United States – Net Neutrality Restoration via The Congressional Review Act (CRA)

January 12, 2018

United States – Net Neutrality Restoration via The Congressional Review Act (CRA)

Padmini Arhant

Net neutrality repealed by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recently in a closed door meeting among five members with three republican representatives in favor and two democrats against the decision understandably prompted public protest and disappointment. The decision tipped the balance to control internet traffic overwhelmingly to internet service providers – AT&T, Comcast and Verizon amongst the prominent and major corporations in the pool leaving the public domain, the internet entirely to corporate management allowing them censorship on public access and streaming activity.

As mentioned earlier on this website regarding this issue

Related Articles:

United States – FCC Net Neutrality Repeal

United States – FCC Repealing Net Neutrality and GOP TCJA

Whenever federal authorities and agencies neglect responsibility to protect consumer interests arguably relevant in this matter and chose to align with special interests such as corporate giants in telecom industry with little or no concern on mass impact, the voice of the people as common users from all walks of life necessitate action.

Accordingly, a Senate bill to overrule FCC and save net neutrality gained traction with enough cosponsors to force a vote on the Senate floor attracting members from either sides of the political aisle including independent member of Congress in the Senate coming forward to reverse FCC’s action.

The bill titled The Congressional Review Act (CRA) would give elected officials 60 legislative days to restore net neutrality by overturning FCC’s REPEAL with a simple majority vote in the Senate and House. The vote in the Senate appears to be guaranteed to pass the legislation. The constituents regardless of political affiliation contacting the respective Congress members in the House and Senate to cast their vote in acknowledgment of citizens’ rights to internet, the public domain free from restrictions and corporate regulations is pertinent to maintain fair access to information highway.

The legislation drawing bipartisan support in the Senate currently has 40 cosponsors and The Congressional Review Act (CRA) will need 51 votes to pass the Senate and proceed to the House.

Citizens across the United States, the blue, the red, the purple and apolitical evidently internet users are urged to come together in retaining your rights to internet and join the majority participating in net neutrality revival.

You may use the easy call tool to contact your lawmakers right now. Battle for the Net’s call tool is easy to use. Enter your phone number and your phone will ring. Then just enter your zip code they will connect you with your Senator.

Keep democracy alive and active exercising your rights to internet freedom in the information age.

Good Luck!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

Politics and Infidelity – the conjoined factor

October 16, 2016

PADMINI ARHANT. Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com. Spousal Partner Divine Mission.
PADMINI ARHANT. Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com. Spousal Partner Divine Mission.

 

 

 

By Padmini Arhant

Synopsis on track record depicting reality and potential threat to peace, global security and humanitarian cause.

The highlight on Presidential candidacy currently exempt from scrutiny.

Should democracy bow to political apparatus endangering lives and human rights?

More to follow on this topic.

 


Politics and Infidelity – The conjoined factor

By Padmini Arhant

Infidelity is the norm since politics emergence and continues until today with plain hypocrisy.

The chronicle on infidelity among members in politics on all sides goes back as early as 18th century.

However, the recent episodes deserve attention considering the hype and melodrama in contemporary politics.

Starting with elite and privileged club members rendezvous in Bohemian Grove, 65 miles north of San Francisco, California, USA is an annual event in July. The lewd activities promoting voyeurism, philander and pedophilia is accompanied by bizarre rituals burning human and child effigy forbid public focus.

In March 2008, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer steps down after sex scandal. Governor Eliot Spitzer, the democrat and Super delegate in the party resigned after exposure in prostitution scandal. The news reports coverage highlighted that Governor Eliot Spitzer had patronized an elite escort service run by Emperors Club VIP.

Eliot Spitzer subsequently hired by CNN as television host that included issues linked to character and chastity.

The successor David Paterson as the Governor of New York admits infidelity after being sworn in to replace scandal scarred Eliot Spitzer. The newly appointed Governor David Paterson’s spouse Michelle Paterson adultery also comes to light at the same time.

