Kirsten, Debbie & Gabby: "In Friendship We Trust"

(Photo from UPI.com, 2009) I originally read this at the great site, Off the Sidelines. I appreciate an organization that encourages and supports women to becomes active in public policy and more, but more than that, I appreciate seeing examples of when Washington (that dehumanized amorpohous entity) works: because people work with other people to accomplish important acts that improve how our country functions.

It seems as if we forget all too often that Washington, citizenry, constituencies, companies, everything...is made of people. Because I've always been people-focused and because I'm reading this mind-blowing book called Humanize (which is so good I actually put a review up on Amazon), it's really on my mind, and that's probably why this post so spectacularly resonated with me that I was moved to shift from reader to poster. 

When I see action coming from Congress that is true grassroots beneficial legislation, time and again it seems to come from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. What makes some politicians so accessible, their actions so transparent, and their efforts so targeted to what citizens want...and how, in a House (and Senate) divided, are these politicians such as Gillibrand able to consistently succeed in their efforts?

Connections with people. Connections to the people.

Those bonds of connection--of being people-centric (as Humanize explains it)--are crucial to actually accomplish and be productive, successful. That's because it enables the person to hear the people, talk to other people, and enlist people to help get what needs to be done, done.

Gillibrand has spent her tenure (and she's one example) building connections with people in and out of Washington. In Washington, in particular, she has connected with Gabby Giffords and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. This article, which I was graciously given permission to repost, showcases exactly how these bonds and connections have not just supported Giffords, Gillibrand, and Wasserman Schultz, but have encouraged and empowered them to succeed---despite tragedy.

Most importantly, it shows that women can work well together (despite a lot of media and culture rumors to the contrary), can encourage each other's success, and can, by connecting, accomplish what this country needs now most.

Here's the article:

The new issue of Good Housekeeping has an inspiring article about the bond Kirsten has had with Gabby Giffords and Debbie Wasserman Schultz ever since they all served in the House together and became fast friends and a tight mutual support system.

Early in their careers, they met, bonded, and became one another’s champions, helping one another through crises ranging from minor to major to unimaginable. All young by Washington standards (Gabby is 41, Kirsten is 44, and Debbie is 45), the three represent a significant part of the roughly 20% of the Congressional voice that is female—of 535 Senators and Representatives, only 93 are women and the average age is 53.

As the article makes clear, their bond is unique in Washington, D.C. not just because of the dearth of women serving in the Congress, but also because of the unique way women work together.

The reasons behind the trio’s friendship are the reasons why women are so valuable in Congress, and the clout that they embody is changing the way business is done on Capitol Hill. They have committed not only to meaningful alliances with Republican Congresswomen, but also to a concerted effort to get more women involved in politics and elected at every level of government. [...] The women who enter the battlefield that is Capitol Hill have to be warriors, and courage—mixed with a decidedly female bent toward consensus—is at the heart of not only this friendship, but also a new generation of women leaders, Republican and Democratic, that is emerging across the country.

The article also explores another key part of the relationship among the women: the mentor role that Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- who had been elected to Congress in 2004 -- served for both Gabby and Kirsten as they considered their runs for Congress in 2006. For example, in 2005, as Kirsten weighed the decision to run, she, as Good Housekeeping puts it: "was able to ask [Debbie] the kinds of questions she couldn't ask a Congressman:"

“How did you juggle a newborn, an election, your husband, and your child—with the two homes a Congress member needs to keep?” [...] During these talks, Kirsten recalls, “Debbie was very inspiring. She said, to both Gabby and me, ‘Not only does your voice matter, but, as women, you can weigh in in ways that can help move an issue. Because we’re women—because we’re mothers—we have a different perspective, a different lens. We’re able to bring people together, to consensus-build.’ ”

And then when Kirsten and Gabby were elected and arrived in DC in January 2007, that bond only grew tighter.

There were events for the freshman Congressional class, but the two women had their own orientation with Debbie. “The three of us became immediately close,” Kirsten says. “We’re all fighters. We’re all policy wonks. We’re all consensus builders.” They would talk about substantive issues—and make private jokes about Congress still being a Good Ol’ Boys Club “all the time, all the time,” Kirsten says...They had so much in common, but the deep trust and loyalty that blossomed among them, in a town where the term “friend” is thrown around lightly, felt like nothing short of a gift. As Debbie puts it, “Our friendship is a refuge.”

