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    ‘immigration’


    By: maura.lamendola@rockthevote.com

    Cultivate your Understanding of Immigration Reform

    Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

    I’m sure that the phrase “comprehensive immigration reform”, is one that you’ve heard many times before. Whether it is a phrase you are frustrated by or one that you feel strongly about, it is growing in importance. Right now there are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. These people have no path to citizenship with our current laws and the problem is only attracting greater concern.

    How can you get inspiration on this issue if you don’t already have it? One method I love using is that of the personal story. I am inspired by personal stories because they give me empathy toward a particular issue that I may not have had otherwise. Ask your friends and family if they care about this issue and why. I bet you will get some inspiring anecdotes! If that endeavor fails, pick up a newspaper or watch a news special on TV. Journalists constantly use personal stories to drive their narrative.

    Nevertheless, the new legislation on immigration reform drafted by a bipartisan group of Senators is happening, and it will make history. The time for action is now. Use your power as a voter to ask questions, talk to your friends about immigration reform and why it matters, or to write your representative. Change will never happen if you’re sitting on the sidelines.

     

    maura.lamendola@rockthevote.com
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in immigration | 1 Comment »


    By: Liza Dee

    The Time for Immigration Reform is NOW

    Monday, April 8th, 2013

    Americans everywhere believe that now is the time for action on an essential issue: immigration reform.

    And it seems that perhaps that time has come. Those who support immigration reform have finally gained the attention of both Democrats and Republicans and have pressured them to work together on comprehensive immigration reform, including creating a clear pathway to citizenship for 11 million immigrants..

    Immigration reform is a top priority for President Obama during his second-term, and the “Gang of Eight” group of Senators, led by Republican John McCain of Arizona and Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York, is working toward a bipartisan agreement on a comprehensive immigration bill that could propose this path to citizenship.

    Although  the “Gang of Eight” hopes to finish their negotiations by the end of this week, it is highly unlikely that their bill will sail through Congress unopposed. Instead, their legislation is sure to meet heated debate,, staunch opposition, and backlash from interest groups.

    It is critical that we continue fighting for immigration reform. The Latino vote has proved itself one of the most powerful political contingents. In the 2012 election, Latinos made up ten percent of nationwide turnout, tipping the 2012 elections and in turn, proving that they comprise a growing and engaged group in our country.

    For young voters in particular, immigration reform is a decisive issue. 68 percent of young people support a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, and with good reason; one in five Americans ages 18 to 24 was either born in another country or has at least one parent who is foreign-born.  

    This Wednesday, tens of thousands are expected to rally outside the Capitol, pressuring Congress to enact legislation. Now is the time to join the ranks of passionate immigration reform advocates and make your voice heard.  In the past, immigration reform has collapsed against strong public backlash. It is critical that with a plan finally in sight, we keep up this momentum and make sure immigration reform gets done.

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted in Immigration, wewill | 3 Comments »


    By: Liza Dee

    News Round-Up: Monday, April 8, 2013

    Monday, April 8th, 2013

    In today’s news, the U.S. plans a potential response to North Korea’s aggressive provocations, Margaret Thatcher dies at 87, and six Americans are killed in the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan this year, Meanwhile, Chris Brown and Rihanna call it quits, Jay-Z and Beyonce are criticized for vacationing in Cuba, and ACM award winners celebrate victories.

    Caitlin + Liza

    CRUCIAL: 

    U.S. Designs a Korea Response Proportional to the Provocation, http://nyti.ms/ZcORZU
    The United States and South Korea have prepared “counterprovokation plans” to respond to any attacks from North Korea in the most limited way possible so as to prevent escalation into a broader war. Officials say the plan would call for an immediate, proportional “response in kind” to hit North Korea with similar weapons in the event that North Korea makes good on its military threats. Tensions are still on the rise as North Korea has decided to cut off any cooperation with the South and continues to provoke the United States.

    Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female PM, dead at 87, http://bit.ly/11IMyS8
    Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the only woman ever to hold the position of Prime Minister in Great Britain, died after suffering a stroke Monday morning at the age of 87. Thatcher gained the position of Prime Minister in 1979, leading for 11 years with a signature fierceness that gained her the nickname “The Iron Lady.” A stroke prompted Thatcher to retire from public life in 2002, and she had maintained a low profile in recent years as she continued to suffer strokes.

    Public phase of immigration debate set to begin as Senate negotiators finalize deal, http://wapo.st/16Hygk6
    The Senate’s “Gang of Eight” who have been working on a highly anticipated immigration bill hope to finish their work this week, opening the measures to a heated public debate. The controversial bill includes provisions to secure the border, allow tens of thousands of foreign workers into the country, and grant eventual citizenship to around 11 million immigrants currently living illegally in the U.S. The “Gang of Eight” includes Democratic Senators led by Chuck Schumer of New York and Republicans led by Arizona’s John McCain. “There will be a great deal of unhappiness about this this proposal because everybody didn’t get what they wanted,” McCain said, alluding to the long road of debate the bill is likely to face.

