The Republican Party Is Pushing Trump Toward a War With Black Lives Matter
You must ask yourself, why can't people accept the fact that to say " black lives matter" is not to say other lives don't? The GOP wants to pick a fight with Black America that doesn't need to be fought.
Vote Smart VOTE BLUE!
Black & Blue is a guest-driven blog to inform, empower, engage and inspire readers, especially members and friends of the Duval County Democratic Black Caucus.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Sunday, June 28, 2015
God Bless America
A wonderful tribute back in1995 at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Service and again in the wake of the Charleston, SC murders. May our country forever be in God's grace! And may our people continuously seek to be more just, humane, fair, understanding, loving and forgiving....
Friday, June 5, 2015
A fair alternative to Medicaid
A fair alternative to Medicaid
Florida citizens must reassess their allegiance to the Republican Party. The GOP state legislators are clearly not on the side of the working poor, children and women. Nor are they supporters of our tax dollars sent to Washington coming back into our state to either help grow jobs or at a minimum, save jobs. They must be voted out of office.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Florida citizens must reassess their allegiance to the Republican Party. The GOP state legislators are clearly not on the side of the working poor, children and women. Nor are they supporters of our tax dollars sent to Washington coming back into our state to either help grow jobs or at a minimum, save jobs. They must be voted out of office.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Friday, March 13, 2015
Dems are Leading in Vote Tallies
Duval County Supervisor of Elections > Election Information > 2015 Duval First Election Voter Turnout
Democrat must keep the momentum going during Early Voting. We have a slight lead over Republicans, but need to increase that advantage if we want to win in the races for Mayor, Sheriff and Supervisor of Elections AND take control of City Council.
But we must turnout the vote as if we're in a Presidential election! Please help get your family and friends to the Polls for Early Voting through March 22. Then, work hard to get everyone else to the Polls on Election Day on March 24.
And remember, the last day to request a Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot is March 18 at 5 pm. Call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 904-630-1414.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Democrat must keep the momentum going during Early Voting. We have a slight lead over Republicans, but need to increase that advantage if we want to win in the races for Mayor, Sheriff and Supervisor of Elections AND take control of City Council.
But we must turnout the vote as if we're in a Presidential election! Please help get your family and friends to the Polls for Early Voting through March 22. Then, work hard to get everyone else to the Polls on Election Day on March 24.
And remember, the last day to request a Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot is March 18 at 5 pm. Call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 904-630-1414.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Democrats Know How to Grow State Revenues, the Economy, Jobs, Personal Wealth, the Minimum Wage!
This
Billionaire Governor Taxed the Rich and Increased the Minimum Wage -- Now, His
State's Economy Is One of the Best in the Country
Posted: 02/24/2015 4:58 pm
EST Updated: 02/24/2015 4:59 pm EST
The next time your right-wing family member or former high
school classmate posts a status update or tweet about how taxing the rich or
increasing workers' wages kills jobs and makes businesses leave the state, I
want you to send them this article.
When he took office in January of
2011, Minnesota governor Mark Dayton inherited a$6.2 billion budget deficit and a 7 percent unemployment rate from his
predecessor, Tim Pawlenty, the soon-forgotten Republican candidate for the
presidency who called himself Minnesota's first true fiscally-conservative
governor in modern history. Pawlenty prided himself on never raising state
taxes -- the most he ever did to generate new revenue was increase the tax on
cigarettes by 75 cents a pack. Between 2003 and late 2010, when Pawlenty was at
the head of Minnesota's state government,he managed to add only 6,200 more
jobs.
During his first four years in
office, Gov. Dayton raised the state income tax from 7.85 to 9.85
percent on individuals earning over $150,000, and on couples earning over
$250,000 when filing jointly -- a tax increase of $2.1 billion. He's also agreed to raise Minnesota's minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2018, and passed a state lawguaranteeing equal pay for women. Republicans like state
representative Mark Uglemwarned against Gov. Dayton's tax increases, saying, "The
job creators, the big corporations, the small corporations, they will leave.
It's all dollars and sense to them." The conservative friend or family
member you shared this article with would probably say the same if their
governor tried something like this. But like Uglem, they would be proven wrong.
