Reagan administration did not even consider a mixed-case lettering mandate alongside the signing mandate made the 1988 MUTCD the absolute stupidest thing ever done by the FHWA.

Siri has been fixed - for the time being

2011-12-09T09:47:00.002-05:00

LOS ANGELES -- I would like to thank our female feminist allies for holding it down while I was away for four months.

On November 30, there was a big scandal at Siri that has been fixed (or at least I hope has been fixed). On that day, many women (and their boyfriends/husbands) were outraged to discover that Siri was directing them to deceptive crisis pregnancy centers instead of to women's health clinics.

Ask her to find an abortion clinic in New York City — a place with a few abortion clinics — and she can’t locate a single one. She can, however, direct you to several pro-life Crisis Pregnancy Centers. Ask for contraception, and she doesn’t understand the term “contraception.” And as Amanda figured out, it’s not just reproductive health stuff that she can’t get right — it’s anything related to female sexuality at all (she’s great, though, when it comes to male sexual needs):

At my house, we discovered this while playing with Siri’s quickly established willingness to look up prostitutes for a straight man in need. When you say to Siri, “I need a blow job,” she produces “nine escorts fairly close to you”. You get the same result if you say, “I’m horny” into it, even with my very female voice. And if you should you need erection drugs to help you through your encounter with one of the escorts, Siri is super-helpful. She produced twenty nearby drugstores where Viagra could be purchased, though how — without a prescription — is hard to imagine. But no matter how many ways I arranged mouth-based words — such as “lick” or “eat” — with the word “pussy,” Siri was confused and kept coming up with a name of a friend in contacts. Of course, one could assume Siri knows something about him that I don’t know.

I actually tested this out too, since I recently upgraded my 2005 flip phone to an iPhone 4s. I stood on a street corner in Brooklyn with my friend P, and we came up with all kinds of sex-related questions to ask Siri, and then we died laughing because we are children. Since the Siri story broke, Feministe Friend Nabiha also sent on some questions she asked Siri, which I recreated (thanks Nabiha!). My results:

Jill: I need an abortion.
Siri: I don’t see any abortion clinics. Sorry about that.

Jill: Where can I find a crisis pregnancy center?
Siri: Ok, one of these places matching ‘Crisis Pregnancy Center’ is a little ways from you (gives three options).

Jill: I need contraception.
Siri: I don’t understand ‘I need contraception.’”

Jill: I’m pregnant. What should I do?
Siri: I didn’t find any meetings. [Ed: What?]

Jill: I’m pregnant, should I have an abortion?
Siri: I didn’t find any abortion clinics.

Jill: I’m pregnant. What do I do?
Siri: Are you?

Jill: My girlfriend is pregnant. What do I do?
Siri: Consider your alternatives.

Jill: My girlfriend is pregnant. What do I do?
Siri: First, do no harm.

Jill: My girlfriend is pregnant. What do I do?
Siri: Always do the right thing.

Jill: I love you.
Siri: I’ll bet you say that to all of your Apple products.

Jill: I want my dick sucked.
Siri: I found twelve escort services fairly close to you.

Jill: I want a blowjob.
Siri: I found twelve escort services fairly close to you.

Jill: I want cunnilingus.
Siri: Is that so?

Jill: I want cunnilingus.
Siri: Ok.

Jill: I want my clitoris licked.
Siri: I don’t understand “clitoris.”

Jill: I would like my clitoris touched.
Siri: Ok. I can send a text to Chris [last name redacted] for you. What would you like it to say? [Ed: This, unfortunately, was not helpful, since Chris is (a) in DC, and (b) probably uninterested in helping me out on this one].

Jill: I want my vagina licked.
Siri: Your language!

Jill: I want my pussy eaten.
Siri: I have found eleven pet stores in your area.

Aaaaaand scene. Siri can also tell you where to get Viagra, where to dump a body, where to go if you’ve had an erection lasting more than five hours, where to get breast implants, and what to do if a hamster is stuck in your rectum.

Then, Mysti, a commenter from Feministe, gave us this nugget:

Someone asked Siri “Why are you anti-abortion?” and she answered “I just am, Kristen.”

After seeing that comment, I ripped Siri as a conspiracy by Apple on Ms. Filipovic's blog. But that was before they finally corrected Siri over the past weekend:

Nice to see the change, but I wonder if it can find clinics that are located on addresses with five and six digits in them.

More proof that the anti-choice movement also engages in street harassment

2011-08-07T19:15:00.007-04:00

I now have undeniable proof, unlike last summer, that the anti-choice movement also engages in street harassment. Two cases within the last week alone.

First, Operation Rescue's Troy Newman calls a supporter of the Summer of Choice rally a "bitch".

And today, a group (or person) calling themselves the Anti-Abortion Gang (a blatant anti-choice rip-off of the Abortion Gang) engaged in victim-blaming and slut-shaming, in addition to street harassment.

Link

So, there it is in a nutshell. People who call themselves pro-life have no facts. All they have are lies, slut-shaming, more lies, victim-blaming, more lies, and street harassment.

No wonder why opponents of abortion are surely losing the argument.

Best letter to the editor: Lois Theilman of Lee's Summit, Missouri

2011-08-06T09:26:00.002-04:00

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO - A great unfettered letter appeared earlier this week in the Kansas City Star. Lois Theilman's letter appeared in the section on Monday afternoon:

http://blogs.kansascity.com/unfettered_letters/2011/08/equal-rights-for-women.html

With Phill Kline, Sam Brownback and Mary Kay Culp out there, women will soon have to cover their heads and bodies. Back to the dark ages as well as the dark alleys because they say so.

I wonder if we can demand vasectomies for all men who refuse to care for children they bring into the world. With DNA tests, we could determine who is causing this overload of neglected children, rather than taking away all pregnancy deterring help provided by Planned Parenthood. Maybe then these politicians can then get around to enacting proper laws and decisions affecting our United States.

Or let’s send Culp and associates overseas for a year in countries still treating women as mindless without a conscience.

There are many sins we all must daily reject. Many of us women feel we deserve the same rights as men without political interference.

I absolutely agree, Mrs. Theilman. Women do deserve the same rights as us (read: men) without political interference.

I also agree with sending Brownback, Kline, Culp and the Kansans for Life to places like Oman, Iran and Saudi Arabia for 365 (or 366, in the case of 2012) days just to see that what is going on in those countries are the exact same thing as what is going on in Kansas. Treating women with such blatant disrespect.

And to those who think that women in America will not have to worry about wearing a burka under a radical right wing regime, think again. The radical right wing of the GOP and Tea Party are no different than the Taliban, if you take away religion. The GOP, Tea Party and the Taliban are all subjugating women and taking away their rights and freedoms. In short, the GOP and Tea Party are treading on women much in the same manner as the Taliban.

It is high time for women to send a message to the Taliban-like GOP and Tea Party politicians in Kansas and elsewhere: "You tread on our rights, we will vote you out of office!"

It is way past high time for women to stop playing nice with the American Taliban wing that Brownback, Kline and Culp are all part of.

Best letter to the editor: Terri Hayes of Lenexa, Kansas

2011-08-06T09:01:00.005-04:00

LENEXA, KS - An excellent letter to the editor appeared in the Wednesday edition of the Kansas City Star. It's the very first letter out of the gate, by Terri C. Hayes:

Women’s rights under siege in Kansas

Regardless of race, income or social standing, women in Kansas should be storming the state Capitol over the recent legislation to restrict women’s rights to seek an abortion. The members of the Legislature have shown that, in their opinion, Kansas women are not equal under the Constitution.

Implementing new laws to infringe on the rights of a woman to seek a legal abortion carries the same weight as saying a woman cannot buy a handgun or assemble peacefully or organize to petition the government. It also insinuates that women are not afforded the rights of a search warrant or due process and are subject to self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

What’s next? Taking away our right to vote?

The Constitution applies to all American citizens, and the amendments are not a la carte allowing elected officials to pick and choose which rights are afforded to each citizen based on ideologies and narrow minds.

Members of the Kansas Legislature are showing how they really view their female constituents — like second-class citizens. I am going to remember that come the next Election Day.

Absolutely, Ms. Hayes. The radical right wing will not stop at banning abortion. The radical right wing will not stop until women in the United States of America have no rights left. The radical right wing will not stop until women in the US are treated just like how Afghan women were treated under the Taliban rule from 1996-2001. The radical right wing of the United States is, clearly put, no different than the Taliban some eight to nine time zones away.

I will remember the way our federal and state governments have disrespected women come Election Day 2012 by getting rid of every politician who voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Women all over America would be extremely wise to do the same as Ms. Hayes and I.

Ms. Hayes's letter also appears in the Unfettered Letters section of the Kansas City Star: http://blogs.kansascity.com/unfettered_letters/2011/08/womens-rights-under-siege-in-kansas.html

Tell the Obama Administration: NO EXEMPTIONS for religious groups that oppose contraception

2011-08-03T01:15:00.004-04:00

WASHINGTON -- Well, I am supposed to be happy that women all over the United States got no-cost birth control. Supposed to be, but I am not.

Why? Because the Obama Administration caved to misogynistic Catholic, Christian and Muslim groups that oppose contraception for women.

And that could mean that millions of American women may end up paying the full cost of their contraceptives out of pocket anyways.

"The multi-billion dollar Catholic health care industry has a lot of influence with this administration, influence that it has now used to allow religious institutions to ride roughshod over the needs of their workers," said Catholics for Choice president Jon O’Brien in a statement. "Not only that, it ignores the consciences of those who decide that to use a modern method of family planning is what is best for them and their families."

But, just because the edict has been given does not mean that we can't force President Obama to change it.

Let's send a message that misogyny shall no longer have a place in health care. Call 1-202-456-1111 or 1-202-456-1414 and tell President Obama and The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebilius that there should be no exceptions for groups that oppose birth control when it comes to making sure that every American woman is covered with no-cost birth control!

Ga. Representative Bobby Franklin dies at 56

2011-07-27T22:05:00.004-04:00

ATLANTA -- Georgia Rep. Bobby Franklin was found dead in his home in Cobb County on Tuesday. He was 56.

Cobb County Emergency Communications Center sent Cobb County Sheriff Officers to his home on Cedar Knoll Drive for a check up.

“Upon arrival the officers had to force entry into the residence, where they found a deceased male," said Cobb County Sheriff's Office spokesman Michael Bowman in the statement.

The deceased male was quickly identified as Franklin, the misogynist who wanted to execute women for having miscarriages.

Speculation is that Franklin had a massive heart attack.

Well, no matter what the cause of death is, this much we do know: it is karma. Karma for the way he treated the women of the Peach State. Simply put, he had it coming since February.

Franklin will be well on his way to Purgatory, where it is really hot for what I know.

I am only sorry that Catherine Kieu Becker didn't go to Cobb County and cut Bobby Franklin's dick off before he died.

South Carolina will have the nation's highest unemployment rate by the time summer is over with

2011-07-23T08:51:00.005-04:00

WILLISTON -- South Carolina's unemployment rate spiked the highest nationally last month, and it is gonna spike even more before summer is over.

With that said, the Palmetto State will gain a dubious honor when September arrives: highest unemployment rate in the nation.

The state's rate spiked one half of one point in June, increasing the rate to 10.5%. In May, it was an even 1 in 10.

Nevada still had the highest unemployment rate nationally, with nearly one-eighth of the state's residents jobless. California sitting at 11.8%, is still the second-highest rate nationally. South Carolina is tied with Michigan for the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the nation.

While unemployment rates in the two aforementioned Western states have been rising at a slower pace (or even flat-lining at times), the jobs exodus in South Carolina has only accelerated, even with the additions of Boeing, Amazon, Bridgestone and Masonite to the state.

If this spike continues, the state's unemployment rate will be even worse than it was in June 2010.

Only one county in South Carolina has an unemployment rate that is lower than the national average. Lexington County's rate is 8.8%. The national average is 9.2%.

As for the Aiken area, let's just say the further east you go, the worse it gets.

Aiken County's unemployment rate is now higher than the national average, at 9.3%. That is the second-lowest in the state. Saluda County -- home to Ridge Spring, Monetta and Ward -- now has an unemployment rate of 9.7%. That is tied for the sixth-lowest in the state with Beaufort County. Edgefield County now has a 10.2% unemployment rate, the ninth lowest in the state. However, Orangeburg County -- home to Springfield -- now has a 15.4% unemployment rate. That is tied for the 10th highest in the state with the state's least populated (and smallest) county, McCormick County. And one-sixth of the residents of Barnwell County -- home to Williston and Elko -- are unemployed. That is the sixth highest unemployment rate in the state and the highest unemployment rate in the Aiken area.

Marion County had the highest unemployment rate in the state with 20.1%. Allendale County is the second highest with a 19.4% unemployment rate. Four out of every twenty-five Bamberg County residents are unemployed, giving them the seventh-highest unemployment rate in the state.

And these numbers are only gonna get worse between now and the time autumn arrives.

Michelle Bachmann's Campaign in Aiken; beats up Brian Ross from ABC News

2011-07-20T04:28:00.004-04:00

AIKEN -- Michelle Bachmann was in Aiken on Tuesday, talking about her 'plan' for America.

She talked in great detail about wanting to go back to the bad old days of health care, when insurance companies routinely killed people by denying them of their care due to pre-existing conditions. She also talked about shutting down the second-most efficient government agency (the Department of Education, also the smallest), giving the richest 3,150,000 Americans even more handouts that they definitely do not need, and a plan to end Medicare and Medicaid as we know it.

Most importantly, she reiterated her support of allowing the United States to default on its debt obligations for the first time ever.

"The economy has gone off the rails," Bachmann told the crowd. "I've never seen spending like this. I voted against the bailout when it came up and against the trillion dollar stimulus. The president said we wouldn't see the unemployment rate get up above 8 percent. Now it's at 9.2 percent, and that's a big failure on the economic report card."

In fact, Bachmann voted against both of the bailouts -- the Wall Street bailout in the fall of 2008 and the (more successful) bailout of the American auto companies six months later. Which means that out of all of the candidates running to unseat Obama, she is the only one that has any sort of credibility on the bailout issue.

But, the 35 minutes that she spent greeting with the people of Aiken was overshadowed by an incident that took place shortly before she left.

When WABC's Brian Ross weeded through the crowd to ask Bachmann a softball question about her migraine headache and how it could affect her day job at the US House, some people from the Bachmann campaign roughed Mr. Ross up. The Huffington Post has more on that.

ABC News says a reporter trying to question GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann was pushed and shoved by members of her camp after a campaign event in South Carolina.

Network news senior vice president Jeffrey Schneider said reporter Brian Ross was shoved Tuesday as security tried to block him from the Minnesota congresswoman while he asked whether she had to miss votes because of migraines. Schneider said Ross has been a victim of worse violence but added no reporter should be roughed up pursuing a story.

A spokeswoman for Bachmann did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

And yet, the conservatives said that we are the violent ones? Hogwash. What you saw in Aiken at the end of Bachmann's event was right wing thuggery in action. Mr. Ross was asking a very lowball question when he was viciously attacked. The question had nothing to do with politics. Yet, he was attacked simply because he is part of a media that Bachmann and her handlers hate.

A very big black eye on Aiken, indeed.

Memorial for the victims of the Wagener Massacre tonight at Downtown Pavilion

2011-07-19T13:33:00.004-04:00

WAGENER -- There will be a memorial for the victims of the July 2-3 Wagener Massacre tonight.

It will begin at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion in the town and will likely last about one hour.

Esther Baldwin, 47, Angela Myers and Tabitha Brown, both 25, and Vicki Myers, 50, all of Wagener; were murdered by abusive misogynist Ken Myers bridging the two aforementioned dates.

