Wow! I've never actually had anyone read my comments and answer me- and so quickly! Thank you! It makes me feel like I matter- I suppose like the Puerto Rican people- we all want to be heard.
After reading your article again and the ITN one I have tempered my position.
I see your point about the military service being a public service and concede that that may be the motivation to volunteer, and I can surely see how, once signed up, they would like a say regarding whether or not to go to war. But I don't believe it is largely patriotic, since most PR's are proud of their identity as PR's and don't want to consider themselves as Americans. I haven't researched this, but didn't the PR people fight congress to get a base closed not too long ago?
You say the US Congress can legally decide PR's fate- with about 60% of the population choosing Commonwealth status what would you have Congress do?
Personally I would have them become a state. They would be Americans, pay taxes, vote, just like the rest of us Baring statehood I wish they were Independent. Then we would no longer be fiscally responsible for them.
Perhaps I'm more reacting to what I read as divisive because the way the Detroit News reports is often divisive and inflammatory. Biased- a better word than divisive, perhaps.
In any case, what I took away from the your articles is that I was supposed to feel sorry for the poor PRs who can't really vote in an election and are kept, like stepchildren from becoming full participants in statehood. I have difficulty with that because I feel like the big sister that has been working to support her younger siblings who are perhaps old enough to have their own jobs, but continue to rely on Big Sister to support them, contributing only their opinions on how the house should be run.
Perhaps inflammatory is a good thing- I'm thinking you are more of a catalyst for change than an arsonist.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2008
Puerto Rico- No Vote? Part Two
-----Original Message-----
From: INDIRA LAKSHMANAN, BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:07 AM
To: dembidj
Subject: Re:Puerto Rico- No Vote?
Dear Reader: The story does accurately reflect the feelings of a wide cross-section of Puerto Ricans interviewed -- whether you or I agree with them or not, those are their opinions. Indeed they do not pay federal taxes, but like the District of Columbia, they do not have a voting representative in US Congress either, and they do not get equal federal funding and benefits as the 50 states. The 1967, 93 and 98 plebescites were non-binding -- effectively, opinion polls insofar as only US Congress can legally decide PR's fate. While military service is certainly voluntary, many Americans, including Puerto Ricans, consider it a patriotic form of public service, and would like to have a say in how US military operations are conducted. I do not consider the article inflammatory or divisive in any way, but thank you for your feedback. You can find a slightly longer version of the story on www.iht.com, the webpage of the International Herald Tribune. Thank you for reading Bloomberg News.
From: INDIRA LAKSHMANAN, BLOOMBERG/ NEWSROOM:
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:07 AM
To: dembidj
Subject: Re:Puerto Rico- No Vote?
Dear Reader: The story does accurately reflect the feelings of a wide cross-section of Puerto Ricans interviewed -- whether you or I agree with them or not, those are their opinions. Indeed they do not pay federal taxes, but like the District of Columbia, they do not have a voting representative in US Congress either, and they do not get equal federal funding and benefits as the 50 states. The 1967, 93 and 98 plebescites were non-binding -- effectively, opinion polls insofar as only US Congress can legally decide PR's fate. While military service is certainly voluntary, many Americans, including Puerto Ricans, consider it a patriotic form of public service, and would like to have a say in how US military operations are conducted. I do not consider the article inflammatory or divisive in any way, but thank you for your feedback. You can find a slightly longer version of the story on www.iht.com, the webpage of the International Herald Tribune. Thank you for reading Bloomberg News.
Puerto Rico- No Vote? Part One
To: ilakshmanan@bloomberg.net
I just read your article in Bloomberg. I had previously read the
"edited" job the Detroit News did of it. While the Bloomberg version
is better, I think it is still unnecessarily inflammatory.
The Detroit News made no mention of the 1967, 1993, and 1998 votes to
remain a Commonwealth, rather than accept the title and
responsibilities of Statehood, or the uncertainties and
responsibilities of independence. While the Bloomberg article does
mention the three major votes, you play them down, as if it were an
opinion poll rather than them voting to decide to maintain
Commonwealth status and fewer responsibilities.
Publish Post
I think they have it pretty good! Our founding fathers had Taxation
without Representation. The Puerto Rican people have representation
without taxation- While they pay Social Security and Medicare- which
they are eligible for to receive benefits for- they don't pay Federal
Income taxes. The receive all the status and protection being a
commonwealth affords them, but fewer responsibilities.
You mention that Puerto Rico has sent "more active-duty forces to Iraq
and Afghanistan than all U.S. states except Nevada" as sort of a
footnote to show how they've been mistreated by not being able to vote
for President. You forgot to mention that it is a volunteer service.
That no one is asking, or requiring them to serve. I imagine, with the
lower per-capita income, service is a way off the island for many
young people.
