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 |  probably stuff i think is funny. or aggravating. or both. |
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| on this day, 145 years ago, president lincoln gave his gettysburg address. watch this snippet from ken burns’ civil war documentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmv9XvjzNI if you can watch that video without the smallest lump in your throat, then all i can offer you is a right smackbottom. from wikipedia: “From July 1–3, 1863, more than 160,000 American soldiers clashed in the Battle of Gettysburg, in what would prove to be a turning point of the Civil War.[4] The battle also had a major impact on the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which numbered only 2,400 inhabitants.[5] The battlefield contained the bodies of more than 7,500 dead soldiers and several thousand horses[6] of the Army of the Potomac and the Confederacy's Army of Northern Virginia, and the stench of rotting bodies in the humid July air was overpowering.[7] Interring the dead in a dignified and orderly manner became a high priority for the few thousand residents of Gettysburg. Initially, the town planned to buy land for a cemetery and then ask the families of the dead to pay for their burial. However, David Wills, a wealthy 32-year-old attorney, objected to this idea and wrote to the Governor of Pennsylvania, Andrew Gregg Curtin, suggesting instead a National Cemetery to be funded by the states. Wills was authorized to purchase 17 acres (69,000 m²) for a cemetery to honor those lost in the summer's battle, paying $2,475.87 for the land.[8] Wills originally planned to dedicate this new cemetery on Wednesday, October 23, and invited Edward Everett, who had served as Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor of Massachusetts, president of Harvard University, and Vice Presidential candidate, to be the main speaker.[9] At that time, Everett was a widely famed orator.[10] In reply, Everett told Wills and his organizing committee that he would be unable to prepare an appropriate speech in such a short period of time, and requested that the date be postponed. The committee agreed, and the dedication was postponed until Thursday, November 19.[11] Almost as an afterthought, Wills and the event committee invited President Lincoln to participate in the ceremony. Wills's letter stated, "It is the desire that, after the Oration, you, as Chief Executive of the nation, formally set apart these grounds to their sacred use by a few appropriate remarks."[12] Lincoln received formal notice of his invitation to participate only seventeen days before the ceremony, while Everett had been invited 40 days earlier: "Although there is some evidence Lincoln expected Wills's letter, its late date makes the author appear presumptuous...Seventeen days was extraordinarily short notice for presidential participation even by nineteenth-century standards."[13] Furthermore, Wills's letter "made it equally clear to the president that he would have only a small part in the ceremonies",[13] perhaps akin to the modern tradition of inviting a noted public figure to do a ribbon-cutting at a grand opening. Lincoln arrived by train in Gettysburg on November 18, and spent the night as a guest in Wills's house on the Gettysburg town square, where he put the finishing touches on the speech he had written in Washington, D.C.[14] Contrary to popular belief[citation needed], Lincoln neither completed his address while on the train nor wrote it on the back of an envelope.[15] This story is at odds with the existence of several early drafts on Executive Mansion stationery as well as the reports of Lincoln's final editing while a guest of David Wills in Gettysburg.[16] On the morning of November 19 at 9:30 a.m., Lincoln, astride a chestnut bay horse and riding between Secretary of State William H. Seward and Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase,[17][18] joined in a procession with the assembled dignitaries, townspeople, and widows marching out to the grounds to be dedicated. Approximately 15,000 people are estimated to have attended the ceremony, including the sitting governors of six of the 24 Union states: Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania, Augustus Bradford of Maryland, Oliver P. Morton of Indiana, Horatio Seymour of New York, Joel Parker of New Jersey, and David Tod of Ohio.[19] Canadian politician William McDougall attended as Lincoln's guest.[20] The precise location of the program within the grounds of the cemetery is disputed.[21] Reinterrment of the bodies buried from field graves into the cemetery, which had begun within months of the battle, was less than half complete on the day of the ceremony.” |
| i'm blogging already. yeesh. what is it with this thing, with the soulless nagging? feh. so, i wish i had exciting news to impart, but no. still about six days behind on my nano word count (though i broke 20K today), no word yet on the scribophile contest i entered, even though they were supposed to announce results over a week ago, and no word yet on this nebulous job offer-type thing i'm waiting for confirmation on. thppt. i'm all about the waiting, folks. got it down to a science. getting over a chest cold sucks ASS, in case you haven't had one before. with the asthma, any cold turns into a whole bronchial thing, with chunks of lung spat into the sink every morning, and a cheese-grater sensation up & down my esophagus after days of hacking. bleh. my eyes water just describing it. of course, i'd probably be DEAD if it wasn't for my fabulous new asthma medicine (which tastes like flintstones vitamins)--so that's something. hey, if you're looking for a quick, tasty and slightly off-the-beaten-path side dish, try sauteeing butternut squash (i use frozen cubed squash) with olive oil and diced onion, and season with salt & pepper when it's browned and a little mushy. *kisses fingertips* magificent!!! and i gotta mention: wall-e came out today!!! if you haven't seen this masterpiece of heart and soul and animation, you MUST SEE IT IMMEDIATELY!!! *pant pant* seriously. do not delay. curl up next to a loved one and a barrel of popcorn and get set for one of the best movies ever made. all right, that's enough for now. i'm pretty sure i've satisfied the blog monster.  looking forward to the holidays?? tell me!! |
okay, so i managed to kill off one of my characters in about 700 words. hm. i thought it would take longer.  heh. well, it was pretty dramatic, i think. we'll see how it reads later on.i'm still behind in word count, at about 16,800 at the moment, and i think today's closing word goal is 21k. so, whoops. i've heard from at least a few fellow nanoers that this year's story feels stingier than last year's. i wonder what's up with that? i'm feeling it, too. just can't seem to get the habit going. feh. i still have faith in my story; it's me i'm worried about.  oh, that pesky self-doubt!!hope y'all are having a wonderful wintry evening. oh, here's a bit of news: various cities around the country are organizing protests against the passage of prop 8 (and anti-gay marriage, in general). here's a website resource for you, if you're interested in participating this weekend: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/?t=anon go, civil rights!! *cheers* |
| hey, all-- so, a quick one tonight, as i'm behind AGAIN in my word count--this year's nano is just kicking my butt! by tomorrow night, i should be to 20K, and i'm currently 4291 words behind. *SIGH* i just spent this last weekend grinding out almost 10K!! and i'm still behind! well, having a goal is important. wouldn't want to become complacent, would i?  eh. it's all good--i've got big ideas about where i want this story to go, just not the time and discipline to get it there in the alotted month. it may happen. probably will. i hate to lose. hope you all are plugging away, fighting the good fight, typing/scribbling like little word demons.  peace out. |
| and so begins the transition to the new administration. officially jan 20th, but bush has invited obama to the white house tomorrow for discussion on the economy and other, more top secrety stuff, i'm sure. if you haven't noticed, obama's website has shifted to: www.change.gov please take a look, sign up, and stay (or get) involved! keep yourself informed of pressing issues, communicate your opinion to your representatives. if you're not sure who they are, check this out: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt they all have email addresses nowadays, and contacting them is easier than ever before. do your part, citizens! (ean, of course, you are exempt.  )we've got a lot of work to do, both individually and as a country. we have serious problems, and we can't afford petty partisan bickering and stonewalling--whether you voted for obama, mccain, barr, or nader, now is the time to remember we're all americans. we all have a stake in this country's well-being. we have much more in common than we differ. thank you for being involved in the election, in voting, in volunteering, in voicing your opinion. please keep it up! things we can do as individuals: *think globally, but act locally--keep the big picture in mind, regarding the items you purchase, the resources you use. if you have the option, support local businesses, eat local produce, recycle as much as possible, reuse and repair before tossing out. *consider growing some of your own food. a small garden can produce a lot of food; enough to eat, and some left to share. good for equitable resource usage, good for the spirit. *don't hesitate to look out for your neighbors. if you don't know them already, make an effort to. try to keep perspective, when out in public, and see situations through others' eyes. behave civilly, with consideration, and give each other the benefit of the doubt. now is the time to rethink how we live on many levels. our rampant consumerism has threatened our housing market, our investment market, and infected all of us with the disease of instant gratification. consider living more simply. i admit i have to change some of my habits, as well. i love to consume as much as the next guy; i love to eat dinner out, to buy doohickeys on a whim, to toss clothes with a tear rather than patching them up. but i can say i've been more aware of these habits for a while, and i do think now is the time to make these changes as i can. i look forward to contributing what i can to a cleaner, more efficient world. *next week, we start recycling. i've contacted the city, and they're dropping off a bin for us on thursday. *in the early spring, i plan to start a garden (for the first time!  ) god knows what'll happen, but at the very least i'll get some quality composting material out of it. *i already carpool to work, but if my work changes (which it might, soon), i plan to ride the bus to work instead of drive. think of what small things you can do, methods you can shift, to simplify your life. to help out your neighbors. i'd love to hear from you about it. peace out, y'all. may you sleep on pillows of lavender, and wake to halves of grapefruit!  |
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| today's awesomey awesomeness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbuLchsauKs today's day 2 of the nano frenzy. i'm just under 5000 words, feeling pretty good, amused by the freakish whing off to the side my story's taking already. it feels good just to follow and see what happens--this is great! i have a flashback within a flashback inside a historical novel. and more to come!! dang, i should just throw a velociraptor in there to mix it up. hope everyone's progress is . . . progressing! hang tough, and if you're a US citizen, freaking VOTE ON TUESDAY, wouldja?? |
