Why I’m no longer a ‘Cosmo Girl’

by Rebecca Day

Since I was a teenager, I’ve read Cosmopolitan Magazine. The articles, quizzes, and tidbits of information about relationships, sex and beauty made me feel like a more enlightened woman. For years, the Cosmo motto, ‘Fun, Fearless Female,’ represented the ultimate woman I thought I wanted to be. However, every time I would read a new issue, I always came across different parts of the magazine that would strike a raw nerve. Then I received a failing mark on a quiz, implying I needed to loosen up. I decided that letting a magazine influence how I should behave, based on what type of woman is acceptable to an editorial board, was no longer the right path for me.

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Obama’s decision on UN Human Rights Council his worst yet

Pop and mass media have reported President Barack Obama’s desire for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and even wire services are running interference for what many Americans perceive as Obama’s worst decision to date. The Associated Press said (Apr. 1): “The Obama administration's announcement Tuesday that it would seek a seat reverses former President George W. Bush's policy of disengagement with the Geneva body over its criticism of Israel.” The AP did what many aforesaid media do—they used Israel and George Bush as a smokescreen. Every American who values freedom should send a letter to Washington or at the least, get on the phone. A mass protest—peaceful, of course—would be appropriate. Because the UN Human Rights Council is an absolute insult to human rights, and as an example, I offer you tidbits from Resolution 7/19 adopted March 27, 2009, starting with some troubling numbers.

I met refugees from Somalia when I covered a story for a daily newspaper. The US State Dept. said unpredictable armed conflicts among rival militias are prevalent in southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu. This has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Somali nationals and the displacement of nearly one million people.The refugees were attending World Refugee Day in Jacksonville; a social services agency worker is shown in the photo as well.

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National Poetry Month celebration big deal for Southern poet

Poet Jayne Jaudon Ferrer received a certificate of appreciation from the Julian branch of the San Diego County Library System.Jayne Jaudon Ferrer has achieved what most poets will never know—several of her poetry collections have been best sellers. She’s authored 4 books and her platform is definitely poetry, but she’s also written fiction and nonfiction. I can’t remember the first time I met her—there’s the poet bond, the mom bond and the women bond so maybe that’s why it feels like I’ve known her forever. A native Floridian, she now lives in upstate South Carolina. Jayne and I have read poems together at various author events and book festivals, and I subscribe to her newsletter. One of the perks comes each April when she sends readers a poem a day—an official Poetry Parade featuring diverse works by noted and emerging bards. The newsletter and the April Poetry Parade are free, available with a simple registration at Jayne’s website where you'll also find full information about her work and her books. Poets and Main Streeters number among her fans.

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Say no to Medicare Part A, you lose your social security benefits

Photo by James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control.It came as a surprise to me, but if a senior refuses to sign up for part A of the Medicare program, social security goes down the drain. A Tennessee congresswoman is trying to change that.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sponsored H.R. 1118, the "Health Care Choices for Seniors Act," a bill to allow seniors a choice they currently don’t have. I had no idea how insurance for seniors works until I read The FreedomWorks blog by Joseph Onerati. Medicare Part A is mandated by the federal government.

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Economist’s views on ‘Great Depression’ at RLC raise questions about Obama’s plans

Lawrence Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education, delivered a riveting address about the Great Depression during the banquet at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention.Economist Lawrence W. Reed delivered the keynote address at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention Saturday during the banquet, and he committed some serious myth-busting about the ‘Great Depression.’ Reed fractured one myth in his opening statements. Most Americans believe corporate America caused the Depression.

"The Federal Reserve system was at the core then—and today,” he said. Reed built a solid argument for the Depression’s causes, and analyzed the economic meltdown that began during President Herbert Hoover’s first term and proceeded to antagonize the global economy for more than two decades. By the end of Reed’s address one conclusion is inescapable: the current administration is following a path very similar to steps taken by administrations in charge during our troubled past.

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Thorpe dives into race for US Senate seat, brings listening tour to Jacksonville

Dr. Marion Thorpe was a popular figure at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention in Jacksonville this weekend.

(Jacksonville, Fla.)—Dr. Marion Thorpe had a hard time breaking away from guests at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Jacksonville. He’s an easy person to talk to and he knows how to listen. As both a doctor and healthcare administrator, Thorpe brings a unique set of skills to the table where the costliest, most vital issue is healthcare, especially in his home state of Florida. “We can’t fix the economy,” he said, “until we get a grip on healthcare.” As insurance premiums and medical costs skyrocket, that’s a perspective most of us can appreciate. Healthcare costs are an issue for small businesses and for large ones like the big three automakers. Perhaps more than any candidate, Thorpe has solid credentials on this issue. [Click link below photo to continue reading.]

Dr. Marion Thorpe talked to many guests at the Republican Liberty Caucus National Convention.

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Clinton's half-truth about US role in border violence; ignores DOJ report

God must love politicians because if he didn’t, they’d all have noses that reached to their navels. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton carped about the US role—our “insatiable appetite for drugs”—in the drug wars on the border. Other politicians complained about the US role in supplying weapons to drug cartels. No one of course mentioned the ease of traditionally getting across the border into Mexico. Coincidentally on the same day here in Jacksonville, guns turned up in a locker at a high school in one of our city’s poorer areas. A principal saw a bullet on the floor. At first read, neither of those two incidents seem to be related, but they are and the facts reflect Mrs. Clinton’s half-truth.

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