From the Washington Post, as relayed via DailyKOS.

"Because of the limits placed on the exchanges, most of the participants will have some form of premium credit or affordable subsidy. That means most will be ineligible for abortion coverage. The idea that people are going to go out and purchase separate "abortion plans" is both cruel and laughable. If this amendment passes, it will mean that virtually all women with insurance through the exchange who find themselves in the unwanted and unexpected position of needing to terminate a pregnancy will not have coverage for the procedure. Abortion coverage will not be outlawed in this country. It will simply be tiered, reserved for those rich enough to afford insurance themselves or lucky enough to receive from their employers."

The amendment is expected to pass with relative ease. Republicans will join with anti-choice Democrats to push it over the finish line. Once the amendment passes, the bill is cleared for a vote, and all parties expect that vote to succeed. Today looks likely to end with a historic, and important, vote. A vote that is a first step towards helping more than 30 million people secure health-care coverage, and making sure hundreds of millions are better protected from the vagaries of the insurance industry. But Stupak's amendment is a bitter start. It is, however, not the end. Even if it muscles into the House bill, it will also have to pass in the Senate, and then survive conference, before it becomes law.

My note: Even the most ardent, supposed "feminist" politicians have stated they are willing to vote to allow this amendment to stand, as long as they can pass the reform today.

This is PATHETIC. And we have a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate who can't seem to buck up and get a spine, so I dunno folks. What do YOU think is the best way to deal with this grassroots style?

From the Washington Post, as relayed via DailyKOS.

"Because of the limits placed on the exchanges, most of the participants will have some form of premium credit or affordable subsidy. That means most will be ineligible for abortion coverage. The idea that people are going to go out and purchase separate "abortion plans" is both cruel and laughable. If this amendment passes, it will mean that virtually all women with insurance through the exchange who find themselves in the unwanted and unexpected position of needing to terminate a pregnancy will not have coverage for the procedure. Abortion coverage will not be outlawed in this country. It will simply be tiered, reserved for those rich enough to afford insurance themselves or lucky enough to receive from their employers."

The amendment is expected to pass with relative ease. Republicans will join with anti-choice Democrats to push it over the finish line. Once the amendment passes, the bill is cleared for a vote, and all parties expect that vote to succeed. Today looks likely to end with a historic, and important, vote. A vote that is a first step towards helping more than 30 million people secure health-care coverage, and making sure hundreds of millions are better protected from the vagaries of the insurance industry. But Stupak's amendment is a bitter start. It is, however, not the end. Even if it muscles into the House bill, it will also have to pass in the Senate, and then survive conference, before it becomes law.

My note: Even the most ardent, supposed "feminist" politicians have stated they are willing to vote to allow this amendment to stand, as long as they can pass the reform today.

This is PATHETIC. And we have a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate who can't seem to buck up and get a spine, so I dunno folks. What do YOU think is the best way to deal with this grassroots style?

Edited to add: Congress is in fact OPEN today (Saturday) and people CAN call their Reps NOW! I just called Speaker Pelosi's office in DC and they had people answering the phones. People on the west coast should have a bit more time to phone their local offices, as well, SO PICK UP THE PHONE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN, FOLKS!!! This is SERIOUS!

The Capitol Switchboard is RINGING BUSY, so go here to find the contact info for your reps: http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcapdir.html

Don't know who your rep is??? Go here to locate them by zip code (top left corner): http://www.house.gov/

Hello Friends,

Please forward widely!

This morning around 1am, Members of the US Congress House of
Representatives agreed to allow an Up or Down Vote TODAY to create
what would essentially become a "de facto ban" on abortion services
for private as well as potential public insurers. This is outrageous
and NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!

