Tuesday, February 07, 2006
HIV hitting blacks harder
DENVER, Colorado (Reuters) -- Just over half of new infections with the AIDS virus in the United States are in blacks, U.S. researchers reported.
A study of detailed data from 33 states shows that of 156,000 new cases of HIV infection between 2001 and 2004, 51 percent were in non-Hispanic blacks -- although blacks made up just 13 percent of the population in those states.
"The rates are extremely high for African-Americans," Tonji Durant of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who led the study, told a news conference.
The rate of new infections declined in black women and in many black men -- with the exception of men having sex with other men, Durant's team reported.
"Despite reductions in diagnoses among African American men and women, HIV continues to pose a major health threat," the CDC said in a statement.
"Despite possible signs of success, HIV continues to exact a disproportionate and devastating toll on African Americans."
Durant and colleagues found that the rate of HIV diagnosis fell by 6.8 percent annually among black women and 4.4 percent annually among black men between 2001 and 2004.
The HIV diagnosis rate even fell by 9.7 percent every year on average among black male users of injected drugs, the CDC study found.
Blacks still had a substantially higher infection rate than other ethnic groups, the CDC team told the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections being held in Denver.
"For African-American men, it is seven times the rate of white men and for African-American women it is 21 times the rate of whites," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis, said in an interview.
CDC officials noted the declines were in the number of new diagnoses -- not necessarily new infections.
Improving awareness
Fenton said public health experts need to work harder to make people aware that AIDS is still an epidemic, to inform them about the benefits of getting tested and to let them know there are treatments available that can keep them healthy, even if there is no cure.
"Some of the factors which are preventing them from getting tested are stigma and fear," Fenton said. People fear rejection from family and friends if they test positive for HIV.
"They hear that these treatments are expensive and wonder how they could possibly afford it," he added.
"What we need is a long-term and sustained effort."
Fenton said the entertainment industry, media and other community figures could be put to better use, and better options made available for people to get the often-expensive HIV drugs.
The human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS is spread by homosexual and heterosexual sex, by sharing needles with someone who is infected, or via blood transfusions. Infected mothers can pass the virus to their babies.
The virus infects close to 40 million people worldwide and more than 1 million people in the United States.
The CDC estimates that 40,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year.
A second study presented at the same conference found that 32 percent of black men in Baltimore who had sex with other men, which includes homosexual and bisexual activity, were infected with HIV.
More than 9 percent of the 891 men became infected with HIV during the year of the study.
Copyright 2006 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
RIP Coretta Scott King
Today we mourn the loss of what I would like to call the "First Lady" of the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. King was more than just the woman behind the man but an integral part of the Movement. Mrs. King was the support at home that is necessary for a public servant while she remained on the forefront of the movement. After the death of Dr. King, Mrs. King continued in his legacy.
As the 109th Congress confirms Associate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, we must not forget the legacy of the King family. We must continue the fight for social justice and equality. We must continue the fight for education, health care and jobs for our people. And we must fight this Culture of Corruption which is doing nothing but hurting our people more. Together America can do better and we must do better in the name of Rev. and Mrs King.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Atlanta council seat hangs on court decision
By TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/21/05
It's been more than a month since Atlanta voters went to the polls, yet the outcome of one city council race still hangs in the balance.
Anne Fauver, who has represented the area around Piedmont Park for the past four years, beat challenger Steve Brodie by five votes. Brodie, however, is demanding a run-off election, asserting in court that Fauver did not win a majority of all votes cast.
The outcome hinges on what constitutes a countable vote. Under state law, a write-in vote for city council does not count if it is cast for someone who is not a certified write-in candidate. To become an official write-in candidate in Atlanta, a person must file paperwork with the city clerk and notify the public with an ad in the Fulton County Daily Report, a legal newspaper. No one did so in the District 6 race.
In oral arguments in Fulton County Superior Court Tuesday, a special judge heard lawyers for both candidates assail and defend the constitutionality of the state law on write-in votes.
The law is in question because nine voters in the District 6 election chose to mark the write-in portion of their ballots, instead of selecting Fauver or Brodie. In accordance with law, Fulton County election officials did not count those nine votes in the total, and calculated Fauver had a majority of all votes cast. But Brodie notes that if those nine votes are counted toward the total, then Fauver has only 49.97 percent of the vote.
If no candidate garners a majority, then a run-off election is required under Georgia law.
Attorney Michael Coleman, arguing for Brodie, said those nine voters were cheated of their right to vote. "The failure to count a write-in vote is tantamount to taking a vote away," he said, adding that the Georgia Legislature violated the state constitution when it required that votes for people who aren't candidates be ignored.
But Robert Highsmith, an attorney for Fauver, argued that the state constitution delegated to the Legislature the authority to dictate how elections are decided. The Legislature passed a law requiring that the outcome of city council races be decided by majority vote, so the basic assertion of Brodie's camp — that Fauver did not win by a majority — is not a constitutional question, Highsmith said.
"Nowhere in the constitution is a majority vote required," he said.
One election expert said the case poses an interesting question: if citizens essentially throw their votes away by casting ballots for someone who isn't a candidate, should their votes be counted? "It's an odd situation that voting for someone who has no chance of winning effects the outcome of the race," Emory law assistant professor Michael Kang said. He predicted that if the case reached the federal level, Brodie would have a hard time winning because the federal courts tend toward pragmatism in election law. He said they consider it more important to count votes for viable candidates and to conclusively decide elections than to count protest votes.
