Miss Moon's Musings About: Rock the Red Pump Day 2013

" It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance."

~ Elizabeth Taylor

In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), and Rock the Red Pump Day, I wanted to share a very special Sunday post. Why? It's very simple:

In the United States -

*Women account for one in four new HIV diagnoses and deaths caused by AIDS.
*The proportion of AIDS diagnoses reported among women has more than tripled since 1985.
*The vast majority of women diagnosed with HIV contracted the virus through heterosexual sex.
*African Americans constituted 64 percent of women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2009.
*African Americans and Hispanics represent 26 percent of all women in the U.S. but they account for 82 percent of AIDS cases among women.
*African-American women have an HIV prevalence rate nearly 15 times that of white women.

 Around the Globe -

*Worldwide, women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV/AIDS.
*For women in their reproductive years (15–49), HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death.
*Women are at least twice as likely to acquire HIV from men during sexual intercourse than vice versa.
*A study in South Africa recently suggested that nearly one in seven cases of young women acquiring HIV could have been prevented if the women had not been subjected to intimate partner violence.
*In 2011, 57 percent of pregnant women living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries received effective drug regimens to prevent new HIV infections among children.
*In sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute 58 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS. Among young people aged 15-24, the HIV prevalence rate for young women is twice that of young men.
 (Statistics courtesy of AMFAR.org)

So what can we do? We can educate our friends, our sisters, our daughters on prevention. We can show love, compassion and support to the women living with HIV and AIDS. And we can contribute to the following charities that helps those living with AIDS across the world:

The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
Women Alive
International AIDS Women Caucus
United Nations AIDS Organization

DO SOMETHING: Blog-In for Trayvon Martin Today!

Trayvon Martin was only 17 years old when he was gunned downed after paying a trip to a convenience store for a snack. He purchased a bag of skittles and an iced tea. He was unarmed and was merely walking back to his Father's home.

According to a police report, George Zimmerman, a captain of a neighborhood watch team, who was patrolling the neighbourhood in his car, had initially called police to report a 'suspicious person in the area'.

Despite being told to keep his distance, there was some kind of confrontation between him and Martin, which resulted in Trayvon's death. The teen was shot once in the chest just yards from his father's home. Zimmerman claimed he had fired his 9mm handgun in self-defence and the police say they have "no reason to suspect he is lying". George Zimmerman has to this date not be charged for the death of Trayvon Martin.

Change.org|Start an Online Petition »

Today, Miss Moon's Musings is joining forces with For Harriet in staging a Blog-In for Trayvon Martin today. I stand with the Martin family and urge you to sign the above petition, and/or to reach out to Sandford Police Chief Bill Lee, as well as Florida State Attorney Norman Wolfinger to demand justice for Trayvon Martin.

Do something!

DO SOMETHING: Stop Internet Censorship!

In support of the countless websites and blogs protesting SOPA, tomorrow (Jan. 18th) Miss Moon's Musings will be silent.

For more info on SOPA and the fight against internet censorship, please feel free to visit Stop American Censorship and http://sopastrike.com/.

If you have a blog or a website, please consider putting this on your blog/site and joining the protest tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. EST to 8:00 p.m. EST.

DO SOMETHING: A Message from Ben Jealous, President and Ceo, NAACP

While my thoughts and prayers go to the family of Mark MacPhail, I do not believe (and many join me in this belief) that the right man has been charged with his murder. If the execution of Troy Davis goes as planned tomorrow, this country's failing justice system will be more apparent, as the wrong man will be killed for this crime.

I wept when I read this letter, and I knew I had to share it with all of you. Tomorrow night, whatever the outcome, I will be praying for the Davis family, the MacPhail family, and for all the men and women who have died in this country for crimes they didn't commit.

This morning, our worst fears came true. Despite widespread doubt, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles upheld the decision to execute Troy Davis this Wednesday.

Still, Troy has refused to have a “last meal.” He has faith his life will be spared.

In the past, his tremendous faith has been rewarded. The last time Troy faced execution, in 2008, the warden brought in what was to be his last meal. But Troy refused to eat. Looking the prison staff in their eyes, he explained this meal would not be his last. He was vindicated when he received a last minute stay. Guards still remember this as a haunting moment, one rooted in Troy’s deep faith.

Still, there is every sign the state of Georgia intends to execute Troy this time--despite calls for them to stop by everyone from the former head of the FBI, William Sessions, to former US President Jimmy Carter.