nano begins in 2 hours 50 minutes from where i sit. to borrow an exclamation from dragonfly~guess who's back?  : ACK!!!!!i didn't get done most of the planning i expected, as i have little to no organizational skills, but i have an image firmly planted front and center, a scene to begin with, and a general plotline to follow--okay, three major events and an origin story, and no idea how the climactic ending will . . . end. --and it's gonna be fabulous!! i can't wait to start. i'm gonna go take a nap so i can stay up all late & shit. y'all got yer snacks ready?? because it's almost GO TIIIIME!!! WOOOH!!! use this when you start to wilt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMopO-S9mSM i know i will. |
| barry eisler rocks. he writes pretty good suspense novels, and an AWESOME blog. i was gonna put together an entry outlining who i see mccain as, and what i think of his platform for this election, but this reasoned, comprehensive and fascinating entry written by mr eisler blows anything i might do away. http://www.barryeisler.com/2008/10/cynical-or-clinical.html#links enjoy! and employ that reasoning he talks about. VOTE!!! VOTE EARLY!!! VOTE NOW!!!!! |
| was a great man, full of fire and passion, and conviction. he was a hero few outside of political circles knew. unless you were just into politics. i learned about him only a couple of years ago, and i'm sorry i never knew of him when he was alive. he and his wife sheila died in a plane crash six years ago today (yesterday wdc time). if you haven't read his book the conscience of a liberal, i highly recommend it. the following tribute is especially haunting, given the message so many of us are fighting right now to communicate to our country and the rest of the world. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MjcGF1V-wM&eurl=http://crooksandliars.com/bluegal/... |
| hi, all-- i'm having a conversation with the fabulous Incurable Romantic about obama and mccain, and something occurred to me. maybe i haven't sufficiently outlined just why i did vote for obama (early voting--catch the spirit!!). i'll do my best here, but have no illusions that others before me have written more complete, more inspiring essays. but, here it is. barack obama is our best choice for president because of two factors: who he is and what he stands for, and the world we live in right now. his biography is compelling, not only because he rose from a single-parent childhood of humble means to become strong, confident, compassionate, and driven to achieve, but because of his multicultural roots. he is comfortable with people of different backgrounds and beliefs because he grew up around different kinds of people himself. he does not separate us by our differences, he unites us through our commonality. he acts in the interest of our country, and not in the interest of the privileged and powerful. he stands for the common person. he is reasoned, informed, aware, balanced, inclusive in policy as well as method, courageous and inspirational. some may scoff at the validity of including that last, but i do believe that our commander in chief must be able to inspire and to motivate, particularly when entering office during a time of multiple crises—we need to move forward and make important changes to how our government operates as well as how we live day to day. we must become more responsible to each other, and i believe obama can engender that sense of personal responsibility in all of us. we are dealing right now with impending energy crisis, declining political heft in the international community, a world-wide economic crisis, continuing instability in the middle east (not to mention north korea, africa and potentially russia (again?!)), declining standards of education at home, and a declining job market with a shaky future if we don’t make some major changes to how we live and what we produce. our country needs someone who understands different points of view, someone who is confident enough to welcome opinions other than his own and make a measured decision. we need a president who will work toward better relationships with other countries, both friend and foe, and one who has the intellectual curiosity and vision to work toward what is coming, and not just react to what’s happening in front of him. what we need is someone with solid judgement, and obama has all of this. he has demonstrated his understanding of complicated political climates in other countries, his calm in the face of crisis (recent work toward government bailout of banks and wallstreet), and his ability to manage an organization of thousands of people and millions of dollars over a long, grueling primary and election season. and throughout, he has not shot off at the mouth, he has not allowed his campaign to attack his opponents on anything other than issues, and further, he has not condoned any flavor of that sort from his supporters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvXf9AUHTqM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3SkmGHlH5g&feature=related (compare and contrast) his is a movement of positive change, versus the republican party’s campaign of attempts to salvage their party’s relevance in this climate. unfortunately, this has manifested often in personal attacks against race, religion, and sexual orientation (which confounds me). (http://www.bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2008/10/psychonauts.html) of course this video doesn’t represent the majority of conservatives out there. i do think moderates in the republican party are shifting toward obama, though, and that these folks--these frightened, angry, childish people—display the distilled ugliness of what remains of a once proud, upstanding conservative tradition in politics. i sincerely hope the republican party decides to reconsider itself and start over with a more representative foundation. but, I’m drifting. obama has worked for transparency in government, for securing loose nuclear weapons and stockpiles of conventional weapons like shoulder-fired missiles, for ethics reform in government, for support for victims of hurricane katrina, for better healthcare (physical and mental) for our troops (and everyone else, too), for preventing the spread of the avian flu epidemic, for preventing torture and for instituting videotaped interrogations and confessions, for regulating genetic testing, for reducing excessive medical malpractice suits, and for bringing our troops home from iraq within a responsible timeline. and this is only addressing his existing bills (sponsored and co-sponsored) and amendments. to see detailed explanations for his plans: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ and http://askobamanow.com/ . (that second site is volunteer-powered, and consists of short videos addressing common questions people have about obama’s plans.) those who believe mccain is a better option for supporting our military, read the recent report issued by the iraq and afghanistan veterans association: http://www.veteranreportcard.org/ based on their voting records, obama received a B from this organization, and mccain received a D. courageous veteran that he was, mccain does not work to support our soldiers now. as for mccain’s decades of experience in the senate and the proof that offers of his leadership ability, i can only wonder about the turmoil within his own party at his nomination, the republican party’s withdrawal of campaign funding, and his recent inability to motivate the house republicans to work toward passing the bailout plan, even though his express intention was to do so. temperament isn’t everything, but mccain has issues there, too. i quail at the idea of his tightly-wound, quick-draw temper during sensitive negotiations with world leaders, when diplomacy is of utmost necessity. mccain displayed uncommon fortitude during his pow years, and i respect him for that. i do think his experiences in vietnam scarred him, that he hasn’t healed from the trauma, and that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He is not in control of his emotions, and this is anathema to politics. and the questions about his physical health are persistent. he refuses to release his medical records for thorough examination, and with his history of malignant skin cancer (a cancer which often resurfaces within a decade) this is troublesome. but again, i digress. i’ll discuss mccain in depth another post. obama’s political experience: When you consider the short amount of time obama’s been in the (state or federal) senate, his record is truly remarkable. healthcare: “1997: Introduces amendment in Illinois State Senate to extend Medicaid benefits coverage by a year to people who no longer become eligible for AFDC due to employment earnings 1999: Introduces amendment to the Illinois Constitution for the State to provide universal health care coverage for all persons before May 2002. Introduces bill to provide for training, maintenance, and oversight of automatic external defibrilators. Signed into law by the governor Introduces amendment requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop an informational initiative about asthma and to work with asthma organizations. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to include advance practices nurses and home health care aides as individuals who must report possible child abuse or neglect Introduces bill about surrogate decision-makers role in making mental health decisions Introduces bill to create 30 to 50 local mental health services planning councils throughout Illinois Introduces bill to increase the minimum wage for personal care attendants for disabled persons Introduces bill to establish a prostate cancer screening program at the Illinois Department of Health. Signed into law by the governor Introduces definition of ‘adults with disabilities’ in conjunction with the Adults with Disabilities Abuse Project. Certified by the governor. Introduces amendment to require hospitals to comply with standards relating to domestic violence to maintain their hospital license. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces bill to enforce standards for safe and hygienic bedding in Illinois. Signed into law by the governor. 2000: Introduces bill to expand the number of children covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program Act; Increase income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level Introduces bill to create a Prescription Drug Price Fairness Review Board. Board would establish a schedule of maximum manufacturer prices for prescription drugs and educate physicians and patients about the schedule Introduces bill requiring Department of Public Aid to establish a health coverage outreach program in Chicago to find people who are eligible for public and private health insurance and inform them about their eligibility Introduces bill to create an Arthritis Quality of Life Initiative in the Illinois Department of Public Health. The bill would inform the public about prevention, treatment, and care of arthritis and it’s related conditions. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to the Act on Aging to increase the minimum wage for personal care attendants Introduces definition of eligibility for medical assistance for individuals in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program Introduces bill to prohibit pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries more than their Medicaid coverage for prescription drugs and requires the Department of Public Aid to make sure pharmacies comply Introduces bill to extend Medicaid coverage by a year to people whose earnings make them eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Introduces bill again to define eligibility for medical assistance for individuals in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program Introduces amendment to authorize Medicaid coverage of breast cancer screening and treatment Introduces Community Health Center Expansion Act to provide grants to set up community health centers in areas to provide primary care services to medically underserved populations and to the uninsured in Illinois. Signed into law by the governor. 2001: Introduces amendment providing immunity from civil liability to public health type dental clinics that provide dental care free of charge; Department of Public Aid may provide full or partial reimbursement to the clinic for it’s free services Introduces amendment to extend public assistance for individuals who are adult primary caregivers to disabled family members when the caregiving make sustained employment difficult Introduces amendment to the Children’s Health Insurance Program to require the Department of Public Aid to get waivers for family coverage under the act Reintroduces amendment prohibiting pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries a price that is more than their Medicare plan covers, requires Department of Public Aid to make sure pharmacies comply Introduces amendment to the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act that provides health care coverage for people who perform more than 20 hours of preventative services per week Introduces bill to provide health care coverage for personal care assistants of persons with disabilities Introduced bill to provide money to the Department of Aging to increase minimum wage for homemaker and chore housekeeper services in the Community Care Program Introduced amendment to provide funds to circulate information on the signs, symptoms, screening, detection, and treatment of postpartum depression. Signed into law by the Governor. Reintroduced amendment defining coverage for individuals on TANF 2002: Introduces bill to appropriate funds to address costs associated with the West Nile virus in Illinois 2003: Introduces the Health Care Justice Act to assure that all residents have quality health care at a price that is affordable. Sets up a Task Force to set up recommendations and encourages General Assembly to implement Task force’s recommendations. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces the Hospital Report Card Act. Develops quarterly report on hospital conditions, services, oversight, staffing, etc. to be submitted to the Department of Public Health. Makes information available to the public while respecting privacy and anonymity of patients and health care providers. Signed into law by the governor. Reintroduces bill to prohibit pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries more for prescription drugs than their Medicaid covers; Requires Department of Public Aid to monitor pharmacy compliance Reintroduces bill to amend Children’s Health Insurance Program Act to expand health coverage to children whose annual household incomes are up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Signed into law by the governor. Spotlight: The Daily Herald, July 2, 2003 Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill Tuesday expanding two low- cost health insurance programs aimed at thousands of working poor families who make too much for Medicaid but too little to realistically afford private coverage. The expansion of the KidCare and FamilyCare programs makes 20,000 more children and 65,000 more adults immediately eligible, the governor said. And within three years, as the eligibility range continues to expand to higher income levels, another 300,000 adults will be eligible to sign up, he said. … The bill was sponsored in the state House by Sandra Pihos, a Glen Ellyn Republican, and in the state Senate by Barack Obama, a Chicago Democrat. Introduces Amendment to the Hospice Program Licensing Act better identify and specify persons who provide hospice care. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces the Perinatal HIV Prevention Act. Health professionals who provide care to pregnant women must provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces the Truth in Hospital Billing and Finances Act. Bill requires hospitals to file public disclosure reports with the Department of Public Health and to file certain statements and reports. Introduces amendment allowing that under the Medicaid program, the Department of Public Aid may provide home or community-based service rather than institutional placement to children who are severely mentally ill or have developmental disabilities. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to the Illinois Public Aid Code to include generic drugs on the list of drugs for which no copayment has to be charged. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to the Illinois Act on Aging to ensure that individuals who are eligible for home-delivered meals receive them; Also requires Department on Aging to provide estimates of unserved and underserved populations. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment requiring information about emergency energy plans to also include information about blood banks. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to the Hospital Licensing Act. Addresses confidentiality of medical records and information. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment requiring health insurance coverage to cover tests and exams for colorectal cancer. The coverage must not provide burdensome deductibles, waiting periods, or other extraneous limitations. Signed into law by the governor. Introduced the Ephedra Prohibition Act. Banned sale of any dietary supplement containing Ephedra. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment to allow schools, religious organizations, community providers, etc. to assist in enrolling eligible people in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program Introduces bill to extend health care coverage to self-employed persons and small businesses Introduced the Family Caregiver Act to provide training, support, and counseling to family members who wanted to care for elderly family members Introduced bill to create an advisory committee to develop a Disabilities Services Implementation Plan. Introduces amendment on organ donation specifying organ procurement agencies and tissue banks, clarifying consent for organ donation. Signed into law by the governor. Introduces amendment specifying conditions for individuals agreeing to admission to a mental health facility or an alternative treatment Successfully co-sponsors drug buy-out club for seniors and the disabled United States Senate (2005-Present) Health Care for Our Troops March 26, 2005: Obama introduces a bill to add $2.85 billion to VA health care, but the bill was defeated April 14, 2005: Obama gives Senate floor speech about wounded veterans who were paying for their own meals and phone service while recovering May 12, 2005: Senate passes Obama amendment ensuring that wounded veterans recovering in military hospitals would not have to pay for their own meals. June 23, 2005: Obama releases statement of concern about the $1 billion shortfall in the budget for veterans’ care June 28, 2005: Obama pushes for emergency funding for veteran health care in light of the fact that Congress found billions to give people tax cuts. June 30, 2005: Obama praises Senate decision to provide $1.5 billion for VA health care August 10, 2005: Obama criticizes VA decision not to review cases of veterans who were denied claims for post-traumatic stress disorder September 23, 2005: Senate passes Obama, Durbin legislation requiring VA to inform veterans in states who had received below-average disability compensation September 23, 2005: Obama, Durbin amendment ensures that veterans whose PTSD cases were reviewed would not get their benefits reduced or revoked. October 3, 2006: Military Update highlights Obama’s efforts on reviews of PTSD cases November 10, 2005: Obama releases statement about the VA suspending their review of PTSD cases. November 16, 2005: Obama passes amendments to protect troops from Avian flu and to improve their health care November 18, 2005: Obama, Durbin legislation requiring individuals to be informed about lower than average disability compensation in their states moves toward being signed into law January 25, 2006: Obama decries the fact that thousands of veterans were denied VA care in 2005 February 16, 2006: Obama criticizes “accounting gimmicks” in Bush’s proposed VA budget, the increase in veterans’ health care and co-payment fees, the ban on middle-income veterans, the cut in claims benefits processing staff, no increased funding for nursing home construction, and cuts for medical and prosthetics research. May 8, 2006: VA acts on Obama, Durbin legislation to inform veterans who have received below average disability benefits May 17, 2006: Obama helps a veteran get $12,500 in back benefit pay. February 20, 2007: Obama, McCaskill plan to introduce legislation that would improve care at active duty military hospitals March 1, 2007: Obama, McCaskill officially introduce the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act March 1, 2007: The Army Times highlights the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act introduced by Obama and McCaskill March 13, 2007: Obama, Durbin ask VA for info about most recent disparities in disability benefits and about whether they are prepared for the increasing number of new veterans March 27, 2007: Other Senators join Obama and McCaskill’s Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act March 29, 2007: Senate Republicans reject provisions in the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act introduced by Obama and McCaskill that would have provided funding for caseworkers, mental health care counselors, a women’s mental health treatment program, and a study of mental health care for returning soldiers March 30, 2007: Obama calls on Bush to support care for returning soldiers by supporting the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act April 10, 2007: Obama and other senators introduce a bill to provide housing for homeless veterans April 19, 2007: Obama and other senators ask GAO to study military’s mental health care April 19, 2007: The Army Times examines soldiers being discharged for PTSD and the efforts of Obama and other senators to address it May 2, 2007: Obama, McCaskill introduce the Homecoming Enhancement Research Oversight (HERO) Act that would evaluate the physical, mental health, and readjustment needs of service members returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. May 10, 2007: Obama, other senators introduce bill to update treatment of traumatic brain injury for military servicemembers May 22, 2007: Obama, other senators express concern about mental health care services for soldiers at Fort Carson May 23, 2007: Obama, Domenici introduce bill to expand mental health care access for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan May 28, 2007: The Washington Post writes an editorial highlighting the need for Obama’s legislation to improve veterans’ mental health care June 14, 2007: A comprehensive Senate bill to improve health care for service members incorporates proposals from Obama and McCaskill’s Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act. June 21, 2007: Obama and other