There is pressure to decide the case quickly. The winner of the election is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 3. The special judge assigned the case, retired DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Hilton M. Fuller, said he hoped to have a decision by next week. He gave no indication Tuesday how he would rule.
The losing side could appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/21/05
It's been more than a month since Atlanta voters went to the polls, yet the outcome of one city council race still hangs in the balance.
Anne Fauver, who has represented the area around Piedmont Park for the past four years, beat challenger Steve Brodie by five votes. Brodie, however, is demanding a run-off election, asserting in court that Fauver did not win a majority of all votes cast.
The outcome hinges on what constitutes a countable vote. Under state law, a write-in vote for city council does not count if it is cast for someone who is not a certified write-in candidate. To become an official write-in candidate in Atlanta, a person must file paperwork with the city clerk and notify the public with an ad in the Fulton County Daily Report, a legal newspaper. No one did so in the District 6 race.
In oral arguments in Fulton County Superior Court Tuesday, a special judge heard lawyers for both candidates assail and defend the constitutionality of the state law on write-in votes.
The law is in question because nine voters in the District 6 election chose to mark the write-in portion of their ballots, instead of selecting Fauver or Brodie. In accordance with law, Fulton County election officials did not count those nine votes in the total, and calculated Fauver had a majority of all votes cast. But Brodie notes that if those nine votes are counted toward the total, then Fauver has only 49.97 percent of the vote.
If no candidate garners a majority, then a run-off election is required under Georgia law.
Attorney Michael Coleman, arguing for Brodie, said those nine voters were cheated of their right to vote. "The failure to count a write-in vote is tantamount to taking a vote away," he said, adding that the Georgia Legislature violated the state constitution when it required that votes for people who aren't candidates be ignored.
But Robert Highsmith, an attorney for Fauver, argued that the state constitution delegated to the Legislature the authority to dictate how elections are decided. The Legislature passed a law requiring that the outcome of city council races be decided by majority vote, so the basic assertion of Brodie's camp — that Fauver did not win by a majority — is not a constitutional question, Highsmith said.
"Nowhere in the constitution is a majority vote required," he said.
One election expert said the case poses an interesting question: if citizens essentially throw their votes away by casting ballots for someone who isn't a candidate, should their votes be counted? "It's an odd situation that voting for someone who has no chance of winning effects the outcome of the race," Emory law assistant professor Michael Kang said. He predicted that if the case reached the federal level, Brodie would have a hard time winning because the federal courts tend toward pragmatism in election law. He said they consider it more important to count votes for viable candidates and to conclusively decide elections than to count protest votes.
There is pressure to decide the case quickly. The winner of the election is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 3. The special judge assigned the case, retired DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Hilton M. Fuller, said he hoped to have a decision by next week. He gave no indication Tuesday how he would rule.
The losing side could appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.
Friday, December 16, 2005
From the office of Congressman John D. Dingell
Congressman John D. Dingell
US Congress Seal
Serving Michigan's 15th Congressional District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Benson or Michael Robbins
Wednesday, December 15, 2005 202/225-4071
202/271-8587
Dingell’s HOLIDAY Jingle for O’Reilly and House GOP
Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) recited the following poem on the floor of the US House of Representatives concerning House Resolution 579, which expressed the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected. “Preserving Christmas” has been a frequent topic for conservative talk show hosts, including Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly:
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House
No bills were passed ‘bout which Fox News could grouse;
Tax cuts for the wealthy were passed with great cheer,
So vacations in St. Barts soon would be near;
Katrina kids were nestled all snug in motel beds,
While visions of school and home danced in their heads;
In Iraq our soldiers needed supplies and a plan,
Plus nuclear weapons were being built in Iran;
Gas prices shot up, consumer confidence fell;
Americans feared we were on a fast track to…well…
Wait--- we need a distraction--- something divisive and wily;
A fabrication straight from the mouth of O’Reilly
We can pretend that Christmas is under attack
Hold a vote to save it--- then pat ourselves on the back;
Silent Night, First Noel, Away in the Manger
Wake up Congress, they’re in no danger!
This time of year we see Christmas every where we go,
From churches, to homes, to schools, and yes…even Costco;
What we have is an attempt to divide and destroy,
When this is the season to unite us with joy
At Christmas time we’re taught to unite,
We don’t need a made-up reason to fight
So on O’Reilly, on Hannity, on Coulter, and those right wing blogs;
You should just sit back, relax…have a few egg nogs!
‘Tis the holiday season: enjoy it a pinch
With all our real problems, do we honestly need another Grinch?
So to my friends and my colleagues I say with delight,
A merry Christmas to all,
and to Bill O’Reilly…Happy Holidays.