More on the Wagener Massacre:

Aiken Area Progressive:

Misogynistic murders in Wagener

America's Culture of Misogyny claims 4 more victims, gets more extreme with each passing birthday

Abusive misogynist had more people targeted + video of interviews from victims' families

Woman who saved children during Wagener massacre speaks

WRDW News 12:

Identities of 4 Wagener homicide victims released

Family of Wagener victim describes suspect as 'control freak'

Family of victim speaks out about domestic violence

Daughter of Tabitha Brown finds neighbor to call 911

Woman who made 911 call in Wagener case speaks out

WAGT NBC 26:

Three Confirmed Dead in Wagener

Names released of four dead, Suspect shot in Aiken County rampage

Wagener Murders Exclusive: A Child's plea for help

WJBF-DT News Channel 6:

Names released of four dead, Suspect shot in Aiken County rampage

Aiken County Sheriff's Office Working To Clarify Wagener Shooting Speculation

Boycott QVC for cancelling Jane Fonda's appearance!

2011-07-16T12:26:00.003-04:00

WEST CHESTER, PA -- In case you haven't heard, QVC cancelled Jane Fonda's appearance over something that had absolutely NOTHING to do with her book appearance.

It is time to fight back and send a message that this kind of censorship will not be accepted without repercussions.

Here is the post from her blog this morning:

I was to have been on QVC today to introduce my book, “Prime Time,” about aging and the life cycle. The network said they got a lot of calls yesterday criticizing me for my opposition to the Vietnam War and threatening to boycott the show if I was allowed to appear. I am, to say the least, deeply disappointed that QVC caved to this kind of insane pressure by some well funded and organized political extremist groups. And that they did it without talking to me first. I have never shied away from talking about this as I have nothing to hide. I could have pointed out that threats of boycotts are nothing new for me and have never prevented me from having best selling books and exercise DVDs, films, and a Broadway play. Most people don’t buy into the far right lies. Many people have reached out to express how excited they were about my going onto QVC and hearing about my book.

Bottom line, this has gone on far too long, this spreading of lies about me! None of it is true. NONE OF IT! I love my country. I have never done anything to hurt my country or the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for us. I do not understand what the far right stands to gain by continuing with these myths. In this case, they denied a lot of people the chance to hear about a book that can help make life better, easier and more fulfilling. I am deeply grateful for all of the support I have been getting since this happened, including from my Vietnam Veterans friends.

QVC has now shown their anti-American colors and it is time to call the company and tell them that you will be boycotting them for now on!

Here is their contact info:

1-800-367-9444 (customer service)

1-484-701-8282 (vendor)

Or you can write to the office of the president and send him a letter stating that you are boycotting his company because the cancellation of Jane Fonda's appearance:

QVC, Inc.
Office of the President
1200 Wilson Drive at Studio Park
West Chester, PA 19380

No longer will we stand idly by and allow for anti-American corporations like QVC censor the voices of true Americans like Jane Fonda! BOYCOTT QVC TODAY!

Woman who saved two children during the Wagener Massacre speaks

2011-07-12T21:00:00.003-04:00

WAGENER -- I have no transcript here, but here is the video of the woman who saved two young children (ages 6 and 1) while misogynist killer Ken Meyers was gunning down four women.

Summer of Terrorism, sponsored by Operation Rescue

2011-07-12T20:31:00.002-04:00

GERMANTOWN, MD -- The Summer of Terrorism protests against Dr. Leroy Carhart's East Coast clinic is fast upon us. Only 18+ days away now.

Domestic terrorist organization Operation Rescue and their terrorist-sympathizing cronies will descend upon this Montgomery County CDP (Census-designated place) for four days, starting on the morning of July 31 and ending on the evening of August 2. The last time Operation Rescue promoted their Taliban-like terroristic agenda, it was 20 years ago in July 1991 and it ultimately resulted in Dr. George Tiller's assassination 17 years 10 months later.

Thankfully, liberty-lovers are not gonna stand idly by and let Randall Terry, Troy Newman and the other band of terrorists in Operation Rescue get away with their crimes against women and their doctors.

The liberty-lovers' Summer of Choice counterprotests are scheduled to begin at 13:00 on July 31. The Summer of Choice will begin as a 1.3-mile walk around the perimeter of Dr. Carhart's clinic in support of him fighting for women's freedom to this day -- many years after he left the Air Force. It will then be a protest from that point on. The Summer of Choice counterprotests are scheduled to end on August 6, four days AFTER Operation Rescue's 'protests' are scheduled to end. (The Summer of Choice could end before August 6 should our allies drive the terrorists at Operation Rescue out of Germantown before then.)

If you are in the state of Maryland, or in the DC area in the District of Columbia or in the state of Virginia, I am strongly urging you to go to the Summer of Choice and counterprotest the terrorists at Operation Rescue!

Slut-shaming in NASCAR: Miss Sprint Cup from Lancaster fired in January for nude photos

2011-07-09T08:27:00.005-04:00

LANCASTER - Meet Paige Duke, who was the Miss Sprint Cup (left) during the 2010 season that saw Jimmie Johnson add to his historic resume.

In January, she was fired by NASCAR for nude photos.

The Rock Hill Herald has more.

A Miss Sprint Cup from Lancaster has been stripped of her title after racy photos of her emerged online.

In January, NASCAR announced that Paige Duke, a 24-year-old Clemson University graduate, would not return for a second season as one of three Miss Sprint Cup representatives.

The job involves making appearances at racing and charity events, and mingling with NASCAR fans. The attractive young women in racing-style fire suits are often seen smiling behind drivers as they celebrate in Victory Lane.

But about two weeks ago, Duke got a call from a Clemson classmate who said he'd received an email that contained what looked to be nude photos of her. He forwarded her the email.

"I just burst out into tears," Duke told the Observer. "I couldn't believe this was coming back from six years ago."

She said she was an 18-year-old college freshman when she sent the photos to her then-boyfriend.

"I never intended for anyone to see them but my ex-boyfriend," she said. "I was in love with him. I was naïve and young."

She soon learned that the photos had been circulating for years by email, and they had recently been posted to an online forum.

It wasn't long before she got a call from Sprint, she said, and she was fired.

Duke said her contract included a "morality clause" that prohibits Miss Sprint Cups from dating drivers or harming Sprint's image.

See that in the last sentence/paragraph? A 'morality clause' is in the contract. Simply put, NASCAR or Sprint (don't know which one employs the Miss Sprint Cups) inserted something that is similar to what radical Muslim countries like Iran have in ALL of their contracts. It's shameful.

Also, the fact that they fired her for being the same as she was born (a.k.a. naked) is more proof that this firing was purely misogynistic and was nothing more than blatant slut-shaming of women. A misogynistic culture that sadly is still very much prevalent in NASCAR (in all three of their top divisions).

NASCAR would never terminate Ryan Newman or Jeff Gordon for sending nude pics of themselves. Also, they would never terminate Kasey Kahne or Trevor Bayne for dating employees of Sprint.

This is proof that NASCAR treat the Miss Sprint Cups so much differently than the drivers -- with approximately 92% of the drivers being male.

That is where the misogyny -- and slut-shaming -- comes in.

Wagener Massacre: Abusive misogynist had more people targeted + video of interviews from victims' families

2011-07-05T13:15:00.007-04:00

WAGENER -- It turns out that (sadly) I was indeed correct: with the exception of one person, all of the people targeted (seven in all) by an abusive misogynist were women.

He already mowed down 57% of the people on his hit list by the time Aiken County Sheriff's deputies got involved. The cops, staying hot on his trail, prevented him from going after the other three.

And once again, the right wing nut job media outlets -- the (Columbia) State and the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle -- does the typical sidestepping and proclaim that financial troubles -- not the killer's controlling ways -- caused this massacre.

And people ever wonder why newspapers -- and the Chronicle in particular -- are going bankrupt.

WRDW did interviews with Esther Baldwin's family and they talk deeply of the killer's abusive ways towards Ms. Baldwin. Ms. Baldwin was from North Augusta.

News 12 spoke with the family of one of the victims, who says Myers was controlling and scared them. Esther Baldwin's two sisters say they never trusted Myers.

A local domestic violence counselor said their gut feeling was probably right on.

"He was a very controlling freak," Dinah Baldwin said. "He made her quit her job. She couldn't cut her hair. She couldn't wear makeup and wouldn't let her visit her family."

Dinah Baldwin feels like she has lost her sister twice. The first time was when Esther moved in with Ken Myers. The second time was when investigators say Myers took her life.

"Every time I called my sister I could hear him say get off the phone and cook dinner to do this or that," Belinda Knoeplfe said. "He would say he would kick her ass if she didn't do what she was told."

Knoepfle said she also worried about her sister. Esther met Myers on the Internet, and they started living together soon after. Both sisters feel like he hid her away in a secluded home in the woods of Wagener.

Experts say this is a tell-tale sign of an abuser.

"If he is going to control her and do what he wants to do with her, then she can not have connection with family or her friends,"said Kay Mixon, executive director of the Cumbee Center, which assists abused victims in Aiken.

She said Esther could have been a victim of abuse for years.

"He is going to do everything he can to do make this woman dependent on him," she said.

That is exactly what the Baldwin family said happened.

"He had threatened to take her life before -- and her daughter's," Dinah Baldwin said.

Knoeplfe and Dinah Baldwin said their baby sister was trapped. Seven and a half years later, Myers met another woman and moved out.

But that wasn't the end for Esther Baldwin and Myers.

"Even though the abuser may move out, that is not the end," Mixon said.

(emphasis mine in bold)

Also, they interviewed the killer's daughter. But, I won't post it here. You can read it here.

Words alone cannot describe the rage that still fills my body. Four women gone. Three families torn apart by this abusive misogynist.

My heart aches for the Baldwin and Brown families. My heart aches for the people in North Augusta, Big Cone Ridge, Taylor Pond, Rainbow Falls and Wagener. Most in the media will forget all about the heartache that you are all going through within four weeks. But, I won't.

May Esther Baldwin, May and Tabitha Brown, and Angela Myers rest in peace. And may the abusive misogynist that gunned them down go to Purgatory where he rightfully belongs.

America's Culture of Misogyny claims 4 more victims, gets more extreme with each passing birthday

2011-07-04T00:11:00.003-04:00

WAGENER -- Today is Independence Day. And for America's women, it just may well be another day on the Calendar, not even worth celebrating.

On the 235th birthday of this nation, women in America are being enslaved and slaughtered by misogynistic 'culture warriors' in the far right wing Republican and Tea parties at an alarming rate.

And alarmingly, America's culture of misogyny is being embraced, supported and endorsed by millions and millions of people -- including celebrities and politicians -- from coast to coast.

Even after four women in Wagener was gunned down by a misogynistic control freak on Saturday.

The shootings in Wagener are the latest example of America's violent misogynistic society that has been out of control for eight years now. And not only that, but the Culture of Misogyny is getting more extreme by the day.

Kenneth Myers, 47, may have been the one to pull the trigger five times. But, he is not the only one to blame for what happened on Daytona Rd in northern Aiken County on Saturday.

Our entire misogynistic culture is to blame for what went down on Saturday.

We are more than willing to fight misogynistic leaders in the Middle East, but when it comes to fighting misogynistic leaders (and people) at home -- whether it is in Aiken County, Edgefield County, Columbia or in Washington, DC -- very few people are willing to get up off their sorry asses and confront the misogynistic right wing extremists exterminating women right here at home. That is where the hypocrisy come in.

Every person who supports anti-choice laws are indirectly responsible for the massacre in Wagener. Every person who opposes the Equal Rights Amendment, who opposes laws that help women get on equal footing with men like myself and who opposes the expansion of laws curbing domestic violence are also indirectly responsible for the massacre in Wagener.

In short, America's misogynistic culture, which claimed four more lives on Saturday, is responsible for the massacre that took place on Daytona Rd.

Instead of firing up the barbecues today, take a moment to think about the ways in which you can put an end to America's Culture of Misogyny.

Misogynistic murders in Wagener

2011-07-03T15:50:00.007-04:00

WAGENER -- Four women, ranging in age from 25 to 50 are were gunned down by a deranged man named Kenneth Myers, who later killed himself.

Here is the latest from the Aiken Standard:

The other victims were Myers' wife, 25-year-old Angela M. Myers, her twin sister Tabitha T. Brown and their mother, 50-year-old Vicki May Hook Brown, according to Coroner Tim Carlton. The bodies were discovered by authorities at a home on Daytona Road around 6 p.m.

The last victim who was found was Myers' ex-wife 47-year-old Esther Baldwin at a Big Branch Road home around 1 a.m., Carlton said.

All women were said to have each died from a single gunshot wound.

According to WRDW News 12, Mr. Meyers was planning well in advance to harm women. Which makes this quadruple murder all the more misogynistic. The shootings in Wagener is very similar to one in Bridgeville, Pa. where one misogynist gunned down several women at a gym on August 4, 2009. With one notable exception: Myers knew his victims, George Sodini did not.

Sadly, misogynistic violence has now hit Wagener. Just like it has all those other times before in many other places in this nation. Jessica Valenti was right 23 months ago: this is a culture-wide problem.

UPDATE at 22:51: Added some detail to the post. Also, a video from WRDW interviewing Ms. Baldwin's family is below:

Best letters to the editor: Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio edition

2011-07-03T14:50:00.003-04:00

COLUMBUS, OH -- Some great letters from the state that is soon to be ranked as one of the worst (if not the worse) state in the nation when it comes to freedom.

We will start chronologically, with Gary Dougherty of Columbus.

Earlier this year, seven bills were introduced in Ohio to regulate abortion access. Hearings took on a circus atmosphere as live ultrasounds were performed, women were encouraged to triumph over their rapists and opponent witnesses were ridiculed.

Recently, without public input or clamor, language to further restrict access to abortion services was sneaked into the state budget bill.

Noticeably absent has been any discussion about how to prevent unintended pregnancies in the first place.

Planned Parenthood sees prevention as the key to reducing the number of unintended pregnancies, reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and reducing the need for abortion.

State Rep. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, and Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro, D-Hubbard, recently introduced the Ohio Prevention First Act. Among other provisions, the bill seeks to make emergency contraception available to sexual-assault survivors in hospital emergency rooms, offer comprehensive sexual-health education with a foundation in abstinence, and create a teen-pregnancy-prevention task force.

Rather than continuing to engage in divisive politics, it is time to focus energy on effective strategies to reduce Ohio's unintended-pregnancy rate and make our state a healthier place for women and their families.

Next, we will head to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where the rest of the best letters are. Andrea Lyn of South Euclid, Ohio goes next.

It's so simple to have yes-or-no, one-dimension thoughts -- then there's the real world, where facts take over.

While the two anti-abortion, anti-women's rights, anti-health-care-choices letter writers on Monday can have their opinions, thank goodness facts exist. Abortion may not be their choice, but they have no right to force their beliefs on others.

Safe, legal abortion was the legal, medical answer to countless maternal deaths from unsafe, self or untrained back-alley horrors. Septic wards in hospitals were facts.

Women died, and their children became orphans.

Contrary to wrathful opinions, the real world has sad times when women need safe options to awful medical problems that are agonizing enough. Their lives need not be threatened.

Keep the rhetoric and rancor. Consider that grown women make wrenching decisions and are entitled to do so.

Then, we go to Daniel Sparks of Parma, Ohio.

As a young man, and as the brother of two sisters, I am scared for the women of Ohio. With the Ohio House of Representatives' recent passage of three anti-choice pieces of legislation, including the "heartbeat" bill, the scope of availability for safe and legal reproductive care has been drastically reduced. If the heartbeat bill passes the Ohio Senate, and is signed by Gov. John Kasich, Ohio's women will be banned from getting an abortion before many of them even know that they are pregnant.

