This article is a reprint of an article appearing in Black Voices News by NNNPA wire correspondent Maya Rhoadan. I was interviewed for the article on Wed. October 25, 2012. Post Script: Since early voting has started, there have been many more voters than expected with long lines in many states like FL, MD, NC and OH. And Democrats have been outnumbering Republicans. Monday, 29 October 2012 09:23 0 By Maya Rhodan, NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Although President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have duked it out in three televised debates and are running opposing ads in the waning days of the election, a nastier fight to intimidate Black voters is taking place away from the limelight. “It has taken many disguises,” says Chanelle Hardy, senior vice president of policy at the National Urban League’s Policy Institute. “Robo calls, telling people the date has changed, telling people that there are criminal penalties for showing up without an … [Read more...] about Voter Intimidation Still in Play
Archives for October 2012
Romney Says No to Federal Disaster Aid for Storm Victims
President Obama is watching the Sandy hurricane/storm to see where federal resources might be needed for the states in harm’s way. During the primary GOP presidential debates, Mitt Romney was asked about the federal government and FEMA assisting the states in a disaster. If left up to Mitt Romney, the federal government would not assist those states that will need assistance due to potential damage by Hurricane Sandy. Those things we don’t have to keep, we ought to stop doing—including FEMA. That would be one more thing that the Romney presidency would cut out of the federal budget as unnecessary. Hurricane Sandy is expected to affect the east coast from Florida to possibly all the way up to Maine and also inland states like Ohio. Mitt’s position should be highlighted during the storm for those affected to see what a Romney presidency would mean for them. It may not be the right time for President Obama to deal with the issue as he deals with helping these states. But the … [Read more...] about Romney Says No to Federal Disaster Aid for Storm Victims
Vote Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
Some people who voted for President Obama in 2008 are undecided, disillusioned, or not planning on voting. In 2000, the victory of George W. Bush over Al Gore was won by 537 votes, after the Supreme Court interceded. At weddings, there is a time in the wedding ceremony when the person officiating says “speak now or forever hold your peace” We are coming to that time in the presidential election of 2012. This election outcome will determine our country’s future for generations to come—much longer than most marriages will ever last. That’s how long the effect of appointment of any new Supreme Court justices will have on this country. A Supreme Court justice holds a position for a life time—not just four years. If President Obama is re-elected, universal health care will remain the law of the land. It will end denial of insurance coverage for those with pre-existing illnesses and diseases and cover over 30 million uninsured Americans. With obesity on the rise with its … [Read more...] about Vote Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
Mitt Romney Says “No We Can’t”
Mitt Romney is The Man of “No We Can’t” President Obama rode into office in 2008 on the slogan of “Yes we Can.” In 2012, Mitt Romney is campaigning on a slogan of “No we can’t”. Romney and many GOP supports are criticizing President Obama for his message of hope, change and moving the country forward. Romney’s replacement message is one of negativity. Here are some of the ways that Romney says “No We Can’t”: • No to ObamaCare and Universal Health Care Coverage- Romney proudly says that his first act, if elected president, will be to eliminate health coverage for over 30 million uninsured Americans, young adults who can stay of their parents’ coverage until 26 and for children who are denied coverage due to pre-existing illnesses, among others. He will leave in its place, the option of going to hospital emergency rooms to seek treatment. • No to a woman’s right to choose her reproductive rights- A Romney presidency would mean the end of Roe v. Wad. Romney only wants to nominate … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney Says “No We Can’t”
GOP Voter Suppression Efforts are a Crime and a Shame
Everyone hates a cheater. That’s what I thought before the 2012 election. In Republican circles, targeting Democrat voters, to cheat them out of the right to vote, has become the new norm. Instead of being vilified, many Republicans are applauding the efforts—saying it will give them the win for Mitt Romney. The Republicans’ clever ways, to suppress voters during this election cycle, bring cheating to a new low. Cheating suggests dishonest, false, deceitful and dishonorable acts. If a student cheats in school on a test, he or she may be suspended or expelled. In sports, players found to have cheated can be banned for life, such as former baseball player Pete Rose, banned for betting on baseball. And the NFL recently fined and suspended several New Orleans Saints’ football players, their coach and general manager for being part of a forbidden “pay for pain bounty”. With Republicans’ schemes to cheat voters out of their right to vote, little has been done to punish, prevent … [Read more...] about GOP Voter Suppression Efforts are a Crime and a Shame
Why Romney is Wrong for Women
Mitt Romney is wrong for women from all age groups. Let me count the ways. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to his words, acts and ever evolving positions. First, Mitt Romney blamed gun violence on single parents. Many women are single head of households for a variety of reasons. Romney during the debate said that gun violence is a result of single parents. When asked for his opinion on assault rifles and banning them, Romney proceeded to answer that kids should not be having babies before they’re married---as if that has something to do with assault rifles and killings in movie theaters and schools. Many women are single head of households by choice, by divorce, by death of a spouse or partner, due to domestic violence by the child’s father and a myriad of other reasons—none having anything to do with contributing to gun violence on our streets. For single parents, women need pay equity to better support their children. When Romney was asked by President Obama … [Read more...] about Why Romney is Wrong for Women