Troy has prepared himself, and to the extent anyone can, his family, for either outcome.

As he has said many times "They can take my body but not my spirit, because I have given my spirit to God."

Thus, even as we continue to call on the Board of Pardons and Parole and Savannah District Attorney Larry Chisolm to reconsider, we must be prepared for either outcome too.

Please stand with Troy and his family. Join NAACP activists around the country in an evening of solidarity, prayer and fasting on Wednesday, September 21st.

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

Ask friends to meet up. Ask your family to fast Wednesday evening in solidarity with Troy's family and use the dinner hour to talk. Ask your faith community, if they already have a Wednesday night fellowship planned, to make time for conversation about Troy’s scheduled execution.

However you do it, please mark the 7 o’clock hour on that evening—the time of Troy’s scheduled execution—as a moment to reflect on Troy’s experience, to offer prayers for his family and that of Officer MacPhail, and to talk about what we can each do to ensure our nation never does this again.

This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the struggle to end the death penalty and otherwise fix our nation's broken justice system.

To honor Troy’s courage, and rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice in America, NAACP activists are asked to fast Wednesday evening. Will you join us?

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

While moments like this test the limits of our understanding, we do know the world will remember Troy’s name, and the movement against the death penalty will grow. People who thought they supported capital punishment yesterday will realize they cannot today. Because people who thought they could stand on the sidelines will realize they no longer can.

As the scorn of the world grows and the doubts within our nation grow as well, we will increasingly realize this barbarous tradition—practiced by virtually no other western nation—is inconsistent with our self image as a fair and freedom-loving society.

No, should the execution actually occur this time, Troy’s life and the fight to save it will not have been in vain – we will move forward with more allies and an even wider consensus about the urgency of our cause.

Please join your fellow activists Wednesday for an evening of prayers, fasting, reflection, and recommitment to the struggle for justice.

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

With prayers and determination,

Ben

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

This week's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song choice comes with a very important plea. Troy Davis is set to be executed this Wednesday, September 21. That is a mere two days away!

Since his conviction for killing a white police officer nearly 20 years ago, seven of the nine witnesses recanted their statements, new witnesses have come forward identifying another man as the murderer, and the alleged murder weapon has not been found.

Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is supposed to be the foundation of our justice system. This principle is being defied, ignored, and trampled on in the case of Troy Davis.

But you can help Troy today by writing the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to ask them to grant clemency for Troy Davis.

http://action.naacp.org/contact-georgia-board

I have already written my letter, and urge you to do the same. They are meeting today to consider Troy's case. Time is running out. This is truly a matter of life and death. Please help save Troy Davis’s life by writing your letter today. Thank you.

And I dedicate this song, I Wish I knew How it Would Feel to be Free, by Nina Simone, to Troy Davis.



I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could say all the things that I should say
say 'em loud, say 'em clear
for the whole round world to hear.

I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart
remove all the bars that keep us apart
I wish you could know what it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
that every man should be free.

I wish I could give all I'm longing to give
I wish I could live like I'm longing to live
I wish that I could do all the things that I can do
though I'm way overdue I'd be starting anew.

Well I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
how sweet it would be if I found I could fly
Oh I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea
and I'd sing cos I'd know that
and I'd sing cos I'd know that
and I'd sing cos I'd know that
I'd know how it feels to be free
I'd know how it feels to be free
I'd know how it feels to be free

DO SOMETHING: Download "High Tide or Low Tide" and Help East Africa

The beautiful Bob Marley & The Wailers 1973 song "High Tide or Low Tide" has been released as a download for a very special cause.

Benefiting Save The Children’s East Africa Appeal, this organization use the funds get food and medical help to the 10 million people in the region suffering from malnutrition and starvation.

I am joining a long list of celebrities (Although I'm not one) including Shakira, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Kanye West and more supporting the track by posting it on their Facebook and Twitter pages (I'm posting it here!) , the objective to get as many downloads as possible.

Director Kevin Macdonald ("Last King of Scotland") has also released a short film using "High Tide or Low Tide” as the backdrop, sharing the startling footage taken while in East Africa last week.





Bob’s widow, Rita Marley said, “Not one child should be denied food nor water. Not one child should suffer. Along with Save the Children, we [must] stand up together as friends to put a stop to this, to feed our children and to save their lives."