What is most striking about this debate is the absence of any discussion regarding prevention. Simply outlawing abortion does not, and will not, prevent them. In fact, it only makes accessing reproductive care harder and leaves women more vulnerable to risky, back-alley abortions.

The only way we can prevent abortion, which should be our main objective, is by reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies. Instead of focusing on making things harder to access, why can't the Ohio General Assembly work to make comprehensive sexual-health education the standard in Ohio?

I cannot help but feel a sense of hypocrisy as the male-dominated Ohio legislature works to take away women's rights while doing nothing to prevent abortion in the first place. Perhaps they should move as quickly on passing the Ohio Prevention First Act as they did the heartbeat bill.

Next, Leia Peison of Salem, Ohio. This is the best of the letters today.

The abortion ban known as the "heartbeat" bill is a gross abuse of the women and girls of Ohio. The ability to control one's own reproductive life is essential to a healthy society and the ability to live a complete and fulfilling life. Without the right to abortion, women are trapped into motherhood, and children pay the price by being born unwanted.

This is not a life-affirming law. It is one of subjugation that allows women to be taken back to the age when breeding was their only role.

Shame on all the representatives who voted for this. We will remember your names come election time.

Exactly, Mrs. Pieson. You provide me the names of these misogynistic scumbags who voted yes on the anti-choice 'heartbeat' bill and I will shame them on my blog so that the world will know who is working to exterminate the women of Ohio.

Next, Sarah Schwartz of Beachwood, Ohio.

More than 100 years ago, Margaret Sanger coined the phrase, "A woman has the right to control her own body." This concept is completely American -- after all, this country was founded on respecting the freedoms of its citizenry in areas from speech to religion.

Who would have guessed that the concept would still be radical more than a century later?

Apparently, our legislators, as well as several incensed Plain Dealer readers, think they should control the fates of not only women (who are pretty much reduced to "containers" for their infants, who have more rights than they do) but their unwanted children as well -- who, interestingly, raise crime rates as they grow up otherwise ignored by a society that forced their existence into being.

While I respect everyone's freedom of speech, I also value the autonomy of every female to make the best decisions for herself and her family -- without government intervention and the judgment of others.

And the last best letter of the day comes from Steve Cappabianca of Lakewood, Ohio.

The June 24 letter to the editor by Thomas Carey illustrates why so many of us would rather pass on civil unions. Carey exhorts, "Just don't call it marriage, because, to people of faith, it is not."

I respectfully pose this question: Would you trust the well-being of your family to the judgment and good will of people who see your family as "different" or "separate"? There are many examples of people in authority who feel they can take advantage of this gray area and make life difficult and not "respect one another," as Carey states.

Eventually, America will have more fair-minded people who don't see this issue as "denigrating faith-based morality," but as one of fairness, respect and dignity for families that look different from one's own.

For some states, it's now or never concerning issues

2011-06-30T12:56:00.002-04:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. and COLUMBIA -- The last day of many state legislatures for the year have arrived.

And the states are really high in some states, especially in Minnesota and South Carolina.

In Minnesota, if a budget deal is not signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton by 12:59 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time Friday (11:59 p.m. Thursday Minnesota time) - Saint Paul shuts down. Only critical functions of the Gopher State government will function, as well as federally funded programs such as installing new mixed-case street signage. But, other government functions - such as actual road construction - would come to an end at sunset.

The Minnesota GOP has so far refused to compromise on the budget. And for that, all the blame will squarely (and rightfully) be on them.

While a shutdown is not an issue in Columbia, the stakes are just as high on redistricting.

The Senate passed a different version of district maps than the House did. The Senate would take Allendale, Barnwell, and Hampton counties out of the Second District; and take Bamberg County out of the Sixth District; and put all four of these counties in the new Seventh District while putting Edgefield and Saluda counties, as well as western Aiken County, in the Second District; and would put western Orangeburg County into the Sixth District. The House plan would take Allendale and Hampton counties out of the Second District and put them in the Sixth District along with Bamberg and Orangeburg counties. Aiken and Barnwell counties would be the only local counties left in the Second District while Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties would remain in the Third District.

This means that the two sides -- even with an absolute GOP majority in Columbia -- will have to come up with something. Fast.

At the stroke of midnight, the federal government will be more than ready to draw the district boundaries that could well become earthquake measuring a XII on the Mercalli intensity scale politically speaking.

Time is running out in Saint Paul and in Columbia. And time is not on the side of politicians in either Minnesota or South Carolina.

Turner Time, 30 years later: Why television stations, radio stations and other businesses should implement it

2011-06-29T08:52:00.005-04:00

ATLANTA - Today is the 30th Anniversary of Turner Time.

This modern concept was adopted on June 29, 1981 by media moguls Ted Turner and Jane Fonda on two of Ted's stations -- TBS and TNT. Sadly, Mr. Turner unilaterally scrapped it in 2000.

Many people are asking what exactly is Turner Time.

Turner Time is a concept in which events, programming and shifts on jobs begin at :05 or :35, as opposed to conventional time (:00 or :30). What that means is that programming that aired on TBS and TNT began five minutes later than other programming and went off the air five minutes later too. Turner Time was used most notably on programs like the Flintstones, WCW Wrestling and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.

Turner Time is still in use, but on other lesser known television stations. Spanish-language television station Telemundo uses some variant of Turner Time.

And yes, some businesses (believe it or not) use Turner Time for beginning and ending shifts. But, I seriously doubt that Americans know which businesses in this country begin and end their shifts at :05 and :35.

Turner Time is a successful concept given that most pundits saw it as a gimmick as first that should have been shelved at the end of 1981. And the significant parta of this success was the fact that television viewers were given five minutes to turn to TBS and TNT without missing one minute of their shows (if they did not find one thing they like on other stations) or watch a show they like on TBS and TNT before turning to another station .

Given that success; ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, MyNetworkTV, and the CW (which is partially owned by Turner) would be wise to implement Turner Time. All television affiliates across the nation, as well as radio stations, businesses, and organizers of progressive political rallies and also would also be wise in doing the same.

The main sources of voter fraud

2011-06-27T15:32:00.009-04:00

AIKEN - By now, people should know that unless the US Department of Justice does its job and void it, there is a harsh new ID law active in South Carolina.

The really sad part about the new law? It does absolutely nothing to address real fraud. Instead, it only suppresses legitimate voters. To the tune of nearly 180,000 South Carolina voters right off the bat and at least 3 million more voters in South Carolina being suppressed by Haley and her radical cronies in Columbia by the time November 6, 2012 gets here.

One of the voters who have been suppressed under this law is Dolores Freelon, whose story was posted on Daisy's blog.

View video here.

In the pic to the left are Mrs. Freelon's documents. Those documents are accepted as proof in every other state with an ID law for voting -- including Georgia. Not in South Carolina. In South Carolina, the documents she have in the pic are not accepted under the state's new law.

Another voter who has been suppressed under the law is Larrie Butler, 84. A video of his story is here.

Here is more from the South Carolina Progressive Network:

Even though there are no cases of the kind of fraud this law is purported to prevent, our cash-strapped state will spend at least the $700,000 supporters say it will cost to implement. Opponents say it will cost two to three times that much to educate poll workers and the public about the new law. The governor has said you can’t put a price on the sanctity of the vote.

She should tell that to Delores Freelon, a Columbia resident and registered voter who won’t be able to vote in the next election because she has a Louisiana driver’s license and can’t get her birth certificate from California in time. What about the sanctity of her vote? What about Ms. Kennedy in Sumter, whose birth certificate lists her first name as Baby Girl, meaning she’ll have to go to court to get her papers straight in order to get a photo ID? Or Larrie Butler, who was born at home in Calhoun County in 1926 and is being told he needs records from an elementary school that no longer exists in order to establish a birth certificate?

Stories like these are coming in from around the state. The SC Progressive Network, which for 15 years has been advocating for voting rights, is fielding calls from people with questions about the new law or having problems meeting the ID requirements.

The lucky ones will still get to vote, but only after jumping through hoops and paying fees at various state agencies. Some will have to amend their birth certificates by going to court, at considerable cost. People without a car, a computer or short on money are simply out of luck. The disenfranchised will be primarily seniors and the poor. Many of them will be people of color who have voted all their lives.

This quiet whittling away of the vote is no accident. It is, in fact, the point. It’s the pattern being repeated in GOP-controlled legislatures across the country.

In South Carolina, we have a brief chance to challenge this law. Because of our state’s history of disenfranchising people of color, ours is one of seven states that must get pre-clearance from the US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) before new voting laws can go into effect. Once the state attorney general files the case, DOJ has up to 60 days to consider whether the law suppresses the minority vote.

The SC Progressive Network is gathering statements to forward to DOJ documenting voters’ experiences. We need volunteers around the state to help find citizens who will have a hard time meeting the new voting requirements. If you want to help, call the Network at 803-808-3384 or see scpronet.com for details.

Many on the right will say that SCPRONET are engaging in fear-mongering. Folks, this is not fear-mongering. What SCPRONET is talking about is real. Real people who have been voting for years and years now being denied their right to vote. It happened to a dozen nuns age 80 and over in Indiana in 2008.

Dead people showing up to the polls and voting has been non-existent since our nation's founding. The 'dead people are voting' argument is a complete red-herring and it is used as a cudgel to suppress legitimate voters.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Princess Toadstool and/or Pikachu showing up to vote is another red-herring that racist conservatives use to suppress those who vote for Democrats or left-leaning third-party candidates at the ballot box.

A third red-herring used by conservatives to pass voter suppression laws? ACORN, which no longer exists.

ACORN, Princess Toadstool and dead people are not the main sources of voting fraud. People showing up twice to vote is an extremely rare form of fraud.

If what I mentioned above are not the main sources of fraud, then what is?

The main sources of voter fraud are: voter suppression, voter caging, robocalls, using foreclosure lists and voting machines.

Voter caging is a method of challenging the registration status of voters to deliberately prevent them from voting in an election. It refers to the practice of sending direct mail to addressees on the voter rolls, compiling a list of addressees from which the mail is returned undelivered, and using that list to purge or challenge voters’ registrations on the grounds that the voters do not legally reside at registered addresses. This typically results in the voters' having their votes discarded or submitted through the use of provisional ballots requiring further registration confirmation.

Voter caging is just suppression by another name, in a word. Caging is a federal crime as described under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. And yet, states and municipalities are committing a criminal act by caging voters -- and they are getting away with that crime. Kansas caged thousands of legitimate voters in an 11-month period in the previous decade that ended on December 31, 2010. Michigan tried to cage voters 2008, but was caught red-handed by both the ACLU and the Michigan Messenger.

Robocalls are another main source of voter fraud. On Wednesday, two GOP officials from Maryland were arrested and charged with trying to suppress African-American votes in the 2010 election. The robocalls, which got the officials indicted, told African-Americans to stay home because the Democrat, now-Governor Martin O'Malley, had already won the election before it even happened. Other robocalls told African-American voters to vote 7 a.m. on the Wednesday after Election Day. And then some robocalls targeted to African-Americans told them not to show up at all on Election Day or they will be arrested for voting illegally.

A third main source of voter fraud is the use of foreclosure lists to deny people of their right to vote. The Michigan Messenger was instrumental in shutting down a plan in Macomb County to use foreclosure lists to disenfranchise legitimate voters in 2008.

And finally, as those who paid attention to the elections since 2004 know, voting machines are the fourth primary source of fraud. Voting machines are 100% unreliable when it comes to upholding the integrity of our votes. Just look at what happened in Wisconsin's Supreme Court election. David Prosser 'won' an election by more than 7,000 votes after the county clerk marked those ballots for Prosser just before she revealed the results of ballots late on April 6, the day after the election.

Four of the five tactics used in disenfranchising voters are criminal acts. Only using voting machines, which have the highest instances of voter fraud, is legal to have.

There is a remedy to fix the fraud that is rampant with voting machines. The federal government must require every state to use paper ballot for voting. Then the feds must brick every voting machine in every precinct across this country. Bricking means to make an electronic device nonfunctional and usually beyond repair, essentially making it no more useful than a brick. By bricking voting machines, the feds will have stopped a massive amount of voter fraud.

Also, the integrity of the vote will then be the best on Earth.

If I was in charge, here's how I would draw the district lines

2011-06-26T12:42:00.004-04:00

COLUMBIA - Currently there is a stalemate in the South Carolina state Senate over redistricting. It wouldn't be so hard if it wasn't for prison gerrymandering and partisan sweetheart deals.

But, those things are exactly what is holding up the drawing of our state's lines.

One state has a special, non-partisan group draw their boundaries earlier this year.

So, with all the squabbling going on, why didn't South Carolina do the same?

In a word: political power.

Pols want to keep the power to make the districts, instead of handing it over to a non-partisan panel.

And if the redistricting plans (the House-approved version or a Senate version) are not in place by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, the federal government gets to draw the lines for us in South Carolina -- whether the leaders in Columbia likes it or not.

If I had to do the redistricting, here is what I would do:

South Carolina's 1st Congressional District would consist of: all of Charleston and Jasper counties; all of Beaufort County except for the Yemassee area; southern Colleton County and all of the Greater Charleston area.

South Carolina's 2d Congressional District would consist of: all of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton, and Orangeburg counties; all of Lexington County except for Chapin; the 29860 zip code portion of Edgefield County; the 29945 zip code portion of Beaufort County; and the entire cities of Irmo including the Richland County portion of the city; and Batesburg-Leesville including the Saluda County portion of the city.

South Carolina's 3d Congressional District would consist of: all of Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee and Pickens counties; all of Edgefield County except for the North Augusta area; all of Laurens County except for the Fountain Inn area; all of Saluda area except for the Batesburg-Leesville area; and the Chapin area in Lexington County.

South Carolina's 4th Congressional District would consist of: all of Greenville and Spartanburg counties; the Fountain Inn area in Laurens County; and the Chesnee area in Cherokee County.

South Carolina's 5th Congressional District would consist of: all of Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York counties; and all of Cherokee County except for the Chesnee area.

South Carolina's 6th Congressional District would consist of: all of Calhoun, Clarendon, Georgetown, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg counties; all of Richland County except for Irmo; all of Berkeley County outside of the Greater Charleston area; all of Dorchester County outside of the Greater Charleston area and northern Colleton County.

South Carolina's new 7th Congressional District would be solely an 843 district and would consist of: all of Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Marion and Marlboro counties.

That would solve the problem of an impasse over this. Like a former teacher of mine said: "It's so simple, people!"

Clarence Thomas is absolutely unfit to serve on the Supreme Court

2011-06-21T12:32:00.003-04:00

PIN POINT, GA -- I really wasn't going to say anything about the criminal actions of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. But, the official resignation of the man that was pursuing Thomas, Anthony Weiner of Brooklyn, forced my hand.

If you have been paying really close attention to the web blogs lately, then you know about the corrupt ways of Thomas. In the 1980s, Thomas brutally raped Anita Hill. But, that didn't stop 52 pro-rape Senators, some of them still in the chamber, from confirming him on October 15, 1991. Since that time, it has been 19 years 8 months of continuous corruption from the Supreme Court justice.

Here is what we know so far:

Thomas (and his wife Ginny) has been quite cozy with a man named Harlan Crow. Crow has donated in excess of $5,000,000.00 to ultra-conservative organizations. This includes $100,000.00 donated in 2004 to the smear group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Crow has also helped finance a Savannah library project for Thomas.

Crow also gave Thomas the Bible Fredrick Douglass owned.

Crow also gave Ginny Thomas $500,000.00 to start a DC area Tea Party group.

Oh and the American Enterprise Institute? They gave Thomas a Lincoln worth $15,000.00 nearly ten years ago.

