Erin Kotecki Vest's blog

This 4th We're All Patriots. No, Really

2009-06-29T16:00:00-05:00

Patriot: A patriot is someone who thinks, feels or voices expressions of patriotism, support for their country. - Wikipedia

Depending on how you slice it, this definition of patriot either makes me the worst American ever, or one of it's greatest patriots. It's a toss up.

Which is probably why this 4th of July, we political types will spend too much time on our soapboxes trying to out-patriot the other.

My dissent is the height of patriotism for our country!

You don't support our troops, you can't be a patriot!

You don't support our President! That's unpatriotic!

You ignore the health care crisis, that's unpatriotic!

But teaparties are the most patriotic thing you can do!

And so on. And so forth until we're all donning our red, white, and blue clothing, painting our faces with stars and stripes and seeing who's flag outside of who's house is the biggest. Even making sure others know that we consider ourselves patriots.

As someone who's patriotism has been called "fake" and "impossible" I know from where I speak. Just the other day on Twitter I was asked to prove my support of the troops and asked to prove who in my family has served. Apparently to the person questioning me, my patriotism revolved around the military.

I rolled my eyes.

To others, it revolves around voting. And to others it revolves around flying your flag on a holiday and a BBQ. To some of us, it's showing support for troops.

Let's face it, none of us own the monopoly on patriotism. As Americans, we support our country in different ways.

I feel I support my country by being vigilant on holding our leaders accountable. ALL our leaders. I also feel I support my country by using the rights given to me- freedom of speech, for one.

I also feel it's patriotic to help our fellow countrymen and women. This is a point of contention with myself and the other side. I call it help, they call it a hand out. I call it common decency, they call it unnecessary taxes.

Which is why I get confused over these ridiculous fights over "patriotism."

Just Heather pointed me to one of her posts from 2006 that sums up a lot of my patriotic feelings.

"I definitely don’t need to see those planes fly into the towers yet again to see it clearly in my head. I remember it all vividly. But what I choose to remember most is how everyone came together. I remember the initial shock that it was anything other than a terribly tragic accident.

I remember the feeling of helplessness, wishing there were something—anything—I could do. I remember dashing around the house, emptying pantries, filling boxes, and stuffing bags once I found out a location nearby was collecting items for affected families.

I remember the tears in my little one’s eyes when we were done unloading the car—because she wasn’t done helping. I remember the elation she felt when I told her she could gather up any money in the car and donate it too.

I remember the normally intense homecoming float competition at my high school being abandoned. I remember the United We Stand float the classes created together, donating the remaining funds to the 9/11 families."

BOTH sides of the aisle point to America post 9-11, those days just after, as the height of our Patriotism. Not because we were dissenting, not because we were sending care packages to troops, not because we were flying flags...but because we were HELPING EACHOTHER.

So if the true feeling and definition of patriotism is helping your fellow countryman or woman- what are you doing this 4th of July to be patriotic?

What is patriotism to you? And how are you celebrating the day? Leave me a comment or link to your thoughts on what has become a political football.

And don't forget to wear your flagpin.

Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog and is frequently called a traitor to her country.

Sarah Haskins: Teaching Advertisers How NOT To Talk to Women

2009-06-09T17:35:36-05:00

She talks gender, stereotypes, and she does it with snark... Sarah Haskins hosts "Target Women" on InfoMania at Current TV. She and I had a few minutes today to talk about advertisers, women, and the disconnect between the two:

Download the audio interview (right click and save link) or use this player to listen to the interview.

If you are new to Sarah's work, I highly suggest starting with one of our favorite "Target Women" segments here at BlogHer, where she skewered Carl's Jr. for their ad campaigns:

and of course, my favorite:

You can catch Sarah and the rest of the InfoMania team on Current TV Thursday's at 10pm e/p.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain Blog.

Abortion And The Call For Common Ground: Can We Do It?

2009-05-18T16:02:35-05:00

It's hard to put down the hate.

I really do hate you for trying to control my body. It's true. I won't lie.

We can talk circles around when life begins, who has "rights" and your beliefs over mine all day and get nowhere. You think I'm immoral and I think you're naive. You call me a murderer and I call you ignorant of science.

That is never going away, and I accept it. You're not changing my mind. I'm not changing yours, and I accept it.

Kinda.

