There’s a debate brewing in Maryland pitting women and African Americans against the “good old boy” political establishment. Maryland lawmakers are considering replacing a statute of John Hanson, a Maryland representative, which stands in the US Capitol’s National Statuary Hall, with one of Harriet Tubman. Hanson, a Maryland advocate for American independence in the 1700’s, is hardly known among anyone studying history. Yet, his statute was placed in the Hall over 108 years ago. Harriet Tubman, born a slave in Maryland, is nationally and widely known for her efforts to free slaves, risking her life and freedom to do so. Replacing a statute in the Hall is nothing new. Other states have done similar acts and replaced earlier statutes. But, in Maryland, the choice is controversial and pits women and African Americans against some established and powerful Maryland politicians. Tubman, if allowed to replace Hanson, would become the first African American statute and the 10th woman of a … [Read more...] about Women and African Americans Urge Lawmakers to Honor Harriet Tubman
Archives for March 2011
GOP Restricts DC Funds For Helping Women
On March 2, DC Vote.org brought a peaceful direct action protest to Senator Harry Reid’s office for the purpose of seeking the Senate’s support against the draconian efforts by the GOP controlled Congress to limit and control DC’s ability to govern. Founded in 1998, DC Vote is a social advocacy organization grounded in helping the District of Columbia receive full democracy and voting rights in Congress. Although, the District has an elected mayor and city council, it must send its budget and all local laws to Congress for approval. Recently, the Republican controlled congress passed a continuing resolution that would prohibit DC from spending its own money on programs that prevent the spread of AIDS and help low income women obtain safe reproductive health services. In addition, Republicans are trying to permanently limit the District of Columbia’s right to Home Rule authority. So, on Wednesday, during lunch hour from 12 noon to 1:00, approximately 50 persons peacefully, one … [Read more...] about GOP Restricts DC Funds For Helping Women
Free Speech is Superior to a Family’s Right to Privacy
In a shocking 8-1 opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that the outrageous conduct of the Westboro Baptist Church, protesting at a deceased soldier’s funeral, was constitutionally protected by the first amendment. Only Justice Alito dissented from the majority. The opinion was shocking in that all but one of the nine justices agreed. This rarely happens. Yet, this shows the strength of the beliefs attached to the opinion. The Westboro Baptist church has been picketing and carrying signs against homosexuality for many years. In 2006, they took their horse and pony show to Westminster, MD to picket the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Mathew Snyder, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. They carried signs that said, among others, “Thank God for dead soldiers.” They picketed 1000 feet away from the funeral for 30 minutes before and after it. According to the father of the deceased, they destroyed his last good memory of his son. But, Mr. Snyder didn’t actually see any of the … [Read more...] about Free Speech is Superior to a Family’s Right to Privacy
March is Women’s History Month
March 1st marks the start of Women’s History month. President Obama marked the start with a Presidential Proclamation. Part of his proclamation states that we must resolve to build on the progress won by the trailblazers of the past and must carry forward the work of the women who came before us. President Obama invites everyone to visit http://www.womenshistorymonth.gov to learn more about the generations of women who shaped the history of our country, exhibits, activities and events occurring throughout the month. As I reflect on Women’s History month, one name stands out for me: my mother, Naomi Hines. She was raised in rural North Carolina, moved to Buffalo, NY and ultimately settled in Baltimore, MD. Naomi became a community activist on the local, state and federal level advocating for health care reforms and received many awards for her efforts. As a member of a public employees union, AFSCME, she fought for health reforms for all people, particularly in underserved areas. Her … [Read more...] about March is Women’s History Month