Replace Justice Souter With a Liberal Woman

David Souter, a left-leaning Supreme Court Justice, will be retiring, so it would make sense for Obama to appoint another liberal judge. Appointing a smart, liberal woman would make the most sense. In fact, the more liberal the better, to counter-balance Justices Thomas, Roberts, Alito, and Scalia who are all hard righties.

It would be normal to have 4 0r 5 women judges serving on the US Supreme Court. Women make up the majority of our population, a majority of the electorate, and women earn almost half of all the law degrees awarded each year (source: Generation Me by Jean M. Twenge, 2007).

Right now, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the sole "token" woman on the Supreme Court.

One woman who has been mentioned for consideration is Obama's Solicitor General, Elena Kagan. Ms. Kagan is a former Harvard Law School Dean. She's young (in her late 40's) and that's a plus.

Back to why appointing a woman is important. In a 2008 award winning paper entitled "Untangling the Causal Effects of Sex on Judging" (Boyd, Martin, and Epstein), findings indicated that male judges rule differently when they share the bench with a woman. And this makes sense. Think about it. Most men (e.g., husbands) function differently when women are around. And, dare I say it, they function better.

Obama says he wants to choose someone with empathy and understanding. A Harvard Law School Study found that twice as many women as men said that "helping others" was one of the most important factors in choosing a career. And according to a study by The Center for Work-Life Policy, only 20% of highly qualified female lawyers said that having a "powerful position" was an important career goal.

Women experience life differently than men, and female moral reasoning is different than a man's. A more gender-balanced Supreme Court would be more normal. And there are many highly qualified brilliant liberal women to fill this position.

Pictured: Solicitor General Elena Kagan

Replace Justice Souter With a Liberal Woman

David Souter, a left-leaning Supreme Court Justice, will be retiring, so it would make sense for Obama to appoint another liberal judge. Appointing a smart, liberal woman would make the most sense. In fact, the more liberal the better, to counter-balance Justices Thomas, Roberts, Alito, and Scalia who are all hard righties.

It would be normal to have 4 0r 5 women judges serving on the US Supreme Court. Women make up the majority of our population, a majority of the electorate, and women earn almost half of all the law degrees awarded each year (source: Generation Me by Jean M. Twenge, 2007).

Right now, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the sole "token" woman on the Supreme Court.

One woman who has been mentioned for consideration is Obama's Solicitor General, Elena Kagan. Ms. Kagan is a former Harvard Law School Dean. She's young (in her late 40's) and that's a plus.

Back to why appointing a woman is important. In a 2008 award winning paper entitled "Untangling the Causal Effects of Sex on Judging" (Boyd, Martin, and Epstein), findings indicated that male judges rule differently when they share the bench with a woman. And this makes sense. Think about it. Most men (e.g., husbands) function differently when women are around. And, dare I say it, they function better.

Obama says he wants to choose someone with empathy and understanding. A Harvard Law School Study found that twice as many women as men said that "helping others" was one of the most important factors in choosing a career. And according to a study by The Center for Work-Life Policy, only 20% of highly qualified female lawyers said that having a "powerful position" was an important career goal.

Women experience life differently than men, and female moral reasoning is different than a man's. A more gender-balanced Supreme Court would be more normal. And there are many highly qualified brilliant liberal women to fill this position.

Pictured: Solicitor General Elena Kagan

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Get Outta the Way of My Optimism

Our mostly conservative local blah, blah, blahgosphere seems infested with negative doom and gloom and misinformation. Allentown is doomed! It's because there is no leadership! Stimulus is bad! Pay to play! Failing schools! Crime! Stores closing! And anyone with a positive outlook is labeled a "cheerleader" "an apologist for the mayor" or just a clueless moron. And if that person wants to write about the good things going on, and there really ARE good things, then they are deemed a "puff blogger." Or if you are excited about Obama, our first African American President, you are labeled as a "Messiah worshipper" who has drunk the kool-aid. Well, all I can say to that is get outta the way of my optimism!