senators demand review of personality disorder discharges for soldiers June 21, 2007: Obama and other senators introduce bill to improve VA services for blind veterans June 27, 2007: Several Obama proposals are incorporated into a Senate bill to improve veteran’s health care and benefits including a VA Hospital Quality Report card and extended mental health coverage for veterans and increased outreach to the National Guard and the Reserve July 12, 2007: Obama and other senators plan to introduce legislation to temporarily cease military personality disorder discharges July 19, 2007: Obama introduces legislation to impose a moratorium on military personality disorder discharges until the procedure is reviewed July 25, 2007: Obama, McCaskill applaud passage of Wounded Warrior legislation July 26, 2006: Obama and other senators introduce legislation to provide an employment safety net for families of wounded service members August 2, 2007: Senate passes Obama/McCaskill’s Military Family Job Protection Act which provides up to a year of job protection for family members caring for a service member recovering from combat-related injuries September 18, 2007: Obama, McCaskill release statement on Military Family Job Protection Act urging the Senate to approve it September 26, 2007: Obama releases statement on GAO report that wounded soldiers are receiving substandard treatment from the Pentagon and VA October 1, 2007: The Post-Dispatch discusses military soldier discharges for “pre-existing conditions” and the Obama/Bond legislation that addresses it October 1, 2007: Obama, Bond praise new safeguards on military personality disorder discharges October 21, 2007: The Post-Dispatch interviews soldiers handling the effects of personality disorder discharges and highlights the Obama/Bond legislation that calls for a moratorium October 23, 2007: Obama, Durbin demand full report on military post traumatic stress disorder cases November 5, 2007: Obama and other senators call on Pentagon to ensure quality care for returning service members with eye injuries November 17, 2007: Obama and Durbin introduce legislation to improve hiring and quality of care at VA medical centers November 19, 2007: A wounded Iraq veteran visits Barack Obama’s Senate office for help. December 12, 2007: Obama, Durbin hail House introduction of Veterans Health Quality Improvement Act A Commitment to America’s Health March 2005: Obama introduces legislation that would ask Bush Admin to create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the Avian flu May 2005: Obama and other senators get $25 million in the Foreign Assistance Act authorization bill which was used in Southeast Asia to contain the Avian flu June 29, 2005: U.S. Senate approves a measure by Obama to protect America’s children from lead poisoning. July 20, 2005: Obama passes amendment, the Safe Drinking Water Act, to protect America’s drinking water supplies from a terrorist attack. July 21, 2005: Obama praises Senate passing a bill that would implement technology that will reduce health care costs and improve quality of care July 25, 2005: Obama sends letter to EPA regarding protecting Americans from lead paint exposure August 9, 2005: Obama sends letter to Health and Human Services Secretary asking Bush Administration to create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the Avian flu September 8, 2005: Obama joined senators in introducing legislation that combats methamphetamine use September 9, 2005: Obama praises passage of legislation to reduce methamphetamine supply September 15, 2005: Obama praises Senate passage of his bill that combats meth use September 28, 2005: Obama introduces legislation with Senator Hillary Clinton that would increase patient safety, reduce medical errors and malpractice costs September 29, 2005: Obama praises Senate taking step toward passing an amendment that would create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the avian flu October 7, 2005: Obama praises final Senate passage of Avian flu legislation October 18, 2005: Obama makes a public statement on the Avian flu November 1, 2005: Obama holds a press conference on Avian flu legislation November 18, 2005: Obama praises Senate passage of the Wired for Health Quality Act which implements technology that would improve health care quality November 18, 2005: Obama introduces legislation that would provide a tax-credit for removing lead-based paints from homes and rental unit December 1, 2005: Obama asks Congress pass legislation banning dangerous lead toys before the holidays December 8, 2005: Obama sends letter to Health and Human Services secretary asking them to correct Medicare Part D misinformation, improve preparedness, and take steps to prevent fraud March 15, 2006: Obama fights to save meth task force funding July 17, 2006: Obama releases statement in support of stem cell research Fall 2006: Obama makes major speech on faith and the global AIDS crisis March 29, 2007: Obama calls for investigation into the high number of rejected claims for long-term care April 4, 2007: Obama announces legislation that bans children’s products containing lead April 11, 2007: Obama renews support for embryonic stem cell research April 18, 2007: Obama decries Senate failure to pass bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices April 18, 2007: Obama and Inslee introduce legislation that would help automakers with their health care costs if they invest in building more fuel-efficient vehicles May 10, 2007: Obama and others help sick workers at an IL nuclear plant get medical benefits and compensation May 16, 2007: Obama and other senators work to make sure states retain flexibility to cover adults under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program June 5, 2007: EPA endorses Obama proposal to remove lead paint from schools and childcare facilities June 7, 2007: Obama introduces bill to eliminate health disparities June 22, 2007: Obama receives funding for his state of IL to expand health care access in medically underserved areas, expand research on autism, and to modernize the medical records system July 11, 2007: Obama releases statement about Bush’s threat to oppose expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program July 12, 2007: Obama receives funding for IL to expand first responder training to Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and to train more health professionals July 16, 2007: Obama introduces bill to reduce teen pregnancies in minority communities July 18, 2007: Obama introduces bill to limit use of mercury, which is a public health threat July 18, 2007: Obama re-introduces legislation with Rep. Louise Slaughter to protect children from lead poisoning July 19, 2007: Obama introduces bill to establish the Hospital Quality Report Card July 25, 2007: Obama introduces bill to strengthen emergency medical care systems throughout the country August 3, 2007: Obama urges Senate to pass his Lead Free Toys Act of 2007 August 9, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the Toy Industry Association raising concerns about the growing number of lead contaminated toys August 14, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the U.S. Trade Representative about the recalls of lead contaminated toys from China August 15, 2007: Obama calls on President Bush to do everything possible to protect America’s children from lead contaminated toys August 24, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the CEO of Martin Designs whose children’s journals and address books had been recalled for lead contamination August 27, 2007: Obama calls on Bush to support the Children’s Health Insurance Program September 5, 2007: Obama calls on Department of Homeland Security to address the recent children’s toy recalls September 12, 2007: Obama praises Senate passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act September 19, 2007: Obama releases statement urging Congress to protect America’s children from lead contaminated toys September 20, 2007: Obama secures funding for research into rapid wound healing technology and nanotechnology that would aid in targeting and imaging cancer September 24, 2007: Obama releases statement on staff cuts and lower quality care at nursing homes September 25, 2007: Obama releases statement on Bush veto of children’s health care October 3, 2007: Obama re-introduces bill in the Senate to ban lead from toys for young children October 10, 2007: Obama calls for investigation into violations by Medicare insurers October 25, 2007: Obama asks Labor Secretary to help sick nuclear workers November 13, 2007: Obama, McCaskill fight to provide affordable contraception for low-income women and college students November 13, 2007: Obama decries Bush veto of bill that would have provided funding for cancer research, rural health, and nurse training Presidential Campaign Highlights: Expanding Health Care Access and Quality May 2007: Obama releases his detailed plan to provide health care to Americans (months before Senator Clinton released hers) Read the plan overview Read the plan details Read the frequently asked questions about his plan Read Harvard health policy economist and former Bill Clinton health care advisor, David Cutler’s, endorsement of Obama’s health plan Read economist, Paul Krugman’s, criticism of Obama’s plan. Read the New Hampshire Union Leader’s endorsement of Obama’s plan Watch the speech Obama made revealing his health care plan or read it July 2007: Video - Obama addresses health care at the CNN/Youtube debate August 2007: Video - Obama walks a day in the shoes of a home health care worker September 17, 2007: Obama shares on what will be needed to pass universal health care for America September 21, 2007: Video - Obama releases ad about his mother’s struggle with paying bills related to her cancer and how it motivates his work on health care Obama outlines his commitment to address cancer issues for the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Environmental Research Act. He has supported the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization bill and he has actively worked on supporting the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program September 27, 2007: Obama sheds light on lessons learned from Clinton Administration attempts to pass health care October 16, 2007: Obama releases a detailed plan to combat global HIV/AIDS November 1, 2007: Obama releases a detailed plan to combat domestic violence December 11, 2007: Obama introduces a detailed plan to address autism and disabilities" This entry was posted on November 27, 2007 at 10:14 am @ http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/barack-obamas-health-care-rec... transparency of government: "* Centralize Ethics and Lobbying Information for Voters: Obama will create a centralized Internet database of lobbying reports, ethics records, and campaign finance filings in a searchable, sortable and downloadable format. * Create a Public “Contracts and Influence” Database: As president, Obama will create a "contracts and influence" database that will disclose how much federal contractors spend on lobbying, and what contracts they are getting and how well they complete them. * Expose Special Interest Tax Breaks to Public Scrutiny: Barack Obama will ensure that any tax breaks for corporate recipients — or tax earmarks — are also publicly available on the Internet in an easily searchable format. * End Abuse of No-Bid Contracts: Barack Obama will end abuse of no-bid contracts by requiring that nearly all contract orders over $25,000 be competitively awarded. * Sunlight Before Signing: Too often bills