Save the Children is on the ground saving lives but every little bit can help reach more children quickly. To download the track and/or donate, please click the above banner or visit http://www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org/

DO SOMETHING: Prevent Sex Trafficking with The Body Shop

In her fabulous blog Fashion Nette-Work, Juanette (Who I swear is my Fashion Fairy Godmother... she never ceases to inspire me!) posted yesterday about the recent DFW Bloggers Meetup held at The Body Shop in the Northpark Mall in Dallas. Amongst the photos of her, all the beautiful attendees and her take of the event, I discovered something AMAZING that I knew I had to blog about.



The Body Shop has partnered with two amazing organizations: ECPAT-USA and the Somaly Man Foundation to campaign against the sex trafficking of children and young people. Every year, it is estimated that 1.2 million children are trafficked for sex. In the United States alone, over 200,000 children will be involved in commercial sexual exploitation.

Please keep in mind that while these numbers are merely estimates, the true numbers are immeasurable and most likely higher.




The Body Shop - Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People from TheBodyShop on Vimeo.

The US should change the laws that allow children to be arrested and prosecuted when
they are victims of sex trafficking. Instead of arrest they should be offered support and
protection as they are in New York and Washington states.

Since the inception of this campaign, much progress has been made. But there is still work to be done, and they need your help. I signed the petition to show support for this important cause and I urge you to do the same.

To do so, please visit http://petition.thebodyshop-usa.com/sign-petition.php

DO SOMETHING: Tell BP to Pay Their Fair Share!!

* One year ago, on April 20, 2010, BP's oil began to pour into the Gulf of Mexico. It did not stop for 87 days.

Today, economic and environmental devastation remain. Thousands of Gulf Coast residents cope with massive health problems from oil and toxic dispersants.

BP, on the other hand, just scored a nearly $10 billion dollar credit on their 2010 federal tax return, by writing off their "losses" incurred from the tragedy.

That's the equivalent of the entire annual budget of the EPA, whose funding was just slashed in the continuing resolution. It is almost one third of all the cuts in the continuing resolution.

We shouldn't have to endure budget cuts because BP had to pay to clean up their oil spill.

I just signed a petition demanding that BP amend their tax return to take out the $10 billion tax break. Sign the petition and call on BP to pay their fair share:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/nobptaxbreak/?r_by=-1491287-6XW9yEx&rc=paste2

**UPDATE**: Wednesday afternoon, it was discovered that BP's tax break will be even bigger than was first reported - an outrageous $13 billion! A BP spokesman wouldn't say if the company is paying any U.S. taxes at all this year. It could even be getting a refund. (MAJOR side-eye because I sure as heck WONT!!!)  Please take action to hold BP accountable.

Photo Courtesy of http://weblog.sinteur.com/index.php/2010/06/17/bp-oil-spill/

DO SOMETHING: Japan Disaster Relief

Be sure to buy a similar poster to this one for $10 at Etsy Shop NanLawson

Unless you are an insensitive a-hole (serious side eye to YOU, Glenn Beck... What, are you and Pat Robertson taking turns?!?!?), you cannot look at the startling images of the devastation in Japan without feeling for the people there, as well as the many Japanese-Americans here hoping and praying that their families are okay.



You can lend a helping hand to the people of Japan by donating to any number of the following organizations (Special Shout Out to Bust Magazine for providing this list):

* The Happy Hearts Fund was started by model Petra Nemacova after she survived the 2004 Indian tsunami. It’s not a first response fund, but helps rebuild communities after disasters. It’s administrative members are underwritten by the board, meaning that 100% of its funds go towards relief.

* ShelterBox provides shelter for displaced and evacuated persons. Reports are estimating that over 250,000 people have been made homeless by the disaster.

* Oxfam Japan helps fight poverty and social justice in Japan. It’s important to remember that in a disaster situation, it is often the region’s poorest who are hardest hit. Visit their website to make a secure donation.

* Lady Gaga has created white “we pray for japan” bracelets. They can be purchased for 5 bucks with all proceeds going to relief efforts in Japan.

* Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to some of the hardest hit areas of Japan, the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures along the coast. To learn more about the organization's efforts or make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org.

* Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan. To contribute to earthquake relief, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

* Action Against Hunger and ACF International have provided relief efforts in Japan as well as preventive measures in the Philippines' province of Cuatuadnes. Thanks to alert systems the organization set up in the area, they were able to help 45,00 at-risk persons evacuate and prevent a much larger disaster. Their relief efforts are on-going.

* The Red Cross has begun relief efforts. To donate, you can visit their website or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone. A word of caution, however, when you text a donation 5-10% of your donation goes to mGive as an administrative fee. The best way to donate is through the organization's secure website, or using a good old fashion cheque.

* Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children’s Emergency Fund.

DO SOMETHING: Rock the Red Pump... March 10, 2011!!!!!

People who know me may find it very hard to believe that once upon a time I LIVED in heels. In my late teens and early twenties, I was all about big clunky platform boots (3-4 inches high!) and can remember vividly running for the bus from Prospect Park (Think cobblestones... broken cobblestones) wearing 5 inch wedge heels (a gift from La Diva Elaine... I called them my Carmen Miranda shoes) without even stumbling.

In my mid twenties, I had a job at a clinic in an Acupuncture school that required me to be on my feet for several hours at a time... and after a few months of working there, I traded in my platform boots for more "sensible shoes". Two years later, I worked in a call center where sneakers became my uniform. Fast forward to today... I am 33 years old and I merely admire high heel shoes a la distance, as my feet hurt just looking at a pair.

Since I was on the cruise at the beginning of the year, I never blogged about my New Year's Resolutions for 2011, and now that we're in March, it seems silly to write them now. Suffice to say that one of my resolutions was to reacquaint myself with heels and to once again become good friends with "cute shoes". LOL

When I heard about The Red Pump Project and their yearly "Rock the Red Pump" campaign, I knew that this would be the best time to incorporate my resolution for a very very worthy cause.



The Red Pump Project™ raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Their mission is to promote HIV prevention through education, and open dialogue about the issues that surround sexual and reproductive health.

Founded in March 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins, Red Pump believes that if HIV affects one, it affects us all. Using the red high heel shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected (and affected) by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is their contribution with the hope that everyone recognizes that Awareness is Always in Style!™

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is March 10th every year, and there’s a whole lot of talking and educating happening all over the country in honor. The Red Pump Project was born out of as genuine desire to get conversation started on the issue of HIV/AIDS and ask others to do the same.

So recognizing the powerful medium of the internet, they put out a call for bloggers to “Rock the Red Pump™."



The goal of this initial campaign was 100 bloggers, but over 125 bloggers responded and “Rocked the Red Pump” on March 10, 2009. And, in 2010, the numbers doubled to over 250 sites.

The Red Pump Project has grown from a social media campaign to a national nonprofit working on the ground and online to ensure that women are empowered with knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the issues surrounding it. This year, The Red Pump Project is asking bloggers to participate in the third annual “Rock the Red Pump™” campaign: 500 in 50. Their goal is to 500 blogs in 50 days, leading up to March 10, 2011.

I am proud to say that they have exceeded their goal.. receiving a response of over 700 Bloggers (Lovingly called, "Red Pump Rockers"). I am of course a very happy one in 700, and have proudly displayed the banner on my blog and will continue to do so until the end of the month.

In addition to this, on Thursday, March 10, 2011..... Miss Moon WILL BE ROCKING A RED PUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And on behalf of the women and girls who are living (and/or loving someone) with HIV/AIDS, I hope that all of you will consider joining me.

In the next two days, all of my posts will be "Red Pump Inspired", and I will of course take lots of pictures to share here and on the Miss Moons Musing Facebook Page. If you'd like to be featured in my post about "Rock the Red Pump™" day, be sure to share your pictures, along with who you're rocking red pumps for on Facebook or by sending me an email.

DO SOMETHING: Speak out against hate -- Justice for Brisenia!!

Nine-year-old Brisenia Flores was murdered in her home in Arivaca, Arizona in May 2009. She pleaded, “Please don’t shoot me,” right before she was shot — point blank, in the face — by a member of the Minutemen American Defense Corps (MAD)1

The alleged mastermind behind Brisenia’s murder, Shawna Forde, has publicly represented anti-Latino hate groups including the Minutemen and the Federation of Americans for Immigration Reform (FAIR). Forde is currently on trial in Arizona for the murder of Brisenia and her father, Raul. As we speak, the jury is deliberating and will return a verdict within days, or hours.