Besides that, they have an opportunity, as this year's primaries are
proving, to change history. Our President is chosen by delegates, not
Popular vote. They have delegates and have a vote in the primaries.
It seems that education on the election process might help, but I
won't recommend it, because the cost for it would come out of Federal
tax dollars and that would be irresponsible.
There is a struggle in Puerto Rico between parties that want
statehood- full-sharing of the rights and responsibilities of American
citizenship, and other parties that want less responsibility and to
continue the status quo; "Commonwealth." It seems the status quo is
winning and whining
Report, please. Be responsible and stop generating hate and
divisivness. There is enough to go around, already.
Thank you.
--
Expect Miracles,
dembi dj
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just read your article in Bloomberg. I had previously read the
"edited" job the Detroit News did of it. While the Bloomberg version
is better, I think it is still unnecessarily inflammatory.
The Detroit News made no mention of the 1967, 1993, and 1998 votes to
remain a Commonwealth, rather than accept the title and
responsibilities of Statehood, or the uncertainties and
responsibilities of independence. While the Bloomberg article does
mention the three major votes, you play them down, as if it were an
opinion poll rather than them voting to decide to maintain
Commonwealth status and fewer responsibilities.
Publish Post
I think they have it pretty good! Our founding fathers had Taxation
without Representation. The Puerto Rican people have representation
without taxation- While they pay Social Security and Medicare- which
they are eligible for to receive benefits for- they don't pay Federal
Income taxes. The receive all the status and protection being a
commonwealth affords them, but fewer responsibilities.
You mention that Puerto Rico has sent "more active-duty forces to Iraq
and Afghanistan than all U.S. states except Nevada" as sort of a
footnote to show how they've been mistreated by not being able to vote
for President. You forgot to mention that it is a volunteer service.
That no one is asking, or requiring them to serve. I imagine, with the
lower per-capita income, service is a way off the island for many
young people.
Besides that, they have an opportunity, as this year's primaries are
proving, to change history. Our President is chosen by delegates, not
Popular vote. They have delegates and have a vote in the primaries.
It seems that education on the election process might help, but I
won't recommend it, because the cost for it would come out of Federal
tax dollars and that would be irresponsible.
There is a struggle in Puerto Rico between parties that want
statehood- full-sharing of the rights and responsibilities of American
citizenship, and other parties that want less responsibility and to
continue the status quo; "Commonwealth." It seems the status quo is
winning and whining
Report, please. Be responsible and stop generating hate and
divisivness. There is enough to go around, already.
Thank you.
--
Expect Miracles,
dembi dj
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Urine Test wow............What a concept!
to "Rep.SanderLevin@housemail.house.gov" ,
Senator Debbie Stabenow,
comments@whitehouse.gov,
date Nov 11, 2007 2:14 PM
subject Urine Test wow............What a concept!
----------------------------------------------
I received this email from a friend. I have no idea who the author
is, but I believe they are onto something.
Please read their idea, then my comments follow. Seriously, it will
only take two minutes, I timed it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay
me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees
fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random
urine test with which I have no problem. What I Do have a problem
with is the distribution of my taxes to people who Don't have to pass
a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a
welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on
their feet. I Do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping
someone sitting on their bottoms, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can
you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass
a urine test to get a public assistance check ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, now I realize that welfare is meant to help folks
who absolutely have no other options. At a job, if someone cherishes
their right to privacy and wishes to refuse a drug test they may.
They have the option of looking for another job, or going on welfare,
A welfare recipient doesn't have those options; they are already on
welfare and presumably wouldn't be if there were any way around it. I
say, let's give them options. They either receive welfare and pass
drug tests, or get a job.
I am morally opposed to recreational drug use- which is what we are
talking about. There is no need for this type of drug use, except for
the need the addiction to the drug, itself, causes. The welfare money
that drug users receive, which should be used for food, or searching
for employment, thereby boosting the economy in their sphere of
influence, when used for drugs, enslaves the welfare recipient,
addicting them to the chemicals, limits the flow of the money to
illegal drug trafficking, and condemns the user to a life of poverty,
and welfare where they have no other options. Please, let's give them
drug tests and give them options.
Yours,
dj
Senator Debbie Stabenow
comments@whitehouse.gov,
date Nov 11, 2007 2:14 PM
subject Urine Test wow............What a concept!
----------------------------------------------
I received this email from a friend. I have no idea who the author
is, but I believe they are onto something.
Please read their idea, then my comments follow. Seriously, it will
only take two minutes, I timed it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay
me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees
fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random
urine test with which I have no problem. What I Do have a problem
with is the distribution of my taxes to people who Don't have to pass
a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a
welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on
their feet. I Do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping
someone sitting on their bottoms, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can
you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass
a urine test to get a public assistance check ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, now I realize that welfare is meant to help folks
who absolutely have no other options. At a job, if someone cherishes
their right to privacy and wishes to refuse a drug test they may.
