Peanut allergies, food allergies, they are becoming more and more prevalent in our world and with our children every year. Recent CDC reports say 3.9% of children in the U.S. under the age of 18 have food allergies. An increase of 18% in the last decade. But in one town in town in Edwater Florida and the Edwater Public Elementary School has now made news headlines not because of their welcoming, warm-hearted, supportive role in the fight against this epidemic. No, it is because a six year old girl, Alena Bailey, who has such a severe peanut allergy that her parents had to put a sign on their own front door to warn visitors, was publicly protested against her own community of peers and their parents. Even though the Federal and State law prohibits discrimination against such events through the ADA. (Americans with Disability Act)
Apparently, these parents are up in arms about their children losing time in school because the children are made by the school to wash their hands and rinse their mouths before they reenter the classroom before school starts and after lunch. One parent said it takes away 2 1/2 hours a week from the children's education. Parents are also upset that the traditional snack hour has been cancelled because of possible peanut exposure.
The parents and even some of their elementary children have began picketing the school. One parent told me, "A lot of time has been taken away from our education." This same parent during school hours, when asked if their child was with them picketing too said, "Of course they are. My child is not going back to school until my child has the same rights as the student with the peanut allergy. My child's rights are being trampled on for one student, and that is not fair. It is not fair to any of the other kids. Until the school hears and follows up with our demands, then my child will go back to school. We have taken our demands to the school board and will continue to protest until they are forced to come to a different resolution." She of course would not go on the record and allow me to share her name. But she wasn't alone. Many of the parents reportedly also feel like their children's rights are being taken away. So far it has been a four day stand off.
The Bailey's have not brought Alena back to school either. They say "if we could come up with another resolution we would but we are talking about life or death here." Yet they are not alone in their fight. Though it may seem they may be silently alone at the moment. The six year old has been made to sit in a classroom at lunch by herself, while other children with food allergies have been alienated to a lone table in the schools cafeteria away from the other students during lunches for their "safety" the school says.
Dr. Margaret Smith, the Superintendent of Volusia County Schools said "That the process doesn't take that long, their are many misconceptions, and knows and understands each parent wants all the kids to be safe, but also knows it is a very emotional issue." She went on to say "We as a school district have been working very hard to protect the child's safety with the peanut allergy, but also address the concerns the other parents have." One of the biggest misconceptions she said was that the children did not have to rinse their mouths out anymore, "That was just something we did as part of a school wide project for healthy mouth hygiene for awhile. It had nothing to do with the food allergy." And as for the daily snack time being taken away due to the food allergy problem, Dr. Smith says "This just was not the case. Many schools have gotten rid of there daily snack times not just because of possible food allergies but other concerns, such as possible food contamination's or foods that could possibly have drugs put in them. It was a safety issue and that was all."
Is this a missed opportunity for compassion? Anyone with any common sense would say yes. I am an adult with a disability and have a child who has Aspergers. I know what it is like to fight for the rights of children who are different and help others, especially children with learning disabilities and adults, because I used to work in the field of social services and have been an advocate for years. It is a sad day when you have to go to a school and watch children being separated from others just because they are different. Then watch them not learning anything because the school is to lazy to do so. I was able to help change that, and now my daughter has flourished. However, because my children have been so involved with their peers and I have 8 children and have had many many children in my house over the years I also understand food allergies. It blows my mind that these parents are so narrow minded that they believe what should be just good hygiene anyway is becoming an issue about some sweet little girls food allergies.
Each parent complain or participating in this boycott or picketing the school, especially with their children should seriously take some time and think about how much time they are taking away from their child's education now. Maybe we should take away recess. The kids don't need it really do they? It does take away from there education and study time.
If people would take just a moment out of there day and use a little time to think things out before the acted...we call that common sense by the way...the world would be such a better place. Who I feel bad for the most is this little girl. She now has this scarlet letter on her. It is hard enough growing up and fitting in, and the grown ups have made it just that harder on her. You have missed a great opportunity to teach your children about compassion, empathy for others, and to educate them about an important topic. I feel sorry for you. I believe in second chances. I hope you take it for yourself and give one to little Miss Bailey. Also I hope you throw her a party (peanut free of course) just to say your sorry. Because if your child comes home beat up, made fun of, crying, etc, you can't complain, no matter how wrong it is...you taught them the behavior. Sad isn't it!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Controller Falls Asleep?
At Regan International Airport Wednesday just a little after midnight two 7-37's and their pilots had to land on their own planes because they couldn't reach anyone in the control tower. American flight 1012 was the first that could not reach the control tower with seven passengers aboard their flight only minutes from the other flight. The other was United Airlines, with sixty-eight people on board, and heading in from Chicago. So where was the controller? Was he or she asleep? Did they have a medical emergency? Why is there only one controller and not two?