Former President Bill Clinton sex scandals long been referenced serving as a reminder on politics and infidelity the conjoined factor until now in present Presidential election.

The former Presidential contender democrat Jessie Jackson also referred to as reverend having come to the aid of fellow democrat President Bill Clinton during the scandalous moment could not escape spotlight on own extramarital arrangement.

The democrat Presidential candidate Gary Hart in 1987 ended his campaign upon disclosure on infidelity over a period of time.

Similarly, the ex- Presidential candidate democrat Senator John Edwards dropped out of 2008 Presidential race following news on his ongoing affair unfolding in the middle of the campaign.

Massachusetts Senator and ex- Presidential Candidate Ted Kennedy fiercely contested Presidential nomination in the democratic primary.  

As per the revelations via news reports then – “Ted Kennedy’s career never recovered from the disgrace of the accident at Chappaquiddick in 1969, when his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne died after the senator drove his car off a bridge and left her to drown as he swam free. Rather than making any attempt to save the young woman he went back to his hotel room to consult advisers before the case was reported in the morning. Kennedy escaped with only minor charges.”

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Republican) infidelity shattered the glass house despite Christian coalition and religious veneer with the republican invited on major news network as authority on morality.

The Republican Senator Larry Craig in 2009 acknowledged inappropriate behavior.

According to the reports then –  “The Republican senator for Idaho pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after being caught at an airport toilet. A policeman at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport arrested the politician after he used a signal under a cubicle door to suggest sexual conduct.”

Yet another Republican member in Congress Mark Foley attracted attention for apparent text and instant messages to male teens with sexual innuendoes during the term in Congress.

Arizona Senator John McCain launched Presidential campaign in 2008 and became the Republican Presidential nominee on the platform as decorated war veteran and POW in Vietnam. Nonetheless, the Senator’s involvement characterized as adulterous with disloyalty to spouse in long term marriage could not be concealed although the Senator continued the Presidential bid until election day.

California ex-Governor and Hollywood fame Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican)  confession to love child cautiously sidelined from media chat and discussion.

The democrat Presidential candidate and then Senator Barack Obama was associated with alleged alliances during the successful 2008 campaign.

Last but not the least, the shooting incident at the White House door step on October 3rd, 2013, related to young black mother Miriam Carey (age – 34 years) with a toddler son witness to his mother being shot from behind five times in her car by White House Secret Service concluded as a tragedy much to the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus silence. Not to mention muted response from Black lives matter.

Politics duplicity persists in the face of denials and denigrations for the sole purpose of maintaining status quo – i.e. distraction from real issues and serious violations by members in political class selectively exempt from scrutiny.

The targets in the game are fidelity and integrity not welcome in service to the citizens and nation at large.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic Discussion – United States Mid Term Election Results and Politics As Usual

November 5, 2014

 

From:  Padmini Arhant

The topic discussion on United States Mid Term Election Results and Politics as Usual is scheduled in approximately 30 mins to your local time.

Your attention and interest is appreciated.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

United States – Wall Street and Washington Job Action

October 15, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

American families across the nation are hurting from the tough economic times with layoffs, housing market decline, credit crunch and expensive health care costs taking toll on middle class, lower income groups and small businesses all over.

Main Street justified frustration over high unemployment; unlawful foreclosures and unaffordable health care expenses are demonstrated in ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protests spreading within and outside the country.

Protestors could peacefully assemble near Capitol Hill and the White House for reminder on the unresolved economic problems and social inequality in the United States and abroad.

As for Washington measures on jobs – the lawmakers failed to pass the jobs bill this week and,

Instead approved free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Peru. respectively for manufacturing jobs at home although,

The legislative success is dependent on the trading partners’ reciprocation i.e. the consumer demand and affordability for American goods.

Meanwhile, U.S. Congress has agreed on payroll tax holiday and unemployment insurance extension that are positive steps with immediate relief for the jobless and those facing retrenchment in the uncertain economic environment.

