Book Girl Thoughts: Current Events

With the current state of events and the world, it was difficult to write about books, entertainment and fandom stuff which is why I haven't posted until now. The United States joining forces with Israel to start a war with Iran and for some reason not expecting Iran to retaliate. The United States has no right to tell another country how to rule when this administration is actively doing everything they can to harm the people. From trying to take away our rights to funding and operating concentration camps to covering up a large scale pedophile ring to all the nonstop corruption. This administration can not judge other countries and with that said, make sure you're registered to vote. Hopeful after the midterm elections there can be a change to impeach and get rid of as many of these horrible people in this administration.

Disappointed with the State of this Country

I interrupt my usual posts of books, shows and movies, entertainment, fandom, etc. to write that the U.S. is quickly becoming an authoritarian country. And unfortunately, it didn't take long for it to happen. Our rights are being taken away from us on a daily basis, our soldiers are being deployed against us, our taxpayer money is being used to enrich the rich, immigrants are being treated horribly and not to mention the concentration camps, there's a large ongoing cover up about a pedophile and human trafficking, religious takeover, racism/sexism/homophobia/transphobia, anti-science, anti-education, there's so much corruption, the economy is tanking fast, tourism is down and so many more terrible things that continues to happen in this country and with this administration. It feels so never ending but all of this is designed to weaken our resolve and beat us down. So that we simply give up. It's disappointing but we can't give up. Other countries have ousted their dictators and hopefully we will too.

To my fellow U.S. readers, please make sure you are registered to vote and when it's election time (local and federal), please vote. These are scary times which is how they want us to feel. They want us to feel like there is nothing to do but be fearful. We have to continue to speak out, contact our representatives, protest and financially boycott (no buy or essentials only are two examples to start with). Since early this year, I've been doing the essentials only (which books and a few geeky items are included as an essential for me) and also avoiding buying from companies that support this administration. As well as companies that got rid of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs.

To any of my readers who are from other countries and are thinking of traveling here, please don't. From reports, I read that so many have already cancelled their travel plans including business trips. So, if you were thinking of visiting perhaps look into traveling somewhere else. I've also read reports where some are also doing a financial boycotting of US products. Which I can understand, why spend your money with a country where the current administration doesn't care about anything and anyone except for the rich and doling out hate at every chance they get.

No country is ever perfect but based on who is leading it, it can quickly become so much worse.

Video: Planned Parenthood "Force of Nature"

The Supreme Court shouldn't have the final say on decisions that will affect so many people. Banning abortion is just another way of controlling people and stripping us of the right to make our own decisions about our reproductive health. We will not stop fighting until our rights are restored.

If you can, please make a donation to the National Network of Abortion Funds (https://abortionfunds.org/). Every dollar you donate through July 2nd will be matched up to $1 million.

Women's Rights. Trans Rights. Non-binary Rights. Gender Nonconforming Rights. They All = Human Rights.

My current thoughts on the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court’s horrible decision to strip the right to an abortion is outrageous and dangerous, we are being held hostage by those in power. The Supreme Court does not represent the majority of Americans and it's so disappointing that they get to make decisions that will effect everyone. And make no mistake they will continue with their plan to strip more people of their rights. They want us to give up hope and not fight back but that's exactly what we should and must do. Generations have fought for the right to have an abortion (and so many other rights) and we can't let that end with these narrow minded people in office. This is about being able to make decisions for our lives.

For anyone who is in need of an abortion, call 1-800-230-Plan or go to AbortionFinder.org. It's our lives we should be able to make the choice if and when we want to have a baby.

Oliver Stark is looking for his missing friend!

I have a message for any of my Book Girl readers from London, England, actor Oliver Stark is looking for his friend Tito who has gone missing. According to Stark's message in his Instagram stories, his friend might be in North West London, Edgware, Burnt Oak, Colindale, Mill Hill or Hendon.

If you see him, please contact Oliver Stark through his Instagram (oliverstarkk). Hopefully, his friend will be found, safe and sound.