Both pilots had to seek guidance from a near by tower in Virginia who also attempted to contact the controller and they couldn't get a response either. Here was the response back to the pilots: "American 1012, uh we called a couple times on a landline, and uh tried to call on the commercial line, and there's no answer."-Operations Facility Message Sent- "United 628, just so you are aware, we've had one aircraft go into DCA. he tower is apparently unmanned."-Operations Facility Message Sent-Thank goodness both planes landed safely and about five minutes later the tower controller was back.
Passenger John Schriffen says the pilot got on the loud speaker and said, "Sorry folks. I can't get ahold of the air traffic control tower. We can't land right now. We are going to keep circling until we get a response." The plane did land safely a few minutes later using procedures for unmanned airports. They made frequent radio calls to other planes to let them know what their position was.
The government believes that the controller who was the only one on duty may have fallen asleep. However this Federal officials say this controller has an unblemished record but they are trying to find out if he fell asleep or had a medical emergency. Former airline pilot, Jim Tillman, calls it "a serious laps," and went on to say, "of all the airports on the planet, this is the worst one for this to happen to.Lets face it, that airport sits within a baseball throw of the Pentagon, of the White House, of the Capital Building. This is not a good situation." Ray LaHood the Transportation is saying he is going to make sure there are two controllers on the late shift and he will also be reviewing staffing in the towers nationwide.
STOP!!! Does anyone happen during 9-11? Now I understand that this was not the same situation. That someone may have fallen asleep or even had an emergency, but come on. Now I will be honest, I do not fly. Not if I can help it. The security measures scare me. Having to go through long lines of people, not knowing whether or not my luggage will actually get to my destination with me or not. Frankly my anxiety is way to high for all that fuss. I like the Amtrak or the car whenever possible. But this is ridiculous.
My point is this. They expect us to stand in those long lines. Go through the intrusive pat-downs, and screenings, but they can't even stay awake or man a station (tower) so we can land safely. Thank the Lord for the pilots. Thank God they knew what they were doing. I don't understand why there wasn't already two people manning the towers to begin with. The Government needs to get their act together. Stop making yourselves richer, us more uncomfortable, and risking our lives in the process.
Both pilots had to seek guidance from a near by tower in Virginia who also attempted to contact the controller and they couldn't get a response either. Here was the response back to the pilots: "American 1012, uh we called a couple times on a landline, and uh tried to call on the commercial line, and there's no answer."-Operations Facility Message Sent- "United 628, just so you are aware, we've had one aircraft go into DCA. he tower is apparently unmanned."-Operations Facility Message Sent-Thank goodness both planes landed safely and about five minutes later the tower controller was back.
Passenger John Schriffen says the pilot got on the loud speaker and said, "Sorry folks. I can't get ahold of the air traffic control tower. We can't land right now. We are going to keep circling until we get a response." The plane did land safely a few minutes later using procedures for unmanned airports. They made frequent radio calls to other planes to let them know what their position was.
The government believes that the controller who was the only one on duty may have fallen asleep. However this Federal officials say this controller has an unblemished record but they are trying to find out if he fell asleep or had a medical emergency. Former airline pilot, Jim Tillman, calls it "a serious laps," and went on to say, "of all the airports on the planet, this is the worst one for this to happen to.Lets face it, that airport sits within a baseball throw of the Pentagon, of the White House, of the Capital Building. This is not a good situation." Ray LaHood the Transportation is saying he is going to make sure there are two controllers on the late shift and he will also be reviewing staffing in the towers nationwide.
STOP!!! Does anyone happen during 9-11? Now I understand that this was not the same situation. That someone may have fallen asleep or even had an emergency, but come on. Now I will be honest, I do not fly. Not if I can help it. The security measures scare me. Having to go through long lines of people, not knowing whether or not my luggage will actually get to my destination with me or not. Frankly my anxiety is way to high for all that fuss. I like the Amtrak or the car whenever possible. But this is ridiculous.
My point is this. They expect us to stand in those long lines. Go through the intrusive pat-downs, and screenings, but they can't even stay awake or man a station (tower) so we can land safely. Thank the Lord for the pilots. Thank God they knew what they were doing. I don't understand why there wasn't already two people manning the towers to begin with. The Government needs to get their act together. Stop making yourselves richer, us more uncomfortable, and risking our lives in the process.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Elizabeth Taylor Will Be Remembered and Missed
Elizabeth Taylor a two time Academy Award winning actress had recent health problems in recent years and appeared very frail during public appearances, was hospitalized six weeks ago with congestive heart failure. She recently suffered a number of complications, however was stabilized and it was hopeful she would return home. Thus, these hopes failed when our dear Miss Elizabeth passed away at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, California at Cedars Sinai Hospital surrounded by her children; Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton. Taylor was also survived by 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Taylor's publicist said in a statement, "My mother was an extra ordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great humor, and love." Her son also went on to make a statement, "Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. Her remarkable body of working film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will forever be in our hearts."
