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Not in the House.
Author: Raine
Date: 06/25/2015 12:55:39
So this happened yesterday:
I think the guy on the left is gonna have to find another gig….
The Hill Reports:
It looks like we will know whether or not marriage equality will be acceptable in all 50 states, and I for one am terribly hopeful. The issue that Gutiérrez is trying to bring to light is a really important one. However, this seemed like very bad timing:
It should be noted that at the time of the heckling, the President and Vice-President were not aware that Gutiérrez was a transgender activist. I want to say this: I support protest, and I have always said that protest requires being responsible for one's actions. At the very least, people will pay attention to the real and serious issues facing transgendered peole facing deportation. This is one woman's story.
Today we may very well see marriage equality, but there is so much more progress to be made. Progress like this from our federal government must be made available to everyone in all work sectors.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good news about not only marriage equality but also for the future of the ACA.
and 
Raine
I think the guy on the left is gonna have to find another gig….
The Hill Reports:
The protester was identified as Jennicet Gutiérrez by the Not One More Campaign, which opposes the Obama administration’s deportation policies.
Gutiérrez, an undocumented transgender woman, could be heard shouting “not one more” and “stop all deportations.”
“As a general rule, I am just fine with a few hecklers,” Obama said. “But not when I am up in the house. My attitude is if you’re eating the hors d'oeuvres, you know what I’m saying? And drinking the booze? I know that’s right.”
Turning back to his speech, Obama touted the gains made for gays and lesbians under his administration and addressed an imminent Supreme Court ruling on whether same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.
It looks like we will know whether or not marriage equality will be acceptable in all 50 states, and I for one am terribly hopeful. The issue that Gutiérrez is trying to bring to light is a really important one. However, this seemed like very bad timing:
Speaking to The Advocate by phone from Washington, D.C., Gutiérrez, a 29-year-old trans woman who lives in Los Angeles, said her outburst was unplanned when she initially attended the White House Pride reception with a spare ticket offered to her by a friend.
"[Obama] came out, started speaking and started to get into his speech on how wonderful everything is," Gutiérrez says. "And I couldn’t help but think about the conditions that my LGBTQ Latino/Latina, especially trans women of color, are facing in detention. So, to me, that was the moment I had to speak up. I had to raise awareness to the President and to everyone else watching that I’m not just going to celebrate, when my trans sisters are facing a lot of violence in the detention centers. [Trans women are facing] sexual and physical abuse, and I just had to send a message."
Gutiérrez was escorted from the East Room by Secret Service officers, and tells The Advocate she informed them of her immigration status.
It should be noted that at the time of the heckling, the President and Vice-President were not aware that Gutiérrez was a transgender activist. I want to say this: I support protest, and I have always said that protest requires being responsible for one's actions. At the very least, people will pay attention to the real and serious issues facing transgendered peole facing deportation. This is one woman's story.
In October, Hernández-Polanco sought asylum in the U.S. after facing constant violent attacks, harassment, sexual abuse, and discrimination in Guatemala. She was detained by ICE and placed in an all-male detention facility in Florence, Ariz.
After presenting her case to border patrol, she was detained by ICE officers, who claimed that her past deportations — which occurred when she was an unaccompanied minor trying to flee transphobic violence, according to the Transgender Law Center — rendered her a priority for detention under President Obama’s recent executive action surrounding immigration.
While detained, Hernández-Polanco faced abuse and sexual assault at the hands of fellow detainees and ICE staff as she awaited a hearing in her asylum case, she said in a statement to her attorneys. She described how male ICE guards patted her down six to eight times every day, often allegedly groping her breasts and buttocks, making offensive sexual comments and gestures, and sometimes pulling her hair. She also reported that ICE staff routinely verbally abused her because of her gender identity, including being called slurs like “fucking gay,” “bitch,” and “the woman with balls” in front of other detainees.
Today we may very well see marriage equality, but there is so much more progress to be made. Progress like this from our federal government must be made available to everyone in all work sectors.
Effective January 1, 2016, no carrier participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program may have a general exclusion of services, drugs or supplies related to gender transition or “sex transformations.”
This letter clarifies OPM’s earlier guidance recognizing the evolving professional consensus that treatment may be medically necessary to address a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good news about not only marriage equality but also for the future of the ACA.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:14:18
good morning!
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:14:18
good morning!
Comment by 
TriSec on 06/25/2015 13:19:41
TriSec on 06/25/2015 13:19:41
Hi all. thpth.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:20:10
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:20:10
Morning 
Zicam, though disgusting, may have helped a little maybe this dumb cold will clear out Friday. Hate to be the girl carrying around a box of kleenx at a party.