Between 2011 and 2015, Gov. Dayton
added 172,000 new jobs to Minnesota's economy -- that's
165,800 more jobs in Dayton's first term than Pawlenty added in both of his
terms combined. Even though Minnesota's top income tax rate is the 4th-highest in the country, it has the 5th-lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.6 percent. According to 2012-2013 U.S. census figures,
Minnesotans had a median income that was $10,000 larger than the U.S. average, and their median income is still $8,000 more than the U.S. average today.
By late 2013, Minnesota's private
sector job growth exceeded pre-recession
levels, and the state's economy was the 5th fastest-growing in the United States. Forbes even
ranked Minnesota the 9th-best state for
business (Scott Walker's "Open For
Business" Wisconsin came in at a distant #32 on the same list). Despite the fearmongering over businesses
fleeing from Dayton's tax cuts, 6,230 more Minnesotans filed in the top
income tax bracket in 2013, just one year after Dayton's tax increases went
through. As of January 2015, Minnesota has a $1 billion budget surplus, and Gov. Dayton has pledged to
reinvest more than one third of that money into public schools. And according
to Gallup, Minnesota's economic confidence is higher than any other state
Gov. Dayton didn't accomplish all of
these reforms by shrewdly manipulating people -- this article describes Dayton's astonishing lack
of charisma and articulateness. He isn't a class warrior driven by a desire to
get back at the 1 percent -- Dayton is a billionaire heir to the Target fortune. It wasn't just a majority in the
legislature that forced him to do it -- Dayton had to work with a Republican-controlled legislature
for his first two years in office. And unlike his Republican neighbor to the east, Gov. Dayton didn't assert his will
over an unwilling populace by creating obstacles between the people and the
vote -- Dayton actually created an online voter registration system, making it easier than ever for
people to register to vote.
The reason Gov. Dayton was able to radically transform
Minnesota's economy into one of the best in the nation is simple arithmetic.
Raising taxes on those who can afford to pay more will turn a deficit into a
surplus. Raising the minimum wage will increase the median income. And in a
state where education is a budget priority and economic growth is one of the
highest in the nation, it only makes sense that more businesses would stay.
It's official -- trickle-down economics is bunk. Minnesota has
proven it once and for all. If you believe otherwise, you are wrong.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Justices to wade into Florida’s redistricting fight | Post On Politics
Justices to wade into Florida’s redistricting fight | Post On Politics
It looks like Florida's highly controversial redistricting plan is still in question.
According to Post on Politics, challenges from "...The Florida League of Women Voters, Common Cause and several Democratic voters..." asking our State Supreme court to review the original and revised plans. The challenge seems to flow from the fact that the original plan was thrown out by a Leon County Circuit Judge who found the first plan had dawn district lines for US Congresspersons Daniel Webster (R) and Corrine Brown (D) "...to help Republicans maintain overwhelming control...".
It ain't over till it's over.
Vote Smart VOTE BLUE!
It looks like Florida's highly controversial redistricting plan is still in question.
According to Post on Politics, challenges from "...The Florida League of Women Voters, Common Cause and several Democratic voters..." asking our State Supreme court to review the original and revised plans. The challenge seems to flow from the fact that the original plan was thrown out by a Leon County Circuit Judge who found the first plan had dawn district lines for US Congresspersons Daniel Webster (R) and Corrine Brown (D) "...to help Republicans maintain overwhelming control...".
It ain't over till it's over.
Vote Smart VOTE BLUE!
Friday, February 20, 2015
From Ferguson To Silicon Valley: A Black Pioneer Gives Back
From Ferguson To Silicon Valley: A Black Pioneer Gives Back
Rod L. Clay, Sr. has a history of excellence and commitment to passing it along. Read about his journey of excellence and example.
This early pioneer and trailblazer in computer science knows the challenges of discrimination, but also knows the power of self-esteem and value can trump most anything. His is a story we must tell "early and often" so that other young African American men and women who have a passion for the sciences will not loose that interest, but rather, feed and nurture it!
And finally, once these future scientists have "made it" they, like Mr. Clay will give back to the Black community so that others can follow suit.
Thank you Rod L. Clay, Sr.!