Taylor was born in London in 1932 to American parents who returned to the U.S. with WWII looming. Elizabeth Taylor later beamed into the spotlight at the age of twelve after starring in the 1944 box office hit sensation "National Velvet." Yet it wasn't till later when she won acclaim as an adult with the 1951's "A Place In The Sun," and went on to score Best Actress Oscar Nominations for "Raintree County," "Caton A Hot Tin Roof," and "Suddenly Last Summer." And of Course we can not leave out the violet eyed film goddess most memorable role as "Cleopatra" in 1963. But later won Oscars for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" and "Butterflied 8." 
Unfortunately, Miss Taylor's sultry screen life was up-staged by her all to often publicized personal life. Her life was covered by all the gossip magazines and entertainment news stations. From her marriages and divorces (all 7), to what some believed or called as her eccentric friendships and lifestyle. The one most talked about was her relationship with the late Michael Jackson. Even all her health problems and concerns made headlines. The biographers say there were up to 30 maybe even 40 surgeries. Everything from the fall from her horse during an earlier film shoot, bouts of pneumonia, skin cancer, a tracheotomy, treatment for alcohol and pain killer addictions, and hip, brain, and even heart surgeries.No matter what the headlines and gossipers like to say, I would like to say Thank You. Thank you for for being the most popular actress of Hollywood's Golden Age. Thank You for all the wonderful work you did for HIV/AIDS, and thank you for all my favorite perfumes. The only one's on earth I am not allergic to. My favorite being Passions and White Diamonds. You were a wonderful woman. I met you once when I was young. You took the moment to sit and talk with me. Spend time and listen. I will never forget your generosity, your kindness, your love, and your words, that I will hold close to my heart. God bless you and your family. God rest your sweet soul.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Bullying...We Have Had Enough In All Forms!!!
Everywhere we look now a days we find ourselves seeing or experiencing bullying! When is enough going to be enough? Will it always be a part of our societal make up forever or will, we as a society be able to knick this in the butt? These are the questions I am posing to you today.
According to www.bullying.org bullying is a conscious, willful, deliberate, hostile, and repeated behaviour by one or more people which is intended to harm others. This includes physical violence, attacks, verbal taunts, name calling, put downs, threats, intimidation, extortion, stealing of money, possession, and exclusion from peer groups. They say this assertion through peer groups gives them a sense of entitlement and they have a intolerance towards indifference's.
If face to face bullying wasn't enough, now we have what we call cyber bullying. "Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as emails, cell phones, personal web sites, defamatory online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others."(-Bill Belsey) Cyber bullying has taken on its own life. Individuals are now using it to send hate list, smut list, and even nude pictures of others they do not like or want to embarrass. We now call this sexting.
Now a days you can turn on your televisions and everyday there is a new headline on the news about a child, adult, or even ad from some political figure bullying another person. Yes, I even included political figures. Let's face it, bullying does come in many forms. And Political Ads is one of them. Take the Presidential Campaign of 2008. McCain went as far as to compare Obama to Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. We all know how low these ads can go. We also know and understand that political campaigns are not beneath the bullying concept either before or after the election is over. Take a look at the next three YouTube Videos as examples to my point:
In these video's you noticed not only negative ads but the bullying concept. Putting fear into others! Isn't that what bully's do? I say yes! Especially in the second video. How are we to expect our children to act any differently when we can't even get our own leaders to behave better. We must stop the negative behavior from the top down. We must tell our political leaders not only to stop the negative campaign ads but also the backhanded remarks, side-stepping behaviors they throw around daily on our dime. Then we can make a difference in our children's lives. Then we can stop teaching our children how to bully!
In 2007 it was a parent involving himself in a wrestling match at school. Then it was a group of Florida teens pleading to beating a girl after inviting her to a slumber party. Today we have a boy who is hung by a fence and 7 teens arrested for the assault.Take a look:
It used to be said that this would lead to suicide. Now that is a reality. All along it was leading to suicides, however it is just becoming more and more noticeable because of the Internet and other technologies. We have to many children dying because not enough schools, parents, or by-standards really give a damn. The worst thing on this earth is to feel alone. To feel like you have no one. Even if you do, not feeling that way can be a very lonely place. It has to stop.
Yes, even I have been bullied! It wasn't a good feeling. I was scared, lonely and confused. I wanted to die! Luckily I am here to talk about it. Once, I was so bullied in school my mother had to go to school to make sure that the 20 kids waiting for me the day before off the school bus wouldn't be trying that again. I was even more embarrassed. Now that I look back on it, I am so glad I was embarrassed and safe rather than beat up, in the hospital, or worse.
If you are bullying someone than you must stop and get help. You can have all the excuses in the world you want, but there is a problem and a reason you do what you do, and you need to reach out for help. Maybe you have been bullied to. Maybe you are having problems at home. Maybe you need to feel like you need to fit in. Whatever the reason, you can't continue this type of behavior because we are all watching. We will no longer allow it to happen anymore!
If you are being bullied than please reach out for help! Reach out till you are heard. You are not alone. You do have people who do care and who want to help. Do Not Give Up! You are a special human being, with wonderful skills to offer this world. Do not let them win.