What's devastating is that I just learned about the tragic story of Brisenia Flores. Her alleged murderer is on trial, but the main stream media has not taken much notice.

That's why I've downloaded a poster from Presente.org because they are highlighting her life and demanding that we say NO to hate.

Please join me! Post this picture and story on FaceBook, Twitter, on your own blogs and spread the word as much as you can!!

For more information, please visit http://act.presente.org/sign/brisenia/?referring_akid=301.268130.HXPpOf&source=taf

Resources

1. "Slain Girl Pleaded for Her Life, Mom Testifies at Militia Leader's Trial" AOL.com, 1/28/11
http://act.presente.org/go/244?akid=301.268130.HXPpOf&t=8

UPDATE

From Huffington Post:

An Arizona anti-illegal immigration activist was convicted on Monday of killing two Latinos during a 2009 raid: nine-year-old Brisenia Flores and her father, Raul Flores. The killer, Shawna Forde, is a member of the Minutemen, which patrols the southern border vigilante-style to detect illegal entry into the country.

DO SOMETHING: Ask 1 800 Flowers to Offer Fair Trade Flowers

Valentine's Day, which accounts for 40% of fresh flower sales annually, is fast approaching.

If you're planning to order a bouquet from 1-800-Flowers -- the world's largest florist -- you should know where most of those flowers really come from.

At flower farms in Ecuador and Colombia -- the countries that export the most to the U.S. -- two-thirds of the workers are women. These women are routinely subjected to harassment and even rape from their male supervisors. They suffer eye infections and miscarriages from consistent contact with dangerous pesticides.

In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, they're routinely forced to work 80-hour weeks with no overtime pay. Attempts to form a union are met with opposition by police and armed forces.

Many retailers -- such as Whole Foods and Stop & Shop -- have taken the important first step of offering Fair Trade flowers to consumers who want no part of these abuses. Fair Trade certified farms must adhere to strict standards for workers' rights, which prevents the abuses described above.

1-800-Flowers is the largest florist in the world. Yet they offer no Fair Trade flowers at all.

I just signed the petition from Change.org, "Ask 1 800 Flowers to Offer Fair Trade Flowers That Aren't Picked By Exploited Workers" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

This is the week before Valentine's Day -- more people will purchase flowers during the next seven days than any other week this year. This is our best opportunity to demand a promise from 1-800-Flowers to join its competitors in offering Fair Trade flowers. So after you sign the petition, please share this info widely and post on Facebook -- do everything you can to pressure 1-800-Flowers to show a little respect for the women who toil in unbearable circumstances. The women without whom they'd have no flowers to sell.

Our goal is to reach 35,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:

http://www.change.org/petitions/ask-1-800-flowers-to-offer-fair-trade-flowers-that-arent-picked-by-exploited-workers

DO SOMETHING: Tell State Reps, "REVERSE Citizens United!!"

Corporations aren't people. We all know that. But in last year's Citizens United decision, the Supreme Court gave corporations the same First Amendment rights as you and me.



The result was record breaking spending by giant corporations to try to buy our elections. From Citizen Action of New York:

* Nationwide, outside groups spent more than $480 million to influence the outcome of the midterm elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
* A report by the Washington Post and analysis from Public Campaign estimates that House and Senate candidates spent $2 billion in the 2010 election cycle, a 54 percent increase over 2008.
* A report by NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio’s office showed that Citizens United spending represented 15% of all political spending in the 2010 elections nationwide, and was responsible for $85 million spent in US Senate races.
* In New York, close to $246 million was raised in the 2010 elections, according to a recent report by NYPIRG, Common Cause, Citizens Union, and the League of Women Voters. Just 1/3 of the money raised was from individual donors.
* Only 59,350 residents of New York made donations to campaigns in 2010, just 0.3% of the population.

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike



We must take our democracy back. The most direct remedy we have left to correct the Supreme Court's awful decision is a constitutional amendment clarifying that corporations are not people.

I signed a petition urging my state leaders to support a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court decision. Can you join me at the link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/constitutionalamendment/?r_by=25869-1835426-Vz3rH8x&rc=confemail

Thank you!

