Monday, December 1, 2014
"Occupy Wall Street is the gift that keeps on giving"
http://rt.com/usa/210459-occupy-wall-street-ferguson/
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
First Week Complete
Hello everyone,
I finished my first week of law school on Friday. It's already been a crazy ride. The people are interesting, to say the least.
There were lots of discussions going on... about Ferguson, about the police in America, about the Middle East, about the situation in Ukraine and Russia. Lots of varied opinions and drastically different ideologies. I agree with some, and disagree with others.
I've been watching everything unfold in Ferguson still. Reading the reports that were released and catching eyewitness revelations. I've seen some other things unfold as well. I watched the horrifying video where police officers shot a man who was approaching them. They said he ran at them with a knife, but from what I saw, no running was involved whatsoever. I wanted to watch the video so that I could understand the situation better, though I found myself both disturbed and brokenhearted at what I witnessed. I could hear the terror in the voice of the man recording the video, though he was trying to stay composed.
I also watched the video in which a Southern family disowned their young adult son for being gay, at one point physically assaulting him in their fear and anger. I was glad to see that money is being raised to help this young man who lost his support system, but it makes me all the more aware of those who don't gain anything by revealing themselves, but lose all they have... which in some cases, includes their lives.
It is disheartening to watch the world in which you live be so filled with hatred, anger, fear, and distrust. It would be simple to stop looking for things that make the world seem terrible, but that isn't fair. It's not fair to me, and it isn't fair to the people who do experience these things. I know people like to use "Life isn't fair" as an excuse to do nothing to fix things, but I won't do that. These people can't just say they aren't interested in dealing with these issues anymore. They don't have the option to walk away from prejudice and hate, and I won't give myself the option either.
-------------------
I've been dealing with some of my own issues on top of all those that I am watching unfold on my television. I was moved to part time at school due to my health issues. It's time that I admit that I have gotten to the point that the word "disability" truly fits me. As someone who had a brother with a disability, and numerous friends who also are disabled, it doesn't seem to make sense to feel the way I do about this.
I feel as though I have failed myself in becoming disabled. It's so stupid, I know. I don't know how to overcome it though. I dropped from 15 hours to 10. I know it was something I needed to do, and my school officials were so helpful in this... I feel like I owe them so much. I already feel relieved, knowing that I won't be so physically overwhelmed. I kept falling asleep on the couch in the afternoon while trying to read for my classes, and I was worried that the strain was making me even more ill.
I have an appointment with a sort of disability advocate this upcoming week. I don't know what to say to her. I don't want to admit to having gone from healthy, running, and energetic to a downtrodden, exhausted, and painful ball of self-pity in less than 4 years. What happened to me? I think that this is the most frustrating part of it all is that we still don't know.
I have been to so many doctors and had so many tests. I had what we referred to as my "day of torture" last year. My specialist put me through a whole bunch of tests, each more excruciating than the last. I was stabbed with large needles while they listened to my muscles, electrocuted so they could see the reaction times... I screamed a lot that day. I had a biopsy, too. It all came back as abnormal but inconclusive. I got a firm diagnosis of "Myalgia" from it, but that was all.
I only wish I knew what my disability actually was. Maybe then I would be more confident in saying that I was disabled. I feel like I am taking something that I don't fit in... I don't know what my disability is, so can I truly be disabled?!
-------------------
I hope everyone is well. I have a lot more reading to do. At least I am greatly enjoying my classes and the materials. I'll try to update as often as I can.
Solidarity,
Kitty
I finished my first week of law school on Friday. It's already been a crazy ride. The people are interesting, to say the least.
There were lots of discussions going on... about Ferguson, about the police in America, about the Middle East, about the situation in Ukraine and Russia. Lots of varied opinions and drastically different ideologies. I agree with some, and disagree with others.
I've been watching everything unfold in Ferguson still. Reading the reports that were released and catching eyewitness revelations. I've seen some other things unfold as well. I watched the horrifying video where police officers shot a man who was approaching them. They said he ran at them with a knife, but from what I saw, no running was involved whatsoever. I wanted to watch the video so that I could understand the situation better, though I found myself both disturbed and brokenhearted at what I witnessed. I could hear the terror in the voice of the man recording the video, though he was trying to stay composed.
I also watched the video in which a Southern family disowned their young adult son for being gay, at one point physically assaulting him in their fear and anger. I was glad to see that money is being raised to help this young man who lost his support system, but it makes me all the more aware of those who don't gain anything by revealing themselves, but lose all they have... which in some cases, includes their lives.