Where do your reps stand?
Check here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/7/801738/-HCR-House-Debate:-The-Stupak-Amendment

Make sure to contact your Representative in the House and Senate via
email and follow up on Monday morning with a phone call!!!
Go here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/access-to-abortion/health-care-reform.html

News from The NY Times:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/abortion-fight-erupts-in-health-care-debate/
From The Hill (DC):
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/66789-stupak-to-get-up-or-down-vote-on-amendment-to-block-abortion-funding

In Pro-Choice Solidarity!

Hello Friends,

Please forEdited to add: Congress is in fact OPEN today (Saturday) and people CAN call their Reps NOW! I just called Speaker Pelosi's office in DC and they had people answering the phones. People on the west coast should have a bit more time to phone their local offices, as well, SO PICK UP THE PHONE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN, FOLKS!!! This is SERIOUS!

The Capitol Switchboard is RINGING BUSY, so go here to find the contact info for your reps: http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcapdir.html

Don't know who your rep is??? Go here to locate them by zip code (top left corner): http://www.house.gov/

Hello Friends,

Please forward widely!

This morning around 1am, Members of the US Congress House of
Representatives agreed to allow an Up or Down Vote TODAY to create
what would essentially become a "de facto ban" on abortion services
for private as well as potential public insurers. This is outrageous
and NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!

Where do your reps stand?
Check here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/7/801738/-HCR-House-Debate:-The-Stupak-Amendment

Make sure to contact your Representative in the House and Senate via
email and follow up on Monday morning with a phone call!!!
Go here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/access-to-abortion/health-care-reform.html

News from The NY Times:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/07/abortion-fight-erupts-in-health-care-debate/
From The Hill (DC):
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/66789-stupak-to-get-up-or-down-vote-on-amendment-to-block-abortion-funding

In Pro-Choice Solidarity!

Just wondering if there are any local ultra runners here on list...

I'm registered for the Mountain Mist 50k Trail race in January, but it'll be my first MM. I could use a trail buddy and some advice.

I'm already training up at Monte Sano, but I don't know all the trails well yet. I also generally suffer from being "directionally impaired" and am getting a little paranoid and fretful about always running alone. I think it would be useful to have a partner lead me through some of the tougher portions of the course. (And then I can train like hell on them for the next 10 weeks.)

Yesterday was just TOO nice a day not to go to the park and hit the trails. However, it was also a bit discouraging---as I stated off trying to follow the McKay's Hollow trail, but lost the trail markings about a mile in and gave up and turned around! All the falling leaves made the trail hard to follow, and the yellow paint blazes must of blended in with the Autumn colours too. Oh, well, McKay's is a bit technical anyway, and I guess I didn't need to be pushing it as I'm tapering for the Flying Monkey Marathon in Nashville in two weeks.. Besides, didn't want to twist an ankle or get lost or something equally stupid. So, ended up just doing some of the easier trails, as well as roads in the park and Bankhead to and from 5 Points.

I feel I've got a fairly decent mileage base (45-55 miles per week and am participating in marathons in Nov and Dec), but I could use some support on the trail aspects of Mountain Mist training. I know it's going to be a major challenge for me, but I'm determined to give it my best effort!

Pls. x-post!

Hi Friends,

On November 5, the US Senate held the first hearings on a fully
transgender inclusive ENDA Bill –
http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_11_05/2009_11_05.html

Please call your Senators and encourage them to vote YES on the
Transgender Inclusive ENDA Bill – S. 1584, in the United States
Senate.

Where do your Senators stand?
See here: http://www.actonprinciples.org/enda-senate/

To find out who your Senators are, as well as ascertain their contact
information please see this link:
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/general/one_item_and_teasers/contacting.htm

Thanks!

Hey Folks,

I am planning on moving to Busan soon so long as my visa documents work out.  I am going to be living in Sasang-gu in Busan.  I can't find very much info on Sasang-gu and was wondering what people might know about it there.  The things I have heard weren't the most encouraging. So if any of you have lived there, visited there, or know people who have then please tell me your thoughts on Sasang-gu.  Also any websites that may help in this realm would be amazing. 