If you are enabling this to happen shame on you! If you are a parent, teacher, or school administrator, police officer, judge, or anyone else who has authority and you allow this to happen, act this way yourself therefore contribute to this problem, or say things like "kids will be kids" and turn a blind eye to this epidemic please take a look at the next video and I hope you remember what can happen.
According to www.bullying.org bullying is a conscious, willful, deliberate, hostile, and repeated behaviour by one or more people which is intended to harm others. This includes physical violence, attacks, verbal taunts, name calling, put downs, threats, intimidation, extortion, stealing of money, possession, and exclusion from peer groups. They say this assertion through peer groups gives them a sense of entitlement and they have a intolerance towards indifference's.
If face to face bullying wasn't enough, now we have what we call cyber bullying. "Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as emails, cell phones, personal web sites, defamatory online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others."(-Bill Belsey) Cyber bullying has taken on its own life. Individuals are now using it to send hate list, smut list, and even nude pictures of others they do not like or want to embarrass. We now call this sexting.
Now a days you can turn on your televisions and everyday there is a new headline on the news about a child, adult, or even ad from some political figure bullying another person. Yes, I even included political figures. Let's face it, bullying does come in many forms. And Political Ads is one of them. Take the Presidential Campaign of 2008. McCain went as far as to compare Obama to Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. We all know how low these ads can go. We also know and understand that political campaigns are not beneath the bullying concept either before or after the election is over. Take a look at the next three YouTube Videos as examples to my point:
In these video's you noticed not only negative ads but the bullying concept. Putting fear into others! Isn't that what bully's do? I say yes! Especially in the second video. How are we to expect our children to act any differently when we can't even get our own leaders to behave better. We must stop the negative behavior from the top down. We must tell our political leaders not only to stop the negative campaign ads but also the backhanded remarks, side-stepping behaviors they throw around daily on our dime. Then we can make a difference in our children's lives. Then we can stop teaching our children how to bully!
In 2007 it was a parent involving himself in a wrestling match at school. Then it was a group of Florida teens pleading to beating a girl after inviting her to a slumber party. Today we have a boy who is hung by a fence and 7 teens arrested for the assault.Take a look:
It used to be said that this would lead to suicide. Now that is a reality. All along it was leading to suicides, however it is just becoming more and more noticeable because of the Internet and other technologies. We have to many children dying because not enough schools, parents, or by-standards really give a damn. The worst thing on this earth is to feel alone. To feel like you have no one. Even if you do, not feeling that way can be a very lonely place. It has to stop.
Yes, even I have been bullied! It wasn't a good feeling. I was scared, lonely and confused. I wanted to die! Luckily I am here to talk about it. Once, I was so bullied in school my mother had to go to school to make sure that the 20 kids waiting for me the day before off the school bus wouldn't be trying that again. I was even more embarrassed. Now that I look back on it, I am so glad I was embarrassed and safe rather than beat up, in the hospital, or worse.
If you are bullying someone than you must stop and get help. You can have all the excuses in the world you want, but there is a problem and a reason you do what you do, and you need to reach out for help. Maybe you have been bullied to. Maybe you are having problems at home. Maybe you need to feel like you need to fit in. Whatever the reason, you can't continue this type of behavior because we are all watching. We will no longer allow it to happen anymore!
If you are being bullied than please reach out for help! Reach out till you are heard. You are not alone. You do have people who do care and who want to help. Do Not Give Up! You are a special human being, with wonderful skills to offer this world. Do not let them win.
If you are enabling this to happen shame on you! If you are a parent, teacher, or school administrator, police officer, judge, or anyone else who has authority and you allow this to happen, act this way yourself therefore contribute to this problem, or say things like "kids will be kids" and turn a blind eye to this epidemic please take a look at the next video and I hope you remember what can happen.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Same Sex Marriage Distracting from Economic Goals?
I caught up on some reading last night. A pile of newspapers that accumulated in my front room. A article in the 'Conversation' section in The Indianapolis Star caught my attention - "Marriage ban distracts from economic goals" written by Angela F. Braley, John C Lechleiter, David Simon, Jeffery H. Smulyan, and Tim Solso. All representing the companies they happen to be CEO's and chairman's to. Braly of WellPoint, Lechleiter of Eli Lilly and Company, Simon from Simon Property Group, Smulyan of Emmis Communications, and Solso from Cummins.
Apparently these companies and their presidents are concerned with the HJR 6 measure that went before the Indiana State Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, where the ban on same sex marriage and civil union was expected to pass with a GOP majority.
The executives wrote in their article in The Indianapolis Star, "As some of Indiana's largest public companies, we are profoundly concerned about this legislation and its effect on our employees and our state...our concerns are these:
*The legislation is not needed because Indiana already has a law banning same-sex marriage.
*The legislation represents government targeted discrimination against a specific group of people.
*The legislation is ambiguously written and we believe it will have a chilling and discriminating effect on many of our employees.
*The legislation sends a signal to the world that Indiana and its residents are less than welcoming people."