Most people's perception of Hamilton St. is way off. Actually, you CAN really walk around at 7th and Hamilton when it is dark. It's not that scary. Usually there are not too many people around. In fact, if more people would actually walk around downtown at night then THAT would help reduce crime. We patronize the downtown establishments as much as we can. And we have even been to events on 7th St. at night! Ooohhhh, scary! ;0

I am all for constructive criticism, but constant negativity and smears against good people are harmful to a community and does nothing to help move Allentown forward. People who take action and volunteer to help their community should be applauded, not smeared. So, blah blah blahggers, get the hell outta the way of my optimism and go back to your caves or trees where you can sniper fire from afar. Or just stay at your own blahgs where you can blow smoke up each other's behinds.

We are in a serious economic crisis, and our President has reached out across the aisle in a truly bi-partisan way. But yet it's not "real bi-partisanship" to some Republicans. I believe that these Republicans are robotic obstructionists. And obstruction is what they are good at, not governing. The past 8 years proves that. They put political ideology before the needs of the American people, and that's wrong. I say, they had their chance, now it's time for them to get outta the way and let the President that WE the people elected do his job. And if you still wanna hate me simply because I am a liberal, even though I have extended a hand to you, then all I can say is get outta my way.

Get Outta the Way of My Optimism

Our mostly conservative local blah, blah, blahgosphere seems infested with negative doom and gloom and misinformation. Allentown is doomed! It's because there is no leadership! Stimulus is bad! Pay to play! Failing schools! Crime! Stores closing! And anyone with a positive outlook is labeled a "cheerleader" "an apologist for the mayor" or just a clueless moron. And if that person wants to write about the good things going on, and there really ARE good things, then they are deemed a "puff blogger." Or if you are excited about Obama, our first African American President, you are labeled as a "Messiah worshipper" who has drunk the kool-aid. Well, all I can say to that is get outta the way of my optimism!

Most people's perception of Hamilton St. is way off. Actually, you CAN really walk around at 7th and Hamilton when it is dark. It's not that scary. Usually there are not too many people around. In fact, if more people would actually walk around downtown at night then THAT would help reduce crime. We patronize the downtown establishments as much as we can. And we have even been to events on 7th St. at night! Ooohhhh, scary! ;0

I am all for constructive criticism, but constant negativity and smears against good people are harmful to a community and does nothing to help move Allentown forward. People who take action and volunteer to help their community should be applauded, not smeared. So, blah blah blahggers, get the hell outta the way of my optimism and go back to your caves or trees where you can sniper fire from afar. Or just stay at your own blahgs where you can blow smoke up each other's behinds.

We are in a serious economic crisis, and our President has reached out across the aisle in a truly bi-partisan way. But yet it's not "real bi-partisanship" to some Republicans. I believe that these Republicans are robotic obstructionists. And obstruction is what they are good at, not governing. The past 8 years proves that. They put political ideology before the needs of the American people, and that's wrong. I say, they had their chance, now it's time for them to get outta the way and let the President that WE the people elected do his job. And if you still wanna hate me simply because I am a liberal, even though I have extended a hand to you, then all I can say is get outta my way.

Only 39% Believe in Evolution

Our seven year old son said to me the other day "I think there was life somewhere before the "Big Bang." And this led to a discussion about evolution. Wow I thought, this is great, he's really thinking about these things. Turns out he didn't learn about "The Big Bang" at school, he saw it on a tv show.

Yesterday was Charles Darwin's birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln's. According to a new Gallup Poll http://www.gallup.com/poll/114544/Darwin-Birthday-Believe-Evolution.aspx

only 39% of Americans believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. That's 4 out of 10 people.

36% had no opinion either way. 25% don't believe in evolution. 74% of those with a post-graduate education believe in evolution, compared with 21% of high school grads.

Education really does matter. Thank goodness that science and technology are important to a US President again.

Only 39% Believe in Evolution

Our seven year old son said to me the other day "I think there was life somewhere before the "Big Bang." And this led to a discussion about evolution. Wow I thought, this is great, he's really thinking about these things. Turns out he didn't learn about "The Big Bang" at school, he saw it on a tv show.

Yesterday was Charles Darwin's birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln's. According to a new Gallup Poll http://www.gallup.com/poll/114544/Darwin-Birthday-Believe-Evolution.aspx

only 39% of Americans believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. That's 4 out of 10 people.

