The Electoral College: A Process to Get Schooled On!

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What You Need to Know:

  • It is not a school, but a group of people composed of 538 members with the responsibility to elect the president. This is number equal to the amount of representatives in Congress plus an additional 3 members to represent Washington, DC.
  • Each state has a certain number of representatives, but every state has an equal number of Senators, two each for a grand total of 100. The number of representatives is determined by a state’s population. Larger states have more representatives in Congress. Since Washington, DC is not a state, but a district, the 23rd amendment was ratified in 1961 to allow for the residents in Washington, DC to have three delegates to represent this district in presidential elections.
  • The Electoral College was a compromise of ideas that came about during the constitutional convention to prevent a candidate from dominating a particular region of United States. It was also used as a result of the Framers’ reluctance to have the people directly elect the president for fear that people would have an undue allegiance to their states and that “regular” people were not smart enough to make the right decision. At this time in American history there was still a battle between the states and the federal government.
  • The Constitution never uses the term Electoral College, but it does state the President [and Vice President] shall be elected by electors of each state, in the Article 2, Section1. This Article provides instructions, qualifications and duties to the Executive Branch of government—it includes the President and his Cabinet. The other two branches are the Legislative Branch (Article 1) and the Judicial Branch (Article 3) respectively.
  • Electors are delegates selected by their states that have pledged to vote for their party’s nominee, and in some states these electors are legally required to uphold this pledged vote. But, electors can sometimes go against their pledge. In this case they are called “faithless electors” and the results become what happened in the 2000 Bush v. Gore election. States can replace fickle voters by December 11th, 2012.
  • The magic number a candidate needs to be declared the President Elect (term given to the person declared on election night, November 6th, 2012) is 270. That is one-half of the total number of votes plus one.
  • The person that wins the majority of the state’s popular vote wins all of that state’s electoral votes (Maine and Nebraska are exceptions: the electoral votes can be divided between the candidates).
  • It is possible for a candidate to receive the majority of the popular votes, but not win the election because the electoral vote determines the winner of the presidency. There are 4 Presidential elections to which the above statement applies: 1824, 1876, 1888, and 2000. For the most part, it is pretty safe to say the Electoral College is effective, but it is still archaic!
  • The popular vote is the one rendered by the people on election night, the electoral vote is the one rendered by the electors that vow to vote for the candidate the people want. Electors do not vote until December 17th, 2012. At this time, they go to their perspective states and cast a vote.

See you all on Election Night!

Election 2012: What Do We Have to Gain?

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“Seriously, are you not afraid that the election might to go to Romney? I’m afraid.” This is one of many text messages that vibrate my iPhone.

And, my response is always the same, “I am not afraid. I don’t feel that energy in my heart. President Obama will be re-elected.” In that same text exchange, my friend closes, “I am taking your words. Hope we are not disappointed…I will keep an optimistic view.”  As our conversation ends, the only thing I am thinking is, “how can you not keep an optimistic view?”  As much as I have heard the opponent’s name mentioned or seen it printed, he does not represent me and, for this reason, he cannot be my president.

I take my civic responsibility of voting seriously.  I am so committed to understanding the political process that I decided to get a degree in Political Science from Virginia State University.  Along my journey I have learned that casting a vote is like taking a vow. Circa 2004, I was introduced to then Senator Obama as I sat in Boston, Massachusetts listening to this young dynamic speaker.  I turned to my friend and said to him, “This man is going to be the president of the United States!” He thought I was being ridiculous—that I was some giddy girl making a premature claim. about a handsome man.  The truth, however, is that I connected with his vision for America.

On November 4th, 2008, I said “I do” to President Obama, and ever since, I have been committed to his accountability, doing my part to bring awareness to his policies by attending campaign stops, volunteering with the Democratic National Committee, attending the inauguration and Inaugural Ball hopping.

When the election of 2008 arrived everybody was abuzz about the history that had just been made by the election of President Obama. He won because millions of other Americans accepted the same proposal I accepted—the proposal of change, and we committed our vote to bringing it to fruition. People that had lived their entire lives to witness an African American in the White House, were overcome with emotion—their faces were saturated in tears and their hearts heavy with joy. It was at the swearing in, on that blistering cold day in January when I realized my proposal was no longer an engagement; for, I had now entered a marriage that I was ready to serve and defend. Today, I am not ready to abandon my marriage. And to divorce now, will cost everything.

