Meet Miss USA DC's Kára McCullough and she says health care is a ‘Privilege,’ not a Right! Do you Agree?

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Meet Miss USA DC's Kára McCullough and she says health care is a ‘privilege,’ not a right! Do you Agree?

Kára McCullough, a 25-year-old scientist representing the District of Columbia, won the Miss USA pageant on Sunday, May 14 in Las Vegas. It's the second consecutive year that a contestant from the nation's capital won the annual competition.  (Reuters)

The question-and-answer session during beauty pageants is often a fraught situation. Contestants are given only about 30 seconds on live television to answer questions about how to stop terrorism or whether America has an immigration problem. In other words, it’s a segment primed to go viral (see: Miss Teen South Carolina’s infamous response in 2007), as any good TV producer would hope.

As a result, it’s rare to see anyone answer a question directly. Contestants often spout off media-trained, middle-of-the-road answers that ensure no one will be offended. So it was very unusual on Sunday night when the new Miss USA — Miss D.C. Kára McCullough, marking the second year in a row that District of Columbia won the pageant — gave a very direct answer about health care, which in turn sparked a debate on social media.

Before Miss D.C. stepped forward, the questions to the Top 5 were at typical degrees of difficulty: “How would you like the global community to view the United States?” (Miss Minnesota: The U.S. should be viewed as accepting and empowering.) “Which specific issue regarding women’s rights is most important to you?” (Miss Illinois: Women should be able to speak honestly about their experiences at work without retaliation.) “What action would you take as Miss USA to help [suicidal] teenagers?” (Miss South Carolina: Teenagers need to make sure their voices are heard, with counseling or other resources.)

Then Miss D.C. stepped up to answer a question about the most currently contentious subject in the country: “Do you think affordable health care for all U.S. citizens is a right or a privilege, and why?”

McCullough, a 25-year-old scientist who works at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, tied in her own experience to her answer. “I’m definitely going to say it’s a privilege,” she said. “As a government employee, I am granted health care. And I see firsthand that for one to have health care, you need to have jobs. So therefore, we need to continue to cultivate this environment that we’re given the opportunities to have health care as well as jobs to all the American citizens worldwide.”

Reaction on Twitter was swift — quite a few people were horrified (“Miss DC just lost me with that answer….Affordable healthcare is a privilege? Girl bye”; “Miss DC was my fav but… not after that answer.”) Others applauded her. (“Respect for Miss DC saying that healthcare is a privilege and not a right”.) Some went into broad discussion. (“The thing about Miss DC is she’s correct–healthcare IS still a privilege, not a right. It’s just that that’s what’s wrong with our system.”)

By the time Miss New Jersey answered the fifth and final question about whether social media is a positive or negative influence in our culture (“With great power comes great responsibility,” she said), it was clear who had the most memorable answer of the night.

Later, McCullough also stirred up debate online for her answer on feminism. (“As a woman scientist in the government, I’d like to lately transpose the word feminism to equalism.”) But as it turns out, a possible controversy doesn’t necessarily matter to the judges — at the end of the night, she was named the winner.

Girl!!!!

The Daily Buzz for Oct 7

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Entire ‘Best Man Holiday’ Cast covers EBONY Magazine … Twice (Look!)

*The wait is over. Check out the dual covers of EBONY magazine attached that feature all of the characters reunited

After over 14 years, the cast we love returns on November 15 for the highly anticipated sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.”

Can’t WAIT!

Idris Elba Covers Esquire UK [PHOTOS]

Making a photo gallery of Mr. Idris Elba never needs an explanation, but we do actually have a plausible reason other than the man being sexy as all hell. He’s on the cover of Esquire UK‘s November issue and he talks about his leading role in the upcoming Nelson Mandela biopic Long Walk To Freedom, potentially being the next James Bond, and who he really is.

On playing Mandela:

“We did our final checks, and then me and my troops walked in. ANC—boom! I had the haircut. Pa-pow! Young Mandela at his prime! I was f***ing nervous, because this was Soweto – that’s like someone playing Jay Z going into Brooklyn. But I’m telling you, man — people were crying. First take, I’m not even joking. First they were like, ‘It’s Idris Elba’. Then, ‘It’s Idris Elba playing Madiba’ (Mandela’s clan name).Then it’s like, ‘S**t—it’s Madiba!’ It was so layered.”

“People are going to judge me for this role,’ he said. ‘I don’t look like Mandela, some say I don’t deserve it. Whatever. For me, it’s important I am who I am, as I present this piece to the world. I’m 40 and I’ve had a great career. I’m alright to be myself at this point. Look, if I never work again, I don’t care. I did my bit, you know?”

