Occupy Wall Street: What's the beef?

Unless you have been under a rock lately, you might have heard a little something about a movement called, "Occupy Wall Street" This movement has shaped itself into a whirlwind of a spectacle around the world.  It began on September 17, 2011 in Liberty Square in Manhattan’s Financial District, and has spread to over 100 cities in the United States and actions in over 1,500 cities globally. 

These protesters are resiliently embarking upon a month of protesting against the "corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations." see Occupy Wall Street Website 

The idea that a group of people are using old school "No Justice, No Peace" style protesting to make a point, is quite frankly refreshing. I'm excited about the aspect that good ole democracy could possibly be back in business.  Fighting the system, not by playing by their rules (which never really works), but by attacking the "Man" with vigilante yummy goodness. Ah....America. 

The movement aims to expose how the "richest 1% of people are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future." see Occupy Wall Street Website

I get it. They are pissed. But what is their agenda? What will get them to stop?  

At least that is what perked my interest to investigate. Here is what I found.

"We have no agenda other than to provide people with information about the events and actions happening in their area in solidarity and support of those that currently Occupy Wall St. Our political and social beliefs will remain neutral for this cause; this is not about us, this is about the movement. The only thing we will promote openly is peaceful demonstrations."


See Occupy Together Website.


What a bummer. No list of demands? No helicopter? No bag of money being dropped at an undisclosed location? What a let down. This is what I thought at first. I was confused. But then I realized, isn't that always how change starts? With a whisper. With acknowledgment. With anger. You have to let people know what your angry about to have a leader take notice and want to grab all those budding followers that are egging for direction and focus. The question is who will take the bate in the 2012 election? Or will anyone? I think all the coverage these protesters are grabbing it is making them very hard to ignore. It will be interesting in the coming months what with the weather getting colder outside and hotter inside the election walls to see how this all pans out. For now, in the interest of offering information, I will post a few links for additional information on the Occupy Movement. 


Occupy Wall Street
Occupy Together 
Occupy Everything 

Finding a Twin, Makes Me Feel Inspired



This is not Michelle Williams Court, but the picture goes with the point I'm making. LOL



Totally obsessed with powerful and successful African American women. It is the ultimate high to see women that are making an exceptional spectacle of themselves in a world where men dominate. In law school, women represent 50% of the students. However, women are only 16-18% of the equity partners in law firms. The percentages are not inspirational for a woman that is interested in going into law. One can choose to look at the dirt or look at the roses growing from the dirt. I am not interested in dirt. Because it's, well, not as interesting as the roses.

While researching Loyola Law School, one of my choices for applications this year, I found the student blog section on their website. I figured this would be the best place to look in order to learn more about the opportunities available to the students within the school environment. A student liaison spoke about the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. This is where I found, Michelle Williams Court. A fellow African American female attorney for Bet Tzedek who was named by Daily Journal as one of the Top Women Lawyers Under 40. This is a big deal because Michelle's story grabbed me as it paralleled my experiences growing up. As I did, she grew up in a poverty stricken neighborhood where she was bused into a more influential neighborhood for schooling. This is when she was first introduced to a "different" environment. Like Michelle, this is when I first realized what "different" meant.

The real life education about the disparity that exists in our society between the wealthy and the poor influenced her decision to become a lawyer. To become a lawmaker, a life changer, a people mover. This is also my reason. It feels good to see a woman that looks like me, having the same inspiration and following through. At her firm, Michelle started a receivership program where she helps turn slum properties into affordable housing. Making a step to correct what she saw as a little girl.

Along with our similar dreams, Michelle's personal life mirrors mine as well. She is a mother and a wife. She has only been an attorney for 12 years and is now 39 which means she started law school around the same time I will be. I am so excited I found this article. Just a bit of inspiration to round out the week. If you have a dream, seek out those that are like you that have already achieved it. It is a MAJOR motivator. I know it is for me. Happy Friday.

Court bans man with low IQ from having sex

Most women with idiotic ex-boyfriends and/or baby daddies would think this next story should be a revelation for Judges all over the world. Imagine if it was possible for someone to be banned from having sex because the powers that be thinks that they are not intelligent nor responsible enough to handle the possible consequences and repercussions that may be involved. AMEN! Well, this did happen somewhere, in the UK to be exact...

A 41 year-old, known only as Alan, who lives in the UK, has an IQ of 48, a moderate learning disability and has also now been banned from having sex by a high court judge.