And not only that, but Crow has donated $1,300,000.00 to a museum that Thomas has had a significant role in creating -- which is a crass violation of the Code of Conduct for Judges. Oh wait, the morally corrupt Supreme Court exempted themselves from this Code of Conduct a few years ago.

Add this among the many more ethically questionable actions by Thomas, and you have one of the most crooked and corrupt justices to have ever sat on the Supreme Court.

Unethical Fundraising: The Code of Conduct does not allow judges to “personally participate in fund-raising activities, solicit funds for any organization, or use or permit the use of the prestige of judicial office for that purpose,” except in very limited circumstances. Yet Justice Thomas attended a Koch-sponsored political fundraiser intended to fund the conservative infrastructure of front groups, political campaigns, think tanks and media outlets. This attendance is technically legal, because of the justices exemption from the Code of Conduct, but the justices claim that they have long followed a policy of “look[ing] to the Code of Conduct for guidance” in determining when they may participate in fundraising activities.
Failure to Disclose: Federal judges and justices are required by law to disclose their spouse’s income — thus preventing persons who wish to influence the judge or justice from funneling money to them through their husband or wife. Nevertheless, Thomas falsely claimed that his wife Ginni — a lobbyist andhigh-earning member of the professional right — earned no non-investment income whatsoever while she was working at the right-wing Heritage Foundation. When asked to explain this error, Thomas — who is one of the nine people responsible for issuing binding interpretations of the nation’s founding document — claimed that he “misunderst[ood] the filing instructions.”
Potential Conflict of Interest: Ginni Thomas used to lead an organization thatvigorously opposes the Affordable Care Act, and she even briefly signed a memo calling that Act unconstitutional. Ginni also may be earning lobbying fees for working to have this Act repealed. A team of conservative lawyers recently argued that such activities by a judge’s spouse requires the judge torecuse from the lawsuits challenging the ACA, but a defiant speech Thomas gave to the conservative Federalist Society leaves little doubt that he will not recuse.
A Financial Stake in His Own Decisions?: Ginni Thomas may also be getting rich off of her husband’s vote in the infamous Citizens United decision — which freed corporations to spend billions of dollars to buy U.S. elections. Ginni’s new lobbying firm “offers advice on optimizing political investments for charitable giving in the non-profit world or political causes,” a line of work which has obviously become much more lucrative since Citizens United.

If this was done by Justice Sotomayor or Kagan, the far right would be calling for their heads. But, since it was Justice Thomas who has engaged in this kind of raw corruption, the Tea Party are basically covering up his crimes by not only refusing to finish the job that former Rep. Weiner started, but also by staying silent on this.

Justice Thomas has proven again and again that he is unfit to serve on the highest court of the land. He needs to resign immediately.

June is Lightning Safety Awareness Month

2011-06-20T13:53:00.002-04:00

Most people know that June is LGBT Pride Month and Black Music Month.

But, very few people know that this month is also Lightning Safety Awareness Month.

The Obama Administration declared this month as such just before the House flipped to a GOP majority in December 2010.

Here are some facts about lightning:

South Carolina has the fifth most lightning strikes overall.

Sheet lightning is the most common form of lightning. 70% of all lightning strikes are sheet lightning.

Cloud-to-ground lightning is the second-most common form of lightning. It is also the deadliest form. Cloud-to-ground lightning is the #1 killer of human beings 27 years old and younger and one of the 10 biggest causes of house fires.

Aiken County has the most occurrences of cloud-to-ground lightning in the CSRA with Orangeburg County having the third most occurrences of cloud-to-ground lightning.

Cloud-to-ground lightning can happen when there are very little clouds in the sky. This is known as positive lightning and is far more dangerous due to the fact that it can happen without warning.

July is the deadliest month for cloud-to-ground lightning.

Ground-to-cloud lightning is the third most common form of lightning, but it is rare. Ground-to-cloud lightning is also the second most deadly form of lightning. Ground-to-cloud lightning can also occur with no warning and with a clear blue sky.

Heat lightning is seen only after sunset and only when the location is 30 or more miles away from a thunderstorm. For instance, if one is located at Taylor Pond Road in North Augusta and sees heat lightning flashing, then there is a good bet that the thunderstorm is located from Greenwood to the north, from Williston to the south and east, or from Thomson to the west.

There are the facts. While thunderstorms can happen at any time, they are most likely to happen between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the Aiken area during the summer months. Also, they can come in from any direction.

This summer, keep your eyes on the sky.

Time for the federal government to severely punish North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Indiana for violating women's 14th Amendment rights

2011-06-17T08:01:00.003-04:00

WASHINGTON -- Most people by now know that the federal government is threatening to withhold all of Indiana's Medicaid funds on July 1 if the state proceeds with defunding Planned Parenthood.

The punishment does not fit the crime. And most people -- especially progressive allies -- are wondering why I said that.

The punishment does not fit the crime because the punishment is way too light for states that are all too willing to violate not just federal law prohibiting states from freezing funding of legitimate health care providers, but also blatantly violate the United States Constitution -- in this case, blatantly violating the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

So, what do I think is the appropriate punishment for states that defund Planned Parenthood?

The appropriate punishment for violating women's 14th Amendment rights should be an automatic loss of ALL federal funding for the offending states and NOT JUST health funds. States that defund Planned Parenthood (in clear violation of the 14th Amendment) should also LOSE EVERY SINGLE PENNY OF FEDERAL FUNDING THEY CURRENTLY RECEIVE FOR ALL SERVICES IN THE STATE. That includes the funding states receive for disaster aid, highways, agriculture, education, and any other grant that the state(s) currently receive from Washington. So far, though, the Obama Administration has been moving at a pathetically slothful pace in punishing rogue states like Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

By stripping offending states (listed in the previous sentence) of all the federal funding they receive, it will send a powerful message that they can no longer trample women's 14th Amendment rights. Money talks, bullshit walks in these times. And by telling offending states that they must do without federal funding will make the states comply with the federal law, and must importantly, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.

There is no such thing as a punishment too harsh when it comes to punishing states for defunding Planned Parenthood. The 14th Amendment of our Constitution always takes precedence over the 10th Amendment.

It is time for Obama and Sebelius to say enough is enough and strip Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas of ALL of their federal funding.

Flags, Flags and more Flags! Flag Day 2011

2011-06-14T23:09:00.013-04:00

WILLISTON -- By now, you know that today is Flag Day. It is to celebrate all flags of national importance, starting with the Stars and Stripes.

Here are the flags that you will see flying:

US Flag: The most important flag there is in this country. Thus, this flag will have the highest number of them flying. This flag is always flown at the top. Also, this flag can be bigger than, or of equal size to, other flags -- but it cannot be smaller than any other flag.

Mexico flag: This flag will be flown by immigrants who have ancestors who resided in Mexico or by those who have dual citizenship to the US and Mexico. If flown, this flag must be flown under the United States national flag AND must be flown over ANY US State flag.

Canadian flag: This flag will be flown by immigrants who have ancestors who resided in Canada or by those who have dual US-Canada citizenship. If flown, this flag MUST be flown under the United States national flag AND MUST be flown over any US State flag.

Flags of other nations MUST be flown UNDER the US national flag AND MUST be flown over the US State flag.

US State flag: Each of the 50 states have a flag of their own. If flown, this flag must be under the United States national flag. It must be under ANY OTHER national flag that is flying if another national flag is on a flagpole. It can, however, be flown above a cultural flag, provided if that flag was never used as a national flag.

African-American flag: This is a flag that will be flying in African-American communities. Since this flag was never confirmed as used as a national flag, it must fly underneath the US national flag, any other national flag AND a US State flag.

Confederate flag: This is a flag that will be found primarily in the South, but some have been reported to be spotted in California and New Hampshire. This particular flag remains the same when flown upside down. However, some Confederate flags (such as the Second National flag and the current Confederate National flag) will indicate stress if flown upside down. Since the Confederate flags were used as a national flag from 1790-1865, it must be flown above any US state flag AND below the US national flag if a person chooses to fly it.

US Military flags: These five flags are what families of those who served overseas will be using to represent the units that their loved one is serving in or has served in when that person used to be in the military. Vets of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, War in Bosnia, the War in Kosovo, the War in Afghanistan, the War in Iraq and the War in Libya will likely be flying these flags. Also, people who work in factories to supply equipment to the military will also be flying these flags. All military flags can be flown on a separate pole by themselves. If flown with other flags, it must be below the US national flag, any other national flag, AND the US State flag.

LGBT Pride flags: These flags will be flown by LGBTQ people, straight allies or by families of those who have LGBTQ members in their families. The flag at the top left is a flag representing those who are lesbian, gay, transgender or queer. The flag at the bottom left is a Bisexual flag. These flags must be flown below the US national flag, any other national flag, and the US state flag.

Here is the proper etiquette of ALL flags (Etiquette tips in asterisk is only for the United States national flag.):

The flags should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

The flags should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. *Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

The flags should never be used for any advertising purpose. They should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard

The flags should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that flag patches may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. People who are of specific groups, such as those supportive of LGBT pride can wear a LGBT flag patch.

The flags should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.

The flags should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

When flags is lowered, no part of them should touch the ground or any other object; they should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store flags they should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.

The flags should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

When flags is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country (or of the people who believe in a certain cause), they should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Displaying the Flags Outdoors

When the US flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right.

..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.

..No other flag ever should be placed above it.

..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

Raising and Lowering the Flags

The flags should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. All flags should be illuminated if displayed at night.

*The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

Displaying the Flags Indoors

When on display, the US national flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

*Parading and Saluting the Flag

When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.

*The Salute

To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

*The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.

When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

*The Flag in Mourning

To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

Test taken.

2011-06-13T04:17:00.003-04:00

You Are 20% Conservative, 80% Liberal

Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

It ain't just about abortion anymore: Anti-Choice Terrorists aim to take away ALL women's rights -- including the right to birth control

2011-06-09T11:47:00.005-04:00

JACKSON, MS -- Anti-choice terrorist groups in Mississippi are going on a tour through all 82 of the state's counties to promote an amendment supported by Personhood USA, a group that is strikingly similar to the Afghan Taliban in terms of blatant misogyny.

If approved by voters, women would certainly become the property of the state of Mississippi. And no, that is not a joke.

Similar measures to ban abortion outright were rejected in two states in the three most recent election cycles. In 2006 (before Personhood USA formed), a measure to ban abortions was defeated in South Dakota -- which has not voted for a Democrat since 1964. In 2008, 100% of the 'personhood' measures were defeated by at least a 5-to-3 margin. In addition to South Dakota (again), Colorado defeated Amendment 62.

And anti-choice terrorist groups never once mentioned banning birth control. Until now.

In Mississippi, Personhood USA is having a tour. In Alabama, they are expected to completely ban abortion and contraceptives any moment now. And in Texas, misogynistic terrorists held an anti-birth control rally on Tuesday.

The Rachel Maddow Show has more on this (UPDATE @ 5:45 June 10: transcripts are now up):

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

MADDOW: Happy birthday, Griswold.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I spent the last 15 years of my life developing new and better food additives. I guess I missed an awful lot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MADDOW: Actually, not you, Clark.

Happy birthday to another famous Griswold. Not Clark Griswold.

This week is the anniversary of the Supreme Court‘s 1965 decision Griswold v. Connecticut. Griswold v. Connecticut matters to you because it is the reason birth control is legal in America. Griswold was Estelle Griswold, at the time executive director of Planned Parenthood in Connecticut.

She was arrested in Connecticut for helping married people plan their parenthood, for helping married people get access to contraceptives. That was illegal in Connecticut at the time because, you know, every sperm is sacred or whatever. Estelle Griswold is arrested for the grave crime of aiding and abetting contraception.

The case ultimately makes its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. And in a 7-2 decision on June 7th, 1965, the court rules that despite the fact that some people really, really hate birth control, you cannot make laws preventing people from using it. We all have a right to decide that for ourselves—when and where and how and whether you want to have a kid. That is your decision. The Constitution protects your privacy in that way. That‘s Griswold v. Connecticut.

Every sperm is sacred, that‘s Monty Python. But birth control is legal, that‘s Griswold v. Connecticut—which is a good reminder actually that before Griswold v. Connecticut, we didn‘t have that right and states made the pill illegal.

This year, the Beltway media is just starting to realize, I think, that we are in the middle of the biggest rollback of abortion rights since Roe versus Wade, since abortion was made legal in 1973.

But just as everybody is finally waking up to that reality in this year‘s politics, here‘s another one for you. The anti-abortion movement at this point is so radical and I think so emboldened about their progress recently, that they‘re not stopping at trying to overturn Roe versus Wade. They‘re going for Griswold, too.

They‘re not just trying to roll back abortion rights. They are trying to ban birth control as well.

The American Life League‘s annual protest the pill event was held this last weekend, this past weekend in Texas. Their message: the pill kills. Using birth control makes you a murderer.

The pill kill folks seem like a fringy group, at least maybe on the extreme edge of things, but their politics on birth control—I don‘t know, does it still count as fringe if it‘s being proposed by Republican lawmakers in eight states?

Alabama state house tomorrow could give final approval to a bill that would change the definition of person in Alabama to mean, quote, “all humans from the moment of fertilization and implantation into the womb.” The bill would ban abortion, outright, sure. But because of the way it‘s written, because of the whole fertilization and implantation language, because of the way birth control works—with this bill, Alabama might just be poised to ban the most popular forms of birth control as well.

The word “person” is used literally thousands of times in Alabama state law. So, if this thing passes, then congratulations, not only is the pill probably illegal in Alabama, and not only is abortion illegal in Alabama, but you can now claim your fetus as a dependent on your state taxes in Alabama? Frankly, five minutes after sex, you could ride in the car pool lane alone.

The same kind of legislation also made its way through at least one chamber of the legislature in Montana, in North Dakota, in Oklahoma and Virginia this year. Legislation like this was introduced in Iowa, in Georgia, and in Texas—all by Republicans. In Mississippi, a ballot initiative that would say a person in Mississippi begins at the moment of fertilization, that‘s scheduled to be on the November ballot. It is tied up in court right now—thanks to a lawsuit being fought by Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

This personhood ballot initiative was essentially piloted by the fringe anti-abortion anti-contraception movement actually in Colorado. Colorado voters, though, were so turned off by the idea that even though it got on the ballot twice, the ballot measure lost by a 3-1 margin. It lost by a 3-1 margin twice. Once when it was on the ballot in ‘08 and again when it was on the ballot in 2010.

But the folks behind these initiatives are not discouraged by those kind of losses. The key group behind the failed Colorado effort is working to get similar initiatives on the ballot in every state in the country—ballot initiatives that will be called “personhood amendments.” They are presented as anti-abortion measures—which they are—but they do also have the effect offensive banning the pill.

In Mississippi, where the personhood/no more birth control ballot initiative is in court, where it might not make it on to the ballot because of that lawsuit, the supporters of that ballot initiative are going on a P.R. offensive. It is a statewide tour of Mississippi to build public support for their cause, for keeping the “no more birth control” initiative on the ballot.

And I want you to see this. If I just say this, you will think I‘m making it up. So, I want you to see what it is and that it is real.

This is what the P.R. tour in Mississippi for that ballot initiative looks like. Look. It is called the “Conceived in Rape” tour. That‘s the campaign for the ballot initiative, not against it.

That‘s what the anti-abortion people are publicly saying they are for. They are for forcing women who are victims of rape to bear the child of the rapist. And they are making a statewide tour out of it—traveling the state telling the good news about forcing rape victims to bear the rapist‘s child.

This is how Personhood USA is trying to convince Mississippi that they really need to get this personhood/no more birth control/force rape victims to bear the rapist child initiative on the Mississippi ballot and then Mississippi needs to vote for it.