Rod L. Clay, Sr. has a history of excellence and commitment to passing it along. Read about his journey of excellence and example.
This early pioneer and trailblazer in computer science knows the challenges of discrimination, but also knows the power of self-esteem and value can trump most anything. His is a story we must tell "early and often" so that other young African American men and women who have a passion for the sciences will not loose that interest, but rather, feed and nurture it!
And finally, once these future scientists have "made it" they, like Mr. Clay will give back to the Black community so that others can follow suit.
Thank you Rod L. Clay, Sr.!
Friday, January 23, 2015
Check out - Happening Today: YouTube Creators Interview President Obama Live from the White House | The White House
Happening Today: YouTube Creators Interview President Obama Live from the White House | The White House
The above link will get you to the www.Whitehouse.gov website's blog. Bookmark it for easy access in the future. Stay connected and informed!
VOTE SMART Vote Blue!
The above link will get you to the www.Whitehouse.gov website's blog. Bookmark it for easy access in the future. Stay connected and informed!
VOTE SMART Vote Blue!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
What's Up With the GOP?
As 2014 comes to an end, I must spend a minute reflecting upon the GOP and their endless efforts to discredit, misrepresent and otherwise obstruct the work of President Obama and his commitment to move the ball forward for the American people.
It should be clear to anyone that our economic situation is steadily improving and has made steady progress over the President's tenure in the White House. We have had record growth in private sector jobs. At last look, President Obama has had better job growth than any of the eight years under his predecessor, George W. Bush. Domestic oil production is at it's highest level ever. We now produce more oil in America than we import. Unemployment is well under 6%. Down form 9-10%. The equities market has TRIPPLED under Obama. Corporate profits are at record levels. Gas at the pump has dropped below $2.00 a gallon in some places in the country.
TARP funds and auto industry bailout funds have all been repaid PLUS interest! Great strides have been made on credit card reform, immigration reforms, Wall Street Reforms, Pell Grant increases, equal pay for women, climate change advances and Common Core education standards are welcomed n many states. Same sex marriages, increased minimum wages and Medicaid expansion are commonplace in many states. And 10 million plus Americans have enrolled in Affordable Health Care plans across the country.
In spite of on-going challenges globally, Obama is championing a new relationship with Cuba. He has limited deportation of 5 million more undocumented individuals who are parents of Dreamers and others. He succeeded in getting all chemical weapons are out of Syria - so much for the rap of "inaction" once the Syrian government "crossed the line in the sand". Talks are still viable with Iran. And we're containing and degrading ISIS in Iraq. No wonder a noted and respected economist called him the most consequential President in the recent past. And, according to a recent article, Obama has once again been named one of the top 10 most admired individuals in the world...he's been number one, 7 years in a row!
Yet just tonight, O'Reilly of FOXNews suggested Obama has failed to improve the economy. O'Reilly and other GOP mouthpieces have posited that the President "doesn't lead". The constantly blame President Obama for nearly everything negative that happens. Whether it's the expanding racial divide, or the killing of unarmed Black men by law enforcement officers or the murder of cops on the street. But they don't credit him for any of the "good news" that has occurred on his watch. But that's how the GOP is. They are committed to a campaign of smear when it comes o the President and his service tour country. That's sad.
However, the real sad news is, that for all the "good news" out there, the GOP increased their numbers in both chambers of Congress in the last national election. Go figure! Come on America. We can and must do better.
The best news however, is that history will not be written by the GOP. And as such, President Obama will go down as a very consequential President who tried and succeeded to do bring 'change' to America.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE
It should be clear to anyone that our economic situation is steadily improving and has made steady progress over the President's tenure in the White House. We have had record growth in private sector jobs. At last look, President Obama has had better job growth than any of the eight years under his predecessor, George W. Bush. Domestic oil production is at it's highest level ever. We now produce more oil in America than we import. Unemployment is well under 6%. Down form 9-10%. The equities market has TRIPPLED under Obama. Corporate profits are at record levels. Gas at the pump has dropped below $2.00 a gallon in some places in the country.
