zzzzzzzzzzz

Fewer Americans describe themselves as Democrats

Yawn. And also an "oh please" followed by an eyeroll.
Two years is a long time. I'm not going to start worrying about Obama's and Democrats' chances. 'Cause we have ever so many helpful Republicans like Scott Walker and John Boehner around. Hey guys, keep fucking up the lives of Americans. We'll see who is in power in 2013.
I'll bet you $100 it isn't Republicans.

These are their wives, daughters and mothers that they are attacking.

Top 10 Shocking Attacks from the GOP's War on Women

Go check out that list. Every single item on there is directly harmful to women and their health. Every single one.

You know, this week has just blown my mind. It seems every single day the news has been full of Republicans actively working against women and the working class. I can't seem to find the words to express how horrifying it is to me.

I will just never understand.

Apologies From Dubai. Nir Rosen: ‘I Feel Like Shrinking Now’

You know, I'd written a really long post talking about my trip to India and viewing both Asia and America as an outsider. And the women are viewed.
But in the end, what I really want to say seems to boil down to: If you feel like you need to make any comments (or jokes) about a rape (or assault) that anyone anywhere has suffered, don't. Just keep your mouth closed. You weren't there, you have no idea what happened and it's none of your business. What you say is: "I'm sorry that this happened to you and I hope that you will be all right."

edited to add this link: A thank you to CBS reporter Lara Logan for letting her story be known
which mentions many of the things I was talking about.
Half the world's population is female. Every single person who has ever walked on this earth is here because of a woman. We as a species need to do better.

Los Angelenos, Please Support Measure L.

(Please note, this is written on my own time and on my own, private computer.)

Yes on L: Save Our Neighborhood Libraries

It's Library Lovers Month: Consider the Library

Dear friends,

I am going to ask you a very big favor. Please, if you live in the City of Los Angeles, please vote Yes on Measure L on March 8, 2011.
It is very rare that I drop my snark and ask something honestly and sincerely.
The last few years have been exceedingly difficult for the library system. We've faced cuts to our supply budgets, cuts to staff and cuts to hours. This is the first time since the library opened that branches are not open 7 days a week. Even during the Depression, Central Library was open 7 days a week.
I joke about my job a lot, but I do honestly love it. It gives me pleasure to be a public librarian. We don't just help people with books. We help people find jobs. We teach them basic computer skills. We help students. And sometimes we're the only safe place for a child to be.
Measure L increases the Library's portion of the budget by 0.01% over 4 years. IT IS NOT A NEW TAX. I put that in all caps so that there would be no confusion about it. Your taxes as a City of Los Angeles resident will not go up to pay for Measure L. But whether L passes or not, we in the Library, will be required to assume operating costs for the Library.
If Measure L passes, we will be able to hire staff in order to restore library hours to 7 day weeks. And maintain our book budget. The Los Angeles Public Library system needs Measure L to pass.
I hope that you will consider voting Yes on the measure.

Mr. Tobar is absolutely correct

'Anchor baby' myth is pure fear-mongering

Xenophobia and racism are becoming far too open these days. The whole "anchor baby" thing is just one aspect of this.