The entire article is well worth reading. It explores not only the relationship among these three extraordinary women but also their individual journeys both throughout their careers in Congress and as they've dealt with the attack on Gabby and her miraculous recovery. Through the prism of Kirsten's, Debbie's and Gabby's friendship, the article really delves into what makes women unique in public service and why we need more women to get off the sidelines. But it also highlights one of the most important aspects to what will make women successful once they do embark on that journey off the sidelines: the support, mentorship and guidance that only other women can provide.

MOMocrats MOMochat: The Battle in Seattle -- Which Way "Ed Reform"?

The morning of Wednesday, September 28, 2011, join Cynematic, Karoli and Donna Schwartz Mills for a lively Blog Talk Radio podcast with four women running for school board in Bill Gates' backyard up in Seattle. Sharon Peaslee, Michelle Buetow, Kate Martin and Marty McLaren have a vision for education in their district, and we'll hear why it doesn't completely mesh with that of Gates and the Broad Foundation's plans for education reform in America. What's the difference between what these candidates have to offer and "ed reform" (or as some say, "ed Rheeform")?

How did the Seattle Public Schools end up with a School Superintendent, Dr. Marie Goodloe-Johnson, who badly mismanaged school district finances? (Read more about graduates of the Broad Superintendent School in the Parents' Guide to the Broad Foundation. They're awfully high-flying but seem to run into trouble no matter where they're posted around the country.)

What needs to be done to get SPS finances on the right track going forward? And what, if any shadow, does the Gates Foundation cast on public schools in its own back yard?

These issues may seem local to Seattle but they're national in impact. Schools across the country are grappling with the same problems -- and it's no wonder. Gates Foundation money is everywhere, as are Broad Foundation school superintendents.

All four candidates will also appear at The Stranger's School Board Candidates' Debate the same evening, Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at the Town Hall in downtown Seattle starting at 7:30 pm PT.

Cynematic blogs at P i l l o w b o o k and education news at K12NewsNetwork.com.

To President Obama on the Drawdown from Afghanistan: Put Veterans to Work Through 'Troops to Teachers'

Tonight at 8 pm ET, President Obama will outline his plan to begin drawing down troops in Afghanistan.

Not only is this a fulfillment of his promise at his West Point 2010 speech to do so, it's long past time we pivot away from battlefields and commit our precious people-power and national spending priorities to the many economic troubles we have at home. The American people favor, by large margins, a return of our troops and an end to the occupation of Afghanistan: 64% believe that troop levels should be decreased and 73% believe "substantial" numbers of troops should be withdrawn starting this summer.

It's an undeniable fact that our veterans will be coming home to a weakened economy. How will we absorb them into a job market that can barely sustain the people here already searching for work? We've heard nothing but "austerity" talk from the GOP, and both tax cuts and job cuts -- yes, government jobs are also jobs -- from the Republican party. Clearly they have nothing to offer.

Bob Fertik over at the USA Jobs Party has a great suggestion: immediately hire 3 million teacher's aides to help in the classroom, and give 99ers (those who have been out of work longer than the 99 weeks covered by unemployment benefits) and veterans first crack at work as teacher's aides.

Urgent Call to Action: GOP House Pushing Anti-Woman Agenda

In November the American people sent a loud and clear message to Washington: work together to get the economy moving again. And during the lame duck session and then over the past few weeks, I was encouraged by the ability of Republicans and Democrats to come together to work for the American people. But now, just two weeks into the new Congress, it appears Republicans in the House are already seeking to end that spirit of cooperation.

They have introduced HR3: The No Taxpayer Funded Abortions Act, which would restrict women’s access to affordable reproductive care and even deny care to women when their lives are in danger. This bill would severely undermine women’s rights.

I hope you’ll join me in fighting this dangerous piece of legislation by signing this petition and sending a message to Washington that we must preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose.