Well, enough to try and look past it a bit.

This weekend President Obama and Notre Dame's president Father Jenkins asked us to try and look past all this hate. They asked us, in no uncertain terms, to attempt dialogue.

Tough. I know. Believe me.

Today I attempted that dialogue on CNN.com with a panel of bloggers and by the end was ready to start yelling and screaming all over again at the conservatives and so-called "pro-lifers" on the panel. (refraining here from calling you anti-choice because you call me anti-life...but...bygones...)

This is probably the most thorn-ridden olive branch ever extended in the history of the world.

This is going to be hard..but if we both TRULY believe in our side of the debate we NEED to talk and see what we can accomplish.

I think there is easily room for common ground on adoption. The red-tape. The difficulties of the system here in the US.

I think there is room, maybe not as easily, for common ground on preventing the number and the need for abortions in the US. That means comprehensive sex education. It works, let's talk about it.

I also think there is room for common ground on learning to just plain live with one another. You don't have to like me and I don't have to like you. We can argue until we are blue in the face but when all is said and done you still live next door. Our kids still go to school together and we may actually agree on many other issues.

We've gotten so mired down in this fight that we can't even seem to agree if the President should be addressing a Catholic University like Notre Dame, because of the abortion issue. That in and of itself is sad.

As someone raised Catholic and still deeply conflicted over her faith, watching Notre Dame applaud the President actually gave me hope that we all really can live together. That the "other side" may not be so evil and that there is a shred of possibility we can co-exist without the constant war.

Notre Dame grad Lisa writes,

"As an institution of higher education if Notre Dame was to shield its students from the political debates of our time because they disagree with the church than in my opinion the university wouldn't be doing its job to educate future members of society. If the clout of the university is such that the President will speak to its graduates as they head off into uncertain times, then I applaud them. Learning to find common ground in life, in jobs, in careers is essential. I am proud that Obama spoke at Notre Dame and that at least the majority of the university community welcomed him."

Kim at LA Moms Blog, also an ND grad, says,

"...I do understand the protests. When you believe in something so wholeheartedly, it pisses you off when your idol - in this case The University of Notre Dame itself - seems to demonstrate a huge departure from your morals. On the other hand, I believe in respect. I have written that Barack Obama is not Jesus; well, he's not Saddam Hussein either. He is the President of our country, a historical figure, the man in whom we've put our faith to lead us out of an ever-growing pit of despair. Whether or not he leads us out or just makes it worse, he deserves a little respect. Who better than our nation's leader to provoke the minds of a few thousand young men and women who will be called upon to make change in our country, in the world?"

So you have to wonder, if we can't even agree on the President's appearance at Notre Dame, let alone his call for common ground discussion...how can we possibly move forward?

I'll tell you how and it's easier than you'd think...civility.

Civility takes work. Believe me, I know. Just writing this was an act in civility for me...someone who would rather tell you to #suckit and to get your laws off my uterus. It's really easy to sink like that when the other side tweets "Obama at Notre Dame: Hey, let’s be open-minded about child murder."

With that, let's face it- I don't want to do this just as much as you don't want to do this. But if we truly care about our rights, about this country and about life (don't faint, pro-choicers actually DO care about life) we need to heed the President's call for common ground.

My heels have been dug in for so very long that I never expect them to budge on Roe or the rights surrounding this issue. But I can find ways to work with you.

I will leave my heel dug in, but pull a toe up from the mud if you will do the same. And if we truly can not find any common ground I will attempt to be respectful of your beliefs, while I fight them.

It can be done.

So what do you say? Care to meet me up here on this high road that our President has built? Or will you stay in your trench and continue to toss grenades?

BlogHer is non-partisan but our bloggers aren't! Check out more coverage at News & Politics. Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog.

(Another) Facebook Uproar: Lactating Still Bad, Hate Groups OK

2009-05-11T23:51:24-05:00

Remember this?

Back in the Fall of 2007 many in this community joined the fight against Facebook, more specifically Facebook's ban on photos of mother's breastfeeding their children.

We joined the protest group. We contributed to videos. We held a nurse-in. One of the main talking points throughout the campaign was the alleged inconsistencies in Facebook's Terms of Service. They appeared to allow pro-anorexia groups, and, as many of us pointed out, hate groups.