Photo Credit: Oliver Stark's Instagram stories (Instagram: oliverstarkk)

My Thoughts on Ukraine

My heart and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. With thousands fleeing the capital and nearby cities this war and destruction like this will affects us all. This is absolutely devastating. We are more connected than ever and senseless violence is never the answer. Sending so much love and compassion into the world.

Please stay safe.

We have a New President and Vice President!

It's official, Joe Biden is the new President of the United States and Kamala Harris is the new Vice President. These past four years have been nothing but tremendously stressful and now it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders. I'm so happy, the feeling is beyond words. I can not wait until they are officially in office and get to work repairing this country from so many horrible policies and action that have been put in place.

These four years, I haven't been able to concentrate because everyday has been terrible news and I'm trying not to think about what Trump's cooking up with his remaining time in office. Although technically he's considered a lame duck President but he's been doing whatever he wanted since he became "President" and what's to stop him from continuing.

Enough about him for the moment, it's time to celebrate this new presidency and the hope that it brings. I know there is still so much work that has to get done but this is a wonderful moment right now and we shouldn't pass up on enjoying it.

Artwork: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris by Cat Staggs

My Thoughts on Beirut

My heart goes out to the people of Beirut, Lebanon. That explosion was so heartbreaking and unbelievable to see. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the people who have died and I wish the ones who were injured a speedy recovery. 

Please take care and stay safe.

My Thoughts on the Protests

I condemn racism and hatred. This country is being torn apart because of it. It's so heartbreaking and infuriating that history keeps repeating and nothing really seems to change. Black people and People of Color are angry, hurt, frustrated and tired of the systemic racism that is so prevalent in this country. I never understood the complaints about people protesting when it's about real injustice. Earlier this month people were showing up heavily armed to "protest" because they couldn't go to bars, get haircuts, etc because the Governors were trying to keep people safe during a pandemic. Yet when people are protesting over people dying by the police and other causes of racism, it's seen as something bad. I keep seeing people say "why can't they protest peacefully".

I'm sure we all remember when professional football player Colin Kaepernick was doing a peaceful protest against police brutality by kneeling during the National Anthem. But that was seen as some great travesty and there was a huge uproar resulting in Kaepernick losing his job. Because if taking a knee while the National Anthem played was as some considered it disrespectful and the worst thing ever. And now they're saying the same thing about people protesting in the streets who are trying to be heard. So, I figure it's really not about how you protest, they just want people to stay silent and not speak out.

The death of George Floyd sparked this protest because people were frustrated that police office Derek Chauvin had not been arrested. And why did it take so long for him to finally be arrested after he was seen kneeling on George's neck? And why hasn't the other three officers been arrested as well? Chauvin didn't act alone because they did nothing to help George, they all ignored his pleas for help.   

There are so many problems within this country including a deadly virus that's continuing to infect people. And it's so much worse because there is no leadership in the United States, we have no President. What we have is someone who is illegally in office who has done nothing but continue to incite hatred, violence and ignorance throughout his term. I hope everyone will remember the lack of leadership during these four years and will do everything we can to change systemic racism and to vote out this worthless hateful administration.

As much as I try to keep the focus on Book Girl about books, movies, TV shows, fashion and other geeky stuff, I had to say something about what's going on. I just needed to take a moment to gather my thoughts but I'm glad I took the time to write something.        

My Thoughts on Today's Tragedy

Every time something bad happens such as today's latest mass shooting at the Pittsburgh Synagogue, a bomber sending out bombs to prominent Democrat leaders or the two people who were killed outside of a Kroger in Kentucky or the horrible things in general that happen all around the world I debate whether or not to say something on my blog. I try to focus on books and geek culture but as the world continues to be on a downward spiral with hatred fueling so much of it and I have to say something.