# # #
US Congress Seal
Serving Michigan's 15th Congressional District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Benson or Michael Robbins
Wednesday, December 15, 2005 202/225-4071
202/271-8587
Dingell’s HOLIDAY Jingle for O’Reilly and House GOP
Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) recited the following poem on the floor of the US House of Representatives concerning House Resolution 579, which expressed the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected. “Preserving Christmas” has been a frequent topic for conservative talk show hosts, including Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly:
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House
No bills were passed ‘bout which Fox News could grouse;
Tax cuts for the wealthy were passed with great cheer,
So vacations in St. Barts soon would be near;
Katrina kids were nestled all snug in motel beds,
While visions of school and home danced in their heads;
In Iraq our soldiers needed supplies and a plan,
Plus nuclear weapons were being built in Iran;
Gas prices shot up, consumer confidence fell;
Americans feared we were on a fast track to…well…
Wait--- we need a distraction--- something divisive and wily;
A fabrication straight from the mouth of O’Reilly
We can pretend that Christmas is under attack
Hold a vote to save it--- then pat ourselves on the back;
Silent Night, First Noel, Away in the Manger
Wake up Congress, they’re in no danger!
This time of year we see Christmas every where we go,
From churches, to homes, to schools, and yes…even Costco;
What we have is an attempt to divide and destroy,
When this is the season to unite us with joy
At Christmas time we’re taught to unite,
We don’t need a made-up reason to fight
So on O’Reilly, on Hannity, on Coulter, and those right wing blogs;
You should just sit back, relax…have a few egg nogs!
‘Tis the holiday season: enjoy it a pinch
With all our real problems, do we honestly need another Grinch?
So to my friends and my colleagues I say with delight,
A merry Christmas to all,
and to Bill O’Reilly…Happy Holidays.
# # #
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
Chinks in the Republican Armor
Chinks in the Republican Armor
By Fred Hiatt-The Washington Post
Monday, December 12, 2005; Page A25
Not so long ago the talk was all about the self-perpetuating machine the Republicans were constructing in Washington.
The image was of links in a chain of power that the Democrats could never break. The GOP, having captured both houses of Congress and the White House, could press lobbyists to hire only Republicans and give money only to Republicans. The money would guarantee dominance in state legislatures. The legislatures would redraw congressional districts so that Democrats could never win. And if anyone objected, too bad; Republican-appointed judges could be counted on to slap down any complainers.
All in all, a perfect loop. Even when House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted in September, he was depicted as a no-longer-essential cog in the apparatus he had helped design and build. People could come and go, the chain would remain.
The mood in Washington today is different. It's been remembered that the chain holds only as long as most people vote next year the way they voted last year.
Today it is conceivable, though by no means assured, that Democrats' vote total in 2006 could grow, and Republicans' shrink, by enough to shift control of the House or Senate. Even a whiff of such uncertainty may prompt donors to hedge their bets.
It may seem obvious, but the distinction between what the Republicans have created and a government truly impervious to public sentiment is worth noting. After all, there are regimes -- in Russia, for example -- that so pervert the forms of democracy that they insulate themselves from changes in public sentiment, unless those are drastic or somehow expressed outside the law. That's not where we are. A healthy dose of cynicism about the goings-on here is appropriate; an overdose of cynicism is not.
This doesn't mean the analysis of Republican ambitions was wrong. Much of it was right, and much of what the Republicans have done -- their Texas redistricting, for example -- merits all the contempt that it has engendered, and more.
Norman J. Ornstein, an expert on Congress at the American Enterprise Institute, says that a shift in public sentiment comparable to the one that swept Republicans into the House majority in 1994, with a gain of more than 50 seats, would produce a shift of only 20 or so seats for Democrats today. That would be enough to unhorse the Republicans, but barely. And that's in large part because Republicans have given themselves larger cushions in nominally competitive districts, he says. So the House, which was designed to be most responsive to public opinion, may now be less responsive than the Senate.
"There's no such thing as a perfect machine," he said. "But they have built in a lot of advantages, and Texas may have made the difference."
But the imperfections are increasingly visible. Some are internal: the arrogance, greed and complacency that swell with time in office, and the disparate interests of supporters that become harder to paper over. Drug companies, seniors' lobbies and chambers of commerce may all support you, but they also may have different ideas of the proper design and cost of a Medicare drug benefit. The result may make no one happy.
There are external stresses, too. Unlike in Russia, it turns out that prosecutors and judges can't be controlled, no matter who appoints them: just ask DeLay, Jack Abramoff or Scooter Libby. Unlike in Russia, neither can the press. The congressional Republicans' cringing abdication of their branch's traditional oversight role has helped diminish attention to scandal and malfeasance, but it can't erase bad news altogether.
And unlike in many pseudo-democracies, the mechanics of elections, including, not least, the counting, can't be controlled by those in power -- which means that they do need to worry about what voters think.
None of this guarantees that the Democrats will win next year. But it does mean their fate isn't entirely out of their hands; much will depend on them -- on the policies they develop, the candidates they recruit. The machine isn't indestructible.
By Fred Hiatt-The Washington Post
Monday, December 12, 2005; Page A25
Not so long ago the talk was all about the self-perpetuating machine the Republicans were constructing in Washington.
The image was of links in a chain of power that the Democrats could never break. The GOP, having captured both houses of Congress and the White House, could press lobbyists to hire only Republicans and give money only to Republicans. The money would guarantee dominance in state legislatures. The legislatures would redraw congressional districts so that Democrats could never win. And if anyone objected, too bad; Republican-appointed judges could be counted on to slap down any complainers.
All in all, a perfect loop. Even when House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted in September, he was depicted as a no-longer-essential cog in the apparatus he had helped design and build. People could come and go, the chain would remain.