If both parties in the House and Senate could set aside the political differences for common goals,

Perhaps it would facilitate job growth in private and public sectors essential for economic revival.

Addressing the serious housing crisis with lenders unlawful practices is pertinent for the following reasons:

Improper foreclosures is depriving American homeowners ownership allowing foreign investor frenzy to capitalize on the American plight that needs to be fixed considering,

The mortgage securities as derivatives component are tied to overseas assets.

Furthermore, there are inherent risks involved in such investments due to short-term selling and swap agreements generating volatility in the global market.

Notwithstanding the equity transfer from domestic to offshore holdings embedded in the sovereign wealth funds cause political concerns besides economic turbulence in the globalized economy.

Remedies to these ramifications lies with Congress in easing the burden on home owners through effective strategies such as –

Resurrecting foreclosure moratorium enabling homeowners to renegotiate mortgages with property reevaluation to current market value and,

Payment modification per existing rates would protect American interests in the desperate housing situation.

The home loans revision for families regardless of hierarchy on the verge of losing homes could reverse the trend and boost jobs in the construction industry and service sector.

Any relief thus far is limited to conventional practices with the bulk of the homeowners left at the mercy of lenders’ discretion often premised on short-term gains suppressing the housing market rebound.

While the taxpayer bailouts based on ‘too big to fail’ salvaged the default banking industry despite the illegal sub-prime mortgage activities,

The delinquent homeowners are forced to deal with contrary response ranging from aggressive evictions to unreasonable payment options.

The banks were rescued unconditionally and the financial institutions in return have not only restrained money supply prolonging the credit crunch but also denied majority homeowners refinancing opportunity and small business entrepreneurs capital infusion.

Wall Street with substantial cash reserves could create and retain employment rather than preparing to slash 10,000 finance jobs in the coming months that would exacerbate the dire economy.

Corporations’ role confined to economic development with disengagement from political governance through lobbyists would promote government functionality and efficacy in legislative matter.

Companies incentivized with Bush tax cuts extension have failed to deliver the anticipated job growth and expansion only to be substituted by job reduction and/or exports contributing to national debt and trade deficit.

Repealing Bush tax cuts and redirecting financial resources to organizations committed to domestic jobs would enhance free market performance.

Micro-credits is yet another avenue to empower business proprietorship and alleviate economic pain from unemployment status.

Communities with alarming jobless rate could potentially utilize micro-credit facility for self-employment and niche market.

United States is endowed with skilled work force, ingenuity and innovative talent leading in sophisticated technology and other global achievements that revolutionized urban lifestyle.

U.S. workers productivity resulted in economic boom worldwide supporting developing economies to advance at a phenomenal pace.

There is an urgent requirement to turn U.S. economy around with Corporations assuming primary responsibility in providing jobs, liquidity and restoring homes for American families.

U.S. economic recovery is paramount for Wall Street and Washington.

Corporations cannot exist without workers and politics would desist in the absence of electorate.

Citizens’ grievances are real and legitimate – the economic issues cannot be resolved without political will and corporate investments in domestic economy.

Government and Corporations expediting job oriented economic surge is the universal expectation with millions of lives in jeopardy.

Corporate and Political leaderships are urged to prioritize American jobs, housing, health and business prospects over personal aspirations and partisanship.

Global recession could be contained upon U.S. economic progress.

Action and not procrastination would guarantee the desirable outcome.

Hopefully rationality would prevail in arriving at consensus on economic solutions.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congressional Members For Re-Election

June 28, 2011

From: Padmini Arhant

To: Honorable. United States Congress Members Seeking Re-Election

When you are truly committed to serving the people in your constituency and across the nation without submitting to any pressure or incentives from forces against average citizens, then you have maintained an exemplary record.

Your opponents may target you with smear campaigns and distort information about you.

However, your actions will always speak louder than their words.

If you pledge to keep the lobbyists and federal contractors at bay by coordinating efforts with your congressional colleagues in legislation,

Then half the battle won for your electorate whom you represent in Congress.