36% had no opinion either way. 25% don't believe in evolution. 74% of those with a post-graduate education believe in evolution, compared with 21% of high school grads.

Education really does matter. Thank goodness that science and technology are important to a US President again.

A New Era

Seeing (on tv) close to two million people gathered at the mall in Washington DC was moving. It must have been really exciting to be there. What stood out to me in Obama's Inaugural Address was the message that we are all equal, and that in these tough times he is summoning all Americans to work together in a "new era of responsibility." In his speech, which was informed by history but made his own, he asked us to return to the values of hard work, family, and community that America once stood for. He is confident that tough challenges will be met and America is ready to lead once more. The speech was somewhat somber, but still very powerful. He stressed the importance of extending a hand to the world, especially the Islamic world. The Bush era is over, and so is the Reagan era when less government was the mantra. Now we need "more effective" govt. He mentioned the importance of science, and stopping global warming. It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!

With Obama's approval rating at 83%, and that was before the inauguration, I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle. Even though Obama has said he will be focusing on moving forward, I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration. I think it's important to cleanse the country of the bad things done by the prior administration if we are going to be respected again around the world. And what about the scary possibility of future administrations repeating what Bush did (ie torture), because he got away with it?

I am hopeful. Even though there are so many businesses closing due to the recession, record home foreclosures, a health care crisis, and we may even be in for a depression, I have confidence in Obama's leadership, and in the American people to rise to the challenge. So, let's get to work, together.

(Morning Call Forum post coming soon)

A New Era

Seeing (on tv) close to two million people gathered at the mall in Washington DC was moving. It must have been really exciting to be there. What stood out to me in Obama's Inaugural Address was the message that we are all equal, and that in these tough times he is summoning all Americans to work together in a "new era of responsibility." In his speech, which was informed by history but made his own, he asked us to return to the values of hard work, family, and community that America once stood for. He is confident that tough challenges will be met and America is ready to lead once more. The speech was somewhat somber, but still very powerful. He stressed the importance of extending a hand to the world, especially the Islamic world. The Bush era is over, and so is the Reagan era when less government was the mantra. Now we need "more effective" govt. He mentioned the importance of science, and stopping global warming. It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!

With Obama's approval rating at 83%, and that was before the inauguration, I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle. Even though Obama has said he will be focusing on moving forward, I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration. I think it's important to cleanse the country of the bad things done by the prior administration if we are going to be respected again around the world. And what about the scary possibility of future administrations repeating what Bush did (ie torture), because he got away with it?

I am hopeful. Even though there are so many businesses closing due to the recession, record home foreclosures, a health care crisis, and we may even be in for a depression, I have confidence in Obama's leadership, and in the American people to rise to the challenge. So, let's get to work, together.

(Morning Call Forum post coming soon)

Lame Duck Dubya Craps on Women

Women should be aware of the "Right of Conscience Rule" that lame duck George Bush is pushing through before he flies the coop. This new rule could undermine a woman's ability to access reproductive health care. The rule says that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers can refuse to participate in any procedure they find morally objectionable, or against their religious beliefs. The broad language of the rule goes beyond just abortion to include sperm donations, artificial insemination, and contraception.

For example, a pharmacist can reject a rape victim's prescription for emergency contraception. A woman with a life threatening condition can be refused an early abortion. This rule allows pharmacists to refuse birth control to Medicaid recipients, so lower income women will be hit the hardest.

Shouldn't a patient's health care rights come before the religious beliefs of the health care providers?

Reproductive health care is a human right.

Isn't the Bush admin. just politicizing women's health in order to "set Obama up" for confrontation with the religious right? Obama has stated that he understands there is a "moral dimension to abortion" but he has also promised to protect the rights of women who seek abortion.

I can respect a health care worker's "right of conscience" but it is wrong to put ideology or politics before women's health.

Hey, I don't see any religious or political leaders speaking out to restrict Viagra use for unmarried men.

Quack, Quack.

Lame Duck Dubya Craps on Women

Women should be aware of the "Right of Conscience Rule" that lame duck George Bush is pushing through before he flies the coop. This new rule could undermine a woman's ability to access reproductive health care. The rule says that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers can refuse to participate in any procedure they find morally objectionable, or against their religious beliefs. The broad language of the rule goes beyond just abortion to include sperm donations, artificial insemination, and contraception.