DO SOMETHING: Jawn Murray vs. “Militant”,“Nappy-headed.”Black Women

"Yo, some nappy heads need to check they necks for red"
- The Fugees, "Nappy Heads"

I honestly have never heard of Jawn Murray before this evening. And after reading his comments on Twitter, in regards of the “militant” and “nappy-headed” naysayers of Tyler Perry's adaptation of Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls...", I'm of the belief that I haven't missed much. I have heard of Tom Joyner, and from what I've seen of him (Mostly from watching Henry Louis Gates' "Faces of America" series), I am astonished he is associated with such a douche.



You're a Tyler Perry fan, Jawn... I get it. I am too... really! I've actually paid money to go see both "Madea Goes to Jail" and "Why Did I Get Married, Too?", in addition to Chris and I seeing "Madea's Big Happy Family" at Madison Square Garden... so I've contributed in my own meager little way to the mogul's multi-million dollar franchise. But... what's with the anger? And why is your anger targeted at women with natural hair? Did I miss a memo from the Nappy-Headed Women Coalition that we ALL HATE Tyler Perry? Does the belief that he is still too green as a director to tackle such a complicated piece of literature mean that we hate him? Hmm... so much to think about.

I am of the belief that Jawn Murray is not familiar with "For Colored Girls Who've Consider Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" or with Ntozake Shange.... because her work is FULL of women he's most likely consider both "militant" and "nappy-headed"... from Sassafrass to Betsey Brown and definitely Lilianne.

I wonder if he would give the women of Ntozake Shange's most memorable works the following advice?



How's that?!?!?!? Why don't we ask Ntozake Shange what she thinks?

(Side note: Isn't this a completely GORGEOUS picture? I am SOOO printing this out and hanging it up in my home!)

Wait a minute...Ntozake looks kinda militant. Just look at that Nefertiti nose-ring... I bet you underneath that (VERY Afrocentric! ::gasps::) headscarf there's some nappy hair under there!!! OH NOOOOOOOO!!!

I signed a Twitter Petition condemning his callous, insensitive and straight-up "ignant" defense of Tyler Perry at the expense of black women and I hope that you will join me in demanding an apology.

For more information, please go to: http://www.forharriet.com/2010/10/reporter-jawn-murray-calls-black-women.html

To sign the petition, click here.

DO SOMETHING: Tell Hillary Clinton Stop Doing Business with Blackwater

From Code Pink for Peace:

This October, the US marks the deadliest year of a 9-year war in Afghanistan. Despite the painful unrest and poverty that afflict Afghanistan, under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the US State Department has continued to pour billions into contracts with private security firms with histories of violence, criminal conduct and fraud. This utter disregard for the Afghan people impedes efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.

The US State Department has just awarded the notorious private security firm Blackwater, which was banned from operating in Iraq, a piece of new contract worth $10 billion to operate in Afghanistan. This is a slap in the face to both the Afghan and American people.

Blackwater has no place in our military conflicts -- a fact that even Clinton once realized when she pledged to ban the company from federal contracts in 2008. The US should respect the US-backed Afghan President Hamid Karzai's recent efforts to ban military contractors and send Blackwater packing.

Tell Secretary of State Clinton to listen to the Afghan people and stop doing business with Blackwater! Click here to get started.

DOPE: Five Ways the Democrats Can Avoid a Catastrophe...

....and Pull Off the Mother of All Upsets ...a letter from Michael Moore

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Friends,

The election is one month from tomorrow and, yes, it looks hopeless. November 2nd -- the day the Dems are expected to crash and burn.

Sadly, it's a situation the Democrats have brought upon themselves -- even though the majority of them didn't create the mess we're in. But they've had over a year and a half to start getting the job done to fix it. Instead, they've run scared ever since they took power. To many, the shellacking they're about to receive is one they deserve.

But if you're of a mindset that believes a return to 2001-2008 would be sheer insanity, then you probably agree we've got no choice but to save the Democrats from themselves.

Memo To: President Obama and the Democratic Party Leadership

From: Michael Moore

Subject: 5 Things Dems Can Do to Turn It Around by November 2nd

1. Immediate Wall-to-Wall TV Ads, Internet Videos, and Appearances Hammering Who the Hell Put Us in the Misery We're In.

We Americans have very short attention spans (Quick: Who Won the Oscar for Best Picture last year? The World Series? Exactly.). People need to be reminded over and over that it was the REPUBLICANS who concocted and led the unnecessary invasion of two countries, putting us in our longest war ever, wars that will eventually cost us over $3 trillion. Bush and Co. also caused the biggest collapse of our economy since the Great Depression. I don't know a single person in Hollywood who wouldn't shoot and produce those spots for you for FREE. Dems: Do not pull a single punch on this. Quit being a bunch of wusses and let the bastards have it! The public will be astonished that you've found your courage and your spine. We expect you to be Muhammad Ali, not Ally McBeal.