The election campaign may not become contentious and hard to win if you do everything in your power as people’s representative to improve lives and move the nation forward.

The esteemed congressional members are reminded that the people hold the key to power in a democracy.

Even though the recent developments favoring the wealthiest contributors through Supreme Court decisions and legislative actions has undermined democratic system, citizens vote ultimately declares the result in a legitimate electoral process.

If victory is claimed undemocratically with the official selected rather than being elected to promote campaign financiers specific agendas the moral bearing squarely lies on the donors and recipients in their betrayal of the nation they are expected to serve with honesty and integrity.

The respective constituents on their part are kindly requested to exercise diligence and discernment when casting their ballots during election.

Please rally behind dedicated representatives with proven record on issues concerning all and national interest.

It is important to understand the incredible power people have in a democracy to determine the validity of their votes granting power to candidates as their democratically elected representatives to elevate living standards at home and alleviate human suffering around the world.

Besides protecting the environment – the only habitat for life that is constantly threatened with greed driven policies promoted by the relevant industry.

Please remember that grassroots support is a formidable challenger to the power at any time.

The latest congressional outcome has confirmed their effectiveness against monetary assistance flowing to the contenders during election campaign.

Citizens fight for their constitutional rights and any other issues ranging from economic, social, political and environment begins on the campaign trail and proceeds to the Capitol Hill where legislation is passed to become the law.

I urge you to stand up for democratic values especially eliminating special interests influence in any format in Capitol Hill that has eroded moral and ethical principles primarily to benefit the powerful at the vast majority’s despair and disadvantage.

Good Luck to Congress members for successful re-election to the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.

Thank you for your service to our great nation.

Best Wishes

Padmini Arhant

Planned Parenthood, Medicare and Medicaid – The Average Americans’ Life Support

April 17, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The 2012 budget disagreement in the Hill continues with the Republican majority in the House having passed the proposal to cut $4.4 trillion deficits over the next decade.

Medicare and Medicaid along with funding for the Title X program that provides millions of vulnerable women with family planning, cancer screening and other vital preventative services is currently targeted in the attempt to display fiscal responsibility.

The intention to reduce deficit by $4.4 trillion is praiseworthy but again not at the ordinary citizens’ plight as they are already marginalized in the political system run by the empire representing the tax evading corporations and,

The military industrial complex determined to prolong occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq…with the recent report on Iraq revealing the plan for permanent U.S and coalition troops deployment in the oil rich nation.

Likewise the White House position on raising the debt limit ceiling to accommodate disproportionate military spending through expansive operations in Islamic countries for strategic and economic interests alongside complicity with corporations exporting American taxpayers funded jobs exemplified in the appointment of such corporation to lead the White House Council on Jobs and competitiveness is contradictory to the stated objective.

If the House Speaker John Boehner and the White House were to slash the alarming defense expenditure with troops withdrawal from the nations in the process of being declared indefinite battle zones and,

Pledge towards tax reform evidently favoring corporations like General Electric with the removal of the CEO Jeffrey Immelt from the controversial post in acknowledgment of public petition seeking the GE CEO resignation,

Then the legislative and the executive branches’ crusade could perhaps benefit the mainstream rather than the corporate donors with the base covered in all three government branches.

The cooperation between the Republican members and the White House last year during the Bush tax cuts extension legislation contributing to rising deficit and,

Now the similarities in the debt escalation by the Republican House representatives’ action depriving women, children, veterans and seniors from health care with Medicare and Medicaid elimination,

While the White House calling for higher debt caps inevitably burden the lower and middle income families considering their mutual allegiance to special interests reflected in the generous tax exemptions to the super rich and corporate financiers.

Congressional members opposed to women’s health particularly in their determination to defund Planned Parenthood are alienating the women electorate for ideological reasons and precisely not the change desired by the demography at the lower economic strata.

Reiterating the fact that such polarization within society undermines sovereignty with serious political repercussions for the women’s health opponents and the party.