Zicam, though disgusting, may have helped a little maybe this dumb cold will clear out Friday. Hate to be the girl carrying around a box of kleenx at a party.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 13:27:31
( )
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:27:31
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Zicam, though disgusting, may have helped a little maybe this dumb cold will clear out Friday. Hate to be the girl carrying around a box of kleenx at a party.
(
)
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 13:29:15
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:29:15
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:30:39
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:30:39
I know its not quite the topic of today, and I'm the only one that watches crap TV like Big Brother, but they introduced their first transgender cast mate this season Audrey Middleton.
She told all the house guests last night that she was transgender, and while for some it was their first contact with a transgender person, they were very supportive and willing to hear her story.
Its kind of cool to see the progression in pop culture.
She told all the house guests last night that she was transgender, and while for some it was their first contact with a transgender person, they were very supportive and willing to hear her story.
Its kind of cool to see the progression in pop culture.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 13:33:52
That's really cool, and seriously wonderful to see!
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:33:52
Quote by wickedpam:
I know its not quite the topic of today, and I'm the only one that watches crap TV like Big Brother, but they introduced their first transgender cast mate this season Audrey Middleton.
She told all the house guests last night that she was transgender, and while for some it was their first contact with a transgender person, they were very supportive and willing to hear her story.
Its kind of cool to see the progression in pop culture.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 13:37:40
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:37:40
.@KimberlyRobinsn Guy w/ a human rights campaign flag just charged steps and yelled "freedom" a la Braveheart. You know, the usual. #SCOTUS
— Tom Taylor (@Tom_PTaylor) June 25, 2015
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:38:58
ikr, I mean its not a netflix show that only a few see its pretty freaking mainstream. I know Chaz was on Dancing with the Stars (this show is where I've drawn the like - hate it!) but BB is a summer staple in the CBS lineup
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 13:38:58
Quote by Raine:That's really cool, and seriously wonderful to see!Quote by wickedpam:
I know its not quite the topic of today, and I'm the only one that watches crap TV like Big Brother, but they introduced their first transgender cast mate this season Audrey Middleton.
She told all the house guests last night that she was transgender, and while for some it was their first contact with a transgender person, they were very supportive and willing to hear her story.
Its kind of cool to see the progression in pop culture.
ikr, I mean its not a netflix show that only a few see its pretty freaking mainstream. I know Chaz was on Dancing with the Stars (this show is where I've drawn the like - hate it!) but BB is a summer staple in the CBS lineup
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 13:42:39
Raine on 06/25/2015 13:42:39
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:09:53
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:09:53
SCOTUS just upheld the fair housing act!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:10:24
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:10:24
Mornin' all! 
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:11:21
AND THE ACA SUBSIDIES!!!
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:11:21
Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS just upheld the fair housing act!
AND THE ACA SUBSIDIES!!!
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:11:26
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:11:26
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:12:37
hallelujah!
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:12:37
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
SCOTUS just upheld the fair housing act!
AND THE ACA SUBSIDIES!!!
hallelujah!
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:13:07
Nope. There's five more decisions coming this term, either tomorrow or Monday.
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:13:07
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Nope. There's five more decisions coming this term, either tomorrow or Monday.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:16:00
This is getting ridiculous.
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:16:00
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Nope. There's five more decisions coming this term, either tomorrow or Monday.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:17:07
They had a lot of decisions this term! That's what happens when the District & Appeals Court have actual judges to do this kinda thing, amirite?
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:17:07
Quote by Raine:This is getting ridiculous.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Nope. There's five more decisions coming this term, either tomorrow or Monday.
They had a lot of decisions this term! That's what happens when the District & Appeals Court have actual judges to do this kinda thing, amirite?
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 14:17:37
its like they're playing for ratings - guessing equality is going to be Monday
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 14:17:37
Quote by Raine:This is getting ridiculous.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
Sitting on SCOTUSBlog this morning once again.. two decisions today... Texas Housing and.. ACA!
They aren't deciding power plants and equality today?
Nope. There's five more decisions coming this term, either tomorrow or Monday.
its like they're playing for ratings - guessing equality is going to be Monday
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:22:01
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:22:01
FU ACA haters!
Scalito and Thomas dissenting.
I n a democracy, the power to make the law rests with
those chosen by the people. Our role is more confined—“to
say what the law is.†Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137,
177 (1803). That is easier in some cases than in others.
But in every case we must respect the role of the Legislature,
and take care not to undo what it has done. A fair
reading of legislation demands a fair understanding of the
legislative plan.
Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve
health insurance markets, not to destroy them. If at all
possible, we must interpret the Act in a way that is consistent
with the former, and avoids the latter. Section 36B
can fairly be read consistent with what we see as Congress’s
plan, and that is the reading we adopt.
The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for
the Fourth Circuit is
Affirmed. "
Scalito and Thomas dissenting.
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:24:26
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:24:26
Cue conservative crybaby whining on Facebook and Twitter in 3...2...1
I say to them:
I say to them:
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:26:16
Those two really really love commas. 
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:26:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
FU ACA haters!I n a democracy, the power to make the law rests with
those chosen by the people. Our role is more confined—“to
say what the law is.†Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137,
177 (1803). That is easier in some cases than in others.
But in every case we must respect the role of the Legislature,
and take care not to undo what it has done. A fair
reading of legislation demands a fair understanding of the
legislative plan.
Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve
health insurance markets, not to destroy them. If at all
possible, we must interpret the Act in a way that is consistent
with the former, and avoids the latter. Section 36B
can fairly be read consistent with what we see as Congress’s
plan, and that is the reading we adopt.
The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for
the Fourth Circuit is
Affirmed. "
Scalito and Thomas dissenting.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:26:51
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:26:51
So this ruling means that everyone, regardless of what state is eligible for subsidies!
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:33:24
I have to go find more information about this, but I read that had SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Administration, it will no longer matter if a state participates in the exchange — subsidies will be aailble for all.
And you know, that is WAY better than what we have now.
I am so very happy about this!
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:33:24
Quote by Raine:
So this ruling means that everyone, regardless of what state is eligible for subsidies!
I have to go find more information about this, but I read that had SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Administration, it will no longer matter if a state participates in the exchange — subsidies will be aailble for all.
And you know, that is WAY better than what we have now.
I am so very happy about this!
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:35:17
That's not from the dissent, that is from the majority opinion. I went with that because of "Affirmed." :)
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:35:17
Quote by Raine:Those two really really love commas.Quote by Mondobubba:
FU ACA haters!I n a democracy, the power to make the law rests with
those chosen by the people. Our role is more confined—“to
say what the law is.†Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137,
177 (1803). That is easier in some cases than in others.
But in every case we must respect the role of the Legislature,
and take care not to undo what it has done. A fair
reading of legislation demands a fair understanding of the
legislative plan.
Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve
health insurance markets, not to destroy them. If at all
possible, we must interpret the Act in a way that is consistent
with the former, and avoids the latter. Section 36B
can fairly be read consistent with what we see as Congress’s
plan, and that is the reading we adopt.
The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for
the Fourth Circuit is
Affirmed. "
Scalito and Thomas dissenting.
That's not from the dissent, that is from the majority opinion. I went with that because of "Affirmed." :)
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:37:35
Here's an interesting point - seems like future presidents can't change this either, it has to be done by an act of Congress.
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:37:35
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
So this ruling means that everyone, regardless of what state is eligible for subsidies!
I have to go find more information about this, but I read that had SCOTUS ruled in favor of the Administration, it will no longer matter if a state participates in the exchange — subsidies will be aailble for all.
And you know, that is WAY better than what we have now.
I am so very happy about this!
Here's an interesting point - seems like future presidents can't change this either, it has to be done by an act of Congress.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:41:18
That is a Cherry on top of the cake.
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:41:18
Quote by Scoopster:
Here's an interesting point - seems like future presidents can't change this either, it has to be done by an act of Congress.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 14:44:21
Raine on 06/25/2015 14:44:21
WE have a knew term for ALL 3 dissenters on the Supreme court… (courtesy of a DU member, can;t take credit)
Scalitomas
Comment by TriSec on 06/25/2015 14:45:53
TriSec on 06/25/2015 14:45:53
Yeesh, think I'll stay off FB for a couple of days...
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:48:28
Scalitomas can cause irritability, free-floating paranoia and general agitation. Stop take Scalitomas if these symptoms continue for the length of a Supreme Court term.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:48:28
Quote by Raine:
WE have a knew term for ALL 3 dissenters on the Supreme court… (courtesy of a DU member, can;t take credit)Scalitomas
Scalitomas can cause irritability, free-floating paranoia and general agitation. Stop take Scalitomas if these symptoms continue for the length of a Supreme Court term.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 14:51:57
Its a ship full of grumpy old men - I ship it.