Even as Republicans lament that the government is being too intrusive in people’s lives, it seems that the very personal, private and often painful issue of ending a pregnancy is one area they are determined to regulate. Tragically, the consequences of this intrusiveness could prove disastrous to the health and well-being of women across America.

The Republicans likely have a large enough majority in the House to pass this bill, but we must block this bill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this week, Senator Blumenthal and I sent a letter to all of our colleagues in the Senate, urging them to oppose similar legislation.

In the letter we wrote:

We must work together to stop these bills in their tracks, as they represent an unprecedented effort to restrict women’s access to reproductive health care and to their trusted health care providers.

I pledge to you that, just as we did with the Stupak Amendment, we will organize our fellow Senators to make sure we defeat this legislation. Can I count on you to join us in this fight to make sure Republicans and some conservative Democrats don’t succeed in chipping away at a woman’s right to choose even further than they already have?

Please sign this petition and show my colleagues that the grassroots is behind us.

Thank you for your support.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Cross posted from the Huffington Post.

MOMocrats Live Chat: State of the Union 2011

Please join our live coverage of the president's State of the Union speech tonight at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. PT. 

VOTE 2010

We know all you mamas out there are probably just as crazy busy today taking care of your families as you are every day of the year. But please, remember to take some time out of your hectic schedule today to VOTE. At many polling places it only takes minutes to cast your ballot.

To make voting a little easier for the frantic and frazzled, here are a few helpful links:

Find your polling place. Google is making it easy to find your polling place today with a special Google Maps Vote feature. Just enter your address and Google will not only find your polling place, but also give you directions.

Review local candidates and issues. Not sure what's on your local ballot? The League of Women Voters stands ready to help a mother out! Check out SmartVoter.org, where the League provides nonpartisan information on ballot issues and candidates across the country.

If you can't find your own local ballot information listed there, try your state Secretary of State website. The National Association of Secretaries of State has links to all 50 of them.

Can't find a sitter? Bring your kids. Got a toddler permanently attached to your hand or a newborn in a sling? Don't be afraid to haul your kids right into the voting booth with you. You won't be the only one!

The first time I tried voting with a baby in tow, back in 2004, I was really nervous that my kid would make a fuss in the long lines and make everyone stare. But I went anyway, and stood in line, holding an umbrella crookedly over my fussy six-month-old as a chilly rain fell on my own unprotected head. We both survived.

In fact, I've brought my son to vote with me in nearly every election since he was a baby, and every time, poll workers and fellow voters have been nothing but thrilled to see him and cover him in I VOTED stickers. Far from finding democracy boring, these days, my son gets angry at me if I can't bring him to vote.

Taking your children along to vote teaches your kids that participating in democracy is important to you. So if you have to bring them along, bring them, and do it with pride.

If your older kids whine about standing in line, just tell them you are voting to improve their future. And then when they roll their eyes at you, sneak them some leftover Halloween candy to distract them until you're finished voting.

Dear GOP, I Remember. And I Vote Democratic.

I remember.

I remember every single anti-woman crack that came from your party during the debate on health care reform. I remember Republicans shouting down and talking over their female colleagues in Congress. And I remember every single NO vote for SCHIP, breast cancer prevention programs, inclusion of maternity care in health insurance reform, and how you cut funding to domestic violence shelters to balance the budget.

I remember how you said HUNGER IN CHILDREN IS A POSITIVE MOTIVATOR.

I remember every act of violent intimidation against women who dare to speak up for what they believe in to get what they need, whether it's a political protest where they get stomped or shoved, or if they're simply trying to visit Planned Parenthood for any reason. I remember how you changed your mind and kept the donation from the campaign worker who stomped the woman.

I remember every single ugly sign people in your corporate-funded subsidiary the Tea Party waved, the images and words revealing more about your misshapen souls than anything about our president or our fellow Americans.

I remember every loud silence when "moderate" Republicans were too timid to denounce the bullies in their party.

I remember when you APOLOGIZED to the British corporation that had just befouled our Gulf waters with an oil spill that is perhaps the worst ecological disaster in recent memory. I remember how you said you still believe in "Drill, baby, drill."

I remember how you were economic advisor to the presidential candidate who lost because he said, "The fundamentals of the economy are strong."

