The tragic events of 9/11/01 will forever remain etched in my mind. It’s with a heavy heart I celebrate the lives taken and those left behind to grieve. I think of the men and women of our military bravely fighting for our freedoms. The cost of freedom is high. Let us not forget as we sip our Starbucks, a soldier will die today and a family is left behind. A soldier who hasn’t seen his newborn son. Let us not forget the innocent lives lost in war zones and the pain families suffer. The pain and agony of losing a loved one is universal, it’s a human feeling regardless of the language spoken.  M

TRIGGER WARNING: This petition pertains to the sexual assault of a minor.

“I feel that he’s earned a second chance.”

That’s what Steubenville High football coach Reno Saccoccia has to say about his decision to welcome convicted rapist Ma’lik Richmond back to his team.

The facts of the Steubenville rape case in 2012 were already horrendous. A teenage girl was repeatedly and publicly sexually assaulted by boys on her school’s football team. Pictures and video were taken and the victim was shamed on social media. Coach Reno Saccoccia allegedly tried to cover up the crime and continued to let the perpetrators play on the team even after it became clear that they had committed these acts.

This case was a clear-cut instance of rape culture, where a community prioritized the success and protection of its football team, and dismissed incidences of rape under the guise of ‘boys will be boys.’

Now, Ma’lik Richmond – who was found guilty of raping a minor while she was unconscious – is out of jail and and Coach Saccoccia has put him right back on the Big Red football team. While he was never charged with attempting to cover up the crime it’s clear that Saccoccia still doesn’t understand the seriousness of his players’ crimes. In his words: “[Richmond’s] one of 55 players that are in good standing with their teammates and their coaches.”

This cannot be tolerated. We as a nation are tired of rapists almost entirely getting away with their heinous crimes. This case is unusual in that the perpetrator did spend some time – a very short time – in detention. But now the high school appears to be putting forward the message that that is enough to absolve him of what he has done. By allowing Richmond on the team, the leadership at Steubenville High School is saying football wins mean more than protecting and respecting female students.

Please join me in asking administrators at Steubenville High School to permanently remove Ma’lik Richmond from the Big Red football team, and instate a policy that bars convicted rapists from playing on the high school’s sports teams.

—————-

Dear Melinda,

Thanks for signing my petition, “Steubenville High School: Remove convicted rapist from Big Red football team..”

Can you help this petition win by asking your friends to sign too? It’s easy to share with your friends on Facebook – just click here to share the petition on Facebook.

There’s also a sample email below that you can forward to your friends.

Thanks again — together we’re making change happen,

Elizabeth Beier

Note to forward to your friends:

I just signed the petition “Steubenville High School: Remove convicted rapist from Big Red football team.” on Change.org.

It’s important. Will you sign it too?

http://www.change.org/p/steubenville-high-school-remove-convicted-rapist-from-big-red-football-team?recruiter=84245119&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

Thanks!

This is an update to Change.org petition to Stop Violence Against Women, from woman who started petition.

Victory

Today NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a shift in the NFL’s policy regarding the punishment of players who commit domestic violence. Players will be suspended for six games for the first offense and indefinitely for a second offense.

I’m thrilled that the NFL listened to the fans and I’d like to thank everyone who signed my petition and all of the journalists who continued to follow this story.

The NFL has finally taken real action on domestic violence and it’s because we stood together and said this simply isn’t acceptable anymore. This is a huge moment of recognition for survivors and their advocates and it came about because of people like you who were willing to take a stand. Thank you for using your voice to make change.

We at WordPress must leverage the NFL’s decision to make our voice heard on all petitions regarding Violence Against Women. The NFL is setting the tone for change. Please go directly to Change.org and look under Domestic Violence to see active petitions.

I will keep you informed as they roll across my desk. So proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.  M

Two of my blogging sister’s are going through a very rough time with their ex’s. Memories flood in of my childhood as a pawn for my mother. I thought I had a good understanding of Domestic Violence, I was wrong. My stepfather beat my mother almost daily, constant verbal abuse which would cause her emotional abuse. What really hit home is how the abuse of a parent trickles down to the kids. I thought the memories of my mother were in the past. I never looked at myself as living in a house with Domestic Violence. I’m blinded with hatred towards my mother for abusing me. These emotions come to the surface yet there is no sympathy for her. The realization my friends are going through the same difficulties is blinding. I was the pawn, not the mother watching her children in agony with no recourse. I have felt anger and cried so many tears for my friends. I see their pain and remember what it was like for me as a child. I’ve gone from crying to full caregiver mode, wanting to help. I’m so emotionally involved wanting to help anyway possible. As you can see from a conversation with one of my friends, I’ve gone overboard. Looking at what they are facing with the ex, I saw for the first time I was a pawn in my mother’s game. I lived in a home with Domestic Violence. Another form of abuse inflicted on me by my mother. The blessing is I am capable of feeling deep emotions for my friends. I don’t feel pain for me, all of my thoughts are for them and their kids. I’ve either resolved the abuse at the hands of my mother or can no longer look at the pain. Only God knows. I’ve known people with an abusive past , they were cold, hardened, unable to feel any emotion. I am so happy that is not me. I am not just a survivor I’m thriving. I would love to hear your thought’s.