The real commitment from the White House and the Republican lawmakers would come to light upon prioritizing people over the conglomerate controlling the economic management, foreign policy and warfare.

Thus far the status quo confirms the Bush-Cheney legacy continuation in honoring Bush tax cuts extension, Osama Bin Laden mystery unresolved for perpetual warfare, foreign policy enabling dictatorships to prevail through behind the scenes negotiations with their descendants allowing stalemate against revolutions victory in the people led political uprising in Middle East and North Africa –

Such developments epitomize the corporate and military industrial complex governance overriding democracy.

Therefore the funding restraint on the citizens’ life support – Planned Parenthood, Medicare and Medicaid proves the individual members and leaderships’ misplaced efforts on debt reduction.

Instead the legislative and executive branch consensus on tax revenues successfully circumvented by the corporations and substantial military spending in the sprawling operations around the world should be the bone of contention to signify functional democracy.

With tax payments from corporations obviously not received due to inherent loopholes and deficiencies besides winding up military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq alone would resolve the burgeoning deficit crisis.

Unfortunately the solidarity between the executive and legislative branch in this regard is successfully secured by the corporate sponsors – the perennial winners in the declining democratic system.

Public dissent against Congressional and White House ties with Wall Street at main street peril is necessary to bring about the hope and change reviving republic rule in a democracy.

Failure to heed to citizens’ plea to alleviate and not exacerbate their suffering would be termination of their term in office – as witnessed in 2008 and 2010 elections.

It would be unwise to under estimate electorates’ disappointment in the ‘more of the same’ iimplemented as the promised change.

Hence the incumbent administration and legislative members’ campaign promise delivery to the people without deflecting from the required course is paramount for national progress.

Power is effective in the empowerment of powerless and not aiding the established powerful forces in the shadow government.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Global Poverty Alleviation – Micro Lending Myths and Management

January 13, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

The greatest challenge confronting humanity is alleviating poverty, hunger and disease.

With global population on the rise, the gulf between the rich and poor widening – the worldwide statistics in deaths related to starvation and preventable disease is alarmingly high especially among children, the most vulnerable victims in the human caused misery.

There is no doubt that many organizations such as the United Nations, Government and Non-Governmental efforts in the developing countries including some philanthropists from different corners are striving hard to address this issue to their best of ability.

Their commitment in this regard is remarkable for the situation would be worse in the absence of myriad interventional measures.

As for the industrialized and developed nations’ role in containing the growing humanitarian plight – the G-20 pledge to contribute $100 billion to developing nations is honorable but yet to be exemplified through action.

In the domestic front – economic austerity is adopted in dealing with fiscal crisis.

However, the disproportionate and drastic cuts have been largely aimed at essential services affecting the economically disadvantaged in the society.

The status quo in the United States is attributed to economic policy that facilitated corporate activities with no oversight subsequently rewarding with bailouts, tax cuts and estate tax relief extended recently shifting the national debt burden to the struggling vast majority.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 50 million Americans of which 17 million children are reported to suffer from hunger due to limited affordability. Nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population is stated to be in abject poverty.

Further data reveals that 200 lives could be saved from starvation for the price of one missile.

Last August, the U.S. Senate passed the Healthy,Hunger-Free Kids Act but the legislation is pending congressional approval.

Hence the112th Congress is requested to prioritize this matter over other issues.

Internationally – of the multitude projects underway to assist poorer communities from the burgeoning economic disparity,

Micro lending is the cornerstone to uplift human living standards targeting women empowerment through entrepreneurship proved to thrive in the systems not prone to administrative corruption and/or bureaucratic meddling.

Any program’s long term success is dependent upon the implementation requiring constant review and monitoring at the macro management.

In micro operation the selective criticism against the concept highlighting the lenders’ alleged practices and soaring profits compared with Wall Street gains as modest and creditors’ demeanor mild towards borrowers is indicative of political adaptation to discredit one and appease another when the debtors experience with Wall Street firms confirm otherwise.