    Six Americans, including three civilians, killed in attacks in Afghanistan, http://wapo.st/16FZycI
    Six Americans, including three civilians and three U.S. troops were killed in two attacks in Afghanistan on Saturday, marking the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan this year. The attacks highlighted the continued danger in Afghanistan as the U.S. moves forward with its plan to withdraw its remaining troops within the next 20 months and leave security in the hands of the Afghani army. Among those killed was Anne Smedinghoff, the first State Department diplomat to be killed in Afghanistan since the war began. Smedinghoff, 25, was traveling to deliver books to a school when a car bomb exploded.

    Kerry Said to Revive 2002 Arab Peace Plan During Israel Talks, http://bloom.bg/Y7iUpS
    U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel Monday with hopes of reviving stalled 2002 peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Kerry discussed with leaders of each nation the 2002 Arab League-endoresed plan, which called to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for withdrawal from all lands occupied by the 1967 Mideast War. Kerry met with President Abbas of Palestine, who said he will not negotiate until Israel stops construction in the West Bank. Kerry is currently making his third trip to the region this month.

    China rebukes North Korea, says no state should sow chaos, http://reut.rs/10FycR5
    China’s president issued warnings this weekend to North Korea, scolding its regional neighbor for raising regional tensions with threats of nuclear attack on the U.S. and war against South Korea. “No one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gain,” President Xi Jinping said. The comments were China’s strongest response yet to the threats of aggression from North Korea that have marked the past month. China, North Korea’s sole financial and diplomatic backer, has expressed frustration with the nation’s positions in recent years.

    CULTURAL: 

    Chris Brown and Rihanna Call it Quits, Says Source, http://eonli.ne/XzwUJD

    Jay-Z, Beyonce Taking Heat for Cuba Trip, http://eonli.ne/Y891nF

    Kardashians Sue Former Stepmom, http://thebea.st/ZcBSay

    ACM Awards 2013: See the Winners Here, http://bit.ly/14YUrX1

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Liza Dee

    News Round-Up: Monday, January 28, 2013

    Monday, January 28th, 2013

    Senators reach a bipartisan agreement on immigration reform; a nightclub fire in Brazil takes the lives of over 230 people; and Obama praises Hillary Clinton in a “60 Minutes” interview marking her departure as Secretary of State. Meanwhile, SAG Awards winners celebrate; Jennifer Lawrence gets over a major wardrobe malfunction; and Barbara Walters comes down with chicken pox.

    Caitlin + Liza

    CRUCIAL: 

    Senators reach agreement on immigration reform, http://bit.ly/UwahSS
    A bipartisan group of senators has reached an agreement on the structure for an overhaul of America’s immigration system. The deal includes a pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants in the nation and also addresses border security, non-citizen “guest” workers, and employee verification. The plan may have trouble receiving backing from the Republican-controlled House, but nonetheless marks the start of the the largest effort in years to seriously reform America’s immigration system. President Obama will offer his own vision for immigration reform in a speech on Tuesday, which officials expect to overlap significantly with the Senate plan. “What’s changed, honestly, is that there is a new appreciation on both sides of the aisle- including maybe more importantly on the Republican side of the aisle- that we have to enact a comprehensive immigration reform bill,” said Senator John McCain, who played a central role in shaping the agreement.

    Missteps hiked Brazil night club blaze death toll, http://cbsn.ws/VhQF21
    Over 230 Brazilians were killed on Sunday in a Santa Maria nightclub fire that officials believe started when a band’s pyrotechnic show ignited soundproofing in the ceiling. Many young victims were among the dead, including 101 students of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Bouncers initially assumed partygoers were skipping on paying their bar tabs and tried to prevent them from leaving. There was also only one exit through which people could leave. Police have arrested the nightclub owner, a band member, and a person in charge of stage safety in connection with the fire so far.

    Egypt’s leader declares emergency after clashes, http://reut.rs/X1hrgg
    Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi issued a 30-day state of emergency and curfew for three Suez Canal provinces where violent protests have killed 49 since Thursday. Hundreds more were injured in Port Said on Sunday during the funerals for 33 Egyptian protesters killed when locals lashed out in response to an unpopular court decision. Anti-government protestors claim that Morsi has failed to defend the revolution that toppled Mubarek and is not representing all Egyptians. Morsi warned of further punishment if protests continue.

    Obama praises Hillary Clinton in joint interview on ’60 minutes’, http://lat.ms/X5qpZQ
    In a ’60 Minutes’ interview to mark Hillary Clinton’s departure as Secretary of State, Clinton and the president recounted their joint foreign policy accomplishments and expressed gratitude for being able to transform their 2008 political rivalry into friendship. “You know, if the roles had been reversed, I would have desperately have wanted him to be in my cabinet,” said Clinton, who was initially reluctant to accept the high-ranking post offered to her by the president. “By the time Hillary joined the administration, I felt very confident in our working relationship. What did evolve was a friendship,” Obama added. In the interview, the two cited winding down the war in Afghanistan, ousting Qaddafi in Libya, and getting rid of core Al Qaeda leaders as a few of their greatest successes.