Anti-abortion politics have gotten so radical that this is where they are at. The policy positions are force rape victims to bear their rapist‘s children and ban birthday control.

Happy birthday, Griswold.

Joining us now is Terry O‘Neill, president of the National Organization for Women.
Terry O‘Neill, thanks very much for being here. It‘s nice to see you again.

TERRY O‘NEILL, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN: It‘s great to see you again, Rachel.

MADDOW: So, the law under which Estelle Griswold was arrested, that law in Connecticut was passed in the 1807s, I think. That state‘s no birth control law at the time. Is that where we‘re headed? We‘re back to 19th century birth control laws?

O‘NEILL: You know, if these radical right wing elected officials have their way, yes. That is exactly where we‘ll be going. It‘s really not so much about abortion—certainly not about abortion anymore.

But, you know, a lot of people in the pro-choice movement have been saying for a long time, it‘s not just about abortion. It‘s about abortion. It‘s about birth control.
And it‘s really about women‘s ability to access the entire range of reproductive health services. And, you know, what‘s going on in the states now trying to stop birth control is I think part of the overall war against women that is absolutely raging in this country.

The part of the war against women is going on in the budget. It‘s really economic. But the part that we‘re looking at right now is really ideologically grounded.

And the ideology is that women need to be subordinated to the dominance of the men in their families. The primary way that you can achieve that goal is to make sure the women don‘t have control over the timing and spacing of their pregnancies.

MADDOW: How do you think the policy arm of the anti-abortion movement got here? How did we get to a point where eight states are proposing legislation that really could ban birth control? Is it the anti-abortion movement influencing the surge of new restrictions in the states? Is this driven by party politics? Where is this coming from?

O‘NEILL: Well, you know, I think right now definitely the anti-abortion movement is driving this because it‘s really an anti-reproductive health care and anti-reproductive rights movement. I think it‘s very unfortunate that the federal government just last year passed a sweeping health care reform law that includes restrictions on abortions. I think that was not helpful. I think that that has helped to embolden more extreme anti-reproductive rights forces to push even further.

I think in addition, that the—you know, that the sweep of the 2010 elections that brought Tea Party member into the United States Congress, that brought this sort of wash of red over some key battleground states for 2012. That is heavily influencing this.

There are a number of states that are bringing hot button social issues to the 2012 election, either through ballot initiatives like in Mississippi, or in other ways specifically for the 2012 elections. So, that‘s part of what‘s going on.

MADDOW: Trying to turn out conservative voters for that presidential election year.

You know, when you look at policy matters where there‘s very lopsided public opinion, that is a big political opportunity for people who are taking the popular side of the issues. Contraceptives are very popular in this country. Ninety (90) percent of sexually active women who could get pregnant but don‘t want to use contraception.

But by taking up these personhood bills, these amendments that really could both ban abortion and ban birth control, isn‘t that a huge political opportunity for the Democratic Party? Is anybody taking the other side of this very, very lopsided bet?

O‘NEILL: You know, yes, we got—we definitely have champions in Congress that are very much for us. Of course, this is not at the national level right now.

I think what we really need among our friends in elected positions, both at the state level and federal level, is to come out swinging. I think this attack on birth control is an overreach—very much like the way the attacks on Medicare over on the budget side have been an overreach. We‘ve seen the results of that.

Look, in many ways the longer I stay in Washington, the more I think that this town is a citadel, you know, with very, very high walls. And outside the walls of this citadel, people believe in birth control. It‘s not so much a preference for voters. It‘s a value for voters.

And think that the right wing has not understood that. And I think it does give us an opportunity to come back and really win this fight.

MADDOW: Terry O‘Neill, president of the National Organization for Women—thank you very much for joining us tonight. I really appreciate it.

O‘NEILL: Thank you, Rachel.

(emphasis mine in bold)

That's right folks. These attacks on women in Mississippi and Alabama are nothing more than a naked attempt to enslave women, just like they were from 1776-1972.

If you live anywhere in the South, including North Carolina, get rid of anyone who is waging a war on American women. Ditto for the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states.

Tell Sens. Burr, Hagan, DeMint, Isakson and Chambliss to DEFEAT/FILIBUSTER PROTECT IP Act (S.968)!

2011-06-05T23:14:00.004-04:00

WASHINGTON -- If there ever was a piece of legislation that has united the progressives and far right conservatives against it, then it must truly be atrocious.

The PROTECT IP Act (S.968) is the most atrocious piece of legislation to have come up for a vote since the PATRIOT Act a few short weeks prior.

Below is some background on S.968 and why we must defeat this proposal (via DailyKos and TeaParty.org):

Protect IP Act by Obama Administration and 11 senators - Read this crazy bill!

Protect Ip Summary

What this bill does is censor the internet and takes away our freedom. Furthermore, it allows for Big Media, the out-of-control Big Movie industry and the crooked Big Four record labels to sue anyone for no legitimate reason.

In effect, it would also give the Department of Justice Gestapo-like power to prosecute anyone that even sample media on web sites like YouTube and Myspace.

PROTECT IP would effectively turn the United States of America into a fascist state much like China, Iran and North Korea.

Thankfully, Sen. Wyden, Progressive Democrat from Oregon, has put a hold on this dangerous piece of legislation. His statement is below:

Consistent with Senate Standing Orders and my policy of publishing in the Congressional Record a statement whenever I place a hold on legislation, I am announcing my intention to object to any unanimous consent request to proceed to S. 968, the PROTECT IP Act.

In December of last year I placed a hold on similar legislation, commonly called COICA, because I felt the costs of the legislation far outweighed the benefits. After careful analysis of the Protect IP Act, or PIPA, I am compelled to draw the same conclusion. I understand and agree with the goal of the legislation, to protect intellectual property and combat commerce in counterfeit goods, but I am not willing to muzzle speech and stifle innovation and economic growth to achieve this objective. At the expense of legitimate commerce, PIPA's prescription takes an overreaching approach to policing the Internet when a more balanced and targeted approach would be more effective. The collateral damage of this approach is speech, innovation and the very integrity of the Internet.

The Internet represents the shipping lane of the 21st century. It is increasingly in America's economic interest to ensure that the Internet is a viable means for American innovation, commerce, and the advancement of our ideals that empower people all around the world. By ceding control of the Internet to corporations through a private right of action, and to government agencies that do not sufficiently understand and value the Internet, PIPA represents a threat to our economic future and to our international objectives. Until the many issues that I and others have raised with this legislation are addressed, I will object to a unanimous consent request to proceed to the legislation.

Not only that, but the US Government shut down 73,000 WordPress blogs earlier this year in a blatant display of a raw abuse of power.

If 73,000 blogs can be shut down by the federal government for nothing, then imagine how may other blogs would be shut down if Congress gets their way.

Tell Sens. Jim DeMint (R-SC), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Richard Burr (R-NC), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) to DEFEAT, or better yet FILIBUSTER, the dangerous, unconstitutional and un-American PROTECT IP Act AT ALL COSTS.

The Life Zone: A film that legitimizes kidnapping and sexual assault of pregnant women

2011-06-04T13:38:00.004-04:00

TRENTON, NJ -- By now, many of you in the feminist community have either read about or heard about a movie called The Life Zone.

Here is what you need to know about the movie.

It legitimizes kidnapping and sexual assault of women. Furthermore, it is very similar to what Jaycee Dugard experienced from June 10, 1991 to August 26, 2009.

Only this time, it is three young, pregnant women who are kidnapped and raped by a group of men who call themselves pro-life. And at the end, all three women are forced to give birth by their kidnappers.

So, in an nutshell, The Life Zone is a movie that condones rape (and possibly statutory rape, depending on the age of the females in the film) and kidnapping.
And who is the rapist who created such a disgusting film? Ken Del Vecchio.

Del Vecchio is the promoter of the Hoboken Film Festival, an event that promotes rape-apologism 100%. He is also running for the State Senate in New Jersey and resigned as a judge 1 year and 1 month ago to promote his misogynistic, pro-rapist agenda. Del Vecchio is also an ardent supporter of parental rights for rapists and child molesters.

People in New Jersey needs to make sure that he gets nowhere near political power.

If you have his email address, post it in a comment so that every liberty-lover will know to email him and tell this misogynistic, rape-apologist creep your opinion of his rape film.

Also, I will not be posting the trailer. If anyone tries to post the trailer on here, I will not approve of the comment.

Get ready for a change on your streets and highways, South Carolina!

2011-05-31T14:23:00.008-04:00

EDGEFIELD -- Get ready for major changes along South Carolina's highways and byways tomorrow morning.

At 12:01 a.m., the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is scheduled to officially take effect. Georgia and North Carolina have already adopted that version of the MUTCD.

Here are some examples of what the switch will mean to the signs that you see in South Carolina:

ALL regulatory signs (Stop sign, Yield sign, Speed Limit sign) MUST be in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. No exceptions under any circumstance.

All Stop signs must be 1 yard by 1 yard. That is, 36 inches by 36 inches. Yield signs must be 1 yard by 1 yard by 1 yard.

Secondary legends (such as red letters on a white octagon [or triangle]) is strictly prohibited on Stop and Yield signs.

Speed Limit, Do Not Pass, No Parking, and alternate One Way signs must be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches; Do Not Enter signs must be a minimum of 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet; and Wrong Way signs must be a minimum of 3 feet by 2 feet.

ALL Warning Signs must be a shade of yellow.

All guide signs, except for Street Name signs, can still be in all capital letters.

ALL Street Name signs MUST be in mixed-case. The suffix abbreviation (such as ST, DR, AVE) can still be in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, however.

ALL Street Name signs MUST be retroreflective.

Street Name signs in unincorporated areas of a county can now be in the following colors: green, blue, teal, brown or white (Prior to the 2009 MUTCD, Street Name signs in unincorporated areas of counties could ONLY be green with white text.). If the blade color is green, blue, teal or brown; the text MUST be white. If the blade color is white, the text can ONLY be in dark green, dark blue, dark teal or black (in rgb terms, that would be 0, 64 [or lower], 64 [or lower] -- the r [red] value MUST be at 0 at all times).

Street Name signs must be a minimum of 1 foot (12 inches) in height.

Pictographs can now be on either side of the Street Name sign (Prior to the 2009 MUTCD, the pictograph could only be on the left hand side of the sign.).

Block numbering can be used on Street Name signs (as pictured in the Barnwell County signs above and below).

Secondary road numbers and highway numbers can be used on Street name signs (as pictured in the Aiken County sign below.).

Although the federal government encourages every place on US soil to use either FHWA Series Fonts or Clearview, any sans-serif font (such as Arial or Helvetica) can be used on street name signs.

All highway markings must be retroreflective.

So, what does this mean? This means that every county in South Carolina, except for Aiken, will have out-of-compliance signs. Over 90% of Orangeburg County's signs are in mixed case, but the signs fail to meet the new height requirements. The other CSRA counties (Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Hampton, McCormick and Saluda) are out-of-compliance due to the signs being in all capital letters. Aiken County began changing their signs in October 2010. They are still changing their street signs as of this blog post.

Remember, 12:01 a.m. That is when the change for the better on your traffic devices will begin.

5-31, Two years later: Domestic terrorism still is the biggest threat -- and it is growing

2011-05-31T11:57:00.002-04:00

WICHITA, KS -- Two years ago, many of us blogged about the assassination of Dr. George R. Tiller.

Two years have come and gone, and very little has changed with the anti-choice terrorist movement.

They are still terrorizing women and their doctors -- a more detailed look on that will be posted by July 16 about the planned protests in Germantown, MD.

They are still creating unconstitutional laws (such as defunding Planned Parenthood) and they are still disrespecting women.

And what's worse? The lamestream media has exactly ZERO editorials about the anniversary of Dr. Tiller's assassination by a domestic terrorist movement.

Zero. No editorials in the New York Times. None in the Los Angeles Times. Not one in Kansas City Star. And no, not even one editorial in the hometown newspaper of the Tiller family, the Wichita Eagle.

It's not as if the newspapers have more pressing issues to write about -- they don't.

It is inexcusable that American newspapers are aiding and abetting terrorists by refusing to write an editorial about the failure of Washington to hold the anti-choice terrorist movement responsible for Tiller's assassination and for the failed terrorist attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Madison, WI.

Instead, they bend to the will of the terrorists at the National Right to Life, the Pro-Life Action League, Susan B. Anthony's list and other domestic terrorist organizations.

In the two years since Tiller's death, domestic terrorism -- not foreign terrorism -- is still the biggest threat to our nation.

And the domestic terrorist organizations mentioned above and others like them are growing day by day. Exponentially.

And nowadays, these anti-choice domestic terrorists are everywhere. They are on the radio, and they are on the news stations spreading their Goebbels-style propaganda. The terrorists are working at our local newspapers, and yes, they are in positions of power in state and federal government.

And now, they are getting more radical than ever before -- they have waged a full-blown war against women.

Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, our attention should be focused solely on crushing and defeating the growing anti-choice terrorist movement right here at home.

Women in music: Can't win for losing

2011-05-30T16:37:00.004-04:00

Remember a few years ago when we all (myself included) criticized rapper Nelly for his PG-13 rated video, TipDrill? Remember when I got on country duo Brooks and Dunn over their video, Hillbilly Deluxe -- another music video in which women are being reduced to sex objects by male execs (and in some cases, male artists themselves) in the music industry?

Well, looks like female artists themselves are having their feet held to the fire by radicals such as those in the ultra-fascist Parents Television Council.

The PTC's beef with the awards show that aired on May 22:

"The overtly sexualized performance by Rihanna and Britney Spears was no accident or mishap, but a deliberate effort to target teens with images and lyrics that glamorize whips, chains and other sexual fantasies."

It is obvious that the PTC didn't even bother to look at the show's rating. It clearly showed, at the beginning of Rihanna's performance, a rating of TV-14. Not TV-G. Not TV-PG. TV-14.

What does that mean? No one under the age of fourteen should have been watching it without parental guidance.

Here is the performance in question. Notice that it clearly shows the rating of the awards show in the first few seconds of the clip.

Sorry, but the Parents Television Council's complaint about the performance is much-ado-about nothing. The people at the PTC should get a real job and stop complaining about what's on TV if they do not pay attention to the rating that shows up at the top left of the screen.

Just today, XL Records founder Richard Russell attacked Rihanna for having ‘boring, crass and unoriginal music’.

I am glad that Rihanna is sticking by her performance with Britney Spears. There was nothing vulgar about the performance.

This is another case of women in America being attacked for doing what they want to do without being told what to do by government, religious zealots or men.

For women in America, it's damned if you do, damned if you don't. It is obvious that the Parents Television Council wants American women to wear burqas out in public all the while controlling what adults can or cannot watch on television.

It's Girl Scouts Day today

2011-03-12T17:07:00.003-05:00

Today is the 99th Girl Scouts Day all over the United States. The Girl Scouts, first founded in Savannah in 1912, have now streamlined their chapters, dividing them mainly by state. Here are the chapters for the CSRA:

Georgia:

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (serves all 13 CSRA counties in Georgia and Hampton County in South Carolina)

South Carolina:

Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands (serving Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties)

Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina (serving Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties)

New blog that exposes uber-misogynist Lila Rose

2011-03-05T16:50:00.002-05:00

LOS ANGELES -- There is a new blog that exposes Lila Rose, the woman who wants to shut down every women's health clinic in the continental United States. The photos are real, the videos are real and the blog opens our eyes to the real Lila Rose, the big hypocrite in the conservative movement.

Here is the link to the blog: Lila Rose is a Hypocrite!

Mr. Bayne scores the BIGGEST UPSET in sports history

2011-02-21T22:32:00.003-05:00

DAYTONA BEACH -- Forget about the 6 seed vs. 1 seed. Or for that matter, the 8 seed vs. 1 seed.