It is disheartening to watch the world in which you live be so filled with hatred, anger, fear, and distrust. It would be simple to stop looking for things that make the world seem terrible, but that isn't fair. It's not fair to me, and it isn't fair to the people who do experience these things. I know people like to use "Life isn't fair" as an excuse to do nothing to fix things, but I won't do that. These people can't just say they aren't interested in dealing with these issues anymore. They don't have the option to walk away from prejudice and hate, and I won't give myself the option either.
-------------------
I've been dealing with some of my own issues on top of all those that I am watching unfold on my television. I was moved to part time at school due to my health issues. It's time that I admit that I have gotten to the point that the word "disability" truly fits me. As someone who had a brother with a disability, and numerous friends who also are disabled, it doesn't seem to make sense to feel the way I do about this.
I feel as though I have failed myself in becoming disabled. It's so stupid, I know. I don't know how to overcome it though. I dropped from 15 hours to 10. I know it was something I needed to do, and my school officials were so helpful in this... I feel like I owe them so much. I already feel relieved, knowing that I won't be so physically overwhelmed. I kept falling asleep on the couch in the afternoon while trying to read for my classes, and I was worried that the strain was making me even more ill.
I have an appointment with a sort of disability advocate this upcoming week. I don't know what to say to her. I don't want to admit to having gone from healthy, running, and energetic to a downtrodden, exhausted, and painful ball of self-pity in less than 4 years. What happened to me? I think that this is the most frustrating part of it all is that we still don't know.
I have been to so many doctors and had so many tests. I had what we referred to as my "day of torture" last year. My specialist put me through a whole bunch of tests, each more excruciating than the last. I was stabbed with large needles while they listened to my muscles, electrocuted so they could see the reaction times... I screamed a lot that day. I had a biopsy, too. It all came back as abnormal but inconclusive. I got a firm diagnosis of "Myalgia" from it, but that was all.
I only wish I knew what my disability actually was. Maybe then I would be more confident in saying that I was disabled. I feel like I am taking something that I don't fit in... I don't know what my disability is, so can I truly be disabled?!
-------------------
I hope everyone is well. I have a lot more reading to do. At least I am greatly enjoying my classes and the materials. I'll try to update as often as I can.
Solidarity,
Kitty
Monday, August 11, 2014
Is this how it starts?
People say that the world has always been in turmoil, but the massive access to internet makes it more obvious and in our faces. I'm not so sure that I see things that way.
...................
Tonight, a few hours drive from me, riots and police are running the streets in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. This is the second night in a row. Why is this happening?
It's happening because another young man lost his life at the hands of the police. An unarmed man. An unarmed Black man. Michael Brown was supposed to start college today. That fact alone tears at my heart, knowing that I will be starting school next week.
The story is a mish-mash of confusion. The story starts with the police officer apparently telling Mr. Brown and his friend to stop walking in the middle of the road. The police say that the young man became angry and tried to take the officer's weapon, resulting in the shots. The witnesses say that the young man had his hands up and was moving away from the officer when he was shot multiple times. Forensics provided by several news sources provide a shooting distance of roughly 35 feet.
Who do you believe?
I moved to Columbia, MO at the end of May from Carbondale, IL. Carbondale is NO stranger to police controversy. If you haven't heard of it, look up Molly Young's death, and the more recent death of Pravin Varughese. While I didn't know Molly, I was familiar with Pravin, and several of my students were his family friends. They are both extremely disturbing tales, and are not the only cases of possible police misconduct. The chief of police once forgot his gun in his car, which was then stolen, only to be used later in a crime. There are also several unsolved cold case murders.
What I am saying here is that I am familiar with police actions that result in extremely negative consequences. I am NOT saying that all officers are bad people. I know that I rely on officers when I am in danger, and will call for their help without worry.
What bothers me is simple and complicated all at once.
When will it be enough? When will governments realize that there is an obvious bias in their police forces and do something about it? When will young black people stop being killed by police for some imagined infraction? In this specific case, why didn't the officer use less than lethal weaponry if he felt that he was in danger from an unarmed man?
What is it going to take?
What is it going to take for the good cops on the force to stop protecting the corrupt? Why don't they stand up? Why do we fear those who are supposed to be our greatest protectors?
I am not condoning, in any way, shape, or form what the rioters in Ferguson are doing. I feel that it is drastically unfair to local business owners, as they are facing looting and loss of their livelihood due to these protests.
What I am saying is that I empathize with their situation. I can't say that I wouldn't be just as angry. I don't know, since I have never personally faced such a situation. I feel like the people of Ferguson have had enough, and are lashing out in a way that is definitely getting attention.
I wish that there was some way that I could ease their sorrow and take away their anger. I wish that I could take the actions of that police officer back, and let Michael Brown go to school.