Much Appreciated,

Brian

I sent out some cards about a week ago, and still owe three from that batch and then my round 8 cards. They should be going out soon! I'm sorry for the wait for the LA love. I bought postcard stamps and my daughter took them and hid them from me. She does it all the time with everything, and she just had to throw my stamps in there too! I've received a few cards over the last week or two, but don't have them in front of me, but everyone is getting replies!

Replies going out to

winterlillies
blossomworld
maryweather

Thanks y'all. Hope to hear from more of you soon. I like this group already. :)

Okay, so the past few days I've been working on a document to help me keep better track of what postcards I've sent to whom. I made a spreadsheet in Excel that has a worksheet for each member, alphabetized by LJ username. In each worksheet is the real name, mailing address, and what kind of postcards they would like to receive. I've tailored it a bit for my purposes, but if anyone would like a copy of it, let me know. I can email it to you if you are interested.

Hello all-

Even though I have a medium-large dog and (regular-sized)cat, I managed to find an TEFL position in Daejeon that was willing to accept all of us!

The problem now is traveling with my pets. I already have travel arrangements ready, with all of the vaccinations and health certificates. The problem now is getting from Incheon airport to Daejeon. There are shuttle buses, and I have friends who say that the bus driver should let me on the bus, and maybe I would have to buy seats for my dog (who would be in a crate)I don't think there would be a problem with my cat, because many people say that's ok.

Does this seem plausible to travel with my dog, though? If not, are there any other suggestions as to how I would travel with my dog from Incheon to Daejeon?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amy

Round 8 cards went out today.

If you haven't seen it, you really need to see the video of Ray Boltz's song "Don't Tell Me Who To Love" under the cut.

Today, it feels especially appropriate to keep Ray's beautifully-sung words, and the undying hope they represent always in our minds & in our hearts:

Now there always will be hatred and voices that condemn.
Oh, but I believe that true love is gonna make it in the end.

( As California goes, so goes...Maine )

Does anyone have any information on the adoption process? I know it varies from state to state. .... I'm from New Hampshire and I am trying to adopt my girlfriends son but I just wanted to know what kinds of ID is required.... basically I'm wondering if I can slip by the radar with my gender. I pass 100% of the time, so I am wondering if they will even catch on.... ? 

round 8 was mailed to Leslie, Simay, and Amy P!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8342056.stm

Transsexual Jesus sparks protests

About 300 protesters held a candlelit protest outside a Glasgow theatre over the staging of a play which portrays Jesus as a transsexual.

The protest was held outside the Tron Theatre, where Jesus Queen of Heaven, in which Christ is a man who wants to become a woman, is being staged.

It is part of the Glasgay! arts festival, a celebration of Scotland's gay, bi-sexual and transsexual culture.

Festival organisers said it had not intended to incite or offend anyone.


Jesus Queen of Heaven is on at the Tron in Glasgow until Saturday

The Christian protesters gathered outside the theatre ahead of the opening night of the production on Tuesday.

Jesus Queen of Heaven, which runs until Saturday, is written and performed by transsexual playwright Jo Clifford.

The demonstrators sang hymns and waved placards.

One read: "Jesus, King of Kings, Not Queen of Heaven."

Another said: "God: My Son Is Not A Pervert."

Festival organisers described the banners as "fairly provocative" and said they could be viewed as inciting homophobia.

Glasgay! producer Steven Thomson said: "Jesus Queen of Heaven is a literary work of fiction exploring the artists own personal journey of faith as a transgendered person.

"Glasgay! supports the right to freedom of expression and offers audiences a diverse view of LGBT life.

"This work is not intended to incite or offend anyone of any belief system, however, we respect your right to disagree with that opinion.

He added: "We welcome genuinely interested audience members who wish to understand the artistic intention behind this work."

Glasgay! is described as "Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture" and is funded by the Scottish Arts Council, Event Scotland, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Glasgow City Council.

Burritt on the Mountain - 2009

I'm tired of this question.