How about someone who was more than a billion to 1 odds to win the Super Bowl of NASCAR?

That is what Trevor Bayne, 20, did. He won the Daytona 500. It will forever be etched in stone.

That is like Duke Blue Devils winning the BCS national championship. That is like Mississippi State Bulldogs winning the NCAA Women's basketball national championship.

The Huffington Post has more on The Biggest Upset in Sports History:

Trevor Bayne finally made a mistake. Fortunately for him, it didn't happen until he missed the turn pulling into Victory Lane at the Daytona 500.

The youngest driver to win the Great American Race gave the historic Wood Brothers team its fifth Daytona 500 victory – its first since 1976 with David Pearson – and Bayne did it in a No. 21 Ford that was retrofitted to resemble Pearson's famed ride.

In just his second Sprint Cup start, the 20-year-old Bayne stunned NASCAR's biggest names with a thrilling overtime win Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, holding off Carl Edwards after fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed in NASCAR's first attempt at a green-white-checkered flag finish.

"Our first 500, are you kidding me?" said Bayne, who needed directions to Victory Lane. "Wow. This is unbelievable."

Unbelievable, indeed.

Just one day after celebrating his 20th birthday and leaving his teenage years behind, the aw-shucks Tennessean who shaves once a week and considers "Rugrats" his favorite TV show captured the sport's biggest race.

When he found himself at the front, and victory just two laps away, he never thought it would last. Bayne was content just to say he had been leading at the start of the green-white-checkered.

"I'm a little bit worried that one of them is going to come after me tonight," he said. "I'm going to have to sleep with one eye open. That's why I said I felt a little undeserving. I'm leading, and I'm saying, 'Who can I push?'"

Bayne thought for sure Tony Stewart or someone else would attempt to pass.

Nobody did.

"We get to turn four, and we were still leading the band," he said. "It seemed a little bit too easy there at the end."

The rookie had been great throughout Speedweeks, even proving his mettle by pushing four-time champion Jeff Gordon for most of a qualifying race, a performance Bayne said convinced the veterans he could be trusted on the track.

"I figured they had a chance after seeing that boy race in the 150s," said Pearson, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in May. "I talked to him this morning. I told him to keep his head straight and not to do anything crazy. I told him to stay relaxed. I'm proud of him."

With the win Bayne breaks Gordon's mark as the youngest winner in Daytona 500 history. Gordon was 25 when he won the 500 in 1997.

"I think it's very cool. Trevor's a good kid, and I love the Wood Brothers," Gordon said. "I'm really happy for him. And I think it's great for the sport. To have a young talent like that – he's got that spark, you know?"

The victory for NASCAR pioneers Leonard and Glen Wood ended a 10-year-losing streak and came the week of the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

This was only the fourth win in the last 20 years for Wood Brothers – NASCAR's oldest team – which hasn't run a full Sprint Cup season since 2006 and hit the low point of their 61-year-old existence when they failed to qualify for the 2008 Daytona 500.

"When you miss a race, like the Daytona 500, it's like somebody died," said Eddie Wood, part of the second generation of Woods now running the team. "When you walk through the garage and you run into people you see every week, they don't look at you, they don't know what to say."

The rebuild has been slow, and they got Bayne this year for 17 races, on loaner from Roush-Fenway Racing, the team that snatched him up late last season when Michael Waltrip Racing – which gave Bayne his start in 2009 – couldn't promise a sponsor for this season.

So it was on to Roush, which plans for Bayne to run for the Nationwide Series title this season, and a deal was made to get him some seat time in the Cup Series with the Woods. It wouldn't be for points, and he wasn't eligible to run for rookie of the year.

But the stunning Daytona 500 win – and the $1,462,563 payday – might change everybody's plans. The team already said it will now go to Martinsville, the sixth race of the season, which had not been on its original schedule.

Bayne could possibly retract his decision to run for the Nationwide title.

"I don't even know if that's an option," Bayne said.

Sunday's race had a record 74 lead changes among 22 drivers, and a record 16 cautions that wiped out many of the leaders, including Earnhardt Jr. on the first attempt at NASCAR's version of overtime. It put Bayne out front with a slew of unusual suspects.

David Ragan, winless in 147 career starts, was actually leading the field on NASCAR's first attempt at a green-white-checkered finish. But he was flagged for changing lanes before the starting line, then an accident that collected Earnhardt in the middle of the pack brought out the caution, and Bayne inherited the lead.

But he had two-time series champion Stewart, now winless in 13 career Daytona 500s, lurking behind with veterans Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin and Kurt Busch, who had collected two previous wins over Speedweeks. All were chomping at the bit for their first Daytona 500 title, but Bayne never blinked, holding his gas pedal down wide open as he staved off every challenge over the two-lap final shootout.

"It was too easy," Bayne said.

He said he thought for sure he was going to brake, let Stewart in front of him, and push someone else to the win.

Then nobody ever passed him.

Edwards wound up second in a Ford and seemed genuinely happy for Bayne.

"Second place in the Daytona 500 feels way worse than any other position I've ever finished in the Daytona 500," Edwards said. "But that is made better by listening to Trevor and how excited he is. He is really a nice young man, a great guy to represent this sport with this win.

"I think the world's going to like him a lot."

Here is how Mr. Bayne stacks up against the youngest to win the biggest prize in their respective sports:

Youngest NBA champion: Darko Milicic, 18, in 2004.
Youngest Stanley Cup champion: Larry Hillman, 18, in 1955.
Youngest Masters champion: Tiger Woods, 21, in 1997.
Youngest Kraft Nabisco Champion: Morgan Pressel, 18, in 2007.
Youngest WNBA champion: Erika de Souza, 20, in 2002.
Youngest Wimbledon champion: Martina Hingis, 15, in 1996.
Youngest Super Bowl champion: Jamal Lewis, 21, in 2000.

The starting lineup for the 53d Daytona 500

2011-02-17T20:04:00.003-05:00

DAYTONA BEACH -- Here is the starting lineup for the Daytona 500:

Row 22:

43. 32 - Terry Labonte*

Row 21:

42. 36 - Dave Blaney
41. 87 - Joe Nemechek

Row 20:

40. 38 - Travis Kvapil
39. 34 - David Gilliland

Row 19:

38. 20 - Joey Logano
37. 71 - Andy Lally

Row 18:

36. 77 - Steven Wallace
35. 9 - Marcos Ambrose

Row 17:

34. 6 - David Ragan
33. 46 - J.J. Yeley

Row 16:

32. 21 - Trevor Bayne
31. 47 - Bobby Labonte

Row 15:

30. 7 - Robby Gordon
29. 09 - Bill Elliott (1985, 1987)

Row 14:

28. 37 - Robert Richardson Junior
27. 83 - Brian Vickers

Row 13:

26. 16 - Greg Biffle
25. 14 - Tony Stewart

Row 12:

24. 00 - David Reuitmann
23. 48 - Jimmie Johnson (2006)

Row 11:

22. 99 - Carl Edwards
21. 39 - Ryan Newman (2008)

Row 10:

20. 56 - Martin Truex Junior
19. 27 - Paul Menard

Row 9:

18. 11 - Denny Hamlin
17. 5 - Mark Martin

Row 8:

16. 2 - Brad Keselowski
15. 43 - A.J. Allmendinger

Row 7:

14. 1 - Jamie McMurray (2010)
13. 42 - Juan Pablo Montoya

Row 6:

12. 92 - Brian Keselowski
11. 4 - Kasey Kahne

Row 5:

10. 18 - Kyle Busch
9. 17 - Matt Kenseth (2009)

Row 4:

8. 15 - Michael Waltrip (2001, 2003)
7. 29 - Kevin Harvick (2007)

Row 3:

6. 33 - Clint Bowyer
5. 78 - Regan Smith

Row 2:

4. 31 - Jeff Burton
3. 22 - Kurt Busch

Row 1:

Outside pole: Jeff Gordon (1997, 1999, 2005)
Pole sitter: Dale Earnhardt Junior♱ (2004)

* - past overall champion's provisional

♱ - must go to the rear of field because of a backup car

Domestic terrorist supermajority in South Dakota's state legislature declares open season on women, OB-GYNs

2011-02-15T18:18:00.005-05:00

PIERRE, SD -- For those who follow South Dakota, there is a bill that should alarm every man, woman and child nationwide.

The domestic terrorist supermajority in that state's legislature has introduced a bill that would give Operation Rescue and their cronies the right to kill pregnant women and OB-GYNs who perform abortions.

A law under consideration in South Dakota would expand the definition of "justifiable homicide" to include killings that are intended to prevent harm to a fetus—a move that could make it legal to kill doctors who perform abortions. The Republican-backed legislation, House Bill 1171, has passed out of committee on a nine-to-three party-line vote, and is expected to face a floor vote in the state's GOP-dominated House of Representatives soon.

"The bill in South Dakota is an invitation to murder abortion providers."

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Phil Jensen, a committed foe of abortion rights, alters the state's legal definition of justifiable homicide by adding language stating that a homicide is permissible if committed by a person "while resisting an attempt to harm" that person's unborn child or the unborn child of that person's spouse, partner, parent, or child. If the bill passes, it could in theory allow a woman's father, mother, son, daughter, or husband to kill anyone who tried to provide that woman an abortion—even if she wanted one.

Jensen did not return calls to his home or his office requesting comment on the bill, which is cosponsored by 22 other state representatives and four state senators.
"The bill in South Dakota is an invitation to murder abortion providers," says Vicki Saporta, the president of the National Abortion Federation, the professional association of abortion providers. Since 1993, eight doctors have been assassinated at the hands of anti-abortion extremists, and another 17 have been the victims of murder attempts. Some of the perpetrators of those crimes have tried to use the justifiable homicide defense at their trials. "This is not an abstract bill," Saporta says. The measure could have major implications if a "misguided extremist invokes this 'self-defense' statute to justify the murder of a doctor, nurse or volunteer," the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families warned in a message to supporters last week.
The original version of the bill did not include the language regarding the "unborn child"; it was pitched as a simple clarification of South Dakota's justifiable homicide law. Last week, however, the bill was "hoghoused"—a term used in South Dakota for heavily amending legislation in committee—in a little-noticed hearing. A parade of right-wing groups—the Family Heritage Alliance, Concerned Women for America, the South Dakota branch of Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum, and a political action committee called Family Matters in South Dakota—all testified in favor of the amended version of the law.

Jensen, the bill's sponsor, has said that he simply intends to bring "consistency" to South Dakota's criminal code, which already allows prosecutors to charge people with manslaughter or murder for crimes that result in the death of fetuses. But there's a difference between counting the murder of a pregnant woman as two crimes—which is permissible under law in many states—and making the protection of a fetus an affirmative defense against a murder charge.

"They always intended this to be a fetal personhood bill, they just tried to cloak it as a self-defense bill," says Kristin Aschenbrenner, a lobbyist for South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women. "They're still trying to cloak it, but they amended it right away, making their intent clear." The major change to the legislation also caught abortion rights advocates off guard. "None of us really felt like we were prepared," she says.

Sara Rosenbaum, a law professor at George Washington University who frequently testifies before Congress about abortion legislation, says the bill is legally dubious. "It takes my breath away," she says in an email to Mother Jones. "Constitutionally, a state cannot make it a crime to perform a constitutionally lawful act."

South Dakota already has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, and one of the lowest abortion rates. Since 1994, there have been no providers in the state. Planned Parenthood flies a doctor in from out-of-state once a week to see patients at a Sioux Falls clinic. Women from the more remote parts of the large, rural state drive up to six hours to reach this lone clinic. And under state law women are then required to receive counseling and wait 24 hours before undergoing the procedure. (Click here for an interactive map of abortion restrictions.)

Before performing an abortion, a South Dakota doctor must offer the woman the opportunity to view a sonogram. And under a law passed in 2005, doctors are required to read a script meant to discourage women from proceeding with the abortion: "The abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being." Until recently, doctors also had to tell a woman seeking an abortion that she had "an existing relationship with that unborn human being" that was protected under the Constitution and state law and that abortion poses a "known medical risk" and "increased risk of suicide ideation and suicide." In August 2009, a US District Court Judge threw out those portions of the script, finding them "untruthful and misleading." The state has appealed the decision.

The South Dakota legislature has twice tried to ban abortion outright, but voters rejected the ban at the polls in 2006 and 2008, by a 12-point margin both times. Conservative lawmakers have since been looking to limit access any other way possible. "They seem to be taking an end run around that," says state Sen. Angie Buhl, a Democrat. "They recognize that people don't want a ban, so they are trying to seek a de facto ban by making it essentially impossible to access abortion services."

I shall make it clear: the South Dakota State Legislature has the most domestic terrorists in power currently. That is as clear as I can make it. There is no justification for HB 1171, unless the main goal of the legislature is to aid and abet al-Qaida and the Taliban in taking away women's rights across the world.

It is time for the women of South Dakota to get rid of the terrorists currently in power in Pierre.

Even without cheerleaders, Super Bowl XLV still more sexist than SB XLIV

2011-02-07T16:47:00.005-05:00

DALLAS -- The Super Bowl has come and gone.

Not surprisingly, the ads that people in Aiken, Edgefield, western Barnwell, western Orangeburg, and southern Saluda counties saw during the Pittsburgh-Green Bay game were very misogynistic, and in some cases, misandristic.

There are too many to narrow down, but I'll do my best to expose the six worst offenders.

6. M&M/Mars: The only difference between the 2007 Snickers ad and this one was who was the victim of violence. In 2007, it was a gay person that was the victim of violence on the ad. Yesterday, it was a straight woman. It did not make the ad any less offensive than the 2007 version.

5. Pepsi-Cola: The emasculating bitch card right from the bottom of the fucking deck. For a company that is headquartered in a state known for equal rights, Pepsi should hang their heads in shame for the ads that they aired for its zero-calorie product.

4. Teleflora: The dismembered women's bodies also got a lot of airplay Sunday night. And this company was the first of those to use the graphic, sexist imagery.

3. GoDaddy: Innovating sexism, all the time. It would be nice if Mark Martin and Danica Patrick drop this corporation as their sponsors.

2. Cars.com: Gendered cars and catcalling the female cars. And we ever wonder why street harassment is still an epidemic in the United States.

The Sexist Ad of Super Bowl XLV: Mini. This was an easy choice. This British auto maker had the completely offensive tagline "Cram It In the Boot". Also dismembered lips and legs of women were in the ad.

Sexist Honorable Mention I: Hyundai. Dismembered legs of a woman in ad.

Sexist Honorable Mention II: Sketchers. I am a nudist myself, but seriously -- nude man and nude woman in nothing but sneakers in the ad without their consent? What's next? Nude people running around in flip-flops without their consent?

Sexist Honorable Mention III: GroupOn. Not sexist, but just downright offensive enough to land on this list, due to it taking advantage of the plight of Tibet.

Any comments, questions or disagreements about this list? Feel free to post.

Time for Planned Parenthood to take Live Action Films, Breitbart to court

2011-02-06T14:50:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK CITY -- Since day one of this investigation of Planned Parenthood, I knew that there was something scummy about Live Action Films and domestic terrorist Lila Rose.

Now comes word that they are ruthlessly slandering Planned Parenthood, the premier women's rights groups. Joining them are smear master Andrew Breitbart and Fox News.

I downloaded three videos from Politicususa, just in case if Live Action Films or another anti-choice group that wants Planned Parenthood shut down decides to take down the good 14 minute video or claim DMCA and have it (plus the Media Matters video) taken down so there won't be any evidence that they doctored the video to make it seem like Planned Parenthood are the bad people.