At the time a few media outlets picked up on the bru-ha-ha. Some notable bloggers joined in. Even TechCrunch had a short piece on the uproar (with, in my opinion, some of the most immature and sexist comments I've ever seen against women in one single post- "chicks and their milkbags" comes to mind). And then the ruckus died down.

Until now.

It seems the Facebook TOS issue has reared it's head in the form of the blogosphere taking note of the allowance of Holocaust Denial groups on the service.

Michael Arrington at TechCrunch writes, "Jew Haters Welcome At Facebook, As Long As They Aren't Lactating" much to the delight and surprise of some in the mommyblogging community. Ok, much to the delight and surprise of ME.

In fact, I was so shocked by the allegiance I twittered:

"Did the boys just figure out Facebook allows hate groups? the MOMS pointed this out years ago when they wouldn't allow bfeeding pics. lol"

Which then started a full scale discussion over on this thread at friendfeed.

Karoli ties the entire issue together citing very clearly that Facebook needs lessons in community management,

"Just amazing. It seems that on the Internet, there are still many males (I won’t call them men) who don’t have any respect for women, and have no problem demonstrating it on a daily basis.

This is bully behavior. When women are demeaned for breastfeeding or wanting to promote breastfeeding (which was the original purpose of the group) by men who fail to see the hypocrisy in Facebook’s decision matrix around these two groups, they are being marginalized and bullied. It’s wrong, but I’m not exactly sure what could be done to prevent and/or stop it.

Here’s one idea: Let’s see some of the mature, responsible members of this large universe called the Internet stand up not only against Holocaust deniers, but also for breastfeeding mothers. "

As a breastfeeding mother I want to see Facebook be consistent in the way it implements it's TOS. As someone disgusted by Holocaust denial groups, and other hate groups, I am appalled they are allowed to remain while photos of me feeding my daughter are removed.

Now that the "other half" of the blogosphere is having this discussion in depth, will we see any movement from Facebook? Will the "tech" bloggers continue to embrace the "mommyblog" causes when it involves a social networking service?

I can't wait to find out.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog

Backtalk: Breastfeeding- Why Can't We Shut Up About It?

2009-05-07T20:19:13-05:00

It seems every other day there is a breastfeeding bru-ha-ha in the blogosphere. Someone nursed in (gasp!) public. Someone nursed someone else's kid. Someone felt guilty about not being able to breastfeed. Someone posted a new study for or against formula or for or against breast milk.

The issues and the blog posts go on and on and on. So it seemed only fitting we talk back about breastfeeding on BlogHer Backtalk

You see it seemed that after the recent New York Times article on "Dumping the Pump" we thought the subject was worth the discussion. Again.

And again. And again. What can we say? This subject really gets people talking.

In this episode:

Her Bad Mother

Blacktating

Queen of Spain blog

Notes from the Trenches

And don't forget- we want to hear from YOU on this subject and many more. Here is what we're working on for upcoming Backtalk episodes:

Parenting a Special Needs Child.

Bullying.

Kids on Caffeine.

You can leave a video for us here or on any video sharing service. Just leave the link in the comments of this post! Come on- talk back!

Souter Stepping Down From High Court

2009-05-01T11:18:32-05:00

From NPR:

Supreme Court Justice David Souter is planning to retire at the end of the current court term. The vacancy will give President Obama his first chance to name a member of the high court and begin to shape its future direction.

At 69, Souter is nowhere near the oldest member of the court. In fact, he is in the younger half of the court's age range, with five justices older and just three younger. So far as anyone knows, he is in good health. But he has made clear to friends for some time that he wanted to leave Washington, a city he has never liked, and return to his native New Hampshire. Now, according to reliable sources, he has decided to take the plunge and has informed the White House of his decision.

The news sent buzz across the web.

Melissa McEwan from Shakesville writes,

"As ever, we can look to the party of Great American Patriots to bring the country to its fucking knees so they can engage in ideological warfare exponentially more protracted and melodramatic than what they claimed was virtually treasonous, when the Dems merely asked tough questions of Bush's nominees (Roberts and Alito) and then confirmed them with less fuss than was probably even deserved.

In good news, it is not unlikely that we could see the first woman of color appointed to the Supreme Court. Woot!"

