On May 27, 2013, the Washington Post’s The Fix ran an article titled A White House Counsel Known for Her Shoes about Kathryn Ruemmler. The article states, “It may say more about Washington than White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler that she’s known in the West Wing for her fabulous shoes.” It goes on to describe her stylish designer shoes worn in White House meetings. As a woman and a lawyer, I take offense to the article. It did not appear in the style section, although, I would still be offended by it. And oddly enough, it was written by reporter Juliet Eilperin, a woman known for covering politics for many years. The article was a slap in the face to women and particularly to Ruemmler, who has reached the pinnacle of her legal career as White House counsel, to be known for her shoes instead of her legal prowess. The Washington Post should write an apology to Ruemmler and here’s the reason why. The age old question of what do women want is one that has many answers. I … [Read more...] about Washington Post Owes an Apology to White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler
Archives for May 2013
George Zimmerman Defense Goes After Trayvon Martin
A motions hearing is set on Tuesday, May 28 in the case of the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Attorney Mark O’ Mara and the Zimmerman defense team disclosed documents on Thursday that they may attempt to admit into evidence showing photos, texts and social media of Trayvon Martin to display his alleged marijuana use, issues with school suspensions and other aspects of his personal life. The defense alleges that they will only attempt to introduce the items if the State attempts to make the case about Trayvon Martin’s character. Excuse me for mentioning but the only side that is attempting to make the case about Trayvon Martin’s character is the defense. And the only way that the defense can add any validity to its self-defense claim other than with the defendant’s testimony is to make Trayvon Martin out to be a bad character. In order for the Zimmerman defense to make out a somewhat credible case of self- defense in the court room before a jury, they must attempt to vilify the … [Read more...] about George Zimmerman Defense Goes After Trayvon Martin
Unemployed Walk to Washington for Green Jobs
A group of unemployed workers are walking from Philadelphia to Washington to demand that the US Chamber of Commerce stop blocking efforts to create green jobs for Americans. Operation Green jobs after walking form May 19 to May 24 will rally on Friday at 10:00 AM at the headquarters of the US Chambers, located at 1615 H Street, NW in Washington, DC. The US Chamber like its Republican Congressional counterparts are fighting against green jobs. The US Chamber receives millions of dollars from oil companies to lobby Congress. Carl Gibson, lead organizer for the walk says, “Like Congress, the U.S. Chamber likes to say they speak for us, but their real interest is in serving the multinational corporations who fund their activities.” According to Jake Parent, coordinator of Public Citizen’s US Chamber Watch project says the U.S. Chamber spent more than $136 million in 2102 to lobby on behalf of giant corporations. In 2008, President Obama campaigned to provide more green energy and … [Read more...] about Unemployed Walk to Washington for Green Jobs
The Success of the National Voter Registration Act
The Success of the National Voter Registration Act This week as the National Voter Registration Act (“NVRA”) or more commonly known as the Motor Voter Law marks its 20th anniversary. For many, it’s difficult to remember when voter registration did not occur through motor vehicle office, public assistance, disability or armed forces recruiting office or by mailing in their voter application. These are just some of the ways that the NVRA has helped to register millions of person each year and to particularly bring low income persons in the process. Before the passing of the NVRA in 1993, voter registrations were lower in 1992 than in 1972. Many states barriers to registering voters—a Democratic right. The NVRA has greatly helped to making registering and changes registration information, simple and easier. Although the NVRA has successfully helped to register millions of eligible voters, voter registration rates are no as high as they could be. There is still work to be done and … [Read more...] about The Success of the National Voter Registration Act
May 20 Marks the 20th Annversary of the Motor Voter Law
Monday, May 20th marks the 20th anniversary of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA or “Motor Voter”). The bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 20, 1993. It allowed Department of Motor Vehicles to register persons to vote at the same time that they came to renew or obtain a new driver’s license. The law also allowed voter registration at other public agencies such as for persons obtaining disability services, food stamps and other social services to reach out to a greater segment of the population. The law has been essential in increasing voter registration opportunities and standardizing the process of removing voters from the registration list. Thanks to the NVRA, millions of Americans have been able to register to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles and other public agencies. The Motor Voter laws were designed to streamline the process of obtaining a driver’s license along with registering to vote. Motor Vehicle offices were able to … [Read more...] about May 20 Marks the 20th Annversary of the Motor Voter Law
Trayvon Martin: A Case of What Ifs
In less than one month, the second degree murder trial of George Zimmerman is scheduled to begin on June 10. And already the city of Sanford, Florida is expecting huge crowds on both sides of the case—those in support of George Zimmerman and those who support Trayvon Martin. It is being seen as a case of huge race and class proportions based on what transpired or did not happen on the night of the murder. If George Zimmerman had been arrested on the night of the murder of Trayvon Martin, this case would more than likely have generated very little publicity. It would be a murder trial of the killing of a 17 year old by a neighborhood watch person. By allowing George Zimmerman to remain free until April 11, 2012 following the February 26th murder of Trayvon Martin, this trial now has huge racial overtones. In those 44 days, a public outcry occurred in the mainstream media and online due to the killing of Trayvon Martin, a young black male, who was walking in a gated community with … [Read more...] about Trayvon Martin: A Case of What Ifs