General Commentary Archives | Page 3 of 9

FOIA Litigation Reveals $138,093 in Department of Defense Expenditures at Mar-a-Lago and Trump Businesses

March 15, 2018 Economic Issues, General Commentary

Washington, DC — A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit from the transparency organization Property of The People has produced receipts and other documents revealing Department of Defense (DoD) expenditures at Mar-a-Lago and twelve Trump properties during the President’s first six months in office. The expenses, each made with DoD charge cards, raise serious questions as to whether Donald Trump

TPS Holders and Their Children File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

March 12, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary, Immigration

200,000 People Could Be Forced Out of the Country by Trump Action SAN FRANCISCO - Nine people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and five United States citizen children of TPS holders today filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the unlawful termination of TPS for more than 200,000 people living in the U.S. and to protect the tens

Locked Up and Locked Out

March 12, 2018 General Commentary

The American criminal justice system currently boasts 2.3 million prisoners. Since 2002, the United States has had the highest incarceration rate in the entire world. Per the Population Reference Bureau, there are 100 prisoners for every 100,000 citizens. We cannot have a discussion about our prison system without first bringing special attention to the amount of black prisoners in America.

Student Activism – A Force for Change

March 6, 2018 General Commentary

This month, a school full of children suffered an enormous tragedy. Again. Seventeen young people were gunned down inside a Florida high school but instead of devolving into the same cycle of meaningless debate, we’re seeing a new moment of student leadership. In a time of crushing grief and anger and fear, these students have chosen to rise up and

Lady Justice Rides the Red Line: An Allegory

March 5, 2018 General Commentary

It all starts out as another commute on the famed DC Metro Red Line. A gust of wind, the hiss of the metro car and she is spotted. Lady Justice in the flesh. Although she can't see you, you can see her. Lady Justice, virtue of good, a pillar of what this great nation means. The red, white and blue.

Rambo is real, armed with an AR-15 and killing Americans by the dozen

February 28, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

In 1985, Sylvester Stallone single-handedly killed 58 people over 96 minutes. Of course, the deaths were onscreen in the movie, “Rambo: First Blood, Part II,” which was critically-panned and labeled unrealistic because there’s no way a single person could to take out an entire army. More than 30 years later in America, there’s real-life, Rambo-like bloodshed, only the death toll

Mayor de Blasio and 76 U.S. Mayors and Elected Officials Push House and Senate to Support Congressional Review Act Resolution to #SaveNetNeutrality

February 27, 2018 General Commentary, Net Neutrality

While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to kill net neutrality rules on December 14, 2017, I’ve said before and I’ll say again, where the Federal government steps back, Cities step forward to protect an open internet. Just a week before the vote, Mayor Bill de Blasio joined sixty-eight cities Mayors and elected officials in signing a letter to the

INDEPENDENCE – THE BEDROCK UPON WHICH AMERICA WAS BUILT

February 27, 2018 General Commentary

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of

Handout: The truth about our computerized election systems

February 23, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

Our elections are under attack. Intelligence officials concur that Russia plans to target the 2018 midterm elections.[i] One hundred experts in the fields of computer science and statistics have recommended paper ballots and post-election statistical audits to protect our democracy.[ii] But some election officials have undermined efforts to implement these security measures with irresponsible and false assurances that it would

Why Can’t They Come Legally?

February 20, 2018 General Commentary, Immigration

One of the oft-heard retorts in the current debate over the fate of Dreamers - immigrants brought to the United States at a young age - is "why don't they come legally?" Those who are unfamiliar with the immigration system frequently presume that Dreamers are simply lazy and never bothered to file for citizenship. Of course, they could not be

More Than My DACA Status As Shared with Hassan Ahmad, Esq.