While Nice Deb seeks to remind everyone how President Obama views the appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice via video:

Deb writes,

"What with Justice Souter’s recent announcement that he’s retiring, and Obama’s top three contenders to replace him being far lefties, I was counting on Republicans to examine his eventual nominee’s philosophy, ideology and record. I trust the Republican will not be shy in bringing any troubling concerns to the public’s attention. I’m delighted that Obama approves."

The Huffington Post has a slide show of possible Souter replacements. Daily Kos also has photos of possible candidates.

Pam's House Blend remarks, "Oh, this summer is gonna be FUN..."

MSNBC's Brian Williams gives us an interesting look into Souter's life, and how he longs to return to New Hampshire and the life balance he allegedly prefers,

"David Souter is not of this world. At least not the world many of us living in this nation's population centers experience on a daily basis in 2009. His intellect is the stuff of folklore, and so is his personal life. He's been described as an almost Victorian figure, straining to maintain the lifestyle he prefers while the world changes around him. That he drives an automobile remains something of a wonder -- his concession to changes in modern transportation -- given that other aspects of his life and mindset seem borrowed from another century, and not the last one."

CNN reports the White House began compiling possible Supreme Court Justice picks months ago, "The [Obama] White House and the Justice Department certainly have people there already thinking about the issues, compiling lists, starting to vet the backgrounds of those candidates," said Edward Lazarus, a Supreme Court legal expert and a legal adviser during the Obama transition.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog

Arlen Specter No Longer A Republican

2009-04-28T12:10:52-05:00

BlogHer contributing editor the American Princess said it best:

"Holy F@#$."

Longtime GOP Senator Arlen Specter is becoming a Democrat. CNN reports,

"The Specter party switch would give Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate majority of 60 seats if Al Franken holds his current lead in the disputed Minnesota Senate race.

Specter, a five-term Senate veteran, was expected to face a very tough primary challenge in 2010 from former Rep. Pat Toomey, who nearly defeated Specter in the Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary in 2004."

Cat West twitters in reaction, "All the Sane Republicans will leave the GOP and not suffer the humiliation of their reality challenged peers...Now, if we could just get rid of Lieberman..."

Wonkette just wants to know if that's "60 yet."

While BlogHer contributing editor Dana Loesch says good riddance, "Bye Specter. Exactly what the GOP needed: delouse the party..."

Politico reports, "Specter had been in secret talks with Senate Democratic leaders for months, according to Senate sources, but his final move to become a Democrat came after a recent poll showed him badly losing a Pennsylvania Republican primary next year. Specter talked with Obama Tuesday morning, and the president said he was 'thrilled' to have Specter joining the Democratic side of the aisle."

What do you think? Do you care that Specter has changed parties? Worried about a filibuster proof Democrat majority? Not care at all? Sound off in comments.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog

Crashing the Tea Party

2009-04-14T23:43:19-05:00

Fox News thinks ACORN is going to crash conservative Tea Parties...perhaps they haven't met my daughter and I?

We're holding our own Tea Party.

In case you missed it, "anti-tax" protesters are gathering across the country this April 15th to throw "tea parties" to show their...well, it's unclear. Stefania from MOMOcrats calls it it a tantrum,

"We've been puzzling over this tea party concept ever since we've heard about it. From what we can figure Conservatives across the country are holding parties to protest being 'Taxed Enough Already' (get it?) among other things. This despite the fact that President Obama has just passed the largest middle class tax cut in history. Remember during the campaign how the GOP was telling everyone that Obama would raise your taxes? Makes you wonder if Republicans 1) ever read Obama's proposed tax policy and 2) ever read the news."

Jane Hamsher has a more detailed round-up on how all this tea party business got started. With "business" being the key word,

"Why all the effort to distance themselves (Fox News) from the teabaggers? It's obvious they are integrally involved -- Fox has given them millions in free publicity, despite the fact that there's no evidence of 'ratings gold' here. Four of their biggest stars will be appearing at the rallies, Fox Nation will be hosting a 'virtual tea party,'Glenn Beck is holding a $500 a plate fundraiser for them and Fox has been officially promoting the entire affair as the FNC Tax Day Tea Parties...Maybe they're afraid that if people knew that those behind the demonstrations were the very same lobbyists and influence peddlers the teabaggers claim to decry, the whole thing would be revealed to be what it is -- a hollow excercise in extremist right-wing hypocrisy."

