You can follow Obama’s First 100 days with the Wall Street Journal. Obama has already signed legislation for the closing of Guatanamo and new ethical standards for the Executive branch. Some of which include lower salaries, outlawing gifts from lobbyist, and oaths to resist any persuading by lobbyist parties.

The congress is holding up the nomination of Lisa Jackson, for Environmental Protection Agency. One of Jackson’s first roles in office would be to decide if greenhouse gases are a threat to human health. If declared so, regulation under Clean Air Act would force business to limit the emissions.

Take part and learn more about the Clean Air act sponsored by the American lung Association.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a documentary that just premiered at Sundance. The film documents the life and struggle of William Kunstler the civil rights lawyer who fought with MLK  Jr. for Civil Rights, represented the inmates of Attica, and founded the Center for Constitutional Rights.  Kunstler’s daughters tell his story through his achievements, failures, and controversies.

The daughters and filmmakers spoke at the Women in Film Breakfast panel about A NEW SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN FILM.  The panel talked about the new responsibility for  filmmakers to be apart of the CHANGE of our nation that President Obama wants to bring to our country. The panel was joined by Trudie Styler producer/activist and wife of performer Sting. Trudie mentioned the importance of filmmakers to produce material with depth and meaning to help mold the social consciousness of us all to change. She talked about the need for more film that evokes thought, action, and real change for the world.

Emily and Sarah Kunstler spoke about the excitement of President Obama’s inauguration and accomplishment of having the Congress, but warned the audience about the judicial branch. The courts have been packed for the last eight years with right-wing conservative judges, and not only the Supreme Court, but courts on every level in our country. The law lives and breathes in the courts and the verdicts of the courts. The Kunstlers urge everyone to Take Part and join forces with the Center for Constitutional Rights to urge the new administration and congress to restore the Constitution in the next 100 days.

To learn more about the filmmakers Emily and Sarah Kunstler takepart and visit their production company Off Center.

I saw SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE this weekend and I was thoroughly impressed. The first half of the film is easily some of the best filmmaking I have ever seen. The color, style, and subject matter felt reminiscent of CITY OF GOD, but Danny Boyle’s distinct shot choices and humor separates the film above the rest.

The second half of the film does slow down a bit and the fairy tale ending makes you feel good inside, but it doesn’t always bring critics accolades. Yet, what I liked most about the film was the cultural and social issues highlighted throughout the film. The poverty, violence caused by poverty, and religious discrimination was very prevalent throughout the film.

What was so great was that none of these issues were highlighted to the point that it was hitting the audience over the head. Instead, Boyle chose certain shots to show the poverty and desperation of the people of India, without any dialogue he kept the social and cultural context all visual. Read the rest of this entry >>

Last night I received an invitation to the Presidential Inaguration in Washington DC. I can only imagine these were mailed out to everyone that is signed up on the Barack Obama official website. Yet, my roommates and I all thought I should frame it. Beyond making history this President is already shaking things up starting with the Inaguration. Barack Obama has declared Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national day of service. The President Elect is urging US citizens to join or start a service event on January 19th the day before the inaguration.

The active approach to government Obama has taken, rallying supporters together to help each other, asking for the publics constant opinions and advice, and countless emails updating the country on his plans proves thus far he has kept his promise. Obama has promised weekly fireside chats to the people and a more accountable government. I for one, am getting excited only days until inaguration. Even though I will not be able to attend I will frame my invitation, and I will participte in a service event on January 19th. Take Part and find a service event near you!

Robert Mackey wrote in THE LEDE about the blogging of Israelis and Palestinians during the bombings in the Gaza strip and southern Israel. The two highlighted blogs by a young Palestinian girl now living in North Carolina writing about her parents living in Gaza and an American born mother writing about her Israeli soldier son fighting are both for peace. Both blogs have begun dialogue between the two sides commenting back and forth. Some comments reek of hate propaganda, but most comments are empathetic. The civilians of these two countries are finding a way to speak about their anger and pain brought on by this war. I encourage everyone to share and comment any sentiments of peace and sympathy with any Palestinian or Israeli blogs. The best way to bridge the cultural divide is to communicate with each other. The use of the World Wide Web for free speech and diplomacy is a perfect opportunity to share ideas and change public opinion.

Death to Gaza

This photo spoke to me about the oppression of the civilian Palestinian or Israeli and the need for the people of these countries to be heard instead of politicians and heads of state.
Take part in One World to see what you can do to help the people of Gaza.