For example, a pharmacist can reject a rape victim's prescription for emergency contraception. A woman with a life threatening condition can be refused an early abortion. This rule allows pharmacists to refuse birth control to Medicaid recipients, so lower income women will be hit the hardest.

Shouldn't a patient's health care rights come before the religious beliefs of the health care providers?

Reproductive health care is a human right.

Isn't the Bush admin. just politicizing women's health in order to "set Obama up" for confrontation with the religious right? Obama has stated that he understands there is a "moral dimension to abortion" but he has also promised to protect the rights of women who seek abortion.

I can respect a health care worker's "right of conscience" but it is wrong to put ideology or politics before women's health.

Hey, I don't see any religious or political leaders speaking out to restrict Viagra use for unmarried men.

Quack, Quack.

Food Stamp Usage Up

Here's something to think about, after the Thanksgiving festivities. The other night Rachel Maddow on MSNBC (I LOVE her show) said that 1 in 10 Americans use food stamps. I had no idea. There is new government data on hunger in the USA. According to this new data, 11.9 million Americans went hungry last year, including 700,000 children. This is up 50% since the year before. (source: The Washington Post, Nov. 26th)

"We soon will have the most food stamps recipients in the history of our country," said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, a D.C.-based anti-hunger policy organization. "If the economic forecasts come true, we're likely to see the most hunger that we've seen since the 1981 recession and maybe since the 1960s, when these programs were established."

Food stamp usage is a good barometer of economic conditions. An increase in food stamps is fueled by rising unemployment and rising food prices.

Food stamps aren't welfare. The program helps lower income people buy nutritious food. Many working people use food stamps to help make ends meet. Obama intends to make this issue a priority next year and increase food stamp benefits as part of the economic stimulus plan.

The food stamp program is now called The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Here is more info: FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Food Stamp Usage Up

Here's something to think about, after the Thanksgiving festivities. The other night Rachel Maddow on MSNBC (I LOVE her show) said that 1 in 10 Americans use food stamps. I had no idea. There is new government data on hunger in the USA. According to this new data, 11.9 million Americans went hungry last year, including 700,000 children. This is up 50% since the year before. (source: The Washington Post, Nov. 26th)

"We soon will have the most food stamps recipients in the history of our country," said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, a D.C.-based anti-hunger policy organization. "If the economic forecasts come true, we're likely to see the most hunger that we've seen since the 1981 recession and maybe since the 1960s, when these programs were established."

Food stamp usage is a good barometer of economic conditions. An increase in food stamps is fueled by rising unemployment and rising food prices.

Food stamps aren't welfare. The program helps lower income people buy nutritious food. Many working people use food stamps to help make ends meet. Obama intends to make this issue a priority next year and increase food stamp benefits as part of the economic stimulus plan.

The food stamp program is now called The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Here is more info: FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

First Grandma!

Have you heard the news that Michelle Obama's mom Marian Robinson may be moving in to the White House? I think it would be great to have a "first Grandma." The photo I have posted shows Barack Obama sitting with his mother in law, relaxing and holding hands, so it looks like he won't mind the "mother-in-law" being around.

This photo was taken while they were awaiting the election results.

Grandma will be there to take care of the two young Obama girls, instead of a nanny. Now here are some real family values to admire.

This is from ABC News:

"Now that the Obamas are headed to the White House, Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, will be making the move as well. Family friends have told the New York Times that the Obamas relied on Robinson to care for Malia and Sasha Obama while their parents were out campaigning.Robinson, a widow and retired bank secretary from the South Side of Chicago, will follow the Obamas to Washington D.C. to support the first family, according to the Obamas' family friend Verna Williams.None of this is anything new or unusual to American families who have integrated grandmoms and granddads into their households, especially to assist with or sometimes take over child care.Of course, the Obamas are by all accounts an intact and nurturing family, and they don't use a nanny to take care of their two young daughters -- they use grandma."

First Grandma!