Confused yet? Teablogging.net also breaks down the Tea Party fun,

"Who is behind the Teabags Across America movement? Well, fuck if we know. But here are a few of the Founding Fathers:

Obvs we all know about CNBC “journalist” Rick Santelli, who got the ball (heh) rolling back in February when he sort of went apeshit on the air and then all the kids watched it on the YouTube, for laffs.

Next we heard, American Spectator boy wonder Managing Editor and known anti-twittite J. Peter Freire tweeted the idea of having a “New American Tea Party,” you know, for principles.

WHOA BUT WAIT. Next thing you know, new media genius Michael Patrick Leahy is just goin cold nuts about liberty and stuff. So now HE is in charge.

And then, because nothing says “grassroots” like “big money lobbyists,” our friends at FreedomWorks got in on the act! AND THEY MADE SHIRTS.

But you know it’s really not a conservative movement until the American Family Association signs on, and sign on they did."

So where does that leave us? April 15th will be filled with extremists, anti-Obama-ites, GOP/RNC opportunists, lobbyist, plenty of t-shirt sales, anti-union groups, and according to Firedoglake white supremacists and xenophobic anti-immigrant groups.

Wow. Quiet the gathering.

Then there are those holding virtual tea parties like Technosailor.com's Aaron Brazell, who says he wants nothing to do with the extremists,

"...don't bring me into extraneous issues. My 'teaparty' is only focused on taxcode/system. Non-partisan."

Unfortunately that core message isn't getting through. It seems just about everyone has caught on to the double entendre with the Tea Party rhetoric in which participants have been encouraged to "tea bag" the White House, or "tea bag" their Congressman.

I'll give you a second to go look it up on Urban Dictionary.

The giggles and snickers have spread to cable news and beyond, resulting in Tea Parties not being taken seriously.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News

Which leaves me exactly where I started, spending April 15th having a tea party with my daughter. The 4-year old won't give me spin, lobbyists, white supremacists, or tax-cut rhetoric. No, all I will get from her is a little sugar.

BlogHer is nonpartisan but our bloggers aren't! Read more at BlogHer.com

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog.

Death Toll Rising in Italian Quake

2009-04-06T13:33:47-05:00

At least 92 people are believed dead after a powerful earthquake hit central Italy Monday, killing dozens, leaving thousands homeless and devastating a historic city and nearby towns.

Lauren Ashley Pesina simply tweets, "To Italy *Hug*"

Condolences poured in from around the world, including from President Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI and Abdullah Gul, president of quake-prone Turkey.

Reuters reports an Italian scientist predicted a major earthquake around L'Aquila weeks before disaster struck the city, but was reported to authorities for spreading panic among the population.

"Vans with loudspeakers had driven around the town a month ago telling locals to evacuate their houses after seismologist Gioacchino Giuliani predicted a large quake was on the way, prompting the mayor's anger. Giuliani, who based his forecast on concentrations of radon gas around seismically active areas, was reported to police for 'spreading alarm' and was forced to remove his findings from the Internet"

Personal stories continue to come out of the area.

Jinxx writes, "Omg!!! Anna just told me the Earthquakes in Italy were IN her TOWN! Omggg I'm so worried. Well, she answered me so SHE is okay at least."

AmeriCares and GlobalGiving (among others) are working to get aid to the affected area.

GM/Chrysler And Detroit Bias

2009-03-31T18:34:39-05:00

Wednesday "Dr. Ed Montgomery, the White House Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, will visit Michigan to discuss the President’s support of a strong American auto industry and the President’s Auto Task Force initiative to support and revitalize auto industry workers and communities." - Office of the Press Secretary, the White House

There is no laughing in Michigan this April Fools, no jokes, and no elbow-to-the-rib chuckle.

Instead the new Car Czar will head to the heart of the problem and begin his task. But where's the Bank Czar? Hmmmm.

President Obama is giving General Motors 60 days to come up with a more aggressive plan to cut costs and debt. Chrysler is only getting half that time to work out a combination with Italian automaker Fiat. If they fail, the government will force them into bankruptcy court. - CNNMoney.com

According to the same article, "Bankruptcy would not be the end of the drain on federal dollars. In fact, it could mean an even greater cost to taxpayers.

