Memorial is a day that we remember the men and women who serve and have served in the military. Despite our partisan views, it is one day that we can agree on. Memorial Day was established and named “Memorial Day” in 1967. In 1968, it became a Monday holiday in 1968. Many persons have lost their lives serving in the military and many more have been wounded both physically and emotionally. While freedom is not free, the price for service in the military is priceless. Today as we honor those who have served, let us remember that according to US government figures, that Operation Iraqi Freedom has resulted in 4421 deaths and 31, 931 wounded in action. The death toll in the Afghanistan war stands at 1,475 with 11, 541 wounded in action. Their families deserve recognition at this time, too. They are also heroes. Family members left behind while a loved one is deployed overseas, raise kids alone, and care of extended family members’ well - being until the family is united … [Read more...] about Memorial Day – A Time for Remembrance
Archives for May 2011
Casey Anthony- Did She or Didn’t She Do It?
While Orlando is known for Disney theme parks, another reality set in on Tuesday in the opening statements in the Casey Anthony trial. While some wonder whether she killed Caylee, her 2 year old daughter, the real question is whether she can get a fair trial. And regardless of the answer to the question of guilt or innocence, she is entitled to a fair trial. The case while having been tried by the media for the past few years, the real trial starts in earnest now. The prosecution will not have a slam dunk. The case as it unfolds is a circumstantial case with no eyewitness and little CSI forensics as seen on TV. There is no cause of death as the body was too badly decomposed when found. So, there will be no testimony on how she died. But, her death was ruled a homicide. A homicide means a killing did occur and she did not die by natural causes. Casey Anthony is facing charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and 4 counts of lying to police. … [Read more...] about Casey Anthony- Did She or Didn’t She Do It?
Has Cornel West Lost His Mind?
Last week’s remarks by Cornel West have some people wondering if he has lost his mind. I respect, admire and have heard West speak on numerous occasions. I admire his scholarly assessment of issues, particularly those affecting the African American community. But, his recent remarks this past week about President Obama were neither scholarly or intelligent although they were quite emotionally provoking. For those who might not have heard West’s comments, West unabashedly personally attacked President Obama on his blackness, saying that he is the “black mascot of Wall Street oligarchs and a black puppet of corporate plutocrats.” West, a Princeton professor, lecturer and author, has been known to criticize President Obama on the fact that the black community is suffering the most during the Obama administration. And there’s no doubt that the African American community is suffering far greater than other Americans. But, West’s most recent remarks are in the same vein as Donald Trump, … [Read more...] about Has Cornel West Lost His Mind?
Is President Obama Doing Enough With High Black Unemployment?
The President met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on May 12th in the State Dining Room of the White House to discuss job creation and economic growth. The economy has added 2.1 million private sector jobs over 14 consecutive months, including more than 800,000 jobs since the beginning of the year, but the President recognizes that too many American families are still hurting and the unemployment rate is unacceptably high—especially among African Americans. The rate of unemployment among African Americans of 16. 1 % remains the highest in the nation, while the overall unemployment rate hovers around 9%. But black unemployment is more than a statistic. It is the faces and stories of real people who are unemployed or under employed. I wonder if these real people stories were told to the president by the CBC during their meeting. Many nameless and faceless unemployed African Americans need to be more than a statistic. President Obama has said that he feels … [Read more...] about Is President Obama Doing Enough With High Black Unemployment?
The Economy Affects Jurors in the Casey Anthony Trial
While most mothers celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, 25 year old Casey Anthony spent Mother’s Day preparing for her trial in the alleged killing of her daughter, 2 year old, Caylee. Juror selection began on Monday in a rare move to near the Tampa Bay area although the crime occurred in Orlando. The judge moved the jury selection process in the hopes of getting 12 unprejudiced and unbiased jurors and 8 alternate jurors, due to less media scrutiny there. But the trial will be heard in Orlando. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in our media frenzy world, it’s often the other way around. Casey Anthony faces the death penalty, if found guilty. A fair trial and unbiased jurors is what she deserves under the law. But, the move to select jurors in another county is already resulting in another problem. It is difficult to find potential jurors who will be able to spend 6-8 weeks in Orlando to hear the trial. Many are expressing economic hardship in these … [Read more...] about The Economy Affects Jurors in the Casey Anthony Trial
Is the Middle Class in Jeopardy or on Its Way Out?
Now that we’ve killed Osama bin Laden, produced President Obama’s birth certificate, silenced Donald Trump and backed off of Medicare cuts by Republicans, can we now focus on finding jobs and fixing the economy? In April, it was estimated that over 240,000 new jobs were added. Of that number over 50,000 were added by McDonald’s Corporation. While those numbers sound commendable, it is now estimated that at our present rate of job increase, it will take until 2018 before we return to full employment. Most Americans now believe that their children will be worse off. Many persons with college degrees are now working in either menial jobs or positions that do not require a degree. Many persons with advanced degrees and six figure college debt are either unemployed or underemployed. 17 million Americans with college degrees are doing jobs that don’t require a degree, according to an April report by New America Foundation. 40 million Americans now receive food stamps. Countless … [Read more...] about Is the Middle Class in Jeopardy or on Its Way Out?