The mood in Washington today is different. It's been remembered that the chain holds only as long as most people vote next year the way they voted last year.
Today it is conceivable, though by no means assured, that Democrats' vote total in 2006 could grow, and Republicans' shrink, by enough to shift control of the House or Senate. Even a whiff of such uncertainty may prompt donors to hedge their bets.
It may seem obvious, but the distinction between what the Republicans have created and a government truly impervious to public sentiment is worth noting. After all, there are regimes -- in Russia, for example -- that so pervert the forms of democracy that they insulate themselves from changes in public sentiment, unless those are drastic or somehow expressed outside the law. That's not where we are. A healthy dose of cynicism about the goings-on here is appropriate; an overdose of cynicism is not.
This doesn't mean the analysis of Republican ambitions was wrong. Much of it was right, and much of what the Republicans have done -- their Texas redistricting, for example -- merits all the contempt that it has engendered, and more.
Norman J. Ornstein, an expert on Congress at the American Enterprise Institute, says that a shift in public sentiment comparable to the one that swept Republicans into the House majority in 1994, with a gain of more than 50 seats, would produce a shift of only 20 or so seats for Democrats today. That would be enough to unhorse the Republicans, but barely. And that's in large part because Republicans have given themselves larger cushions in nominally competitive districts, he says. So the House, which was designed to be most responsive to public opinion, may now be less responsive than the Senate.
"There's no such thing as a perfect machine," he said. "But they have built in a lot of advantages, and Texas may have made the difference."
But the imperfections are increasingly visible. Some are internal: the arrogance, greed and complacency that swell with time in office, and the disparate interests of supporters that become harder to paper over. Drug companies, seniors' lobbies and chambers of commerce may all support you, but they also may have different ideas of the proper design and cost of a Medicare drug benefit. The result may make no one happy.
There are external stresses, too. Unlike in Russia, it turns out that prosecutors and judges can't be controlled, no matter who appoints them: just ask DeLay, Jack Abramoff or Scooter Libby. Unlike in Russia, neither can the press. The congressional Republicans' cringing abdication of their branch's traditional oversight role has helped diminish attention to scandal and malfeasance, but it can't erase bad news altogether.
And unlike in many pseudo-democracies, the mechanics of elections, including, not least, the counting, can't be controlled by those in power -- which means that they do need to worry about what voters think.
None of this guarantees that the Democrats will win next year. But it does mean their fate isn't entirely out of their hands; much will depend on them -- on the policies they develop, the candidates they recruit. The machine isn't indestructible.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Corzine May Tap Minority for Senate Seat
By DONNA DE LA CRUZThe Associated Press
Thursday, December 1, 2005; 3:07 PM
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Sunday, November 27, 2005
Where do I sign up for this campaign?????
Democrats eye Thurmond as lieutenant governor candidate
Gwinnett Daily Post
11/20/2005
Gwinnett Daily Post
11/20/2005
Michael Thurmond won't say yes, but he won't say no either. Even this evasiveness causes joy in some Democratic circles. They believe Labor Commissioner Thurmond, the first and only nonincumbent black candidate elected statewide in Georgia history, is ready to jump into the 2006 race for lieutenant governor.
We asked Thurmond, a Democrat, if he's ready to go for lieutenant governor. He was noncommittal in his answer on the phone, but he dispatched an e-mail that made a compelling case for a Thurmond candidacy.
Some key supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cathy Cox are gleeful at the prospect of Thurmond near the top of the ticket. "He energizes the Democratic base (meaning the black vote), and he has a long record of winning elections in majority-white jurisdictions," a well-placed Cox backer says.
Backers of Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, the other Democratic runner for governor, are not quite so overwhelmed.
They are unsure what Thurmond would bring to their effort to uproot GOP Gov. Sonny Perdue.
However, this much is certain: With Ralph Reed running as a Republican and Thurmond in the Democratic corner, the contest for lieutenant governor in 2006 could turn out to be the Super Bowl of Georgia politics, generating even more excitement than the battle for governor.
Alas, we may be getting carried away. Reed is far from a shoo-in as the Republican nominee. His name keeps popping up as a spear-carrier in the dark opera "Return of the K Street Godfather," starring super-lobbyist and accused felon Jack Abramoff.
Reed's political rival, state Sen. Casey Cagle of Gainesville, has surprised many with an early hard-hitting campaign that raises a sheaf of ethical questions regarding Reed's association with Abramoff. Reed's murky involvement with casino gambling interests just won't seem to go away.
Nevertheless, much of the smart money is still on Reed. He has national stature, access to a fat campaign war chest and superior political savvy. On the other hand, there's little doubt that disillusionment with Reed has set in. Another couple of Reed-connected Abramoff scandals might take Reed out of the race before it even starts.
Across the aisle, Democratic leaders have tried desperately to recruit a big name to run for lieutenant governor to shore up their chances for governor. Former Sen. Max Cleland considered an invitation and then said no thanks. An energetic attempt failed to persuade Taylor to run for re-election to his present post.
A couple of little-known (and liberal) Democrats are toying with running. They are getting little encouragement. In the eyes of many, a white liberal near the top of the ticket - one with little pull in the heavily Democratic black community - might sink the party's effort to recapture the governor's office.
Meanwhile, attention has turned to 52-year-old Thurmond, a political phenom who was elected labor commissioner in 1998 against two white Democrats and a white Republican.