“I got to tell you something, man, as arrogant as this might sound, I actually don’t care what the press think. Because as a memoir to Mr Mandela, this film is one of the greatest gifts I think we can give to the Mandela family.”

Will he be the next Bond?:

“If it f***ing happens, it’s the will of the nation. It’s not because of me. Everywhere I go people are saying, ‘You’d be a great Bond.’ And I want to ask them, ‘Are you saying that because it’s trendy or because you mean it?’ But you can tell by looking in their eyes they mean it!”

His struggle before making it:

“You got to remember, I was hustling back then,’ he recalled. ‘And I mean huss-ell-ing. I was working the door at Carolines comedy club. Selling weed, 10 spots, everything, just to make money because the acting weren’t coming in fast enough.”

“I have no base. I go from one job to another. As an actor, you have to sell out where you’re from because you’re playing other people. That’s why I DJ, because for one night, I’m me.”

“Me! The way I live my life, I’m two drinks from being in the tabloids every day,’ he said. ‘I’m no national treasure. I’m a f***ing dutty rude boy!”

*Full body shudder* Hmm? Oh, I’m sorry. Just had a little moment there.

Um … yeah so … so click through to check out the photos from the shoot watch a behind the scenes video here, and drool over the little compilation of Elba’s other magazine photo shoots we put together. I’m going to excuse myself …

Kerry Washington HONORED By The Paley Center

Kerry Washington was seen arriving at the Paley Center in New York City for a special event in her honor, "She's Making Media: Kerry Washington".

The Emmy-nominated actress was presented to the audience (which included BET CEO Deborah Lee and Susan Fales Hill) by Pat Mitchell, current President and Chief Executive Officer of The Paley Center for Media in New York City and the former President and CEO of Public Broadcasting Service.

During her chat, Kerry discussed at length the contributions of black actresses to the arts and also commented on her own political activism with the John Kerry and President Obama campaigns.

The does-it-all chick is also a member of the President's Committee on Arts & Humanities and recently performed a scene from The Vagina Monologues.  The cameras captured Kerry for an upcoming PBS segment.

Gabrielle Union Attends Miu Miu & Ciara Seen At Valentino During Paris Fashion Week

Ciara's Parisian "Body Party" continued with an appearance at Valentino's Paris 

Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2014 at Espace Ephemere Tuileries.

Cici has been hanging out with her fashionable friends while in Paris, including Cara D., Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at the Givenchy show.

Also in Paris.....

Being Mary Jane star Gabrielle Union was seen heading to the Miu Miu show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear shows at the Palais d’IENA.

Loving the look...with the jacket.  Gabrielle has a special relationship with the fashion house, once starring in a short film called The Door for them.

She sat front row and posed with"Parks & Recreation" star Rashida Jones, Imogen Poots and Dianna Agron. Fabness all around!

Pharrell Pisses PETA Off with Head-to-Toe Fur Ensemble

*Musical genius Pharrell Williams is slowly making his way into becoming a fashion icon but his recent clothing choices has PETA  er, umm, pissed off at him.

Yes, PETA is pissed!

Known for taking risks in both music and fashion, Pharrell showed up to the opening of Moncler’s new Parisian store in a full fur ensemble that included a headpiece and coat draped down to his ankles.

Pharrell just released his line of sunglasses with Moncler, so the star wore the fur outfit to support the line. While some loved his sense of boldness, PETA was feeling the look one bit.

PETA said of Pharrell’s outfit, “If Pharrell knew that animals on fur farms—including dogs and cats—are beaten, electrocuted, and even skinned alive for their fur, we’re sure that he’d join the growing number of celebrities and top designers who stick to faux fur and pleather. The fashion world is moving in the direction of cruelty-free chic—a classy look that Pharrell sports better than anyone. We’re contacting him, sending him this video narrated by Stella McCartney, and hoping he joins Russell Simmons, among other fashion icons, in saying “no” to fur forever,” a representative of the organization said.

What do you think of Pharrell wearing fur?

Kelly Rowland LOOKS FAB IN Elle Photshoot

What's the hardest part of being a pop star? Keeping your costume changes in sync with your demanding schedule, says Creative Director Joe Zee, who backs up Kelly Rowland as she breaks down 24 hours in her fashionable life Check out her pics in this latest shoot for Elle Magazine.

Looking good Kelly! Look for Kelly as she gears up for the X Factor!

Oprah Winfrey to Receive Leadership Award from The Hollywood Reporter

From the Queen of Daytime to running her own network, Oprah Winfrey has made a huge impact on the world of entertainment.

This year, the media mogul will receive The Hollywood Reporter's Sherry Lansing Leadership Award for being a pioneer and leader in her industry.