I know that doesn't help. I know that for a long time, nothing will.
I'm sorry.
-- Kitty
.......
...................
Tonight, a few hours drive from me, riots and police are running the streets in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. This is the second night in a row. Why is this happening?
It's happening because another young man lost his life at the hands of the police. An unarmed man. An unarmed Black man. Michael Brown was supposed to start college today. That fact alone tears at my heart, knowing that I will be starting school next week.
The story is a mish-mash of confusion. The story starts with the police officer apparently telling Mr. Brown and his friend to stop walking in the middle of the road. The police say that the young man became angry and tried to take the officer's weapon, resulting in the shots. The witnesses say that the young man had his hands up and was moving away from the officer when he was shot multiple times. Forensics provided by several news sources provide a shooting distance of roughly 35 feet.
Who do you believe?
I moved to Columbia, MO at the end of May from Carbondale, IL. Carbondale is NO stranger to police controversy. If you haven't heard of it, look up Molly Young's death, and the more recent death of Pravin Varughese. While I didn't know Molly, I was familiar with Pravin, and several of my students were his family friends. They are both extremely disturbing tales, and are not the only cases of possible police misconduct. The chief of police once forgot his gun in his car, which was then stolen, only to be used later in a crime. There are also several unsolved cold case murders.
What I am saying here is that I am familiar with police actions that result in extremely negative consequences. I am NOT saying that all officers are bad people. I know that I rely on officers when I am in danger, and will call for their help without worry.
What bothers me is simple and complicated all at once.
When will it be enough? When will governments realize that there is an obvious bias in their police forces and do something about it? When will young black people stop being killed by police for some imagined infraction? In this specific case, why didn't the officer use less than lethal weaponry if he felt that he was in danger from an unarmed man?
What is it going to take?
What is it going to take for the good cops on the force to stop protecting the corrupt? Why don't they stand up? Why do we fear those who are supposed to be our greatest protectors?
I am not condoning, in any way, shape, or form what the rioters in Ferguson are doing. I feel that it is drastically unfair to local business owners, as they are facing looting and loss of their livelihood due to these protests.
What I am saying is that I empathize with their situation. I can't say that I wouldn't be just as angry. I don't know, since I have never personally faced such a situation. I feel like the people of Ferguson have had enough, and are lashing out in a way that is definitely getting attention.
I wish that there was some way that I could ease their sorrow and take away their anger. I wish that I could take the actions of that police officer back, and let Michael Brown go to school.
I know that doesn't help. I know that for a long time, nothing will.
I'm sorry.
-- Kitty
.......
Saturday, August 9, 2014
A New Start and A New Story
Hello everyone.
I know many of my followers will be surprised to see a post from me. More than likely, quite a few people won't see this, as they've left the page. I do not blame anyone for that. I've been absent for a long time, and with good reason. I plan on updating this blog occasionally, with news and opinions that come from my personal perspective.
I feel it pertinent to explain to you all what has happened, so that we are all caught up.
My last post was a request for help from my followers, as my health had gone downhill. My health is still atrocious. I have chronic pain from multiple illnesses: fibromyalgia, arthritis, a ruptured disk, joint issues, missing cartilage, chronic migraines, etc. I have severe emotional issues as well, which are getting me down quite a bit.
***
On August 12, 2013, my little brother died. It was very sudden, and shocked us to the core. He was 24 and suffering from Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy, though that was not the actual cause of his death. His aorta was ruptured by his breathing machine tubing, and he died within minutes. My mother tried to save him, but there was nothing that could be done. The last thing he did was smile at my mom.
***
After this, my mom moved in with my wife and I, as we both felt it would be inappropriate to expect her to work so soon after his passing. My wife finished her Bachelors degree in December, and I finished my Masters this past May. We all moved from Carbondale to Columbia, MO, so now we live in a red state. No medical care for me or my diabetic mother, thanks to the wonderful Missouri government.
I start law school in just over a week and a half at Mizzou. I promised my little brother that I would go, that I would work hard to change the world for the better. My plan is to focus in civil rights law, but there is no telling where my focus will be once I start. Getting to this point has been difficult. Moving here drained every once of our savings, and I already had to take out a loan to make rent.
You do what you have to in order to succeed.
I've been following the news closely for a while, so plan on seeing rants and opinions concerning situations like Gaza/Israel, Ebola, Iraq, Syria, gun rights, lgbt rights, civil rights in general, and other topics as I come across them.
I welcome any and all comments, questions, or complaints. I want to hear from anyone who is still out there.