Thurmond has a history of running well in heavily white jurisdictions. He was first elected to the state House from Clarke County in 1986. Thus, he became the first black legislator in the Southeast to represent a majority (66 percent) white district. In the 2002 election, as Republicans defeated Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes and Sen. Cleland, Thurmond marched to an easy down-ballot victory for re-election as labor commissioner.
Some critics, including U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney, have accused Thurmond publicly of "not being black enough." McKinney handed Thurmond his only political defeat when she beat him for a House seat in 1992.
She challenged Thurmond after he led opposition in the Legislature to McKinney's "max black" congressional and legislative redistricting plan. Thurmond predicted that her plan would accelerate a Republican takeover of the House delegation and both legislative chambers. He was right.
Gov. Zell Miller picked Thurmond in 1994 to head the state Division of Family and Children Services and gave him the task of directing Georgia's welfare-reform effort. Thurmond takes credit for moving 90,000 families from welfare to gainful employment.
In his spare time, Thurmond wrote "Freedom," a critically acclaimed history of slavery in Georgia from 1733 to 1865.
Gearing up for a possible bid for lieutenant governor, however, Thurmond eschews talk of his book and academic background. He knows that Georgians are more likely to vote for a candidate who is black than for a candidate of any race with known intellectual tendencies.
Syndicated columnist Bill Shipp writes on Georgia politics. Write him at P.O. Box 440755, Kennesaw, GA 30160, or e-mail bshipp@bellsouth.net. His Web site is www.billshipp.com. His column appears on Wednesday and Sunday.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Carter says Demos too wedded to abortion rights
Carter says Demos too wedded to abortion rights
The Associated Press
Published on: 11/04/05
The Associated Press
Published on: 11/04/05
WASHINGTON — Former President Carter says the Democratic Party has become too closely associated with abortion rights and has strayed too far from religious people.
Carter, in a C-SPAN2 interview scheduled for broadcast this weekend, also said he would have named the first woman to the Supreme Court if an opening had come up during his presidency. Shirley Hufstedler, then a federal appeals court judge in California, would have been his choice, he said.
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The former Democratic president was interviewed about his new book, "Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis," which argues for the separation of church and state. The program, "After Words," was scheduled for broadcast Saturday and Sunday.
Carter said, "It's a mistake to wed the Democratic Party to freedom of choice and abortion."
"As I say in this book, I have never believed that Jesus Christ would approve abortions unless the mother's life or health was in danger or perhaps the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, for those very few exceptions," Carter said. "And when I was president I had to live under Roe v. Wade, it was my duty as a president. I did everything I could to minimize the need for abortions."
"I think for the Democratic Party to get identified as being completely pro-choice, with no attention given to the rights of the fetus, is very self-defeating policy," he said. "And I hope we will get away from that. I don't know if it's possible. I hope we will."
A spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to telephone and e-mail messages left Friday seeking comment.
Another mistake by the party, Carter said, is its detachment from religious people.
"I really believe that our nominees were uncomfortable in dealing with the deeply religious people in our country. I don't mean the right-wing Christians. I think there was a sense among many devout people in my own church, my fellow church members, that John Kerry didn't quite relate to us," he said of last year's Democratic presidential candidate.
"The next successful candidate has got to have some means to say, OK, we believe and we worship the prince of peace, not pre-emptive war, or we're moderate on the abortion issue, or we believe marriage by definition in our church ought to be between a man and a woman, but we believe in full civil rights for gays who want to be partners," he said.
Carter said Hufstedler, now 80, was foremost on his mind if he'd had a court vacancy.
"She was fairly young and since I didn't have an appointment, I made her the first secretary of education," said Carter, a Democrat from Georgia. "And if I had had a Supreme Court appointment, she was the one in my mind that I had in store for that job."
Lyndon Johnson appointed Hufstedler to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in 1968. She served for 11 years before Carter nominated her in late 1979 for the top job at the Education Department, which was created the following year.
She returned to private practice in 1981, after Carter's term, and is based in Los Angeles.
Hufstedler was traveling Friday and not immediately available for comment, her office said.
It was President Reagan who in 1981 made the historic decision to nominate the first woman Supreme Court justice — Arizona appeals court judge Sandra Day O'Connor. She took her seat that September.
Last summer, after 24 years of service, O'Connor announced she would retire.
Monday, August 22, 2005
I'm still waiting on her to make us proud.
Franklin signs ban on panhandling
By TY TAGAMIThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 08/22/05
Saying you want money for nothing is officially illegal in downtown Atlanta and at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Mayor Shirley Franklin has quietly signed legislation that bans verbal panhandling in those tourist destinations.
The ordinance restricting "commercial solicitation" was adopted by city council Aug. 15 after two months of heated public hearings, where business people fed up with beggars were pitted against free speech advocates crusading for the homeless. Franklin signed it Friday and is expected to deliver it to the city clerk's office today.
The law makes it illegal to ask for money or other valuables in a public place "under circumstances where a reasonable person would understand that the purchase is a donation."
The Atlanta Police Department will begin enforcement immediately, said Lt. Trudy Boyce, the downtown day watch commander. That doesn't mean arrests will be immediate, but it does mean that a specially trained team of five officers could begin referring some panhandlers to social services Tuesday, she said.