Nonetheless the mostly rural based micro financing recipients rely on lenders and their representatives’ verbal explanation about the contract. The misinformation incidents are less when the customers have basic education and understand the terms without being misled in the loan finance.

Usually these mechanisms work better with non-profit organizations having volunteers to perform the necessary tasks from initiating the deal until debt settlement.

Whenever materialism is eliminated in public service it not only cultivates good work ethics but also yields the desirable outcome.

Providing credit to individuals for various businesses is preliminary step and the loan default could be due to circumstances within and beyond human control.

Using successful business as model and incentivizing them to lead others in the village and urban areas could pervasively replicate results.

The major impediments for human progress among the poorest are – lack of education, access to water let alone clean water, inhumane living conditions and environmental disasters rendering survival a mere stroke of luck than individual capability to overcome the odds in life.

For the population in war zones, the expectations are none considering the persistent chaos and carnage depleting human endurance to the point of welcoming end rather than a beginning to life.

When measuring human achievements since the dawn of life on earth – it has been phenomenal in the technological front.

Notwithstanding the ingenuity and innovation in modern science, space exploration… admirably demonstrated in the formidable quest to conquer air, land and ocean.

It is imperative to emphasize that the monumental feat would not have been possible without unified contribution enhanced by diverse talent in reaching for the stars once considered a pleasant dream but not a reality.

If similar passion and dedication were applied in minimizing human suffering overshadowing the significant accomplishments then perhaps the existence of hierarchical societies – the privileged against the less fortunate and downtrodden could diminish bringing fresh hope for all on the horizon.

Natural empathy together with peace and love towards mankind possess incredible power to transcend elements obstructing the path to equality.

Pragmatically the present dystopian society transformation for universal good largely remains with collective responsibility towards self and others.

Sharing knowledge and cherished treasures in life accentuates the joy of giving guaranteed with exceedingly greater returns.

Moreover the humanitarian deeds are never without a positive effect for it enables the human character to evolve surpassing self-promotion.

Political and economic infusion undermines humanitarian missions for it is perceived as a political threat by those in power while the investors view as an economic opportunity.

Grameen Bank and parallel mediums could potentially revolutionize under developed demography through reinvestments instead of redirecting profits in the venture.

The tax exemption when utilized to increase productivity at various levels has substantial prospects for economic development.

In conclusion, micro lending is promising and an effective catalyst to improve social and economic status in any surroundings.

The U.N. Millennium development goals are attainable through accelerated growth and sustenance of similar humanitarian projects.

Humanity future is bright with care and compassion towards all living beings.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

The 112th Congress begins on January 5, 2011

January 5, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Welcome! To the 112thCongress with the Republican House and Democratic Senate.

The power shift in the new Congress is prepared to make some significant changes to the House rules, previous legislation and the Senate procedure.

Initiatives to implement proposals on Congressional transparency and accountability through on-line presentation of legislation as outlined in the blog post ‘Defining the Humanitarian Responsibility’ – 04/16/2010 on this website is deeply appreciated.

Yet another strategy as stated earlier on omnibus spending delineating earmarks from the Congressional budget would enable legislators to clarify the expenditure.

The recommendation for bill funding to be raised from cutting costs and not through revenues might lead to essential program termination with an adverse economic effect.

If the Republican House pursues permanent spending slashes while increasing liabilities in prolonged wars and tax cuts for the billionaires – the formula used during their earlier majority rule that led to the status quo, it would be the same experiment seeking different results.

Fiscal responsibility is a constant requirement. Nonetheless avoiding brazen measures would confirm pragmatism over ideology.

Further, the majority seizing budget control with the incoming chairman of the House Budget Committee having unilateral authority in domestic spending until budget resolution passage defies checks and balances per the constitution pledged to be upheld in the ‘send-a-message’ category on January 6, 2011.

While it is necessary to trim the legislation volume for better understanding within the allowed time frame, it is equally important to include relevant issues concerning the people and national interest.