February 20, 2018 General Commentary, Immigration

In response to a Twitter thread on the hurdles placed in the way of Dreamers and other immigrants seeking to get right with the law, I received this story from someone who didn't make the cut for DACA. Legal hurdles are no stranger to her - but as she says so eloquently, she is more than her status - HMA I’m 22

Dishonest Don

February 19, 2018 General Commentary

"Dishonest Don" Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram:JNick9456 Currently a student at the University of Wisconsin--Green Bay; double majoring in Democracy & Justice Studies, and History. At the beginning of my college career, I intended to major in Art and then perhaps teach the subject. However, as I continued to take various classes, I soon discovered my passion for

Why This Veteran No Longer Believes in the Second Amendment

February 18, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

I no longer “believe” in the Second Amendment. (Whatever that means.) With every mass shooting that carries the national news for a couple days, every elected official or those trying to become one of them start an appearance with the consultant and party approved phrase, “I strongly believe in the Second Amendment.” Then pivot to how they are a gun

I Dare You to Do Your Job

February 16, 2018 General Commentary, Gun Violence

Fine, you win. Despite the overwhelming majority of Americans who approve of increased background checks – no problem, ignore us. You have never even admitted to the FACT the United States is unique in the size and scope of its gun violence problem – that is your personal choice. Making it illegal for the CDC to even study the problem

5 tips for returning to work after maternity leave

February 16, 2018 General Commentary, Healthcare

Your maternity leave may be the longest length of time you take away from the office. But before you know it, you’ll be tucking away your yoga pants and reacquainting yourself with your work wardrobe. If you’re planning a pregnancy or starting the adoption process, it’s never too early to plan time away from work to be with your child.

When I Grow Up

February 15, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary

What do you want to be when you grow up? This question was asked several times when you were a child. So many kids wanted to be an astronaut, a firefighter, basketball player, singer. I myself wanted to be a doctor dancer, yes, I was an overachiever trying to tackle two professions in one. When we finally did grow up

Alyssa Milano & Love Is Louder Launch New Initiative: #LoveIsLouder When We…

February 12, 2018 #MeToo, General Commentary

Actress and Activist, Alyssa Milano is partnering with Love Is Louder on a special Valentine’s Day initiative: #LoveIsLouder When We… Inspired in part by the vitriol and hate she sees on social media day in and day out, this initiative encourages people to look beyond the hate and recognize the good and the love in the world. Alyssa explains, "Every

A CONVERSATION WITH ANDREA CHALUPA

February 12, 2018 General Commentary

PatriotNotPartisan is honored and excited to welcome author Andrea Chalupa to chat with one of our contributing editors, Dr. Keith Pochick. Andrea is a New York based writer who graduated from the University of California at Davis with High Honors in History and studied Ukrainian at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. She has spoken about Ukraine in the Council of

Foul Language

February 11, 2018 Civil Rights, Elections, General Commentary, Immigration, Russia

"The New York Times recently released a list of all people, places, and things that President Donald Trump insulted in the last year over Twitter. The list consists of 425 people, places, and things. The lists includes names like Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, and Steven Bannon. Even most mainstream news networks, such as ABC, CNN, and the New York Times - all

Gerrymandering

February 8, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

An Ohio congressman -- and the chairman of the GOP efforts to hold the House in 2018 -- admitted something this week that politicians usually try to hide: The Republicans owe their big majorities to gerrymandering. "It starts with the congressional lines," Rep. Steve Stivers told Politico, conceding that his party has started with a big advantage throughout this entire decade.