It could take at least a month until the law is fully enforced, said David Edwards, a program management officer who handles special assignments for the mayor. Signs must be installed to clarify where the ban will be in effect, and police from other jurisdictions — MARTA, the Capitol police, the National Park Service and Georgia State University — must be notified, he said.
An all-out ban on verbal begging — one can still ask for money silently, with a sign — is in effect in a so-called "tourist triangle" that extends from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive northward to Ralph McGill Boulevard and from Marietta Street eastward to Piedmont Avenue.
Franklin wanted the downtown ban, and the council added the King site last week. That added area is enclosed by Auburn Avenue, Jackson Street, Irwin Street and
By TY TAGAMIThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 08/22/05
Saying you want money for nothing is officially illegal in downtown Atlanta and at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Mayor Shirley Franklin has quietly signed legislation that bans verbal panhandling in those tourist destinations.
The ordinance restricting "commercial solicitation" was adopted by city council Aug. 15 after two months of heated public hearings, where business people fed up with beggars were pitted against free speech advocates crusading for the homeless. Franklin signed it Friday and is expected to deliver it to the city clerk's office today.
The law makes it illegal to ask for money or other valuables in a public place "under circumstances where a reasonable person would understand that the purchase is a donation."
The Atlanta Police Department will begin enforcement immediately, said Lt. Trudy Boyce, the downtown day watch commander. That doesn't mean arrests will be immediate, but it does mean that a specially trained team of five officers could begin referring some panhandlers to social services Tuesday, she said.
It could take at least a month until the law is fully enforced, said David Edwards, a program management officer who handles special assignments for the mayor. Signs must be installed to clarify where the ban will be in effect, and police from other jurisdictions — MARTA, the Capitol police, the National Park Service and Georgia State University — must be notified, he said.
An all-out ban on verbal begging — one can still ask for money silently, with a sign — is in effect in a so-called "tourist triangle" that extends from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive northward to Ralph McGill Boulevard and from Marietta Street eastward to Piedmont Avenue.
Franklin wanted the downtown ban, and the council added the King site last week. That added area is enclosed by Auburn Avenue, Jackson Street, Irwin Street and
Thursday, August 11, 2005
I'm a christian
I'm a Christian
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible,
but God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou
I'm was just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.
by Maya Angelou
Sunday, August 07, 2005
My take on the Birmingham Domed Stadium Issue
As an avid supporter of a domed stadium, I must say that I am appalled
at the progress that this project has made so far. I must ask; What
in the world are our elected officials doing?
A domed stadium should not be funded solely on the backs of citizens.
That will only raise already higher taxes, particularly since our
great County Commission has added an extra tax that does not have a
proven benefit for the quality of education; but I digress.
It takes neither a rocket scientist nor a political pundit to
understand the concept of a private-public relationship. We must
heavily rely on the private sector for financial backing for a domed
stadium.
Having a domed stadium would be beneficial on all levels of government
by increased tourism, which would fill our coffers for better roads, a
stronger police force, and a quality education for our children.
Words cannot express my disgust for our elected officials and their
torpor towards the economic development of this city county and state.
However it would not be surprising to see the dome project receive
support if it was in a location such as Bessemer or Hoover.
We must hold our officials accountable particularly on the city and
county level and fight for transformation of our leadership in the
upcoming elections.
at the progress that this project has made so far. I must ask; What
in the world are our elected officials doing?
A domed stadium should not be funded solely on the backs of citizens.
That will only raise already higher taxes, particularly since our
great County Commission has added an extra tax that does not have a
proven benefit for the quality of education; but I digress.
It takes neither a rocket scientist nor a political pundit to
understand the concept of a private-public relationship. We must
heavily rely on the private sector for financial backing for a domed
stadium.
Having a domed stadium would be beneficial on all levels of government
by increased tourism, which would fill our coffers for better roads, a
stronger police force, and a quality education for our children.
Words cannot express my disgust for our elected officials and their
torpor towards the economic development of this city county and state.
However it would not be surprising to see the dome project receive
support if it was in a location such as Bessemer or Hoover.
We must hold our officials accountable particularly on the city and
county level and fight for transformation of our leadership in the
upcoming elections.
Friday, July 29, 2005
I too sing America by Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--
I, too, am America.
PAUL HACKETT NEEDS YOU
This upcoming Tuesday, former U.S. Marine Corps major Paul Hackett
(D-OH), will be competing in a special election for a seat in the US
Congress. His race has garnered national attention, as this Iraq war veteran
has made this 70% Republican district into a race that has scared
national Republicans into dumping over $300,000 in paid media. National
Republican polling has indicated that Hackett is surging, and is only 5%
away from becoming the newest Democrat in congress.
Paul Hackett has served his country, and now Paul Hackett needs you to
help him serve in Congress.
The campaign is having a massive canvassing and field operation
starting this Saturday and running through the election on Tuesday. If you
can spend a weekend in southwestern Ohio to push Paul Hackett to victory,
please email ohioinvasion@collegedems.com. You can also call the
campaign directly at 513-735-4310. The campaign will supply a place to sleep
if you need it.
Forward this email around to your friends, call them and convince them
to go. The more people that can help - even if for only one day - the
closer it puts an underdog campaign to real victory.
Thank you!