In similar context permitting additional amendments and open debate on the bill for proper scrutiny is sensible provided it is not political but carried out to ensure prudence.

Some issues have been presented on the floor over the decade like START treaty eventually ratified in December 2010 and the unsuccessful DREAM ACT rejected on ‘short notice’ basis even though the records reveal otherwise.

On the contentious health care repeal and tax cuts legislation making exception to the impending Republican rule by denying amendments or evading costs in new bills introduction affecting national deficit – a Republican campaign priority reflects double standards and political dominance rather than balance of power.

Amendments to the health care legislation instead of repeal might be the appropriate action in order to protect any crucial components benefitting the sick, the poor and the tax payers now and in the long run.

It’s imperative for the ruling and the opposition members in Congress to transcend partisanship through mutual exchange of ideas and policies in achieving legislative victories guaranteed to move the nation forward.

Reiterating the earlier expectation that the events in 112th Congress would comprise less conflicts and more cooperation for national good.

Best Wishes! To the newly elected and incumbent members in Congress for a successful and harmonious beginning prevailing until the end.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

DREAM ACT – Development, Relief & Education of Alien Minors

December 20, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

United States is effectively United Nations in diversity with myriad of cultures, race, religion… co-existing despite varied characteristics.

In fact this particular feature about United States is emulated in other parts of the world deriving economic and social benefits from immigrant population with assorted skills.

Poignantly the United States status quo would be different had the pilgrims been denied entry and forced to return to their land of origin.

The DREAM ACT is a bipartisan bill introduced by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) to address the key issues confronting the United States – border security and availing the talent of American Minors born overseas through the path to resident status legalization.

Border security is a bipartisan goal to restrict drugs and arms trade including the contentious illegal crossing. Despite this component, the legislation failure by 55 – 41 votes on December 18, 2010 in the Senate is intriguing.

On the legalization of American Minors’ resident status – the eligibility criteria is absolute and completely favor the United States specifically the U.S. military and the educational institutions besides generating desperately required revenue to offset the rising national debt upon these qualified graduates entering the work force.

According to the DREAM ACT individuals must fulfill the following eligibility requirement:

< Have arrived in the United States at the age of 15 or under;

< Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years;

< Graduate from high school;

< Serve in the military or attend college for at least two years; and

< Have good moral character

These legitimate conditions create opportunities for the U.S. Defense force and the American job market to recruit the “cream of the crop” among applicants as presented by Senator Richard Durbin during the passionate plea to the Senate.

U.S. military is not only outstretched due to casualties suffered from ongoing wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan…but also facing increasing challenge to attract volunteers with solid background placing an enormous burden on the institution to accept less qualified enrollees requiring more spending for proper training and preparedness to serve in the sophisticated United States military.

Such demand is often reflected in the disproportionate defense budget contributing to national deficit – arguably the mutual concern for members in both political parties and the American public.

Considering Republican members’ stance on national security and corporate welfare – the DREAM ACT fits the bill per se by providing high caliber candidates producing beyond expectation results.

The reason behind the DREAM ACT inevitable success is based on the carefully designed program targeting the high achievers with exemplary academic record admirably earned under extraordinary circumstances.

These young Americans having proved their resolve in overcoming obstacles without a shadow of doubt display genuine desire to serve the only nation they call ‘home’ in various capacity.

Again as elaborated above the net gain in legalizing American minors’ presence far outweighs the hypothetical negative evaluation that led to the votes shortfall in the DREAM ACT legislation.

United States being the land of immigrants proudly attributes the phenomenal progress thus far to cosmopolitan aptitude prevalent in prudent immigration laws.

The DREAM ACT constitutes the urgency to secure borders along with promoting policy guaranteed to enhance United States economic and defense position.

Moreover the DREAM ACT has been previously brought to the Senate floor on numerous occasions going back to the Republican administration under the former President George W. Bush.