They do go on to say "discrimination is bad in any form. When it is expressed in the form of public policy, it not only makes for bad policy, but it makes for bad business.."
It was apparent that these companies opposed HJR 6. What took me back and made me almost gasp is when I read and re-read, "Our companies...believe it works against Indiana's sated desire to broaden its appeal to attract new business to the state...our success is directly affected by our ability to attract the best talent in the world...HJR 6 would severely limit our ability to bring those talented individuals home to Indiana."
OK! Hold Up! Stop and think about this for a minute. Do you really believe that allowing or disallowing same-sex marriage marriages or civil unions will effect who gets hired in the state of Indiana or any other state in this country right now. With a 8.9% unemployment rate can we really afford to turn anyone away? Whether they are gay or straight. We are not so narrow minded as Americans that we wont come here or anywhere in the U.S. where same-sex marriage has been banned. Do you truly believe that the millions of Americans desperately looking for work won't go just about anywhere to find work, including Indiana if the ban is lifted or not.
The company adds fuel to the fire by not only pointing out how they already provide "various domestic-partner benefits" but later state, "HJR 6 is a distraction that does nothing to solve our broader economic goals."
The Indiana House voted 70-26 to pass the ban on same sex marriage and civil unions. The amendment states, "Marriage. Provides that only marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. Provides that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly." Though it did pass in the Indiana Senate it now must go to a separately-elected House and Senate for approval which wont vote on it until sometime in either 2013 or 2014.
In my opinion, these company executives should be ashamed of themselves. You cant say we provide domestic partner benefits and embrace diverse perspectives than slap all the employees and customers you serve in the face by saying that they are a distraction from broader economic issues. These are the people who buy your products, shop at your malls, and buy your drugs. And most of all work very hard for you.
If it were not for all Americans including the Gay and Lesbian community, you would not have jobs, a cushy salary, or a business to begin with. It is not the legislation that sends a signal to the world that Indiana and its residents are less than welcoming to all people. No it is CEO's like yourself that look at the bottom line instead of the full picture. You are walking a tight rope. On one hand you are standing up for the opposition of HJR 6 and on the other hand you are not taking a complete stand on discrimination of same-sex couples and civil unions. For example, your first concern, "legislation is not needed because we already have a law banning same-sex marriage. Why not say we don't need the ban anymore, period.
These companies are to be commended to some degree if they do have benefits in place for domestic partnerships. However, do not think for a moment we don't see through all the political correctness rhetoric. Ask yourselves, is it that you want the issue of HJR 6 to just go away, so the money you paid during all the political campaigns will be spent on issues or projects more palatable to you, or do you really actually care about same-sex marriage issues and civil unions? My guess is that since you believe it is a distraction...well you are intelligent well educated executives, I think you can figure it out.
It's a shame we as Americans can't have civil right issues heard because once again those who truly run the country...Corporate America...doesn't have time or it doesn't fit their itinerary.
Apparently these companies and their presidents are concerned with the HJR 6 measure that went before the Indiana State Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, where the ban on same sex marriage and civil union was expected to pass with a GOP majority.
The executives wrote in their article in The Indianapolis Star, "As some of Indiana's largest public companies, we are profoundly concerned about this legislation and its effect on our employees and our state...our concerns are these:
*The legislation is not needed because Indiana already has a law banning same-sex marriage.
*The legislation represents government targeted discrimination against a specific group of people.
*The legislation is ambiguously written and we believe it will have a chilling and discriminating effect on many of our employees.
*The legislation sends a signal to the world that Indiana and its residents are less than welcoming people."
They do go on to say "discrimination is bad in any form. When it is expressed in the form of public policy, it not only makes for bad policy, but it makes for bad business.."
It was apparent that these companies opposed HJR 6. What took me back and made me almost gasp is when I read and re-read, "Our companies...believe it works against Indiana's sated desire to broaden its appeal to attract new business to the state...our success is directly affected by our ability to attract the best talent in the world...HJR 6 would severely limit our ability to bring those talented individuals home to Indiana."
OK! Hold Up! Stop and think about this for a minute. Do you really believe that allowing or disallowing same-sex marriage marriages or civil unions will effect who gets hired in the state of Indiana or any other state in this country right now. With a 8.9% unemployment rate can we really afford to turn anyone away? Whether they are gay or straight. We are not so narrow minded as Americans that we wont come here or anywhere in the U.S. where same-sex marriage has been banned. Do you truly believe that the millions of Americans desperately looking for work won't go just about anywhere to find work, including Indiana if the ban is lifted or not.
The company adds fuel to the fire by not only pointing out how they already provide "various domestic-partner benefits" but later state, "HJR 6 is a distraction that does nothing to solve our broader economic goals."
The Indiana House voted 70-26 to pass the ban on same sex marriage and civil unions. The amendment states, "Marriage. Provides that only marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. Provides that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly." Though it did pass in the Indiana Senate it now must go to a separately-elected House and Senate for approval which wont vote on it until sometime in either 2013 or 2014.
