Saturday, April 18, 2020

Liars and losers ignore women unless they're able to attack them

The media doesn't really care about life and death.  Example?  Joe Scarborough Tweeted the following yesterday:

More Americans died of the Coronavirus yesterday than died in the entire Iraq War.


As surely as Joe had a dead intern turn up in his office (Lori Klausutis), he cheerleaded the Iraq War.  Having done that, he now wants to let you know that coronvirus deaths in the US are more than deaths from "the entire Iraq War."

That would be the ongoing war.  Joe doesn't care that it's ongoing.  Multiple deaths of US troops already this year in Iraq, but Joe doesn't care.

He also doesn't care that the number of Americans who died in the Iraq War so far isn't really accurate.  Some of the suicides among Iraq War veterans should be included in that count as should some of the injured veterans when their injuries contributed to their deaths. 

But Joe doesn't care about that.

And he certainly doesn't care about the number of Iraqis killed in the war.

He doesn't care about the dead intern.  He doesn't care about the wife he cheated on.  At some point in the near future, he won't bother to pretend he cares about Mika.


A lot of Joes don't care -- Joe Biden for example.  Note this Tweet:



#TimesUpBiden. You can’t retraumatize survivors and loved ones and ask for their vote. You hurt many military families like mine and caused massive bloodshed in the needless Iraq War. Drop out, Joe. You’ve caused too much death, destruction, poverty and violence.
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Alex Lubben (VICE) reports the Sunrise Movement is iffy on supporting Joe:


Sunrise, one of the most powerful youth-led climate advocacy organizations in the U.S., endorsed Sanders in January, based on his commitment to a Green New Deal. Now the leadership and chapters around the country are trying to come to terms with Biden as the inevitable Democratic nominee.
[. . .]
“A lot of people viewed Sanders as the last hope for avoiding some of the worst aspects of climate change,” he said. Spencer said there’s no change in policy that Biden could make now that would motivate him to campaign for the former vice president. And it’s not just Biden’s record on climate change.
“There's the sexual misconduct allegations against Biden,” he said. “And that makes a lot of our members feel uncomfortable.” (One of Biden’s former staffers, Tara Reade, has claimed that Biden sexually assaulted her when she was a Senate staffer. [. . .].)


At Saint Louis University's UNIVERSITY NEWS, Colin Thierry observes:

 Tara Reade, an aide to then-Senator Biden, claimed that Biden repeatedly touched her without her consent and sexually assaulted her when she worked under him in 1993. “It shattered my life,” Reade said in a March interview with journalist Katie Halper. While Trump has had widely publicized, credible sexual assault allegations surface since 2015, it is interesting how many media outlets have ignored or outright dismissed Reade’s allegations against Biden. Since Biden is running for the highest office in the country, I find it especially concerning that the press has been so unwilling to look very deeply into Reade’s allegations.
One of the most frustrating things about the response to Reade’s allegations by Biden supporters and the media is the hypocrisy. I have seen some voters and media members smear Reade as a liar and a Russian plant without any evidence to back up their claims. Believing women should not have a partisan bias. The Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which is set up to help surviviors of rape and sexual assault, even refused to fund a #MeToo investigation into allegations against Biden. This is an especially interesting decision considering that Reade’s allegations against Biden are just as credible and offer the same amount of evidence as Christin Blasey Ford’s allegations against Brett Kavanaugh. This organization was set up to assist and provide resources for survivors of sexual assault, so why is there an exception for Reade? Is the #MeToo movement really about believing women or does this only apply to women who accuse Republican politicians and officials? If the former really is the case, Time’s Up would not have dismissed Reade’s allegations against Biden so quickly.


At THE PROGRESSIVE, Jud Lounsbury observes:

 It’s clear to any fair-minded person looking at this, that more investigation is warranted. 

If Joe Biden is being wrongly accused, a thorough investigation may exonerate him, or at least provide more information that will allow primary voters and convention delegates to make a more informed decision about their party’s nominee. The Democratic National Committee should call for it. This would send strong signal that the Democratic Party takes allegations of sexual assault seriously.




Since PBS elected to ignore Katie Halper, let's note her below.





In excerpts above or elsewhere, we're not noting what a campaign says.  Tara Reade did not accuse the Joe Biden campaign.  As I've said before, Joe needs to speak.  America doesn't give a s**t what some woman who's being paid by Joe to let him hide behind her skirt. 