  

In the United Kingdom's Court of Protection within the Office of the Public Guardian, the judge decided his “vigorous sex drive” was inappropriate and that he did not understand what he was doing. (I know a whole lotta people that fit this description)  A psychiatrist involved in the case even tried to prevent the man being given sex education, on the grounds that it would leave him “confused”.

Where did this all come from?

Kieron by the court. Alan was also accused of making lewd gestures at children in a dentists’ surgery and on a bus, although no police action was taken.


In June 2009 the town hall began court proceedings to restrict his contact with Kieron on the grounds that he lacked mental capacity, and an interim order was made to that effect.

“Since then Alan has been subjected to close supervision to prevent any further sexual activity on his part,” except when he is alone in his bedroom.

The Judge thinks that Alan should not be allowed to have sex with anyone on the grounds that he did not have the mental capacity to understand the health risks associated with his actions. Under the judge’s order, the man is now subject to “close supervision” in order to ensure he does not break the highly unusual and unfair order. The judge said it requires an understanding and awareness of the “mechanics of the act”, “that there are health risks involved” and that sex between a man and a woman may lead to pregnancy.  He said that the psychiatrist thought Alan “believed that babies were delivered by a stork or found under a bush”, and that “sex could give you spots or measles”.

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, (IN THE UK) its judges have the power to make life or death decisions for people deemed to lack the intelligence to make them for themselves – such as ordering that they undergo surgery, have forced abortions, have life-support switched off or be forced to use contraception.

On that basis the judge ruled that Alan did not have the capacity to consent to sex, but also ordered that the council should provide him with sex education “in the hope that he thereby gains that capacity".

So, what do you think, could this fly in America?

Hawaii Approves Same-Sex Civil Unions

Civil unions are set to begin Jan. 1, 2012, making the Hawaii the 7th state in the nation to grant essentially the same rights of marriage to same-sex couples without authorizing marriage itself.

Hawaii lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday to allow civil unions for same-sex couples, marking an end to what the governor called an "emotional process" for a longtime battleground in the gay rights movement.

The House passed the bill last week and the Senate passed it with a 18-5 vote.Gay rights advocates praised the vote as a victory for equal rights in a state known for its diversity and tolerance.

"I have always believed that civil unions respect our diversity, protect people's privacy, and reinforce our core values of equality and aloha," Governor Abercrombie said in a statement released minutes after Wednesday's vote. "For me, this bill represents equal rights for all the people of Hawai'i."

The civil unions vote came immediately after the Senate confirmed the state's first openly gay Supreme Court justice, Sabrina McKenna.

What Should You Do If You Are Stopped By The Police?

YOUR RIGHTS

- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
- You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
- If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
- You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

- Do stay calm and be polite.
- Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
- Do not lie or give false documents.
- Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested.
- Do remember the details of the encounter.
- Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING

Stay calm. Don't run. Don't argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police are violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them.

Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to know why.

You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself.

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel.
Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.

If an officer asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, your car can be searched without your consent.

Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you are a passenger, you can ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, sit silently or calmly leave. Even if the officer says no, you have the right to remain silent.

IF YOU ARE CONTACTED BY THE FBI

If an FBI agent comes to your home or workplace, you do not have to answer any questions. Tell the agent you want to speak to a lawyer first.
If you are asked to meet with FBI agents for an interview, you have the right to say you do not want to be interviewed. If you agree to an interview, have a lawyer present. You do not have to answer any questions you feel uncomfortable answering, and can say that you will only answer questions on a specific topic.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair.

Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. Don't say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without a lawyer.

You have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.

Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.
IF YOU FEEL YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED

Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint.

Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first).

File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

Call your local ACLU or visit www.aclu.org/profiling.

Pissed and Pierced: 14 Year Old Girl Wins Case Allowing Her Her Nose Piercing

One Small Step for Man-kind One Giant Leap for Piercings! Let me just say, I have never been big on piercings but to each their own. I also have not taken a stand as of yet on how I feel about my daughter getting a piercing in any odd place. By odd, to be clear, I mean any place other than her ears. (which have not been pierced as yet) It seems as if our legal system has taken a stand. Word on the street is that U.S. District Judge Malcolm Howard has ordered a North Carolina school to admit a 14-year-old student suspended for wearing a nose piercing she says is part of her religion.

What kind of religion would have body piercings as such an important part of it's practices?
The young girl, Ariana Iacono and her family belong to a small religious group called the Church of Body Modification. The case was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union contending that Johnston County school officials violated the constitutional rights of Ariana Iacono.

Ariana had been suspended from Clayton High School since classes started four weeks ago.
She and her mother say the nose piercing is part of their faith, not a fashion statement.