TARP funds and auto industry bailout funds have all been repaid PLUS interest! Great strides have been made on credit card reform, immigration reforms, Wall Street Reforms, Pell Grant increases, equal pay for women, climate change advances and Common Core education standards are welcomed n many states. Same sex marriages, increased minimum wages and Medicaid expansion are commonplace in many states. And 10 million plus Americans have enrolled in Affordable Health Care plans across the country.
In spite of on-going challenges globally, Obama is championing a new relationship with Cuba. He has limited deportation of 5 million more undocumented individuals who are parents of Dreamers and others. He succeeded in getting all chemical weapons are out of Syria - so much for the rap of "inaction" once the Syrian government "crossed the line in the sand". Talks are still viable with Iran. And we're containing and degrading ISIS in Iraq. No wonder a noted and respected economist called him the most consequential President in the recent past. And, according to a recent article, Obama has once again been named one of the top 10 most admired individuals in the world...he's been number one, 7 years in a row!
Yet just tonight, O'Reilly of FOXNews suggested Obama has failed to improve the economy. O'Reilly and other GOP mouthpieces have posited that the President "doesn't lead". The constantly blame President Obama for nearly everything negative that happens. Whether it's the expanding racial divide, or the killing of unarmed Black men by law enforcement officers or the murder of cops on the street. But they don't credit him for any of the "good news" that has occurred on his watch. But that's how the GOP is. They are committed to a campaign of smear when it comes o the President and his service tour country. That's sad.
However, the real sad news is, that for all the "good news" out there, the GOP increased their numbers in both chambers of Congress in the last national election. Go figure! Come on America. We can and must do better.
The best news however, is that history will not be written by the GOP. And as such, President Obama will go down as a very consequential President who tried and succeeded to do bring 'change' to America.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE
Saturday, November 29, 2014
But Still We Rise.....
As November 2014 comes to a close, I am calmly feeling excited about the future. In spite of a dismal outcome for Democrats in the past election, and all the aftermath of the Grand Jury decision in Ferguson, MO; I still feel hopeful. Our Party can still rise!
The only direction we came move is either up or forward - both are positive options as I see it. As individuals and a political Party, we have much to build upon. Possibilities and opportunities for all people - as imperfect as it may play out at times - remains a core value. Groups as well as individuals matter to Democrats. A woman must maintain the "right to chose". Energy independence and corporation profits are not mutually exclusive outcomes. Diplomacy over military mite remains the preferred option - but not the only option - to global conflict. Expanding and protecting the "right to vote" is a basic principle of the Party. And forgiveness is a sustaining human value not just a Christian or religious ideal. Finally, fairness, truth and equity must continue to be definitive characteristics of our Party's policies, processes a practices.
We must take the time needed to revisit these core values and once again let them marinate our souls and then drive our collective behavior, guide our conversations and shape our public policies.
The only direction we came move is either up or forward - both are positive options as I see it. As individuals and a political Party, we have much to build upon. Possibilities and opportunities for all people - as imperfect as it may play out at times - remains a core value. Groups as well as individuals matter to Democrats. A woman must maintain the "right to chose". Energy independence and corporation profits are not mutually exclusive outcomes. Diplomacy over military mite remains the preferred option - but not the only option - to global conflict. Expanding and protecting the "right to vote" is a basic principle of the Party. And forgiveness is a sustaining human value not just a Christian or religious ideal. Finally, fairness, truth and equity must continue to be definitive characteristics of our Party's policies, processes a practices.
We must take the time needed to revisit these core values and once again let them marinate our souls and then drive our collective behavior, guide our conversations and shape our public policies.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Women of Color: A Growing Force in the American Electorate | Black Politics on the Web
Women of Color: A Growing Force in the American Electorate | Black Politics on the Web
Women of color have long been committed to responsible civic engagement, post-high school degree attainment, economic advancement and sustaining family values. It's fitting they are a significant political voice for the future. We're in good hands!
Women of color have long been committed to responsible civic engagement, post-high school degree attainment, economic advancement and sustaining family values. It's fitting they are a significant political voice for the future. We're in good hands!
Friday, October 17, 2014
Record number of black candidates seeking office across the country
Record number of black candidates seeking office across the country | Black Politics on the Web
It's exciting to see over 100 African Americans running for public service offices across our country.
