50 years ago, but worth another read: I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great … Read More
Worst Person In The World
Laura Ingraham: Tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington, DC over the weekend to commemorate and recreate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 March on Washington, an event originally dedicated to calling for civil and economic rights for African Americans. CBS News reported that the 50th anniversary event — part of a week-long build-up to Wednesday's anniversary — "was sponsored by the Rev. … Read More
“Also… If We Could Become One Color….”
This is the conservative view of racism. They think that the antidote is color-blindness. MLK never suggested that blacks forget their heritage. That was never a part of the dream. But Bobby Jindel thinks the way you get rid of racism is to get rid of race: Yet we still place far too much emphasis on our “separateness,” our heritage, … Read More
Digging That Rodeo Clown
This is the week the right wing said, "We're all rodeo clowns now." Capped off by Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas): Stockman Invites Missouri Rodeo Clown to Perform in Texas | Congressman Steve Stockman. Yes, this is your modern Republican Party, denying the existence of racism in their ranks as they simultaneously excuse and enable it. Do I really need to explain … Read More
Racist Missouri
As reported by the Kansas City Star: YAEL T. ABOUHALKAH Shameful Missouri State Fair stunt smears Obama August 11 The taxpayer-supported Missouri State Fair got a lot of negative publicity Sunday following a report of a shameful stunt that occurred Saturday night in Sedalia. The story by an eyewitness, Perry Beam, is posted to Daily Kos and Show Me Progress. Fortunately, by late … Read More
We’ve Come A Long Way?
Anyone (or any group of justices — yeah, I mean you, SCOTUS) who thinks we have come a long way in terms of race just needs to turn the comments section of any local newspaper on any article dealing with Zimmerman/Martin. No, we still live in a racist cesspool. Also, this: Hayward: Woman allegedly attacks 73-year-old musician on stage … Read More
Zimmerman Found Innocent
I don't have much to say about this, although I find abhorrent the dancing on Trayvon Martin's grave that the rightwing blogosphere is engaging in. I thought Zimmerman would be found innocent — not because of any nefarious reasons (like a racist jury or anything like that), but simply because the burden of proof is so high and there were … Read More
Kids React To The Controversial Cheerios Commercial
They don't see the controversy. They literally don't see it. Hope for the future.
Common Sense
Can't argue with this thoughtful editorial… I am saddened to say that if the teen had been white I doubt anyone would seriously consider that a man carrying a loaded handgun could be innocent of killing with that gun a white teen armed only with Skittles candy. But, because the teenage boy was black, the defense has sought to create … Read More
Before The Verdict
I haven't been following the Zimmerman trial closely in part because I have a job, and in part because I believe the controversy surrounding Trayvon Martin's death has been resolved. By that I mean, that there was a moment in time where it looked like Zimmerman wasn't going to stand trial at all, and that had me concerned. Now, of … Read More
GOP Giving Up On Latinos
A good article by Benji Darlin suggests that the GOP is experiencing a backlash and revision when it comes to wooing the Latino vote. After Romney lost last year, almost every Republican politician and pundit suggested that the GOP needed to woo Latinos if it was going to remain a viable party. After the past few weeks, and with an … Read More
That Didn’t Take Long
TPM: Texas is wasting no time capitalizing on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act. Shortly after the high court issued a sweeping 5-4 decision Tuesday striking down a centerpiece of the historic 1965 law, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott vowed to immediately implement a controversial voter ID law in the Lone Star State that was blocked last year by the now-gutted … Read More
Supreme Court Cuts Voting Rights Act of 1964
Today, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling, struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Basically, they eliminated the requirement that jurisdictions with a history of discrimination pre-clear election and voting law changes to ensure they do not disenfranchise minority voters. While the remaining provisions will still ban outright racial discrimination, those states and localities previously covered will now be … Read More
SCOTUS Punts on Changing Affirmative Action
Big week for SCOTUS this week, with most eyes awaiting the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions. Nothing happened with those today. The Court scheduled more opinions for tomorrow (although I suspect there will be one more day after tomorrow, and that's when we'll get the gay marriage cases). Interest was also high on what the Court would do regarding affirmative action in … Read More
How’s That Hispanic Outreach Going, GOP?
Pablo Pantoja has an impressive resume. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, on tours with the National Guard. Since then, he's climbed the ladder of Republican politics. Most recently, he was the State Director of Florida Hispanic Outreach for the Republican National Committee. Until yesterday. Yesterday, he became a Democrat. Why? Here's an excerpt from his explanation: Yes, I have … Read More