I offer my condolences to the family of the victims but hatred will not just go away especially not with an administration that fuels racism, hatred and violence on a daily basis. But I'm not going to let anyone's hatred stop me from being a compassionate person or stop me from spreading love and kindness.

Stay safe everyone,

~ Book Girl

 Artwork: Sad Moment by Exceru-Karina

How is Rolling Back on Transgender Rights Going to Help Students?

I haven't wrote anything about this administration in a while but it's been nonstop garbage that has been coming out of it. From continuing to go after immigrants and Muslims to going through with the Dakota pipe line, repealing the Affordable Care Act to say the least and now rescinding the federal protection for transgender students' to use the public school bathroom that fits their identity. They are making it difficult for trans students to simply be students. This is not going to help them. All students should be treated equally and rolling back on transgender rights will not do that. I hope schools will protect transgender students and not enforce this.

I have to wonder where is Betsy DeVos isn't she supposed to be in charge of Education how can she allow something like this to happen? I can't believe I actually wrote that, DeVos doesn't care what happens to transgender students, she bought herself a job and she's not going to do anything to help anyone. All she's going to do is further this administration's agenda.

This administration seems to enjoy being cruel as they target people and communities simply because they can. It's only been a month, I wonder who they will target next? The ICE has turned into the Gestapo going after people, we have an administration that lies everyday without any consequences and not to mention the continuous conflict of interest for Donald Trump, he still has not released his tax returns, he and his family continue to waste tax payers money added to a growing list of problems.

I'm mad because everyday there is some new injustice being issued out by this administration. They have shown they don't care for anyone or anything. The only thing we can do is continue to resist and fight, this administration is horribly anti-everything.

If anyone is looking for a way to help here the trans community here are a few organizations to start with (also don't forget to contact your representatives to ask what they are going to do to help fight this latest atrocity):

GLAAD

Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the well being of transgender people. They run a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support members of their community might have. Click here to make a donation.

Human Rights Campaign

Lambda Legal is a non-profit, national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ community and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

The Trevor Project The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.

Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Ruth Ellis Center serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth.

Immigration Ban is UnAmerican

There are not enough words to describe how horrible a person Donald Trump is. To simply sign an immigration ban restricting Muslims makes no sense and it's so un-American. What I found interesting is that the ban doesn't include countries that he does business with. Everything he does is for his own financial interest. Why does it seem like all his actions are of that of a spoiled child who has gotten everything yet still mad that he didn't get more? He has benefited from everything this country has to offer but wants to deny it for everyone else now that he's in office.

With more people being shot and killed by fellow Americans on a daily basis I don't see gun control high on his list. Instead he goes after people fleeing from war torn areas and are in need of help. People are being detained at the airport and these are people with valid visas who are now being denied access to the US because of some perceived fear.

I am so proud of all the people protesting all over the country. I'm thankful for the lawyers many are from the ACLU who are fighting this human rights issue and fighting against this immigration ban which again is so un-American. Trump wants everyone to be afraid and to fear what he will do next but no, people are fighting back. Whether he realizes it or not, he has unified people against him.

If you are looking for a way to help, if it's possible please consider making a donation to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). It a nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization devoted to protecting the basic civil liberties of everyone in America.

Inauguration Protest poster by Shepard Fairey

Dictator Trump Will Ruin the United States (and the World)

Last night, people went out to protest in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in support of Muslim Americans and immigrants who are being targeted by Donald Trump's latest fascist regime. He wants to issue a ban and we the people are not having it. For those who couldn't go and protest, others were calling local mosques to show support and to offer help.

(Protestors in New York City, Wednesday Night, January 25, 2017     Photo Credit: Emma Gray  Twitter: @emmaladyrose)

He's trying to go after sanctuary cities and stripping them of federal funding if they don't comply. He wants to send in federal officials (which is code for the military) to Chicago because in his mind there is nonstop carnage.

