Viktor

JAN 6, 2014 - Musical-activist Henry Rollins wrote an Op Ed on LAWeekly.com about Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson exercising his free speech right with hateful and stupid comments, and Rollins makes some interesting points. For instance on Robertson's comments on how supposedly Jim Crow south was actually a paradise for blacks, Rollins asks, "Did what he said make you think, 'Oh that's good to know because I was under the impression that things were quite awful for African-American people in the southern states in those days. Well, it's a relief to be able to disabuse myself of that notion. Thanks o wisdomatic bearded duck stalker.' I didn't think so."  Well said Henry. To read the whole Op Ed go to LAWeekly.com here.  (photo credit: ceedub13/CC)

JAN 2, 2014 - The prohibition of the consumption of cannabis has ended in at least one part of America. As of January 1, 2014, Colorado becomes the first state to come "online" to sell and consume marijuana legally, and the sky didn't fall. There were long lines, and recreational marijuana users ranged from veterans with PTSD to Americans who just wanted to smoke a little weed, listen to some music in their basement and not bother anyone; and not be bothered. Doesn't the government have bigger worries to worry about? Anyways, I suggest buying stock in Doritos. JTMP urges our supporters to contact their local, state and federal elected representatives and tell them you want recreational marijuana prohibition to end. Watch a video below of the first legal marijuana transaction in Colorado by a vet who uses it to treat his PTSD.

JAN 1, 2014 - Happy New Year everyone! 2014 is going to be an exciting year for progressive issues. Medical marijuana is being enacted across the country in various states, and gay marriage is winning many key battles is being accepted more and more. JTMP urges our supporters to stay active in 2014 and push for strengthening unions, raising the minimum wage, and protect the environment among other progressive issues.

One important issue and key civil right is access to quality and affordable health care for all, and the Affordable Care Act (or "Obamacare" as it is now affectionately known) is a great step in that direction. Obamacare is "born" today and is officially launched. Starting today, millions of Americans cannot be kicked off their health care policy by a greedy insurance company. No longer can someone be denied access to health insurance because of a preexisting condition. As of today, heath insurance companies cannot gouge sick and elderly customers with higher payments. Many health care issues that were not covered before, such as hospitalizations and mental health, are now required to be covered by all policies.

We still have a way to go to assure that every single American has easy and affordable access to high quality health care, but this is a huge step in the right direction. JTMP urges our supporters to push their elected representatives to enact Medicare For All. H.R. 676 is a good place to start. Read more on the Key Features of the Affordable Care Act on the HHS.gov website here. JTMP reminds everyone to purchase health insurance through the exchanges, or you will face a tax penalty. Head on over to HealthCare.gov and sign up!  (photo credit: Pete Souza/CC)

DEC 20, 2013 - Russia and Putin, in a PR campaign because of the Sochi Olympics and not justice, passed an "amnesty law" for non-violent offenders. It resulted in the 2 members of Pussy Riot being freed from prison 3 months early . Read more on USA Today.

DEC 16, 2013 - Roger Waters, the man who was the main driving force of Pink Floyd, has "sparked a fury" according to the Guardian website by comparing Israelis to Nazis. I actually agree with him. When I was watching the movie "The Pianist" years ago, afterwards I turned on the news and there was Israel erecting walls and closing Palestinians off into ghettos. Whooosh, right over their heads. The IDF does use very harsh, brutal and violent force, very similar to Nazis. Israelis totally believe the ends justify the means, similar to Nazis. Read more on the Guardian website here.  (photo credit: Eddie Berman/CC)