"It just passed the House.... Now it goes to the Senate."

Just so everyone knows-

Who Is Minding The Government?

United States Congress                ( Congress IS the 'House' and the Senate )
.............................................................

Congress is bicameral, having two legislative chambers.

the Senate

and

the 'House' of Representatives

The United States  Senate
................................................................

Each U.S state is represented by two senators, regardless of population.

This ensures equal representation of each state in the Senate.

The chamber of the United States Senate is located in the north wing of the

Capitol building.

The Senate (100 members) has powers not granted to the House,

 consenting to treaties

consenting or confirmation of appointments of

Cabinet secretaries,

federal judges,

other federal executive officials,

military officers and other federal uniformed officers,

as well as the impeachment trials of federal officials.

The Senate is a more deliberative body-

allowing for a more collegial and less partisan atmosphere

that is somewhat more insulated from public opinion

than the 'House'.

The Senate is considered a more prestigious body

than the 'House' on account of its longer terms,

smaller membership and

larger constituencies.

The United States House of Representatives,
....................................................................................

commonly referred to as "The House," 

Each state receives representation in the House in proportion to its population but is

entitled to at least one Representative. The most populous state, California, currently

has 53 representatives.

The total number of voting representatives is currently fixed at 435.[1]

The House was granted its own exclusive powers: the power to initiate revenue bills,

impeach officials, and elect the president in electoral college deadlocks.

The House meets in the south wing of the United States Capitol.

.............................................................................................

THE LOBBY    (AKA - Oligarchy , 'Special Interest' etc.  "Who runs ya baby." )
............................

Lobbys practice the influencing of decisions made by CONGRESS (in groups or

individually).

Lobbyists are articulating their interest in CONGRESS's decisions by lobbying.

They are also known to be assisting others to express their viewpoints on the decision

making process. (many Large Corporations pay them to do this)

It includes all attempts to influence CONGRESS and officials, whether by other

legislators, constituents or organized groups.[1]

A lobbyist is a person who tries to influence

legislation by CONGRESS on behalf of a special interest or a member of a lobby.[2]

...........................

source for some of the above, wikipedia

..................

Published on Sunday, June 28, 2009

I want my money back.

I gave $20 a week for seven months, plus $60 every once in a while for a t-shirt and sticker.  I gave of my modest purse joyfully.  Once I add that all up, it makes a grand total of... $106 billion?!  Wait a minute, I thought I was supporting change I could believe in, not more of the same bloodshed and war!

Betrayal is a part of life.  After awhile, you just come to expect it.  Yet, the initial shock always hits you as a surprise.  Alas, the nature of betrayal.  Humans are vulnerable to being betrayed because underneath our husky shells, our pain and hardened hearts, we are soft and trustful creatures.  We want to believe in people.

I'm not that young, so I possess some cynicism.  But I'm not that old either, so I manage some idealism.  Sure, I am used to being betrayed by my government.  But I thought my days of calling the White House in tears were over.  To think that Barack Obama preyed on this naive hope in me and millions like me is unforgivable.

I expect the Republicans to throw money at the Military Industrial Complex.  Yet, from the Democrats, I was promised a different direction (like OUT of the Middle East).  Regrettably, there has been miniscule change.  There is still nothing to believe in.

It is against my religion to say the Pledge of Allegiance.  (I am a Christian so I pledge allegiance only to God.)  I did, however, pledge my time and treasure to Barack Obama.   On November 4, 2008, I danced in the streets waving the American Flag, feeling proud to be an American.  I was pathetically close to bustin' out some Toby Keith ditties.

It's not just the $106 billion that makes me feel betrayed.  It's not just the fact that Gitmo probably won't be shut down after all.  It is not even the president's assurance to Republicans that he will not release the photos of detainee abuse.

It is the rumors of intimidation and strong-arming that are, to me, the greatest betrayal.

That President Barack Obama sent Rahm Emanuel and Nancy Pelosi to bully anti-war Democrats into voting for the supplemental (and threatening to withdraw the leadership's support for their re-elections if they didn't) is a shameful misuse of power.  Where's the humanity I once saw in Barack?  It's just more of the same and I can't stomach it.

I knew I was naive; yet like millions of Americans, I had no choice but to believe.  Our hearts were desperate for hope.  We saw Barack Obama as an oasis in the desert.  To think that he may be just a mirage is heartbreaking.
When you have a minute, give Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold a call at (202) 224-5323.  He was the only Democrat in the Senate to vote against the war funding (along with three Republicans and an Independent).

Oh, and please consider supporting my grassroots campaign to get my $680 back so I can donate it to the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center. Thanks.

Marie Marchand is executive director of the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center in Bellingham, WA

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/06/28