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 14:51:57
Quote by Raine:
WE have a knew term for ALL 3 dissenters on the Supreme court… (courtesy of a DU member, can;t take credit)Scalitomas
Its a ship full of grumpy old men - I ship it.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:54:07
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 14:54:07
The wave of wingnut outrage against John Roberts is approaching tsunami proportions. 
Comment by TriSec on 06/25/2015 14:55:47
TriSec on 06/25/2015 14:55:47
So, health insurance (that I pay for) = SOCIALISM, right?
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:56:54
Do tell!
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:56:54
Quote by Scoopster:
The wave of wingnut outrage against John Roberts is approaching tsunami proportions.
Do tell!
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:57:15
Exactly!
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 14:57:15
Quote by TriSec:
So, health insurance (that I pay for) = SOCIALISM, right?
Exactly!
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 15:05:03
because of this?
Raine on 06/25/2015 15:05:03
Quote by Scoopster:
The wave of wingnut outrage against John Roberts is approaching tsunami proportions.
The Chief Justice says "Congress passed the ACA to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them."
— Nicholas Bagley (@nicholas_bagley) June 25, 2015
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 15:08:13
Heh yeah the comments there are just the start of it. Tri's got the right idea with a Facebook vacation.
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 15:08:13
Quote by Raine:because of this?Quote by Scoopster:
The wave of wingnut outrage against John Roberts is approaching tsunami proportions.The Chief Justice says "Congress passed the ACA to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them."
— Nicholas Bagley (@nicholas_bagley) June 25, 2015
Heh yeah the comments there are just the start of it. Tri's got the right idea with a Facebook vacation.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 15:15:19
h/t Rocky Mountain Mike - "BREAKING: Networks shortly to provide live coverage of the Presidential Mic-Drop."
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 15:15:19
h/t Rocky Mountain Mike - "BREAKING: Networks shortly to provide live coverage of the Presidential Mic-Drop."
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 15:16:12
I for one, will be laughing at the hysteria of teh RWLMs' butt hurt.
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 15:16:12
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:because of this?Quote by Scoopster:
The wave of wingnut outrage against John Roberts is approaching tsunami proportions.The Chief Justice says "Congress passed the ACA to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them."
— Nicholas Bagley (@nicholas_bagley) June 25, 2015
Heh yeah the comments there are just the start of it. Tri's got the right idea with a Facebook vacation.
I for one, will be laughing at the hysteria of teh RWLMs' butt hurt.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 15:22:18
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 15:22:18
Quote by Scoopster:
Comment by 
livingonli on 06/25/2015 15:38:01
livingonli on 06/25/2015 15:38:01
Overslept so this is just a quick hit and run before I hit the road.
Comment by Raine on 06/25/2015 15:44:49
See you around 6 −7 ish!
Raine on 06/25/2015 15:44:49
Quote by livingonli:
Overslept so this is just a quick hit and run before I hit the road.
See you around 6 −7 ish!
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 16:01:35
Drive safe!
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 16:01:35
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Overslept so this is just a quick hit and run before I hit the road.
See you around 6 −7 ish!
Drive safe!
Comment by Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 16:08:16
Mondobubba on 06/25/2015 16:08:16
In the Donald Trump says or does something stupid file we have this: Univision cancel Miss Universe pagent broadcast after Trump bad mouths Mexico and Mexicans.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/25/2015 16:48:06
The gathering has begun!
I shall be on the train tomorrow, btw.
Scoopster on 06/25/2015 16:48:06
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Overslept so this is just a quick hit and run before I hit the road.
See you around 6 −7 ish!
Drive safe!
The gathering has begun!
I shall be on the train tomorrow, btw.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/25/2015 17:13:53
I'll be there Sat. Baking Friday night
wickedpam on 06/25/2015 17:13:53
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Overslept so this is just a quick hit and run before I hit the road.
See you around 6 −7 ish!
Drive safe!
The gathering has begun!
I shall be on the train tomorrow, btw.
I'll be there Sat. Baking Friday night
Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/25/2015 17:19:18
Will in Chicago on 06/25/2015 17:19:18
Hi, everyone!!
I wish that I could join everyone in the D.C. area, but I am still here with the job search.
As someone who receives ACA subsidies, I am pleased with the Supreme Court ruling. The consternation of the GOP base is just icing on the cake. Mind you, John Boehner and the other GOP leaders are relieved that they don't actually need to act to preserve the subsidies.)
I wish that I could join everyone in the D.C. area, but I am still here with the job search.
As someone who receives ACA subsidies, I am pleased with the Supreme Court ruling. The consternation of the GOP base is just icing on the cake. Mind you, John Boehner and the other GOP leaders are relieved that they don't actually need to act to preserve the subsidies.)