Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Links for March 5, 2008
Here a just a few links for March 5, 2008:
Ann has written a post on the Sean Bell case
Brother Abagond has a post on why society hangs on to stereotypes of Black women.
Ann has written a post on the Sean Bell case
Brother Abagond has a post on why society hangs on to stereotypes of Black women.
State of Black America 08 focuses on Women
The State of Black America, "In the Black woman's Voice."
The 2008 edition of the State of Black America report is subtitled "In the Black Woman's Voice." As the subtitle suggests, the report provides the black female perspective of the challenges that currently confront women of color in America. To read a summary of the report that focuses on issues facing black women such as education, employment , housing, and more please click the link below:
http://www.letstalkhonestly.com/blacknewsblackviews.html
The 2008 edition of the State of Black America report is subtitled "In the Black Woman's Voice." As the subtitle suggests, the report provides the black female perspective of the challenges that currently confront women of color in America. To read a summary of the report that focuses on issues facing black women such as education, employment , housing, and more please click the link below:
http://www.letstalkhonestly.com/blacknewsblackviews.html
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
“EVEN WHITE SUPREMACISTS DON’T HATE OBAMA”,FROM NEWREPUBLIC MAGAZINE « BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
“EVEN WHITE SUPREMACISTS DON’T HATE OBAMA”,FROM NEWREPUBLIC MAGAZINE « BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!: "from newrepublic.com
Even White Supremacists Don’t Hate Obama
by Michael Crowley
David Duke: “I don’t think Obama will be any worse than Hillary or John McCain”
The New Republic
Post-racial
by Michael Crowley
Even white supremacists don’t hate Obama.
David Duke was on the phone, talking about Barack Obama. Yes, that David Duke: After a query lodged at his website, the infamous ex-Klansman had responded via a mysterious e-mail address–he appeared in my inbox as “info45.” (Duke regularly changes address to combat hate mail–the kind he doesn’t like, that is.) Duke said he was traveling in Europe, where he often meets with fellow Holocaustdeniers, and agreed to discuss the possibility that the United States might soon elect a black president.
Bloody Flag
Putting it mildly, one would not expect Duke to applaud this development. During Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign, after all, Duke said Jackson’s election “would be the greatest tragedy ever to befall this country.” Warning that “the white majority in this country are losing their rights,” Duke announced his own counter-candidacy, one whose main purpose seemed to be hounding Jackson.
Yet, far from railing at Obama’s rise, Duke seems almost nonchalant about it. Self-described white nationalists like himself, he explained cordially, “don’t see much difference in Barack Obama than Hillary Clinton–or, for that matter, John McCain.” Sure, Duke considers Obama “a racist individual,” citing his Afrocentric Chicago church. But soon the founder of the National Association for the Advancement of White People was critiquing Obama as overhyped and insubstantial in terms you might hear from, say, Clinton strategist Mark Penn. “They say he’s for change. What change? He’s become almost a cult figure. I don’t see any shining light around Obama’s head. I don’t see any halos,” Duke said."
Even White Supremacists Don’t Hate Obama
by Michael Crowley
David Duke: “I don’t think Obama will be any worse than Hillary or John McCain”
The New Republic
Post-racial
by Michael Crowley
Even white supremacists don’t hate Obama.
David Duke was on the phone, talking about Barack Obama. Yes, that David Duke: After a query lodged at his website, the infamous ex-Klansman had responded via a mysterious e-mail address–he appeared in my inbox as “info45.” (Duke regularly changes address to combat hate mail–the kind he doesn’t like, that is.) Duke said he was traveling in Europe, where he often meets with fellow Holocaustdeniers, and agreed to discuss the possibility that the United States might soon elect a black president.
Bloody Flag
Putting it mildly, one would not expect Duke to applaud this development. During Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign, after all, Duke said Jackson’s election “would be the greatest tragedy ever to befall this country.” Warning that “the white majority in this country are losing their rights,” Duke announced his own counter-candidacy, one whose main purpose seemed to be hounding Jackson.
Yet, far from railing at Obama’s rise, Duke seems almost nonchalant about it. Self-described white nationalists like himself, he explained cordially, “don’t see much difference in Barack Obama than Hillary Clinton–or, for that matter, John McCain.” Sure, Duke considers Obama “a racist individual,” citing his Afrocentric Chicago church. But soon the founder of the National Association for the Advancement of White People was critiquing Obama as overhyped and insubstantial in terms you might hear from, say, Clinton strategist Mark Penn. “They say he’s for change. What change? He’s become almost a cult figure. I don’t see any shining light around Obama’s head. I don’t see any halos,” Duke said."
Monday, March 03, 2008
Happy Nappy Head: A Black Woman's Perspective on Race, Politics And Interracial Relationships
Happy Nappy Head: A Black Woman's Perspective on Race, Politics And Interracial Relationships: "It's not hard to find myself asking 'what the hell is going on' when confronted with images of black women on BET, MTV, and the internet acting like they have 'gone wild.' It's easy to put blame on the rappers and other purveyors of 'smut.' They do have a great burden to carry, I acknowledge. Unfortunately, there is no mistaking the fact that some black women are willfully and intentionally playing into a harmful stereotype that really and truly embarrasses us all.