- Kitty
I know many of my followers will be surprised to see a post from me. More than likely, quite a few people won't see this, as they've left the page. I do not blame anyone for that. I've been absent for a long time, and with good reason. I plan on updating this blog occasionally, with news and opinions that come from my personal perspective.
I feel it pertinent to explain to you all what has happened, so that we are all caught up.
My last post was a request for help from my followers, as my health had gone downhill. My health is still atrocious. I have chronic pain from multiple illnesses: fibromyalgia, arthritis, a ruptured disk, joint issues, missing cartilage, chronic migraines, etc. I have severe emotional issues as well, which are getting me down quite a bit.
***
On August 12, 2013, my little brother died. It was very sudden, and shocked us to the core. He was 24 and suffering from Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy, though that was not the actual cause of his death. His aorta was ruptured by his breathing machine tubing, and he died within minutes. My mother tried to save him, but there was nothing that could be done. The last thing he did was smile at my mom.
***
After this, my mom moved in with my wife and I, as we both felt it would be inappropriate to expect her to work so soon after his passing. My wife finished her Bachelors degree in December, and I finished my Masters this past May. We all moved from Carbondale to Columbia, MO, so now we live in a red state. No medical care for me or my diabetic mother, thanks to the wonderful Missouri government.
I start law school in just over a week and a half at Mizzou. I promised my little brother that I would go, that I would work hard to change the world for the better. My plan is to focus in civil rights law, but there is no telling where my focus will be once I start. Getting to this point has been difficult. Moving here drained every once of our savings, and I already had to take out a loan to make rent.
You do what you have to in order to succeed.
I've been following the news closely for a while, so plan on seeing rants and opinions concerning situations like Gaza/Israel, Ebola, Iraq, Syria, gun rights, lgbt rights, civil rights in general, and other topics as I come across them.
I welcome any and all comments, questions, or complaints. I want to hear from anyone who is still out there.
- Kitty
Friday, May 10, 2013
It's been a while, huh?
Hi everyone.
I'm really sorry that I haven't been around in a while. I know I said I would still post important things, but I haven't even done that. I've had some really bad issues, and now I'm going to ask you guys for some help.
Can you all please head over to this link, read what's been going on with me, and possibly donate/share/do whatever you can to help me out? I'm working on getting in to see a specialist too, and that isn't listed in that link. You get rewards for helping.
I'm so sorry to ask this of you all. I'd appreciate if you would at the very least share this around? The more people that see it, the more likely it is I can get some help.
http://igg.me/at/helpjesskillstress/x/3236578
Thanks so much. As soon as I get back on my feet, I'll try to get back to posting important things.
As always, if you have any questions, or anything I can do for ya'll, email me at elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com.
-- Kitty
I'm really sorry that I haven't been around in a while. I know I said I would still post important things, but I haven't even done that. I've had some really bad issues, and now I'm going to ask you guys for some help.
Can you all please head over to this link, read what's been going on with me, and possibly donate/share/do whatever you can to help me out? I'm working on getting in to see a specialist too, and that isn't listed in that link. You get rewards for helping.
I'm so sorry to ask this of you all. I'd appreciate if you would at the very least share this around? The more people that see it, the more likely it is I can get some help.
http://igg.me/at/helpjesskillstress/x/3236578
Thanks so much. As soon as I get back on my feet, I'll try to get back to posting important things.
As always, if you have any questions, or anything I can do for ya'll, email me at elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com.
-- Kitty
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Updates 3/2/13
Hello everyone.
Tomorrow I will be 27 years old. Feels strange to realize that I'm so much closer to 30 than 20 or even 25. But it's okay. I've been an adult for over 15 years (in actions and mental acuity) so it just feels the same. With my wife out of the country, and my family unable to visit (and I unable to visit them) due to weather, my birthday is even less important this year. Maybe I'll just celebrate my half-birthday in six months. :)
Anyway, we have some interests links from Chuck, of course. We can always count on Chuck.
-- The Violence Against Women Act passed the other day, leading to much celebration from supporters, who fought hard to get there. There is still much to be done to reach equality, though, and you can see how you can help here.
http://feministmajority.org/
-- A new bill has hit Congress. "To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or as civilian service in a Federal, State, or local government program or with a community-based agency or community-based entity, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to provide for the registration of women under the Military Selective Service Act, and for other purposes."
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr748
-- Law enforcement officials are training their officers to break the "Sovereign Citizen" movement, and documents have been found proving this.