Another point of protest is to Trump's decision to build a wall (that majority of the citizens don't want) on the US/Mexican border. He plans to use tax payer money to do it. But here's the kicker, he's trying to get Mexico to reimburse the United States for it. How ridiculous is that? Do you seriously think Mexico is going give the US money for that wall, he's out of his mind. He's wasting money that could be used to help people or help fund research but no he wants to waste our money on a wall.

He also wants to waste more tax payer money for a investigation into voter fraud, he believes he lost the popular vote (which Hilary Clinton won) because of illegal voters. There has been no proof of voter fraud but there has been plenty of proof of voter suppression. And to add to that he is going after the states that he lost in. Yet in his mind he believes that's the only reason why he lost. Now mind you he won the election (due to the electoral college) and when a voter recount was being circulated and petitioned he was adamant that there were no issue with voter fraud. He had his lawyers do everything they could to get the recount dismissed. Now you see the problem don't you, there is either no voter fraud or there is? Which is it? It can't be both.

Trump is also trying to silence scientists and government organizations from speaking with the media or informing the public with their findings. He's shutting down twitter accounts of government organizations who don't comply which is downright censorship. In response alternative twitter accounts have been created as well as scientists are planning a march on Washington in March. He is also trying to go through with the Dakota Pipeline deal which was a hard-fought protest that was eventually halted by President Obama.

The media is a constant target for him, he believes they treat him unfairly yet he continues to lie nonstop about everything and he doesn't want to be questioned about it. He's obsessed with the reporting of how small the crowd was for the Inauguration. He's mad that his crowd wasn't as large as that of President Obama's Inauguration and the Women's March.

This week he also signed a global gag order which would take away funding overseas from any health organization or center that happens to list abortions as one of the health care options they provide. He wants to deny health centers money which would limit their ability to effectively offer help to all people and not just women. There is some good news to report, the Netherlands government announced a plan to ensure reproductive healthcare programs around the world remain funded.

People have been constantly contacting their representatives, signing petitions, protesting and so much more in hopes of trying to stop this train wreck of an administration. I wish I could go back to only writing about Books and Geek Culture but this is a mess and it's only been a few days since he's been in office. I can only imagine what other horrible things he's doing that we don't know anything about. What will it take to impeach him? He's an angry, insane, racist, despot who is certainly not looking to progress this country, instead he's looking to take it back.

I have a plea to my readers who don't live in the US, if you had ideas or plans of visiting the United States please reconsider it, it's not the right time.

The National Women's March

Happy Women's March!

Incase you don't know, today's an historic event. It's the National Women's March with people all over the world attending marches to not only protest Donald Trump but the injustice towards women, people of color, the LGBTQ, immigrants, people with disabilities and more. With racism, sexism, homophobia, inequality and oppression continuing to be a problem people are letting their voices be heard.

Which is why I'm so proud of these marches because they are inspiring as well as uniting. They are allowing people whose voices are often ignored to be heard, no one should feel as if they are invisible. And speaking of visibility, it's so important because the sheer volume of people at these marches is unbelievable. Everywhere I look there are crowds of people and the excitement is intense. There is no way these marches are not making an impact.

Even if some in the media choose to not report on them, I'm thankful for social media because people are getting their message out there as well as posting pictures and videos. They are telling the world that we matter. To anyone who is or were unable to attend any of the marches, as long as you're there in spirit is all that counts. You are still carrying the message in your heart and in actions. We are all in it together.

I'm awed by all the amazing signs that are out there but I can't help smiling at the sign actress Melissa Benoist posted online. The play on words is great especially since she plays the superhero Supergirl on the Supergirl TV series.

(Photo Credit: Instagram: melissabenoist)

Whether this is your first act of protest or your umpteenth, I hope everyone continues to fight against the injustice in the world. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers said it best "The price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not."

Stay safe everyone and don't stop fighting.

I'm Not Watching the Inauguration

I will not be watching the Inauguration because I can not support someone who is clearly unqualified for the job as President of the United States. Like so many I will be boycotting the event and will choose to do something else with my time.

