I've often read about the Kennedy family mystic. There was nothing mystical about Ted Kennedy. He was one of us. He fought for African Americans, women and everyone in between. He helped to pass more race based and women legislation than anyone else in the last 40 years. He championed causes of justice. He fought for justice for all. I met Senator Kennedy at American University in 2008 when he and other members of his family endorsed Barack Obama for the presidency. It was a moment of historic proportions. Senator Kennedy was eloquent and moving in his endorsement for President Obama, the first African American president. I will remember him for all the ways he supported women and African Americans. He introduced the Civil Rights Bill of 1964 allowing African Americans to be served in establishments open to the public. African Americans no longer had to go through the back door or no door of restaurants, stores, hotels and other public facilities. The bill forbid discrimination on … [Read more...] about Ted Kennedy Was One Of Us
Archives for August 2009
President Obama, Protesters and Guns
I was appalled at the recent so-called town hall meetings and the gun packing protesters. Living in Washington, DC, I'm used to protests, demonstators and public events. Everyone protests here from anti-abortion, anti-gay rights to IMF and World Bank protests. Since 9-11, many restrictions have been placed on those attending public events. Gone are the days when you are free to roam and bring whatever your heart desires to an event. There is always a restricted list of forbidden items. I understand the need for these restrictions. Violence is real in this country. I'm not speaking about the street violence in urban cities. There's violence in suburban America where many of the town hall meeting raucus took place. I'm talking about killing an abortion doctor in Wichita, Kansas in May, 2009 because his views differed from the killer. In Maryville, Illinois, a gunman entred a church in March and killed the Pastor. Then there's the recent gym killing of women during an aerobics … [Read more...] about President Obama, Protesters and Guns
Troy Davis: Supreme Court Doing the Right Thing
This week, the Supreme Court ruled that it will allow an evidentiary hearing for death row inmate Troy Davis to present evidence of his innocence. Troy Davis has been on death row since 1989 for killing a Georgia police officer. He has always maintained his innocence. Everyone from the Pope to Desmond Tutu has supported his battle. Since his conviction, 7 of the 9 eyewitnesses have recanted their stories. It is alleged the real killer is among the remaining 2. Is Troy Davis innocent? I don't know whether he's innocent or not. I do know the Supreme Court's decision is a victory for all. Chief Justice Roberts stated the possibility of executing an innocent man trumps everything else. It is a rare and bold move by the Supreme Court. Following the law to the letter would have denied Troy Davis this opportunity. Justice Scalia, a dissenter, maintains the Supreme Court has not ruled on forbidding the execution of a convicted person given a fair trial who is later able to prove his … [Read more...] about Troy Davis: Supreme Court Doing the Right Thing
Gun Rights and Voting Rights Together Forever
Just like a recurring nightmare for the District of Columbia, he's back. Attorney Alan Guru filed a new federal lawsuit last week to allow D.C. residents to lawfully carry guns on the streets of DC. It was not enough that gun rights advocates won the right for DC residents to keep handguns in their homes for protection. After overturning the DC gun ban, now they want guns on the street for protection. They're using the same argument as in the previus lawsuit. Gun rights advocates now claim DC's law prohibiting guns outside the home violates the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Gun rights proponents argue the bad guys have guns and the good guys need guns too. If law abiding citizens think they can protect themselves with guns and outshoot the bad guys, God bless them. They are in for a rude awakening. DC will only become the wild wild west or the O.K. corral. More guns on the streets will lead to the loss of innocent lives. Imagine people leaving bars after drinking with … [Read more...] about Gun Rights and Voting Rights Together Forever