He Doesn’t Care About your Freedom: A Veteran’s View of how Trump is Undermining American Freedom

February 8, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

I imagine that the idea that our President might not care if we are free is a tough pill to swallow for any American. It certainly is for me a US Army veteran. The very idea strikes at the heart of American exceptionalism. First off, accepting this belief would require us to call into question the collective intelligence of our

Nearly 100 Arrested and Over 700 Rally for the Dream Act

February 7, 2018 Elections, General Commentary, Immigration

Nearly 100 Arrested and Over 700 Rally for the Dream Act Progressive Leaders from the Healthcare, Labor and Women’s Rights Movement Join Immigrant Youth; Call on Congress to Reject Trump Deportation Plan and to Pass Dream Act Now Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Day of Action for the Dream Act brought together hundreds of progressive allies from the healthcare, labor,

Mississippi Woman Criminally Charged for Pregnancy Outcome After Home Birth

February 7, 2018 #MeToo, Civil Rights, General Commentary, Women in the Age of Trump

“What's happening to Mrs. Fisher and her family is the latest in a line of women of color having their pregnancies and specifically pregnancy loss criminalized." The details of the allegations against Fisher have not been made public. However, the case hearkens back to similar instances when women have been criminally charged for pregnancy outcomes. A Mississippi woman is facing

#FightLikeAMother – GenX Women Reclaim an Archetype and Change American Politics

February 7, 2018 #MeToo, General Commentary, Women in the Age of Trump

On January 20th and 21st, women led millions once again to take to the streets. From tiny Walla Walla, Wash., to St. Petersburg, Fla., to the major cities of New York and Los Angeles, citizens of all ages and backgrounds carried signs calling for a return to logic and compassion. On my sign were the words, “Fight Like a Mother.”

Worse than Amateur Hour: The tragedy of Trump’s unqualified appointees

February 6, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

During the election, many of my conservative friends argued that Trump would be good for the country because he would promote their ideals. He would appoint conservative judges, pass conservative legislation, and encourage conservative policies and priorities at every level of government. Sure, he may rely too heavily on racist, divisive rhetoric, and sure he may have a less than

AN OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS

February 2, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary

Below is a letter I sent this week to both of my Republican Senators. I have yet to receive a reply. I welcome everyone who wishes to use any or all of my words to fashion a letter of their own. The branches of government were designed to be separate and equal. They are currently neither. Our Founding Fathers would

It Is Not the Pink Pussy Hats. It is the Sexism.

February 1, 2018 #MeToo, Civil Rights, General Commentary

On January 20, 2017 millions of people (mostly women) marched in protest. There were hundreds of peaceful, organized marches across the globe. By the numbers, it was the largest day of protest ever. EVER! Bigger than civil rights marches, bigger than anti-war marches, bigger than anything that came before. By January 22, the media had moved on. On January 20,

Rewriting Rockwell

January 31, 2018 General Commentary

I was not raised in middle America, I do not frequent a local diner, I know some, but not all of my neighbors, I have never held a manual job, I’ve not considered buying a truck, I do not own a gun, I did not serve in the military, and I have no qualifications as a first responder. I am,

JAMES COMEY – THE NON-PARTISAN PATRIOT

January 30, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

I’ve had some time since last summer to process the events surrounding former FBI Director James Comey’s firing, as well as his role in influencing the 2016 Presidential election. My opinion is now solidified. The man is a well-read, loyal, experienced, humble, and passionate American throwback. He is Donald Trump’s character foil, for he is everything Trump is not. I

PatriotNOTPartisan’s First Annual #SOTYou Twitter Candidate Forum

January 29, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

PatriotNOTPartisan’s First Annual #SOTYou Twitter Candidate Forum On Tuesday, January 30th, President Trump will deliver his first State of the Union Address. PatriotNOTPartisan has invited candidates for office from across the country to participate in a non-partisan* moderated live response on Twitter, and you’re invited! Follow @PatNotPart and #SOTYou on Twitter and join: Stacey Abrams, candidate for Governor of Georgia

Alyssa Milano launches #StateOfTheDream Initiative

January 26, 2018 General Commentary

Alyssa Milano launches #StateOfTheDream Initiative As Digital Counter-Programming to Trump’s State of the Union Address On Tuesday, January 30th(6pm PST/9pm EST), Donald Trump will deliver his SOTU address. #StateOfTheDream will highlight what truly makes America great: that we come from many places, races and creeds, and together work for a more perfect union. The digital #StateOfTheDream initiative will support dreamers and immigrants, call