I want to say thank you to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (as of now they still are) for all the hard work, dedication, compassion, dignity, intellect and grace they brought to their jobs. I don't want to forget about Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who also brought the same amazing qualities to the job.

They will all be missed.

Current Event: The Grab Your Wallet Protest

It's been a sad few weeks with the death of so many from the warehouse party fire to the deaths of Florence Henderson, Ron Glass and Van Williams. I guess that's why everyday we should try to enjoy life and do as much good as we can.

Which leads me to another current event, a protest that's already in progress. We all know there are more than one way to protest or boycott and now you can add the Grab Your Wallet (Twitter: #GrabYourWallet) protest to the list. The boycott was created by Shannon Coulter as a way to protest against Donald Trump's products as well as Ivanka Trump's products. With hate and misogyny at the forefront of his campaign as well as post election many are letting their money be their voice in protesting. This boycott is geared toward retailers who carry Donald and Ivanka Trump's products but also against Trump's businesses such as his hotels and golf courses.

Coulter has compiled a list (which is updated regularly) that includes these stores: T.J. Maxx, Amazon.com, Zappos, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, DSW, Macy’s (they still carry Ivanka's line despite dropping her father's), Marshall’s, Saks Off Fifth and more.

I find it disappointing that Ivanka Trump, a Jewish (she converted) businesswoman who aims her clothing line at women would align herself with her father's hatefulness. That is unless she feels the exact same way. Which is why I understand why her products are being boycotted as well.

I like this protest because as consumers we have the right to choose where we spend our money. I have joined this boycott because I feel like these companies are thinking only of profit and nothing else. I have been a long time customer of Amazon's for 16 years. And over the years I have spent quite a bit of money with them but I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I have not placed an order with them since November 18th and as a routine shopper that means something. When I'm not buying books, movies, TV shows or soundtracks from stores I would usually make a purchase from Amazon and over the years that's been a lot of orders. However, I can easily find all those things somewhere else.

Even if I have to pay a little more for a few items it's worth it to me not to buy from companies that do not see the conflict of interest. I recently placed a book order with Barnes & Noble and it felt nice having a new option. I don't know why I didn't order more books from them before but I think it was more to do with habit. Amazon was where I would immediately shop but no more auto-pilot shopping for me.

I also love shopping at Nordstrom and some of the other stores on the boycott list but yet again I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I know these companies have a right to carry whatever merchandise they want but that doesn't mean I have to continue to shop there.

Today is National Day of Giving (Includes a List of Charities)

Today is National Day of Giving, it's a worldwide day of charity and volunteerism. People are using social media as a way to promote charitable organizations, encourage giving and highlight all the things people are doing on this day.

I firmly believe in the power of giving, be it a simple act of making a donation or giving of our time, it's a great way to make a difference. With November 29th being the National Day of Giving or Giving Tuesday, it's an opportunity to support so many wonderful charities and causes from those that help out locally to those whose reach is nationwide or globally. I do hope that people will remember that giving is not limited to today, many organizations could truly benefit from our generosity on a regular basis especially smaller organizations.

I've provided a small list of organizations that might interest you if you don't already have a cause you support. Also, please remember to look into museums, non-profit theatres, libraries and others that could use our help and donations.


Special Olympics

For Giving Tuesday, each donation will be Tripled Matched and will go to helping the athletics of Special Olympics. To make a donation click here.

Cause: How You Can Help in Supporting Standing Rock

I'm still on the fence about celebrating Thanksgiving it just doesn't seem right especially with everything that's been happening to the First Nation people in their stand against the pipeline in North Dakota. Many tribes and supporters have gathered for a peaceful protest in trying to protect the water unfortunately they have been met with militarized force by the police.

Tomorrow my family and other family members are supposed to go over to my aunt and uncle's house to celebrate the holiday but my heart is certainly not in it. I'm thinking of passing on the day to do something else, if I don't go I will make it up to my family another time.