Most recently it was submitted to 109, 110 and now 111th Congress subsequent to the House approval only to be rejected by the Republican Senate minority.

Therefore the selective Republican members’ claiming that DREAM ACT is being rushed for final vote does not bode well given the facts on the time frame for passing this crucial legislation.

Unfortunately, the decision to block the DREAM ACT is political without any consideration for national interest. The pattern in Washington gridlock is detrimental to domestic growth and prosperity not to mention the political backlash in the 2012 election.

The revival of DREAM ACT before the end of 111th Congress is respectfully requested with a direct plea to the moderate Republican members who honorably cooperated in repealing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell legislation to once again come forward and extend their bipartisan support to the bipartisan bill that is evidently beneficial to the United States Defense, the economy and most importantly enabling the young Americans in realizing the American dream.

United States distinguished Senate members have the power to acknowledge the DREAM ACT prospects with their final votes in recognition of national priority.

Above all coherence in holiday spirit would demonstrate the individual caring for greater good.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

Acknowledgment on the United States Congress Repeal of DADT

December 18, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Congratulations! To Gay and Lesbian Armed personnel serving in the United States Defense force on the historic legislation passed to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell discriminatory policy.

The honorable Congress members in the House and the Senate, the military high command and the activists’ passionate plea led to the landmark achievement allowing gay service men and women to openly serve in the United States military.

The legislation repealing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy is acknowledged with profound gratitude.

The distinguished Congress members, President Barack Obama and the United States Defense Force – Thank you for enacting the commendable act.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant
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Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal – Senate Approval

By Padmini Arhant

The legislation allowing the gay service members to openly serve in the military is at the last segment of the process – Senate approval of the law.

Many discussions have been held by the honorable Congress members, military high command, activists and gay armed personnel passionately urging the lawmakers to end the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy in the military.

As elaborated in the earlier post – Don’t Ask Don’t Tell – Repeal December 5, 2010 under Humanitarian Issues on this website,

The gay men and women in uniform have demonstrated exemplary commitment in their service to this great nation and not faltered in DADT compliance even though the practice unfairly promotes segregation and denies these patriots the integrity to retain their identity.

While the rest of the military admirably are at liberty to disclose their faith, race and socio-economic background, the same freedom is not extended to the gay armed forces thereby confirming the violation of basic human right and the constitution governing the defense department under federal government.

Reiterating the fact that the gay armed personnel in the U.S. defense have strengthened the representation in statistics and now with DADT removal the equality status will be established enabling the U.S. military to claim further acknowledgment as a distinguished institution pledged to safeguard individual rights besides national security.

In civil society the citizens are protected against prejudice with the statutory law prohibiting employers from targeted social reservations about a person or groups through the fair and equal opportunity act.

Similar legislation in the defense force is long overdue and the present moment provides the U.S. Congress to exercise the power granted by the gay community as part of the society in DADT termination.

U.S. Congress as the duly elected representatives in a democratic society bears legislative and moral responsibility to ensure that every member regardless of personal characteristics is treated with respect and dignity in any discipline.

Unfortunately the prevalent DADT deprives gay service men and women from such experience due to hypothetical concerns among the minority in the military establishment.

However the majority including the highest ranking officials of the U.S military have come forward and articulated the requirement to end DADT conforming to the existing laws in the American society.

According to the latest reports the sixty Senate votes were available with the agreement from moderate Republican members viz. Senator Olympia Snowe and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts.

These lawmakers’ bipartisan support towards the historic legislation is praiseworthy and will be remembered for their cooperation in preserving the constitution guaranteed equal rights.

It’s a defining period for the United States Congress members and military institution to restore the American democratic values cherished by many and made possible by the valiant armed forces comprising the gay and lesbian members as well.

In conclusion the esteemed United States Senate is respectfully requested to uphold the constitutional law and repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell discriminatory policy granting the United States defense a landmark achievement with a new chapter on gay service members’ right to voluntary disclosure during military recruitment and duty.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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