I remember how you said your housekeeper was "like family" and then the moment she became a political liability you acted as if you barely knew her and now you say that you would deport her.

I remember that you were shameless after you said and did all this.

I remember.

I remember who's been working hard to move us all forward. And I vote.

Cynematic blogs at P i l l o w b o o k.

OK Governor's Race: Somewhat Pro-Choice Askins or Symbolic Apple Pie From Fallin?

When Democratic candidate for Oklahoma governor (current Lieutenant Governor) Jari Askins won the primary to face Republican opponent (Congresswoman) Mary Fallins, I noted how unusual it was that one of the more conservative states in the union will have a woman as chief executive.

But I also noted that one major difference between the two women is that Jari Askins is tepidly pro-choice, while Mary Fallin is most decidedly not. Askins has been quoted as recognizing the necessity of abortion in cases of "rape and to save the life of the mother." But Fallin is one of Sarah Palin's "mama grizzlies," a legislator who has consistently voted to grant the "pre-born" protection under the 14th amendment (essentially, life begins at conception) and would reverse Roe v. Wade. Fallin also recently claimed that by having six kids, she has experience that better suits her for the governorship that Askins, with no partner or child, lacks...despite Fallin's failure to vote for SCHIP in January, 2008 and January 2009.

Dear President Obama: Rebuild Our Economy With Corporations That Put America First; Or, I'm Not Buying What Karl Rove is Selling

When corporate heads meet with GOP operatives, Glenn Beck, and executive directors of right-wing foundations to plan a coordinated response to the 2010 elections, it's evident that business in America is attempting a hostile takeover of not only politics, but democracy. It's now abundantly clear that corporations have an ideological slant, and those favoring the right have an almost treasonous, definitely unpatriotic, affection for profit. The GOP has always been party above country, profits before people, and the sooner Americans wake up to that fact, the better off we'll be.

Recent revelations about the US Chamber of Commerce's acceptance of donations from countries like India, Dubai, Kingdom of Bahrain, the UK, Singapore, Switzerland, Australia and others show the money trail leading from overseas to the U.S. Chamber's general fund, and from there, to payments for ads that advance the cause of GOP candidates. What Karl Rove, Glenn Beck, Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are selling: American jobs lost to offshoring. The greatest concentration of financial wealth in a tiny percentage of Americans' hands since the last time we had a Great Depression.

I'm not buying. If Karl Rove and his American Crossroads stealth-on-behalf-of-wealth PAC were a corporation, I'd boycott him. That's partly what I'm trying to do with my vote this November.

Foreign donations to sway American elections are illegal, and the Federal Election Commission has the jurisdiction to penalize groups that violate the law. I wish they'd do something about it now, while it can have an effect.

10-22-10, UPDATED TO ADD: From the NYT, plenty of U.S.-based companies donate to dismantle government regulations they don't like. This NYT investigative report says 45 of the most rapacious American corporations account for most of the Chambers' lobbying.

Clearly, what's at stake for corporations overseas is a piece of the American manufacturing pie that has been steadily offshored since the 1980s. Foreign nationals benefit when U.S. corporations move their operations to subcontractors in other countries, and those nations and corporations are willing to buy and pay for GOP candidates who will make policy that is good for business. Their business. Not the business of America and Americans.

If we're to have an economic recovery, I urge President Obama to highlight those corporations that put America first. I have 6 suggestions to this end:

Go Read It, Downward Dogs: Sympathy for the Wretched Politician

Dear Teahadists,

Yes, we are laughing AT you. We tried laughing WITH you, but you are sour and humorless.

Let it never be said I have no Sympathy for the Wretched Politician, however:

Don't forget to take a moment, before it's too late, to celebrate the charming lunacy of Christine O'Donnell, anti-masturbation goofnickel and all-around Tea Party hood ornament, before she slides back into total irrelevance. Do you feel empathy for poor Christine? She is trailing by double digits in the polls. She is scrambling for footing up a mountain of dumb.

This is especially apt, given the Three-Ringed Circus of Flail that was Delaware Republican senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell's showing (video) at the debate this evening with the Democratic candidate, Chris Coons.

As always, breathe.

Namaste,

Cynematic

P i l l o w b o o k

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