Living Within Our Means: Obama Addresses Students at NOVA

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” President Barack Obama began in a speech addressed to students at Northern Virginia Community College on Tuesday.  In a town hall format in the school’s gymnasium, the President spoke about what’s been on everyone’s minds: the current state of the economy and the resulting budget cuts. 

Relating the budget cuts to the financial problems of college students, Obama asked how many students in the room were also on a tight budget, saying that, just like students, they are “looking for change under couch cushions” in order to cut spending without having to cut social programs that are important to us, like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  As these programs are being targeted by Republicans in office, Obama and other Democrats are fighting to maintain and strengthen them, while finding other ways to reduce the deficit.   It was evident that those in the audience were worried about these very social programs, as well as what would be cut instead. 

Although he did not attempt to address anything remotely related to Title X funding cuts or the slashing of abortion funding in the District of Columbia, he did contend that he wanted to hold the wealthy accountable and end the Bush-era tax cuts for the richest in our country when the two-year extension he placed on it last year came to an end.  He also reasoned that we could find savings in the defense budget, that there was room to cut there as well, though did not articulate what specifically within the defense budget and how he would go about it.

“The question isn’t if we should cut; it’s how,” he said, noting that the things he refused to cut spending on are infrastructure, technology research, and education. He argued that education funding for things like Pell grants should go up rather than be cut, and that we should invest in education and the environment, but attempt to use that money more efficiently.  “We must live within our means, while investing in the future,” he said. The applause for comments regarding education and clean energy spanned the room, generating a lot of positive energy in the crowded gym. 

He kept coming back to the budget being a “shared responsibility,” a challenge that we all have to work toward tackling together. “I need your help,” he said. “Hold us accountable. They want to reduce the deficit on your backs, unless you make your voices heard.”  As we have been, we plan to do so in the immediate future and beyond that.  Students have been speaking out about the programs that they want protected. The question is not whether we will voice our opinions, but rather, whether they will listen.  

Another War Wound for LGBTQ Community in the Military

In an effort to fully accept openly-gay soldiers into the military, the Pentagon announced last week that it has sent (via email) a confidential survey to over 400,000 active and reserve troops regarding gays in the military.

President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Charman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and the House have all supported the movement to end the ban against openly gay/lesbian soldiers in the military. Despite this support, the military kicked out over 400 soldiers last year in the midst of two debilitating wars.

The survey contains 100 questions such as: "If 'Don’t ask, don’t tell’ is repealed and you are working with a service member in your immediate unit who has said he or she is gay or lesbian, how, if at all, would it affect your immediate unit’s effectiveness at completing its mission?” The soldiers can respond by checking six different multiple choice answers ranging from “very positively” to “very negatively.”

Many gay rights organizations, such as The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, have denounced the survey of unnecessarily classifying “homosexuals” as secondary citizens. Director Aubrey Sarvis rightly points out: “Surveying the troops is unprecedented- it did not happen in 1948 when President Truman ended segregation and it did not happen in 1976 when the service academies opened to women.” So why now? What does this survey mean to the LGBTQ community serving in the military?

Check out the Time article, "A Brief History of Gays in the Military" for further context.

Check out past Choices Campus Blog to see how Don't Ask Don't Tell disproportionately affects women and what you can do about it.

Equal Pay Act: 47 Years Later

47 years ago yesterday, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act. According to the Wage Project a professional woman will make $1 million less than a professional man in her lifetime.

I’m going through a phase right now where I’m not quite sure where I’ll end up in 5 years, most likely fighting the good fight in Women’s rights/Human Rights or still in school, but I will definitely be a professional woman, and it really upsets me (putting it lightly) that I could be missing out on ONE MILLION DOLLARS during the span of my lifetime. I mean just think of all the things you could do with some extra cash.

What's worse is that the stats we hear like "A woman makes 77 cents to every dollar a man makes." are not entirely true. That statistic should read something more like "A professional Caucasian woman makes 77 cents to every dollars that a man makes." Statistics can be presented in many ways and unfortunately pay equity statistics, in my opinion, are spun to look like the wage gap is much smaller than it actually is.

What about women and men who work blue collar jobs? How much less do those women make than men? (Correct me if I am wrong, but the statistics from the Wage project do not include these women)

Women of color make significantly less than 77 cents, African American women make 68 cents to every dollar, and Latina women make 58 cents (Que?!) It's just extremely disgusting to think that in 2010 women still get paid less because they are women.