You might say 'these women don't represent me!' Yes they do. We know the reality of the situation. People will make excuses for 'Kirsten' and 'Madison' showing their tits and making out on a bus in front of a camera for Joe Francis' 'Girls Gone Wild' all day. They were just 'experimenting!' They were just 'drunk.' They are good girls! After all, they go to Arizona State University or UCLA! They have bright futures ahead of them and all that."
You might say 'these women don't represent me!' Yes they do. We know the reality of the situation. People will make excuses for 'Kirsten' and 'Madison' showing their tits and making out on a bus in front of a camera for Joe Francis' 'Girls Gone Wild' all day. They were just 'experimenting!' They were just 'drunk.' They are good girls! After all, they go to Arizona State University or UCLA! They have bright futures ahead of them and all that."
Double Consciousness: Live from New York, Here's Your Saturday Night Minstrel Show!
Double Consciousness: Live from New York, Here's Your Saturday Night Minstrel Show!: "From Aretha Franklin to Star Jones, Kenan Thompson is no stranger to making a spectacle out of the large black woman. The fictional character of Virginiaca Hastings literally takes the cake as Kenan's most minstrelesque role on Saturday Night Live.
This is not merely a matter of dressing in drag, but a much deeper racist and sexist mockery of the hypersexualized black woman."
This is not merely a matter of dressing in drag, but a much deeper racist and sexist mockery of the hypersexualized black woman."
Friday, February 29, 2008
Meghan Williams Family Says Sentence Too Light
Thanks, Ann. I can't believe this evil judge gave those "human beings" a light sentence. That's satanic injustice. Meghan Williams deserves her due and all the evil judge gave those evil people a hand slap. If that's not a slap in the face to all Black women in America, then what is?
MEGAN WILLIAMS FAMILY SAYS SENTENCE TOO LIGHT, CALLS FOR PROTEST MARCH
By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER
FEBRAURY 28, 2008
Associated Press Writer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The parents of a black woman who was allegedly tortured by six white men and women in Logan County are lashing out at the county’s prosecutor for not demanding harsher penalties.
Matthew and Carmen Williams held a news conference Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Charleston to voice their frustration with Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham.
“We were OK with the first two deals that (Abraham) made with Alisha Burton and George Messer, but then he started getting up to plea deals with Karen Burton and Frankie Brewster,” said Carmen Williams, referring to four of the defendants. “I think they should have gotten, to be honest, life in prison. We were very dissatisfied.”
Her 20-year-old daughter Megan Williams was allegedly held captive at Brewster’s trailer in Big Creek for days last summer, forced to eat feces, sexually assaulted and stabbed. Megan Williams was rescued Sept. 8 after an anonymous caller alerted deputies.
Karen Burton, her daughter Alisha Burton, Brewster and Messer all were initially charged with kidnapping, which carries a maximum life sentence. Alisha Burton and Messer each pleaded guilty to kidnapping and assault but received 10-year sentences. Karen Burton and Brewster pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
“To me, what’s going on here is a slap in Megan’s face. Not mine, but Megan’s. They promised her one thing, and then destroyed it,” Matthew Williams said before breaking down into tears and leaving the podium.
Abraham said all six defendants were given identical charges before the investigation was complete, and that those charges were never intended to stand throughout the criminal process.
“Each defendant will be held accountable for his or her personal actions in the case,” said Abraham. “I have and will base all of my decisions on the evidence that the investigation has revealed.”
The Williams family said the 49-year-old Brewster’s sentence could be especially light. Brewster pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault, which carries a 10- to 25-year prison term. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12.
Karen Burton, 46, of Chapmanville, pleaded guilty to malicious wounding, assault and violating Williams’ civil rights. If served consecutively, the charges could result in 30 years in prison. Karen Burton was the only defendant charged with a hate crime.
Burton’s sentencing is set for March 3 at the Logan County Courthouse. The Williams family urged protesters to attend that hearing. They plan to organize a car pool to depart from First Baptist Church at 8 a.m. that day.
“We want to impact the city of Logan with our presence, and we want to see justice served,” said Bishop James Carter, the family’s pastor.
Felony charges including kidnapping and sexual assault are pending against Brewster’s son, 24-year-old Bobby Brewster of Big Creek and Danny Combs, 20, of Harts. A seventh defendant, Karen Burton’s son, Linnie Burton Jr., 21, was indicted on a misdemeanor battery charge.
At Wednesday’s news conference, Abraham was also criticized for not providing consistent information to the family about plea agreements.
http://www.dailymail.com/News/200802270606
MEGAN WILLIAMS FAMILY SAYS SENTENCE TOO LIGHT, CALLS FOR PROTEST MARCH
By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER
FEBRAURY 28, 2008
Associated Press Writer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The parents of a black woman who was allegedly tortured by six white men and women in Logan County are lashing out at the county’s prosecutor for not demanding harsher penalties.
Matthew and Carmen Williams held a news conference Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Charleston to voice their frustration with Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham.