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/02/law-enforcements-training-document-to-stop-the-sovereign-citizen-movement-sweeping-america-2576822.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=beforeitsnews
-- The next two links are very interesting, and concern our foods here in America. Check out these links. First up, a reporter takes an in depth look at how food companies managed to get Americans addicted to their foods. Second, another look is taken at how processed food took over our lunches.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/1/salt_sugar_fat_ny_times_reporter
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/1/pandoras_lunchbox_pulling_back_the_curtain
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Tomorrow I will be 27 years old. Feels strange to realize that I'm so much closer to 30 than 20 or even 25. But it's okay. I've been an adult for over 15 years (in actions and mental acuity) so it just feels the same. With my wife out of the country, and my family unable to visit (and I unable to visit them) due to weather, my birthday is even less important this year. Maybe I'll just celebrate my half-birthday in six months. :)
Anyway, we have some interests links from Chuck, of course. We can always count on Chuck.
-- The Violence Against Women Act passed the other day, leading to much celebration from supporters, who fought hard to get there. There is still much to be done to reach equality, though, and you can see how you can help here.
http://feministmajority.org/
-- A new bill has hit Congress. "To require all persons in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform national service, either as a member of the uniformed services or as civilian service in a Federal, State, or local government program or with a community-based agency or community-based entity, to authorize the induction of persons in the uniformed services during wartime to meet end-strength requirements of the uniformed services, to provide for the registration of women under the Military Selective Service Act, and for other purposes."
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr748
-- Law enforcement officials are training their officers to break the "Sovereign Citizen" movement, and documents have been found proving this.
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/02/law-enforcements-training-document-to-stop-the-sovereign-citizen-movement-sweeping-america-2576822.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=beforeitsnews
-- The next two links are very interesting, and concern our foods here in America. Check out these links. First up, a reporter takes an in depth look at how food companies managed to get Americans addicted to their foods. Second, another look is taken at how processed food took over our lunches.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/1/salt_sugar_fat_ny_times_reporter
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/1/pandoras_lunchbox_pulling_back_the_curtain
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Updates 2/25/13
Hello everyone.
I know it has been a little while since I posted. I've been quite busy with school and doctor's visits, so I need to apologize to Chuck too, who has been reliably sending me information.
This is all from Chuck, and I am so grateful for it all. :)
-- Another new internet legislating law is making its rounds, and this time it is even more outrageous. The "Six Strikes" law would punish those accused of copyright infringement by restricting their internet access. To contest their accusations, you would have to pay a fee.
http://act.demandprogress.org/letter/six_strikes_2013/?rd=1&t=2&referring_akid=2033.1940708.W7eSuE
-- This is what Democracy feels like.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/justin-wedes/this-is-what-democracy-feels-like/10151424134782974
-- 31 corporations and banks dodged $128 BILLION in taxes this year. Care to see which ones shirked their responsibilities as American companies? Look here.
http://www.politicususa.com/sanders-report-corporations-tax-dodge.html
-- If Congress doesn't reach an agreement by March 1st, "automatic" spending cuts will fall into place, cutting $85 Billion from critical programs for the poor, unemployed, and children. How will this affect them? Here's a discussion of the damages that would result from these cuts.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/2/21/sequestration_what_do_the_automatic_spending
-- A reminder from Patti Smith of who really has the power in this world.
http://99getsmart.com/people-have-the-power/
-- An amazing revolution is taking place in Spain, and the photos and stories from the events are streaming out of the cities. Check it out here.
http://spanishrevolution11.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/opening-salvo/
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
I know it has been a little while since I posted. I've been quite busy with school and doctor's visits, so I need to apologize to Chuck too, who has been reliably sending me information.
This is all from Chuck, and I am so grateful for it all. :)
-- Another new internet legislating law is making its rounds, and this time it is even more outrageous. The "Six Strikes" law would punish those accused of copyright infringement by restricting their internet access. To contest their accusations, you would have to pay a fee.
http://act.demandprogress.org/letter/six_strikes_2013/?rd=1&t=2&referring_akid=2033.1940708.W7eSuE
-- This is what Democracy feels like.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/justin-wedes/this-is-what-democracy-feels-like/10151424134782974
-- 31 corporations and banks dodged $128 BILLION in taxes this year. Care to see which ones shirked their responsibilities as American companies? Look here.
http://www.politicususa.com/sanders-report-corporations-tax-dodge.html
-- If Congress doesn't reach an agreement by March 1st, "automatic" spending cuts will fall into place, cutting $85 Billion from critical programs for the poor, unemployed, and children. How will this affect them? Here's a discussion of the damages that would result from these cuts.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/2/21/sequestration_what_do_the_automatic_spending
-- A reminder from Patti Smith of who really has the power in this world.
http://99getsmart.com/people-have-the-power/
-- An amazing revolution is taking place in Spain, and the photos and stories from the events are streaming out of the cities. Check it out here.
http://spanishrevolution11.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/opening-salvo/
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Updates 2/20/13
Hello everyone.