2. Indict the Criminals.

Announce that the Justice Department will seek indictments against both those who caused the economic collapse and those who became war profiteers. Call it for what it is: organized crime. Use the RICO statutes. Use the basic laws that make fraud of any kind a crime. Get in the face of those who stole the billions, make them pay for it -- and the people will love you. We want Dirty Harry, not Dirty Dancing.

3. Announce a Moratorium on All Family Home Foreclosures.

Last month (August) there were more home foreclosures than in any month in U.S. history. Worse than any month in the worst year ever, 2009. The bleeding hasn't stopped -- it's only gotten worse. And now, this week, two of the largest crime organizations who are throwing hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes (GMAC and JPMorgan Chase) have been forced to momentarily stop doing this. It turns out, they don't really have the paperwork to prove they actually own these houses! It's madness. So if you do one thing for the middle class this week, do this. It will take an hour of your time to draw up the decree and issue it. We'd rather watch "It's a Wonderful Life" than "Poltergeist."

4. Announce a New 21st Century WPA.

"Who's hiring? THE GOVERNMENT IS HIRING!" Put together a simple plan to hire enough people to repair our roads, fix up our aging schools, and rebuild our infrastructure. Fund this by taxing the richest 1% who have more financial wealth than 95% of Americans combined! Unemployment will drop to 5%. Can you pass it? Well, you sure can't unless you try! And as you're trying, announce that you will force the Republican senators (who until now simply have had to say they "intended" to filibuster in order to kill a bill) to have to actually filibuster! Make them stand on the floor of the Senate and read from the phone book 24/7. They won't last a day. And America will see them for who they really are.

5. Declare That No Democrat Will Accept ANY Wall Street Money in the Next Election Cycle.

Pick a day in the coming week. Have all your fellow Democrats in Congress stand in front of the Capitol (with President Obama) and pledge that if America allows you to retain control of Congress, none of you will take a penny from Wall Street for the 2012 election. Instead, promise to accept donations of only $2, $5 and $10. You will also pledge not to take a job as a lobbyist or lawyer for ANY corporation for ten years after you leave Congress. The message will be a powerful one to the average American fed up with corrupt political hacks. Act like Honest Abe, not Fast Freddie -- and see what happens.

And here are two bonus suggestions: Use what sense of humor you have and go after these candidates and their agenda with all the hilarious ridicule they deserve. And quit complaining about "the base" not doing enough to help you. You want help? Do something this week to earn it. I've offered five suggestions. I'm sure the rest of "the base" has a few more.

Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

DO SOMETHING: Tell the FDA: Stop the Mutant Fish

It sounds like something out of a cheesy Sci-Fi Channel (I'm fighting the power and refusing to call it SyFy! lol) movie, but what's horrific is that this scary tale is true and we must act quickly!!!



We have just a few days to keep the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) from approving engineered salmon as the first animal manufactured for human consumption.

Here's where it gets really scary: the FDA doesn't do its own testing of genetically engineered animals. It relies on information provided by the company that wants approval -- just like they did in their oversight of the egg industry which produced the largest salmonella outbreak in U.S. history last month.

Join me and CREDO Action to keep mutant fish off our plates. Click below to stop the FDA from approving GE salmon.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/food_gmosalmon_fda/?r_by=-1491287-6XW9yEx&rc=paste2

DO SOMETHING: Turn Off Fox

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Parent Company Trap
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Many of us already know that Fox News is biased -- but it's actually much worse than that. For years they have used lies, distortions, and race-baiting to divide this country. Recently, it's gotten downright dangerous. Earlier this summer, a heavily armed man got into a gun fight with police after he was pulled over on his way to kill people at the Tides Foundation[1] -- an obscure non-profit that Glenn Beck regularly demonizes on his Fox News TV show.[2]

Fox News is bad news for America -- and it spreads, and is legitimized, partly through TVs in public places.

That's why I've joined the TurnOffFox campaign -- the first part of a larger campaign to diminish the influence of Fox. It's about educating people about Fox and getting it turned off in stores, restaurants, and other public places.