Have you heard the news that Michelle Obama's mom Marian Robinson may be moving in to the White House? I think it would be great to have a "first Grandma." The photo I have posted shows Barack Obama sitting with his mother in law, relaxing and holding hands, so it looks like he won't mind the "mother-in-law" being around.

This photo was taken while they were awaiting the election results.

Grandma will be there to take care of the two young Obama girls, instead of a nanny. Now here are some real family values to admire.

This is from ABC News:

"Now that the Obamas are headed to the White House, Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, will be making the move as well. Family friends have told the New York Times that the Obamas relied on Robinson to care for Malia and Sasha Obama while their parents were out campaigning.Robinson, a widow and retired bank secretary from the South Side of Chicago, will follow the Obamas to Washington D.C. to support the first family, according to the Obamas' family friend Verna Williams.None of this is anything new or unusual to American families who have integrated grandmoms and granddads into their households, especially to assist with or sometimes take over child care.Of course, the Obamas are by all accounts an intact and nurturing family, and they don't use a nanny to take care of their two young daughters -- they use grandma."

Inspiration

Barack Obama reflects the light back on us. Yes we can!

Inspiration

Barack Obama reflects the light back on us. Yes we can!

Make Election Day a National Holiday

In 2005. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan proposed a bill to make election day a federal holiday called "Democracy Day." In order for this bill to become law it must be re-proposed to the current Congress.

See Democracy Day (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think election day should be a national holiday. That would increase voter turn-out, and make more people available to work at the polls. Some people who work multiple jobs are forced to wait in long lines, and may not vote. Some people are not physically able to stand in long lines for hours.

In 2004, 129,000 people in Ohio were disenfranchised of their right to vote. This cannot happen again. With record high voter turnout predicted, we should be prepared, and paper ballots should be available. Make sure you get to vote!

I realize that many states have early voting, and absentee ballots, but making election day a national holiday would convey that voting is an important civic duty and democracy should be celebrated. Most kids are off from school anyway. Other countries have voting on a weekend, and have made election day a federal holiday, and they use the traditional paper ballots.

In Georgia, where they have early voting, people recently had to wait in line for 4, 5, and even 6 hours to vote. Wow.

I think paper ballots should be used and votes hand counted. Some electronic voting machines leave no paper trail and can make errors. I am worried about the touch screen machines. They use those machines where I vote.

I can feel the excitement in the air! Where I vote, normally there is no line, but I guess I should be prepared to stand in line. Our 7 yr. old is excited about the election too!

Make sure your vote is counted!

UPDATE MON NIGHT: I have just heard that early voters have been waiting in line to vote in Fla. for up to 9 hrs. And there are not enough voting machines in battleground states to deal with the predicted huge increase in voter turnout for tomorrow's election. There could be chaos!

Make Election Day a National Holiday

In 2005. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan proposed a bill to make election day a federal holiday called "Democracy Day." In order for this bill to become law it must be re-proposed to the current Congress.

See Democracy Day (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think election day should be a national holiday. That would increase voter turn-out, and make more people available to work at the polls. Some people who work multiple jobs are forced to wait in long lines, and may not vote. Some people are not physically able to stand in long lines for hours.

In 2004, 129,000 people in Ohio were disenfranchised of their right to vote. This cannot happen again. With record high voter turnout predicted, we should be prepared, and paper ballots should be available. Make sure you get to vote!

I realize that many states have early voting, and absentee ballots, but making election day a national holiday would convey that voting is an important civic duty and democracy should be celebrated. Most kids are off from school anyway. Other countries have voting on a weekend, and have made election day a federal holiday, and they use the traditional paper ballots.

In Georgia, where they have early voting, people recently had to wait in line for 4, 5, and even 6 hours to vote. Wow.

I think paper ballots should be used and votes hand counted. Some electronic voting machines leave no paper trail and can make errors. I am worried about the touch screen machines. They use those machines where I vote.

I can feel the excitement in the air! Where I vote, normally there is no line, but I guess I should be prepared to stand in line. Our 7 yr. old is excited about the election too!

Make sure your vote is counted!

UPDATE MON NIGHT: I have just heard that early voters have been waiting in line to vote in Fla. for up to 9 hrs. And there are not enough voting machines in battleground states to deal with the predicted huge increase in voter turnout for tomorrow's election. There could be chaos!