ME:

Keep an open dialog going with the kids, keep a journal of the changes they show with dates. I know this is eating at you and rightly so. He has already crossed the line of what’s appropriate. Why would XXXX want to sleep in her clothes suddenly? It does raise flags.Will he take another step. I pray not. Try to set specific rules on calling times while their gone and the consequences if they do not call, answer your call or text. You could even outline a small agenda for the kids, that way you don’t have to listen or be yelled at by the dad. Did you find out why XXXX didn’t want his grandmother to know he lied? They are young and under a lot of stress, it’s never to early to teach kids their actions have consequences. We had rules on how to act from the time we were small kids. One idea is after they get back and chill, take each kid to do something fun. Ice cream in the park then relax feeding ducks, you know how to ask questions without asking questions. Do this with both kids and see what comes out of their mouth when off guard down. If the dad has polluted their mind, using as pawns, think about your parents or one parent do the same, see what happens. The dad is a selfish monster. I have no doubt you will have to take him back to court someday. Think about a child counselor for each at a later date. If you can find a decent ass lawyer, having statements from a Therapist will throw his game off. I believe the only way he will stop abusing you and the kids is for him to see you’ve grown some balls. Stay ahead of him and strike like a python. You might look at what books are available that captures his personality disorder, custody, what to look for and possible suggestions on what or how to approach it. Maybe hide some notes with nice sayings in their clothes, little reminders that you love them. Maybe a small trinket that could keep them busy, making sure kids bring it home to show you what they’ve learned. That may discourage dad from keeping all the toys. As you can tell I’m thinking of everything I can for you and the kids. My life dream would come true if a child never had to endure abuse. It fuck’s up your life, it took a miracle for me to stay sane. I’m thinking of you and wished I could help. The what if’s bring up memories I would not wish on anyone. I’ll look for some resources this week. I’m thinking about you, let me know how I can help.

XX:

…you hit the nail on the head about the “what ifs?” I think that being an older parent, I’ve seen and experienced more to learn from than when I was in my 20′s raising the older two. We’ve done some phone call role-playing, so this visit we’ll try again for a short, sweet conversation while they’re with the dad. The summer has provided the dad with way more contact with me than I wanted to deal with. I so share your dream that children not have to silently endure any abuse! It sickens me to see, knowing what he is capable of…it has been a tough summer for all, interspersed with some rock in’ fun times.

ME:

I rarely feel the warmth of tears. I’ve cried many times the past two weeks in pain for you & XX. I cried this morning and tried to analyze my emotions. My own abuse, being a pawn, came to the surface as anger. Lots of anger. I’m sure being older has been a blessing dealing with this. I hope none of my comments have not upset you, everything said is out of love and concern. :)
I’m pushing down my emotions so I can get five lbs. of paperwork done for tomorrow.

Warrior

I have lost it or something is up with computer. Trying to paste two videos has taken over an hour and still not working. I hate to work on my husbands Windows machine but you are worth it. If for any reason not completed today, come back tomorrow for Brain Fart Friday. Close you eyes and think about a young band called The Rolling Stones. They are on stage now jamming to Can’t Get No Satisfaction for your entertainment.  Thanks. 

Warrior

Update on Lyme post. As you read about Lyme you will hear about co-infections. When a tick bites you every infection its carrying transfers to you. Another type of co-infection is from the virus moving thru your body. If the virus makes its way to your organs including the heart and brain. The menacing virus causes damage inside the body other than Lyme. The co-infections can get extremely painful. I hope you will seek out the more information to get the true horrifying story. Education may save your life or someone you love.      Warrior

Here are several great resources to learn in-depth information on Lyme and Tick Borne Illnesses. 

On YouTube:

Interview with Daryl Hall of Hall and Oats

Dr. Horowitz: Lyme Disease & Chronic Illnesses  ( Dr. Horowitz is the foremost expert on Lyme, invented an exact test performed at IGenex )

Lyme Disease: History & Controversies included proper way to remove tick.

Additional resources ***http://justinandchrista.ca    This is your total education on Lyme, Husband films wifes struggle with Lyme over 5 years.  THIS IS A MUST  She screams in agony, it’s heartbreaking and may disturb small children.

ILADS International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society  The association provides training for doctors for Lyme certification, tons of stats and how to find a Lyme Literate Doctor.

Dr. Horowitz’s latest book, Why Can’t I Get Better: Solving Lyme and Chronic Disease ( downloaded but haven’t started yet )

If you want every detail, this presentation is for you. Search for: Advanced Topics In Lyme Disease by Joseph J. Burrascano Jr. MD. The presentation’s offers Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines For Lyme And Other Tick Borne Illnesses. Sixteenth Edition October 2008.