There is widespread agreement that the companies would need more financing to fund their operations during a bankruptcy than the $21.6 billion they are asking for from the government to stay out of bankruptcy court. GM has estimated that it would need $45 billion in additional federal help for even a quick trip in and out of bankruptcy."

The President's plan also came with the ousting of GM CEO Rick Wagoner.

Firedoglake's Jane Hamsher takes on the GM/Chrysler question on MSNBC, and exposes the real Detroit bias.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is clearly wondering herself-

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News

The word on the street is a good CEO kick in the pants is just what Americans may need to get behind the plan to save the Auto Industry. After all we hate all things that seem irresponsible, right?

For example, a recent story on "free cars and gas" for GM employees. Of course those in the trenches know better.

Sarah A. Webster at the Detroit Free Press writes,

"Sometimes what looks like a perk is just not a perk. Every corporate jet does not represent excess.

Nor does every “free” car from Detroit’s automakers.

Lots of companies provide discounts on their core product as part of their compensation for workers.

The newspaper where I work gives me “free” newspapers at work. Employees of airlines, I’m told, also get “free” flights. Toyota Motor Corp. told me that it also provides free car insurance for employees who lease one of their vehicles, at discount.

And sometimes, well, things that look like perks are just something else altogether — like a test program."

It's the Detroit Bias. People love to hate Detroit and seem to go out of their way to find fault.

And once they get past the Detroit bias, there is the large divide between progressives and conservatives to tackle. Where one side yells Bailout! While the other yells LOAN! Where one side favors helping, while the other prefers a market correction via survival of the fittest.

The mere mention of government involvement in business sends a ripple through many already paranoid conservatives and independents. The ones that prefer doing nothing while jobs, homes, and lives are ruined.

Many of us see this as priority on their part. It's more important to save their dogma than real people.

Never mind that GM and Chrysler came begging the government and agreed to terms. Never mind there needs to be accountability for those terms. Never mind these same people were calling for CEO heads to roll months ago. Never mind we don't actually function in a true free market and therefor our solutions can't be simply free market solutions...

No, they are stuck on the idea that our government can only function in one way, and any move off that path will send us right into some Marxist/Socialist/Communist hell.

Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is a bit more understanding of the Administration's decisions

So where does that leave Detroit? And the great state of Michigan?

With a President making an example of an easy-target CEO. A public beheading in the square to satisfy the chanting mob. The buying of more time for all parties involved.

With a large swath of voters angry the government is even THERE, demanding cities and counties and a state die a slow death while we all watch. Because it's the American way.

With two real options: continued government help or bankruptcy, which we now know will cost more than the help.

And, without argument from anyone, a huge mess.

Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at QueenofSpainblog

Dow Up Nearly 500 Points

2009-03-23T23:46:57-05:00

Stocks surged Monday, recharging the rally, after Treasury's plan to buy up billions in bad bank assets and a better-than-expected existing home sales report raised hopes that the economy is stabilizing.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) gained 497 points, seeing its biggest one-day point gain since Nov. 21. The gain was equivalent to 6.8%, which was the biggest one-day percentage gain since Nov. 21. The gain was equivalent to 6.8%, which was the biggest one-day percentage gain since Oct. 28. -CNNMoney.com

The news sent Twitter buzzing.

Laurelli2 tweets, "I know I don't. I just sit waiting for the damn thing to fall again. @ClaytonFox ...do people still see the Dow going up as a good thing"

Meredith Berke says, "Sooo happy the dow is feeling better. Hoping it will continue to rise, riise, riiiiise!"

Darla Dixon writes, "The Dow jumped 500 points today and existing home prices increased 5%. I blame Obama."

Christie Moss was optimistic too, "Way to go, Dow! In your face recession."

But is the excitement premature?

But while analysts were pleased with the market’s performance Monday, they were also still cautious; Wall Street more than gave back its big yearend rally and continued falling during January and February.

Subodh Kumar, an independent investment strategist in Toronto, said the Fed’s announcement that it would buy government debt and the details on plans to help banks are giving traders hope for recovery.

“The market is shedding some of its excess pessimism. That doesn’t mean the market goes straight up,” he said.- MSNBC.com

Will it last? Time will tell.

Getting Emotional Over Stem Cells

2009-03-10T18:24:39-05:00

I wasn't expecting to get emotional over stem cells. I've heard the arguments, I've seen the promise, I've listened to the pundits drone on and on. I never really thought of it until I began reading and researching in order to write this post.