Held on December 11th, the Women in Entertainment Breakfast will feature Maria Shriver presenting the honor to the 59-year-old star.

Speaking about the choice, THR editorial director Janice Min stated, "Oprah is an inspiration to us all. She has wielded her tremendous influence to empower women both here in Hollywood and around the world, and motivated countless individuals to contribute to causes that better their communities. She is the embodiment of this award."

Got sleep? Naomi Campbell Falls Asleep During Interview

Naomi Campbell is so busy promoting The Face right now that she needs shut eye!Journalist Colin Robertson for the British media source, The Sun, wrote “Six minutes into my chat and she has slid so far down the chaise longue she was perched on she has nodded off. The cup of herbal tea she was daintily drinking is moments from hitting the deck.” Naomi suddenly woke up when he was about to nudge her.

Naomi quickly apologized. “Sorry, really sorry. That wasn’t your fault. I’m so jet lagged,” she explained.

he 43-year-old model, who has been busy promoting new modeling competition “The Face”, said recently that she still felt nervous before hitting the runway although she had been modeling for years. “I’m not actually that confident,” she said. “Two weeks ago in New York, I was nervous backstage. It’s live and anything can happen. I’ve had a fall, lost a skirt and had a top slip off. I never want to be too sure of myself – if I get to that place, I’ll never do another show,” she told The Telegraph,

SIA Confirms She Wrote For Beyonce’s Upcoming Album And The Song Made The Cut

Sia a very talented singer, I love her voice by the way. She  broke some news on Twitter to her fans, everyone has been speculating for months about Beyonce’s upcoming album. Ne-Yo claims it is in it’s editing stages and we’ve seen Bey hitting the studio with several artists, but no word on when and what album will be released. The 37-year-old singer Sia, who has penned songs for big-name artists including Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, hinted Tuesday that she wrote a song for Bey’s next album. Beyonce wants to make sure that the first single is a “CLASSIC” when released.

Sia was praised on Twitter after releasing her new song “Elastic Heart” from the “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack. One fan lamented that the track should’ve been used as the first single off of Bey’s fifth album, to which Sia responded, “I gave her my other best song!” She went on to specify that the song was not “Standing on the Sun,” which Beyonce debuted earlier this year, and confirmed that the track she wrote made it onto Bey’s album.

I can’t wait to see what song…. We need some new music from Bey anyway… Your fans are dying of thirst…..  But for anyone who is not familiar with Sia here is a collaboration with her and Flo Rida “Wild Ones” her voice is flawless… Here is another collaboration with David Guetta “Titanium”

#GetCovered! Kerry Washington, Lady Gaga, Nia Long & More Celebs Promote Obama Care

Actors, pop stars and artists are using their celebrity to encourage American citizens to gain health insurance.

Nia Long

While the nation is experiencing day two of the U.S. government shut-down, some celebrities are taking to social media to promote President Obama’s ‘Affordable Care Act’.  The 2010 law popularly known as Obamacare, aims to provide health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans beginning next year.

Celebrities including Lady Gaga, Kerry Washington, Tatyana Ali, Pharrell, John Legend, Nia Long and others posted photos of holding ‘Get Covered’ signage. According to Associated Press, the administration aims to sign up at least 2.7 million young, healthy Americans in Obamacare’s insurance plans in their first year to offset the costs of sicker beneficiaries.

Lady Gaga

Tatyana Ali

Pharrell

For additional information or to #GetCovered, visit health.gov.

Chris Brown Joins Fight Against African Gay Hate Crimes

‘Love is not a crime. Gay or straight’.

The above were words shared by Pop Prince Chris Brown today, published on his official Twitter account as he joins the fight against gay hate crimes both home and away.

Home, being the USA and away…being the continent that is Africa.

Love is not a crime. Gay or straight. Love who u wanna love. Stop the hate & sign here http://t.co/LAdsuz2iaf #Unity

— Chris Brown (@chrisbrown) October 1, 2013

Below his tweet came the link to a petition posted on www.allout.org, birthed to put international pressure on the Republic of Cameroon to stop the rise of anti-gay attacks in the country, urging its President to take action against those responsible for the horrific attacks carried out against the nation’s LGBT community. h/t thatgrapejuice

AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES

‘Butting Out’

Awww man, you were like this close to fitting into those pants. Oh that’s right, you guys can’t see me. My arms were like 3 miles apart. He wasn’t anywhere near being close to getting into those jeans.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!

EFREM

EXCLUSIVE: Paul Ryan Got Obamacare on The Down Low!