“We were OK with the first two deals that (Abraham) made with Alisha Burton and George Messer, but then he started getting up to plea deals with Karen Burton and Frankie Brewster,” said Carmen Williams, referring to four of the defendants. “I think they should have gotten, to be honest, life in prison. We were very dissatisfied.”
Her 20-year-old daughter Megan Williams was allegedly held captive at Brewster’s trailer in Big Creek for days last summer, forced to eat feces, sexually assaulted and stabbed. Megan Williams was rescued Sept. 8 after an anonymous caller alerted deputies.
Karen Burton, her daughter Alisha Burton, Brewster and Messer all were initially charged with kidnapping, which carries a maximum life sentence. Alisha Burton and Messer each pleaded guilty to kidnapping and assault but received 10-year sentences. Karen Burton and Brewster pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
“To me, what’s going on here is a slap in Megan’s face. Not mine, but Megan’s. They promised her one thing, and then destroyed it,” Matthew Williams said before breaking down into tears and leaving the podium.
Abraham said all six defendants were given identical charges before the investigation was complete, and that those charges were never intended to stand throughout the criminal process.
“Each defendant will be held accountable for his or her personal actions in the case,” said Abraham. “I have and will base all of my decisions on the evidence that the investigation has revealed.”
The Williams family said the 49-year-old Brewster’s sentence could be especially light. Brewster pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault, which carries a 10- to 25-year prison term. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12.
Karen Burton, 46, of Chapmanville, pleaded guilty to malicious wounding, assault and violating Williams’ civil rights. If served consecutively, the charges could result in 30 years in prison. Karen Burton was the only defendant charged with a hate crime.
Burton’s sentencing is set for March 3 at the Logan County Courthouse. The Williams family urged protesters to attend that hearing. They plan to organize a car pool to depart from First Baptist Church at 8 a.m. that day.
“We want to impact the city of Logan with our presence, and we want to see justice served,” said Bishop James Carter, the family’s pastor.
Felony charges including kidnapping and sexual assault are pending against Brewster’s son, 24-year-old Bobby Brewster of Big Creek and Danny Combs, 20, of Harts. A seventh defendant, Karen Burton’s son, Linnie Burton Jr., 21, was indicted on a misdemeanor battery charge.
At Wednesday’s news conference, Abraham was also criticized for not providing consistent information to the family about plea agreements.
http://www.dailymail.com/News/200802270606
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Record-High Ratio of Americans in Prison - Examiner.com
Record-High Ratio of Americans in Prison - Examiner.com: "NEW YORK (Map, News) - For the first time in U.S. history, more than one of every 100 adults is in jail or prison, according to a new report documenting America's rank as the world's No. 1 incarcerator. It urges states to curtail corrections spending by placing fewer low-risk offenders behind bars.
Using state-by-state data, the report says 2,319,258 Americans were in jail or prison at the start of 2008 - one out of every 99.1 adults. Whether per capita or in raw numbers, it's more than any other nation.
The report, released Thursday by the Pew Center on the States, said the 50 states spent more than $49 billion on corrections last year, up from less than $11 billion 20 years earlier. The rate of increase for prison costs was six times greater than for higher education spending, the report said.
The steadily growing inmate population 'is saddling cash-strapped states with soaring costs they can ill afford and failing to have a clear impact either on recidivism or overall crime,' the report said."
Using state-by-state data, the report says 2,319,258 Americans were in jail or prison at the start of 2008 - one out of every 99.1 adults. Whether per capita or in raw numbers, it's more than any other nation.
The report, released Thursday by the Pew Center on the States, said the 50 states spent more than $49 billion on corrections last year, up from less than $11 billion 20 years earlier. The rate of increase for prison costs was six times greater than for higher education spending, the report said.
The steadily growing inmate population 'is saddling cash-strapped states with soaring costs they can ill afford and failing to have a clear impact either on recidivism or overall crime,' the report said."
Royale Somalia: Somali elders in Ohio for Obama
Royale Somalia: Somali elders in Ohio for Obama: "I heard that a lot of Somali elders in Ohio who are also American citizens would be going to caucus for Obama , dressed like that notorious photo. Ohio has a large Somali community around 20 Thousand. Ohio also has large African community from West Africa."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Obama Photo in Turban, Robe Causes Stir
The Associated Press: Obama Photo in Turban, Robe Causes Stir
WASHINGTON (AP) — A photograph circulating on the Internet of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama dressed in traditional local garments during a visit to Kenya in 2006 is causing a dustup in the presidential campaign over what constitutes a smear.
The Associated Press photograph portrays Obama wearing a white turban and a wraparound white robe presented to him by elders in Wajir, in northeastern Kenya. Obama's estranged late father was Kenyan and Obama visited the country in 2006, attracting thousands of well-wishers.
The gossip and news Web site The Drudge Report posted the photograph Monday and said it was being circulated by "Clinton staffers" and quoted an e-mail from an unidentified campaign aide. Drudge did not include proof of the e-mail in the report.
"I just want to make it very clear that we were not aware of it, the campaign didn't sanction it and don't know anything about it," Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said in a teleconference with reporters. "None of us have seen the e-mail in question. If anybody has independent reporting that they've done on it I would welcome it."
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