The First Family inspires the best in men, women and children.  Mr. and Mrs. Obama ignite the Hip Hop generation, young people in my high school classroom, youngsters standing on the corner trying to figure out their next moves, and parents juggling Parent Teacher Conferences and hectic work schedules.  Middle class families feel important because they are now the subject of debate. And poverty finally has a platform, even if the word poverty rarely appears in most conversations.  The fact that health care has been extended to families that have previously had to choose between paying their rent or healing an illness is a conversation that is heard every day.  Poor communities hardest hit by natural disasters have not had to endure President Obama playing politics or placing the people’s safety behind his political endeavors or announcing that he would get rid of rescue and relief organizations like FEMA.  For as long as I can remember, Big Bird has been a fixture in families of all classes and demographics– even he has fallen under the moniker “obsolete.”  As a voter, President Obama appreciates me [and you] and his record reflects it, from the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and to the increase in the Federal Pell Grant (the maximum amount is $5,550 for 2011-2012 award year).

I am not ready to divorce the President.

During Memorial Day Weekend, I decided to get serious about working out. My cousin motivated me to run through Harlem’s historic Sugar Hill area. While jogging men silenced their cat-calls and complimented us, “y’all getting y’all Michelle Obama on.”

I am inspired every time I see Mrs. Obama’s svelte figure, strong arms and confidence.  When she became the First Lady, she succinctly articulated her first and most important job is being “Sasha and Malia’s mom.”  Every cause she has championed resonates the role she plays in her daughters’ lives as their mother; from tackling obesity to ensuring military families are well supported, she has been an advocate for improving lives.

I am not ready to divorce Mrs. Obama.

When I have a benchmark to meet in my weight loss endeavors, I look to Mrs. Obama. When I want to make a fashion statement, I channel Mrs. Obama by asking myself, “What would Mrs. Obama wear?”  If ever I am conflicted about how to respond to a question, I stop to think about how both Mr. and Mrs. Obama would respond.

I am not ready to divorce this family.

On November 4th, 2008, we said “I do” to change in America. And, we have experienced change. We have a First Lady that has encouraged each of us to be our best through her Let’s Move Campaign, which also compliments Obama Care.  The ability of people to see physicians, get regular check-ups, have access to prescription drugs that can quell some health problems and reduce the worst symptoms and conditions of others, and for children to be able to remain on their parents’ insurance are all reasons for each of us to renew our vow to the marriage of this administration.  We cannot just walk away now—I have not even begun to feel the “seven-year itch!”  Our children deserve a fighting chance to be in the best schools that our federal government can lead in producing. The Obama Administration’s Race to the Top initiative for better schools is worth every effort.  Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden are fighters for educational reform and the helpmates of this administration. Together they are moving America FORWARD!

I am not ready to divorce this team.

Groups like the “Tea Party” and “Birthers” have challenged the right to vote through voter suppression tactics and legislative challenges.  The Republicans’ presidential contender is afforded a space to mislead and lie to the people with little or no consequence.  Affirmative Action is challenged in states like Texas, women’s reproduction is discussed as a political issue rather than the personal issue it is, and the middle class is pummeled by outsourcing, union-busting and student-loan debt. Students are told they are entitled to the amount of education they can afford and they are now encouraged to borrow money from their cash-strapped parents to acquire a piece of the American Dream. Immigrant, undocumented students, have been denied access to improve the quality of their lives in America due to the Republicans’ refusal to pass the Dream Act (President Obama used the Executive Order to defer these students’ deportation). These issues are not infinitesimal; rather, they are colossal and will impact the lives of generations to come.

Regression is not the change I believe in, but for those Americans that have filed for divorce, backwards seem to be the only direction they are willing to go. Negatively-charged language burns from the Republican opponent, and I cannot imagine this language will woo anyone into commitment. Clearly there are takers; and, words like “repeal” and “no” are hardly words of compromise, the element that every successful marriage must have.  For groups that formerly supported President Obama there is no compromise. The Des Moines Register has decided to divorce President Obama in four short years in favor of the Republican opponent and his party. Clearly their judgment is flawed as it was in its 1972 endorsement of Richard Nixon, the only President to ever resign from the presidency. What the Obama Administration has been able to put together at the bequest and needs of the people cannot be put asunder easily. I have entrusted this leadership and President Obama’s administration has delivered.

Divorce is not an option.