This is the best way for us to reverse some of the many negative trends affecting our community from voter suppression to limits on government and private sector spending with qualified , minority-owned businesses. Recent controversial comments from a Black, female commentator on a FOX News show suggesting Blacks under Obama are "worthless and uneducated" and disgruntled Blacks over the unfortunate shooting of Michael Brown in Missouri calling for Blacks to vote Republic to make a point, are each very challenging to this author and potentially damaging to Black progress.
The best option to exercise self- determination is for African Americans to register to vote, educate ourselves on issues affecting us and publicize our preferences. Additionally we must also field Black candidates for office. And ultimately, we must support all of candidates that adopt our platforms and preferences. In some instances, the preferred candidate may be an Independent or even in some rare instances, a moderate Republican. But if we do our due-diligence in reviewing candidates against our community needs lists, we will back the right candidates every time.
And finally, if or voter turnout is always at least 80%, our candidates of choice can and will win!
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
It's exciting to see over 100 African Americans running for public service offices across our country.
This is the best way for us to reverse some of the many negative trends affecting our community from voter suppression to limits on government and private sector spending with qualified , minority-owned businesses. Recent controversial comments from a Black, female commentator on a FOX News show suggesting Blacks under Obama are "worthless and uneducated" and disgruntled Blacks over the unfortunate shooting of Michael Brown in Missouri calling for Blacks to vote Republic to make a point, are each very challenging to this author and potentially damaging to Black progress.
The best option to exercise self- determination is for African Americans to register to vote, educate ourselves on issues affecting us and publicize our preferences. Additionally we must also field Black candidates for office. And ultimately, we must support all of candidates that adopt our platforms and preferences. In some instances, the preferred candidate may be an Independent or even in some rare instances, a moderate Republican. But if we do our due-diligence in reviewing candidates against our community needs lists, we will back the right candidates every time.
And finally, if or voter turnout is always at least 80%, our candidates of choice can and will win!
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Koch Brothers' dollars to Scott | September 14, 2014 | Jeremy Wallace | HT Politics
Koch Brothers' dollars to Scott / September 14, 2014 | Jeremy Wallace | HT Politics
Big money in politics seems to be here to stay. Both Political Parties do well overall. Although the Koch brothers are in a league of their own when it comes to funding individual races.
But Democrats who don't always keep pace, dollar to dollar, have relied on voter turnout to push them over the top in districts not gerrymandered to the advantage of Republicans.
Democratic voters must not let an imbalance of funding support dissuade us from going to the polls in record numbers this Fall. If we do that, we can win and win where it counts - the US Senate races. We have a real shot at holding all our seats and picking up formerly solid red seats. We can't let FOX News personalities and misleading accounts and other conservative talking heads convince us Democrats are behind and a Republican wave is immanent. If we do, they'll win!
Big money in politics seems to be here to stay. Both Political Parties do well overall. Although the Koch brothers are in a league of their own when it comes to funding individual races.
But Democrats who don't always keep pace, dollar to dollar, have relied on voter turnout to push them over the top in districts not gerrymandered to the advantage of Republicans.
Democratic voters must not let an imbalance of funding support dissuade us from going to the polls in record numbers this Fall. If we do that, we can win and win where it counts - the US Senate races. We have a real shot at holding all our seats and picking up formerly solid red seats. We can't let FOX News personalities and misleading accounts and other conservative talking heads convince us Democrats are behind and a Republican wave is immanent. If we do, they'll win!
Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointing fewer black judges than predecessors | Tampa Bay Times
Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointing fewer black judges than predecessors | Tampa Bay Times
Rick Scott is not serious about appointing Blacks to judgeships. His appointments to date are fewer than the two immediate past governors - both of whom were Republican. The appointments Scott has made have not been to the more prestigious trail court levels, but rather hearing job-related injury cases, small claims and traffic cases.
Does he question the ability of Black attorneys to handle more challenging trail court cases? Huuumm!
we must get Scott out of office. The next governor will have the opportunity to replace 4 of the 9 State Supreme Court justices. We can't allow Scot to stack the High Court with ultra-conservative jurists who will control the judiciary for decades to come!