are rushed through Congress and to the president before the public has the opportunity to review them. As president, Obama will not sign any non-emergency bill without giving the American public an opportunity to review and comment on the White House website for five days. * Make White House Communications Public: Obama will amend executive orders to ensure that communications about regulatory policymaking between persons outside government and all White House staff are disclosed to the public. * Conduct Regulatory Agency Business in Public: Obama will require his appointees who lead the executive branch departments and rulemaking agencies to conduct the significant business of the agency in public, so that any citizen can see in person or watch on the Internet these debates." (borrowed from hilzoy) “* Ethics Reform: Obama was the Senate's point person on ethics reform, and sponsored or co-sponsored the bills that made up what the Washington Post called "the strongest ethics legislation to emerge from Congress yet." I'm also a fan of this bill (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:s.2590.es:), which I think of as the Journalists, Bloggers, and Citizens' Muckraking Empowerment Act: it creates a searchable database of recipients of federal grants and contracts. * The Lugar-Obama initiative to strengthen the Nunn-Luger framework for securing loose nukes, and to extend it to securing and destroying stockpiles of conventional arms. (For instance, shoulder-fired missiles that could be used against passenger airlines, fired at our forces, or used to make any number of ongoing conflicts more deadly.) * Various bills concerning the response to Hurricane Katrina, including an amendment putting strict limits on the use of no-bid contracts after disasters, requiring planning for the evacuation of people with special needs and senior citizens, creating a National Emergency Family Locator System, etc (see http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/08/29/when-the-cameras-are-off-bara... for more on this)" (borrowed from andrew sullivan) for a complete list of obama's work in both the illinois state senate and the federal senate: Bills passed: 109th Congress, Obama: S.2125 : A bill to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 12/16/2005) Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-456 S.3757 : A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the "Katherine Dunham Post Office Building". Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/27/2006) Note: For further action, see H.R.5929, which became Public Law 109-333 on 10/12/2006. Amendments: 110th Congress, Obama: (8 amendments) S.AMDT.41 to S.1 To require lobbyists to disclose the candidates, leadership PACs, or political parties for whom they collect or arrange contributions, and the aggregate amount of the contributions collected or arranged. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 1/11/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 41 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.524 to S.CON.RES.21 To provide $100 million for the Summer Term Education Program supporting summer learning opportunities for low-income students in the early grades to lessen summer learning losses that contribute to the achievement gaps separating low-income students from their middle-class peers. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/21/2007) Cosponsors (None) Latest Major Action: 3/23/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 524 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.599 to S.CON.RES.21 To add $200 million for Function 270 (Energy) for the demonstration and monitoring of carbon capture and sequestration technology by the Department of Energy. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/22/2007) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 3/23/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 599 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.905 to S.761 To require the Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education to establish a program to recruit and provide mentors for women and underrepresented minorities who are interested in careers in mathematics, science, and engineering. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 4/23/2007) Cosponsors (None) Latest Major Action: 4/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 905 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.923 to S.761 To expand the pipeline of individuals entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to support United States innovation and competitiveness. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 4/24/2007) Cosponsors (None) Latest Major Action: 4/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 923 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.924 to S.761 To establish summer term education programs. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 4/24/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 4/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 924 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2519 to H.R.2638 To provide that one of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5 million or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract or grant that the contractor or grantee owes no past due Federal tax liability. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/26/2007) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 7/26/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2519 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2588 to H.R.976 To provide certain employment protections for family members who are caring for members of the Armed Forces recovering from illnesses and injuries incurred on active duty. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/31/2007) Cosponsors (8) Latest Major Action: 8/2/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2588 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. 109th Congress, Obama: (15 amendments) S.AMDT.159 to S.CON.RES.18 To prevent and, if necessary, respond to an international outbreak of the avian flu. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/15/2005) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 3/17/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 159 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.390 to H.R.1268 To provide meal and telephone benefits for members of the Armed Forces who are recuperating from injuries incurred on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 4/13/2005) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 4/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 390 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.670 to H.R.3 To provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 5/11/2005) Cosponsors (9) Latest Major Action: 5/12/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 670 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.851 to H.R.6 To require the Secretary to establish a Joint Flexible Fuel/Hybrid Vehicle Commercialization Initiative, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/22/2005) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 851 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1061 to H.R.2361 To provide that none of the funds made available in this Act may be used in contravention of 15 U.S.C. section 2682(c)(3) or to delay the implementation of that section. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/27/2005) Cosponsors (None) Latest Major Action: 6/28/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1061 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (Note: 15 U.S.C. section 2682(c)(3) deals with the certification and training of people who do lead paint removal, and requiring that properly trained and certified people do lead paint removal.) S.AMDT.1453 to S.1042 To ensure the protection of military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense from an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/25/2005) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1453 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.3144 to S.CON.RES.83 To provide a $40 million increase in FY 2007 for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and to improve job services for hard-to-place veterans. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 3/16/2006) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3144 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.3810 to H.R.4939 To provide that none of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for hurricane relief and recovery contracts exceeding $500,000 that are awarded using procedures other than competitive procedures. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 5/1/2006) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 5/2/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3810 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 98 - 0. Record Vote Number: 106. S.AMDT.3971 to S.2611 To amend the temporary worker program. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 5/15/2006) Cosponsors (5) Latest Major Action: 5/17/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3971 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.4224 to S.2766 To include assessments of Traumatic Brain Injury in the post-deployment health assessments of member of the Armed Forces returning from deployment in support of a contingency operation. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/14/2006) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 6/22/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4224 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4254 to S.2766 To require the use of competitive procedures for Federal contracts worth over $500,000 related to hurricane recovery, subject to existing limited national security, public interest, and other exceptions. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/15/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 6/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4254 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4545 to S.2125 To make certain improvements to the bill. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 6/29/2006) Cosponsors (None) Latest Major Action: 6/29/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4545 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (Makes modifications to his bill on the Congo.) S.AMDT.4573 to H.R.5441 To assist individuals displaced by a major disaster in locating family members. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/11/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 7/13/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4573 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4624 to H.R.5441 To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available for expenses in carrying out the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act may be used to enter into noncompetitive contracts based upon the unusual and compelling urgency exception under Federal contracting law unless the contract is limited in time, scope, and value as necessary to respond to the immediate emergency. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 7/12/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 7/13/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4624 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4972 to H.R.4954 To ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency. Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (introduced 9/13/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 9/13/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4972 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. Co-sponsored Bills: 110th Congress: Bills Co-sponsored by Obama: * S.761: A bill to invest in innovation and education to improve the competitiveness of the United States in the global economy. Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 3/5/2007) Cosponsors (69) Latest Major Action: 7/19/2007 Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 2272 as an amendment. Note: For further action, see H.R.2272, which became Public Law 110-69 on 8/9/2007. Another note: Obama co-sponsor, along with basically everyone; no record of him playing central role, nor did he speak on its behalf. S.962: A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize and improve the carbon capture and storage research, development, and demonstration program of the Department of Energy and for other purposes._Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] (introduced 3/22/2007) Cosponsors (15) Note: This bill and S. 731 became Title III of S. 1321, the Energy Savings Act of 2007, as reported from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. CR: "Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to be able to introduce the Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007, along with my co-sponsors, Senators DOMENICI, TESTER, BUNNING, SALAZAR, OBAMA, and WEBB." S.2488: A bill to promote accessibility, accountability, and openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes._Sponsor: Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] (introduced 12/14/2007) Cosponsors (17) Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 110-175. (CR: no indication that Obama played a major role.) 110th Congress: Amendments Co-sponsored by Obama: S.AMDT.3 to S.1 In the nature of a substitute. Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/9/2007) Cosponsors (8) Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. A substitute for the big ethics bill. CR: "SA 3. Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. McConnell, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Obama, Mr. Salazar, and Mr. Durbin)" S.AMDT.4 to S.1 To strengthen the gift and travel bans. Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/9/2007) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 1/17/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4 as modified agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 88 - 9. Record Vote Number: 15. S.AMDT.15 to S.1 To require Senate committees and subcommittees to make available by the Internet a video recording, audio recording, or transcript of any meeting not later than 14 business days after the meeting occurs. Sponsor: Sen Salazar, Ken [CO] (introduced 1/10/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 1/10/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 15 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.31 to S.1 To prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying activities in addition to lobbying contacts during their cooling off period. Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 1/11/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 31 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.33 to S.1 To prohibit former Members who are lobbyists from using gym and parking privileges made available to Members and former Members. Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 1/11/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 33 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.529 to S.CON.RES.21 To increase funding for the COPS Program to $1.15 billion for FY 2008 to provide state and local law enforcement with critical resources necessary to prevent and respond to violent crime and acts of terrorism and is offset by an unallocated reduction to non-defense discretionary spending and/or reduction to administrative expenses. Sponsor: Sen Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [DE] (introduced 3/22/2007) Cosponsors (13) Latest Major Action: 3/23/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 529 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 65 - 33. Record Vote Number: 110. S.AMDT.1009 to S.1082 To insert provisions relating to antibiotic access and innovation and certain enantiomer drugs. Sponsor: Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [UT] (introduced 5/2/2007) Cosponsors (5) Latest Major Action: 5/8/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1009 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1169 to S.1348 To reduce to 200,000 the number of certain non-immigrants permitted to be admitted during a fiscal year. Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] (introduced 5/23/2007) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 5/23/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1169 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 24. Record Vote Number: 175. S.AMDT.2132 to H.R.1585 To provide and enhance rehabilitative treatment and services to veterans with traumatic brain injury and to improve health care and benefits programs for veterans. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 7/12/2007) Cosponsors (12) Latest Major Action: 7/12/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2132 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2268 to H.R.1585 To provide for an increase in the number of nurses and faculty. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 7/16/2007) Cosponsors (10) Latest Major Action: 9/17/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2268 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.2402 to H.R.1538 In the nature of a substitute. Sponsor: Sen Levin, Carl [MI] (introduced 7/25/2007) Cosponsors (51) Latest Major Action: 7/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2402 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2467 to H.R.2638 To authorize the release of data used to determine eligibility for assistance under title IV of the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Sponsor: Sen Coburn, Tom [OK] (introduced 7/25/2007) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 7/26/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2467 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2509 to H.R.2638 To mitigate the health risks posed by hazardous chemicals in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen McCaskill, Claire [MO] (introduced 7/26/2007) Cosponsors (5) Latest Major Action: 7/26/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2509 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.2719 to H.R.2764 To prohibit the application of certain restrictive eligibility requirements to foreign nongovernmental organizations with respect to the provision of assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 9/6/2007) Cosponsors (12) Latest Major Action: 9/6/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2719 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 41. Record Vote Number: 319. * S.AMDT.2797 to H.R.3074 To prohibit the establishment of a program that allows Mexican truck drivers to operate beyond the commercial zones near the Mexican border. Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] (introduced 9/10/2007) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 9/11/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2797 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 75 - 23. Record Vote Number: 331. S.AMDT.2872 to H.R.1585 To assist certain Iraqis who have worked directly with, or are threatened by their association with, the United States. Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] (introduced 9/17/2007) Cosponsors (17) Latest Major Action: 9/27/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2872 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2893 to H.R.1585 To enhance the national defense through empowerment of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the enhancement of the functions of the National Guard Bureau. Sponsor: Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] (introduced 9/18/2007) Cosponsors (24) Latest Major Action: 9/20/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2893 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2962 to H.R.1585 To implement the recommendations of the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health. Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 9/20/2007) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 9/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2962 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2969 to H.R.1585 To provide for the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Military Eye Injuries. Sponsor: Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] (introduced 9/20/2007) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 9/25/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2969 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.2999 to H.R.1585 To provide for the study and investigation of wartime contracts and contracting processes in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA] (introduced 9/20/2007) Cosponsors (31) Latest Major Action: 9/27/2007 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2999 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. 109th Congress: Bills Co-sponsored by Obama: S.728 : A bill to provide for the consideration and development of water and related resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, and for other purposes._Sponsor: Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] (introduced 4/6/2005) Cosponsors (19) Note: On 7/19/2006, the Senate incorporated S. 728 in H.R. 2864. See H.R. 2864 for further action. * S.1172 : A bill to provide for programs to increase the awareness and knowledge of women and health care providers with respect to gynecologic cancers. Sponsor: Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] (introduced 6/6/2005) Cosponsors (45) Note: For further action, see H.R.1245, which became Public Law 109-475 on 1/12/2007. S.2590 : A bill to require full disclosure of all entities and organizations receiving Federal funds. Sponsor: Sen Coburn, Tom [OK] (introduced 4/6/2006) Cosponsors (47) Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-282. Note: though there are 47 co-sponsors, Coburn introduced the bill as follows: "Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, today, along with Senators BARACK OBAMA, THOMAS CARPER, and JOHN MCCAIN, I introduced legislation to create an online public database that itemizes Federal funding." S.2703 : A bill to amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Sponsor: Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] (introduced 5/3/2006) Cosponsors (57) Note: For further action, see H.R.9, which became Public Law 109-246 on 7/27/2006. S.4044 : A bill to clarify the treatment of certain charitable contributions under title 11, United States Code. Sponsor: Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [UT] (introduced 9/29/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 109-439 Summary: "Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Clarification Act of 2006 - Amends federal bankruptcy law with respect to calculation of the projected disposable income of an individual with regular income to meet the requirements for court confirmation of a plan for adjustment of the individual's debts. Removes charitable contributions from the statutory formula used to determine what portion of such contributions is reasonably necessary to be expended for such purposes from a debtor's current monthly income. (Thus allows full deduction of such contributions from current monthly income to arrive at disposable income, consistent with the requirements of the Religious Liberty and Charitable Contribution Protection Act of 1998.)" 