"Because they are women"
Everytime I say this I take a moment to let it sink in, so that I always remember that I am a second-class citizen and that there still is a lot of work left for feminists.

Check out what President Obama said about Pay Equity yesterday.

I found this very interesting link from WAGE "What Are the Costs of the Wage Gap", check it out!

Oh a much happier note! Today Iceland made same-sex marriage legal! Yes! Equality Wins!

Photo Credit: AMagill on Flickr

Students Counter Protest Westboro Baptist Church Protesters

Members from the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas protested Monday on Wisconsin Avenue across from Sidwell Friends School. Students also held signs and took part in a counter-protest. The Westboro Baptists Church protesters held signs with the President’s picture saying “The Beast” and the others which said “morn for your sins.”

Google or wikipedia the Westboro Baptist Church, and a slue of things pop up regarding the beliefs and actions of group members. They range from anti-homosexual propaganda, to picketing at funerals (particularly military ones) and other types of protests. The group is well-known for the notorious and even provocative signs the members often hold.

Think Progressive showed a picture of the protesters and the Sidwell Friends School counter protest, the student’s signs in the background read a Quaker quote “there is that of God in everyone” decorated with hearts.

Administrators for the school say that since January (when the first daughters started) there have been two protests at the school. To put this into perspective it should be noted that there were only two protests total during Chelsea Clinton’s time at the school.

In the original picture, it appears the protesters had been overwhelmingly outnumbered by the students of Sidwell Friends School.

Photo Credit: on flickr.com

Thousands of Gay Rights Supporters March in DC

Tens of thousands marched yesterday from the White House to the nation's Capital at the National Equality March in Washington, DC, in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights. March spokesman Phil Siegal, estimated the crowd at "more than 150,000" according to the Los Angeles Times.

Activist and blogger Corey Johnson told the the New York Times "I think this march represents the passing of the torch...The points of power are no longer in the halls of Washington or large metropolitan areas. It's decentralized now. You have young activists and gay people from all walks of life converging on Washington not because a national organization told them to, but because they feel the time is now." Dave Valk, a student coordinator for the march, also told the New York Times that "There are a lot of people getting involved not just because it's a gay rights movement but because it's a generational movement. People feel like they're part of a shift, that this is important."

Prior to the march, President Obama spoke at a Human Rights Campaign black-tie gala, where he reiterated his commitment to reverse the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prohibits openly gay individuals from serving in the military and his support of abolishing the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits federal acknowledgement of same-sex marriages. Joe Salmonese, president of The Human Rights Campaign, in a statement following Obama's speech on Saturday night wrote "This was a historic night when we felt the full embrace and commitment of the President of the United States. It's simply unprecedented." The Human Rights Campaign gala and the march were two separate events.

However, the march also demonstrated a split in the gay rights movement and received variable support from activist organizations and government officials. Openly gay democratic Representative Barney Frank (MA-4) told the New York Times that "The only thing [marchers are] going to put pressure on is the grass," not the Obama administration.

Source: Feminist Daily News Wire

The ball's rolling against DADT

Many people were angered by President Obama's recent lack of action against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". If you're like me, you've probably been following the DADT dialogue and the struggle of Lt. Dan Choi. Lt. Choi was discharged from the Army after he announced that he was gay. Since then, he has been challenging DADT.

Frankly, it makes me incredibly frustrated that someone who is talented (Lt. Choi speaks Arabic) and has the desire to serve her/his country in the armed forces, should be denied the opportunity because of her/his sexuality. If our country is trying to have a military comprised of dedicated and skilled people, if that truly is the goal, why refuse people because of sexuality?

I think it reinforces the same ridiculous stereotypes that it relies on. I am pretty sure a gay man is just as capable of doing his duty as a straight man. We don't assume that a straight man in the Army is going to fail in his duty because of his sexuality. It just seems really illogical and unfair to me, and to Senator Gillibrand, which is fortunate since she has a bigger direct influence on policy than I do at the moment....

Because of her work on this issue, the Senate Armed Services Committee is going to have hearings on DADT this coming fall. This will be the first time DADT has been evaluated since it's creation in the Clinton administration. Hopefully, the result will be a change in policy that will allow people to be open about their sexuality without fear of reprisal.

Photo courtesy of www.flickr/bearmancartoons

Michelle Obama - should she be more active in the White House?

