Gay Couples are now protected under the Violence Against Women Act

More great federal news!

Now same sex couples are protected under the Violence Against Women Act.

The Justice Department has concluded women, too, can be prosecuted under the Violence Against Women Act, in an opinion holding the law’s criminal provisions apply even when the victim and offender are the same sex.

The law’s three criminal provisions prohibit interstate domestic violence, stalking and violations of protective orders. The April 27 opinion, signed by acting Assistant Attorney General David Barron, says the law clearly covers acts by same-sex partners and also protects same-sex partners, even if it doesn’t state so explicitly.

“It is true that the statute is entitled the Violence Against Women Act, but other provisions of the Act make clear it applies to conduct perpetrated against male, as well as female, victims,” according to the opinion, which was released on Wednesday.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary Grindler requested the opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, which in turn solicited input from a variety of sources, including the Criminal and Civil Rights Divisions, the Office on Violence Against Women and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

If you want to see the opinion, don't worry, I got you:
Vawa Opinion 04272010

Surgery No Longer Requirement For Gender Change on your US Passport

The U.S. State Department has remixed the old sexual reassignment surgery policy. Now, if you want to change your gender on your passport; you can before surgery.

The policy, which goes into effect Thursday, allows a gender change with a certification from an attending physician.

The doctor's certification must confirm only that the passport applicant has undergone treatment for gender transition. Limited-validity passports for applicants who are in the process of gender transition also will be available under the policy.

Previously, individuals had to provide documentation from a surgeon that sex reassignment surgery had been performed on them, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality.

This is good news for our Trans fam!

source

President Obama dismiss Moose Mess

Y'all have heard Moose Mess, Sarah Palin, call out Obama over the nuclear policy.

She said:

"No administration in America's history would, I think, ever have considered such a step that we just found out President Obama is supporting today. It's kinda like getting out there on a playground, a bunch of kids, getting ready to fight, and one of the kids saying, 'Go ahead, punch me in the face and I'm not going to retaliate. Go ahead and do what you want to with me.'

Obama heard this crackpot and responded with this:


And this is what he's talking about

Just rambling and making sh** up.

Hat Tip to HuffPo for this idea.

Want to End DADT? Write Your Congressman

Marches are fun, inspiring and moving, but at the end of the day the old fashion process is key.

We need to write our congress folks and get them to end DADT.

How to do that? Look here:

Your letter should address a single topic or issue. Typed, one-page letters are best. Many PACs (Political Action Committees) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this:

1. Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials." (If you want a response, you must include your name and address, even when using email.)
2. Provide more detail. Be factual not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible.
3. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy.

The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples.

Addressing Members of Congress

To Your Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To Your Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

The above addresses should be used in email messages, as well as those sent through the Postal Service.

Finding Their Addresses
Senate and House of Representatives

U.S. Senators (web sites and mailing addresses)

Write Your U.S. Representative (A service of the House that will assist you by identifying your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing contact information.

U.S. Supreme Court
Contact Information - US Supreme Court
The Justices do not have email addresses, but they do read letters from citizens.

To Conclude
Here are some key things you should always and never do in writing to your elected representatives.

1. Be courteous and respectful without "gushing."
2. Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly. If you need help in finding the number of a bill, use the Thomas Legislative Information System.
3. Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response.
4. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter.
5. Keep your letter short -- one page is best.
6. Use specific examples or evidence to support your position.
7. State what it is you want done or recommend a course of action.
8. Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.

Never

1. Use vulgarity, profanity, or threats. The first two are just plain rude and the third one can get you a visit from the Secret Service. Simply stated, don't let your passion get in the way of making your point,
2. Fail to include your name and address, even in email letters.
3. Demand a response.

Identifying Legislation

Cite these legislation identifiers when writing to members of Congress:

House Bills: "H.R._____"
House Resolutions: "H.RES._____"
House Joint Resolutions: "H.J.RES._____"
Senate Bills: "S._____"
Senate Resolutions: "S.RES._____"
Senate Joint Resolutions: "S.J.RES._____"

I'm not trying to mean, I'm serious. This is how we can get the ball rolling.

That easy, That simple

source

Interesting Quote: John McHugh

"The reality is the president has made very clear, and I have not talked to the president directly, but I have talked to high officials in the administration, and I have no doubt the president is going to press forward with his intent to change that policy -- to whatever degree remains to be seen. I think he would like a full reversal."

His view of dealing with DADT