"All these people don't interview Tara," Katie Halper notes.

Women aren't valued even when women are the anchors -- as on PBS' NEWSHOUR.   Women aren't valued in the US, they aren't valued in Iraq.  Miriam Jackson (UNION JOURNAL) reports:

Numerous UN workplaces in Iraq yesterday urged the federal government to expedite Anti-Domestic Violence Laws amid stories of an increase in such assaults in the course of the coronavirus lockdown.
In a joint assertion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) cited a number of current circumstances of domestic violence in Iraq together with the rape of a girl with particular wants, suicide due to domestic abuse, immolation and self-immolation in addition to self-inflicted accidents due to spousal abuse, sexual harassment of minors and different crimes.
The assertion added that the alarming rise of such crimes highlights the pressing want for parliament to endorse the Anti-Domestic Violence Law in Iraq.

So much is needed in Iraq.

Dropping back to Monday's snapshot:

Starting in Iraq, Awrah al-Alawi maintains that an arrest warrant has been issued for members of the family that Malak Hayder al-Zubiedi married into.
لا حول ولا قوة الا بالله ، الله ينتقم منهم بنت مواليد 2000 يحرقونها علشان العادات و التقاليد الي ما تمد بالدِّين بأي صلة
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 ( تخلف ) #ملاك_حيدر_الزبيدي
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Malak Hayder al-Zubiedi is a 19-year-old woman who was burned -- by her husband? -- and who was not allowed to see her own family for over eight months.  

AL ARABY reports that the burning of Malak became news when her sister posted on FACEBOOK Saturday about what happened.
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وين الغياره وين اهل الرحم وين اماره ازبيد هاي شعره شاربكم هذا السوو بالطفلة وفوكاهاا يهدده تقبلون هيج خلي يجي يشوف بنت زبيد بعد ماتفنن بتعذيبه حركها ابن العقيد حميد المياحي
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Prior to the FACEBOOK post, authorities were saying she had burned herself.  Now, two brothers of her husband have been arrested while authorities insist that they are trying to locate her husband but he is on the run.  Luay al Yassiry, the Governor of Najaf, states that a special team of investigators have been tasked with the case.


If we don't publicize this, in one way or another we're actively promoting a culture of silence. Women in Iraq are still fighting for their simplest rights amid a patriarchal society that always favors and lawfully justifies the actions of these criminals.





Today, Malak's sister announced that Malak has passed away. 

It's very telling that not US news service reported on Malak or what was done to her.  It's very telling.  It's very telling that we were writing about it on Sunday night but others ignored it -- over and over. 


The following sites updated:













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Paralyzed Veterans of America launches campaign to support high-risk veterans during COVID-19 crisis

Paralyzed Veterans of America issued the following:


WASHINGTON, April 17, 2020 -- Paralyzed Veterans of America is launching Stories from the Inside, a national awareness and support campaign, featuring long-time supporter Ben Affleck and paralyzed veterans sharing their fears and struggles from the confinement of their homes due to COVID-19. PVA is taking action during the crisis to ensure the nation's most catastrophically injured veterans have access to resources they need to survive.

With underlying health issues, paralyzed veterans, and all people with serious disabilities, are at the greatest risk for deadly repercussions should they contract COVID-19. Many in this vulnerable population use wheelchairs and rely on others for daily care and vital supplies. They remain trapped in their homes with growing concerns about exposure, limited supplies, increased anxiety, or depression. A trend that will continue for their foreseeable futures.

Stories from the Inside includes a plea from Affleck to viewers to join him in supporting Paralyzed Veterans of America. From financial assistance to purchase supplies and food, to urging lawmakers to prioritize veteran health care, benefits, and civil rights, PVA represents those who cannot advocate for themselves during this crisis.

"The specialized care required for someone with a spinal cord injury or disease is not always available in typical health facilities. It is crucial that we make sure the needs of paralyzed veterans, and all people with disabilities, are not forgotten during this pandemic," said David Zurfluh, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Through the generosity of donors, we can remain the front-line warriors for paralyzed veterans. Tasks that used to be a challenge, like going to the grocery store, are now practically impossible. They are going to need us for months ahead."

PVA national service officers work from within Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder centers and they continue to work on the front line, ensuring these veterans are getting the care they need, processing benefits claims and advocating on behalf of paralyzed veterans and their caregivers.