If you have been hearing about the protest against the Dakota Pipeline and are interesting in wanting to help below is information I found on Twitter:

How To Take Action With #StandingRock

Call for the Army Corps of Engineers' Permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline to be rescinded:

* Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 or (202) 456-1414
* Call the Army Corps of Engineers (202) 761-5903
* Call North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple at (701)-328-2200
* Call or Email your Congressional Representatives and Senators


Support the Sacred Stone Camp

* Donate items http://sacredstonecamp.org/supply-list/
* Contribute to Legal Defense Fund: https://fundrazr.com/d19fAf
* Contribute via gofundme: http://bit.ly/FundStandingRock


Tell the executives of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. to stop building the pipeline:

* Lee Hanse, EVP    (201) 403-6455    Lee.Hanse@energytransfer.com
* Glenn Emery, VP  (201) 403-6762    Glenn.Emery@energytransfer.com
* Michael (Cliff) Waters, Lead Analyst    (713) 989-2404     Michael.Waters@energytransfer.com


Start or join events in your area at http://bit.ly/NoDAPLEvents

Read, talk, post Tweet -get others to join in demanding that the Dakota Access Pipeline be stopped, Standing Rock Sioux be heard and our treaties be honored.

In Remembrance: Gwen Ifill

It was so shocking and sad to hear about the death of journalist Gwen Ifill. In this day in age with the media shying away from hard hitting news it was nice that there were still good reporters out there. The world's not going to be the same without her.

Gwen Ifill, Award-Winning Political Reporter and Author, Dies at 61

by Sam Roberts, New York Times

Gwen Ifill, an award-winning television journalist for NBC and PBS, former reporter for The New York Times and author who moderated vice-presidential debates in 2004 and 2008, died on Monday in Washington. She was 61.

 

Her death, at a hospice facility, was announced by Sara Just, executive producer of “PBS NewsHour.” The cause was cancer, PBS said.

 

Ms. Ifill was the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and the co-anchor and co-managing editor, with Judy Woodruff, of PBS NewsHour, the culmination of a career that began in 1981 at The Baltimore Evening Sun. Both she and Ms. Woodruff moderated a Democratic debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in February.

 

Ms. Ifill later reported for The Washington Post and The Times, covering Congress, presidential campaigns and national political conventions.

 

She is also the author of “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama,” which was published on inauguration day in 2009.

Editorial: Turning My Anger Into Change

Yesterday, while I was at the mall, I couldn't shake the smile that was on my face because when I looked around I saw a melting pot. I saw women in their hijabs and burkas smiling and laughing shopping and going about their day, interracial couples shopping, gay couples shopping, people of all ethnicities pretty much milling around in a good mood walking throughout the mall.

See, that's what I don't want to see go away, I don't want people to live in fear. Make no mistake, I'm still angry about the election but my anger has gone down a bit and now I'm ready to channel that into real change.

Like so many I'm still trying to figure out what I should do next. I know the 2018 Mid-Term Election is going to be very important and I'm going to do my research to see how I can help. I'm so proud of all the people who are continuing to protest and speak out. It's important that we continue to let our voices be heard.

Something else that I've seen a lot lately are people making donations to various organizations that many believe will be defunded. For instance, I recently read an article about the singer Katy Perry who recently made a donation to Planned Parenthood. She stated that “It’s time to turn words into action! There are so many steps to take, but my first vow is to support organizations that may have their funding support taken from them in the future by the government”. I'm already putting together a list of organizations that I would like to contribute to.

I don't want our anger to ever dissipate into apathy but to turn into change. I'm not going to post a lot of political commentary since I'm trying to get back to Book Blogging but I will still be posting things from time to time. So for now I will end this with Hillary Clinton's words from her Concession Speech:

“Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it. It also enshrines other things; the rule of law, the principle that we are all equal in rights and dignity, freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values too and we must defend them.”

"Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let's do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet. And breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams. We spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American dream is big enough for everyone."

"For people of all races, and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities. For everyone."