Demonstrators Demand Jobs On Capitol Hill

By Adrianna McGinley

Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) joined hundreds of activists and union representatives on Capitol Hill and demanded Congress take action to create jobs, something Ellison has already vowed to do.

“You have elected us to Congress. We are listening to you, and we want to be in partnership with you,” Ellison said. “So when you go out across America and you fight for the justice we all deserve, please know that you’ve got brothers and sisters in Congress ready to fight side by side with you.”

Attendees also stood in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protestors, but Grijalva played down comparisons suggesting the Occupy Wall Street movement will spark the creation of a new political party. He said the movement is not an answer to the Tea Party, but rather a solution to America’s problems.

Struggling Americans shared their stories at the rally, including unemployed Army Reservist Tiffany Mellers. 

“I am continually shocked at how little politicians seem to care about how regular people, like me are doing,” Mellers said. “This cannot go on any longer…we are finally saying enough is enough.”

Demonstrators announced that another rally, Occupy DC, is scheduled for Thursday at Freedom Plaza in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Sen. Lieberman Shows Support At Rally To End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) made an appearance at a rally Tuesday morning held by gay and lesbian veterans who hope to convince members of Congress to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the controversial policy barring gay Americans from openly serving in the military, this year.

“The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is consistent with our country’s best values and it is consistent with the best interests of the United States military, and therefore, Americans' national security,” Lieberman said. “We have justice on our side ... we really can, and I believe will, repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' this year.”

The veterans and Lieberman converged on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Following the rally, the veterans planned on going inside the Congressional office buildings and talking to members and their staffs directly.

“We need to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' now ... this legislation is sending good people out of the military," said Joe Lazzerini, a member of the Army Reserve from Massachusetts. "I want to be able to continue serving my country, not because I’m gay, but because I do like serving my country.”

In the coming weeks, Congress will take on the Defense Authorization Bill. Opponents of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are expected to attempt to add an amendment to repeal the policy.

The Tea Party Movement Is Coming To Washington

Meagan Wiseley, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

The FreedomWorks Foundation is sponsoring a three day event that will give grassroots conservatives the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with government spending to Congress. The September 12 "March On Washington" will be the largest gathering of fiscal conservatives in history, with tens of thousands expected.

In a conference call Wedneday to promote the event, FreedomWorks President and CEO Matt Kibbe said, "I do think that our theme of 'government goes to those who show up' is relevant here. We've seen lots of Americans leave their homes and come to townhall meetings and come to Washington."

September 9th and 10th will be dedicated to workshops, training seminars and rallies. Fiscal conservatives will also have the opportunity to address their congressmen during lobbying visits to Capitol Hill.

Jenny Beth Martin with The Tea Party Patriots, who also participated in Wednesday's conference call, said of her fellow patriots, "They think it's time for their elected officials to pay attention to what they have to say. They will have that opportunity on Thursday and Friday while they are in D.C."

The three day event will begin Thursday September 9th.

Senators, Latino Groups Celebrate Near-Certain Confirmation Of Sotomayor

By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service

Civil rights leaders and Senators joined in a rally on Capitol Hill Wednesday to voice their support for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation.

The familiar phrase from President Obama's campaign, "yes we can," was heard both in English and Spanish at the rally, which was hosted by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). The atmosphere was extremely celebratory as the crowd loudly responded with cheers each time the name of the historic nominee was mentioned.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was one of four Senators who spoke at the rally. "There are three words that sum up this nomination: It is time," Schumer declared.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) also showed their support, adding that they were not pleased with the overall Republican response to the nomination.

"Let us hope that as history looks back on this day, it notes the historic occasion of the confirmation of Justice Sotomayor and ...not the Republicans' strange and strained efforts to impose right-wing political orthodoxy on our courts and judges," said Whitehouse.

Sen. Menendez spoke about the response of the Hispanic community to Sotomayor nomination, but also mentioned the appreciation of the few Republican Senators who have said they will vote yes for her confirmation.

"When she raises her hand and takes that oath of office, the Supreme Court will be better, the nation will be better, and we will have fulfilled our promise as a country," said Menendez.

Civil rights organizations including the Hispanic Federation, the Alliance for Justice, the NAACP and others were also present in support of Sotomayor. Many people held signs with the slogan "I stand with Sotomayor," and at one point, a chant of, "What do we want?-Sonia-When do we want it?-Now," erupted.

Thousands Gather To Support Immediate Action On Health Care Reform

By Laura Woodhead - Talk Radio News Service
Supporters of President Obama’s health care plan rallied on Capitol Hill Thursday, to press for immediate action on health care reform. Organized by the Health Care for America Now! Coalition (HCAN), the "We Can’t Wait ’09" rally brought together 10,000 health care activists from across the country to pressure Congress into taking significant action on health reform by the end of the year.

Joining those in attendance were actress Edie Falco, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean.

Said Dean, “The American public deserve the choice of whether to continue with what they have or if they want to try something different.”

Added Senator Schumer, “You being here will make sure that we hold everyone in that building’s [the Capitol’s] feet to the fire,” bringing the enthused crowd to cheers.

Gary Zuckett, Executive Director of the West Virginia Citizen Action Group, asserted that the issue of health care was literally a matter of life and death for many Americans, calling the current system a “national disgrace.” He added that Republicans need to decide whether to “get out of the way or be run over” by the sheer force of the public's call for health care reform.