LaToia Jones
Executive Director
College Democrats of America
www.CollegeDems.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Secretaries of State Gathered for National Conference Urged to Support Pro-Voter Election Reforms
Secretaries of State Gathered for National Conference Urged to Support Pro-Voter Election Reforms; National Election Reform Group Highlights Recent Policy Changes Championed in Iowa, Montana, Other States
NEW YORK, July 22 (AScribe Newswire) -- Today, Miles Rapoport, President of Demos and former Secretary of the State of Connecticut, issued the following statement applauding Secretaries of State who have supported reforms that have lowered barriers to electoral participation. Rapoport urges all attendees at the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, this weekend to support similar reforms.
"Around the country, Secretaries of State from both parties are supporting reforms that will not only streamline the administration of elections, but will also make them fairer and more accessible for all eligible voters."
Rapoport cited several examples of the kinds of reforms that have been supported:
"Election Day Registration (EDR) is a crucial policy that has allowed the six states that employ it to have an average voter turnout of 73.6 percent - more than 13 points higher than the average for non-EDR states. In Montana this year, Secretary Brad Johnson championed a law that will allow voters to register on Election Day, which will take effect in 2006. In addition, several other Secretaries of State, including Deb Markowitz of Vermont, Chet Culver of Iowa and Dean Heller of Nevada continue to support EDR as a key election reform goal."
"The effective implementation of laws restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions is an essential element of an open and fair democratic process. In Pennsylvania, Secretary of State Pedro Cortes distributed a bilingual brochure detailing voting rights for people convicted or detained by the criminal court system, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections. Other Secretaries of State, including New Mexico's Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron, have been instrumental in improving notification and registration procedures for state residents with felony convictions."
"Georgia’s Secretary of State Cathy Cox took a courageous stand in opposing one of the most damaging election policy trends in the United States: photo voter ID requirements. Cox, armed with well-informed research showing that photo voter ID would disfranchise thousands of disabled, elderly and minority voters in her state, held firm against overly stringent identification requirements."
"For the past eleven years, many states have ignored the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requirement that public assistance agencies offer new enrollees the opportunity to register to vote. Chet Culver in Iowa and Pedro Cortes in Pennsylvania have taken a lead on improving the implementation of the law. Early results of their efforts show a large increase in agency-based registration, undoubtedly yielding greater participation among lower-income state residents."
"Secretaries of State can support cutting edge reforms which, in addition to improving the efficiency and accuracy of elections, also take major steps toward opening the electoral process for the fullest possible participation. I applaud all of those Secretaries of State that are taking this responsibility seriously."
Secretaries of State attending the NASS conference will be presented with a "best practices" policy guide prepared by the National Network on State Election Reform (The Network), a coalition of pro-voter organizations that includes the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Common Cause, Demos, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCR), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the National Voting Rights Institute (NVRI), People for the American Way (PFAW), Project Vote, and many others
Demos is a national, nonpartisan public policy organization based in New York and a founding member of the Right to Vote Campaign to end felon disfranchisement.
- - - -
CONTACT: Timothy Rusch, 917-399-0236, trusch@demos.org
NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview or background briefing with Miles Rapoport, President, or Steven Carbo, Director of the Democracy Program, please contact Timothy Rusch.
ON THE WEB: For more information, visit www.demos.org.
Media Contact: Timothy Rusch, 917-399-0236, trusch@demos.org
NEW YORK, July 22 (AScribe Newswire) -- Today, Miles Rapoport, President of Demos and former Secretary of the State of Connecticut, issued the following statement applauding Secretaries of State who have supported reforms that have lowered barriers to electoral participation. Rapoport urges all attendees at the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, this weekend to support similar reforms.
"Around the country, Secretaries of State from both parties are supporting reforms that will not only streamline the administration of elections, but will also make them fairer and more accessible for all eligible voters."
Rapoport cited several examples of the kinds of reforms that have been supported:
"Election Day Registration (EDR) is a crucial policy that has allowed the six states that employ it to have an average voter turnout of 73.6 percent - more than 13 points higher than the average for non-EDR states. In Montana this year, Secretary Brad Johnson championed a law that will allow voters to register on Election Day, which will take effect in 2006. In addition, several other Secretaries of State, including Deb Markowitz of Vermont, Chet Culver of Iowa and Dean Heller of Nevada continue to support EDR as a key election reform goal."
"The effective implementation of laws restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions is an essential element of an open and fair democratic process. In Pennsylvania, Secretary of State Pedro Cortes distributed a bilingual brochure detailing voting rights for people convicted or detained by the criminal court system, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections. Other Secretaries of State, including New Mexico's Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron, have been instrumental in improving notification and registration procedures for state residents with felony convictions."
"Georgia’s Secretary of State Cathy Cox took a courageous stand in opposing one of the most damaging election policy trends in the United States: photo voter ID requirements. Cox, armed with well-informed research showing that photo voter ID would disfranchise thousands of disabled, elderly and minority voters in her state, held firm against overly stringent identification requirements."
"For the past eleven years, many states have ignored the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requirement that public assistance agencies offer new enrollees the opportunity to register to vote. Chet Culver in Iowa and Pedro Cortes in Pennsylvania have taken a lead on improving the implementation of the law. Early results of their efforts show a large increase in agency-based registration, undoubtedly yielding greater participation among lower-income state residents."