PVA chapters across the country have enacted emergency relief programs and wellness efforts. "In this time of crisis, not all help is medically related," said Zurfluh. "Sometimes just having someone to ask, 'How are you?' can make the difference between feeling alone and afraid to knowing you're supported. I make calls every day and tell every member I speak to, 'You are not forgotten. We're here and we care about you.'"

 To support the life-saving efforts of PVA during this crisis, or if you are a paralyzed veteran in need of assistance, visit HelpPVA.org for more information.










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ACLU Wins Appeal in Pregnant Workers’ Rights Case

The ACLU issued the following:

media@aclu.org
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004
United States
(212) 549-2666 

April 17, 2020

MONTGOMERY, AL — The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Alabama, and Birmingham attorney Heather Leonard won a federal court appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit today in a pregnancy discrimination case, Durham v. Rural/Metro Corporation. The appeal was filed on behalf of client Michelle Durham, who was forced out of her job as an emergency medical technician (EMT) after being denied a temporary job accommodation due to her pregnancy.

Michelle had been working as an EMT for Rural/Metro for five months when she learned she was pregnant in September 2015. Michelle’s doctor imposed a lifting restriction during her pregnancy, but Rural/Metro refused to accommodate that temporary limitation — despite maintaining a policy of providing “light duty” assignments to EMTs injured on the job. Michelle was forced onto unpaid leave six months before her due date. Attorney Heather Leonard represented Durham before an Alabama district court, which dismissed the case in 2018. With the support of the ACLU, ACLU of Alabama and Heather Leonard, Durham appealed. Today, the Eleventh Circuit reversed that decision, and ruled in Durham’s favor.

“This has been a long, uphill battle, but I’m thrilled the court ruled in our favor and is pushing employers to do the right thing,” said plaintiff Michelle Durham. “No one should lose their job for being pregnant, and I hope what happened to me doesn't happen to others.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit found that the district court had misapplied the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which requires that pregnant workers be treated the same as others “similar in their ability or inability to work.”  Relying on the Supreme Court’s 2015 landmark decision in Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc. — which concerned UPS’s refusal to accommodate a pregnant driver’s lifting  restriction — the court found Rural/Metro’s policy violated the PDA because the company could not justify the preferential treatment it afforded other EMTs.

“Today’s ruling goes a long way toward assuring that pregnant workers will enjoy the full anti-discrimination protections guaranteed by the law,” said Gillian Thomas, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Women’s Rights Project. “The Pregnancy Discrimination Act outlawed pregnancy discrimination in the workplace more than 40 years ago, but employers — and  courts — have chipped away at that promise. Today, the Eleventh Circuit sent a powerful message that the PDA means what it says: pregnant workers must be accommodated on the same terms as other employees.”

“No woman should go through what Michelle Durham did — losing her job just because she decided to start a family,” said attorney Heather Leonard of Birmingham. “We are thrilled that the appeals court agreed that the district court made a mistake, and that Michelle's case now will get the full consideration it deserves. She has waited for justice long enough.”












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Somewhere (Diana Ross)




In November 18,1968, at the the Palladium Theatre, in London, the ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE ,was hailed by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, a seasoned connoisseur of music hall and variety, as being one of the best ever. Diana Ross used the opportunity to make a moving tribute to black civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, who had been assassinated earlier in the year, during her performance with the Supremes. Held in the presence of HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER accompanied by Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Princess Margaret & the Earl of Snowdon . I want to report a share of the speech that Diana Ross made at “ The Royal Variety Performance ( after Martin Luther King's murder) in front of the British Royal Family. While she is singing (with The Supremes ) "SOMEWHERE ", stops the music and start to talk : " I haven' t to many changes to speak to very important people like who stay in front of me tonight. Like you see, I'm black and you are whites .I sing and you hear me ; then, when all is finished, we go all out from the hall, together. There are some States of my country, the USA, where whites and blacks haven' t the same rights :they can't go out from the same door. I wanna that you think about when you'll go home ".A cold silence fall in the hall and someone, from the last rows, start to clap . In short, all the audience , include the Royal Family members, give to Diana Ross and the Supremes a standing ovation lasted more than 2 minutes ! Miss Ross thanks and continues the concert . After the show, Diana Ross and the Supremes were received by the Queen Mother .