In my opinion, these company executives should be ashamed of themselves. You cant say we provide domestic partner benefits and embrace diverse perspectives than slap all the employees and customers you serve in the face by saying that they are a distraction from broader economic issues. These are the people who buy your products, shop at your malls, and buy your drugs. And most of all work very hard for you.
If it were not for all Americans including the Gay and Lesbian community, you would not have jobs, a cushy salary, or a business to begin with. It is not the legislation that sends a signal to the world that Indiana and its residents are less than welcoming to all people. No it is CEO's like yourself that look at the bottom line instead of the full picture. You are walking a tight rope. On one hand you are standing up for the opposition of HJR 6 and on the other hand you are not taking a complete stand on discrimination of same-sex couples and civil unions. For example, your first concern, "legislation is not needed because we already have a law banning same-sex marriage. Why not say we don't need the ban anymore, period.
These companies are to be commended to some degree if they do have benefits in place for domestic partnerships. However, do not think for a moment we don't see through all the political correctness rhetoric. Ask yourselves, is it that you want the issue of HJR 6 to just go away, so the money you paid during all the political campaigns will be spent on issues or projects more palatable to you, or do you really actually care about same-sex marriage issues and civil unions? My guess is that since you believe it is a distraction...well you are intelligent well educated executives, I think you can figure it out.
It's a shame we as Americans can't have civil right issues heard because once again those who truly run the country...Corporate America...doesn't have time or it doesn't fit their itinerary.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Japan Crisis A Turn for the Worse
This is now the second worst nuclear disaster in the worlds history. Reactor 4 the cement containment dome; fire broke out in reactor that was shut down be for the earthquake. The steel to the core was damaged. There are still many brave souls working in the nuclear plants risking their lives to help save the lives of others. 50 workers in all still working in the Japanese Nuclear Power Plants.
"Early today there was a explosion at the spent fuel pool at the #4 reactor. This was a reactor that had been shut down but all the fuel had been put up in the spent fuel core pool, so it was relventantly hot. That experienced a hydrogen explosion, indicating there was fuel damage. Certaintly, if there is boiling water in another pool that means the water level, covering the spent pool could decrease and we could face another episode of fuel degredation and hydrogen explosion. These pods are not within the leak tight containment. Any radiation released from the damaged fuels and spent fuel pools would communicate directly with the enviroment." -Edwin Lyman PhD
Edwin Lyman PhD, the leading expert on nuclear power in the United States maybe the world says, "there are things that have to be done manually at the plant. I don't know if it can be done, if unattended or kept in a stable state."
A couple hours ago Japanese Officials said, "the water inside the waste store fuel pool inside the nuclear reactor may be boiling."
Dr. Lyman, www.allthingnuclear.org says, "radiation levels increased 100 million background levels and at that rate, someone who is standing at the fence, would start to experience symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome, which is a potentially severe and life threatning illness. Even if they leave before breathing in a signifigangnt amount of radiation they woud have increased risk of getting cancer."
The 13 mile radius is now a 19 mile radius and officials are telling the Japanese to stay in doors and avoid exposure. However, Dr. Lyman says , "this won't be good enough if a accident continues to develope...depends on if shelter is lick tight enough, strong, not sure if this is an effective measure."
US 104 Nuclear Power Plants Provide 21% of Americans Power
Three issues if we don not learn from what happened in Japan:
Issue1: Earthquakes- Some plants are located in or near areas of sesmic risk. The U.S. Plants are supposed to be able to withstand the risk plus a margin of safty. Examples: Diablo Canyon built to withstand 7.5 Richter scale earthquake and San Onofre built to withstand 7.0 Richter scale earthquake. Japans earthquake was 9.0!
Issue 2: Plant Design- 31 plants in trouble designed by G&E (General Electric) similar to those in Japan but by same owner. Oyster Creek is the oldest and only 50 miles from New York City.
Issue 3: Back Up Power Systems- Japanese power systems got into trouble because they lost the back up to and had no way to cool the core. Marvin Fertel, from the Nuclear Energy Power Instute, speaks for the nuclear industry says, "we would be able to handle the situation much easier than what Japanese is facing now," because of improvements made during 9-11.
I am not so confident. If past behavior redicts future behavior in this country, than how are we as Americans to feel confident after what happened with Hurrican Katrina? I would hope that we have learned from our own mistakes. Yet I know people who are still living without power or essential resources in the New Oreleans and surrounding areas. So Mr. Fertel I hope you are right.
IN OTHER NEW IN JAPAN
Humanitarian Crisis is rising. 2500 people in Japan confirmed dead but 15,000 still missing and that number is still planning to rise. Today the troops removed 2000 bodies from the shore. Half a million of Japanese are living in shelters and have no access to TV and very little to no contact with the outside world. They have been told "just not to go outside"according to reports.
The first envoy has reached remote fishing villages like the one in Minamisanriku Japan. Once that had a 17 thousand population, now half of their people are missing. Still, Us Navy Ships did begin delivering much needed supplies Sunday. 90 other countries followed suit. The Japanese Red Cross also reported they have already received $23.5 million in donations to help in the effort.