In these first four years, I have learned that the platform issues addressed by the Obama Administration places America on the best path to moving FORWARD! The economy / jobs, education, and healthcare are issues on which all people need an administration’s diligent attention. President Obama’s Administration has been steadfast in upholding its vow to us, but don’t have to take my word for it. Go directly to www.whitehouse.gov and look in the section called “An America Built to Last” for the transparency of the progress of this administration. As we confront the close of these first four years and move toward embracing another four years in just 7 short days, we must be diligent in the resolve that marriages require work! We are not a nation of quitters and we have to be more vigilant than the estranged and disgruntled groups who want out. When we commit we have everything to gain.

Each of us has the vow to uphold. 

Zakiyyah Ali is a high school social studies teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from Virginia State University. She enjoys singing, dancing, politics, traveling and the development of our youth.

My Inspiration is L.I.F.E.

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This past Memorial Day weekend, groups of people came out to celebrate the joys of a three-day weekend, show reverence to our service men and women, spend time with family, enjoy good barbecued food, and attend a plethora of cultural festivals that Memorial Day brings. In NYC there was rain and sunshine, breeze and sweltering heat, but most importantly, there was laughter and love.  Sure, one weekend does not eradicate the needs people have and the daily struggles that exist, but this weekend added perspective that I didn’t realize until I was on a trail along the Harlem River completing an ambitious walk-run combination from 145th Street to the George Washington Bridge and back. My inspiration comes from L.I.F.E.: Love Inspires Fulfilling Efforts.

My cousin Fareedah, an avid runner, drove up from the Washington, DC area to hang out with my sisters and me. We went to a barbecue, attended the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa, ate some good and interesting food, partied a bit on Sunday night, and finished the weekend off with that ambitious walk-run combination I mentioned earlier (my cousin didn’t walk at all—she ran the entire journey and even came back and motivated me to run the last quarter mile—pushing my body to its limit.).  While I was running, I was thinking to myself how badly I wanted to quit.  It was hot, my feet and legs were burning and I just wanted to be relaxing or watching people as I sat along the water’s edge. The last thing I wanted to do was to go running.  I had given myself a pass not to have to work out by making excuses; and, I knew the run I was about to take would be brutal.  For a little while, I almost allowed my mind to believe the ease of not running would be the best decision, but with resolve, I snapped out of that self-defeating attitude and sprang into one that encouraged me to keep going, thinking of how much I love myself and how much I love looking good in my clothes even more (I’m hardly vain though)!  I thought about every bulge and roll on my body and how I could stand to lose some pounds and gain better quality time on this Earth. I also thought about how much effort our First Lady, Michelle Obama, had put into creating the Let’s Move campaign. That’s when I told myself to move it!

So, I invested in my inner health in the same way that I always invest in my outward appearance—by making the best, most advantageous, and feasible decision.  As I ran along the trail, other runners and bikers were extremely supportive—they gave the thumbs up, made eye contact and erupted into smiles of approval while we were on our journey of health, and ultimately, a physical declaration of love.  I had first begun this journey running on 145th street, traversing up a steep hill with my cousin and my friend, Jenisha.  While running, men cleared the sidewalks that had turned into their soap boxes and convention centers and we heard people say things like, “Keep up the good work girls,” or “Look at that…Black women running.”  People loved seeing us exercise, they wanted to encourage us to do what they were not doing, and they shared LOVE completely.  When the run was over, my body felt like wet noodles, but my spirit felt like water’s relief—I had been quenched.

Sitting in traffic on the FDR Drive in NYC gave me plenty of time to think so I called friends that had been on my mind, but that four-lettered ‘B’ word kept getting in the way. Two of them didn’t answer—perhaps busy had gotten the best of them also, but two of them answered. When they answered the phone, I sensed a similar emotion. Joy. They were happy to talk, but even happier to have been thought about. In that moment in time they mattered to someone else. I was now the cheerleader.  Ironically, they both used the same statement, “I appreciate you.”  My phone call (and of course a verbal reciprocation) had sent the same message.  Those moments are what L.I.F.E. is really all about.

Love is a powerful weapon that can manifest in myriad ways; it inspires, encourages, motivates and transcends negative thoughts. Love is demonstrated in the way we treat and speak to one another and most importantly, how we treat ourselves. You may still be intending to fulfill your New Years’ Resolution. And, you still have time. Fulfill the best resolution by loving yourself and rejecting any elements that attempt to take you from your course. There will be plenty of cheerleaders on the sideline. It’s time to start living the good L.I.F.E.