Chuck has sent in a few links for us today.
-- This movie is titled "ReGeneration," and Chuck was quite insistent that I not only share this, but watch it myself. I know what I'll be doing this Saturday! The movie is about people coming into the adult world today, and facing the endless struggle of finding a place in a struggling planet.
http://www.movie2k.to/ReGeneration-watch-movie-1761216.html
-- When it comes to Climate Change, we know that most people (and scientists) believe it is happening. So how is it that Climate Change Deniers keep getting center stage? It turns out that they have a veritable ton of help, in the form of millions of dollars coming in from the conservative and secretive Donors Trust.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/2/19/the_atm_for_climate_denial_secretive
-- The nationwide strike in India is spreading across the country, with shops, schools, and government offices shutting down as people protest rising prices, expensive fuel, and the planned economic reforms the government will be implementing.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/09/201292005144775438.html
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com.
Chuck has sent in a few links for us today.
-- This movie is titled "ReGeneration," and Chuck was quite insistent that I not only share this, but watch it myself. I know what I'll be doing this Saturday! The movie is about people coming into the adult world today, and facing the endless struggle of finding a place in a struggling planet.
http://www.movie2k.to/ReGeneration-watch-movie-1761216.html
-- When it comes to Climate Change, we know that most people (and scientists) believe it is happening. So how is it that Climate Change Deniers keep getting center stage? It turns out that they have a veritable ton of help, in the form of millions of dollars coming in from the conservative and secretive Donors Trust.
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/2/19/the_atm_for_climate_denial_secretive
-- The nationwide strike in India is spreading across the country, with shops, schools, and government offices shutting down as people protest rising prices, expensive fuel, and the planned economic reforms the government will be implementing.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/09/201292005144775438.html
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Update 2/18/13
Hello everyone.
The largest climate march in history happened this weekend, and Chuck has sent in several links for you to see what went on.
The first link is a petition to President Obama to move forward with climate action. The rest of the links are photos from the events, and they are definitely worth looking at.
http://act.350.org/letter/Obama_ForwardonClimate/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/sets/72157632781032097/
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539375_10102366262712373_1520594399_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151421004337708&set=a.136077452707.110998.12185972707&type=1&theater
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
The largest climate march in history happened this weekend, and Chuck has sent in several links for you to see what went on.
The first link is a petition to President Obama to move forward with climate action. The rest of the links are photos from the events, and they are definitely worth looking at.
http://act.350.org/letter/Obama_ForwardonClimate/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/sets/72157632781032097/
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539375_10102366262712373_1520594399_n.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151421004337708&set=a.136077452707.110998.12185972707&type=1&theater
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Updates 2/17/13
Hello everyone.
I have two bits of news for you today. The first is from Chuck.
-- [Chuck] Today, people from across the country are gathering on the National Mall to stand against the Keystone XL pipeline. You can pledge to stand against it too.
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/455/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11912&tag=%5bN18taf%5d
-- Occupy LA has several news stations after them for postings on their Facebook page that appear to support alleged cop-killer Christopher Dorner. Dorner was killed, although it is unknown how or by whom, in a cabin surrounded by police, which burned dramatically on television. Check out the story.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/02/14/occupy-la-claims-dorner-assassinated-for-trying-to-expose-lapd-corruption/
***Solidarity***
Contact me at elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
I have two bits of news for you today. The first is from Chuck.
-- [Chuck] Today, people from across the country are gathering on the National Mall to stand against the Keystone XL pipeline. You can pledge to stand against it too.
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/455/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11912&tag=%5bN18taf%5d
-- Occupy LA has several news stations after them for postings on their Facebook page that appear to support alleged cop-killer Christopher Dorner. Dorner was killed, although it is unknown how or by whom, in a cabin surrounded by police, which burned dramatically on television. Check out the story.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/02/14/occupy-la-claims-dorner-assassinated-for-trying-to-expose-lapd-corruption/
***Solidarity***
Contact me at elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Update 2/15/13
Hello everyone.
I meant to post this earlier, but my internet was being spotty. I had physical therapy today, and I believe I am finally on the road to recovery. Thanks for all the well-wishes!
In case you haven't heard, two major events happened today. The first was that an asteroid passed over Earth less than 20,000 miles above the surface. That seems like a lot until you realize that the Moon is actually over 200,000 miles away from Earth. The second event is related to the first, and you have probably already heard about it. A meteorite fell to Earth in Russia, causing a crater and injuries to over 1200 people.