I would like to say that I am very proud of my fellow Navy men and woman, as well as all the other Serviceman and Woman helping with the recovery efforts in Japan. As a former Navy Woman, it warms my heart every time we as Troops step up and do the right things. I understand that it is just apart of the job. But please understand we take great pride in it when we do it because we do the job because we do care. That is why most of us signed up to begin with.
Nevertheless....Tokyo is paralyzed with trains out of service and stores closed. Japans stock markets also took a huge hit the last 2 days. Yesterday it was down by 6% and today it was down by 13%. Experts say fear causes uncertainty. Japan has closed its markets till Thursday, and this is bound to cause a ripple effect across the world.
If there is anymore news on Japan I will let you know. Please feel free to add any information you may have.
"Early today there was a explosion at the spent fuel pool at the #4 reactor. This was a reactor that had been shut down but all the fuel had been put up in the spent fuel core pool, so it was relventantly hot. That experienced a hydrogen explosion, indicating there was fuel damage. Certaintly, if there is boiling water in another pool that means the water level, covering the spent pool could decrease and we could face another episode of fuel degredation and hydrogen explosion. These pods are not within the leak tight containment. Any radiation released from the damaged fuels and spent fuel pools would communicate directly with the enviroment." -Edwin Lyman PhD
Edwin Lyman PhD, the leading expert on nuclear power in the United States maybe the world says, "there are things that have to be done manually at the plant. I don't know if it can be done, if unattended or kept in a stable state."
A couple hours ago Japanese Officials said, "the water inside the waste store fuel pool inside the nuclear reactor may be boiling."
Dr. Lyman, www.allthingnuclear.org says, "radiation levels increased 100 million background levels and at that rate, someone who is standing at the fence, would start to experience symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome, which is a potentially severe and life threatning illness. Even if they leave before breathing in a signifigangnt amount of radiation they woud have increased risk of getting cancer."
The 13 mile radius is now a 19 mile radius and officials are telling the Japanese to stay in doors and avoid exposure. However, Dr. Lyman says , "this won't be good enough if a accident continues to develope...depends on if shelter is lick tight enough, strong, not sure if this is an effective measure."
US 104 Nuclear Power Plants Provide 21% of Americans Power
Three issues if we don not learn from what happened in Japan:
Issue1: Earthquakes- Some plants are located in or near areas of sesmic risk. The U.S. Plants are supposed to be able to withstand the risk plus a margin of safty. Examples: Diablo Canyon built to withstand 7.5 Richter scale earthquake and San Onofre built to withstand 7.0 Richter scale earthquake. Japans earthquake was 9.0!
Issue 2: Plant Design- 31 plants in trouble designed by G&E (General Electric) similar to those in Japan but by same owner. Oyster Creek is the oldest and only 50 miles from New York City.
Issue 3: Back Up Power Systems- Japanese power systems got into trouble because they lost the back up to and had no way to cool the core. Marvin Fertel, from the Nuclear Energy Power Instute, speaks for the nuclear industry says, "we would be able to handle the situation much easier than what Japanese is facing now," because of improvements made during 9-11.
I am not so confident. If past behavior redicts future behavior in this country, than how are we as Americans to feel confident after what happened with Hurrican Katrina? I would hope that we have learned from our own mistakes. Yet I know people who are still living without power or essential resources in the New Oreleans and surrounding areas. So Mr. Fertel I hope you are right.
IN OTHER NEW IN JAPAN
Humanitarian Crisis is rising. 2500 people in Japan confirmed dead but 15,000 still missing and that number is still planning to rise. Today the troops removed 2000 bodies from the shore. Half a million of Japanese are living in shelters and have no access to TV and very little to no contact with the outside world. They have been told "just not to go outside"according to reports.
The first envoy has reached remote fishing villages like the one in Minamisanriku Japan. Once that had a 17 thousand population, now half of their people are missing. Still, Us Navy Ships did begin delivering much needed supplies Sunday. 90 other countries followed suit. The Japanese Red Cross also reported they have already received $23.5 million in donations to help in the effort.
I would like to say that I am very proud of my fellow Navy men and woman, as well as all the other Serviceman and Woman helping with the recovery efforts in Japan. As a former Navy Woman, it warms my heart every time we as Troops step up and do the right things. I understand that it is just apart of the job. But please understand we take great pride in it when we do it because we do the job because we do care. That is why most of us signed up to begin with.
Nevertheless....Tokyo is paralyzed with trains out of service and stores closed. Japans stock markets also took a huge hit the last 2 days. Yesterday it was down by 6% and today it was down by 13%. Experts say fear causes uncertainty. Japan has closed its markets till Thursday, and this is bound to cause a ripple effect across the world.
If there is anymore news on Japan I will let you know. Please feel free to add any information you may have.