For more information about Let’s Move go to www.letsmove.gov

Follow me on Twitter @DoItGurl

This blog can also be read at http://www.divasindefense.com

INVISIBLE MAN: THE REPRIEVE

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Last Friday May 19th, 2012 marked the 87th birthday of Malcolm X, the man Ossie Davis eulogized as, “our manhood, our living, black manhood!”  I am always touched and softened by the love Ossie Davis blanketed Malcolm X with when he adamantly stated that Malcolm X was “a prince—our own black shining prince!”  How endearing is that!  Even when the media and individuals had castigated Malcolm X from the same communities to whom he had been betrothed, Ossie Davis spoke up for him.  To Mr. Davis, Malcolm wasn’t too “militant” or too “Black” or too much of a “separatist” or a “Moslem,” he was just a man–heckled by a vicious world too blinded in racism and violence to understand the jewel that had now been forced to speak from a coffin even as he lay in silence.

From one man to the next, Ossie Davis and Brother Malcolm spoke the same language and knew the same struggle as Black men in America. They had fought the same fights for human and civil rights.  Who better to humanize the man who had almost outgrown and transcended the consideration of humanity than another “Brother?”  Although Malcolm X was in plain sight for the entire world to see, as far as humanity was concerned he was an invisible man.  He was an angry Black person stepping out of line and there was no tolerance for that sort of behavior in the 1960s. He died as a man, but he wasn’t allowed to live as one unless he conformed to the masking of his own humanity.  Ossie Davis reminded us of this man when he asked, “Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever touch him, or have him smile at you? Did you ever really listen to him? Did he ever do a mean thing? Was he ever himself associated with violence or any public disturbance? For if you did you would know him.”

For each of his posthumous birthdays, I only wish that he had smiled at me. When I’m walking down the streets in my new home of Harlem, I feel the winds of Brother Malcolm’s spirit wisp past me, and I only wish that I could have listened to him from a Harlem street corner.

My favorite thoughts remind me that he was a husband and a father. He was a son and a brother. How many times must the trepidation of anxiety have crept into his body feeling concerned that he would never have another home-cooked meal, hear the pitter-patter of his daughters’ feet, or see the doting eyes of his siblings while seeking approval at the good news of having a new crush or getting a promotion?   Every time I see a picture or watch a video of Brother Malcolm smiling and jovial, the leitmotif of him only being the angry militant dissipates further from my mind; after all, he was only human.
I shared my celebration of Brother Malcolm’s life at the Brooklyn Museum in a discussion about Black men by Black men organized by Question Bridge: Black Males Blueprint Roundtable. To listen to the conversation was enlightening and hopeful most times, but it was also hurtful and contemplative at other times. To think that Black men live trapped in a dichotomy that either embraces or misunderstands them is tiring to me! I can only imagine what it must be like to live it. The discussion made me think of the throngs of Black men I know and the ways they cling to other Black men out of necessity because to not have a “crew” would place them in a world alone. Indeed, each of them would become that Invisible Man that Ralph Ellison had written about.

From what I witnessed on the stage at the Brooklyn Museum, and from what Question Bridge has assembled says that Black men are not invisible—we just have not been listening.  We have not been paying attention.  For so long, Black men have been role models, even when they deny that they are. There isn’t a creature on Earth that can resist stopping in his, her or its track when a this man enters the room.  Invisible is a state of mind that too many of us have grown comfortable with, but when we shirk the veils of complacency and comfort we realize the best of each of us is unclad–stark naked for all to see.

“However we may have differed with him—or with each other about him and his value as a man—let his going from us serve only to bring us together, now. Consigning these mortal remains to earth, the common mother of all, secure in the knowledge that what we place in the ground is no more now a man—but a seed—which, after the winter of our discontent, will come forth again to meet us (Malcolm X’s Eulogy, Ossie Davis).”  

For Malcolm X to have died in the manner in which he did was to open the door for the spirit of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz to continue to live and celebrate another day on this earth, on every birthday, for everybody to finally see…invisible no more.

Please enjoy the recording, courtesy of Democracy Now, that I have provided for your listening pleasure:
http://www.democracynow.org/2005/2/7/ossie_davis_eulogizes_malcolm_x_i

Full text of Ossie Davis’ Eulogy here:
http://www.malcolmx.com/about/eulogy.html

Here to Help: Nas, Life, and Complex Magazine

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I am already anticipating the summer’s sun and glow, the people’s shine and the contagion of joy that one only feels when it’s summertime (especially in NYC!).  The vibe that comes with eating an icee from the Hispanic ladies with their little push carts who ask if you’d like a $1 or $2 cup, or the sound of “brrrinnng!” coming from the local ice cream truck delivering the day’s batch of bomb pops, makes you feel as if you have no cares in the world.  And, in those moments, “Life is Good.”

