not a win for women's reproductive rights in the district of columbia

obviously i've watched the last few days of news with keen interest; after all, it's been my livelihood at stake. and like many americans, i was irritated to think that the right to show up, do my job and earn a living was pinned to an attempt to legislate through the budget process. but in the end, common sense won out when obama and the democrats, my people, stood firm in their commitment not to agree to any deal that defunded planned parenthood. the rider disappeared and the democrats and obama agreed to the proposed budget cuts and proclaimed a hard-won social victory on behalf of womens' reproductive freedom. but was it really?

no. while defunding planned parenthood did not happen, the newly approved federal budget deal contains a provision that the district of columbia may not use LOCAL funds to support a low-income woman's right to choose. that's right, congress - both democrats and republicans - , with obama's approval, has told the tax paying citizens of the district of columbia what they can and cannot do with their local tax dollars. where's the national outrage over that?! i'll make it easy - there is none.

can you imagine the federal government telling arizona that it can no longer spend its local dollars to enforce its undocumented worker policies? of course not, because it would never happen. first, the arizona congressional delegation would band together to prevent it and other states would begin the cries of states rights. but, that's what happens when you're not a state, when you don't have a vote and when the only representation you have is a city government that no one takes seriously because it's such an embarrassment.

taxation without representation is alive and well!

we're real tax-paying citizens - not some faceless enemy

the possibility of a federal government shutdown is becoming more and more real as the hours pass. while i've definitely been one to make jokes about being a fed, i do so in jest. i know how hard we work every day - to serve, protect. the work we do is noble and worthwhile - my job exists for the sole purpose of ensuring that infants, toddlers and students with disabilities get the access to the same education as their typically developing peers. doesn't really seem like a waste of money to me.

and yet we have to listen to people talk and write about how we're lazy, unproductive and unnecessary. they talk as if we're this random group of people who are somehow unaffected by the faltering economy. in reality, we're tax payers just like the rest of them and are impacted as well.

i could go on and on and on, but steve ressler said it better over at the huffington post.

attention! boehner's seeking day laborers!!!

the government shutdown is getting close and the administration is raising the stakes. around 8:00pm all cabinet agencies received notice that the administration is planning for a shutdown.

the message makes clear that POTUS doesn't want a shut down and everyone in the administration appreciates our dedication. now i know who to blame when i am barred from going to work and stop receiving a paycheck - going straight to boehner's office and will be seeking work as a day laborer. spread the word and come and join me!