Will you join me? It takes just a moment to declare your own household "Fox free", and at the same time appeal to public establishments in your community to stop playing Fox. And you'll get a FREE Turn Off Fox sticker when you do. Click here:

http://colorofchange.org/turnofffox/?id=2026-910062

No other news organization that's considered legitimate consistently wages smear campaigns based on lies and race-baiting. But for years Fox News has done exactly that, and the pattern has only gotten worse since Barack Obama entered national politics.

Here are just a few examples:

-- A frequent Fox guest, Jesse Lee Peterson, said that the majority of Black people have poor moral character, and cited "what they did to the dome" after Hurricane Katrina as evidence.[3] Peterson has also used his platform on Fox to claim that 90% of Black people are racists -- against Whites.[4]

-- In a case of naked race-baiting, Fox host Glenn Beck called President Obama a "racist" who had a "deep-seated hatred for White people or the White culture."[5] Earlier that week, Beck claimed that the President's health insurance reform proposals were a form of "reparations" designed to "settle old racial scores."[6]

-- Fox host John Stossel argued that the public accommodations section of the Civil Rights Act -- which prevents businesses from discriminating based on race, sex, and other factors -- should be repealed.[7]

-- Fox News hosts Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity were the first to air deceptively edited and incomplete video of Shirley Sherrod's remarks to the NAACP.[8] The video made it seem like Sherrod was confessing to using her position at the USDA to discriminate against White farmers, when she was really talking about the importance of overcoming prejudice. Sherrod lost her job over this misrepresentation, which Fox enthusiastically repeated without seeking the facts. Fox has since tried to pretend it had nothing to do with this smear -- but Fox is the number one reason these kinds of distortions and smears have any part in our national dialogue.

The examples above aren't even a tenth of Fox's vicious lies and smears, and over the years they've just gotten more brazen.

The goal of Turn Off Fox is to reduce the number of public TVs showing Fox News, while spreading the word about Fox's poison (and how it works) to those who don't know.

Signing up for the campaign is just the first step. We make it easy for you to tell us about businesses playing Fox. If you're willing to talk with them, we'll provide you with straightforward materials that explain why they shouldn't be a party to what Fox is doing. And if there are businesses you know that want to tell the world they would never play Fox, you can help them declare themselves a "Fox-free zone."

As businesses Turn off Fox and stand up as Fox Free, and as we encourage our friends and family to do the same, we'll help make clear, to people across the country, what Fox is about. And we'll reduce their ability to do harm.

Please join me in signing up for the TurnOffFox campaign:

http://colorofchange.org/turnofffox/?id=2026-910062

Thanks.

References

1. http://bit.ly/a5F7kW
2. http://mediamatters.org/research/201007290032
3. http://mediamatters.org/research/200510030005
4. http://bit.ly/c060C0
5. http://mediamatters.org/research/200907300019
6. http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200907230040
7. http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201005200033
8. http://mediamatters.org/blog/201007200060

DO SOMETHING: Support Proposition 8 Being Ruled Unconstitutionall!

Big news!! A federal judge in California has declared Proposition 8 unconstitutional!

From The Huffington Post:

After a five-month wait, 9th Circuit District Court Judge Vaughn Walker offered a 136-page decision in the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, firmly rejecting Proposition 8, which was passed by voters in November 2008.

"Although Proposition 8 fails to possess even a rational basis, the evidence presented at trial shows that gays and lesbians are the type of minority strict scrutiny was designed to protect," Walker ruled.

We've moved one step closer to full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

It's not the end of the struggle, because this ruling will likely be appealed and could make its way up to the Supreme Court, but it's definitely a huge victory.

I just took a minute to say thanks to the two couples who sued for their rights and brought the issue to court. Will you do the same? Click here to send your thanks, or go directly to http://bit.ly/bJvSTd

Thanks!

Peace, Love (and Equality!) from Brooklyn!!

DO SOMETHING: Protect Organics from Monsanto's GMO Alfalfa

A recent Supreme Court decision assigned authority to the USDA to determine whether to move forward with provisional planting of Monsanto's genetically engineered (GMO) alfalfa -- a crop that would likely contaminate other crops and jeopardize the organic industry. Can you sign the petition telling USDA Secretary Vilsack to maintain the current ban on GMO alfalfa?

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/monsanto_alfalfa_vilsack/?r_by=10008-1491287-gmGwbUx&rc=paste2