Recently rapper Nasir Jones, or simply Nas,  sat down with Complex magazine for a transparent, well-written and candid interview, by writer Rob Marriott. The aesthetics for the interview captured by Kareem Black gleaned that I was in store for a vividly brilliant read.  For Complex Magazine to have selected one of my favorite emcees of all time for its cover during my birthday month (June) made it plain. Life is good.  Nas discusses everything from finances to fatherhood to failing at love over the course of an interview that reads more like a feel-good jam session at Black Velvet Mondays in the Village Underground with Cheryl Pepsi Riley and the Hot Chocolate Band. I have a front row seat into his personal life for a brief moment—I can hear the gritty, low timbre and overly enunciated New York vernacular flowing from his mouth in my mind—I’m getting to know Nas…again.

I’ve learned over the years that Nas has an appreciation for beauty, but I never knew just how much and in what capacity until now. While his affinity is consistent it has evolved to encompass the total package and not merely what meets the eye.  Additionally, I’ve learned that his appreciation has been cultivated over time due to maturity; beautiful to Nas are powerful, outstanding, and smart women like his late mother Ms. Ann Jones, and our own First Lady, Michelle Obama. These are women that have used their lives to make the lives of others better.  This is the type of sincere beauty that piques Nas’ interest and grabs his attention on any given day— “Michelle Obama is the most beautiful woman on the planet. She cares about people. All first ladies have their job to do but you can feel her sincerity,” is what he shared with Complex Magazine.  I can dig it.  I admire my momma/aunty (they’re twins) and our First Lady too! In that comparative moment for me, I think “Life is Good.”

As a parent, of both a son and a daughter, Nas has come to the realization that he has to sharpen his skills, reflect more on the job he’s done and aspire to give better advice and not the “worst advice” based on the problems he’s had. Frankly, parenting is no easy feat (I have yet to jump into that ring) and so many parents would rather not have their skills placed under the critic’s microscope. But, Nas is open to it and I can respect that.

When I first heard “Daughters,” it took me to a nostalgic place about what I know my father would have wanted for me had he lived past his tender 25 years of age; he was a smart, revolutionary man to have left behind video footage from 1978 as the living proof that my sisters and I were his pride and joy and that his very existence was designed to be a role model and a provider for mother, sisters, and me. Each of Nas’ albums has motivated me to think more, read more and to judge Hip Hop culture and music through a different set of lenses; thus, “Music is supposed to inspire (Lauryn Hill).”  What has softened me up the most is the vulnerability that Nas presents in questioning his role as a father.  Truthfully, there is a pervasive vulnerability in all of Hip Hop, but Nas tailors words with an unforgivable flow, and is the masterful architect of the kind of thoughts that fill my mind when I reflect on what my daddy may have written about me as his daughter. And, in that pensive place, “Life is Good.”

I’m always thankful for time as cumbersome as some moments may be. In actuality, time is our only consistent friend and is the judge by whom we measure our growth and place on this planet. Ten years prior, Nas was in a another stage of his career at different apex in his life. He had never experienced the hurt of divorce and the weariness of the hypothetical that has surely asked a thousand times, “What if you had done some things differently?”  I’m sure Nas would answer rhetorically, “What if? I guess we will never know.”  What I do know is that on July 17th, 2012 I will continue my journey with Nas on his tenth album as he illustrates in each track the many reasons why “Life Is Good.” Just to look at Nas at 38 “it aint hard to tell…”

Check out the full Complex Magazine and Nas article here:
http://www.complex.com/music/2012/05/nas-cover-story

The Billboard Awards Needed Michael Jackson…

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Last night I watched the Billboard Awards and I was quite excited watching Chris Brown; he was a marvel to see—his dancing was electrifying in the sense that I looked forward to seeing what new contortions would escape from his body with every shake, spin and flip.  On most people these moves would never be flattering, but with Chris Brown’s execution, they looked like moves I even wanted to try (See Chris Brown’s performance by clicking the link below).  But, that was just the dancing.  Nevertheless, Chris Brown was excellent.  The evening’s full package performances, however, were missing something altogether different–the energy and vigor that Michael Jackson would have packed in the place. I miss him more than anyone will ever know!  June 25th, 2009 marked the expiration date of true showmanship and the artist’s ability to produce an unadulterated live event.  Remember Motown 25 (

)?  Remember When Michael Jackson showed up on BET to honor James Brown in those sequined silver pants (

)? Remember when Michael Jackson wore the baby blue shirt with the black buckled pants on his Bad World Tour singing, “You’re Just Another Part of Me (

)?”  Ahhhhh…those were events.  That’s what was missing from Billboard’s efforts last night.