I think Michelle Obama is an interesting case. Not only is she the wife of the first African American President, but she is also a Princeton grad, a fashionista, and a mother of two children. Clearly, Mrs. Obama has a lot on her shoulders, but I constantly wonder why she is not motivated to be more active in the White House.

At the University of California Merced, Michelle spoke to the graduating class and urged them to be bold and embrace challenges. Her words are wise, and she continues to successfuly caputre the nation with her friendly aura. Students at the university were very happy to have Michelle there, and one student commented on the role Michelle Obama plays.

"I think she's just a new modern type of role model for women. She's incredibly intelligent, well spoken, and she's just interesting," she said.

"It's very good to see the White House pushing people to help others. That's what my university's always done too." (Piya Radia, BBC Newsbeat)

I agree with Piya, Mrs. Obama is a role model. But still, I long for a woman in the White House, not just a Mom-in-Chief, which I think is great, but a Woman-in-Chief. During the Clinton Presidency, we all know that Hillary was very active, and she was able to make positive changes. Now, I hope, Michelle will realize the power of her position and maybe take on some more polticially charged tasks. Of course, she's already been around the world and is helping, I just want to see more! I have high hopes for both President Barack Obama and Michelle.

Newsday Tuesday: June 9 Edition

Hey there, feminist folk, here's your Tuesday roundup of the hottest feminist news this week:

In the US, the death of Dr. George Tiller and related news has dominated the newswire. However, a few other domestic things have come across our radar:

• The Supreme Court will not hear a case challenging the constitutionality of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, banning gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.
  
  
• In New Hampshire, legislation legalizing same-sex marriage was signed into law by Governor John Lynch.
  
  
• The US House passed the Federal Paid Parental Leave Act, which would provide 4 weeks of paid parental leave to Federal Employees after the birth or adoption of a child.
  
  
• Recent polls are showing that Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor has public support - Sotomayor would be the third woman and the first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court, if confirmed.

On the Global Front:

• Meira Kumar, an Indian parliamentarian, is expected to become India's first female Speaker! In other India-related news, Pratibha Patil, the country's first woman president, announced an initiative to pass legislation to empower women in government by reserving a portion of seats for women.
  
  
• President Obama's speech in Cairo addressed global women's rights, including rights of women in Islam.
  
  
• The number of reported rapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo is soaring, with incidences caused primarily by the Democratic Forces of the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Rwandan Hutu rebel group.

President's Cairo Speech Addresses Women's Rights in the Muslim World

I have to say as a Muslim, as a woman, and as a feminist, the President's speech last night was inspiring and revolutionary to say the least. To have an American President reach out the way he did to the Muslim world is both humbling and historic.

While he has a lot to deliver on, the President tackled a host of "risky" issues in his roughly hour-long speech: from the Arab- Israeli conflict, the use of abhorrent violence by Islamic fundamentalists, to 9/11, to US engagement in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Heck, he even brought up the issue of polio in the Muslim world!

As a feminist, the highlight for me came when the Presdient addressed women' s rights in Muslim countries. While navigating a culturally and religiously sensitive topic, the President stipulated the importance of education--specifically, that denying women education denies women equality. He focused on the fact that no one should be denied the right to education.

This particular aspect of the speech made me think about my father and the reaction he got when he decided that all four of his daughters should be educated. At the time, most people in Bangladesh were shocked as families usually invested only in the education of their sons, not their daughters. I can still hear my dad saying, "But why would you not want all your children to be educated?" I always tell him those were his natural feminist instincts rising through ;)

The President also touched on the significance of investing in maternal and child health, and applauded the Muslim countries which had female leaders such as Bangladesh(!!!), Pakistan, and Indonesia to name a few.

To view the speech or read a transcript, click here.

Federal response to Dr. Tiller's assassination

President Obama's lukewarm statement on Tiller's murder:

"I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence."

We're disappointed the president made no mention of law enforcement or justice in this matter. Condemning violence is a good start, but we were looking for real leadership.

However, we are optimistic President Obama's support is more behind-the-scenes. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is devoting Department of Justice resources toward protecting abortion providers. Statement from Holder:

"The murder of Doctor George Tiller is an abhorrent act of violence, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers at this tragic moment. Federal law enforcement is coordinating with local law enforcement officials in Kansas on the investigation of this crime, and I have directed the United States Marshals Service to offer protection to other appropriate people and facilities around the nation.

"The Department of Justice will work to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice. As a precautionary measure, we will also take appropriate steps to help prevent any related acts of violence from occurring."