The first link talks about the relation between the two events (freakily, there apparently isn't any.) The next link discusses the Russian meteorite in detail, and even includes video of the freak incident.
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/15/asteroid-and-meteor-connected/?hpt=hp_c2
http://rt.com/news/meteorite-crash-urals-chelyabinsk-283/
Next up, this link is from Chuck. A few days ago, the Sierra Club held a civil disobedience action against the Keystone pipeline at the White House; their first in 120 years according to the second link.
http://content.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2013/02/today-civil-disobedience-today-white-house-stop-tar-sands-keystone-xl
http://truth-out.org/news/item/14583-48-arrested-at-keystone-pipeline-protest-as-sierra-club-lifts-120-year-ban-on-civil-disobedience
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
I meant to post this earlier, but my internet was being spotty. I had physical therapy today, and I believe I am finally on the road to recovery. Thanks for all the well-wishes!
In case you haven't heard, two major events happened today. The first was that an asteroid passed over Earth less than 20,000 miles above the surface. That seems like a lot until you realize that the Moon is actually over 200,000 miles away from Earth. The second event is related to the first, and you have probably already heard about it. A meteorite fell to Earth in Russia, causing a crater and injuries to over 1200 people.
The first link talks about the relation between the two events (freakily, there apparently isn't any.) The next link discusses the Russian meteorite in detail, and even includes video of the freak incident.
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/15/asteroid-and-meteor-connected/?hpt=hp_c2
http://rt.com/news/meteorite-crash-urals-chelyabinsk-283/
Next up, this link is from Chuck. A few days ago, the Sierra Club held a civil disobedience action against the Keystone pipeline at the White House; their first in 120 years according to the second link.
http://content.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2013/02/today-civil-disobedience-today-white-house-stop-tar-sands-keystone-xl
http://truth-out.org/news/item/14583-48-arrested-at-keystone-pipeline-protest-as-sierra-club-lifts-120-year-ban-on-civil-disobedience
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Update 2/13/13 -- Calling it quits.
Hello everyone.
I've been working on the news for well over a year now, and I've really appreciated all the help and encouragement I have gotten from everyone. I started this blog to help people get the news they needed, all in one place, because no other site had that.
With my declining health and escalating workload, I've been finding that my postings are becoming more and more erratic. I greatly dislike that this has happened. It makes me feel like I am letting my readers down by being unreliable, even though that is far from the actual case.
So I have decided that I will no longer be posting on a strict schedule. I will only post when I find links or news that I believe will be of great interest to you, and when I am sent these by Chuck or other suppliers. I will also not be sending out the emails anymore. The only way to access the info I post will be directly from the blog at http://occupyupdatesdaily.blogspot.com/
You should subscribe to the blog if you do not want to check it daily, but want to be alerted when I post something. I cannot thank my loyal readers enough for sticking by. If you need me, you can still reach me anytime at elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. I know you all understand, and I feel honored to have been able to help so much.
When things pick back up again, rest assured that I will as well. I won't just leave you all hanging.
Solidarity,
Kitty
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Updates 2/12/13
Hello everyone.
I'm sure you've noticed a lack of news lately. You have my greatest apologies for that. I have been, and still am, in immense pain. It seems that the doctor thinks I may have punctured a disk in my spine. I have an MRI later this week. Wish me luck. I need it.
-- [Chuck] We need the President to stay on topic and work hard on climate action. It isn't enough to just say you will work on it. You must actually do so. Go here to read and sign this open letter to the President, asking for bold climate action.
-- On the anniversary of the fall of Mubarak, Egyptians took to the streets in a mass protest. Many of the people do not like the successor of the dictator, and are demanding that this regime fall as well.
-- The entire world is unhappy with North Korea's underground nuclear test, but none so unhappy as South Koreans, it would seem. Protesters are rallying in Seoul against the North Korean government, calling for a strong punishment against it.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Updates 2/10/13
Hello everyone.
It figures that the day I set aside to do some fun stuff to treat myself, it would be storming all day. I can't seem to catch much of a break anymore.
-- [Chuck] Bad news everyone. CISPA is back, and Congress will be looking into it as early as next week. This is another bill that would tread heavily on our privacy. Look here to find out what you can do about it.
-- [Chuck] New information keeps pouring in about how the dirty oil from the Keystone XL pipeline would affect the environment around the world, and the upcoming rallies meant to stop it.
-- Students at the University of Sussex are still Occupying their school's conference center in protest of the school's plans to outsource over two hundred jobs to a privatized company. The students have been protesting since Thursday, and show no signs of stopping.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, call elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Updates 2/9/13
Hello everyone.
