September 17, 2012 marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. On September 17, 1787, 39 men came together in Philadelphia to sign the U.S. Constitution. This meeting started our democratic government. In 2005 Congress marked September 17 as a day for students to study and reflect on the Constitution. Constitution day is a day for all Americans to celebrate the beginnings of democracy that was started on that day. Constitution day is also a day to reflect on the changes in the Constitution to broaden our voting rights since 1787. Today there is a Republican move affront to diminish our voting rights. As we move towards our election on November 6, it is important to reflect on the changes to our basic right to vote in the Constitution. At the time of the signing of the Constitution, only male property owners were allowed to vote. Almost 100 years later, the 15th amendment was passed in 1870 allowing all men, including freed black men … [Read more...] about Constitution Day and Voters Rights
Archives for September 2012
The Tide is Changing for President Obama
The political and legal tide began to slowly change for President Obama beginning on June 28, 2012 with the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). The Supreme Court’s ruling gave renewed albeit cautious energy to supporters of President Obama. I was present that day on the grounds of the Supreme Court. And the mood among progressives with whom I attended was euphoria, optimism and also shock. Meanwhile U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and many civil rights groups have been successfully fighting the GOP led voter ID and other discriminatory laws and getting good results. As many Republicans, like Pennsylvania lawmaker Mike Turzai, admitted that the voter ID laws were meant to give Mitt Romney the win, the court battles have been decided against the voter ID laws, voter purging and other GOP schemes. The U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled on August 30 that the Texas voter ID law discriminated against Hispanics and other … [Read more...] about The Tide is Changing for President Obama
What in the World is Mitt Romney Saying Today?
The NBC Today show has a yearly segment called Where in the World is Matt Lauer. Lauer travels all over the world to report on exotic places and viewers guess where he’s located. Democrats should have a show or an online game called What in the World is Mitt Romney Saying Today? It would be a hit. Mitt could be seen from all over at different campaign stops talking loud and saying nothing. And let’s not forget his recent international trips where he tripped all over himself offending foreign dignitaries. We could keep score on how many times he contradicts himself. We would not have to keep track of the consistent statements he makes. That would only amount to one score. Romney’s only been consistent about his refusal to release more than one year’s tax returns. But then again, he has even been inconsistent on that issue. He required 10 years tax returns from some candidates that he vetted for vice president. So here’s how the game would be played. Every time Mitt … [Read more...] about What in the World is Mitt Romney Saying Today?
Democrats Unite and Republicans Fight
In the days following the Democratic National Convention, President Obama gets a ratings bump, Democrats unite and Republicans fight. The Democratic National Convention did what it set out to do—unite the Democratic Party. From fiery speeches by the most diverse group of men, women, young and old, entertainers, politicians and activists to veterans and former President Bill Clinton, the Democratic National Convention electrified and united its entire base for the November 6 home stretch. It’s very important to peak at the right time. And judging by the 55 or so days left, Democrats are peaking at exactly the right time. In contrast, Republicans are still trying to find their footings—while tripping and falling all over each other. Republicans just don’t seem able to agree on anything about their candidate—Mitt Romney. And worse yet, some are even fighting and bickering over how the GOP campaign is being run. Everyone from Sarah Palin, Karl Rove, Laura Ingraham and Rush … [Read more...] about Democrats Unite and Republicans Fight
Democratic National Convention Highlights- Part I
We Are Family I attended my first Democratic National convention this past week. And it did not fail to disappoint me. Now that the speeches, caucuses and parties are over, it’s time to get to work to re-elect President Barack Obama. And the Democratic Convention helped to solidify the spirit of family within the party. During the past 4 years, the Democratic Party has been at times much like an extended family. From ultra -progressives, progressives, liberals, centrists and Blue Dogs all with their own separate interests, there has at times been discontent among the party. You don't always like or agree with your family but a true family loves each other and sticks with each other--in spite of their differences. The Democratic convention helped to show us our strength—our fighting spirit and love of this country. I left with a feeling of renewed hope and recharged energy. And yes, I am fired up and ready to go. In the words of singer Al Green, we need to stay together, … [Read more...] about Democratic National Convention Highlights- Part I
DNC 2012 -MD Women Caucus and the Diversity of Women
I was fortunate to cover the 2012 DNC convention and write an article for the Women's Media Center on the MD Women's Caucus and the their unique perspective of the DNC convention and the issues affecting women under the Obama Administration. As Baltimore is my native home town, it was an honor to report and interview the women law makers of the State of Maryland. I met such wonderful and diverse women. I was able to capture their diversity and fighting spirit. They are among the most diverse women's caucus in the country. Maryland should be proud to have such excellent women law makers representing the citizens of Maryland. I would like to personally thank Del. Susan C. Lee, 2012 Pres. of the Women's Caucus who helped to make this article possible. I would also like to thank the Women's Media Center for allowing me to publish this article and for their support. The article in full is found on the Women's Media Center, September 5, 2012. By Debbie Hines | September 5, … [Read more...] about DNC 2012 -MD Women Caucus and the Diversity of Women