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was similarly sympathetic. As the Kansas governor, she had worked with Dr. Tiller and was supportive of his work. Her statement (see pg. 4 of WaPo story):

"This is sad and shocking news. My prayers go out to the Tiller family and to the members of his church who witnessed this terrible crime."

If you want to send your condolences and support to Dr. Tiller's family and clinic, use this page and FMF can forward your remarks.

Our thoughts are with his family. We remain grateful to the doctors and their staffs who provide abortion services, and to the volunteers, politicians, and organizations that continue working to protect choice.

Clinic violence is not new, and if we do not organize to protect choice, it may continue. To learn more about recent and past clinic terrorism across the country, browse the data we've collected from clinics since 1993. The most recent survey results were released in February, and you can see that and past surveys on our National Clinic Access Project site.

Dr. Tiller's assassination is the reason our work is still, now more than ever, so important. If you and I do not keep agitating for reproductive freedom, we will lose it.

P.S. We welcome thoughtful, respectful comments and e-mails. If you are condoning clinic violence, post those thoughts on your own blog, not ours. Thanks.

Celebrating the Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

Can you believe it? Just 55 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to desegregate schools across the nation contributed to one of the most influential social justice movements in the world. This past week, organizers and education equity supporters around the country commemorated the 55th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. Former Republican House Speaker, Newt Gingrich and activist, Rev. Al Sharpton joined a rally of supporters in front of the White House on Saturday, and President Obama made reference to the historic court decision in his commencement speech at Notre Dame:

After all, I stand here today, as President and as an African-American, on the 55th anniversary of the day that the Supreme Court handed down the decision in Brown v. the Board of Education. Brown was of course the first major step in dismantling the "separate but equal" doctrine, but it would take a number of years and a nationwide movement to fully realize the dream of civil rights for all of God's children. There were freedom rides and lunch counters and Billy clubs, and there was also a Civil Rights Commission appointed by President Eisenhower. It was the twelve resolutions recommended by this commission that would ultimately become law in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While some are acknowledging how far we've come from a racially segregated past, many are questioning whether enough has been done to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all American students. Today, African American and Latino children incur great difficulties with a widening achievement gap compared to their White counterparts. Even moreso after the passage of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

We know there are several components to education reform such as better, certified teachers receiving greater incentives, alternative public schooling systems (i.e. charter schools), and increased state funding. But what is being done now for public education in the midst of this terrible economic crisis we're facing?

Well, have no fear! Back in March, President Obama spoke voluminously about the crippling conditions of our nation's public education system, so it is definitely on his radar. And in early April, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced that through the President's economic stimulus package, $44 billion dollars was made available for states to reform schools and encourage teaching jobs. Within the past month, 16 states in total have funding readily available to them who wish to apply. If you live or attend school in the following states, urge your state legislature to apply for the MONEY!!!:

1. California
2. Illinois
3. South Dakota
4. Mississippi
5. Minnesota
6. Oregon
7. Utah
8. Maine
9. Wisconsin
10. New York
11. Georgia
12. Nevada
13. Florida
    
14. Indiana
15. Rhode Island
16. Tennessee
    

So does this mean we're on the path to actually fulfilling the inspiration behind Brown v. Board of Education? Who knows, but one thing is certain--we have a long way to go.

A Possible End to Abstinence-Only Education?

So, the big news today is that President Obama's FY2010 was finally released! Though it's a pretty hefty document to paw through, we've got some good news!

The President's budget:
"... proposes a new Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative to support community-based and faith-based efforts to reduce teen pregnancy using evidence-based and promising models. In addition, a new Strengthening Communities Fund will help build the capacity of non-profit organizations and State, Local and Tribal entities to better serve low-income and disadvantaged populations. This Budget also proposes funding for (1) a new child welfare initiative, and (2) a human services case management system for Federally-declared disasters. This Budget eliminates funding for Community-Based Abstinence Education, the mandatory Title V Abstinence Education program, the Compassion Capital Fund, and Rural Community Facilities." From the President's Budget (PDF) - page 491 for those interested

Hallelujah! I know that I am not the only one elated that we finally have a president that is interested in spending our tax dollars on sex ed programs that WORK instead of ab-only programs that DON'T. Comprehensive sex ed saves lives, and we here at FMF are excited that this is a priority.

There's quite a buzz over this, and we may post some more commentary tomorrow, but here's some links to other thoughts on the web:
Salon Broadsheet
Jezebel
Time.com
Politico