I cannot believe I broke a tooth again. I'm going to need dentures soon.
-- The charges against over two dozen Boston Occupiers have been dropped, but at least five of the activists are fighting to have the charges reinstated. They want to fight the accusations on their own merits, pointing out that Freedom of Speech and Assembly come first. The Occupiers were in a public park when they were first arrested.
-- Israeli forces dismantled two different Palestinian protest camps, apparently growing more violent as they moved through. The first camp had no injuries or arrests. At the second camp, at least six people were arrested, including two credentialed journalists there to cover the activity. Two protesters had to be taken to the hospital. Israeli officials have declared the area to be a "closed military zone."
-- In Dublin, Irish unions are hitting the streets to show their disdain for austerity clauses in the country. ROughly 20,000 people were in attendance of the march, which declared that people wanted "Jobs, not Debt."
-- While some people will jump for joy at getting free publicity, others are none too thrilled with the multi-million dollar comic industry cashing in on Occupy. They have new comics set to come out soon, one set up with the 1% trying to make the world better, and one with the 99% trying to regain the power. Personally, I'm on the not so thrilled side of things. Check out more info on the comics here.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Updates 2/8/13
Hello everyone.
The news is short today.
-- [Chuck] A new Spanish Revolution is taking place in the streets of Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities across Spain. These people are fighting for their rights, and they aren't stopping anytime soon. Read more bout why they are calling themselves the "winters at Sol."
-- [Chuck] Three different US states are fighting to put climate change denial in their textbooks in order to promote what they call a "balanced view" of global warming. The states of Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona have the bills ready to go, thanks to the help of ALEC.
-- Around 150 people marched in San Francisco last night to once again protest police brutality against the citizens of the city. Two weeks ago, police apprehended a man who was allegedly assaulting someone on the sidewalk, and the event was caught on video. People at the protest say that the police used excessive force against the man, and shoved his face into a storm grating.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Updates 2/7/13
Hello everyone.
The medication for my back seems to be helping quite a bit. I am up and about, albeit carefully. I wish I knew why I kept getting inflamed for no reason. Maybe fibromyalgia can do that to you. I'm honestly not sure. I should probably do a little more research into the illnesses I have.
-- A judge has ruled that the case against government officials by an Occupy DC member can go on, despite protests from the government claiming that the doctrine of qualified immunity made the case null. The judge disagreed, citing that they should have known they were violating someone's constitutional rights by destroying the property.
-- Students in Milwaukee took a stand on their college campus, demanding that their school stop ordering Palermo's Pizza, where workers have been on strike since June. The manager of the on-campus pizza stand told students that regardless of the protest and a written Faculty Senate resolution condemning the sales, they will continue to offer the choice of Palermo's Pizza.
-- In a great display of defiance, protesters took to the balcony of the Birmingham Council House with banners decrying the massive cuts lawmakers are planning for the area. Over 625 million pounds will be cut from the budget, which will disproportionately affect the poor and sickly. A march is planned for February 28th, the day that the votes for the cuts will go through.
-- Do you want to support Palestinians and Gaza? Here's a great way to get involved. If you are in or around Washington DC, you can join up with this 5k and fundraise for the people of Gaza. If you aren't in the area, you can donate through this site, support a runner, or even start your own fundraising webpage.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Updates 2/6/13
Hello everyone.
Thanks for bearing with me. I'm dealing with a lot of pain again, but the medicine seems to be working. I slept okay last night for the first time in a week. One of the worst things about getting sick or injured this often is that people tend to either stop believing you or stop caring. I can deal with the not caring part better than I can the not believing. I don't understand how hypochondriacs pull it off.
Let's get to the news. :)
-- Some interesting paperwork has been released by the Berkeley Police Department, showing the calls and movements of their Tactical Unit back in November of 2011. You can see where they went, what the orders were, and in some cases, who gave them. Accountability may be finally showing up, folks.
-- [Chuck] America's largest debt problem isn't education, credit cards, or even war. It's the exact problem I'll be dealing with when I graduate: student loans. How fast are student loans growing, and how big of a problem is this? Check this out for more information.
-- One of the leaders of the Occupy Our Homes Atlanta movement was knocked down during a protest while houses were being auctioned off. He wasn't injured, and the man who knocked into him claimed that he simply fell over a sign and tripped into the protester. No charges were filed.
-- A man was trampled and injured in Greece as farmers handed out over 50 tons of free fruits and vegetables to desperate citizens. The images of the event were plastered all over the media, with a large outcry pouring forth concerning the state of growing despair faced by many in the country.
***Solidarity***
To contact me, email elvishbutterfly@hotmail.com. Thanks.
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