109th Congress: Amendments Co-Sponsored by Obama: S.AMDT.380 to H.R.1268 To provide supplemental funding for international food assistance. Sponsor: Sen Kohl, Herb [WI] (introduced 4/13/2005) Cosponsors (22) Latest Major Action: 4/20/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 380 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.402 to H.R.1268 To address the avian flu influenza virus in Asia. Sponsor: Sen McConnell, Mitch [KY] (introduced 4/13/2005) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 4/13/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 402 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.422 to H.R.1268 To make a technical change to the bill. Sponsor: Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] (introduced 4/14/2005) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 4/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 422 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.560 to H.R.1268 To clarify funding for judicial security enhancements. Sponsor: Sen Shelby, Richard C. [AL] (introduced 4/19/2005) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 4/19/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 560 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.726 to H.R.3 To establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible recipients for the replacement or retrofit of certain existing school buses. Sponsor: Sen Inhofe, James M. [OK] (introduced 5/11/2005) Cosponsors (9) Latest Major Action: 5/12/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 726 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.779 to H.R.6 To eliminate methyl tertiary butyl ether from the United States fuel supply, to increase production and use of renewable fuel, and to increase the Nation's energy independence. Sponsor: Sen Domenici, Pete V. [NM] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors (21) Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 779 as modified agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 26. Record Vote Number: 139. * S.AMDT.791 to H.R.6 To establish a renewable portfolio standard. Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM] (introduced 6/16/2005) Cosponsors (14) Latest Major Action: 6/16/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 791 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 48. Record Vote Number: 141. S.AMDT.919 to H.R.6 To enhance the national security of the United States by providing for the research, development, demonstration, administrative support, and market mechanisms for widespread deployment and commercialization of biobased fuels and biobased products. Sponsor: Sen Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 6/22/2005) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 6/23/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 919 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (Great big biofuels bill.) * S.AMDT.1023 to H.R.2361 To prohibit the use of funds by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept, consider, or rely on third-party intentional dosing human studies for pesticides or to conduct intentional dosing human studies for pesticides. Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 6/27/2005) Cosponsors (12) Latest Major Action: 6/29/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1023 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay. 60 - 37. Record Vote Number: 162. S.AMDT.1088 to H.R.2419 To maintain funding for the Department of Energy Clean Cities Program at is current level. Sponsor: Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [UT] (introduced 6/30/2005) Cosponsors (7) Latest Major Action: 6/30/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1088 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1290 to H.R.3057 To make funds available for the African Union Mission in Sudan. Sponsor: Sen Corzine, Jon S. [NJ] (introduced 7/19/2005) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 7/19/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1290 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1345 to S.1042 To provide for expedited action in bid protests conducted under OMB Circular A-76. Sponsor: Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] (introduced 7/21/2005) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 11/15/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1345 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.1380 to S.1042 To improve authorities to address urgent nonproliferation crises and United States nonproliferation operations. Sponsor: Sen Lugar, Richard G. [IN] (introduced 7/21/2005) Cosponsors (44) Latest Major Action: 7/21/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 78 - 19. Record Vote Number: 200. * S.AMDT.1654 to H.R.2862 To increase funding for Justice Assistance Grants. Sponsor: Sen Dayton, Mark [MN] (introduced 9/8/2005) Cosponsors (23) Latest Major Action: 9/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1654 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1659 to H.R.2862 To increase the appropriation for nationwide legal services field programs and to provide additional funds to programs providing legal services to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Sponsor: Sen Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 9/8/2005) Cosponsors (10) Latest Major Action: 9/9/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1659 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1703 to H.R.2862 To require the FTC to conduct an immediate investigation into gasoline price-gouging, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Pryor, Mark L. [AR] (introduced 9/13/2005) Cosponsors (20) Latest Major Action: 9/14/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1703 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.1864 to H.R.2528 To place conditions on the use of appropriated funds for reviewing or revoking approved disability claims for post-traumatic stress disorder and to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from using Federal funds for certain investigations until after the submission of a detailed implementation plan to the Committee on Appropriations. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 9/22/2005) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 9/22/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1864 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.1865 to H.R.2528 To instruct the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a veterans disability compensation information campaign. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 9/22/2005) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 9/22/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1865 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.1886 to H.R.2863 To make available emergency funds for pandemic flu preparedness. Sponsor: Sen Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 9/29/2005) Cosponsors (11) Latest Major Action: 9/29/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 1886 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. * S.AMDT.2283 to H.R.3010 To make available funds for influenza preparedness. Sponsor: Sen Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 10/26/2005) Cosponsors (15) Latest Major Action: 10/27/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2283 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.2413 to S.1932 To provide additional ProGAP assistance to certain students. Sponsor: Sen Warner, John [VA] (introduced 11/3/2005) Cosponsors (5) Latest Major Action: 11/3/2005 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2413 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.2728 to H.R.4297 To provide tax incentives for the purchase of advanced mine safety equipment and the training of mine rescue teams, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] (introduced 2/2/2006) Cosponsors (7) Latest Major Action: 2/2/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2728 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.2942 to S.2349 To strike the meals and refreshments exception for lobbyists. Sponsor: Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT] (introduced 3/8/2006) Cosponsors (4) Latest Major Action: 3/8/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2942 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.3018 to S.CON.RES.83 To restore funding for the Byrne/JAG grant program to the FY 2003 level of $900 million, offset with an across the board cut to administrative expenses, travel, and consulting services. Sponsor: Sen Dayton, Mark [MN] (introduced 3/14/2006) Cosponsors (24) Latest Major Action: 3/15/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3018 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. * S.AMDT.3048 to S.CON.RES.83 To increase the advance appropriations allowance in order to fund health, education and training, and low-income programs. Sponsor: Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] (introduced 3/14/2006) Cosponsors (29) Latest Major Action: 3/16/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3048 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 73 - 27. Record Vote Number: 58. * S.AMDT.3642 to H.R.4939 To provide an additional $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 4/26/2006) Cosponsors (21) Latest Major Action: 4/26/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3642 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 13. Record Vote Number: 98. S.AMDT.3777 to H.R.4939 To fund a U.N. Peacekeeping force in Darfur and to address the shortfalls in the U.S. Contributions to the United Nations for international peacekeeping missions in 13 countries. Sponsor: Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] (introduced 5/1/2006) Cosponsors (11) Latest Major Action: 5/3/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 3777 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.4177 to S.2611 To provide a substitute to title III. Sponsor: Sen Grassley, Chuck [IA] (introduced 5/23/2006) Cosponsors (3) Latest Major Action: 5/23/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4177 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 39. Record Vote Number: 140. (Note: this is an amendment to the immigration reform bill; it replaces Title III, which concerns the unlawful employment of aliens. It is extremely long.) S.AMDT.4242 to S.2766 To require regular budgeting for ongoing military operations. Sponsor: Sen McCain, John [AZ] (introduced 6/14/2006) Cosponsors (21) Latest Major Action: 6/14/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4242 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 98 - 0. Record Vote Number: 170. S.AMDT.4253 to S.2766 To require a pilot program on troops to nurse teachers. Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 6/15/2006) Cosponsors (8) Latest Major Action: 6/15/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4253 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.4342 to S.2766 To modify the time limitation for use of entitlement to educational assistance for reserve component members supporting contingency operations and other operations. Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR] (introduced 6/20/2006) Cosponsors (6) Latest Major Action: 6/22/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4342 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4526 to S.2766 To require the President to develope a comprehensive strategy toward Somalia. Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] (introduced 6/22/2006) Cosponsors (10) Latest Major Action: 6/22/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4526 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. [109th] S.AMDT.4561 to H.R.5441 To require that reports required in the bill to be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations and the Department of Homeland Security's annual justifications of the President's budget request shall be posted on the Department of Homeland Security's public website not later than 48 hours after such submission unless information in the report compromises national security. Sponsor: Sen Coburn, Tom [OK] (introduced 7/11/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 7/12/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4561 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4618 to H.R.5441 To prohibit the use of appropriated funds to take an action that would violate Executive Order 13149 (relating to greening the government through Federal fleet and transportation efficiency). Sponsor: Sen Dayton, Mark [MN] (introduced 7/12/2006) Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 7/13/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4618 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4784 to H.R.5631 To require the posting of certain reports of the Department of Defense on the Internet website of the Department of Defense. Sponsor: Sen Coburn, Tom [OK] (introduced 8/2/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 8/3/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4784 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. S.AMDT.4888 to S.466 To provide for the Herbert Hoover Dike Supplemental Major Rehabilitation Report. Sponsor: Sen Jeffords, James M. [VT] (introduced 9/5/2006) Cosponsors (1) Latest Major Action: 9/5/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4888 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. S.AMDT.4907 to H.R.5631 To enhance intelligence community efforts to bring Osama bin Laden and other key leaders of al Qaeda to the justice they deserve. Sponsor: Sen Conrad, Kent [ND] (introduced 9/7/2006) Cosponsors (11) Latest Major Action: 9/7/2006 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 4907 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 0. Record Vote Number: 235. (Establishes and funds a unit dedicated to bringing bin Laden and other al Qaeda leaders to justice.) http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/02/solutions-adden.html http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/02/but-wait-theres.html http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/02/all-the-rest.html |
today i made my first call for the obama campaign. i was shaky and nervous, and even had trouble reading the script on my computer screen, so i rushed it a bit. i'd forgotten how shy i am.  the fella i called was very polite, a mccain supporter, and i felt okay about the call in the end, but whoo boy. i may not be helping the cause much with my stuttering. will try again tomorrow, see if it gets any easier. check out: http://www.stealbackyourvote.org for strategy info and empowering information on keeping this election fair and accurate. the site is non-partisan, for you who feel nervous about visiting extremist hippie/liberal sites. |
| hi, y'all. boy, i've been gone a long time! i wish i could say i've been busy saving kittens or fighting fires or something...nope. i've just been distracted and unorganized and no thinking in my brainy brain. (pretty much business as usual. )p and i voted the other day. friday. yesterday. seems so long ago! on the outside, it was uneventful to watch, i'm sure. two ordinary people climbing out of their car to stuff their early ballots into the drop box at the county recorder's office. there was a chuck e cheese's next door. all very ho hum. but inside, we were thrumming with excitement! glee! we even got a little verklempt the other night when we shaded in the circle by barack obama's name on the ballot. *sniff* the act was inconsequential, but the significance was historic. two weeks left, everyone. if you can, please vote early!!! if you can't, please make sure you VOTE on november 4th!!!! it's a tuesday!!! 7am to 7pm!!! your employer is legally required to allow you time to go to the polls!!!! do not tell me (or yourself) that one vote can't make a difference. it can. it does. your responsibility as an american (assuming you are one--ean, you don't have to read this part. ) is--in part-- participating in the election process!! electing candidates who represent what we want is key. the other part to this, the implied-until-now part, is that we must be informed about the issues and the candidates' stances on them. informed does not mean we watch fox news and listen to michael savage and feel we've covered all the bases. on the flip side, keith olbermann and rachel maddow are entertaining, intelligent people, but they're not the whole story, either. check your facts! follow those in the know who will dissect each candidate's economic policy, their foreign policy, their respective records with accurate and objective criteria. do not allow yourselves to remain or become complacent. whether you vote for obama or mccain, be involved in the upcoming presidency. we've reached a turning point in this country, one unlike any other since the revolution, i feel. we can step up, all of us "common people", and influence how our country is run. start at local level representation, and work from there--contact your congressional reps, your state senators (hey, i'm in arizona--hi, john mccain! hi, jon kyl! )--let them know what issues are important to you. without our involvement, these people are representing dead air, which translates to representing themselves and those interests which will speak up. whew. that was like projectile typing. thanks for reading, and i'll talk next time about my craptastic week regarding writing and reviews. thppt.  hope you all are happy, curled up on the sofa wearing your fluffy socks (you know the ones) and watching bad bad BAD horror movies. |
| i've decided i'd like a patron. someone wealthy beyond measure who will lend me their secluded mountain cabin (outfitted with all amenities and wifi, of course) for an indefinite period of time, so i can do nothing but play with bears and write. stephen king talks about how important discipline is, getting into that regular writing habit, that this is the one factor which separates the hobbyists from the professionals...and by gumb, i wanna be a professional. i wanna write for a freaking living. so i've gotta get my head in the right space, here. let's be realistic, i don't have a patron, and i'm not gonna be able to quit working and spend all my time writing. so i have to do what almost every other aspiring writer does: write in between the spaces in their life. so easy to get and stay distracted! . . . because that blank screen is tough. writing with intention is freaking hard sometimes, harder if i'm not in that zone or . . . so that's why i decided to try the nanowrimo again. last year was difficult, and nervewracking, and i wanted to give up several times during the month--but i can honestly say that i was good and warmed up by the end, that i had thoroughly shredded whatever resistance i had to sitting down and writing--it was almost automatic for me. that's where i wanna be nov 30th, and this time i don't wanna lose it. i don't think i'm gonna keep writing 1700 words a day forever, but i want to keep these fingers greased. (ew. you know what i mean.) if everything works out, then next year i'll have two novels finished and ready to shop around--that would be the best possible scenario. here's shooting for it. (this auto-peptalk brought to you by lumpy, inc. ) |
| i've been wanting to blog, have come here several times and sat, stubby fingers poised above the keys....and nothing. mental constipation. i assume i'm cerebrally stoppered up because the alternative--that i'm actually plumb out of ideas--is frightening and unsettling and all kinds of disturbing. so i'm going with the caca joke to make myself feel better. in other news, i got nothing but grind. i need to shake some stuff up, break off the routine!! i do nothing but go to work and come home, and spend my time here or asleep. i'm all rutty. and not in a good way.  i should leave the city and spend some time on the mountain (being chased by fratchety bears). or, i could take some time and a leisurely walk through my neighborhood (being chased by chompy dogs). or, i could drive to the mall and wander about there? people watch? window shop? . . . (and be chased by flesh-eating zombies). okay, there's something funny going on here. why am i convinced things are waiting to chase me, wherever i go? i don't know why, but i am. do i need therapy? maybe i need to write a story about somebody being chased. or even better, a story about chasing someone. turn those tables. get somma that power back on my side. anyhoo, thinking i should visit the local historical museum for clues about life here in the 19th century--details, dress, manner, setting, etc. my nano story's set in the southwest, as well as central america, and i need to get hopping on the plans!! i have a plan for the plans, but i haven't actually gotten to fruiting them yet. fruitioning them? i dunno. you know what i mean. hope you nano aspirants are gearing up, girding your loins, greasing your bolts...all that stuff. stocking up on snacks and comfy writing chairs (got mine!! ). don't forget the small monkey trained in hand shiatsu--verrrry important!!! have a good coupla days, and VOTE EARLY FOR OBAMA!!!!! |
| interesting site for games revolving around different philosophical arguments: http://www.philosophersnet.com/games/ so far, i've played "staying alive" and "taboo"!! and no, i'm not telling you my answers. |
this week's flash fiction:
yes, it is horror. i cannot help it. |
this week's flash:
i tried to picture House as a genetically-enhanced chicken. |
| you ever have dreams where you're yourself, but you're perfect? everything you wanted to be, with the flowing hair and the limpid eyes and the trim, athletic figure--you're brilliant and witty and whatever you do or say or wear is just fabulous? and then you wake up, and your back hurts, and you schlepp into the bathroom on aching feet and risk a glance into the mirror.....yeah. i know it's hormonal. it always is. but right now, i'm not feeling me. plus, i'm extra klutzy. hate that. lose my balance, trip over things, drop stuff. i'm jerry lewis without the pinky ring. i've been feeling funky about the writing circle, too--i know i'm a sponge for attention. i love finding out someone's read a story i wrote and decided to send me their opinion. one of my favorite things, in fact. but i'm feeling a little discouraged, like i've lost the point of what i'm trying to do. and then i remember i have a novel halfway written, and that looms over me, and i feel all that more stuck. yeah, this is definitely hormones. i should just back away from all interactions for the next coupla weeks. *sigh* wonder if there's any ice cream left? (oh, yeah--i'm also gaining weight again. fuck a duck, man.) |
that's right....it's mine!!  oh god, i love a straight shooter. check out marcy kaptur from ohio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S27yitK32ds just why are we feeling pressured to race to one of the biggest decisions in american banking history?? that right there should give us pause. i don't like it. not one bit. |
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