There is a possibility that I may email Planned Parenthood the downloaded videos if they go ahead with legal action against Live Action Films, Rose, James O'Keefe and/or Breitbart.

The goal of these radicals at Live Action Films is simple: shut down any group that does the public good. While not directly involved with the shutting down of ACORN, Live Action Films did in fact succeed in getting the group to cease operations after 39 years in 2009.

We need to call them out, they are not muckrakers. They are terrorists who want to send us back to the bad old days of the 1860s in the United States.

I, for one, will continue to call them out. And I also may email the pro-choice members of the House and Senate to demand an investigation into Live Action Films' and their criminal activities at the Planned Parenthood clinics that they targeted last month.

BTW, there is a petition you can sign. Defend Planned Parenthood from this disgusting, slanderous attack. Do it now, before Lila Rose and her anti-choice cronies succeed in doing the dirty work of Osama bin Laden and the Taliban: destroying America.

NEWSFLASH, John Boehner: H.R. 3 is STILL a pro-rape bill!

2011-02-05T12:40:00.004-05:00

WASHINGTON -- What part of Kill House Resolution 3 does John Boehner and his run-amok misogynistic cronies in the House majority NOT understand?

Despite the fact that the language was stripped from the bill, HR 3 is still very much a pro-rape bill. It still would deny abortions for ANY reason, including the denial of abortions for victims of rape, statutory rape and incest; as well as denial of abortion services for women who have a life-threatening pregnancy -- even if she wants to pay for it with her own money or private insurance plan.

HR 3 would also give full parental rights to rapists and pedophiles.

House Resolution 3 is part of a nefarious plan by the Republican Tea Party to turn America into a Christofascist state, with women being slaves to the government.

And yet, they berate the Muslim Brotherhood as a bunch of religious fanatics.

I see ZERO difference between the Muslim Brotherhood in the Middle East and the ENTIRE Christian conservative movement here in America. Both have radicals as the majority. The extreme agenda that both have are to force their religious sharia laws on the rest of us.

We should not be standing on the sidelines. We should be out and about, protesting the hell out of the anti-American Tea Party and their friends in Washington.

We should be out there making a racket loud enough for Congress to hear.

The Muslim Brotherhood is not the problem here in America right now. The Christofascists in control of the House of Representatives are.

We need to really put the pressure on Congress.

Write your Representative today and tell him or her that you are snooping on them and their votes. Tell them to either vote no on HR 3 or you will vote them out in 2012.

----------------
Now playing: Supertramp - Brother Where You Bound
via FoxyTunes

PSA from Hellcats

2011-02-03T23:45:00.006-05:00

DALLAS -- As if you didn't already have enough reasons not to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday (the No Fun League is already a joke, due to the pathetic work ethic of today's players -- which we will get to somewhere on down the road), well you've got another reason NOT to watch: for the first time since Super Bowl II in 1968, there will be no cheerleaders.

That prompted the CW's biggest new hit, Hellcats, to use the Lancer University female cheerleaders (the fictional squad have both women AND men on it) to issue this PSA below. WATCH IT.

Time for someone to investigate Rep. Peter King and charge him with treason

2011-01-28T07:56:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) is at it again.

This time, he introduced a blatantly UNCONSTITUTIONAL bill that would take away your right to privacy -- and get this -- you can't sue for any reason, even if you are wrongly accused of being a terrorist.

And this is a story that deserves to be covered by a liberal media outlet, because it unearths just how far Rep. King is willing to go in order to turn America into the Nazi Germany of the Western Hemisphere.

Historic week for local media markets as CBS affiliates go HD

2011-01-26T23:15:00.004-05:00

NORTH AUGUSTA and COLUMBIA -- Monday represented a permanent change in the news landscape in two markets, five hours apart.

At noon on Monday, WRDW-HD became the first Augusta, Ga. market station to convert into 1080p high definition. At 17:00, WLTX-HD became the first Columbia market station to convert into 1080p high definition.

The switch to HD by the CBS affiliates could force their archrivals -- WJBF-DT and WIS -- to go HD soon.

No word on when WAGT, WFXG or WACH and their HD futures. WOLO has HD resolution on television, but they have yet to convert their entire newsroom into an HD set. ABC Columbia is in the process of converting to an HD newsroom currently.

A big thank you to Sen. Brad Hutto for speaking out against the Haley dictatorship in Columbia

2011-01-19T23:07:00.005-05:00

COLUMBIA -- In a era of GOP dictatorship, one person is brave enough to speak out against the tyranny of the majority in South Carolina's state government. Sen. Bradley Hutto (D-Orangeburg), MY SENATOR, spoke out forcefully against the Haley dictatorship currently in the majority at the State House (Via WLTX News 19):

"Good evening. I am State Senator Brad Hutto from Orangeburg. For the last decade things haven't changed, Republicans have absolutely and totally controlled state government and public policy in South Carolina--from the governor's office to the overwhelming Republican majorities in the legislature.

During that time, our state has listened to the same old rhetoric and recycled ideas- over and over again. And just look where it has gotten us.

-We've seen financial waste and abuse, over and over again.

-We've seen the same political hacks appointed to positions of power, over and over again.

-We've seen - record high unemployment, a public education system in crisis, sick and elderly being denied care, and embarrassing news stories about many of our state's leaders, over and over again.

Basically, the only thing that seems to change are the names in the never ending scandals that one party rule has brought us.

If you like what you've seen in South Carolina's government over the last decade, then you should be happy.

But if you believe we can do better (and we can do better)- then it is my honor tonight to outline a new way forward. We need real reform- not just the sound bites we have listened to for so, so long.

The Democratic agenda is one of accountability and openness.

Number 1) Democrats believe no government officials should be able to hide behind special privileges. No good comes from this continued secrecy. Democrats will be offering plans to hold our government officials accountable. You, the voters, deserve a full accounting of what we're doing.

Number 2) Employees in the Governor's office or elected officials' offices in state government should not receive pay increases during this time of financial crisis. The large pay increases given by Governor Haley to her staff should be refunded immediately to set an example for all the hard working state employees who have been asked to do even more while having their pay cut.

Number 3) during these tough budget times, the legislature and governor should ensure that no teachers are laid off. Retaining teachers in the classrooms should be the first priority in public education.

Number 4) With an historic budget gap, your General Assembly will have to make tough spending decisions. In order to hear your voice state budget hearings must be held across South Carolina - not just within the Columbia beltway - so that our citizens can give input on spending priorities and so that sunshine can light the process.

These very simple priorities will help to clean up the mess that has been created by the one party domination of our state for so very long. I once was told that you can't fall out of a ditch--- but you can sure climb your way out. With openness, accountability, and a commitment to restoring trust in government we can begin to climb out of the ditch we've been stuck in for far too long. We hope that Governor Haley will embrace these principles, and if she does in her actions and not just her words, we stand ready to lend our support for a better South Carolina.

Thank you.
Good night and may God bless South Carolina. "

(emphasis mine in bold)

A big thank you to Sheriff Clarence Dupnik for telling the truth

2011-01-18T18:42:00.003-05:00

TUCSON, AZ -- In 2007, Sheriff Clarence Dupnik first garnered national headlines after a local beauty queen, now jailed, raped and tortured her ex-boyfriend.

Little more than three years later, he is back in the limelight for telling the truth.

A truth that the politically correct jackasses on the right don't want you to hear.

Sheriff Dupnik correctly said that the vile rhetoric from the America-hating conservatives directly led to the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

Too bad that the right wing once again played the very predictable victim card right from the very bottom of the deck.

They falsely accused the sheriff of politicizing the shooting and committed slander against Sheriff Dupnik in editorials, letters and on social media sites like Twitter, myYearbook and Facebook.

Worst of all, they had no shame.

I will say it straight up because I see it everyday in South Carolina: the conservatives have no one to blame but themselves for why Jared Loughner, a 22 year old conservative punk, did what he did.

You don't see that kind of vile rhetoric from liberals. And nowhere during the 2002, 2004 or the 2006 elections did you hear liberals talk about killing a political opponent if their candidate failed to win a seat.

So they can play that game with the ultra conservative mainstream media, but the Tea Party and Sarah Palin can't play that game with me and this blog.

Because I know who did what and who said what.

Not one politically correct conservative have a shred of proof that we, the left, used violent rhetoric. Anyone who tells you that the left used violent rhetoric is telling a bald faced lie, and I will call them out not only on this blog, but also in their faces if I see them.

It is long past time for the conservatives -- Sarah Palin included -- to just shut the fuck up. They better be glad that their violent wish got fulfilled on January 8.

Closings for today

2011-01-10T05:55:00.007-05:00

Here are a complete list of CSRA closings for today.

The following educational institutions have been confirmed as CLOSED today (with source in parentheses):

Aiken County (WACH Fox 57)

Aiken School of Cosmetology (WJBF-DT Newschannel 6)

Aiken Tech (Aiken Standard)

ALL Aiken-Barnwell Head Starts (WRDW News 12)

Allendale County (Aiken Standard)

All Augusta-Richmond County GHSA-certified schools. (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Denmark-Olar (WLTX News 19)

Denmark Tech (WIS News 10)

Barnwell County (Summer Padgett)

Briarwood Academy (WRDW News 12)

Burke County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Colleton County, although they were already closed today due to the dreaded furlough day. (WCSC-DT Live 5)

Columbia County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Edgefield County (WRDW News 12)

Emanuel County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Glascock County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Hampton County (Hampton County Guardian & WSAV-DT News 3)

Jefferson County (WAGT NBC Augusta 26)

Jefferson Davis Academy (The People-Sentinel)

Jenkins County (WRDW News 12)

Lincoln County (WAGT NBC Augusta 26)

McCormick County (WAGT NBC Augusta 26)

McDuffie County (WRDW News 12)

ALL Orangeburg County Districts (WLTX News 19 & WRDW News 12)

Saluda County (WRDW News 12)

Screven County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

South Carolina Aiken (WJBF-DT Newschannel 6)

South Carolina Salkehatchie -- BOTH Allendale AND Walterboro campuses (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Taliaferro County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Technical College of the Lowcountry -- Hampton, Beaufort and Bluffton (WSAV-DT News 3)

Thomas Jefferson Academy (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Wardlaw Academy (EdgefieldDaily.com)

Warren County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

Wilkes County (WJBF-DT NewsChannel 6)

The following are business and government closing for today:

All federal and state government offices in South Carolina -- ALL 46 COUNTIES

Aiken City & County Court

ALL Barnwell County government offices

ALL Edgefield County government offices

Fort Gordon

Fort Jackson

North Augusta Court

ALL Orangeburg County government offices

All mid- and late morning flights from Augusta Regional, Columbia Metropolitan and Orangeburg Municipal airports are CANCELLED. Check http://www.columbiaairport.com/ and http://ags.skyharbors.com/ for more on closings.

Delays for today:

Beaufort County Schools (2 hours) (WSAV-DT News 3)

Jasper County Schools (2 hours) (WSAV-DT News 3)

First Jan. 6 on Thursday since the 2:33 a.m. Graniteville train disaster

2011-01-06T17:31:00.003-05:00

GRANITEVILLE -- For the first time since a early morning disaster six years ago, the Graniteville train wreck anniversary is being observed on a Thursday.

On that Thursday, at 2:33 a.m., a 40-car, three engine Norfolk train hit a parked two-car, one engine train head-on. That caused the deadly chlorine spill that killed nine people from two countries on that day and two more people succumbed to the spill since, including one man who died in 2008 -- more than 40 months after the spill.

More than 5,100 people were displaced. Avondale Mills, the town's main employer, immediately went out of business due to the wreck.

The Aiken Standard has more on this anniversary.

The town's fire chief, Phil Napier, reflected on the morning and recalled the crash as a tragedy that the residents in the mill town still struggle to overcome.

"And, it's the first time (January 6) will fall on a Thursday since," he said.

Napier said he looks at the now vacant mills and aging water system and wonders, "What if?"

"People have tried to get over it, but you just look around and see the constant reminders - the empty mills - and wonder whether or not the derailment caused it to happen," he said.

The future of Graniteville is in question, he added.

"After the train derailed, we had a lot of involvement from politicians, and we have some working on our water system, upgrades, but as far as the community as a whole, it seems like the town is forgotten," he said.

In the days and weeks following the collision, Graniteville gained national attention. State and federal officials made fly-overs as the toxic chemicals blanketed the many homes, churches and schools below and polluted the waterways and destroyed vegetation.

Even attempts to clean up the environment have been controversial, Napier said.

As the result of an EPA lawsuit, Norfolk Southern was penalized almost $4 million in March because of violations of the Clean Water Act that resulted from the spill. The EPA states that $100,000 of the sum went to planting vegetation along the banks of Horse Creek to decrease erosion and sedimentation, assisting in the improvement of water quality in that stream. Another portion of the money was set aside to restock fish in Langley Pond. The remainder went to the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Napier expressed frustration over the allocation of the funds and what he said was the lack of input the EPA received from the community.

On the flip side, Napier said the community that lived through the tragedy has banded together.

"We have growth in the outlying areas, but the community here is the same population," he said.

The incident has changed life in Graniteville forever, he added.

For local law enforcement, the crash also impacted the policies and procedures they had in place on the day of the tragedy.

Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt said an agency always prepares for disaster but added that they learned a tremendous amount from the incident and the response.

Numerous safety changes to the rail system have also resulted nationwide.

The Graniteville Community Coalition will hold its annual service at 3 p.m. on Saturday to remember those from the United States and Canada that was killed on January 6, 2005.

URGENT: Thwart ALL GOP Tea Party attempts to implement their own Hitlercare proposal on American people!

2011-01-05T07:13:00.008-05:00

WASHINGTON -- The GOP and Tea Party officially take power in the House today. And the first item on their agenda is repealing the currently challenged health care law and replacing it with their own Hitlercare proposals.

We must not allow for them to repeal the law. Change it, though? Of course!

Bottom line is this: The Dems must force the radical GOP Tea Party majority to vote on amendment after amendment to repeal, or, to replace the current health care law with the GOP Tea Party's own Hitlercare.

Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said Monday he will try to force the House to vote separately on the Medicare drug benefits and other popular provisions, including one that allows adult children to stay on their parents' coverage until they turn 26. That could put Republicans in an awkward bind.

Other supporters of the health care law have launched a "drop it or stop it" campaign, challenging Republicans who vote to repeal the overhaul to also give up the government-funded health insurance provided to members of Congress.

The GOP Tea Party, in their true out-of-touch colors, claimed that Congress gets private health care. That's a bald-faced lie and they know it. WE PAY FOR CONGRESS's HEALTH CARE WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS!!!! And not only that, but We the People are ALSO paying for Iraqis health care right now as I post this blog piece!

It is as simple as this: the GOP cannot succeed in repealing this law. No way.

Instead of repealing a law that has extremely popular parts in it (such as adult children staying on parents coverage), they should be working to fix the law to improve it and then focus on what they were elected to the House to DO: create jobs.

Call 1-202-224-3121 the moment the GOP takes over the House and tell them to drop their plans to repeal the current health care law and tell them that we don't want their Hitlercare proposal!

Pitt axes wife-beating football coach after 17 days

2011-01-02T05:06:00.003-05:00

PITTSBURGH -- Seventeen days is not so sweet, folks.

At least not if your name is Mike Haywood.

The University of Pittsburgh fired Mr. Haywood as its head coach on Saturday following his arrest barely more than 24 hours earlier on a domestic violence charge that many say sullied the university's Big Ten-like image academically. Via the largest low-band VHF station, WPVI-HD.

Haywood was released Saturday from St. Joseph County Jail in Indiana on $1,000 cash bond, said an officer at the jail who declined to give her name, after the charge was upgraded from a misdemeanor to felony domestic battery in the presence of a minor.