    Gun control advocates march as nation reels from school shootings, http://bit.ly/TMIpMh
    Thousands demonstrated in Washington on Saturday as part of a “March on Washington for Gun Control,” calling for tougher gun laws. The marchers rallied for a reinstatement of the federal ban on the sale of military-style semi-automatic rifles, like that used in the Newtown shooting, as well as universal background checks and a ban on sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines. Many demonstrators held up the names of victims killed at Newtown and in other school shootings as they took part in the first major demonstration since the Newtown shooting in December. “Only an outraged public can end the gun violence that has enveloped our country,” said U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-District of Columbia). “We the people who did not act before, we the people this time will step forward.”

    Iranian state TV says country has successfully sent monkey into space, http://bit.ly/X3oWSk
    Iran announced today that it successfully launched a monkey into space, bringing the nation one step closer toward its ultimate goal of sending an astronaut into space. According to Iran state TV, the monkey was sent on a rocket 72 miles into space and returned safely. Iran has long hoped to send a man into space as part of its ambitious aerospace program, which also includes plans for a new space center. The U.S. remains skeptical of Iran’s intentions, worrying that space program technology could also be used to develop long-range missiles armed with nuclear warheads.

    CULTURAL: 

    SAG Awards 2013: Complete List of Winners, http://bit.ly/WjmIlg

    Jennifer Lawrence dress rips at SAG Awards 2013, http://bit.ly/110frpq

    Best Dressed at the SAG Awards, http://bit.ly/111ySUH

    Barbara Walters- I’ve Got CHICKEN POX!, http://tmz.me/WsGRWc

    Hugh Hefner’s Long-time Secretary Mary O’Connor Dies, http://bit.ly/T0stV1

     

    Liza Dee
    Bio:

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off


    By: Kristin Andrews

    News Round-Up: Thursday, April 21, 2011

    Thursday, April 21st, 2011

    The debt limit continues to push parties to the edge, with a compromise not looking good, two journalists were tragically killed in Libya and two others were wounded, and illegal immigration has dropped as border security gets tougher and job opportunities drop. Meanwhile the New York Times reaches 100,000 subscribers, your iPhone is tracking your every move, and Kate Middleton’s parents finally meet the Queen (but did they have Kate Jelly Beans?!).

    CRUCIAL:

    GOP Escalates Debt Limit Demands, http://politi.co/gm4Reb

    Rebubilcan Eric Cantor has said the GOP will not allow the debt ceiling to be raised if no spending reforms are made, even if that means defaulting. Democrats have said they will not allow a default to happen. Republicans agree that if Obama wants to raise the debt ceiling he will have to convince the American people it is the right thing to do.

    Baseball Taking Control of Dodgers Operations, http://nyti.ms/h9z7Mc

    Bud Selig, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, has said he will appoint someone to take over the Los Angeles Dodgers after the owner, Frank McCourt left the team in debt and used revenues to cover his personal debt.

    Tim Hetherington, ‘Restrepo’ Director, And Chris Hondros, Photojournalist, Killed in Libya, http://huff.to/fgAfR3

    Two highly acclaimed journalists were killed in Libya after being hit by fire between the rebels and Gaddafi’s forces. Two other journalists were wounded.

    Illegal Immigrants Stopped at the Boarder Has Dropped by 73%, http://bit.ly/gvnWHw

    Due to increased enforcement at the border, as well as a lack of jobs, the number of people attempting to cross the border into the US has slowed significantly. In fact, “in the Yuma sector…once considered “the border’s most trampled region,” apprehensions have dropped 95 percent, from 138,460 to 7,116.”

    Got an iPhone or a 3G iPad? Apple is Recording Your Moves, http://oreil.ly/i7dC7Q

    Any time you sync your device you are leaving an unlocked, unencrypted trail of where you have been and when. It remains unclear as to why Apple is collecting this data, and what the plan on doing with it.

    Election 2012: It’s Not Facebook. It’s The Data, Stupid., http://bit.ly/eKJg5q

    Michal L. Sifry argues that Facebook has pluses and minuses when it comes to the 2012 election, but what really matters is the ability to collect data and get people behind your campaign. Social media is not just an upcoming platform, it is also a way to gather information about voters.

    The New York Times Mystifies, Netting 100K Digital Subscribers, http://bit.ly/emVi1T

    The New York Times has reached 100,000 online subscribers (including the 99 cent trial subscribers) after putting up a pay wall three weeks ago, significantly faster than the Wall Street Journal was able to acquire subscribers. However, revenues, including ad revenues are down.

    CULTURAL:

    The 2011 TIME 100: http://ti.me/hgInGF

    Real Housewives of…Scottsdale?: http://bit.ly/eWfNmU

    Demi Lovato reveals Bipolar Disorder, wants to help others: http://eonli.ne/gqbZOn

    Kate Middleton’s parents finally meet the queen: http://eonli.ne/fJMVJw

    James Frey returning for one of Oprah’s final shows: http://bit.ly/frMh9G

    Dispute between Lady Gaga and Weird Al resolved: http://wapo.st/fPvhWg

    Kristin Andrews
    Bio: Kristin is Rock the Vote's Communications Intern

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com

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    Posted in News Round-Up | Comments Off

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