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Exclusive: Paul Ryan Quietly Requested Obamacare Cash

Well LIAR, LIAR Pants on Fire! Republican vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan is barnstorming the country, promising to repeal every provision of the Affordable Care Act if the Romney-Ryan ticket is elected. But a letter he wrote to the Obama administration may undermine this message.

On December 10, 2010, Ryan penned a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services to recommend a grant application for the Kenosha Community Health Center, Inc to develop a new facility in Racine, Wisconsin, an area within Ryan’s district. “The proposed new facility, the Belle City Neighborhood Health Center, will serve both the preventative and comprehensive primary healthcare needs of thousands of new patients of all ages who are currently without healthcare,” Ryan wrote.

The grant Ryan requested was funded directly by the Affordable Care Act, better known simply as healthcare reform or Obamacare.

The letter, among several obtained by The Investigative Fund through a Freedom of Information Act request, is a stark reminder that even the most ardent opponents of Obamacare privately acknowledge many of the law’s benefits.

Federally funded health clinics have long provided a broad range of vital medical, dental and mental health services to underprivileged communities across the country, regardless of a persons’ ability to pay. To meet the goal of expanding coverage, the Affordable Care Act provides for a sweeping expansion of such clinics, including $9.5 billion for operating costs to existing community health centers and $1.5 billion for new construction.

In public, Ryan has cultivated a profile as one of health reform’s most outspoken critics. He savages the Affordable Care Act as an example of “Washington’s reckless spending spree,” as “irresponsible,” and has warned repeatedly that it would place the “federal government squarely in the middle of health-care decisions.”

Explaining his “philosophical difference” with Democrats, Ryan told ABC News this summer that he would seek to repeal the “entire law” because healthcare rights come from “nature and God,” not the government. He expressed dismay that the Supreme Court upheld the law during the interview.

Despite Ryan’s quiet support for an Affordable Care Act clinic grant in his district, the Wisconsin congressman’s promise to repeal Obamacare would undermine the law’s five-year plan to rapidly grow the health clinic system in America by withdrawing the necessary funds. The so-called Ryan Budget plan would also decimate other federal support for health clinics, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Before Republicans broadly agreed upon a strategy of opposing any health reform proposal embraced by President Obama, the party once supported access to healthcare using clinics. The Bush administration requested and received modest increases in federal health clinic funding over the years. Now, however, the GOP has made opposing the entire Affordable Care Act a central plank in its platform, and virtually no lawmakers have been willing to praise it while speaking to the media.

Ryan isn’t alone in shaking his fist at health reform with one hand while extending an open palm behind closed doors.

As I reported over a year ago, even Congressman Hal Rogers, a conservative Representative from Kentucky, and former Senator John Ensign, a rising star in the Republican Party before he resigned in disgrace, wrote letters asking for health reform grants while calling for absolute repeal. Rogers called health reform “socialistic” and a “monstrosity.” Nevertheless, he requested Obamacare funds for a nursing clinic in rural Clay County. The money, Rogers said in a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, would “provide critical care in an area in extreme need of access to adequate healthcare.” Ensign recommended an application for a physician training grant made possible through the Affordable Care Act.

Rogers and Ryan have voted to repeal all of the Affordable Care Act on multiple occasions in the last two years.

“I don’t know what’s the bigger sin,” says Tom Perriello, a former Democratic congressman who championed health clinics as a supporter of the Affordable Care Act. “The hypocrisy of asking for funding from a program while seeking to repeal it, or that the Republicans have been so much more committed to hurting the president than to helping people that something as uncontroversial as funding for community health centers must be requested in secret.”

Perriello is now counselor for policy at the Center for American Progress, where I previously worked as a political blogger.

An outline of the health reform “replacement” legislation advanced by Mitt Romney and Ryan, mostly centered on proposals to gut state and federal health insurance regulations by allowing insurance providers to sell coverage across state lines, makes no mention of health clinics.

In addition to undercutting his political message about health reform, the letter may also add to an emerging narrative that Ryan has a double standard when it comes to critiquing major Obama policy achievements. Shortly after Romney announced that Ryan would be joining him on the Republican ticket this year, the Boston Globe revisited a story showing how Ryan quietly lobbied the Obama administration for stimulus grants. Ryan voted against the proposal and denounced it to the press without disclosing his requests for stimulus cash.

Ryan first denied responsibility for the stimulus grant requests, but later confessed that his office had sent the letters. Republicans have praised Ryan for his willingness to embrace unpopular cuts to government programs and for being a “consistent conservative.” The fact that Ryan has privately pleaded with the Obama administration for government grants from the president’s signature policy accomplishments, however, could unravel that conceit.

FORGET THIS CREEP AND MOVE FORWARD!