This past week marked the anniversaries of Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayer and Elena Kagan while in contrast, many pending federal judicial nominees, who are women, minorities and a cross section of the population, have been left hanging in limbo land. President Obama has had many more diverse nominees than any of our former presidents. In fact, some say it has been “strikingly so.” More than 50% of the Obama administration judicial nominees are women, 21% are African American, 11% are Hispanic, 7% are Asian American, one is Native American and three pending nominees are openly gay. Kathryn Ruemmler, the White House counsel, stated, "The president wants the federal courts to look like America. He wants people who are coming to court to feel like it's their court as well." Yet, it may all be for naught since many cannot make it through the process to receive a confirmation hearing. Even for those who are fortunate enough to make it to the committee, many still … [Read more...] about Will Obama’s Judicial Nominees be Denied or Delayed Justice?
Archives for August 2011
Deal Done So When Are the Jobs Coming?
Now that the debt deal is done, can we get back to creating middle class jobs, instead of political gain for Republican politicians? At every turn, it appears Republicans are putting politics before people. Republicans in Congress and those across the country have been busy decreasing the middle class by laying off teachers, nurses and construction workers. Less workers means less customers in stores to jump start the economy and less money in the pockets of middle class Americans. All of the Republican motivation has been to see the President fails rather than Americans succeed. Republicans and the new debt deal, in the process, will destroy jobs, possibly gut Medicare benefits we already paid for and slash Medicaid benefits which seniors in nursing homes rely on. But instead of raising tax rates for millionaires, Republicans seem more bent on making the middle class suffer. And here’s the little known secret. The US has the second lowest corporate tax rate in the developed … [Read more...] about Deal Done So When Are the Jobs Coming?
Budget Deal is a Hard Pill to Swallow
The Republicans say this is a good day. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calls the bill “adequate.” The Congressional Black Caucus is not pleased with the deal. Of the 95 members of Congress voting againstebt deal, 27 members or more than half of the Congressional Black Caucus ("CBC") voted against the bill. That speaks volumes. Many of the CBC members believe it's time that the Democrats stand up for what they believe in. With African Americans suffering disproportionately to the rest of the country, that frustration was felt in the voice and vote of themembers of the CBC. President Obama says this is not the deal he wanted and it is far from perfect. In a telephone call with Valerie Jarrett speaking to many African American bloggers and other reporters, she stated the bill extends the debt limit into 2013 which means the President will not have to go through this dilemma again in his first term. That’s the only certainty about the bill. We will not default. A new … [Read more...] about Budget Deal is a Hard Pill to Swallow
Historic New Health Guidelines for Women’s Health
With all the talk abuzz on the debt ceiling and crisis, many may fail to realize there were historic new health guidelines announced today by the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) which will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost. Announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and developed by the independent Institute of Medicine, the new guidelines require new health insurance plans to cover women’s preventive services such as well-woman visits, breastfeeding support, domestic violence screening, and contraception without charging a co-payment, co-insurance or a deductible. According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, “These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.” Today’s announcement builds on progress already made by making sure women have access to a full range of recommended preventive services without … [Read more...] about Historic New Health Guidelines for Women’s Health