Change.org

Cigna: Approve coverage for my daughters cochlear implant

My daughter Nicole was born with several health issues. In her first four months of life she had three bowel surgeries, one heart surgery, bacterial meningitis, and we learned that she would need a liver transplant. We also learned that Nikki suffered from undetermined hearing loss, however during that time the doctors and her family was focused on life saving procedures. Nikki is now three years old (almost 4) and she has neuropathy in her left ear and has been pronounced profound deaf in her right ear.

We have been fortunate to be able to send Nikki to the Atlanta Speech School, which has worked wonders with her speech ability. However, her speech pathologist, therapist, teachers, and doctor have determined that Nikki has reached a plateau and will not likely improve in her speech or hearing abilities. Based on her doctor recommendation along with the advisors at the speech school, we requested Cigna (my employer provided insurance) to cover the cost of the cochlear implant. Cigna denied to cover the implant based on information provided and we appealed.

The initial reason Cigna denied coverage was stated that Nikki’s hearing loss was not significant enough and she had not utilized hearing aids for at least a three-month period. During the appeal Cigna was informed that Nikki had in fact utilized hearing aids in both ears for more than two years, and her deafness was far greater than what Cigna required. Cigna denied our appeal for coverage stating that they felt that Nikki was progressing or could progress with further use of hearing aids. Due to Nikki being immune suppressed it is difficult to keep her healthy long enough to have a surgery, (she has had at least 8 pneumonia infections in the last year and a half). We have her scheduled to receive the implant at the end of July, however without coverage Nikki will not be able to receive the implant.

Nikki is now three years old and has overcome so much adversity in her young life. According to the rules she is “disabled”, but with the cochlear implants that would enable her to hear she would no longer be “disabled”. Change.org was able to assist another family in the same area that we live who were also undergoing the refusal of the insurance company. I work as a police officer and my wife is a lawyer who provides legal services to indigent clients as well as others.

In Georgia it seems that insurance companies do not cover any hearing loss coverage. Nikki’s hearing aids were provided for her when she was eligible for Medicaid under the Katie Beckett waiver, however due to the recent changes in the Medicaid coverage, Nikki is no longer eligible to receive the Katie Beckett waiver. Our family hopes that with the support of this petition Nikki will be able to receive her cochlear implants, and other children and their families will not have to endure the hardships of deafness when there is a potential remedy available.

My understanding of the cost of a cochlear implant is each ear cost about $125,000.00. Nikki, like other kids and adults who receive cochlear implants require intense therapy to “train” their brain to hear again. Based on information cochlear implants are performed on a regular basis with overwhelming success. We want our baby girl and others like her to be able to grow and enjoy life with every opportunity. I would be willing to pay even more than I do for the insurance premium, but how can anyone say that hearing is not medically necessary as was stated by Cigna?

Please sign this petition so that Nikki and others like her can receive this life altering procedure.

http://www.change.org/petitions/cigna-approve-coverage-for-my-daughters-cochlear-implant

Warrior

Update from Change.org 

Let’s keep up the pressure until we know Meriam Yehya Ibrahim is safe and free

26 Jun 2014 —

The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind of news surrounding the case of Meriam Ibrahim. On Monday, a Sudanese appeals court ruled that she should be set free, and that they charges she was facing — arrested and sentenced to die for not being willing to give up her Christian faith or renounce her marriage to her husband, Daniel — should be voided.

Then on Tuesday, as she went to the airport to leave with her husband and kids, she was held by Sudanese intelligence officials, and we are still waiting to know if she has been able to leave the country.

While this story plays out, we cannot let up on our demand that Meriam be set free and allowed to travel with her husband and her two kids. We are almost at one million signatures. Please, while Meriam’s future still remains uncertain, share this petition with on Facebook, Twitter, or with your friends and family, and keep up the global momentum for Meriam to be free.

With your help we can build more than one million voices calling for Meriam’s freedom. She is so close. Please stand with me once more and show the rest of the world that Meriam should be free and reunited with her family.

Thank you for taking action.

*****************

Update from RAINN’S on Campus Sexual Assualt 

Today on Capitol Hill, Becca O’Connor, RAINN’s vice president for public policy, will join Sen. Claire McCaskill and law enforcement leaders to discuss solutions to the problem of sexual assault on college campuses.

Senator Claire McCaskill meets with students to address campus sexual assault.*

WHAT: Campus Sexual Assault: The Administrative Process and the Criminal Justice System Roundtable

WHEN: Today at 2:30 pm ET

The discussion is expected to include:

How law enforcement agencies and prosecutors pursue crimes of sexual violence involving students.

What Congress can do to ensure that survivors receive justice.
Watch live online, and follow the conversation on Twitter with @RAINN01 and using the hashtag #ActWithRAINN.

Learn about RAINN’s policy initiatives by visiting the Action Center.

*Photo Credit: Office of Senator Claire McCaskill