Unconscionable

January 26, 2018 Civil Rights, General Commentary, Healthcare

On January 18, 2018, the Trump administration announced the formation of a new division of the Department of Health and Human Services, entitled the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division. The new Division, which will be part of the Office of Civil Rights, is designed to protect healthcare professionals who refuse to offer birth control or abortion based on their religious

Who Is Donald Trump Jr? Narrated by Alyssa Milano via NowThis

January 25, 2018 General Commentary

Donald Trump Jr. followed his father's footsteps not just in name, but in beauty pageant creepiness, and, of course, lying about Russia pic.twitter.com/3BBPJBwYVi — NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 24, 2018 VIA NowThis, Narrated by Alyssa Milano NowThis (@nowthisnews) Alyssa Milano is an Actor, Activist & Philanthropist. She is an UNICEF Ambassador who is trying to make a better future for her,

Members of Congress Meeting with Czech Ultranationalist Politician Party Leadership Called for Gassing of Jews, Minorities

January 25, 2018 General Commentary

This afternoon, five Republican members of Congress will meet with Tomio Okamura, Czech politician and founder of the extreme right-wing Freedom and Direct Democracy Party in Prague. Steve King (R-IA), Andy Harris (R-MD), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) requested the meeting, which Okamura says will cover topics ranging from trade to immigration. Founded in 2015,

Faking the News: How Media Took a Personal Story and Made It Political

January 24, 2018 General Commentary

One of Donald Trump’s favorite refrains is “Fake News.” While I don’t generally agree with the President on anything, and certainly not on the way he applies the term, it’s true that there is fake news out there, that certain media outlets will start with actual news and subvert it to make a political point, and that doing so damages

#SchumerShutdown

January 23, 2018 Economic Issues, General Commentary, Immigration

#SchumerShutdown - the hashtag that GOP leaders are using to accuse Democrats of causing the shutdown became the trending hashtag. As the hashtag continues to boom, republicans are gaining a boost in efforts to blame Democrats. We should move forward with consideration for solution and compromise, not pointing fingers to blame. Contributing Editor: Jamie Domnick Twitter: @JNick9456 Instagram:JNick9456 Currently a

The Inspirational Nature of TIME’S UP

January 23, 2018 #MeToo, General Commentary

The TIME'S UP initiative, a movement developed by over 300 women in the entertainment industry, launched in January with a solidarity letter demonstrating each endorser's desire to help protect women who are confronted by sexual harassment in the workplace. The TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, which "will provide subsidized legal support to women and men who have experienced sexual harassment,

Meet Brianna Westbrook, the Transwoman Running for Congress

January 22, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

The 2018 election cycle is shaping up to be quite exciting and is filled with candidates who are prepared to fight the GOP establishment and promote a progressive agenda. One such candidate is Brianna Westbrook, who is running for the U.S. House, representing Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. If elected, she will become the first openly transgender Congressperson and has vowed

Here’s the thing: A Trump presidency – or one like it – was inevitable

January 22, 2018 Elections, General Commentary

The most compelling stories often are those that feature a deeply unlikable villain against whom the forces of good must rally, and when the ink dries on this chapter in American history, the record will show that Donald Trump was that villain. His vulgarity knows no bounds, his incompetence and unfitness for the office he holds are unprecedented, and his

Alyssa Milano Speaks at Power to the Polls – Atlanta, Georgia

January 21, 2018 #MeToo, Civil Rights, Economic Issues, Elections, General Commentary, Women in the Age of Trump

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.11'; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));Women's March 2018 SpeechMy speech at the #womensmarch2018 in Atlanta. #powertothepollsPosted by Alyssa Milano on Saturday, January 20, 2018 My speech at the #womensmarch2018 in Atlanta. #powertothepolls