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Rick Scott is not serious about appointing Blacks to judgeships. His appointments to date are fewer than the two immediate past governors - both of whom were Republican. The appointments Scott has made have not been to the more prestigious trail court levels, but rather hearing job-related injury cases, small claims and traffic cases.
Does he question the ability of Black attorneys to handle more challenging trail court cases? Huuumm!
we must get Scott out of office. The next governor will have the opportunity to replace 4 of the 9 State Supreme Court justices. We can't allow Scot to stack the High Court with ultra-conservative jurists who will control the judiciary for decades to come!
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Abortion debate shows women key to Florida governor election
Abortion debate shows women key to Florida governor election | News-JournalOnline.com
The abortion debate may prove to be a critical factor in turnout for this Fall's election for Governor in Florida.
As was the case in 2008 and again 2012, women in Florida, along with Blacks and other voters of color, were central in the election and reelection of President Obama. The race for Governor may turn on these same constituent groups. The respectable edge among women voters currently enjoyed by Charlie Crist, added to a larger than normal turnout in the African American community can return Crist tot he Governor's seat.
The question is will these dependable constituent groups turn out, and turnout in huge numbers?
A number of leaders in women's groups are betting the abortion issue will energize and otherwise modestly excited female base.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
The abortion debate may prove to be a critical factor in turnout for this Fall's election for Governor in Florida.
As was the case in 2008 and again 2012, women in Florida, along with Blacks and other voters of color, were central in the election and reelection of President Obama. The race for Governor may turn on these same constituent groups. The respectable edge among women voters currently enjoyed by Charlie Crist, added to a larger than normal turnout in the African American community can return Crist tot he Governor's seat.
The question is will these dependable constituent groups turn out, and turnout in huge numbers?
A number of leaders in women's groups are betting the abortion issue will energize and otherwise modestly excited female base.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
White on White Crime Is HIgh Too!
I was reading a report on murders in America on a Facebook posting which included a chart for 2011 which noted the race of victims of murder as well as the perpetrator. Interestingly enough, the numbers for whites and blacks were remarkably similar.
Of 3100+ murders of whites - 2700+ of the perpetrators were white. For blacks, the numbers were 2600+ murders and 2400+ perpetrators - HUUUUMMMMM, interesting I said.
I guess a pathology of or penchant for killing one's own race is not restricted to black folks alone.
What is also interesting is that when you accept the fact that whites score higher on standardized tests; graduate from high school and college at higher rates; own more homes, are elected or appointed to political positions more often; earn more money; have healthier retirement funds; have higher IQs, etc. etc., etc., it makes me wonder what's the root cause of such behavior in that community. Not that I'm clear on the rationale in the black community, but still. I'm just saying!!!!.
At ay rate, the Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is working hard to find more ways to engage our black youth in positive behaviors, including a greater commitment to civic engagement in general and voting in particular.
Of 3100+ murders of whites - 2700+ of the perpetrators were white. For blacks, the numbers were 2600+ murders and 2400+ perpetrators - HUUUUMMMMM, interesting I said.
I guess a pathology of or penchant for killing one's own race is not restricted to black folks alone.
What is also interesting is that when you accept the fact that whites score higher on standardized tests; graduate from high school and college at higher rates; own more homes, are elected or appointed to political positions more often; earn more money; have healthier retirement funds; have higher IQs, etc. etc., etc., it makes me wonder what's the root cause of such behavior in that community. Not that I'm clear on the rationale in the black community, but still. I'm just saying!!!!.
At ay rate, the Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is working hard to find more ways to engage our black youth in positive behaviors, including a greater commitment to civic engagement in general and voting in particular.
Los Angeles schools decriminalize discipline
Los Angeles schools decriminalize discipline | Black Politics on the Web
Punishment is not going away....just a more human and reasonable approach to how to handle discipline in our school sis coming back in to fashion. And, it should help reduce the number of Black youth who stop out of education de to brushes with the criminal justice system over what some call minor instances and occurrences.
Restorative justice programs and processes will hopefully assist young Black adults in atoning for their actions as well as give them a greater sense that fairness is a reality for them as well as their classmates.
Let's all pray this approach can pay off big time for our Black youth.