They have the option of looking for another job, or going on welfare,
A welfare recipient doesn't have those options; they are already on
welfare and presumably wouldn't be if there were any way around it. I
say, let's give them options. They either receive welfare and pass
drug tests, or get a job.
I am morally opposed to recreational drug use- which is what we are
talking about. There is no need for this type of drug use, except for
the need the addiction to the drug, itself, causes. The welfare money
that drug users receive, which should be used for food, or searching
for employment, thereby boosting the economy in their sphere of
influence, when used for drugs, enslaves the welfare recipient,
addicting them to the chemicals, limits the flow of the money to
illegal drug trafficking, and condemns the user to a life of poverty,
and welfare where they have no other options. Please, let's give them
drug tests and give them options.
Yours,
dj
Friday, September 28, 2007
Malaria, Mosquitoes, and Solutions- are ya listenin'?
The other day I listened to President Bush address the UN. One of the topics was Malaria and Mosquitoes.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23955&Cr=general&Cr1=debate
As he spoke I saw in my mind's eyes the mosquito fogging trucks that would flood our neighborhood with a stinky grey cloud in the evenings in downtown Houston, Texas in the 1960's. Mosquitoes were a plague to us as children who played in the ditches looking for crawdads, swung on the tire swing- you had to dump the water before you could swing or your butt would get wet- and thought the little plastic pool in the backyard was a heavenly oasis. We were thankful we were being poisoned, but I thought there must be a better way!
I don't know why I didn't remember more, but when I heard President Bush that's as far as my memory went. I knew a possible solution, I just didn't remember it. Fast forward to today. I read a blog on www.fireandknowledge.org about the failure of pesticides and comments about spraying and the cloud immediately filled my lungs, again. Then a suggestion by Joshua Sowin to the effect that there ought to be a better way that spraying made me remember Dunks.
Two years ago I product tested an item for a garden club I belong to. Summit Chemical Company produces a wonderful larvacide, Mosquito Dunks which can be safely used- even in livestock water supplies, to kill mosquitoes in the larval stage.
http://www.summitchemical.com/Mosquito-Facts.aspx
"Now," I thought, "This might help fight Malaria!"
On August 16, 2007 the UN Radio News had a report of a program to distribute mosquito nets with insecticide on them.
http://www.un.org/radio/news/html/12477.html It is evident solutions are being sought.
I sent this in an email to all of them- Summit, the UN, and the White House, in the hopes of helping connect people in search of a solution with people who have a solution with people who have the mechanism to get this product in the right hands.
If the UN will contract with Summit, perhaps the US could ship it to areas it is needed with Aide shipments or military supplies..
If we realize that pointing a finger at someone else just points three fingers back at ourselves we might start working together, looking for real solutions that will be less harmful to the environment.
--
Live Love,
dembidj
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23955&Cr=general&Cr1=debate
As he spoke I saw in my mind's eyes the mosquito fogging trucks that would flood our neighborhood with a stinky grey cloud in the evenings in downtown Houston, Texas in the 1960's. Mosquitoes were a plague to us as children who played in the ditches looking for crawdads, swung on the tire swing- you had to dump the water before you could swing or your butt would get wet- and thought the little plastic pool in the backyard was a heavenly oasis. We were thankful we were being poisoned, but I thought there must be a better way!
I don't know why I didn't remember more, but when I heard President Bush that's as far as my memory went. I knew a possible solution, I just didn't remember it. Fast forward to today. I read a blog on www.fireandknowledge.org about the failure of pesticides and comments about spraying and the cloud immediately filled my lungs, again. Then a suggestion by Joshua Sowin to the effect that there ought to be a better way that spraying made me remember Dunks.
Two years ago I product tested an item for a garden club I belong to. Summit Chemical Company produces a wonderful larvacide, Mosquito Dunks which can be safely used- even in livestock water supplies, to kill mosquitoes in the larval stage.
http://www.summitchemical.com/Mosquito-Facts.aspx
"Now," I thought, "This might help fight Malaria!"
On August 16, 2007 the UN Radio News had a report of a program to distribute mosquito nets with insecticide on them.
http://www.un.org/radio/news/html/12477.html It is evident solutions are being sought.
I sent this in an email to all of them- Summit, the UN, and the White House, in the hopes of helping connect people in search of a solution with people who have a solution with people who have the mechanism to get this product in the right hands.
If the UN will contract with Summit, perhaps the US could ship it to areas it is needed with Aide shipments or military supplies..
If we realize that pointing a finger at someone else just points three fingers back at ourselves we might start working together, looking for real solutions that will be less harmful to the environment.
--
Live Love,
dembidj
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