"Secretaries of State can support cutting edge reforms which, in addition to improving the efficiency and accuracy of elections, also take major steps toward opening the electoral process for the fullest possible participation. I applaud all of those Secretaries of State that are taking this responsibility seriously."
Secretaries of State attending the NASS conference will be presented with a "best practices" policy guide prepared by the National Network on State Election Reform (The Network), a coalition of pro-voter organizations that includes the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Common Cause, Demos, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCR), the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the National Voting Rights Institute (NVRI), People for the American Way (PFAW), Project Vote, and many others
Demos is a national, nonpartisan public policy organization based in New York and a founding member of the Right to Vote Campaign to end felon disfranchisement.
- - - -
CONTACT: Timothy Rusch, 917-399-0236, trusch@demos.org
NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview or background briefing with Miles Rapoport, President, or Steven Carbo, Director of the Democracy Program, please contact Timothy Rusch.
ON THE WEB: For more information, visit www.demos.org.
Media Contact: Timothy Rusch, 917-399-0236, trusch@demos.org
Friday, July 15, 2005
Javier Brown for CDA Political Affairs Director
Fellow Democrats,
I greet you today as a proud member of CDA. This has been an amazing year for College Democrats throughout the country. College activists throughout the country worked hard to turn out the vote for our democratic candidates and if we were the only people who voted, John Kerry would have won the presidential election with 375 electoral votes. CDA is financially strong and we have an amazing membership network.
I ask for your support today as a candidate for Director of Political Affairs for CDA. I have the experience and vision for CDA that is essential to continue the expansion and development of this organization.
During the 2004 elections, I served as president of the College Democrats chapter in the
I have served statewide as communications director and now president and it has been a satisfying task. We have increased membership and have set groundwork for activists throughout the state.
Nationally I have been active with CDA by serving on the host committee for 375; an inaugural fundraiser as well as chair of the African American Caucus. The caucus has been very active through membership outreach, releasing position papers, lobbying efforts and networking with other organizations, members of congress, and congressional staff.
My vision is to strengthen college democrats on a local level. I think we should follow the vision of Chairman Dean as well as our President, Grant Woodard to strengthen our State Federations. We must remain in constant contact with state federations; standing behind them at every battle. We should put our resources into our states to enhance our grassroots network as well as prepare states to work against the policy of the Republican party. CDA should be run from the bottom up. Relationships by party chairs and our elected officials need to be developed to provide an effective network for our chapters and state federations. We must work hard during the off-year elections to promote the agenda of the Democratic Party. We cannot be successful by just campaigning 5 months out of the election year.
Once I again I ask that you support me and my vision for a better CDA.
Democratically Yours,
Javier A. Brown
Monday, July 11, 2005
My Weekend
Whew!!! what a weeekend. I went on a camping retreat with the Young Democrats of Georgia Exec Board. (Yes you read it right. Javier Brown went camping.)
Well, I wasn't to thrilled about going camping out in the middle of nowhere but I'm glad that I went. We got alot accomplished this weekendand I'm confident that this year will be a significant year. Like always, I was the quiet one but I still enjoyed myself. I was trying to not seem rude but of course I'm not a very talkative person and then I was kinda tired.
Well, here is the bad part about the weekend. I woke up Sunday and my body was a little sore but it wasnt a big deal. Sunday night I ended up with a fever and the chills and my body aching. Still have the body aches and a slight fever but its getting better. I hope I don't have West Nile or something.
On another note, our national committeewoman, Flora Brooke Hesse is running for YDA secretary. I think she is going to win and I'm happy about that. Georgia will once again be represented on a national level in YDA. Maybe I'll throw my hat in the ring and we'll be represented on a national level in CDA as well ;-). I'll have to take a nap before become prepared to campaign again. Maybe some caffeine and strattera will help me out.
I am just writing whatever comes out of my head. You know Tmobile Hot spot is great. I'm in Starbucks right now drinking a soy chai latte and surfing the net. ( Yes I have a fever but Im also FREEZING and I need something to warm me up and wake me up. I've been in the bed all day long.
Well I must go now. TTYL
Well, I wasn't to thrilled about going camping out in the middle of nowhere but I'm glad that I went. We got alot accomplished this weekendand I'm confident that this year will be a significant year. Like always, I was the quiet one but I still enjoyed myself. I was trying to not seem rude but of course I'm not a very talkative person and then I was kinda tired.
Well, here is the bad part about the weekend. I woke up Sunday and my body was a little sore but it wasnt a big deal. Sunday night I ended up with a fever and the chills and my body aching. Still have the body aches and a slight fever but its getting better. I hope I don't have West Nile or something.
On another note, our national committeewoman, Flora Brooke Hesse is running for YDA secretary. I think she is going to win and I'm happy about that. Georgia will once again be represented on a national level in YDA. Maybe I'll throw my hat in the ring and we'll be represented on a national level in CDA as well ;-). I'll have to take a nap before become prepared to campaign again. Maybe some caffeine and strattera will help me out.
I am just writing whatever comes out of my head. You know Tmobile Hot spot is great. I'm in Starbucks right now drinking a soy chai latte and surfing the net. ( Yes I have a fever but Im also FREEZING and I need something to warm me up and wake me up. I've been in the bed all day long.
Well I must go now. TTYL
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