First, came the announcement from the White House:

"From tiny embryonic cells to the large-scale physics of global warming, President Barack Obama urged researchers on Monday to follow science and not ideology as he abolished contentious Bush-era restraints on stem-cell research. 'Our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values,' Obama declared as he signed documents changing U.S. science policy and removing what some researchers have said were shackles on their work."-yahoo news.

I have to admit this brought a smile to my face. President Obama went on to address the "controversy" surrounding stem cells head on saying the order was designed so it "never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction." Such cloning, he said, "is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society or any society."

I realize this is a touchy subject with a segment of the population. I can't pretend to understand the objections, because I very truly do not. Even Time acknowledges the "fake" controversy.

Feministe sums up my thoughts pretty well,

"Obama also said that he hopes Congress will continue to support stem-cell research legislatively. All of this is incredibly excellent news, and I cannot possibly express how very happy I am about the development. It looks like we may in fact be moving towards a real 'culture of life,'which values the lives of actual people. Go President Obama!"

Of course that "culture of life" reference is not a mistake. The controversy surrounding stem cells is directly related to the potential for human life and the anti-choice movement. Me? I am reminded of Galileo and others, and the notion that religion can repress discovery.

I am also offended that stem cells destined for destruction anyway are being protected by people OVER the protection of those I know and love.

Because I learned a lot reading the many, many articles about stem cells- almost more than I bargained for. You see, my father has a low-grade form of leukemia. Did you know they are using stem cell research to attempt to advance treatment and find a potential cure for leukemia?

Did you also know stem cell research may one day help someone right here at BlogHer?

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Nordette writes,

"At some time in the future, I will need kidney and stem cell research offers hope beyond hoping I find a matching donor and get approved for transplant...I remember while I was going through domestic violence counseling, the counselor and I discussed my being ill, needing a kidney for reasons the doctor's don't understand, and I told her that I was realistic about the news I'd received at age 43, that by age 53 I'd need a kidney. I said that I'd accepted that it was unlikely I'd get one because most people don't, and so, I wanted to live my life like I'd never be approved as a recipient.

She looked me in the eye and said, 'I don't want to hear you talk like that. Medical science is making progress in all areas and for all you know by the time you need a kidney they'll be growing them in a lab.'

Her words comforted me six years ago, and sometimes I try to look at life that way: What if I make it? What if I have another 40 years ahead of me and not another 5-10?"

And here's where I cry and get angry. Why Why Why would anyone deny this chance to my father, to my friend Nordette, to the many millions of people suffering from various things? All for a clump of cells destined for destruction? They value the clump of cells more than my father? MY OWN FATHER.

Which is why, when my tears dry, I'm glad we have BlogHer Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan to break a complicated issue down with FACTS and a great video:

Of course, speaking out on stem cells will get you mocked by some on the Right. Some who may or may not be the leading voice of the Right... but, I digress.

I hope President Obama's actions turn into solutions and science will lead the way in helping not just my father, not just Nordette, but all those in need of help.

The President's words ring true and it really is about time we "make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology."

BlogHer is non-partisan, but our bloggers aren't! Read more News & Politics. Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also blogs at Queen of Spain blog.

BlogHer Invited to Dream Up a Phone App at SXSWi

2009-03-05T11:00:27-06:00

I have to admit my job here at BlogHer is pretty cool. Not only do I get to hang out with amazing women on a daily basis, but sometimes I am asked to participate in some fun events on behalf of this community.

Next weekend I'll be traveling to Austin, TX for the SXSWi conference. While there, I get to give Windows Mobile the BlogHer community's idea for a Fantasy Application for your phone.

Meaning, we dream up an app for a Windows Mobile platform (think like your iPhone apps) and if they like it, THEY BUILD IT.

Of course, this is BlogHer- and that means instead of Erin just submitting her idea for an app, Erin is asking her community to help. We're in this together.

If you could dream up ANYTHING that could run on a Window's Mobile platform... ANYTHING...now is your chance. They want outlandish. They want dreamy. Somehow I have no doubt the BlogHer community can deliver.

Do you want the best ever Mom organizer in the world? Do you want a "find me the best family bathroom in the mall" app? How about a shopping app? An app for recipes? How about a "women bloggers" app?