Punishment is not going away....just a more human and reasonable approach to how to handle discipline in our school sis coming back in to fashion. And, it should help reduce the number of Black youth who stop out of education de to brushes with the criminal justice system over what some call minor instances and occurrences.
Restorative justice programs and processes will hopefully assist young Black adults in atoning for their actions as well as give them a greater sense that fairness is a reality for them as well as their classmates.
Let's all pray this approach can pay off big time for our Black youth.
Christensen Set to be U.S. First Black Female Governor
Christensen Set to be U.S. First Black Female Governor | BlackPressUSA
It's about time! However, I wish this governorship was in one of the 50 states of the United State versus the US Virgin Islands. But, I'll take it and I'm excited about it nonetheless.
We should all wish Delegate Donna Christensen all the best and make ourselves and our organizations available to assist her in all the ways we can.
The Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is always ready to help political leaders succeed.
Congratulations Ms. Christensen!
It's about time! However, I wish this governorship was in one of the 50 states of the United State versus the US Virgin Islands. But, I'll take it and I'm excited about it nonetheless.
We should all wish Delegate Donna Christensen all the best and make ourselves and our organizations available to assist her in all the ways we can.
The Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is always ready to help political leaders succeed.
Congratulations Ms. Christensen!
Politics Counts: How Black Turnout Could Impact November
Although US Congressional Districts are seemingly safe for many Republicans; US Senate races may hold opportunities for Democratic victories if African American turnout ticks up in November. Check out the link below and here for details.
At bottom, Blacks and others voters of color must commit to high voter turnouts EVERY Election.
In my home town of Jacksonville FL., African American votes comprise over half the registered Democrats. An 80% turnout gives any Democratic candidate a potential to secure 103,200 votes. Even 50% would mean a starting point of 52,000 votes. Because we're the largest city in the state, such a turnout would bode well for select statewide and national races as well.
Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!
Politics Counts: How Black Turnout Could Impact November - Washington Wire - WSJ
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Right Decision Was Reached, Again!
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August 2014
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Fifth Circuit
Upholds University of Texas Admissions Policy
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on July 15 upheld, for a second time, the
University of Texas’ consideration of race as one of many factors in
admissions. In a 2-1 ruling, the federal appeals court rejected the case of
Abigail Fisher, a White student not accepted to the University of Texas in
2008 who claimed she was refused entrance due to the university’s affirmative
action policy.
“We are persuaded that to deny UT Austin its limited use of race in its
search for holistic diversity would hobble the richness of the educational
experience,” wrote
Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham. The case was heard by
the U.S. Supreme Court last year in Fisher
v. University of Texas at Austin, but was sent back on remand to
the appeals court to apply “strict scrutiny” in assessing the University of
Texas’ admissions policies.
In a statement applauding the decision, University
of Texas President Bill Powers said that the university remains
“committed to assembling a student body at The University of Texas at Austin
that brings with it the educational benefits of diversity while respecting
the rights of all students. This ruling ensures that our campus, our state
and the entire nation will benefit from the exchange of ideas and thoughts
that happens when students who are diverse in all regards come together in
the classroom, at campus events and in all aspects of campus life.”
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who represented UT Austin’s
Black Student Alliance in the case, similarly praised the ruling. “This
decision should stand as a declaration of the ongoing importance and legality
of affirmative action efforts that holistically evaluate applicants for
admission in higher education,” said
Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel.
Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing
Justice | AAJC, said
that “Like all of the unique factors in students’ backgrounds, race
matters – including for Asian Americans, who are a broadly diverse group
ourselves.” That sentiment – that race still matters – was echoed by Thomas
Saenz, president and general counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense
and Educational Fund, who said
“We can only hope that the hardcore ‘colorblindness’ brigade will now allow
universities to go about the critical business of training a leading
workforce for our increasingly diverse and interconnected society.”
On July 29, Fisher's attorneys filed an appeal asking the full Fifth Circuit
to rehear the case. ******** As I understand it, in the original school actions, 47 students whose profiles were not as strong as Ms. Fisher's were admitted.....42 white students and 5 students of color - 3 African Americans and 2 Latinos. Who's she upset about getting in over her? Right...5 minority students but not the 42 whites. What? |
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