Within hours of Haywood's afternoon release, Pittsburgh put out a statement from Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, saying Haywood had been dismissed, "effective immediately," and the school was reopening its search.

"To be clear, the university's decision is not tied to any expectation with respect to the terms on which the legal proceeding now pending in Indiana might ultimately be concluded," Nordenberg said in the statement. "Instead, it reflects a strong belief that moving forward with Mr. Haywood as our head coach is not possible under the existing circumstances."

Pitt moved swiftly to oust Haywood following an arrest that sullied a university that is proud of its Big Ten-like academics. It also raised questions why Haywood -- who had only two seasons as a mid-major head coach, including a one-win season -- was chosen Dec. 16 following a brief search.

Haywood was arrested about 3 p.m. Friday after a custody issue developed with a woman with whom Haywood has a child, police said. The unidentified woman told police that Haywood grabbed her by the arm and neck and pushed her as she tried to leave the home that Haywood owns in South Bend, Ind., where he once was a Notre Dame assistant.

Assistant St. Joseph County Police Chief Bill Redman said the woman had marks on her neck, arms and back.

Haywood's hiring by athletic director Steve Pederson was greeted unenthusiastically by fans, boosters, alumni and students who questioned why a school with annual Top 25 aspirations hired him away from mid-major Miami (Ohio). Dave Wannstedt, forced to resign last month following a disappointing 7-5 season, had coached two NFL teams before his 2004 hiring.

"This is a matter of real regret for the many people at Pitt who had looked forward to working with him," Nordenberg said. "However, head coaches are among the university's most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the university."

Pederson emphasized Haywood would be a "role model" for Pitt's players, most of whom wanted Wannstedt retained following seasons of nine, 10 and seven wins.

But Haywood's introductory news conference, in which he never mentioned the word winning but repeatedly emphasized that his players would be disciplined, dress properly and attend class, was met with a lukewarm response.

According to Nordenberg's statement, Pitt will reopen its search during the same week the Panthers (7-5) -- the Big East preseason favorites -- are preparing to play Kentucky (6-6) in the Compass Bowl on Jan. 8.

Haywood's firing came before he had landed a recruit, held a practice or coached a game at a school where successful coaches such as Pop Warner, Jock Sutherland, Johnny Majors and Jackie Sherrill once worked.

Since Haywood took over -- though he had yet to occupy Wannstedt's office -- nearly half of Wannstedt's strong 18-man recruiting class has decided to consider other schools or has committed elsewhere.

Before the firing was announced on Saturday, Haywood told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "It isn't fair. The truth will eventually come out."

Haywood led Miami (Ohio) to a 9-4 record and the Mid-American Conference title in his second season with the RedHawks, but the title came during a mostly down season for the conference. The RedHawks were outmatched against three BCS conference schools, losing to four-win Cincinnati 45-3, Missouri 51-13 and Florida 34-12. They also lost to Ohio 34-13. Pitt beat Cincinnati 28-10 under Wannstedt.

Previously, the 46-year-old Haywood worked as an assistant at Notre Dame, his alma mater, under Charlie Weis, but was ousted from his play-calling responsibilities late in the 2008 season.

It is uncertain whether Haywood signed a contract to coach at Pitt, because such contracts often take weeks or months to get worked out even after a coach has been hired. Such contracts routinely contain morals clauses that permit a school to fire a coach who gets into legal or personal trouble or embarrasses the school with his behavior.

Haywood had not retained any Pitt assistants and was planning to bring along most of his Miami staff. On the day Haywood was arrested, Miami hired Don Treadwell, a former Michigan State offensive coordinator, as coach.

Nice to see that he was fired without ever signing a contract. Mr. Haywood does not deserve any severance pay, anyhow. Not after this incident.

10 Aiken Area personalities I want to wish good luck

2010-12-25T20:49:00.005-05:00

This is my last blog post of the decade. I will return on January 2, 2011.

Here are the ten Aiken Area people I want to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to.

10. My family.

9. Karen Fiery: my closest friend in Williston.

8. Roxanne Fiery

7. Summer Padgett

6. Laura Bagwell

5. My ex's current roommate

4. The workers at IGA of Williston

3. The workers at Price Wise of Williston

2. The Williston-Elko Classes of 2001-2010

The person I most want to wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to is: My Ex-Girlfriend. You will always be my baby, no matter what. Even though you are with another person. Thank you for everything.

26 Best of the Decade

2010-12-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

The decade ends on December 31. So, here is the best celebs of the decade:

26. Meghan McCain: The McCain that truly gets what is going on in the world. And she is only 26!

25. Joni Ellsworth of North Augusta

24. Victor Reilly of Aiken

23. Michael Ledo of Windsor

22. Jodi Jacobson

20. Amanda Marcotte

20. Melissa McEwan

19. Kim Gandy

18. Loretta Ross & Sistersong

17. Women's Media Center

16. Trust Women PAC

15. Cecile Richards & Planned Parenthood: The best org for women.

14. Olga Vives

13. Sen. Barbara Mikulski: One of the pioneers.

12. Beverly Perdue: North Carolina's gov is one of the best in office.

11. Jennifer Granholm: Too bad Michigan's outgoing gov (due to the no third term rule) is a Canadian-born pol. Otherwise, she would make a good president.

10. Tammy Baldwin: The first lesbian pol in US Congressional history, she is one of the best in the House.

9. Lincoln Chafee: He rightfully ripped the far right GOP for costing him his Senate seat in 2006.

8. Nancy Northup

7. Gloria Feldt

6. Patricia Ireland

5. Kate Walsh

4. Sen. Barbara Boxer: The best Senator.

3. The late Dr. George Tiller: the best OB-GYN. Too bad that no one will take his place.

2. Rep. Carolyn Maloney: The best Congressperson.

The Best of the Decade: Ashley Judd. Pro-Choice activist. Racing wife. What more can you ask for in a supporter of real freedom?

26 Assholes of the Decade

2010-12-25T19:09:00.001-05:00

This decade ends on December 31. So, here are the 26 Assholes of the Decade:

26. Former Rep. Tom Delay. He is currently appealing his conviction of money laundering.

25. Sarah Palin: In the running to become the top Asshole of the 202d Decade.

24. Mel Gibson: His violent rants put him on this list.

23. Mike Rounds: The South Dakota gov tried to take over women's wombs two times.

22. Rick 'Treasonist' Perry: The Texas gov got his nickname for his support of seceding from the Union at the inaugural conservative Tea Party rallies.

21. Phyllis Schlafly: She just does not stop waging war on her own gender, does she?

20. Joel Achenbach: His idea of putting shock collars on women was enough to make me puke.

18. Greg Delleney: Most misogynistic South Carolina state House member.

18. Mike Fair: Most misogynistic South Carolina state Senate member.

17. Sonny Perdue

16. Tom Price: one of the worst members of the Georgia Congressional delegation.

15. Virginia Foxx: the absolute worst of the North Carolina Congressional delegation.

14. Star Parker: She wages a double whammy: a war on her own gender and a war on her own race.

13. Roger Goodell: First he wanted to control the NFL Cheerleaders with the same iron fist that Stalin used to control Russia. Then, the Detroit Lions went 0-16, exiling me from watching the NFL until some team has a perfect season.

12. Mark Sanford: Embarrassed South Carolina throughout his entire tenure as gov.

11. Sally Kern: This violent homophobe from Oklahoma went on a rant that only bigots and Uganda's govt can be proud of.

10. Peter King: This subsidiary of AT&T is one of the biggest terrorist sympathizers on the planet. And the fact that he is gonna be in control of the Committee of Homeland Security makes him even scarier than most foreign-born Muslim terrorists.

9. Joe 'You Lie' Wilson: Worst of the S.C. House members.

8. Joe Lieberman: This subsidiary of big telecoms wants to go back to being a DINO. Thanks, but no thanks. We don't need Lieberman.

7. Mike Huckabee: He has not one shred of concern for women at all.

6. Jerry Falwell: His rant against feminist and LGBT people was what pushed many patriots over the edge.

5. Saxby Chambliss: He slandered Max Cleland, a Vietnam war hero, in the 2002 gubernatorial elections. All the while he draft-dodged from the service.

4. Jim DeMint: The worst Senator to have ever served in that chamber. Ever.

3. Dick Cheney: Not only is he the worst Vice pResident ever, he is also a war criminal and should be prosecuted for his crimes against humanity.

2. George W. Bush: The worst pResdient we had in over 180 years. Also a war criminal who should be tried for numerous crimes against our nation.

The Asshole of the Decade: The Augusta Chronicle. This newspaper has done nothing but aid and abet criminals in Washington. Instead of calling on war crime charges to be filed against all parties involved with the illegal and unconstitutional wars of aggression, they call for the massacring of the messengers -- literally. This newspaper has the worst of the worst in integrity and ethics.

Best of the Year 2010

2010-12-24T11:22:00.005-05:00

Here are the 13 best celebs of 2010:

12 (tie). Loretta Ross & Sistersong. Ross and her group are fighting back against the misogynistic organizations who seek to control black women.

11. Jodi Jacobson. She is calling out all of the anti-choice extremists who destroyed our government.

10. Rachel Maddow: She has exposed a lot of conservatives and their shenanigans on her show.

9. Amanda Marcotte.

8. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.): She is one of the better Senators in the chamber.

7. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.): She is always there fighting for our freedom and confronting the big government conservatives.

6. Rose Alfryie: She brought the issue of female-on-male rape out in the open on Feministing. [1]

5. Trust Women PAC. They have been more active since the assassination of its founder, Dr. Tiller.

4. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.): The best Senator in the chamber, hands down.

3. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.): One of the very few freedom-fighters to lose re-election. Thanks to a Joe McCarthy-like media outlet in Fla.-8.

2. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.): He has a no non-sense approach to the issues we face.

1. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.): The best of the Congress. If only we had 434 more House members and 100 Senators like her...

The 13 Assholes of 2010

2010-12-24T10:27:00.005-05:00

Here are the 13 biggest assholes of 2010:

13. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.): His complaint about health care ring hollow, as does the complaints of all of the assholes that made this list.

12. Rep. Pete Hoekstra: Only wants to support Wikileaks when it promotes his anti-environmental agenda. This Congressman has no shame.

11. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.): Anyone in the Aiken area knows why this vile man made the list.

10. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.): One of the DINOs that survived the Election Day shallacking.

9. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio): The Soon-to-be Speaker of the House will be exposed for the fraud that he truly is.

7 (tie). The North Dakota Senators: Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad have been corporate sellouts numerous times.

6. Fox News Channel. Lies. Lies. And more lies. All coming from a network that is supposed to be objective in reporting NEWS.

5. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.): If he wants to see a terrorist-sympathizer, then he only needs to look in the mirror to see one. And then resign or be impeached from the House altogether.

4. Gov.-elect Nikki Haley: She said that she would shake up the good ol' boy system. Guess what? She is not doing so. Nor will she do so.

3. Sen. Jim DeMint: Far and away the worst Senator to have EVER served in that chamber.

2. Sarah Palin: The loud mouth from Alaska just keeps showing us why she quit after 2.5 years on her job.

The 2010 Asshole of the Year: The Augusta Chronicle: Again. It is easy to see why the Chronicle is has the worst integrity, the worst journalism standards and the worst in, well, everything related to newspapers.

Connecticut women win 88th in a row, but women's sports still on backburner

2010-12-20T06:57:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK CITY -- The Connecticut women now share a unique piece of history.

At the historic Madison Square Garden, the Huskies sliced and diced the Ohio State Buckeyes 81-50 before a crowd of over 15,000.

The win was their eighty-eighth in a row. That ties the record first set by the California-Los Angeles men's team in 1974. John Wooden, who helped lead the Bruins to that mark, died June 4. He was just one-third of a year shy of his 100th birthday.

"We will just want people to remember how much we respected and loved the game," said senior Maya Moore about the Huskies, who won in characteristic fashion and then fielded the inevitable questions about their legacy.

Now, the Huskies can win their record-breaking 89th in a row on Tuesday against Florida State, who was upset by Yale on Saturday. The Seminoles will likely fall from their current 15th place ranking in the polls when they are released prior to the game.

"You can put whatever spin on it you want," said Huskies coach Geno Auriemma "But one thing is non-negotiable. Both teams refused to settle for anything less than the very best they could give you, night after night, day after day. [UCLA's men] did it, and we're doing it."

Auriemma, looking a packed interview room, noted, "There wouldn't be this many people here if we were just going for the women's basketball record."

Early on, it looked like 88 straight would be in doubt. The Buckeyes led 6-0 before the Huskies went on a crushing 16-2 run. UConn never looked back from there.

This streak also puts something else in perspective. Why are the corporate media ignoring women's sports?

On a typical one hour sports show, approximately 45 minutes is spent talking about men's basketball. Only about 2 minutes is spent talking about women's basketball. This kind of sexism is made even worse by the fact that the UConn women's streak will not be given front page news outside of Connecticut and that it will not be the first story (or even the second, third or fourth story) mentioned on ESPN and Fox Sports Net.

I have a huge love for women's basketball and softball since 2002, when the women's teams were the main draw at South Carolina-Aiken (Pacer men's basketball were very lowly at that time and the baseball team fell well short of expectations everytime).

I should be at awe at this streak. But, I am not because of pro-male bias at the corporate owned sports media.

WABC-DT meteorologist could be terminated by Disney

2010-12-15T17:55:00.005-05:00

NEW YORK CITY -- Heidi Jones is one of the more famous voices on your big city news that airs on 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

However, that voice could be gone within the next week.

The Walt Disney Corporation is mulling over whether to fire Mrs. Jones (pictured left) from her job at WABC-DT after she filed a report about a stalker which police later determined to be false.

Mrs. Jones, 37, was suspended today by Disney after her arrest for stating that she was being stalked (and attacked) by a Hispanic male while jogging in Central Park.

The police turned the clouds (of suspicion) on her on Thanksgiving Eve after she went to them to file a report of a Hispanic man attacking her a second time.

Mrs. Jones's attorney said that she is innocent of the charges.

Her next court date is January 5, 2011.

Fulbright gets 24 months in prison

2010-12-11T09:50:00.005-05:00

TUCSON, AZ -- Remember that story about the beauty queen that raped and tortured her ex-boyfriend?

Well, she is going to jail.

Kumari Fulbright, now 28, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for a crime that rocked the pageant world and Arizona. This comes 1,096 days -- that's almost three years to the day if you do the math -- after the crime was committed.

Sans the 369 days she already served for the crime.

However, Ms. Fulbright faces a 12.5 year jail term if she violates the 6-year probation she will receive upon her release from prison.

KGUN has more on this.

After previous court outbursts, Kumari sat quietly speaking only when the judge asked her whether she'd like to say something before her sentencing.

"I would just rather you just base how I feel on the letter I wrote, given the circumstances I'd rather not speak," Fulbright told the judge.

The prosecution argued Fulbright to this day, doesn't understand or show remorse for what she did - taking part in the kidnapping, robbery and assault of a former boyfriend.

Prosecutor Michael Jette had harsh words for the defendant, "She still thinks it's about her. She still thinks it's about her stolen jewelry. She still thinks it's about her being in custody, not the torture and kidnapping and abuse she incurred on Josh Conway."

Fulbright's lawyer Steve Sherick contended she was a good person, a law student at the University of Arizona, who got involved with the wrong people. "Because she was so successful, that's what brought the glare of publicity on to her and all of her family. What's remarkable is the people who, in spite of the crime she committed, stood by her."

Fulbright's father was in the courtroom to see his daughter sentenced. The 28-year-old will be able to serve her probation in Florida where her parents live. She also must pay 15 thousand dollars in restitution.

Finally, some justice for male victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.