Dream it up and leave it in the comments below- let's make them BUILD THE BLOGHER APP!!!!!

Rush Is In Charge: The End of the GOP

2009-03-03T09:51:55-06:00

As a progressive it's not hard for me to admit I'm enjoying the power struggle in the GOP. It seems it's not very clear who is in charge. Some days it's the newly elected chairman, Michale Steele, other days it's a talk show host.

Over the weekend Steele called Rush Limbaugh's rhetoric "incendiary" and "ugly" and insisted that he, not Limbaugh, is in charge of the GOP. Now CNN reports Steele is looking to kiss and make-up with the talk show host and has apologized saying "There are those out there who want to look at what he's saying as incendiary and divisive and ugly. That's what I was trying to say. It didn't come out that way."

It didn't take Louisiana Governor (and current "chosen one" in the GOP) long to chime in:

Now believe me when I tell you it was not very long ago Democrats were in disarray and the Republicans were taking swipes at their "lack of clear message" and "disorganization." But I'm not sure a talk show host was ever running the show. Keith Olbermann was not setting the Democratic agenda.

However it now appears Rush is not just setting the GOP agenda, but forcing it's chairman and it's biggest names to kiss his ring.

I'd like to just review some Rush Limbaugh classic moments, if you don't mind.

"Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society."

"This is no different than what happens at the Skull and Bones initiation...I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You ever heard of the need to blow some steam off?" --on the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal

"We're not sexists, we're chauvinists -- we're male chauvinist pigs, and we're happy to be because we think that's what men were destined to be. We think that's what women want."

"The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies."

"They oughtta change Black History Month to Black Progress Month and start measuring it."

"Look, let me put it to you this way: the NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it."

"Sorry to say this, I don't think he's been that good from the get-go. I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well." --on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, while working as a commentator on ESPN

And let's not forget the very best of his racist remarks:

1. I mean, let’s face it, we didn’t have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I’m not saying we should bring it back; I’m just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark.

2. You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.

3. Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?

4. Right. So you go into Darfur and you go into South Africa, you get rid of the white government there. You put sanctions on them. You stand behind Nelson Mandela — who was bankrolled by communists for a time, had the support of certain communist leaders. You go to Ethiopia. You do the same thing.

5. Take that bone out of your nose and call me back(to an African American female caller).

Yes, GOP...this is your leader. Wow, you must be so very proud. So on top of being sexist and racist, Rush apparently has trouble with the constitution as well- you know, that document I'm fairly sure most conservatives live and die by. Firedoglake points out Rush's gaffe:

See a pattern here?

Karen Hughes misattributed the phrase "One nation under God," Sarah Palin didn't know what the First Amendment is or what the Vice President does, and now this.

"We believe that the preamble to the Constitution contains an inarguable truth that we are all endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life. [Applause] Liberty, Freedom. [Applause] And the pursuit of happiness. [Applause] Those of you watching at home may wonder why this is being applauded. We conservatives think all three are under assault. [Applause]"

Zzzzzt!

So sorry, El Rushbo, those words are not from the Preamble. They're in the Declaration of Independence.

All this love wingnuts claim to have for the Constitution never seems to manifest itself in, like, actual knowledge of the Constitution.

Now Erin, perhaps Rush is just misunderstood, perhaps (you say) I just don't understand his satire or his parody or his style...Emily Hummel tries to explain via twitter:

"The RNC catering to Rush Limbaugh is why we Republicans have a bad name. Honestly everyone is not that bad!"

I hope she's right. However just the decorations at the recent CPAC conference makes me leery the party of the "Big Tent" does more than alienate everyone under it's umbrella.

With that in mind I would like to propose a theory: the GOP is alienating itself from just about every segment of America one-by-one and isolating itself into irrelevance.

The party that started and came into it's own with an entertainer, will now end with an entertainer.

BlogHer is non-partisan but our bloggers aren't! Read more of our coverage in
News & Politics. Contributing Editor Erin Kotecki Vest also writes at Queen of Spain Blog

Backtalk: Kelly and Tammy Talk "THAT" Parent

2009-02-27T14:30:30-06:00

Kelly Wickham from MochaMomma talks with her friend and fellow educator Tammy Douglass on how to not be "that" parent- the one that drives teachers crazy.