Monday, March 14, 2011
There Are Landlord Tenant Laws For A Reason
Today I got a visit from my landlord. He informed me that he didn't like who my daughter was dating and if it continued he was going to evict me and my family from our home. Of course I didn't stand for it. I didn't study law for all those years for nothing...now did I.
He then proceeded to tell me that this boy my daughter is dating, who lives two houses down, can not leave his house at all. I asked him if he had any legal documents saying such a thing. He said, "I don't need a legal document. If I say he can't leave his house he can't leave his house. That is the agreement his mother and I made."
Now let me tell you, I don't just let my daughter just date anyone. I do a throe background check. My daughter is a honor roll student, who goes to church regularly, and volunteers in the community. Our family keeps to ourselves and doesn't socialize with anyone in our community. Not because we are snobs but because we are busy and very private people.
After a few heated words my landlord left. I called his boss who said she would get back to me. She never did. Yet I did get another visit from my landlord with a letter. In that letter it stated that if my daughters boyfriend ever stepped foot in my house again I would be evicted. Can you believe that? A letter!? Seriously, come on! Well today was rent day, so I sent the rent check out with a note on it. Saying that nowhere on my lease did it say we could not have visitors. The next thing I know I get another letter. This time it is from my Landlords wife.
In this letter she not only threatens me, she also states in the letter that she is evicting me. She also sent a letter to my daughters boyfriends mother. It said they had 10 days to move out. When did it become legal to just send a letter to evict someone. Last I knew you had to go through the proper channels and go to court and file eviction proceedings.
The whole division I live in seems to be frightened by this bully of a landlord but me. He actually has people worried that if they don't do what he says he will just throw them out with out going through the proper legal channels. Well Not this girl!! Hell No!! I know my rights.
Just so you know your rights...in most states, landlords can only evict you for good reason. These reasons have to follow your lease agreement. They cannot amend the lease without notifying you and you have to sign the amended agreement. Also, if you are paid in full and you have not broken any rules that are in your original lease, they cannot just hand you a written letter saying you are evicted. They have to file with the courts in the county you reside. You have a right to a hearing. The judge then decides when your date of eviction is. This letter of notice is given to you by your local police. Once you go in front of the judge and show all your evidence the judge will then decide whether or not the eviction is warranted or not.
In my case, my landlord would lose his ass! I have always paid on time. Have always followed my lease to the letter. And most of all he would have to pay my court cost, because he waisted my time by taking me to court in the first place, just because he is a bored old man who has nothing else better to do than get involved in other peoples lives.
So look into your hearts and find your balls people! Don't let people bully you just because you think they have all the money or power. Most of the time they don't! If you take a little time to find out what your rights are people are less likely to take advantage of you.
He then proceeded to tell me that this boy my daughter is dating, who lives two houses down, can not leave his house at all. I asked him if he had any legal documents saying such a thing. He said, "I don't need a legal document. If I say he can't leave his house he can't leave his house. That is the agreement his mother and I made."
Now let me tell you, I don't just let my daughter just date anyone. I do a throe background check. My daughter is a honor roll student, who goes to church regularly, and volunteers in the community. Our family keeps to ourselves and doesn't socialize with anyone in our community. Not because we are snobs but because we are busy and very private people.
After a few heated words my landlord left. I called his boss who said she would get back to me. She never did. Yet I did get another visit from my landlord with a letter. In that letter it stated that if my daughters boyfriend ever stepped foot in my house again I would be evicted. Can you believe that? A letter!? Seriously, come on! Well today was rent day, so I sent the rent check out with a note on it. Saying that nowhere on my lease did it say we could not have visitors. The next thing I know I get another letter. This time it is from my Landlords wife.
In this letter she not only threatens me, she also states in the letter that she is evicting me. She also sent a letter to my daughters boyfriends mother. It said they had 10 days to move out. When did it become legal to just send a letter to evict someone. Last I knew you had to go through the proper channels and go to court and file eviction proceedings.
The whole division I live in seems to be frightened by this bully of a landlord but me. He actually has people worried that if they don't do what he says he will just throw them out with out going through the proper legal channels. Well Not this girl!! Hell No!! I know my rights.
Just so you know your rights...in most states, landlords can only evict you for good reason. These reasons have to follow your lease agreement. They cannot amend the lease without notifying you and you have to sign the amended agreement. Also, if you are paid in full and you have not broken any rules that are in your original lease, they cannot just hand you a written letter saying you are evicted. They have to file with the courts in the county you reside. You have a right to a hearing. The judge then decides when your date of eviction is. This letter of notice is given to you by your local police. Once you go in front of the judge and show all your evidence the judge will then decide whether or not the eviction is warranted or not.
In my case, my landlord would lose his ass! I have always paid on time. Have always followed my lease to the letter. And most of all he would have to pay my court cost, because he waisted my time by taking me to court in the first place, just because he is a bored old man who has nothing else better to do than get involved in other peoples lives.
So look into your hearts and find your balls people! Don't let people bully you just because you think they have all the money or power. Most of the time they don't! If you take a little time to find out what your rights are people are less likely to take advantage of you.
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