It is time for artists go back into the Michael Jackson arsenal; hire breathing coaches and personal trainers so that they can build up their stamina for singing and dancing.   Although Michael Jackson will never be the average artist, and no other artist will ever rise to his level of artistry [he is an artistic anomaly in every sense of the word], he learned his craft the same way most people learn—one step at a time and with practice, practice, and more practice.   There were times in which even this 8th wonder of the world was forced to lip sing (Motown 25), but I am sure it took twisting his perfectionist arm.  What was missing from the Billboard awards though was a genuine humility from the artists that the world had tuned in to watch their display of talent.  From my vantage point, a lot of pomp and circumstance was given to the aesthetics, but very little attention had been paid to the artistry. It doesn’t even look like they love performing nowadays.  While I will never ridicule artist that lip-sync (It makes me tired just to jog and hold a conversation) I will advise every artist to be more dedicated to their audience.  Believe it or not, the audience is providing the favor by being attentive.  Micheal Jackson, the best ever, understood this “secret.”

So, thank you Stevie Wonder (James Brown would have rocked out too!) for saving the day!  I am certain Berry Gordy sat in that Las Vegas audience as a proud professor because it was from his school [of performance] that Stevie Wonder, award presenter Gladys Knight, and Michael Jackson graduated.  Seasoned artists seem to show a level of gratitude that appears to say, “Even after being in show business for 45 years, you still think I got it; and, I appreciate how much you believe in my gift.”

The Billboard Awards were entertaining, but they clearly needed to perform a séance to summons Michael Jackson—his spirit was missing.

Chris Brown’s Billboard performance:

Congress’ Violence toward Women: Stop it Now!

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In 1994, Former President Bill Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), implementing pivotal legislation for victims of rape, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. When President Clinton signed this act into law, he was working with a partisan legislature that was able to effectively serve the needs of the people in a bi-partisan way. Today, President Obama faces a similar political dilemma, but there is no bi-partisan camaraderie to quell this issue. Specifically, women’s issues have entered the sparring ring as the latest issue of debate used to assumedly prevent President Obama’s reelection. This is perhaps why most people are turned off by politics; but, it is all the more reason why people should be tuned in. In September of 2012, this act will expire (did you ever think an expiration date applied to the protection of any citizens?) and is up for renewal. Women’s issues have been a fundamental component in the debate to extend state’s rights, amend our healthcare system, and now, the women who need legal protection the most—vulnerable, esteem-destroyed, and fearful women—have to contend with the fact that this past week, the majority of the Republicans recently voted to weaken the Violence Against Women Act considerably. Activist groups like NOW (The National Organization for Women) have condemned the House version of the bill due its lack of specificity and its exclusion of the very people it is intended to protect.

Women are not the enemy of the Republican Party, but then again, I guess we are, but so are the elderly, the poor, the young, the gays, and anyone else that had a hand in getting President Obama elected in the first place. Partisan politics is hurting the people and our nation! We are at war with ourselves in a losing battle. And, women have been one of heaviest and most affected groups under attack as the nation inches one step closer to the November 6th election. Congress needs to stop this reckless display of assault and the citizens have to hold them accountable. The Violence Against Women Act is just as important as having access to clean air and water. And, there is no negotiating it! We need to talk about it, but more importantly we need to talk to our legislators about it.

Every link included in this blog is important to your knowledge on how you can be a better, more informed voter and citizen. America will only be as good as we make it. Stevie Wonder, receiving the Billboard Icon Award on Sunday May 20th, 2012 said it best, “We are at a place [in society] where we have to commit ourselves to love.” Women, as much as we claim to love ourselves, we have to really take the time to show it so that others can reciprocate that love.

Click on the following link to find out who your Congressmen / women are:
http://www.whitehouse.gov

Click on this link provided by another read-worthy blog, The Root, to find out how the Violence Against Women Act is being stripped as reported by professor and MSNBC political commentator, Melissa Harris-Perry:
http://www.theroot.com/buzz/mhp-violence-against-women-act-stripped