[Diana was attacked by the British press for the above performance and asked how dare she say what she said in front of the royal family.  Her response?  "Why not in front of the royal family?"  Also not noted by the person who posted the video -- this took place in November 18, 1968 -- and Diana also spoke out about another issue -- which the British press attacked her for as well.  In 1968, at that same event, the royal family was happy to be entertained by White people in blackface -- the Black and White Minstrels.  You can see a video about that garbage group by clicking here.  Diana offended the royal family -- boo hoo.  She was right to say what she said about MLK, about Civil Rights and to object to White performers shucking and jiving in blackface to mock others.  She got slammed in 1968 but she was right and history has proven her right.  Remember that if you are ever nervous about taking a stand.]



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Court Blocks Tennessee’s COVID-19 Ban on Most Abortions

The Center for Reproductive Rights issued the following:

Federal court says Tennessee abortion providers can resume procedures, blocking the state’s order restricting abortions during the pandemic

Today — at the request of the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee — a federal district court in Tennessee granted an emergency motion, allowing clinics to resume procedural abortions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision comes after Gov. Bill Lee issued a state order limiting “non-emergency” health care procedures. That order banned all abortions other than medication abortions (which involve taking pills and are only available until 11 weeks of pregnancy), despite leading national medical groups agreeing that abortion procedures are essential and time-sensitive.

In his decision, Judge Bernard Friedman wrote, “Moreover, abortion is a time-sensitive procedure. Delaying a woman’s access to abortion even by a matter of days can result in her having to undergo a lengthier and more complex procedure that involves progressively greater health risks, or can result in her losing the right to obtain an abortion altogether. Therefore, plaintiffs have demonstrated that enforcement of EO-25 causes them irreparable harm.”

“Women in Tennessee can breathe a sigh of relief for now, knowing abortion procedures are available again in their home state,” said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “Today’s ruling in Tennessee joins those from courts across the country that have blocked these abuses of emergency powers. Women cannot wait until the pandemic is over to access abortion care, and we will continue fighting to make sure they can.” 

“This has been a very challenging and emotional time for our patients, and frankly heartbreaking for our staff,” said Rebecca Terrell, executive director of CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health. “We are so relieved that we can start rescheduling appointments for our patients and that they won’t be forced to travel out of state during this scary time.”

“Let’s be clear: Abortion is essential, it’s time-sensitive, and it cannot wait. Though this is good news for our patients today, we should never have had to go to court to defend their health care access. A pandemic is a time to expand health care, not an excuse to take it away,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Planned Parenthood is here for the patients and communities we serve in Tennessee, and we won’t back down when it comes to protecting our patients.”

“Forcing people to remain pregnant against their will is cruel and unsafe at any time, and all the more so during a pandemic,” said Julia Kaye, staff attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. “This is a critical victory in the fight to keep abortion accessible in Tennessee, and we will not stop until the state’s harmful actions are blocked once and for all.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, many states have attempted to ban or limit abortion. In addition to Tennessee, lawsuits are ongoing in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. Court decisions allowing abortion care to continue have been issued in Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

Leading medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have opposed these attempts to restrict abortion during the pandemic. Both groups filed an amicus brief in the case challenging Oklahoma’s COVID-19 ban, stating: “[B]anning abortion will not help address the pandemic. Most abortions do not require any hospital resources and use only minimal PPE. And banning abortion will actually increase use of those resources and contribute to spread of the virus.” 

Tennessee also bans the use of telehealth for medication abortion — a method that could greatly expand access and reduce in-person contact. Other abortion restrictions in Tennessee include: a mandatory 48-hour waiting period (which includes a requirement that patients make an additional, medically unnecessary trip to the clinic to receive state-mandated information); limits on when state and public insurance can cover abortion services; and a requirement that minors obtain parental consent. 

This lawsuit was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the ACLU, the ACLU of Tennessee and pro-bono counsel Kramer Levin. Plaintiffs in the case are CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health, Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, Bristol Regional Women’s Center, and Dr. Kimberly Looney. 

The decision is available here.   

###  

 MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Center for Reproductive Rights: center.press@reprorights.org; 585-919-9966
Planned Parenthood Media Office: media.office@ppfa.org; 212-261-4433;
ACLU: media@aclu.org; 212-549-2666 
ACLU of Tennessee: communications@aclu-tn.org; 615-320-7142
Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi: news@pptnm.org; 615-714-4840











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