April 19th marks the 16th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing when home grown terrorist, Timothy McVeigh, bombed the Oklahoma federal building killing 168 persons and injuring almost 700 more. Before September 11, 2001, it was the worst act of terrorism on American soil. But, it was not the only act of terrorism by home grown terrorists. America's first true homegrown terrorist group, the Klu Klux Klan, was formed as a racist and anti-Semitic movement in 1866. The Klan's ideology was "Christian" oriented as they often recruited in churches although they practiced hate and violence against blacks and those in support of blacks and other minorities. The KKK sign of the cross is no coincidence as the same sign of the church and Christianity. The KKK burned blacks' homes and lynched and killed blacks well into the 20th century. In the 21st century, home grown American terrorists still kill and destroy lives. In 2009, Scott Roeder, a born again Christian, murdered abortion Dr. … [Read more...] about Anniversary of Oklahoma Bombing Brings Home the Home Grown Terrorist Reminder
Archives for April 2011
Arizona Birther Bill Fails but Georgia Anti-Immigration Bill Passes
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the birther bill which would have required birth certificates, baptismal or circumcision records as proof to be placed on the Arizona presidential ballot. Even Governor Jan Brewer thought it was a bit too much to pass this absurd bill. Meanwhile, there are still 15 other such states that are considering the same type of legislation. Almost at the same time that Arizona rejected its loony birther bill, Georgia joined the loony immigration bills like Arizona. Georgia, a state known for civil rights activism, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and home of Dr. King's Ebenezer Baptist Church now brings us one of the Arizona type stringent immigration laws requiring papers to proove legal status or citizenship. The Georgia legislature has passed an anti-immigration bill similar to Arizona’s stringent SB 1070. Has Georgia politics changed or do they just not consider immigration a civil rights or human rights issue? Regardless, Georgia may be joining … [Read more...] about Arizona Birther Bill Fails but Georgia Anti-Immigration Bill Passes
Arizona’s Birther Bill in Honor of President Obama
Arizona, which brought us the refusal to recognize Dr. King’s holiday and the country’s most stringent anti- immigration law, now is set to bring us the country’s first birther bill, in honor of President Obama. The Arizona Senate and House have voted to pass a bill requiring any presidential candidate to provide a birth certificate or other citizenship papers to appear on the ballot. Under the proposed law, if candidates don’t have a birth certificate, they could show a baptismal or circumcision certificate. Perhaps, President Obama can show his baptismal certificate since no one is accepting his birth certificate as proof of his birth in this country. But, honestly, I fail to see how a baptism or circumcision certificate is proof of one’s birth in this country. But, then again, the whole birther theory is irrational in nature. Of course, the proposed Arizona law is prompted by claims that President Obama was either born in Kenya , Malaysia or anywhere but the USA. Despite the … [Read more...] about Arizona’s Birther Bill in Honor of President Obama
Barry Bonds is Almost Not Guilty
After the government spent $55 million dollars, a jury after weeks of testimony, reached a guilty verdict on only 1 count-- the obstruction of justice charge in the Barry Bonds case. The jury failed to reach a verdict in the other 3 charges which were the heart of the government’s case. Those charges stem from Bonds' alleged lying to the government about his use of steroids and growth hormones. A fifth charge was dismissed by the government because the judge said it would have been dismissed. The defense plans to ask the judge to dismiss the guilty verdict. As a former prosecutor, I wonder why the government proceeded on these questionable charges which resulted in millions in tax payer money only to leave an empty verdict. The government pursued Bonds solely on his use of steroids and yet, failed to reach a jury verdict on those charges. A potential government witness, Greg Anderson, refused to testify and is in jail for his failure. Now, of course, the government can re-trial … [Read more...] about Barry Bonds is Almost Not Guilty
When Will Employers Stop Treating Women Like Second Class Citizens?
Women, tired of being treated like second class citizens in the workplace earnings arena, are demanding through legislation and lawsuits that they receive equal pay for comparable jobs performed by men. Studies and research shows that women still earn less than men in almost all occupations. The US Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor statistics shows that women working full time still earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. The gap is even wider with minority women. African American women earn 71 cents to the dollar of what men earn. And Hispanic women make only 62 cents. This hardly seems fair to anyone with a conscious. Women’s salaries are outpaced by men almost everywhere from the highest paying occupations to the lowest paying occupations. Everywhere from doctors and lawyers to cashiers and lesser positions, women earn less than their male counterparts. In those few areas, where women earn more, the earnings are roughly $369 per week, hardly high enough for anyone to … [Read more...] about When Will Employers Stop Treating Women Like Second Class Citizens?
How the DNC Will Get Its Groove Back
The Democratic National Committee (“DNC”) is on the road to getting its groove back with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D. FL) at the helm of the DNC. Many Democrats must have wondered how the DNC would transition for 2012 after the stepping down of Tim Kaine to run for the Senate. That question has now been answered. Chairman Tim Kaine and his efforts and style will be missed by the DNC. But now, Wasserman Schultz will step up to the plate and bring home the winning run. I applaud President Obama in taking the bold step to bring a woman up to bat. In light of the 2010 election, the Democrats cannot take anything lightly, if they are to win back the House and hold the Senate. Wasserman Schultz, a woman, a fundraiser extraordinaire and well-spoken TV figure must convey the message. Raising funds is important but messaging is an equal partner in the process. And the message must be orchestrated clear and concise and be told with emotion, empathy, passion and compassion. And who’s … [Read more...] about How the DNC Will Get Its Groove Back