child welfare

The War on our Children, By Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.)

Well said, and I'm glad someone in Congress is saying it.

excerpt:

Funding a war in Iraq and providing tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans does more damage than Republicans in Congress care to admit. As they clamor on about patriotism, their funding priorities are costing America its future.

The Republican Congress is placing hurdles in front of our children that are nearly impossible to clear. At every turn, from age zero to 18, roadblocks have been erected that block them from reaching their potential.
[snip]
If the United States can find $250 billion for a failed war in Iraq and give American millionaires an average tax break of $41,574 apiece in 2006, then the most affluent country in the world can find the funds to improve its schools and workplaces. Our future depends on it.

a question

Is it possible that the entire purpose of every choice you've made in your life was to get you exactly to where you are in this moment, right here and right now?

If that was true, how would it affect your choice of what to do right now?

human rights and shopping

I thought some of you might be interested in this...

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The holiday season is upon us, and as many of us head to the stores and the shopping malls, we'd like to give you a very tangible way to support equality with every dollar you spend.

The Human Rights Campaign's Buyer's Guide gives you the information you need to support companies that support equality. The guide utilizes the groundbreaking research and advocacy of the Human Rights Campaign's Workplace Project to give you the tools to effect corporate change in your everyday life.

Shopping at Banana Republic or L.L. Bean? Filling up the tank at Shell or Exxon? Fighting the mid-afternoon snacking urge with a Balance Bar or a Power Bar? Our buyer's guide will let you know which products and companies to support and which to avoid. Click here to download your complimentary buyer's guide before you begin your holiday shopping.

After you've downloaded your guide, please take a minute to tell at least 5 friends how they can support equality by flexing their own purchasing power. To let your friends know about the Human Rights Campaign's "Buying for Equality" buyer's guide, click here [EDIT: or post it to your LJ ;>]

We are proud to say that corporate America is leading the way to fairness and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in offices and boardrooms around the country. By offering domestic partner benefits and implementing inclusive anti-discrimination policies, workplaces are rapidly becoming a fairer place for all employees.

However, it is still legal in most states to fire a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employee for no other reason than who they are. Many companies still have a long way to go toward equality for all employees. You can help turn the tide by making informed decisions about the products you purchase and the companies you choose to support, especially during this busy shopping season.

Together, we can help effect real change in workplaces across the country.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
Human Rights Campaign President